Toyota Kirloskar Motor is delighted to announce the delivery of the first batch of Toyota Hilux pick-up trucks to the Indian Army. Marking their very first order from the esteemed military force. The Hilux underwent a tough two-month evaluation by the Northern Command’s Technical Evaluation Committee to meet the strict requirements for joining the Army’s fleet.
Toyota Hilux Capabilities
During the evaluation, the Hilux showed its toughness by conquering rough terrains and extreme weather conditions, including high altitudes of 13,000ft and freezing temperatures. The Army appreciated Toyota’s well-known reliability and the Hilux’s off-road capabilities, which made it stand out among other 4×4 vehicles like the Mahindra Scorpio and Tata Safari Storme.
The Indian Army expressed their gratitude for Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s support in customizing the Hilux to meet their specific needs. The Hilux proved its worth with strong off-roading abilities and outstanding performance under challenging weather and terrain conditions, aligning perfectly with the Army’s requirements.
Notably, the Indian Army recently acquired a fleet of Mahindra Scorpio Classic vehicles to replace the long-serving Maruti Gypsy units. Additionally, they are exploring electric vehicles for their fleet, as shown by the Indian Air Force’s recent procurement of 12 Tata Nexon EVs.
Power and Specifications
Under the hood, the Hilux boasts a robust 2.8-liter, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, generating 204hp and 420Nm of torque (500Nm for the automatic variant). The vehicle offers both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Equipped with a four-wheel-drive system and front and rear electronic differential locks, the Hilux ensures excellent off-road performance. Its impressive approach angle of 29 degrees, departure angle of 26 degrees, and water-wading capacity of 700mm further enhance its off-road capabilities.
With the Toyota Hilux now joining the Indian Army’s fleet, the military’s operational strength is further fortified, thanks to Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s commitment to providing reliable and rugged vehicles for the nation’s defense forces.