Toyota Innova-Based MPV to be Launched by Nitin Gadkari in India Tomorrow, Will Run on 100% Ethanol

In a move contributing to a quick roll-out of flex-fuel vehicles in the Indian market, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari will launch the flex-fuel-powered car tomorrow. While the call for flex-fuel vehicles is nothing new, the major news is the arrival of the Toyota Innova-based MPV with flex-fuel capabilities on August 29 in the country. It should also be noted that the MPV will be India's first car to run on 100 per cent ethanol. Not just limited to India, this will also be the world's first fully ethanol-based Toyota Innova MPV, which will sport a Bharat Stage VI (Stage II) certification — according to some industry reports. The announcement of the launch of the upcoming vehicle came during the Mint Sustainability Summit, where Gadkari urged automakers to come out with alternative fuel-powered and green vehicles. According to the Union Minister, biofuels can do wonders and lead to forex savings. 

The launch comes a year after the Japanese automotive manufacturer introduced the Mirai EV, which is India's first all-hydrogen electric vehicle launched by Nitin Gadkari in 2022. 'Mirai' means the future, in Japanese.

Also Read: Toyota Hyryder Waiting Period Reaches 43 Weeks in India

Toyota Mirai EV: Key Details

Toyota believes that the future of the automobile lies in hydrogen. Mirai is a turning point for the automotive industry as it offers a safer, cleaner, and greener alternative, according to Toyota. The Toyota Mirai fuel cell EV is outfitted with an electric motor, driven by a hydrogen fuel stack, with the car emitting only water from the tailpipe. This groundbreaking vehicle also has the cruising range of a conventional saloon.

New Toyota Innova-Based MPV: What Gadkari Said at the Summit?

The upcoming ethanol-powered Innova MPV will be another feather in Toyota's cap. Reiterating India's need to switch to zero-emission vehicles, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, reportedly said, "If we want to become Atmanirbhar (self-reliant), we have to bring this oil import to zero. At present, it is Rs 16 lakh crore. This is a big loss to the economy. India needs to take more sustainable measures as pollution is a big problem in the country." And the new Toyota Innova MPV with flex-fuel capabilities is a significant step in this direction.

Even Maruti Suzuki showcased the WagonR flex-fuel prototype at the Auto Expo 2023. According to the carmaker, it will enter production in November 2025, followed by its launch at a later date. The prototype was created in accordance with the government's clean and green initiatives. It can run on an ethanol-petrol blend ranging from 20 per cent (E20) to 85 per cent (E85). New fuel system technology, such as heated fuel rail for cold start aid and ethanol sensor for ethanol percentage monitoring, have been developed to make the engine compatible with higher ethanol blends.

Toyota Rumion Launched in India

In recent news, the Toyota Rumion has been launched in the Indian market. The standard S version is priced at Rs 10.29 lakh, while the top-of-the-line V automatic model costs Rs 13.68 lakh. Both prices are ex-showroom. The manufacturer is currently accepting pre-orders for the MPV at a deposit of Rs 11,000.

Also Read: Toyota Rumion MPV, Based on Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Launched in India at Rs 10.29 Lakh

The Rumion is a rebadged model of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, both sharing the same platform. As for the powertrain, the Rumion has a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that can produce 102bhp and 137Nm of peak torque. Besides, the vehicle gets a CNG powertrain option and makes 87bhp and 121.5Nm. In comparison to the Rumion CNG which claims a fuel economy of 26.11km/l, Toyota states that the Rumion petrol delivers a mileage of 20.51km/l.