Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has announced to start its exports business by shipping the Toyota Etios and Liva to South Africa. TKM plans to begin export by March 2012. The exports to South Africa will be the first step to make TKM an important hub for Toyota’s global operations.

The export model of Etios will be built on the same platform as Etios and Etios Liva, manufactured and sold in India. However, there will be changes in technical specifications/features. Only petrol variants of the Etios will be exported. In the domestic market, the Etios got off to a strong start selling 3,500 units per month on an average. The Etios is made at TKM’s second plant located in Bidadi industrial area on the outskirts of Bangalore. The export model will also be made here.

Last week, Mahindra & Mahindra launched its SUV, the XUV 500 in South Africa. Ford exports the Figo to South Africa as well. The Indigo Manza has also been launched in South Africa.