Toyota to Establish New R&D Facility in India by 2027

Toyota plans to set up a new R&D facility in India by 2027, creating 2,000 jobs initially and an additional 3,000 engineers over two years. Located in Bengaluru, the center will focus on both the Indian market and global needs, establishing India as a potential hub for Toyota’s R&D. Toyota will also analyze Suzuki’s R&D operations to enhance their collaboration and electric vehicle development.

Toyota has made a significant commitment to the Indian automotive sector by announcing plans to establish a new Research and Development (R&D) facility in India, projected to commence operations by 2027. This facility will be developed through its Indian subsidiary, which has been active for over twenty-five years. The upcoming R&D center will be located in Bengaluru, adjacent to Toyota’s manufacturing site in Bidadi, according to a report by Bloomberg.

This new R&D facility will mark Toyota’s third in the Asia-Pacific region, following its establishments in Thailand and China. The center is expected to create 2,000 jobs initially and expand operations by employing an additional 3,000 engineers over the next two years. The center will primarily address the Indian market’s demands before shifting its focus to the global automotive landscape, potentially positioning India as a global hub for Toyota’s R&D and manufacturing activities.

Moreover, the R&D center will also play a crucial role in developing automotive models tailored for various regions, including the Middle East, East Asia, and Oceania. Toyota is keen on studying the R&D operations of Suzuki, particularly at its center in Rohtak, which is one of the largest automotive engineering centers in India, employing around 3,000 individuals.

The collaboration between Toyota and Suzuki has been fruitful, with the two companies sharing platforms and components, resulting in the development of several jointly spearheaded models. Toyota previously considered launching an R&D facility in India back in 2010 but is now reinforcing its partnership with Suzuki to advance both R&D initiatives and product development.

Additionally, Toyota’s investment aligns with its strategy to develop electric vehicles in India, as it holds a 5.4 percent stake in Suzuki. Upcoming initiatives will see Maruti Suzuki launch the e Vitara, its first electric vehicle in India, while Toyota has already showcased its version, the Urban Cruiser EV, set to be manufactured at Suzuki’s Gujarat plant and to be exported globally.

In conclusion, Toyota’s establishment of a new R&D facility in India exemplifies its commitment to enhancing its operational footprint in the Indian automotive market. By creating thousands of jobs and focusing on both local and global automotive needs, the initiative reflects the strategic importance of India in Toyota’s future plans. The collaboration with Suzuki further strengthens this endeavor, particularly in the realm of electric vehicle development.

Original Source: www.financialexpress.com