Toyota Kirloskar Motor partially starts sales and aftersales operation

After weeks of nationwide lockdown leading to complete shutdown of manufacturing and retail units, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has announced partial resumption of dealerships and aftersales operations. The company says it's closely adhering to the advisory issued by the Central and State governments, and will partially reopen at its 171 dealership outlets, which are now functional.

At present, around 146 service outlets of Toyota are also operational nationally, which will provide services by prioritising domains like spare parts supply in response to the market needs where service activities have already started.

The OEM says it is guided by the sole objective of securing health and safety of all its stakeholders and in line with protocols laid down by government, all dealerships will practice stringent social distancing with government prescribed percentage of the workforce at a given point. It will also continue to closely review the developments in each region and will take necessary steps basis the eventualities that may arise in the future.

Sharing his thoughts, Masakazu Yoshimura, MD, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “We are grateful to the government for its cautious and well calculated decisions. While the lockdown was a necessary step to counter the virus spread and curb the consequences triggered by the pandemic, it is paramount to reignite confidence among customers, and stakeholders and boost their morale, during these difficult times. As we gradually recommence operations, we are ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all our stakeholders while simultaneously safeguarding business continuity.”

“Keeping in mind the directives prescribed by the government as well as the resumption challenges, we have devised certain restart guidelines which will further guide our partners and the industry through the ‘new normal’, adjusting to the new norms and the changes brought along with this crisis. We look forward to working with our partners to cater to the needs of our customers, while supporting the government in this fight against this global pandemic,” added Yoshimura.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor says it understands that close to 75 percent of its suppliers have received a nod from the government to recommence operations, while the remainder are expected to receive the necessary permission soon.

Also, following the directive issued by the government, the carmaker started preparatory operations at the plant beginning May 5, 2020. These preparatory operations are conducted to provide the workforce with an adequately safe environment to work in, duly prioritising domains like spare parts supply. The company has also developed certain crucial changes in guidelines for enhanced safe operations in all areas of work which would mean that the first few days will be spent on training the members on these renewed guidelines as well as ensuring safe materials and working environment. The operations at the company’s plant will resume in a phased manner, most importantly keeping in mind the needs of ‘social distancing’ and sanitisation.

Also read: Interview: Toyota Kirloskar Motor's Vikram Gulati: 'The biggest challenge now is going to be around the supply chain.'

Toyota Production System helps Bangalore supplier scale up face shield output by 1900%

Toyota Kirloskar Motor's Shekar Viswanathan bats for scrappage policy, EVs