Toyota Kirloskar Motor renews export pact with Kamarajar Port, reinforcing decade-long partnership to boost India’s automotive exports and strengthen global supply chain operations.
07 Aug 2025 | 2088 Views | By Sarthak Mahajan
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has renewed its Wharfage Rate Agreement with Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL), reaffirming a long-standing partnership in automotive export logistics. The agreement was signed by senior officials from both organizations at Kamarajar Port, in the presence of stakeholders from the maritime and automotive sectors.
Under the ...
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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has renewed its Wharfage Rate Agreement with Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL), reaffirming a long-standing partnership in automotive export logistics. The agreement was signed by senior officials from both organizations at Kamarajar Port, in the presence of stakeholders from the maritime and automotive sectors.
Under the renewed agreement, Kamarajar Port will continue to serve as TKM’s primary export gateway for Completely Built Units (CBUs). The collaboration, which began in 2012, has supported TKM’s export operations to 22 international markets. As of July 2025, over 180,000 vehicles have been shipped through KPL.
TKM’s exports include models such as the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, dispatched to countries including South Africa, the UAE, France, Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The company began exporting from Kamarajar Port with a shipment of 247 Toyota Etios units to South Africa in April 2012 and has since expanded its global footprint with support from the port’s infrastructure.
Yoshinori Noritake, Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, stated that the renewal supports TKM’s continued export operations from India and strengthens its global supply chain. “Kamarajar Port has been a key partner in our export journey. Their infrastructure and services have contributed to our operational efficiency, and we expect this partnership to further support our international commitments,” he said.
Sunil Paliwal, Chairman of Kamarajar Port Limited and Chennai Port Authority, noted that TKM has been a consistent partner since the port began handling automotive exports. “We are committed to providing reliable and efficient port services. The growth in TKM’s export volumes reflects the effectiveness of our logistics solutions and our role in supporting India’s automotive manufacturing sector,” he added.
The renewed agreement underscores the importance of port-manufacturer collaborations in enhancing India’s position in global automotive trade. KPL continues to invest in infrastructure and operational capabilities to meet the evolving needs of automotive exporters.
This partnership aligns with broader efforts to strengthen India’s manufacturing and export ecosystem, particularly in the automobile sector.