Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), manufacturer of Innova , Fortuner, Corolla Altis and the recently launched Etios, today announced the ramp up of its annual production capacity to 2.1 lakh 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 these measures are expected to reduce the waiting period for the Etios.
Besides this, 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 capacity of the second plant, which currently manufactures the Etios, will also be raised from 70,000 to 1.2 lakh units in order to cater to an increased demand for Etios.
The expansion will be carried out in a phased manner, starting July 2011, extending into the second quarter of 2012. The 1.2 lakh 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, MD, 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 MD- 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.”
