Toyota Kirloskar Motor: Know All About Toyota Kirloskar Motor

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited (TKM) is an Indian joint venture and subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, established on 6 October 1997. Toyota Motor Corporation holds an 89 percent stake, while the Kirloskar Group owns the remaining 11 percent. Headquartered on an 850-acre campus in Bidadi, Karnataka just outside Bengaluru TKM combines Toyota’s global engineering expertise with Kirloskar’s deep understanding of the Indian market. Under the leadership of Managing Director Masakazu Yoshimura, the company employs around 7,000 people across its manufacturing, sales, and administrative operations. TKM’s core mission is to deliver high-quality, reliable vehicles and services that cater to the diverse needs of Indian consumers.

After establishing its manufacturing base, TKM released the Toyota Qualis in 2000 as its first locally produced model. Positioned in the multi-utility vehicle segment, the Qualis captured nearly 20 percent of its market within two years, challenging established domestic brands like Mahindra and Tata Motors. Building on this momentum, TKM introduced the Camry sedan in 2002 for premium-segment buyers and the Corolla in 2003, which appealed to families and fleet operators alike. These early successes, supported by a growing dealer network, laid the foundation for Toyota’s enduring presence in India’s competitive automotive landscape.

As Toyota Kirloskar Motor expanded its offerings, it continued to innovate to meet evolving customer expectations. In 2005, the company launched the Innova on Toyota’s IMV platform, offering modern styling, enhanced safety, and fuel efficiency. The premium SUV segment was entered with the Fortuner in 2009, assembled locally to meet demand for rugged yet refined off-road capability. Under the Entry Family Car (EFC) project, TKM introduced the Etios hatchback in 2010 as its first entry-level model, creating over 2,500 jobs at its second plant. Later, TKM rolled out the Innova Crysta and a new Fortuner in 2016, and the Yaris sedan in 2018, while also bringing Lexus to India in 2017.

TKM’s manufacturing prowess is anchored by two world-class plants in Bidadi, Karnataka. The first assembly facility spans 850 acres and has an annual capacity of 110,000 vehicles. In 2011, recognizing growing demand, TKM commissioned a second plant on the edge of Bengaluru with a capacity of 210,000 vehicles per year. Combined, the two plants boast a total production capacity of 320,000 vehicles annually. These facilities adhere to Toyota’s rigorous quality and environmental management systems, and they support both domestic sales and exports to global markets.

Today, Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s product portfolio spans entry-level hatchbacks, family MPVs, premium SUVs, and luxury imports. Popular locally produced models include the Glanza hatchback, Innova HyCross MPV, Fortuner SUV, and the Urban Cruiser Hyryder crossover. Many of these vehicles feature Toyota’s advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive system. In the luxury segment, TKM assembles Lexus models such as the ES sedan and NX crossover. The company also leverages strategic alliances—rebadging Suzuki models like the Baleno-based Glanza and Vitara Brezza-based Urban Cruiser—to expand offerings and deliver value across price points.

In the fiscal year ending March 2024, Toyota Kirloskar Motor reported a production output of 263,512 vehicles, revenues of ₹34,021 crore (approximately US$4.0 billion), and a net income of ₹1,404 crore (around US$170 million). These results underscore TKM’s strong market position and operational efficiency. Over the years, the company has consistently grown its market share, supported by a network of over 350 dealerships in more than 225 cities as of 2019. With continued investment in capacity and technology, TKM remains a key contributor to India’s automotive sector.

Beyond its business operations, TKM is deeply committed to social and environmental stewardship under its “Grow Together” philosophy. The company focuses CSR efforts on six thematic areas: education, health and hygiene, road safety, environment, skill development, and disaster relief. A notable initiative has been the installation of over 500 toilet units in schools nationwide to improve sanitation and support female students’ education. Looking ahead, TKM is accelerating electrification through its partnership with Suzuki to co-market hybrid and electric vehicles such as the Urban Cruiser Hyryder and aims to introduce more green technologies as part of its commitment to sustainable development in India.