New Delhi: Japanese auto major Toyota Motor Corporation on Tuesday said it plans to introduce a compact battery electric vehicle (BEV) in India in association with compatriot Suzuki Motor Corporation.
The two firms are looking to introduce the BEV at an early stage, Toyota said without disclosing a time frame.
"India is one of the countries we have in mind for introduction (of BEV)," Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Executive Vice-President Shigeki Terashi told a group of visiting Indian reporters here.
He was replying to a question on the company's plans for EVs in India considering how the eco-friendly technology has gained traction with the government pushing for it.
In August this year, Toyota and Suzuki said they will acquire a stake in each other as they seek to strengthen their alliance, which was first announced in 2016.
In March this year, they had agreed to engage in joint product development and collaboration in production, in addition to promoting the mutual supply of products by bringing together Toyota's strength in electrification technologies and Suzuki's strength in technologies for a compact vehicle.
As part of their earlier pact, the two partners had agreed to extend their collaboration to Europe and Africa over and above their partnership in India.
Suzuki will supply Ciaz sedan and Ertiga multi-purpose vehicle to Toyota in India in addition to the already agreed supplies of premium hatchback Baleno and compact SUV Vitara Brezza, which will be rolled out from Toyota's plant in India from 2022.