Toyota India mulls petrol versions of Innova, Fortuner

In December 2015, the Supreme Court of India announced a ban on the registration of diesel vehicles with engines displacing more than 2,000cc in Delhi till March 31, 2016. Some automakers have been hit hard by this ruling as some of their best-selling models are powered by diesel engines larger than 2,000cc.

In order to sell models like the Scorpio and XUV500 in Delhi, Mahindra is considering the introduction of petrol versions of the two vehicles. Toyota, which is another company that has been hit by the ban, is also mulling the introduction of petrol versions of the Innova and Fortuner.

While the Innova is Toyota's best-selling model, the Fortuner is the leader in its segment. Both cars are powered by diesel engines displacing over 2,000cc. When Toyota launched the Innova in India, the vehicle had a petrol-powered variant. However, the demand for the version was poor and the company discontinued it.

Toyota, along with Mahindra and Mercedes-Benz, has also appealed against the Supreme Court ruling. The hearing is scheduled for January 5, 2016.

Source: ET Auto