[Beemer1077]

Originally Posted by ferrarirules

World's largest manufacturers of cars in the world sells 50% rebadged Marutis in India. Just because their brand name is associated with reliability, innocent Indian customers are buying Toyota cars made in Maruti's plant at a premium to the same car made by Maruti.

Toyota has literally earned disrespect by many owners for selling rebadged cars of Maruti Suzuki, instead of launching authentic products like new Gen Corolla, RAV4, Highlander, 4Runner, and of course, the Supra. Innova and Fortuner are a different story, but selling rebadged cars of tin can maker Maruti Suzuki is like selling old wine in a new bottle.

Originally Posted by AceCombatFanIN

Honestly, I'm not a fan of this rebaged trend and yes I understand a company has to make profits at the end of the day but Toyota is losing it's identity in India. The only thing one can probably even associate it with is the age old Innova and Fortuner alongside probably the Camry and Hilux. Toyota has so many amazing products in it's global lineup, I fail to understand why they couldn't try to bring some here.

You are not the only one. Toyota has lost it's identity in India by discontinuing Yaris, Corolla, and not launching authentic products like 4Runner and Highlander, along with pickup truck Hilux or Tacoma.

Originally Posted by funnysaltbrick

I don't understand why Toyota thinks it's ok to treat India this harshly but hey, atleast the bankers and accountants are happy. Maybe it's because the Etios twins failed badly, that's why they're "punishing" us with this new wave of Suzuki-Toyotas.

Etios was a success. But emission norms, absurd tax system(like 48% on a hybrid) meant the Etios twins became history, even though they are way safer than Maruti tin cans. They are treating Indian customers as trash by rebadging Maruti products. Honestly, VW-Skoda products like Virtus and Slavia are better than Baleno and Glanza, even if over-engineered.

[It's Magic]

Originally Posted by TusharK

In FY2024, Toyota registered sales of 2,45,676 units, with rebadged models making up 43% of the total sales. With more than half of the sales coming from badge-engineered models, Toyota looks set to post record sales in FY2025.

With the success of this joint venture, it might prove that you can sell your cars if you have Maruti Suzuki backing you. Other manufacturers like VW or Ford, who are unable to capture the Indian market, might queue up at Maruti’s doorsteps with requests to collaborate.

If you are not able to sell your cars in the Indian market, just join hands with Maruti and sell its re-badged cars. An easy trick to earn profit?

[White bird]

Originally Posted by It's Magic

If you are not able to sell your cars in the Indian market, just join hands with Maruti and sell its re-badged cars. An easy trick to earn profit?

VW or Ford doesn't own Suzuki. Toyota does, around 5% and Suzuki owns around 0.2% of Toyota.That's the difference. So this re-badge process is just a internal affair. Not one company selling products of another ,unlike white goods where one company makes products for different brands.

[Mad Max]

Regardless of what folks say about Maruti's build quality, power etc., a majority of people just want a car that's reliable, comfortable and is easy on the wallet. Combine this with Toyota's legendary after sales service, there's no wonder this is a no-brainer from a financial perspective.

Of course, Toyota has it's own Fortuner that I find it hard to believe will be ever rebadged into a Maruti.

From a market ownership perspective, this makes total sense and kudos to the bean counters on both companies to see this advantage and making full use of it.

[Carma2017]

It is a fact that we, the BHPians and other Forum members are only a vocal minority who are passionate about cars who discuss, debate and fight over Cars and the features and requirements there in. But, in the real world, decisions are being made by majority of buyers based on needs and not wants.

So, a bulk of buyers who we "On-liners" deem to be of the herd mentality are buying stuff that meets their needs and allows them the luxury of some spare change as well. Hence, as mysterious as it sounds,but people do buy the no-non sense easy to use,uncomplicated Cars,in droves. It doesn't really matter if it's a Toyota or a Suzuki or a Nissan etc.

[It's Magic]

Originally Posted by White bird

So this re-badge process is just a internal affair.

It is not an internal process. Both are identified as separate companies. I am aware that both hold some stake in each other, but this cross ownership has no operational impact on either company.

Anyways, my earlier comments were made in a light hearted and somewhat sarcastic manner.

[romeomidhun]

There are many people who blindly write off a car just because it is a Maruti and going ga-ga over some other cars just because it is a non-Maruti. The Toyota - Suzuki alliance was a slap on their face and some could not digest it even now. This news may add salt to their wounds, but as long as Suzuki gets tech and Toyota gets volumes and continue their alliance, nothing much can be done.

Coming to the side effects, if it leads to complacency from both the partners (Suzuki not investing in latest technology and solely dependent on Toyota, or Toyota not investing in designing small cars and just interested in selling Suzuki hatches worldwide), this may lead to issues in a longer term - as Suzuki is not into many subsegments.