On October 16, 2023, in Visakhapatnam, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) made an official announcement about its involvement in the Eastern Naval Fleet Drive, known as ‘The Eastern Arc,’ organized by the Eastern Command of the Indian Navy. This fleet drive spans a period of 12 days, encompassing 17 cities and covering an extensive distance of approximately 6000 kilometers. The journey follows two distinct routes along the East Coast of India.
The ceremonial flag-off for this significant event took place at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, in the presence of distinguished guests, including Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Gurcharan Singh, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, and a representative from TKM, Mr. Atul Sood, Vice President of Sales and Strategic Marketing. In a spirit of supporting the noble endeavors of the Indian Navy, TKM has contributed a fleet of seven vehicles, including four Hilux and three Fortuner models, which will be utilized to navigate the challenging terrains and rugged off-road routes in various remote locations.
The Eastern Naval Fleet Drive, aptly named ‘The Eastern Arc,’ holds significant importance as it aligns with the Indian Navy’s outreach programs and activities aimed at engaging with the civilian population. It also serves as a unique opportunity to raise awareness about the various roles and responsibilities of the Indian Navy. TKM has provided a fleet of seven vehicles, including four Hilux and three Fortuner vehicles, specially prepared and equipped to endure the challenging terrains and distances. The Eastern Naval Fleet Drive will be conducted in two groups – the Northern group and the Southern group, each consisting of three and four cars, respectively. Both groups will commence their journey from Visakhapatnam and follow separate routes, with the Northern group embarking on this endeavor from Visakhapatnam to Kibithoo and the Southern group setting course from Visakhapatnam to Kanyakumari, creating memorable stopovers along the way, contributing positively to community development.
Toyota Hilux and Fortuner, known for their Quality, Durability, and Reliability (QDR) and unparalleled capabilities, have been chosen by the Indian Navy to tackle the diverse landscapes encountered during the fleet drive. The Hilux, with its ruggedness and powerful performance, exemplifies the unique product strengths. In contrast, the Fortuner is well-recognized for its premium driving comfort, powerful performance, and a perfect blend of sophistication and unmatched style, making it suitable for on-road and off-road travel. Together, they embody the values of endurance, performance, and resilience that are deeply ingrained in Toyota’s world-class vehicles.
In July 2023, TKM delivered a fleet of Toyota Hilux vehicles to the Indian Army, marking a significant milestone as the company’s first delivery to the military. Furthermore, in September 2023, Toyota showcased two modified Hilux vehicles, the Field Diagnosis Vehicle (FDV) and Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV), with the assistance of an authorized external vendor, at the North Tech Symposium organized by the Northern Command of the Indian Army. Additionally, another customized Hilux, known as the Forest Patrolling Vehicle (FPV), was displayed at East Tech 2023, during October 2023, organized by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army.
Commenting on the commencement of the Eastern Naval Fleet Drive of the Indian Navy, Mr. Atul Sood, Vice President of Sales and Strategic Marketing at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, expressed their honor in being a part of ‘The Eastern Arc.’ This event aligns with Toyota’s commitment to contributing to community development. The fleet drive serves as an exceptional platform to showcase the remarkable capabilities of their vehicles, the Hilux and Fortuner, and to support the Indian Navy’s mission of community engagement and raising awareness about career opportunities within its ranks.
TKM is driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, a commitment to quality, and a passion for innovation, values that are reflected in every vehicle they produce. These values have made Toyota one of the most trusted and respected automotive brands globally. As their vehicles embark on this significant journey, traversing diverse terrains, covering extensive distances, and conquering challenging conditions with ease, they are confident in creating an unforgettable experience.
TKM’s association with the Indian Navy through this fleet drive demonstrates their commitment to exceeding expectations by not only providing high-quality products but also by dedicating themselves to fostering community engagement and supporting endeavors that benefit society. Together, they echo the sentiment, “No land is too far, and no beach is too hard,” as they embark on this remarkable journey, united in their commitment to the nation and its people.