Rumors of Innova Hycross Appearing, Here's Toyota's Response

 Toyota is reportedly preparing the Innova with hybrid electrification. This news emerged from India, after the leak of a new patent with the Innova Hycross brand. How did PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN) respond?

"I haven't seen the model yet, how can I comment on it," said Bob Azam, Director for Administration, Corporate & External Affairs, Technical Government Affairs PT TMMIN in Semarang, Central Java.

Quoted by rushlane, Wednesday (27/5/2022), the news of Innova Hycross emerged after registering a new trademark in India. It is suspected that this name will be used for the new generation of Innova which is planned to be launched in early 2023.

Several times the newest 7-seater MPV car was caught in a road test in India. From the circulating spy shots, the dimensions are still the same as the Innova Crysta sold in the country of Bollywood. 

Rushlane also mentioned that the Toyota Innova Hybrid 2023 will use bigger wheels and LED tail lights. The current Innova model borrows from the Fortuner and Hilux body-on-frame chassis, but the next generation Innova Hycross is said to be getting the TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, like the hybrid cars already sold by Toyota.

Hybrid cars are one of Toyota's ways to combat emissions in Indonesia. This manufacturer has set up production facilities for hybrid cars. Bob explained that the Toyota factory in Karawang already has a special branch line or subline for hybrid cars. The changes are not many, it is still integrated with the mainline with products already sold in Indonesia.

"That's the concept, subline. So the mainline is still mixed with the conventional one, but there is a subline. The change (production line) is also not too significant," said Bob

Although it has been confirmed that it will produce hybrids in Indonesia. Bob has not specified the exact model of the vehicle that will be made at the Karawang factory. Currently, a number of Toyota models that have been stung by electrification in Indonesia are the Camry, Alphard, Camry, Corolla Altis, Corolla Cross, and Prius.

"Yes (hybrid production from existing models). It's just a matter of time." he added.

But some time ago, the Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang, mentioned that the first localized hybrid car was the Kijang Innova.