Maharashtra: Toyota Kirloskar Motor has announced plans to establish a new vehicle manufacturing facility in Maharashtra, significantly expanding its production presence in India.
The upcoming manufacturing plant will be set up in the Bidkin Industrial Area and is expected to commence operations during the first half of 2029. The facility will initially have an annual production capacity of 1 lakh vehicles.
The company said the new investment forms part of its long-term strategy to strengthen competitiveness, improve manufacturing flexibility, and respond more effectively to evolving customer demand in India and neighbouring export markets.
New SUV to be first product
Toyota confirmed that the first model to roll out from the Maharashtra plant will be an all-new SUV.
Although the company has not officially revealed the model name, industry reports suggest the vehicle is likely to be the highly anticipated Land Cruiser FJ, a compact off-roader expected to be positioned below the Fortuner in Toyota’s global SUV lineup.
The new SUV is expected to target both domestic and international markets, with the Maharashtra facility also functioning as an export hub for neighbouring countries.
The development is seen as part of Toyota’s broader strategy to expand its SUV portfolio in India amid growing demand for utility vehicles.
Plant to create jobs and boost production
According to Toyota, the new facility will include:
- Stamping operations
- Welding units
- Paint shop
- Vehicle assembly lines
The company stated that the project is expected to generate around 2,800 jobs during the initial phase of operations.
The investment is also likely to contribute to industrial growth in the Bidkin Industrial Area and strengthen Maharashtra’s position as a major automobile manufacturing destination.
Toyota strengthens India manufacturing footprint
Toyota currently operates two manufacturing facilities at Bidadi in Karnataka with a combined annual production capacity of around 3.4 lakh vehicles.
The company’s first plant, operational since 1999, manufactures:
- Toyota Innova Hycross
- Toyota Innova Crysta
- Toyota Fortuner
- Toyota Legender
The second facility, which began operations in 2010, produces:
- Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
- Toyota Hilux
- Toyota Camry
Meanwhile, premium models such as the Toyota Vellfire and Toyota Land Cruiser 300 are imported into India as completely built units (CBUs).
Aggressive product expansion planned
Toyota’s latest expansion comes at a time when the company is rapidly strengthening its product portfolio in the Indian market.
Over the next few years, Toyota is expected to launch several new vehicles including:
- A more affordable version of the Innova Hycross
- A new electric MPV
- Corolla Cross SUV
- Next-generation Fortuner
Industry experts believe the new Maharashtra facility will help Toyota meet rising domestic demand while also improving export capabilities from India.
India emerging as key manufacturing hub
Automobile manufacturers have increasingly been investing in India to leverage the country’s growing market size, skilled workforce, and export potential.
Toyota’s decision to establish a third manufacturing facility highlights India’s importance in the company’s long-term global strategy.
The upcoming Bidkin plant is also expected to support the broader “Make in India” initiative by boosting employment, localisation, and industrial infrastructure in the region.