Toyota will take a hybrid route to full EVs, says MD Masakazu Yoshimura

Japanese auto major Toyota, which is betting on strong hybrids to transition to full electrics in the Indian market, has received robust response to the electrified variants of the Hyryder and Innova Hycross. Toyota Kirloskar Motor Managing Director Masakazu Yoshimura tells Sharmistha Mukherjee mobility solutions should be aligned with available energy mix to ensure sustainability. Edited excerpts:

What kind of response have you received to the Hyryder and the Innova Hycross?

Demand is unexpectedly high. The Hyryder was the first strong hybrid we offered on the volume side. Earlier, we had strong hybrid systems in the Lexus range and in the Camry. These are imported from Japan. The hybrid system, particularly the drivetrain, all these we are producing for the first time in a country other than Japan i.e. in India. We have even started exports (of the e-drive) to Japan. The strong hybrid has given good motivation, not only to us, but also to our suppliers, dealers. There is a huge excitement I can feel internally.