When was Supra discontinued in India?
The Toyota Supra, a legendary sports car, was discontinued in the Indian market in 2021 after a brief stint. The Supra, known for its iconic design and powerful performance, had a loyal following among enthusiasts in India, but its high price tag and limited availability ultimately led to its discontinuation.
The Rise and Fall of the Toyota Supra in India
The Toyota Supra was first introduced in India in 2019, marking the return of the iconic nameplate to the country after a long absence. The car was positioned as a premium sports car, targeting a niche segment of performance-oriented buyers. However, its high price tag of around ₹1.5 crore (ex-showroom) made it inaccessible to many Indian consumers.
Despite the high price, the Supra garnered significant interest from enthusiasts in India. Its sleek, aerodynamic design and powerful turbocharged engine, which could propel the car from 0 to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds, made it a desirable choice for those seeking an exhilarating driving experience.
Unfortunately, the Supra's limited availability in India, due to production constraints and high demand globally, meant that only a few units were allocated to the Indian market. This, combined with the car's high price, resulted in relatively low sales, leading Toyota to discontinue the model in 2021.
Reasons for the Discontinuation
The primary reasons for the discontinuation of the Toyota Supra in India were:
- High Price: The Supra's price tag of around ₹1.5 crore (ex-showroom) placed it well out of reach for most Indian consumers, limiting its potential customer base.
- Limited Availability: Due to global demand and production constraints, only a few units of the Supra were allocated to the Indian market, further restricting its sales potential.
- Niche Segment: The Supra was targeted at a niche segment of performance-oriented buyers, which is relatively small in the Indian market compared to more mainstream vehicle segments.
These factors, combined with the overall slowdown in the Indian automotive market due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately led to the discontinuation of the Toyota Supra in India.
The Future of the Toyota Supra in India
While the Toyota Supra is no longer available in India, the car's legacy and popularity among enthusiasts remain. Some industry experts believe that if Toyota were to introduce a more affordable version of the Supra in the future, it could find success in the Indian market, particularly among younger buyers who are increasingly interested in performance-oriented vehicles.
However, for now, the Toyota Supra remains a rare and exclusive sports car in India, with only a handful of units available in the used car market. Its discontinuation is a testament to the challenges faced by high-performance, niche vehicles in the Indian automotive landscape, where affordability and practicality often take precedence over pure driving excitement.
