Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Ltd. (TKM) today announced the start of exports of its ‘World First, India First’- Toyota Etios Series to South Africa. The first consignment of 247 units of the Etios series left Ennore Port near Chennai today to cater to the demands of the South African market.
Present for the celebrations of the first ever Export Ceremony at Ennore Port were Mr. Vikram Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa, Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Mr. Vicente Socco, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Asia Pacific (TMAP), Mr. Takashi Sakai, Executive Vice President, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) and other important governmental officials and dignitaries from Toyota.
Commenting on the accomplishment, Mr. Vikram Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, TKM, said, “It is a very proud moment for all of us in Toyota Kirloskar Motor as we flag off the first ever Etios export consignment to South Africa. As we begin a new chapter of business with the start of the exports, I would like to express my gratitude to all our employees, our partners and suppliers for their efforts which has made it possible to achieve this milestone.”
Present at the occasion, Mr. Vicente Socco, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Asia Pacific commented, “The start of the export operations at TKM denotes the growing role of TKM in Toyota’s global operations. India has always been a very important market for us and it is further reiterated with the advent of the Etios export to South Africa. TKM’s foray into the export market promises a lot of growth for the company.”
Also speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa, Managing Director, TKM said, “Toyota Kirloskar Motor has a come a long way since its inception in India and with the advent of the export of the Etios, we have been successful in completing our vision of making Toyota India operations a strategic hub for both the domestic and global market. Exporting the Etios to South Africa would also mean showcasing the advanced technology and superior quality features that have been developed by Toyota for Etios. We are convinced that the Etios will be successful in delivering Toyota’s promise of quality in South Africa too”.
The export model of Etios will be built on the same platform as Etios and Etios Liva, manufactured and sold in India. However, the export model will be customized to suit the local requirements. The company will export only the petrol variants of the Etios and the Liva. The Etios is currently manufactured in TKM’s second plant located in Bidadi industrial area on the outskirts of Bangalore. The export model will also be manufactured in the same plant.
Also present at the ceremony in Ennore Port were Mr. R. Ashoka, Honorable Minister for Home and Transport, Govt. of Karnataka, Mr. Murugesh R. Nirani, Honorable Minister of Industries, Govt. of Karnataka, Mr. S. Velumani, CMD, Ennore Port, Mr. Ambuj Sharma, Joint Secretary, Dept of Heavy Industries and His Excellency Mr. Masanori Nakano, Consulate General of Japan in Chennai amongst other dignitaries from Toyota Kirloskar Motor and the Government.