Toyota is set to establish its first research and development (R&D) center in India, a strategic move aiming to boost sales in the world’s third-largest automotive market.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor, the company’s local production subsidiary, plans to construct the R&D facility near its Bidadi assembly plant in Bengaluru, southern India. The center is scheduled to commence operations in 2026, employing around 200 people with plans to expand to a workforce of up to 1,000 engineers.
This new facility will be Toyota’s third R&D hub in the Asia-Pacific region, following similar centers in China and Thailand.
In recent years, India has become an increasingly important export and production base for Toyota, with top-selling models in the market, including the Innova Hycross, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Hilux pickup trucks. In 2023, Toyota reported a 35% year-over-year increase in sales in India, totaling 300,212 units. Production also saw a significant boost, rising 18% to 388,582 units.
