In a strategic move to expand its manufacturing capabilities and stay at the forefront of the automotive industry, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has announced plans to invest ₹3,300 crore in setting up its third plant in Bidadi, Karnataka. The investment aligns with the company’s vision to enhance production capacity and introduce future-ready technologies.
The new plant, slated to begin production by 2026, will be an extension of Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s existing facility at Bidadi, near Bengaluru. The current Bidadi facility houses two units with a combined installed production capacity of up to 3.42 lakh units annually. The addition of the third plant will significantly bolster TKM’s manufacturing capabilities, providing an annual capacity of 1 lakh units in two shifts.
Vikram Gulati, Executive Vice President & Country Head of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, stated that the new plant, besides producing the popular multi-utility vehicle Innova HyCross, will be “future-ready.” Gulati emphasized the company’s commitment to adapting to various fuel technologies and staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the automotive sector.
“I believe, we are as a company future-ready, both in terms of access to technology, access to well-accepted products across various powertrains, as also access to the ability to bring these products to market,” Gulati affirmed.
The strategic location of the new plant within the existing Bidadi facility allows TKM to leverage the infrastructure already in place, facilitating a seamless integration process. Gulati also highlighted the flexibility of production lines in the automotive industry, emphasizing that it doesn’t take much to adapt existing lines for the introduction of new powertrains.
“It does take a bit of doing, but it’s not really a huge barrier, in my opinion. So that makes us ready and flexible in terms of any of the powertrains going forward. And I’m sure the new plant is going to be much more advanced and much more future-ready,” Gulati added.
When questioned about whether the third plant will incorporate provisions for producing new technology vehicles, such as electric vehicles (EVs), Gulati acknowledged the importance of staying ahead in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape. However, he maintained that it is too early to provide specific details about the inclusion of EV production in the new facility.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s investment in the new plant reflects its strategic focus on staying abreast of emerging technologies and market demands. The automotive industry is witnessing a significant shift towards electric and alternative fuel vehicles, and manufacturers are gearing up to meet the evolving needs of consumers.
The automotive giant has consistently demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and innovation. The investment in the third plant aligns with Toyota’s global initiatives to enhance its product lineup with electrified and environmentally friendly options. While specifics about the new technologies that the third plant will accommodate remain undisclosed, the commitment to being “future-ready” underscores Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s proactive approach to technological advancements in the automotive sector.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s ambitious investment in its third plant in Bidadi represents a significant step towards expanding production capacities and staying adaptable to emerging technologies. As the automotive industry undergoes rapid transformations, manufacturers like TKM are positioning themselves strategically to lead the way in providing innovative and sustainable mobility solutions.
