The automotive industry in India shares a longstanding and special connection with the Indian Army, dating back to the early days of Independent India when Mahindra first supplied vehicles to meet the army’s requirements. Carrying this legacy forward, Toyota has recently showcased two purpose-built Hilux pickup trucks at the North Tech Symposium 2023, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the Indian Army.
The bond between Indian car manufacturers and the Indian Army has deep historical roots. Mahindra, as one of the pioneers, provided vital vehicle support to the army in the post-independence era. In subsequent years, this relationship grew stronger as other manufacturers like Maruti and Tata Motors followed suit. Toyota, a more recent entrant to this prestigious list, has been actively contributing to the Indian Army’s vehicle fleet.
To date, Toyota has supplied the Indian Army with a range of vehicles, including the popular Fortuner SUV and the rugged Hilux pickup truck. The Hilux pickup, known for its durability and robustness, shares its underpinnings with other Toyota models like the Fortuner and Innova. This versatile vehicle has found widespread applications worldwide, from motorsports such as Car Rally Championships and Endurance Runs to real-world extreme scenarios like war zones and disaster relief efforts.
Toyota proudly presented two purpose-built Hilux pickup trucks at the 2023 North Tech Symposium, a collaborative event organized by the Northern Command of the Indian Army, the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), and IIT Jammu. Prior to this, in July 2023, Toyota had already handed over a fleet of Hilux pickup trucks to the Indian Army.
These two specialized Hilux pickup trucks were meticulously developed and customized in partnership with external vendors to meet the specific needs of the Indian Army. The Toyota Hilux, with its versatile platform, provides an excellent foundation for customization, allowing it to adapt to various requirements across the globe. Toyota’s commitment to modifying this vehicle to cater to the unique needs of the Indian Army underscores the company’s dedication to serving the nation’s defense forces.
The showcased vehicles included a Hilux purpose-built as a Field Diagnosis Vehicle (FDV) and another as a Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV). The FDV is designed to serve the army in remote and challenging locations across the country, providing critical diagnostic capabilities where needed most. The RIV, on the other hand, is tailored for emergency situations that demand swift and effective intervention, such as rescue operations and firefighting, among other crucial tasks that the army routinely handles.
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