‘50% of Corolla EV made from local parts’

IMC chief says new EV is 50% more fuel efficient, reduces emissions by 35%

BHURBAN:

The Indus Motor Company (IMC) has officially revealed the locally-produced Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric Vehicle, introducing it with competitive prices in a market that holds immense potential for growth.

“There isn’t a single country in the word that makes a complete car. Remarkably, this is the first locally-manufactured vehicle in the country, with more than 50% of its parts sourced locally. Pakistan’s potential is enormous, and the next two to three years will be crucial as we work towards improving the automotive landscape. Local market demand is essential to prevent the shutdown of automobile operations,” said Ali Asghar Jamali, Chief Executive Officer of the Indus Motor Company (IMC), at the 7th Journalists Summit 2023 held in Bhurban.

Read IMC launches first locally produced hybrid

Jamali stressed the importance of establishing strong fundamentals within the country, drawing a parallel with India’s economic turnaround in 1991. Despite facing challenges worse than Pakistan’s current situation, India implemented sustainable policies that contributed to its rapid progress.

“The Corolla Cross boasts superior fuel economy, providing customers with up to 50% more fuel efficiency. This not only translates into significant savings but also contributes to reducing our dependency on imported fuel by approximately 50%,” he added.

In addressing environmental concerns, he highlighted the Corolla Cross’s role in emissions reduction, stating, “With a 35% reduction in emissions, the Corolla Cross exemplifies Toyota’s commitment to a greener future for Pakistan, offering a hybrid electric option that significantly contributes to a cleaner environment.”

Discussing the challenges of introducing Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in Pakistan due to the heavy reliance on non-renewable energy sources, Jamali underscored the practicality and efficiency of the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) technology. He noted its low maintenance costs, reliable batteries, and excellent resale value, making it a viable solution for the current energy landscape.

The Corolla Cross is officially launched at an introductory price range of Rs9,399,000 for the mid-level category and Rs9,849,000 for the high-end category.

Yasushi Ueda, Chief Engineer of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), highlighted the event’s significance, showcasing the Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and IMC’s commitment to providing sustainable transportation options nationwide. He highlighted the features of the Corolla Cross, including its 1.8L Hybrid Electric Engine, Multi Drive Modes, advanced safety features, and the success of Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA).

 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 21^st, 2023.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.