Corolla Cross: Toyota unveils hybrid SUV in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Indus Motor Company (IMC), the assembler of Toyota cars in pakistan, unveiled its latest model, the Corolla Cross, at a summit of automotive journalists, touting its hybrid electric technology and environmental benefits.

The Corolla Cross, a compact SUV, is the first hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) to be launched by IMC in Pakistan, where the government has been encouraging the adoption of cleaner and more efficient vehicles to reduce pollution and fuel imports.

The vehicle, which has a 1.8 litre engine and can switch between electric, petrol and hybrid modes, offers up to 50 percent more fuel efficiency and 35 percent less emissions than conventional cars, according to IMC.

The company also said the Corolla Cross features a range of advanced safety and convenience features, such as blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, clearance sonars and bi-beam LED headlamps.

"The Corolla Cross exemplifies Toyota's commitment to a greener future for Pakistan," said Ali Asghar Jamali, chief executive officer of IMC, at the summit in Bhurban.

He said the hybrid electric technology was a practical and efficient solution for Pakistan, which relies heavily on non-renewable energy sources and faces challenges in introducing battery electric vehicles (BEVs) due to lack of infrastructure and high costs.

Jamali also highlighted the legacy of the Corolla brand, which has been a popular choice among Pakistani consumers since its arrival in 1993.

"Today, the brand value of Corolla is as strong as the name Toyota itself," he said, adding that Pakistan had been the number one country in the Asia region for Corolla sales for 13 out of the past 17 years.

The summit was attended by Yasushi Ueda, chief engineer of Toyota Motor Corporation, who said the TNGA platform contributed to the enhanced performance and styling of the Corolla Cross."It enables a comfortable and luxurious driving experience," he said.