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Scheduled to begin operations in the first half of 2029, the upcoming Toyota factory in Maharashtra will pave the way for an entirely new SUV
Toyota Kirloskar Motor has taken a significant step towards expanding its manufacturing footprint in India with the announcement of a new production facility in Maharashtra last month. Scheduled to begin operations in the first half of 2029, the factory will pave the way for an entirely new SUV specifically developed for domestic and export requirements.
The upcoming facility will be located at the rapidly developing Bidkin Industrial Area and will become Toyota’s third manufacturing base in India after its established operations in Karnataka. It will be capable of producing up to one lakh vehicles annually during its initial phase while generating thousands of direct employment opportunities.
While Toyota confirmed that a new SUV will roll out of this facility, its identity is yet unknown. What kind of SUV would justify a new production line nearly four years from now? Considering Toyota’s existing lineup already covers compact crossovers, midsize SUVs, MPVs and premium models, the forthcoming model could target a gap that currently remains unoccupied.
One possibility is the much-discussed seven-seat Corolla Cross derivative which is expected to emerge later this decade. The three-row monocoque SUV derived from Toyota’s global architecture could potentially challenge products such as the Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari and Hyundai Alcazar while also serving export markets. Another candidate is the Land Cruiser FJ – a lifestyle off-roader that has generated considerable attention.
Previewed through multiple concept studies, the compact off-roader sits below the Land Cruiser Prado while retaining genuine body-on-frame credentials as it is based on the IMV ladder-frame architecture. It could become a premium alternative to the Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha and could sit slightly below the Fortuner full-size SUV.
It must be noted that a three-row Urban Cruiser Hyryder has long been speculated while a people-mover based on the upcoming Maruti Suzuki YMC electric MPV is also on the rumor mill but both may not be destined for the Maharashtra plant. In recent years, Toyota has been reaping benefits of its popular Innova and Fortuner nameplates along with its hybrid technology while some of the badge engineered Maruti Suzuki models are also performing well.
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