Toyota hints at more small cars

Even as it launched its maiden small car in India on Monday, Toyota Motor said there may be at least two more small cars and a compact SUV in the offing as it aligns itself with the global shift towards small cars.

The company said it may also look at partnering with other smaller corporations like sister company Daihatsu, Japan's Subaru and French Peugeot.

"The line up of cars that we have in India is not sufficient to cater to the growing demands of this market," said Hiroji Onishi, president, Toyota Motor Asia Pacific. "We see a larger potential for cars like one smaller and cheaper than the Liva, a car bigger and more expensive than it and a compact SUV."

The company said its small car plans are not limited to India as there has been increased demand for them because of their fuel efficiency, everywhere.

However, India would be the primary market for any small car that the company develops.

Toyota said it may tap into the resources of many smaller companies like Daihatsu, which have some expertise in developing small cars.

"With Peugeot in Europe, we already have a partnership (B-Zero project) and a similar method could be thought of with other companies like Subaru as well," Onishi added.

"Daihatsu on the other hand is part of our consolidated group and we are in the process of studying projects with them," he said.