On 4th of April 2012, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Ltd. (TKM) 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 Toyota Etios series left Ennore Port near Chennai to cater to the demands of the South African market. The cars exported to South Africa include both Toyota Etios Sedan and Toyota Etios Liva Hatchback small cars.
The export model of Etios are built on the same platform as Etios and Etios Liva, manufactured and sold in India. However, the export models are customized to suit the local requirements of South African markets. 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.
image – Toyota Etios Export Ceremony at Ennore Port near Chennai
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.”
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.”
Toyota India has also signed start Cricketer Virat Kohli as its brand ambassador recently to promote the Etios and Etios Liva among youth as Virat is quite popular among Indian youth and has big fan following in India because of his performance in Indian cricket team. Stay tuned to us for more updates by signing up for our free email newsletter and like our official Facebook Page.
