Toyota's New Maharashtra Plant Will Build An SUV, But Which One?

Toyota will open a new Maharashtra factory in 2029, with plans to build SUVs for India and export markets.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has shared plans to open a new car factory in Maharashtra. Scheduled to begin operations in the first half of 2029, the facility will become Toyota's third manufacturing plant in India after its two existing units in Karnataka. The company is expected to use the new plant to produce a new SUV for both the Indian market and exports.

New factory will be located in the Bidkin Industrial Area with an initial production capacity of one lakh vehicles per year. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs in the region. Toyota has not named the new SUV yet, but industry reports have linked the plant to several possible products.

Which SUV Could It Be?

Since Toyota already sells many types of cars, the new model might fill a gap in its lineup. One possibility is a seven-seater version of the Corolla Cross. This larger SUV would have a monocoque body structure and could compete with models such as the Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari, and Hyundai Alcazar.

Another possibility is the Land Cruiser FJ which is a tough off-road SUV with a body-on-frame design. It would use the IMV platform, which also underpins the Fortuner and would be a premium choice for buyers considering the Mahindra Thar or Force Gurkha. There are also rumors about a three-row version of the Hyryder or a new electric van, but those models could be produced elsewhere.

Toyota's Success in India

Toyota has been performing strongly in the Indian market in recent years. The Innova and Fortuner continue to be among its best-known models, while the company's hybrid portfolio has also contributed to sales growth. By opening this new plant in Maharashtra, Toyota will expand its production capacity for both domestic and export markets.