Kolkata,
March 3, 2012: Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. (TKM) today unveiled
the concept cars of its upcoming Etios Motor Racing (EMR) Trophy along
with exciting motorsport activities in Topsel Toyota, Kolkata. This new
venture is in line with its global philosophy of introducing ‘WAKU
DOKI’, which in Japanese means ‘excitement, joy and fun.’
Commenting on Toyota’s entry into motorsport in India, Mr.
Hitoshi Fukui, Managing Coordinator-Marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor,
said “Globally, Toyota aims to continually renovate itself for sustainable
growth of the brand. And here in India, we have decided to start motorsports
to reiterate our commitment to our customers and to provide an opportunity
of ‘WAKU DOKI’ through our brand. We are also glad as our
global racing partners, Toyota Racing Development have joined us in this
endeavor”.
Showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo 2012 earlier this year, the new sporty
avatar of the Etios will re-emphasize Toyota’s efforts to reach
out to the younger target group through the Etios Brand, and more importantly
take motorsports closer to its customers and the youth of the country.
The EMR concept cars will be touring 14 cities and 24 TKM dealerships
across the country, for around four months.
Apart from the EMR concept cars on display, there was a host of motorsport
based activities for all age groups visiting the dealership. Relevantly
themed games like racing simulators and remote controlled cars on race
tracks were installed to enthrall motorsport enthusiasts. Children who
accompanied their parents were given a crash course in basic automobile
technology in a zone called the ‘Children’s Automotive Learning
Area’, apart from other fun contests and activities.
This year will be dedicated to popularizing the EMR brand. Apart from
the dealership activations, there will be exhibition races, roadshows
and a whole lot of activities lined up before the actual races start next
year.
About Etios Motor Racing (EMR)
Continuing the Company’s global legacy of motorsports, the EMR tourney
will be supported by one of the most accomplished and acclaimed companies
in motorsport history – TRD (Toyota Racing Development),
the corporate brands from the Toyota affiliate, Toyota Technocraft Co.
Ltd.
The EMR Trophy series that is slated to be held in 2013 will be based
on a one-make racing championship platform. The cars will be FIA qualified
with racing parts supplied by TRD, and their technical expertise will
be utilized throughout the series. Toyota will also partner and work closely
with Indian motorsport experts such as Red Rooster Racing (International)
Pvt., Ltd. based in Bangalore to better understand the needs of the sport
and work towards popularizing it.
The Etios racing platform will help talented young racers develop their
skills, and further train them to gain a competitive edge for their future
in motorsports. They will be mentored by experts in the field, and will
be given an opportunity to compete among the best in the country. This
series will not only highlight the technological prowess of the manufacturer,
but also the endurance levels of the Etios and the ‘fun to drive’
aspect of the vehicle.
Driver Selection
1. Online application were open for over a month and the response was
a record number, 3130 registrations
2. Rigorous EMR camps will be conducted between March and June, 2012 to
shortlist the drivers and arrive at the final driver line-up
The selected applicants will go through simulator evaluation rounds and
go-kart selection rounds to begin with, and then graduate to driving the
Etios Motor Racing cars along with in-depth lectures as part of the training
process. All the training will be conducted by professional drivers and
instructors from Toyota and local racing experts. The study material will
be a combination of what is used in Japan and what is required by FMSCI
to ensure the drivers are trained to international standards.
Mr. R K Ramesh, General Manager, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said,
“We introduced Etios Motor Racing in India earlier this year as
our effort to enhance Etios brand values such as fun, passion, youthfulness
and advanced technology. We are therefore very happy with the response
received for the EMR driver selection programme, and will train these
young racing aspirants from India, molding them into world-class motorsport
champions.”
Overview of TKM
| Company name |
Toyota Kirloskar Motor
Private Limited |
| Managing
Director |
Hiroshi
Nakagawa |
| Equity
participation |
TMC: 89%, Kirloskar
Group: 11% |
| Number
of employees |
Approx. 6,000 + |
| Land
area |
Aprox. 432 acres (approx.1,700,000
m2) |
| Building
area |
74,000 m2 |
Overview of TKM 1st Plant
| Established |
October
1997 (start of production: December 1999) |
| Location |
Suburb of Bangalore,
Karnataka State |
| Products |
Innova, Fortuner manufactured
in India.
Camry, Prado, Land Cruiser and Prius imported as CBUs. |
| Annual
production capacity |
Approx. 90,000 units |
Overview of TKM 2nd Plant:
| Location |
On the site
of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited (on the outskirts of Bangalore,
Karnataka State) |
| Products |
Corolla Altis, Etios,
Etios Liva (Petrol & Diesel) |
| Start
of production |
December 2010 |
| Annual
production capacity |
1,20,000 units |
For any further information please contact:
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