(Toyota’s Iconic Hilux tosupport the first-ever Dirt Bike Racing League in India)
Bangalore, 3June 2023: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is proud to announce its association as the official vehicle partner for the upcoming Indian Supercross Racing League, world’s first-of-its-kind franchise-based supercross racing league, in the country.The Supercross is a variant of motocross that involves off-road motorcycle racing on a constructed dirt track consisting of steep jumps and obstacles. This league will feature renowned riders from both India as well as global motorsport arena, promising to deliver phenomenaldirt bike racing of international calibre. For this year, athree-round seasonis being planned to be held across different cities in India.The Toyota Hilux being equipped with the 4×4 drive capabilities is a perfect partner, like none other, to support supercross league towards creating extraordinary experiences for the viewers and serve the needs of teams and officials during the league.
Being theofficial vehicle partner of the event, the iconic Toyota Hilux will provideon-groundoperational supportto Indian Supercross Racing League in conductingdirt bike race.The Hilux known for its true 4×4 capabilities will facilitate the transport of motocross dirt bikes into the event venues as well as usage byteams and officials during the event. This Supercross Racing Leagueinvolves different customised dirtbikes,covering Indian as well as renowned internationalbrands. The legendary Hiluxwill be showcased at four strategic locations across the event areas, including the pit area, the centre of the stadium and the podium/stage.
Globally, Toyota has a strong history in motorsports, dates back more than 60 years, associating and competing in various prominent motorsport events such as the World Rally Championship, Dakar Rally, World Endurance Championship and so forth. Toyota’s motorsport divisions namely Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) have a legacy in racing that has led to expanded knowledge and the development of ever-better cars over the years. Toyota strongly believes that ‘everyone has a racer inside and being part of the team means playing a role in building something greater and making history together’.
To elaborate, the first TGR activity, namely the ‘5 Continents Drive’ was held in India in 2019. Furthermore, in the year 2020, the GR Supra GT Cup e-motorsport was announced in India, indulging avid gamers and motorsport-lovers in the digital realm, bringing in a lot of fun-drive and thrill.
Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Atul Sood, Vice President of Sales and Strategic Marketing – Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “We are thrilled to associate as the official vehicle partner for the world’s first-of-its-kind franchise-based Indian Supercross Racing League. The remarkable dirt bike racing event provides us a unique opportunity to extend necessary supporttowards the movement of specialised dirt bikes with Toyota Hilux, which is renowned for its off-roading capabilities. In addition, we will be showcasing the unmatched performance of Hilux via a special act during this league.Needless to mention, our association with motorsports globally has been longstanding, and we are excited to supportthe Indian Supercross Racing League in India, to conduct their dirt bike race.
As Toyota’s product offering, Hilux aims to fulfil the needs of customers seeking an awesome lifestyle utility vehicle that is best suited, not only for off-roading adventure drives on tough terrains, but also for everyday city use. Furthermore, this versatile vehicle is perfectly suited for multi-purpose usages that can cater to new emerging business customers be it campervan, farming, defence, mining, construction, rescue van, etc.”, he added.
Given the rising trend of discerning millennials, leaning towards owning 4×4 SUVs, the Toyota Hilux has received good customer response by gaining enormous appreciation for its great styling and driving comfort. In addition to variety of remarkable features coupled with a robust engine, the Hilux also offers exceptional endurance, low maintenance cost, and great practicality for a variety of usage purposes. Toyota Hilux will continue to set new standards by creating new experiences and enhance the lifestyle of the customers to ‘Live a Fuller Life’.
Sharing his views about the official vehicle partnership with Toyota, Mr. Eeshan Lokhande, Co-founder of Indian Supercross Racing League, said,“We are delighted to have Toyota Kirloskar Motor on board as our official vehicle partner for the Indian Supercross Racing League. Toyota’s Hilux with its rugged capabilities and reliability is a perfect accompaniment for our racing event to enable the movement of our dirt bikes to the race arena. We are confident of delivering a world-class racing experience to our audience and racers. We look forward to a successful partnership and an exhilarating season ahead.”
Recently, in India, Toyota announced their foray into 4X4 X-pedition, designed to connect with the 4×4 enthusiast and provide opportunities to unleash the true potential of their 4×4 SUVs. The first zonal drive took place in Southern region of India covering Bangalore-Hassan-Sakleshpur, creating an unforgettable journey for the 4×4 community. In this direction, TKM’s association with Supercross League is an integral part of Toyota’s enhanced motorsport activities in India.
Overview of TKM
Equity participation Toyota Motor Corporation (Japan): 89%, Kirloskar Systems Limited (India): 11%
Number of employees Approx. 6,000
Land area Approx. 432 acres (approx.1,700,000 m2)
Building area 74,000 m2
Total Installed Production capacity Up to 3,10,000 units
Overview of TKM 1st Plant:
Established October 1997 (start of production: December 1999)
Location Bidadi
Products Innova HyCross, Innova Crysta , Fortuner manufactured in India.
Installed Production capacity Up to 1,00,000 units
Overview of TKM 2nd Plant:
Start of Production December 2010
Location On the site of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited, Bidadi
Products Toyota Camry Hybrid, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Hilux
Installed Production capacity Up to 2,10,000 units
