The Government of Karnataka has posthumously honored Vikram S. Kirloskar, former Vice Chairman of Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), with the ‘Industrial Legacy’ Award at the Invest Karnataka 2025 Global Investors Meet. The company also received the ‘Sunrise Sector Pioneer Award’ in recognition of its contributions to automotive innovation and sustainability.
The awards, presented in Bangalore on February 13, acknowledge Kirloskar’s contributions to Karnataka’s industrial development and TKM’s role in strengthening the state’s position as a manufacturing hub. Mrs. Geetanjali Kirloskar accepted the award on behalf of her late husband.
Kirloskar, an MIT graduate, was instrumental in bringing Toyota to Karnataka and establishing TKM’s manufacturing facility in Bidadi. Under his leadership, TKM invested ₹16,000 crores in the state, with an additional ₹4,000 crores currently under execution for a third manufacturing plant.
His initiatives extended beyond industrial development to include community welfare and skill development. The Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI), established under his guidance, has provided technical education to youth from rural Karnataka, creating employment opportunities and strengthening the local supplier ecosystem.
As the former President of both the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Kirloskar played a significant role in shaping India’s manufacturing and automotive sectors. His emphasis on balancing economic development with environmental responsibility helped establish new benchmarks in sustainable manufacturing practices.
Manasi N. Tata, Vice Chairperson of TKM and Kirloskar’s daughter, expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting her father’s dedication to manufacturing excellence and sustainability. TKM’s senior leadership, including Deputy Managing Director Swapnesh R. Maru and Chief Communication Officer Sudeep Dalvi, reinforced the company’s commitment to continuing Kirloskar’s legacy of responsible industrialization.
Toyota’s 25-year presence in Karnataka has been marked by significant investments in manufacturing infrastructure and skill development. The company’s partnership with the state has contributed to establishing Karnataka as a prominent automotive manufacturing center in India, building on the foundation laid by Kirloskar’s vision of combining industrial growth with social progress.