In a significant move for the Indian automotive sector, Toyota, in partnership with the Kirloskar Group, is set to establish its first research and development (R&D) facility in India by 2027. This decision marks a pivotal moment as Toyota has been actively engaged in the Indian market for over 25 years. The new R&D center will focus on various aspects of vehicle development, underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation in the automotive industry.
According to reports from Bloomberg, the R&D facility will be strategically located near Toyota’s manufacturing plant in Bidadi, Bengaluru. Expected to be completed by 2027, this center will become Toyota’s third R&D hub in the Asia-Pacific region, following similar establishments in Thailand and China. The center will initially employ around 2,000 personnel, with an additional 1,000 engineers being recruited over the next two years.
The primary aim of this R&D center is to cater to the specific demands of the Indian market. However, it will also keep a global perspective, focusing on the overall requirements of the international automotive sector. This initiative could position India as a global hub for Toyota’s research, development, and production activities. In the future, the facility may also expand its focus to include vehicle manufacturing for various regions, such as the Middle East, East Asia, and Oceania.
Notably, Toyota seems to be following in the footsteps of Suzuki in this endeavor. Suzuki operates one of the largest automotive engineering centers in India, located in Rohtak. Moreover, there is a deep partnership between Toyota and Suzuki, with both companies having collaborated on multiple vehicle models. Some of their joint projects include the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Innova Hycross, and Maruti Invicto.
This strategic establishment of an R&D facility not only signifies Toyota’s commitment to the Indian market but also promises to create approximately 3,000 jobs, contributing to the local economy. With the automotive industry rapidly evolving, this development is expected to enhance Toyota’s competitive edge and foster innovative solutions tailored to meet both local and global automotive challenges.
