Toyota Innova Crysta is not going anywhere, discontinuation reports are speculation, says Vikram Gulati
Toyota has firmly dismissed speculation surrounding the discontinuation of the Innova Crysta, with senior company executive Vikram Gulati confirming that the diesel MPV remains an important part of the brand's portfolio amid continued demand for diesel-powered vehicles in India.
The Toyota Innova Crysta has long been the poster child for diesel-powered people movers in India. Over the past few months, however, reports suggesting that Toyota could eventually pull the plug on the diesel MPV have sparked concern among enthusiasts, fleet operators and long-distance travellers alike.
The speculation gained momentum amid discussions about stricter fuel-efficiency and emission regulations, including the upcoming CAFE-III norms, which are expected to make it increasingly challenging for automakers to continue offering larger diesel-powered vehicles. Given the industry's gradual shift towards electrification and alternative fuels, many believed the Innova HyCross would eventually replace the Crysta entirely.
However, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has now moved to put those rumours to rest.
Speaking to Rahul Ghosh, Deputy Editor, Auto Today, Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President (Corporate Affairs and Governance), Toyota Kirloskar Motor, dismissed reports of the Innova Crysta's imminent discontinuation.
"I think all speculation," Gulati said when asked whether Toyota was moving away from diesel and whether the HyCross would become the sole Innova offering.
According to Gulati, there remains strong demand for diesel vehicles in India, particularly among customers who value long-distance efficiency and torque-rich performance.
"There are customers who still have a need for a diesel," he said, adding that modern diesel engines are significantly cleaner than they are often perceived to be.
"Diesel is as clean as a CNG or as clean as a petrol, because ever since BS6 has come in, there is complete fuel neutrality with regard to emissions," Gulati explained.
He further highlighted the advantages that continue to attract buyers towards diesel-powered vehicles.
"Diesel gives you better performance for the customer and has a much better mileage. Customers buying a diesel are already paying a premium, not only because diesel vehicles have traditionally been more expensive, but post-BS6 they have become even more expensive because of the emission control devices that you have to put in. But still, people prefer diesel," he said.
The comments are significant because they come at a time when several manufacturers have either reduced their diesel portfolios or exited the segment altogether. Yet Toyota appears to believe that diesel still has a role to play in India's evolving mobility landscape.
While the company continues to invest heavily in electrified technologies, flex-fuel vehicles and hydrogen-powered solutions, Gulati reiterated that Toyota's vision for the future is not centred around a single powertrain.
"Our very clear path is that we'll be shifting to greener technologies, but we believe the future is going to be multi-fuel," he said.
According to Toyota, the future Indian automotive market will likely consist of a mix of electric vehicles, flex-fuel hybrids, petrol, diesel, CNG and other alternative fuel technologies rather than a complete transition to one solution.
For now, that means diesel loyalists can breathe easy. Despite growing regulatory pressure and industry-wide electrification efforts, Toyota says the Innova Crysta is not headed for retirement anytime soon. And if Gulati's comments are anything to go by, reports of the iconic MPV's demise have been greatly exaggerated.
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The Toyota Innova Crysta has long been the poster child for diesel-powered people movers in India. Over the past few months, however, reports suggesting that Toyota could eventually pull the plug on the diesel MPV have sparked concern among enthusiasts, fleet operators and long-distance travellers alike.
The speculation gained momentum amid discussions about stricter fuel-efficiency and emission regulations, including the upcoming CAFE-III norms, which are expected to make it increasingly challenging for automakers to continue offering larger diesel-powered vehicles. Given the industry's gradual shift towards electrification and alternative fuels, many believed the Innova HyCross would eventually replace the Crysta entirely.
However, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has now moved to put those rumours to rest.
Speaking to Rahul Ghosh, Deputy Editor, Auto Today, Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President (Corporate Affairs and Governance), Toyota Kirloskar Motor, dismissed reports of the Innova Crysta's imminent discontinuation.
"I think all speculation," Gulati said when asked whether Toyota was moving away from diesel and whether the HyCross would become the sole Innova offering.
According to Gulati, there remains strong demand for diesel vehicles in India, particularly among customers who value long-distance efficiency and torque-rich performance.
"There are customers who still have a need for a diesel," he said, adding that modern diesel engines are significantly cleaner than they are often perceived to be.
"Diesel is as clean as a CNG or as clean as a petrol, because ever since BS6 has come in, there is complete fuel neutrality with regard to emissions," Gulati explained.
He further highlighted the advantages that continue to attract buyers towards diesel-powered vehicles.
"Diesel gives you better performance for the customer and has a much better mileage. Customers buying a diesel are already paying a premium, not only because diesel vehicles have traditionally been more expensive, but post-BS6 they have become even more expensive because of the emission control devices that you have to put in. But still, people prefer diesel," he said.
The comments are significant because they come at a time when several manufacturers have either reduced their diesel portfolios or exited the segment altogether. Yet Toyota appears to believe that diesel still has a role to play in India's evolving mobility landscape.
While the company continues to invest heavily in electrified technologies, flex-fuel vehicles and hydrogen-powered solutions, Gulati reiterated that Toyota's vision for the future is not centred around a single powertrain.
"Our very clear path is that we'll be shifting to greener technologies, but we believe the future is going to be multi-fuel," he said.
According to Toyota, the future Indian automotive market will likely consist of a mix of electric vehicles, flex-fuel hybrids, petrol, diesel, CNG and other alternative fuel technologies rather than a complete transition to one solution.
For now, that means diesel loyalists can breathe easy. Despite growing regulatory pressure and industry-wide electrification efforts, Toyota says the Innova Crysta is not headed for retirement anytime soon. And if Gulati's comments are anything to go by, reports of the iconic MPV's demise have been greatly exaggerated.
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