Toyota’s Indian automotive component arm, Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts (TKAP) will supply manual transmissions for the company’s ambitious IMV (Innovative Multi-purpose Vehicle) programme.
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TKAP has been integrated into the program as the global supplier of R-type manual transmission designed for IMV platform application. Exports will commence this year to assembly plants in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, South Africa and Argentina.
India is also being evaluated as the global supplier of forged parts, sub-assemblies and metal components. Software and back end processes may also be sourced from Toyota’s Indian operations.
TKAP is a joint venture with Toyota Motor Corporation holding a 64% stake, Toyota Industries 26% and the Kirloskar group a minor stake of 10%.
Thailand will be the major buyer from TKAP, where IMV platform based pick-ups and MPVs will be manufactured for export to more than 80 nations. Argentina will supply vehicles to South America while South Africa will supply Europe and Africa.
Both facilities will be supplied with key components from Asia. The programme will begin this year with completed vehicles due in the second half.
Toyota takes production efficiencies a step further with its new internationally coordinated production system for the IMV project.
The company has designated manufacturing plants in Asia, South Africa and Argentina as supply bases for the IMV platform derived pick-up trucks, multi-purpose vehicles, their engine, transmissions and parts to be sold in developing markets across the world.
This will streamline production and production capacities and enhance cost efficiency using each plant as a centre of excellence for a specific part or process. They will complement each other’s requirements with products decided by the price and quality competitiveness of the plant and location.
Deepesh Rathore / Tilak Swarup
