Toyota plans to set up a new R&D facility in Bengaluru, India, by 2027, creating 2,000 jobs and expanding with 3,000 additional engineers. This center will initially focus on local market needs before addressing the global automotive sector, potentially turning India into a key hub for Toyota. The initiative also strengthens Toyota’s existing partnership with Suzuki, particularly in electric vehicle development.
Toyota Motor Corporation is poised to enhance the Indian automotive landscape by establishing a new Research and Development (R&D) facility by 2027. This initiative will be carried out through its Indian subsidiary, which has been operational for over twenty-five years. The facility is set to be located in Bengaluru, adjacent to Toyota’s manufacturing site in Bidadi, according to a report by Bloomberg.
The new R&D center marks Toyota’s third unit in the Asia-Pacific region, following those in Thailand and China. It is expected to create 2,000 jobs immediately and expand further to include an additional 3,000 engineers within two years. Initially focused on the Indian market’s demands, the center aims to evolve into a hub addressing the global automotive sector.
The facility will develop automotive models catered to various regions, including the Middle East, East Asia, and Oceania, indicating an ambitious strategy to position India as a critical hub for Toyota’s R&D and manufacturing operations.
In addition to this development, Toyota plans to evaluate Suzuki’s R&D operations at its center in Rohtak, which is one of India’s largest automotive engineering facilities employing around 3,000 individuals. Toyota and Suzuki have established a significant partnership sharing platforms and components, resulting in joint models like the Toyota Urban Cruiser HyRyder and the Maruti Grand Vitara.
Toyota revisited its interest in an Indian R&D center after an initial consideration in 2010, aiming to amplify its collaboration with Suzuki for comprehensive R&D and product development. Furthermore, Toyota holds a 5.4 percent equity stake in Suzuki and seeks to leverage this partnership, especially in creating electric vehicles for the Indian market.
With Maruti Suzuki set to launch the e Vitara, its first electric vehicle in India, in the coming weeks, Toyota has introduced its version, the Urban Cruiser EV, which was unveiled last year. Both vehicles will be manufactured at Suzuki’s plant in Gujarat and are destined for export to various international markets.
Toyota’s establishment of a new R&D facility in India by 2027 is a strategic move to bolster its presence in the automotive sector, promising job creation and market expansion. This initiative aligns with its ongoing collaboration with Suzuki, aiming to enhance product development, especially in electric vehicles. As India evolves into a hub for Toyota’s R&D, the collaboration signals a significant shift for both companies in addressing diverse automotive markets globally.
Original Source: www.financialexpress.com
