Toyota unveils plans for a new manufacturing facility in India, marking its third plant in the country

22 Nov, 2023

Toyota unveils plans for a new manufacturing facility in India, marking its third plant in the country

Toyota and the Karnataka government have formalized plans for a third manufacturing plant in India, located in Bidadi near Bangalore. With an investment of approximately Rs 3,300 crores, this facility aims to increase production capacity by 1 lakh units per annum, generating around 2,000 new jobs. Toyota's existing Bidadi plants collectively produce around 4 lakh units per year, and the new plant, scheduled for operation by 2026, is set to boost overall production by 30%. This expansion coincides with Toyota celebrating 25 years in the Indian market.

The upcoming plant will serve as the primary production hub for an anticipated three-row SUV, known as the 340D, a lengthened version of the Corolla Cross. Toyota aims to manufacture 60,000 units annually, targeting a launch around 2026. The India-specific Corolla Cross-based SUV will leverage Toyota's TNGA-C platform, shared with the Innova Hycross. The global Corolla Cross has a 2,640mm wheelbase, but the India variant is expected to gain approximately 150mm, accommodating a third row of seats.

Details on the SUV's design are limited, but Toyota may introduce distinctions from the Corolla Cross, such as a new front end with updated features like a plastic bumper, grille, and headlights, along with a redesigned rear end. The 340D SUV is not exclusive to India and is likely to be exported to other markets, with the potential for a Maruti derivative.

Looking ahead, Toyota presented the IMV 0 ladder-frame platform at the Japan Mobility Show, a cost-effective version of the IMV platform supporting models like the Innova Crysta and Fortuner. This platform is earmarked for India, offering more budget-friendly alternatives for vehicles like the Hilux pickup truck and Fortuner SUV. The production plant for these models remains to be determined.