Posted on December 19 2025
Bangalore, 19th December 2025: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) successfully hosted the National Automobile Olympiad (NAO) from December 17 to 19, 2025, at its plant in Bidadi, Karnataka. The initiative is a collaboration between the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) and the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI), in alignment with the Skill India mission. The event witnessed participation from 188 students from Classes VI to XII across India and the UAE, shortlisted from an initial pool of over 1,36,000 students representing 970 schools across both countries.
The NAO 2025, one of the largest automotive skill development initiatives for school students globally, was inaugurated by esteemed Chief Guests Mr. Vinkesh Gulati, Chairperson- Automotive Skills Development Council and Dr. Biswajeet Saha, Director, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), setting the stage for an immersive automotive learning experience for participants. The event included industry masterclasses, two rounds of competitions that tested participants’ understanding of automotive systems, robotics, welding precision, technical problem-solving, future mobility concepts and hands-on training sessions led by industry experts.
The event culminated with a grand finale and winner announcement, celebrating the champions across different grades.
From the selected participants, the top 188 performing students, approximately 150 parents and teachers, received a complete TKM experience, including plant visits, exposure to the renowned TTTI, Gurukul facility walkthrough, network-building opportunities with industry professionals, and driving experiences of Toyota vehicles at the test track.
Appreciating TKM’s initiative, Mr. Vinkesh Gulati, Chairperson- Automotive Skills Development Council said “The National Automobile Olympiad reflects our commitment to nurturing young talent and motivating Gen Z to view the automotive sector as a meaningful and future-ready career path. We are grateful to TKM for providing a world-class platform and an immersive learning experience for young participants. This collaboration strengthens the foundation of India’s automotive workforce. The enthusiasm, curiosity and talent demonstrated by the students have been truly inspiring”.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. G. Shankara, Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said “We are committed to inspiring and nurturing the next generation of automotive talent in India. NAO 2025 is a platform to ignite passion for automotive excellence among some of the brightest young minds to learn, innovate, and shape the future of mobility. Through this initiative, we aim to provide students with experiential knowledge and world-class exposure, while contributing to the Government of India’s Skill India mission.”
Guided by the vision "Grow India and Grow with India" and the mission "Producing Happiness for All," TKM has focused on developing people and creating shared values for the community through holistic learning and skilling initiatives since its start of operations in 1999. The NAO featured a unique hybrid format combining knowledge sharing, experiential learning modules and hands-on kit competitions. Students gained exposure to Hybrid technology, cutting-edge technologies, including data science and Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) applications in the automotive sector, preparing them for future-ready careers in the industry.
Toyota’s Skilling Initiatives
Under the Toyota India Centre of Excellence, TKM has built an integrated framework for human resource development that operates at three levels. At the elementary level, it instils discipline, responsibility, and good citizenship among school students through value-based education. This is followed by the development of world-class technicians through the renowned Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) model, which blends classroom instruction with hands-on learning. The framework then culminates in advanced leadership and new-age skill development, preparing Auto-IT technicians and engineers in collaboration with universities to meet evolving industry requirements.
About Toyota Kirloskar Motor
Established in 1997, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. (TKM) is committed to producing world-class automobiles and fostering human capability in India. Guided by its vision “Grow India and Grow with India,” TKM integrates industrial excellence with social responsibility through initiatives in education, environment, skill development, and community welfare
Overview of TKM
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Equity participation |
Toyota Motor Corporation (Japan) : 89%, Kirloskar Systems Limited (India) : 11% |
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Number of employees |
6,466 |
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Land area |
Approx. 432 acres (approx.1,700,000 m2) |
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Building area |
74,000 m2 |
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Total Installed Production capacity |
Up to 3,42,000 units |
Overview of TKM 1st Plant:
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Established |
October 1997 (start of production: December 1999) |
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Location |
Bidadi |
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Products |
Innova HyCross, Innova Crysta , Fortuner, Legender manufactured in India. |
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Installed Production capacity |
Up to 1,32,000 units |
Overview of TKM 2nd Plant:
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Start of Production |
December 2010 |
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Location |
On the site of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited, Bidadi |
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Products |
Camry Hybrid, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Hilux |
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Installed Production capacity |
Up to 2,10,000 units |
*Other Toyota Models: Glanza, Rumion, Urban Cruiser Taisor
**Imported as CBU: Vellfire, LC 300
For Any Further Queries, Please Contact:
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Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. |
Lewis Value 360 |
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Swathi Rajagopal |
Anusha Banerjee |