Toyota to begin engine production at Bengaluru plant from August

[1]

Japanese auto major Toyota would begin engine production from its manufacturing facility in Bengaluru from August next month, according to a top company official.

"It will commence next month," Toyota Kirloskar deputy managing director Shekar Viswanathan told agencies when asked about their plans in this regard.

Toyota plans to manufacture about one lakh engines and 2.40 lakh transmission units from the facility.

Toyota Kirloskar is a joint venture between Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan and Kirloskar Systems, Bengaluru.

Last year, Toyota Kirloskar had announced it would set up of an engine plant and expand its transmissions unit to cater to its latest sedan Etios and hatchback Etios Liva, with a combined investment of Rs 500 crore.

On exports of Etios and Liva,he said 1500 units had already been shipped to South Africa. "We have commenced exports to South Africa from Ennore Port (near Chennai)," he said.

Viswanathan was here to participate in national conference on Chennai and Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC), organised by ASSOCHAM and the Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Recalling that the Automotive Mission plan announced in 2006 needs to 'enmeshed' with the CBIC, he said there was a need to increase connectivity with ports.

"India is becoming the base for export of small cars and that is something we must foster. What I would like to emphasise is this plan needs to be enmeshed with the various corridors that are being proposed. We do need excellent Port access for our exports," he said.

He noted that when they commenced exports to South Africa from Ennore Port, they were engaged in 'lot of work' to provide infrastructure surrounding the Ennore Port.