Etios Motor Racing Trophy in India launched by Toyota

9utomobile industry is undergoing a change at global level and General Motors have been slugging it out for World domination, Volkswagen has caught up and threatens to upstage the two giants on the top step. The effects of this battle most definitely have made their way to the Indian context as well but one can’t help asking why Toyota has just announced plans for the Etios Motor Racing Trophy – especially since the Japanese company’s brand image in India yet hasn’t been one of a sporty brand to go racing with.

That is exactly what the company is now looking to change and with the Etios and Etios Liva mass market offerings being launched in 2011, Toyota is looking to attach a rather youthful and sporty persona to the brand. Volkswagen did it in 2010 with the hugely successful Polo Cup and followed up with the Polo R Cup in 2011 and one has to only look at that racing series model to fully understand the wonders it has done to the German carmaker’s image.

Starting off from 2013, Toyota will be setting off its own one-make series of 5-6 rounds in the season. But Toyota’s strategy is way more detailed than just prepping up a few of its Etios sedans and Liva hatchbacks, popping in drivers and waving the checkered flag. Firstly, the endeavor brings in Toyota Racing Development to India – the racing expertise and technical support behind the Etios Motor Racing Trophy.

Online driving registration begins as early as January 15, 2012 and closed a month later, after which selected candidates will have to undergo rigorous training camps before the final driver lineup, is complete. The public awareness about the series will be the key to success and race prepared twin Etios will be making rounds of 22 Toyota dealerships in 13 cities in four months from the end of January 2012. The second half of this year will also see the car to tour and exhibition races make things great for the real racing series in 2013.

The cars themselves were displayed at the Auto Expo recently and are in no way road-going versions with a body kit bolted - they, like the VW Polo Cup R drive, the machines are suitable career. Cola in 2013 were gasoline-powered racing cars with aerodynamic Etios, race tires, roll cage, et al. More than anything, the Trophy will bring EMR to India a second platform for grassroots motorsports drivers at international standard races emerge - and that's what you really need India.