KARACHI: Local production of Toyota Corolla XLi and GLi is likely to be discontinued by 2019 with a new 1,300cc vehicle replacing the two popular models, sources said on Saturday.

However, Indus Motor Company (IMC), the assembler of Corolla, has denied any such move.

Multiple vendors for IMC, who asked not to be named, said that as per its global policy Toyota Japan will maintain above-1,300cc models of Corolla to compete with Honda Civic in Pakistan. But in place of Corolla XLi and GLi, a new 1,300cc model will be introduced by 2019 to compete with Honda City.

The new 1,300cc model will possibly be Toyota Vios. The vendors tell Dawn that IMC is discussing price quotations of parts for the new model and has shared drawings of the new vehicle.

Company said to be looking to introduce 1,300cc Toyota Vios

Vendors believe the replacement model will take at least one and a half years to hit the road.

The company claims there is nothing new in discussing changes and new models. “We keep discussing changes and new models with our principals. However, there is nothing concrete right now. If there is any material news, the company will inform the public accordingly,” IMC CEO Ali Asghar Jamali told Dawn.

Corolla XLi and GLi are Pakistan’s highest selling models. Their share in total Corolla car sales by IMC hovers around 60-65 per cent. The company holds advance booking of XLi and GLi for up to three months, he said.

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2017