Released on July 27, 2011

Toyota Motor Corp., Toyota City, Japan, announced it plans to install aluminum casting and machining lines at its auto parts manufacturing joint venture Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts Pvt Ltd, Bidadi, India.

The lines, expected to be operational by early 2014, are to be installed at the Indian division’s new engine plant, which is scheduled to start operations in the Fall of 2012. The installation will require an additional investment of approximately $185 million, as well as the hiring of new employees.

The India-based manufacturing facility produces manual transmissions for IMV2 series vehicles produced in India, Thailand and Argentina. In addition to engines, TKAP is scheduled to start producing transmissions in early 2013. Exports of the transmissions are also planned.

According to a press release, Toyota intends to add the casting and machining capacity in response to higher demand than expected for several models: the Innova, the Fortuner and the made-for-India Etios sedan and Etios Liva hatchback.