IMC Showed First Locally-Made Corolla Cross to PM Shehbaz

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A delegation from Indus Motor Company (IMC), led by Vice Chairman Shinji Yanagi and Chief Executive Ali Asghar Jamali, met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and showed him the first locally-made Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). Toyota Asia President, Yoshiki Konishi, was also attended the meeting and is also the chief designer of the Corolla Cross. 

During the meeting, the premier praised IMC’s initiative to produce Pakistan’s first locally-manufactured hybrid HEV SUV. He emphasized further localization of the vehicles in the country along with their export. Sharif assured to uphold the HEV incentives in Auto Policy 2021-2026. Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar also appreciated the new product stating how it would benefit the country economically and environmentally. 

During the meeting, Konishi said that for over three decades, Toyota has contributed to Pakistan, thanks to the support of the government and the people of Pakistan. “I feel the Corolla, a product that is dear to my heart, has become Pakistan’s “people’s car,” he added. 

Possible Launch? 

This means that Toyota Pakistan has produced the first locally-made Corolla Cross unit, one of the most awaited cars in the local industry. Last year, our sources told us that the car would be launched in June-July 2023, and it seems that the crossover SUV will arrive around this time. However, the current economic and political situation is the biggest hurdle for IMC and all car companies. The market is stale, and assemblers are facing different issues, including the non-issuance of LCs by the State Bank of Pakistan, problems in importing raw materials, and unstable dollar rates against the Pakistani rupee. 

Amid all this chaos, the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV launch would be a breath of fresh air because the industry desperately needs one. Meanwhile, here are the salient specs and features of the CBU Toyota Corolla Cross. 

Corolla Cross Specs and Features

These are salient specs and features of this car.

Engine

The vehicle has a 1798cc hybrid engine, producing 168hp at 3600 RPM and 305Nm torque at 3600 RPM, and it is mated with Direct Shift CVT transmission. 

Safety Features

The top-of-the-line, international model of the Cross has 7 airbags, including the driver, passenger, side, drive knee, and curtains. Meanwhile, Low-end car has dual airbags. Furthermore, both variants have ABS, Hill Starting Assist System, parking, and passenger seat sensors. 

Exterior

The top-of-the-line variant has LED headlamps and DRLs. Meanwhile, low-end variants will come with halogen ones. Meanwhile, the vehicle has body-colored door handles, electric + auto fold side view mirrors, and a shark fin antenna.

The top-of-the-line variant has a power + kick sensor trunk door, while other variants will come with an electric lock boot. The company has installed 17-inch alloy rims in all variants. Also, the top-of-the-line variant has a moonroof, cruise control, shark fin antenna, and rear Wiper with auto sensors. Meanwhile, the low-end variant doesn’t have cruise control. 

Interior

The top-of-the-line variant comes with 8-inch touchscreen infotainment, leather seats, Auto AC dual mode, and rear AC vents. Meanwhile, low-end variants have fabric seats, a Basic audio system with CD/BT, Single-Mode Auto AC, and no AC vents for rear seats. All variants have Sports + Eco driving modes. Also, the company has installed a Push Start feature in these upcoming cars, along with the smart entry. 

Now, we have to wait and see the specs and features of the locally-made Toyota Corolla Cross HEV. 

What are your expectations from the locally assembled Toyota Corolla Cross HEV? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section. 

 

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2 Comments
  1. Waqas says

    At least, but where is the price ?
    Will it decrease.

  2. Ali Khan says

    Correction (again). This is locally assembled NOT locally made.

    How much of the major parts are locally made? And please lets not delude ourselves by quoting nonsensical figures like 40% or 50% or 60% parts are local etc. If all the parts that are being made locally are comprised of bits such as plastic moldings, metal moldings, break pads or nuts and bolts etc., it is basically a vast list of parts that comprise the least cost of the vehicle. The main expensive bits are all imported including, unfortunately, sheet metal for the vehicle body. That is the bulk of the cost; and that is why even after thirty years they are still crying after closed LCs. Useless and costly to our nation.

    These are imported cars pure and simple. Only assembled locally for good optics and at a very high cost to the nation. All local assemblers are guilty of doing the same. What a Shame…

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