Toyota has no regrets over recalling its Prius in overseas markets (as a result of brake snag) and is to go ahead with its India launch. Come March the launch of India Prius will be announced, said the company’s Dy MD. As such, the bookings will continue (since the appearance at the Delhi Auto Expo) for the two variants- Rs26.55 lakhs and Rs27.86 lakhs.
Till the month of January 2010 Toyota has received orders for 54 units of Prius. Prior to the recall, the company had a good stint in the overseas market- 3.3 lakh units of gasoline electric hybrid in Japan and the US. Of these, 3.11 lakh units were recalled which added to the net global recall numbering about 8 million- the worst ever by Toyota.
Prius is second after Honda Civic Hybrid and the whooping price resulted due to the import duty -110%- of Rs20 lakhs for the Hybrid. The company received a jolt in the sale and had to succumb to the reduction in the price for the backlogged 250 units. Toyota enters the Indian car market with its Hybrid with a green message and it has to wait a long session to succeed, say analysts.