Indian Army “More Than Satisfied” With The Fleet Of Toyota Hilux 4WD | V3Cars

28 February 2025
By Mahesh Yadav
0

We recently spoke with Toyota’s senior leadership including Vikram Gulati, who is the country head & executive VP of corporate affairs & governance at Toyota Kirloskar Motor India. When asked about the Hilux’ performance with the Indian Army, he said that the Army personnel are “more than satisfied with the Hilux”.

Toyota Official: Hilux 4WD Impressed Indian Army

Gulati further added:

The Hilux is a global icon and a favourite among several countries' militaries. During the stringent tests to meet the criteria for induction in the Indian Army, the Hilux exceeded their expectations and performed with ease.

The Hilux is getting tremendously positive feedback from the Army personnel who are using it for the intended purpose. We also have various state law enforcement and administrative services using the Hilux.

indian army satisfied toyota hilux

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He also pointed out that besides being very reliable and easy to maintain, the 4WD and pickup body style gives it several advantages. The most important being the ease with which Toyota engineers can modify the Hilux to accommodate the unique requirements of each military department, local law enforcement, firefighters and other government bodies.

indian army satisfied toyota hilux

The Hilux indeed has stood the test of time and endured punishment like few other vehicles have in extremely volatile conditions. Having a fairly simple set of mechanicals allows the personnel from the government agencies to perform repairs and maintenance in the field with ease and expect strong reliability. While the demand for the Toyota Hilux isn’t strong among retail buyers, it is consistent.

Toyota Hilux In Motorsports

Toyota also run the Hilux in motorsport events including the most gruelling one: the Dakar rally. The Hilux has managed to secure a podium finish 6 times in a row in the Dakar rally from 2018 to 2023. In 2019, 2022 and 2023, the Hilux finished first with Naseer Al Attiyah behind the wheel.

Military Use

The end of Gypsy’s production made way for others to jump into the defence orders. The military and paramilitary wings of the Indian defence including the Indian Army have been buying up various 4WD SUVs such as the old Tata Safari Storme, the old Mahindra Scorpio Classic and the Toyota Hilux. Meanwhile, Maruti Suzuki are having a tough time cracking it with the Jimny and regaining the monopoly in this niche market.

indian army satisfied toyota hilux

Reportedly, Toyota are also working on a smaller 4WD SUV with a rugged body-on-frame platform to compete against the Thar Roxx, Mahindra Scorpio N, XUV700 and Tata Safari.

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