Toyota introduced the TNGA-based 12th-generation Corolla sedan in November 2018. Having been on sale in global markets for over 6 years, the model is now nearing the end of its lifecycle, with the 13th-generation Toyota Corolla expected to debut in the latter half of this year.
In Pakistan, however, Indus Motor Company (IMC), the authorized assembler and distributor of Toyota vehicles, continues to produce the 11th-generation Corolla, which has been in production locally since mid-2014. It is now approaching its 12th year of production (assembling) in Pakistan, while technically it’s nearly 13 years old by global standards.
Related: 11th-Gen Toyota Corolla Becomes a Decade-Old in Pakistan
This makes the 11th-generation Corolla the longest-running Corolla model ever produced in Pakistan. Previously, the 7th-generation Corolla held the record, with over 9 years of production from 1993 to 2002. This raises a key question among auto enthusiasts: when will the 12th-generation Corolla finally replace the 11th-generation model? There are several points that warrant a debate.
The Corolla is Still the Highest-Selling Sedan
Despite its age, the 11th-generation Toyota Corolla remains the best-selling sedan in Pakistan, so IMC doesn’t feel an urge to replace it. People love it for its durability, ease of maintenance, and rather affordable spare part prices compared to other sedans available in the market.
The TNGA Platform
Unlike previous Corolla models, the 12th generation is the first Corolla to be built on the TNGA modular platform, requiring significant upgrades to the assembly lines. It was widely believed that IMC was hesitant to make such a large investment, particularly for a model that would likely be more expensive than its predecessor and could therefore attract a smaller pool of buyers.
The Hybrid Advantage
Obviously, IMC couldn’t build the 12th-generation TNGA Corolla at its existing assembly lines and needed to invest a good amount of money to upgrade its current assembly setup. But to make way for the 12th-generation Corolla sedan and to set up the TNGA assembly lines in its plant, the ideal move was to introduce a hybrid, enabling the company to get concessions and government incentives for the introduction of hybrid cars in the country.
Related: Why No 12th-Gen Toyota Corolla in Pakistan but Corolla Cross Instead?
The govt announced relaxations of various taxes and duties in the Finance Act 2021, in order to encourage the local production of environment-friendly vehicles in Pakistan. Under this act, only a 4% customs duty on the import of parts for hybrid vehicles is applicable, while only a 3% customs duty is imposed on the import of parts for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
So IMC went on to introduce the Corolla Cross in December 2023, which is essentially a 12th gen Corolla with the same platform and even a ditto interior as the sedan sibling but just a different bodyshell. The Corolla Cross was launched with a hybrid powertrain but later in gasoline options too, but more importantly, has enabled IMC to establish the TNGA setup at a much-reduced cost.
Now, Can We Expect the 12th gen?
This could pave the way for the 12th-gen Corolla sedan’s introduction in Pakistan. Additionally, IMC could launch the 12th-gen Corolla as a hybrid sedan alongside the current 11th-gen model, similar to Hyundai’s approach with the Elantra, where the older gasoline-powered generation is still sold alongside the latest Elantra hybrid sedan.
No 13th gen?
This raises the question of whether IMC will remain a generation behind the global market in introducing the Corolla sedan. Let’s say the company finally launches the 12th-gen Corolla in Pakistan by late 2025, it would be the same time when the 13th-gen Corolla will be introduced globally.
12th-gen Skipped… Not Likely
This also raises the possibility that IMC might skip the 12th-gen Corolla entirely to directly introduce the 13th-gen here, similar to how they skipped the 8th-gen by launching the 9th-gen Corolla in 2002, replacing the 7th-gen model. But that’s something hard to expect since the Corolla Cross based on the 12th-gen Corolla is already being sold here and it’s hardly a year old in the market.
As it Seems
Remember, the 9th gen, 10th gen, and 11th gen Toyota Corolla models were all launched in Pakistan within months after making their global debut. But that’s certainly not the case with the 12th gen model which debuted way back in November 2018 and is yet to be launched in our country.
From the looks of it, if IMC decides to, will likely introduce the 12th-gen Corolla in hybrid form alongside the current 11th-gen model, which continues to be a cash cow. Replacing the 11th-gen Corolla entirely with the more expensive TNGA-based model doesn’t seem feasible for the company in the current economic climate.
Related: The Absurd Price Growth Path of Toyota Corolla in Pakistan
However, this would also mean that auto consumers in Pakistan will miss out on the 13th-gen Corolla, continuing to embrace the soon-to-be-obsolete 12th-gen model for years to come.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
