In a relationship that has lasted longer than many celebrity marriages, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) and Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL) have renewed their long-standing Wharfage Rate Agreement, reaffirming their decade-plus partnership in keeping India’s automotive exports smooth-sailing.
Since 2012, when Toyota first shipped 247 units of the Etios to South Africa via KPL, the port has been the trusted launchpad for Toyota’s export ambitions. Fast-forward to July 2025, and the tally has revved up to over 1,80,000 Completely Built Units (CBUs) dispatched to 22 international markets — including South Africa, UAE, France, Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
The renewal ceremony, held at Kamarajar Port, was less about paperwork and more about celebrating a collaboration that has made “Made in India” Toyotas a regular sight on roads across continents. Toyota’s current export star, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, now makes regular trips overseas, proving that India is not just assembling cars — it’s shipping style and reliability worldwide.
Yoshinori Noritake, EVP & Chief Technical Officer at TKM, remarked, “This renewal ensures our global supply chain keeps running like a well-tuned engine. KPL has been more than a port; it’s been a pit crew, navigator, and co-driver in our export journey.”
Shri. Sunil Paliwal, IAS – Chairman, KPL & Chennai Port Authority, added, “Toyota was one of our first big automotive partners, and they’ve stuck with us through every tide. We’re proud to keep their wheels — and ships — moving.”
With the agreement sealed, both TKM and KPL are steering ahead toward a future of higher volumes, greater efficiency, and perhaps a few more nautical puns before the next renewal. After all, when your exports sail this smoothly, it’s hard not to get carried away.
