New Delhi: Reinforcing its commitment to Make-in-India and aimed at further strengthening India’s role as a strategic automotive manufacturing hub, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has renewed its Wharfage Rate Agreement with Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL).
The renewed agreement was formalized by senior leadership from both entities at the Kamarajar Port, in the presence of key stakeholders from the shipping and automotive ecosystem.
The agreement marks a significant step in strengthening TKM’s global supply chain and ensuring the continued smooth export of Completely Built Units (CBUs) through KPL — the company’s primary export gateway since 2012. This renewal further reflects TKM’s focus on operational efficiency, strategic partnerships, and advancing India’s role in global automotive manufacturing and trade.
Highlighting the Strategic Collaboration
Since the commencement of exports in April 2012, TKM has been utilizing Kamarajar Port as its core logistics hub for international dispatches. Starting with the export of 247 units of the Toyota Etios series to South Africa, the company has steadily expanded its global reach with the support of KPL’s robust port infrastructure. Over the years, this collaboration has enabled TKM to deliver high-quality vehicles to a growing number of international markets.
Currently, TKM exports its Urban Cruiser Hyryder to 22 countries, including key markets such as South Africa, UAE, France, Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Till date, over 180,000 CBUs have been shipped via KPL, underscoring the operational efficiency and trust built over the years.
Speaking on the occasion, Yoshinori Noritake, EVP & Chief Technical Officer Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor stated, “Renewing the decade-long agreement with Kamarajar Port enables us to continue serving global markets from Indian soil with products of global quality. Over the years, KPL has become an integral part of our export operations and a trusted partner in our pursuit of manufacturing excellence and global supply chain efficiency. Their support remains critical to our long-term ambitions aligned with the Government of India’s vision of making the country a global automotive export hub. We are optimistic that this continued partnership will drive greater innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in our outbound logistics strategy.”
Shri. Sunil Paliwal, IAS – Chairman, KPL & Chennai port Authority, said, “Toyota Kirloskar Motor has been one of our earliest and most consistent automotive partners, and we take pride in contributing to their global success from the Indian coastline. This long-standing association reflects our shared commitment to scaling new horizons in automotive exports. At KPL, our focus has always been on providing best-in-class infrastructure, reliable service, and customized solutions for our port users.
TKM’s growing export volumes are a testimony to this. As India’s manufacturing sector expands and global automotive demand evolves, we are well-positioned to support industry leaders like Toyota with sustainable, future-ready port operations.”