Toyota Ramps Up Production To 210000 Units

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM)announced the ramp up of its annual production capacity to 2, 10,000 units.

In line with TKM’s increasing annual production capacity and in order to cater to the increase in demand for the Innova , Fortuner,Corolla Altis and the Etios , the company will ramp up production to 2,10,000 units.

The company recently announced its plans for the introduction of second shift production in April , reduction in takt time (production time per vehicle), production enhancement and postponement of the launch of hatchback Etios Liva from April to June 2011 - all reflecting the active measures taken to reduce the waiting period for the Etios.

Furthering these measures, the annual production capacity of the first plant currently manufacturing the Innova, Corolla Altis and Fortuner, will be increased from 80,000 units to 90,000 units in the third quarter of 2011. The second plant currently manufactures the Etios. To cater to the increasing demand for Etios and with a view to reduce the waiting period, the annual production capacity for the second plant will be raised from 70,000 to 1,20,000 units . The expansion will be carried out in a phased manner starting in July 2011, extending into the second quarter of 2012. The 1,20,000 units will also include 20,000 units of the Corolla Altis, shifted from the first plant to the second plant in the first half of 2012.

Commenting on the expansion . Hiroshi Nakagawa, Managing Director, TKM said “The demand for the Innova and Fortuner has persistently grown in the recent months and consequently the waiting period. The huge demand for the Etios has further provided momentum to expand our production capacity. We will enhance our production capacity to cater to our customers growing demand.”

Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director, Marketing, TKM further added “We recently announced our plans to bring down the waiting period for the Etios, which included enhancing production and deferring the launch of the hatchback Etios Liva.This production expansion will further our aim to bring down the waiting period.”