At the heart of Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s (TKM) presence at Bharat Mobility 2025 is a commitment to a multi-pathway strategy for achieving carbon neutrality—a vision that is not only globally relevant but also adaptable to the unique energy landscapes of different regions and countries.
Toyota's approach is centred around technology agnosticism, ensuring that diverse powertrain solutions can coexist to facilitate the transition towards a sustainable future. The highlight of the showcase was its highly anticipated battery electric vehicle (BEV), speculated to be a rebadged version of Maruti Suzuki’s e-Vitara.
Industry sources suggest that the automaker is likely to unveil the model in the first quarter of FY26, with a price tag expected to be higher than its sibling, the e-Vitara. If this holds true, the vehicle will be manufactured at Maruti Suzuki’s Gujarat facility, which has been designated as the global manufacturing hub for Suzuki’s electric vehicles. This was reaffirmed by Toshihiro Suzuki, President and Representative Director of Suzuki Motor Corporation, during Bharat Mobility 2025. Suzuki’s decision to centralize EV production at a single location aims to optimise quality, enhance efficiency, and streamline exports to over 100 countries, including Japan.
Embracing Multi-Technology Solutions
On the exhibits at the show Sudeep S Dalvi, Sr VP & Head - State Affairs at TKM, told Mobility Outlook that the company’s portfolio reflects technology agnosticism philosophy, offering a spectrum of advanced technologies, including strong hybrids, plug-in hybrids, flex-fuel plug-in hybrids, fuel cell vehicles and BEV concept. Rather than advocating a one-size-fits-all solution, TKM aligns its strategy with regional energy mixes, infrastructure readiness, and carbon neutrality goals, allowing consumers to choose the most suitable pathway, he said.
For India, Toyota sees significant potential in biofuels, flex-fuel powertrains, and strong hybrid vehicles, as they seamlessly integrate with existing electrification technologies. With Brazil serving as a pioneering model for biofuel adoption, India presents another strong opportunity to harness this alternative fuel source as part of the broader sustainability narrative, he noted.
Beyond fuel diversity, Toyota is also aligning its product strategy with evolving consumer preferences, particularly the growing demand for C-segment vehicles and SUVs. The company is poised to cater to this shift with a robust portfolio that integrates multiple propulsion technologies.
The BEV 832 prototype represents the OEM’s first foray into the mass-market electric vehicle segment, marking a significant milestone in its electrification journey. While key specifications are yet to be finalised, Dalvi emphasised that the model is being developed as a market-specific solution, designed to cater to the unique needs of Indian consumers.
Expanding Manufacturing Footprint With Green InitiativesTKM is gearing up for significant capacity expansion and sustainability-driven manufacturing advancements. The company is increasing production at its Bidadi facility by 100,000 units, bringing the total annual capacity to 432,000 units. This expansion aims to address the current waiting periods while ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Commitment To Green Manufacturing
TKM continues to integrate sustainability at the core of its operations. The Bidadi facility has made substantial progress towards becoming a green manufacturing hub by incorporating renewable energy and minimising landfill waste. Currently, 96% of the plant’s waste is recycled, aligning with the company’s global sustainability philosophy. Despite expanding capacity, TKM remains committed to self-reliance in utilities and reducing its environmental footprint, Dalvi reiterated.
Circular Economy Focus
TKM is also prioritising sustainability in vehicle design and material selection. The company follows a global directive to integrate recyclable and reusable materials into its production processes, ensuring compliance with future regulations rather than merely responding to them. This approach includes designing vehicle structures that facilitate refurbishment instead of complete scrapping, promoting a circular economy. These sustainability-driven practices are deeply ingrained in its engineering philosophy, ensuring long-term environmental responsibility, he explained.
Upcoming Greenfield Project
As part of its expansion strategy, TKM is developing a greenfield manufacturing plant in Maharashtra, covering approximately 825 acres. The project involves an estimated investment of INR 20,000 crore and is expected to generate around 8,000 jobs. While construction is set to begin in the next fiscal year, the plant’s production capacity is yet to be finalized, as TKM intends to adopt a cautious, phased expansion strategy.
Once operational, the Maharashtra facility will cater not only to the domestic market but also serve as an export hub for markets including the Middle East and Oceania. With India now a key player in a newly defined region—including the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, Oceania, and the Far East—the new plant's strategic location provides significant logistical advantages for international shipments.
TKM’s supplier strategy will focus on competitiveness, technology, and proximity to its manufacturing sites. While some existing suppliers may relocate to support the new facility, the company remains open to onboarding new partners based on cost efficiency and technological capabilities, he concluded.
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