Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today showcased two special purpose Hilux, modified with the support of an authorised external vendor, at the East Tech 2023 (ET2023), a technology-showcase annual event conducted by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army in association with Government of Assam.
This event aims to promote state-of-the-art indigenous development and production of defence technological capabilities and attain “Atmanirbharta” (self-reliance) in defence sector. Further, this year reflects a bigger leap in reinforcing the Indian army’s endeavours in the areas of Synergy & Research Development and Innovation for modernisation of the Indian army.
Having conducted comprehensive market survey to understand the different mobility requirements of the specific consumers which includes the Indian Army, TKM through its authorised external vendor has made certain modifications on the versatile Hilux (two units displayed), to suit the varied needs which can also aptly meet the Indian army requirements.
Further to such market survey, TKM has applied two distinct modifications through an authorised external vendor, to the Toyota Hilux namely the Field Diagnosis Vehicle (FDV) and the Forest Patrolling Vehicle (FPV), to serve specific army needs and other special consumer requirements. Given the operational and logistic challenges of Indian army, owing to diverse terrain and climatic conditions, it necessitates more customisation and dedicated solutions to significantly overcome the on-ground necessities of the troops. In this direction, the FDV is designed to provide essential vehicle servicing in remote locations, supporting the Army at defence sites. On the other hand, the FPV helps Indian army for patrolling movement, surveillance and is equipped with fog lamps for better vision at night, digital video for recording and winch for rescue operations during emergency situations.
In addition to these modified versions, the general-purpose Hilux (catering to the general customers’ personal and business uses) was also on display at the Expo being held during Oct 10-11 at the Mani Ram Dewan Trade Centre, Guwahati. Earlier in July 2023, TKM handed over a fleet of Toyota Hilux, marking the company’s first-ever delivery of its Hilux to the Indian Army. Further, in Sep 2023, Toyota displayed two modified (with the support of an authorised external vendor) Hilux vehicles – Field Diagnosis Vehicle (FDV) and Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV) at the North Tech Symposium organised by Northern Command of Indian Army.
Varinder Kumar Wadhwa, General Manager – Strategic Business Unit (East) of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “We, at TKM, take great pride and are deeply honoured to have the opportunity to present the customised variants of the Hilux, at the East Tech 2023. This has enabled Toyota to demonstrate the distinctive features of special purpose Hilux (modified through our authorised external vendor) that can cater to the specific needs of the Indian army to enhance the operational efficiency at defence sites. Looking ahead, we remain steadfast to extend necessary support to defence sector in achieving self-reliance.”