The Toyota Fortuner is one of those rare vehicles that have managed to hold on to its undisputed leading position for long, despite a strong competition. Most of the leading cars lose their enjoyed to spot after newer and more powerful car rivals emerge to eclipse the former’s fame. However, the Toyota Fortuner has been one of those rare victors that have kept its strong footing even against fierce rivalry.
According to the recent reports, a yet new rival is in the making for the Fortuner, as Tata Motors owned JLR is planning to build a premium SUV on the platform of the latest generation Freelander 2. Nevertheless, the Land Rover Freelander based SUV will most probably also get to feel that the Fortuner is an extremely hard nut to crack.
The Toyota Fortuner has been the all time favorite of the Indian biggies such as politicians, actors and business tycoons. The world’s largest car maker, Toyota had introduced the Fortuner back in 2009. Ever since, the premium SUV never looked back. Constantly outshining its arch rivals, the Fortuner now enjoys the lion’s share of the premium SUV segment in India.
The Toyota Fortuner is priced between the ranges of Rs. 21.72 and Rs. 23.32 lakhs (ex-showroom, Mumbai), is certainly a vehicle that the commoners can’t afford. Given its premium build, it is one of the most expensive models in its own segment which comprises of the Honda CRV, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mahindra Ssangyong Rexton, Ford Endeavour, Chevrolet Captiva, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Mitsubishi Pajero and the Renault Koleos.
In the last financial year that ended in March 2014, the Toyota Fortuner remained the undisputed leader of the segment with a massive 72 percent share accounted to the sales of 16,551 units.
The grueling market slowdown of the Indian auto industry has taken a bad toll on the expensive premium SUV market that declined by 7 percent to just 23,031 units in the last year, as compared against the previous 24,726 units. Thus very naturally all the premium SUV models posted a decline in sales last year excepting the Toyota Fortuner, Honda CRV and the Mahindra Ssangyong Rexton. And the Toyota Fortuner has only gained on more market shares in the segment with the passing years, clearly showing its growing popularity.
The legendary Land Cruiser has certainly made Toyota create the impression of a tough SUV maker on the consumers. This reputation was further enhanced by the incredibly successful Qualis. The Fortuner, which is based on the grand appeal of the Land Cruiser along with an affordable tag unlike the Land Cruiser that costs a bomb, thus became an instant blockbuster.
The Fortuner is also among those rare cars that made their makers halt registering booking because of overwhelming demand. The Fortuner still has a long queue of tough rivalry ahead primarily from the premium car makers. Apart from JLR, Mercedes-Benz has plans to launch the GLA-Class in the segment.
Hope that the extremely capable and tough Toyota Fortuner still continues to be the premium SUV king.
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I am into the auto blogs field for quite a long time. Living my passion of reviewing cars.
Tagged: Toyota Fortuner
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