Toyota Kirloskar Motor in talks with parent to increase exports

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) plans to enhance exports for which it is in discussion with parent Toyota Motor Corporation for support in exploring new global markets for its Etios series. The company, which is a joint venture between the Japanese auto major and Kirloskar group, is looking for better capacity utilisation from its second manufacturing plant in Bengaluru. Currently, TKM exports Etios sedan and hatchback Etios Liva only to South Africa. Last year, the shipments stood at about 50,000 units. “We are now seeking support from the headquarters to expand export market of the Etios beyond South Africa in other right hand drive markets,” TKM Director and Senior Vice- President, Sales and Marketing, N Raja said. The plan, however, is at an early stage and there is a long way to go before the company can look at adding new export markets, he added.