Japanese rivalry: Isuzu RU30 vs Toyota Innova

Japanese automaker Isuzu Motors India plans to launch a new seven-seater Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) to compete against Toyota Innova in roughly two years time. This would lead to extension of Isuzu's Asian rivalry with its fellow country manufacturer. The premium MPV, named RU30, will attempt to grab a pie from the growing MPV market in India and for this, it has committed an investment of Rs 3,000 crore into a local manufacturing facility in Sri City (Tada), Andhra Pradesh.

Production of RU 30 is expected to start in October 2016. The launch is likely to take place in the subsequent festive season. Reportedly, Isuzu Motors India is planning to produce 40,000 units of the RU30 per year and 20,000 of the D-MAX pickup.

Commenting on this development, Isuzu Motors India President and Managing Director Takashi Kikuchi said, "Isuzu has two products for the Indian market - the MU-7 in the SUV category and the D-MAX in the pickup segment. We have not yet finalised our detailed future product plan." In addition, it also plans to localise its bestselling pickup truck D-MAX from Thailand in India.

Isuzu RU30 is likely to join the league of new MPVs that are expected to hit the Indian roads at around the same time. While Toyota will be ready with its new generation Innova based on a global 640 A platform, Mahindra's all new Xylo-U421 will be in the final stages of development. Apart from these, a few other compact MPVs from Hyundai Motor India and Mahindra are also expected.

Kikuchi says the company plans to step up localisation to 80% in the next two years and is currently selecting the best Indian suppliers. In addition, It is also gradually building its dealership network that is expected to grow to 60 dealers in the country. For this, Isuzu has hired the services of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which will help to identify quality suppliers by the time these new products are launched.