Toyota to recall 41,000 Etios, Liva models in India

Japanese carmaker Toyota is recalling 41,000 units of its sedan Etios and small car Liva in India to replace faulty inlet pipe to fuel tank.

The company, which is present in India through a joint venture with the Kirloskar Group -- Toyota Kirloskar Motor, however, insisted it is not a 'recall' but a 'safety campaign'.

"It is a proactive approach by us. This development is not at all dangerous but as per Toyota's worldwide policy, we are informing customers that they can come to dealers at their convenient time and replace the pipe," TKM deputy managing director – marketing, Sandeep Singh, told PTI.

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The company will be replacing filler hose (inlet pipe to the fuel tank) as it could crack up leading to fuel leakage when the tank is filled to the brim.

He said a total 41,000 units of Etios and Liva produced till October 8 this year since their launches will be covered under this exercise.

"It will not take more than 30-45 minutes. This is not recall, it is a safety campaign," Singh insisted.

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TKM had in December last year launched the Etios sedan in the country priced between Rs 4.96 lakh (Rs 496,000) and Rs 6.86 lakh (Rs 686,000), ex-showroom Delhi.

In June this year, the company rolled out its much anticipated small car Liva here, priced between Rs 3.99 lakh (Rs 399,000) and Rs 5.99 lakh (Rs 599,000), ex-showroom, Delhi.

Singh said TKM is using social media such as Facebook and the company's own website to inform customers about the development.

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In 2008 Toyota had announced a recall of around 20,000 units of its popular multi-utility vehicle, Innova, in India to repair a defective part that could lead to oil leakage.

The auto major has also invested Rs 3,200 crore (Rs 32 billion) to set up its second manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, where the cars are being produced.

The company is investing Rs 1,650 crore (Rs 16.50 billion) to ramp up its production capacity by 1 lakh (100,000) units and for increasing localisation of components by 2014.

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In October this year, the company had also revealed its plans to start exports of the two models to South Africa by March next year.

Besides, Etios and Liva, Toyota also sells premium sedan Corolla Altis and Camry in the Indian market along with SUVs Fortunner and Prado.