Waiting period for Innova HyCross hybrid variant has touched 2.5 years in some cases
While advanced gadgetry has always been a major draw, Toyota-Maruti focused on strong hybrid tech to attract customers with their new range of cars. It started with Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara / Toyota Urban Cruiser HyRyder, while Innova HyCross was launched later. Market response has been phenomenal, with all strong hybrids from Toyota-Maruti registering strong growth.
Buyers see value in investing in strong hybrid cars, as cost savings are simply unparalleled. When running only on battery power, strong hybrids can perform just like an electric car. Fuel efficiency is a major advantage. For example, Toyota HyRyder and Innova HyCross hybrid have best-in-class fuel efficiency of 27.97 kmpl and 21.1 kmpl, respectively.
Toyota hybrids bookings halted temporarily
Since their launch, Toyota HyRyder and Innova HyCross have been witnessing heavy demand for the strong hybrid variants. It has led to a situation where waiting periods have increased to more than 2.5 years months in specific locations.
To avoid any inconvenience to customers, Toyota has temporarily halted bookings for its hybrid variants with immediate effect. Dealers have been notified about the same. While an official communication from Toyota has not been provided to the media, the information has been revealed via dealer sources.
As per some dealers we spoke to, much of the demand is for top-spec variants of HyCross and HyRyder. For HyCross ZX (O), waiting period is 2.5 years. For HyCross VX variant, waiting period is in the range of 8 to 12 months. In case of HyRyder hybrid variants, waiting period is more than a year in some cities.
Temporary halt in bookings for hybrids is also likely due to the fact that Toyota is manufacturing the Grand Vitara for Maruti. Grand Vitara has been a runaway success and is ranked among the top three best selling compact SUVs in the country. In February, Grand Vitara had registered sales of 9,183 units. It was ahead of Kia Seltos, while trailing Hyundai Creta.
One also needs to consider demand from overseas markets, as both HyRyder and Grand Vitara are exported to multiple locations across the globe. Maruti recently achieved the cumulative export milestone of 2.5 million units.
No direct rival to Hybrid Innova, HyRyder
In terms of strong hybrid powertrain, there is currently no direct rival to the likes of HyRyder and HyCross. Moreover, there is no hard evidence that other OEMs in these segments are planning to introduce strong hybrid variants in future. Most other OEMs seem to be focusing more on introducing plug-in-hybrids and BEVs.
Toyota-Maruti have taken a different approach and it appears to be working till now. Strong hybrids are self-charging vehicles that don’t have constraints like recharging time and limited range. Moreover, they are cheaper than EVs. All these factors place Toyota-Maruti hybrid cars at an advantageous position, at least for the next few years.
