Detect my Current Location
“We are all in with Toyota. It is a 100-year plan,” said Manasi Kirloskar Tata, the vice chairman of Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) and daughter of Late Vikram Kirloskar, the promoter of Kirloskar Group. TKM is a joint venture between the over 130-year-old Kirloskar Group and the world’s largest carmaker, Toyota. The Japanese JV partner has unveiled its most ambitious investment plan, which involves investing over USD 3 billion (approximately Rs 26,000 crore) in the country, and the Kirloskar family is integral to it.
- Kirloskar has an 11 percent stake in TKM
- India is the number four country for Toyota
- Bidadi, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar factories combined production: Est. 1 million units
“We are in it together, and our stake (11 percent) will never get diluted. We are also looking at expanding with the Toyota network. Wherever they require our support, we are there for them 110 percent,” said Manasi, who replaced Vikram Kirloskar on the TKM board after his sudden demise in 2023 and is becoming increasingly active in the company.
The investment in a new plant in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, is Toyota’s commitment to India, a sign that it is in it for the long run. TKM declared this investment shortly after announcing that it is setting up another factory in Bidadi, Karnataka, where it already has two units.
For Toyota Motor Corporation, India is the world’s fastest-growing market and among the most profitable manufacturing bases. The country has risen from outside the top 10 markets to the number 4 position for the maker of Innova and Fortuner.
“If they weren’t in it for the long run, we wouldn’t have these expansions. We wouldn’t commit to an investment of Rs 20,000 crore and 850 acres of land. We’re also looking at exports from that region because of its geography, which is closer to the ports. So, for us, it’s growing in India, growing with India,” remarked Manasi.
She said growing with India is the most important part of this, adding, “We’re making in India not only for India but also for the world. Along with this Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar) project, we’re also building a third plant in Bidadi. There can be no better demonstration of Toyota’s commitment to India.”
Since its establishment in 1997, this JV between Toyota and the Kirloskar family has grown into one of India’s most enduring auto industry alliances, which has combined Toyota’s expertise with Kirloskar’s understanding of the domestic market.
Manasi said the secret behind the successful alliance with Toyota is transparency and trust, and she is proud of her late father’spowerful legacy. “My father started the company grounds up with Toyota, convincing them to come to India, working with them, and really gaining their trust. My father was also a very transparent person. So, I think that those values shared between Toyota and him worked well together.”
As Toyota grew, Kirloskar’s passion for developing globally competitive local suppliers stood out. He worked closely with the supplier network to enhance their manufacturing, just-in-time and logistics systems to meet Toyota’s standards. Moreover, as Toyota became more and more successful, he prioritised sharing that success with marginalised communities, ensuring inclusive growth.
“These are two or three values I would like to carry forward. The level of transparency needs to be at 110 percent at all times, and that’s what my mother and I are both conscious of. Increasing localisation and building capacity at our suppliers’ end is another priority. And,at the time, we need to work on our CSR activities and building and developing communities around us,” she said.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor India
TKM has consistently demonstrated strong financial performance, underpinned by a focus on quality, reliability and innovation. In 2024, the company achieved double-digit percentage growth in sales, driven by the success of models like the Innova Crysta, Fortuner and Urban Cruiser Hyryder. These vehicles have dominated their segments and contributed significantly to Toyota’s global revenues.
India’s role within Toyota’s global strategy has grown substantially, with the country now recognised as a key manufacturing and export hub. Strategic investments in capacity expansion and localisation support this growth.
Toyota India investments in capacity and localisation
Toyota’s USD 3 billion investment plan for India underscores its confidence in the market’s long-term potential. Key projects include investing in the third plant at Bidadi and the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar factory, which combined may produce up to 1 million units .
Localisation is central to TKM’s strategy. Over 80 percent of components for several models are now sourced domestically, which has reduced costs, improved profitability and strengthened India’s supplier ecosystem.
Speaking on localisation, Manasi said, “Investing in local suppliers is not just about business efficiency; it’s about empowering India’s manufacturing ecosystem to compete globally.”
Toyota India sustainability and carbon neutrality
TKM is committed to achieving carbon neutrality through its operations and product line-up. A multi-pathway is a way forward, said Mansi. The company will continue introducing hybrid and electric vehicles alongside other alternative fuel options.
Beyond financial and operational performance, TKM focuses on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, addressing education, healthcare and skill development in marginalised communities. These programmes aim to uplift local populations while aligning with Toyota’s global philosophy of contributing to society.
With inputs from Ketan Thakkar
Also see:
2025 Toyota Camry review: Lexus for less
Toyota Hilux facelift spy shots preview new design
2025 Toyota Camry and Sprint Edition differences explained
.jpg&w=234&h=156&q=90&c=1)
.jpg&w=234&h=156&q=90&c=1)
Comments
Member Login
Personal Details
No comments yet. Be the first to comment.