Toyota Kirloskar Motor Inks Mou With Maharashtra Government For New Greenfield Facility

Toyota Kirloskar Motor is looking to expand its manufacturing footprint in India, with a new facility in Maharashtra. The automaker has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra, to examine the setting-up of a green field manufacturing facility at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad) over a multi-year investment. 

The new facility the company believes will enhance its ability to meet business and logistics requirements more efficiently and serve wider markets within India and exports.

Masakazu Yoshimura, MD and CEO, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Regional CEO at Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) said, “Toyota Motor Corporation believes that India is well positioned to become a global manufacturing hub for cleaner and greener mobility solutions. This belief was reinforced with the recent regional restructuring which elevated India to play central role by being integrated into the Middle East, East Asia & Oceania Region and acting as the hub of the new ‘India, Middle East, East Asia & Oceania Region’. Today’s MoU signing marks a pivotal point as we stride into the next phase of growth in the country enabling us to contribute to enriching lives with qualitative mobility solutions locally and globally.”

Manasi Tata, Vice-Chairperson, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said “For us at the company, the last 25 years of operational excellence from our Bidadi Plant has created the foundation for future direction of Toyota in India. Our strategic focus on ‘Make in India’ and ‘Skill India’ will enable us to implement sustainable, long-term growth strategy which will enable us to offer cleaner greener mobility solutions to our customers and act as a catalyst towards Government’s roadmap of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.”

Swapnesh Maru, Deputy MD, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said “The State of Karnataka has helped us to firmly establish ourselves as a tested base for manufacturing excellence. Proposal for the Green Field Manufacturing Facility at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar continues our commitment to advancing sustainable mobility in India. This will act as a tipping point to unlock the potential of Marathwada region, unleashing its entrepreneurial capabilities and providing new age skills to its youth so as to bring Marathwada as a key contributor to Maharashtra’s growth.”

At present, Toyota Kirloskar Motor already operate two state-of-the-art manufacturing units located at Bidadi, Karnataka. The company along with its group companies has already invested more than INR 160 billion and created close to 86,000 jobs in the entire value chain (including supplier and dealer partners). Toyota’s cumulative export contributions also stand at around INR 320 billion.

The Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Maharashtra was exchanged today by Dr. Harshadeep Kamble (IAS), Principal Secretary (Industries), Government of Maharashtra and Sudeep Santram Dalvi, Director & Chief Communications Officer, Toyota Kirloskar Motor in the august presence of Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and other key dignitaries. Also present at the event from Toyota Kirloskar Motor were Masakazu Yoshimura, MD and CEO of Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Regional CEO at Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC); Manasi Tata, Vice-Chairperson Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Swapnesh R. Maru, Deputy Managing Director Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

It is also important to note that in 2023, Toyota Kirloskar Motor announced fresh investments of about INR 33 billion for a new third plant in Bidadi facility. This expansion, aimed at contributing to Make-in-India, increases TKM’s production capacity by 100,000 units, annually thus further adding to the growth of local ecosystem of suppliers and job creation of over 2,000 direct employment in Karnataka. With this third plant expansion going mainstream in 2026, the company’s annual production capacity at Bidadi is expected to be augmented to 442,000 annually.

Prior to this in the year 2022, Toyota Group of companies that constitutes of Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts (TKAP) had signed and announced their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Karnataka to invest INR 41 billion aimed at making deeper cuts in CO2 emissions and enhance electrification and fast pace shift towards greener technologies.

Toyota Innova Completes Two Decades In India

Toyota Innova Crysta

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has marked 20 years of the Innova SUV in India, with cumulative sales of over 1.2 million units across the Innova, Innova Crysta and Innova HyCross models.

Launched in 2005, the Innova set a new benchmark in the MPV segment with its combination of ride comfort, spacious interiors, durable build and advanced safety features. The Innova Crysta followed in 2016 with a new design, more powerful engines and premium features, while the 2022 Innova HyCross introduced self-charging hybrid technology, delivering 186 PS of combined output and segment-leading fuel efficiency. The HyCross has sold 100,000 units in India since its launch.

Varinder Wadhwa, Vice-President – Sales, Service and Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “The Toyota Innova has built a deep emotional bond with customers over the last two decades – trusted as a dependable companion for families, loved by all for its comfort and reliability and chosen time and again across generations. Whether for daily commutes or memorable road trips, the Innova has remained a part of countless personal journeys. Beyond its emotional connect, the Innova stands strong as a product benchmark – offering spacious interiors, robust build quality and smooth drivability, making it one of the most trusted and loved MPVs in India.”

Toyota attributed the Innova’s sustained popularity to its comfort, practicality, and adaptability, supported by customer-focused enhancements and the company’s after-sales ecosystem, T CARE, which offers services from quick delivery to value-added protection and transparent maintenance.

Tata Motors Introduces Adventure X Persona Edition For The Harrier And Safari SUVs

Tata Harrier - Safari

Tata Motors, one of India’s leading SUV manufacturers, has unveiled the all-new Adventure X Persona variants for the Tata Harrier and Tata Safari SUVs.

The new variant now equips the Harrier and Safari Adventure Persona with many segment-first ADAS features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (AT), 360deg HD Surround View, Trail Hold EPB with Auto Hold, Trail Response Modes (Normal, Rough, Wet), a Land Rover-derived Command Shifter (AT), along with segment-leading features such as the Ergo Lux Driver Seat with Memory & Welcome function, a 26.03 cm Ultra-View Twin Screen System, Trail Sense Auto Headlamps, Aqua Sense Wipers and Multi Drive Modes (City, Sport, Eco). 

The persona edition starts at INR 1.89 million for the Harrier Adventure X and INR 1.99 million for the Safari Adventure X+ variants.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, said, "The Harrier and Safari have always stood for more than just mobility – they represent status, purpose, and a deep-rooted desire for an adventurous lifestyle. With the introduction of the Adventure X persona, we’ve modernised these icons for a new era – one that champions individuality, precision-crafted design, and intelligent capability – all while offering more value per car. Designed for those who seek authenticity, capability and expression in equal measure, the Adventure X is positioned at a compelling price point in the segment, offering class leading features. Furthermore, with this new persona, we have also reimagined the Harrier and Safari line completely, making the range more intuitive, streamlined and value-rich than ever before in the high SUV space.”

Audi India Intros Extended Warranty And Roadside Assistance Programme

Audi India Intros Extended Warranty And Roadside Assistance Programme

Audi has introduced an enhanced warranty and roadside assistance programme in India, providing customers with extended protection and support. The luxury automaker now offers a 10-year extended warranty option, complementing its standard manufacturer’s warranty. This optional coverage safeguards against manufacturing defects for vehicles up to a decade old, with mileage protection extending to 200,000 kilometres. Customers can choose between one or two-year extensions with terms matching the original warranty. The programme is available for all Audi models and can be purchased either at the time of new vehicle delivery or before the existing warranty expires.

Alongside the warranty extension, Audi has expanded its roadside assistance programme to 15 years, delivering round-the-clock emergency support across India’s national and state highways, as well as other motorable roads. Services include towing, technical assistance for minor issues, fuel delivery, battery boosts, tyre repair and lockout support. Premium features such as hotel accommodations for prolonged repairs, vehicle safekeeping and dedicated customer updates further enhance the offering. Pricing for roadside assistance starts at INR 3,999, with options tailored to different vehicle ages and coverage durations.

Both new and existing Audi customers can benefit from these programmes, with current owners eligible to upgrade based on their vehicle’s age and warranty status. This initiative underscores Audi’s commitment to delivering superior ownership experiences in India’s luxury automotive market.

Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “At Audi India, we believe that our relationship with customers extends far beyond the point of purchase. Our extended warranty and Audi Roadside Assistance Programme is an extension of our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and establish new industry standards for luxury automotive service in India. With a 10-year extended warranty and 15-year roadside assistance, we intend to offer our customers an unparalleled peace of mind, knowing that support is always available.”

Suzuki Wagon R Crosses 10 Million Global Sales Milestone

Wagon R

Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced that its popular hatchback the ‘Wagon R’ series has achieved a new sales milestone.

First introduced in September 1993 in Japan, the Wagon R has now crossed cumulative global sales of 10 million units by June 2025. The milestone was achieved 31 years and 9 months after the first launch.

The Wagon R was originally developed as a semi-bonnet style mini wagon, designed with rider comfort and ease of use in mind. It has become one of Suzuki’s signature models, widely appreciated in Japan.

Over the years, production expanded beyond Japan to countries including India, Hungary and Indonesia, with the model evolving to suit local market needs. The technologies refined for global minicar standards have been applied across the Wagon R series.

To date, the Wagon R has been sold in over 75 countries and regions, including Japan, India and across Europe. The series has consistently improved in terms of fuel efficiency, environmental performance, and user convenience. For instance, CNG variants with enhanced fuel economy have been introduced in India, while the Wagon R Smile – featuring sliding doors – was launched in Japan.

SUZUKI WAGON R
Sep-93 First-generation Wagon R launched in Japan Sep-93 Launched
Feb-97 Wagon R Wide launched in Japan Oct-98 Accumulated global sales reach 1 million units
Oct-98 Second-generation Wagon R launched in Japan Jan-02 Accumulated global sales reach 2 million units
Dec-99 Production begins in India Feb-05 Accumulated global sales reach 3 million units
Jan-00 Production begins in Hungary Sep-07 Accumulated global sales reach 4 million units
Sep-03 Third-generation Wagon R launched in Japan Feb-10 Accumulated global sales reach 5 million units
Sep-08 Fourth-generation Wagon R launched in Japan Aug-12 Accumulated global sales reach 6 million units
Sep-12 Fifth-generation Wagon R launched in Japan Jan-15 Accumulated global sales reach 7 million units
Sep-13 Production begins in Indonesia Feb-18 Accumulated global sales reach 8 million units
Apr-14 Production begins in Pakistan Jan-22 Accumulated global sales reach 9 million units
Feb-17 Sixth-generation Wagon R launched in Japan Jun-25 Accumulated global sales reach 10 million units
Sep-21 Wagon R Smile launched in Japan