Toyota is preparing to launch rebadged versions of Suzuki’s Vitara Brezza crossover and Ertiga MPV, according to a fresh report from India.

In 2018, the two Japanese firms announced broad plans for new “joint projects”. A year later, Toyota revealed the Glanza, which is effectively a rebadged Suzuki Baleno.

According to Indian daily newspaper, The Economic Times, Toyota will add a rebadged Vitara Brezza to its Indian range in the second half of 2020, with a version of the Ertiga seven-seater to follow early in 2021.

It’s worth pointing out the Vitara Brezza produced and sold by Maruti Suzuki in India differs somewhat from the Hungarian-built model we know here in South Africa. At 3 995 mm, for instance, the Indian-spec model is a full 180 mm shorter nose to tail, allowing it to qualify for India’s all-important sub-four-metre class, which attracts a lower excise duty.

So, if these rumoured rebadged models do indeed see the light of day, will they make their way to South African shores? Well, it’s certainly not inconceivable, with the two automakers having earlier confirmed plans to supply models from “India to African and other markets”.

Original article from Car