Toyota Motor Corporation is making a bold move in the Indian automotive market with the establishment of its first research and development (R&D) center in the country. This new facility, located in Bengaluru near Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt.’s factory in Bidadi, underscores India’s growing significance in Toyota’s global strategy, particularly in the realm of clean and green technologies.
A Major Investment in India's Automotive Future
The R&D center will initially house around 200 engineers, with plans to expand the workforce to approximately 1,000 engineers by 2027. This marks Toyota’s third R&D facility in the Asia-Pacific region outside Japan, following similar investments in China and Thailand. While the initial focus will be on the Indian market, there is potential for this center to evolve into a global R&D hub, much like Mercedes-Benz’s established Bengaluru center.
This strategic investment is part of Toyota’s broader reorganization, positioning India as a key hub for operations spanning the Middle East, East Asia, and Oceania. The decision aligns with Toyota’s vision of making India a leader in clean energy and sustainable mobility solutions.
This strategic investment is part of Toyota’s broader reorganization, positioning India as a key hub for operations spanning the Middle East, East Asia, and Oceania. The decision aligns with Toyota’s vision of making India a leader in clean energy and sustainable mobility solutions.
Toyota’s Push for Clean Technologies in India
One of the primary objectives of this R&D center is to enhance Toyota’s presence in India’s rapidly evolving automotive sector, with a strong emphasis on hybrid and electric vehicles. Toyota has already announced significant investments to position India as a global hub for green technology development.
A crucial aspect of this strategy involves Toyota’s partnership with Suzuki Motor Corporation, in which it holds a 5.4% stake. This collaboration aims to strengthen Toyota’s foothold in the world’s third-largest vehicle market by leveraging Suzuki’s market expertise and vehicle platforms. A notable outcome of this partnership is the upcoming Urban Cruiser EV, a rebadged version of Suzuki’s first electric vehicle, the e-Vitara, which is set to be manufactured in India starting in 2025.
A crucial aspect of this strategy involves Toyota’s partnership with Suzuki Motor Corporation, in which it holds a 5.4% stake. This collaboration aims to strengthen Toyota’s foothold in the world’s third-largest vehicle market by leveraging Suzuki’s market expertise and vehicle platforms. A notable outcome of this partnership is the upcoming Urban Cruiser EV, a rebadged version of Suzuki’s first electric vehicle, the e-Vitara, which is set to be manufactured in India starting in 2025.
India: A Rising Star in Global Automotive Innovation
With the launch of this R&D center, Toyota is set to leverage India’s abundant engineering talent and technological expertise. This move is expected to accelerate innovations in sustainable mobility and position India as a critical player in Toyota’s global research initiatives.
By investing heavily in local talent and infrastructure, Toyota is not only reinforcing its commitment to India’s automotive industry but also paving the way for the country to emerge as a global leader in next-generation vehicle technologies. The new R&D center is a testament to India’s growing importance on the world stage and marks a significant milestone in Toyota’s long-term vision for the future of mobility
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