Toyota to start engine prodn at Bangalore unit next month

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

“It will commence next month”, Toyota Kirloskar Deputy Managing Director Mr Shekar Viswanathan told PTI when asked about their plans for the manufacturing facility.

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, Bangalore.

Last year, Toyota Kirloskar had announced it would set up 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 1,500 units had already been shipped to South Africa. “We have commenced exports to South Africa from Ennore Port (near Chennai)”, he said.

Mr Viswanathan was here to participate in National Conference on Chennai and Bangalore 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.