Toyota may launch more diesel-powered cars in India

Toyota Motor Corp. is exploring the possibility of introducing more diesel cars in India to capitalize on rising demand for such vehicles. Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. Deputy Managing Director Sandeep Singh said the company is considering also offering a diesel engine model of its first small car, which is scheduled to be launched by December 2010. The company presently sells two diesel-powered cars in India: the multi-purpose vehicle Innova and the sport-utility vehicle Land Cruiser. Demand for diesel-powered cars in India has grown in the past few years as diesel fuel is cheaper than gasoline in the country and diesel engines are more fuel-efficient. (August 11, 2009)