Ushering changes

Mumbai, Dec. 26: Auto maker Toyota Kirloskar Motor Ltd today restructured its organisational structure assigning new roles to senior executives with the aim to further expand operations in the country.

Shekar Viswanathan, deputy managing director, commercial, has been promoted as vice-chairman, external affairs; Sandeep Singh, deputy managing director, sales, marketing and customer service, will be deputy managing director and chief operating officer.

In his new role, Singh will head the sales, marketing, customer service and commercial divisions.

The changes at the top level will come into effect from the New Year.

The company said in a press statement that the main objective of these changes was to strengthen the organisation towards achieving Toyota’s vision and further enhance speed of decision making.

Masanori Takahashi, deputy managing director, technical and purchase, has also been promoted to deputy managing director and chief operating officer.

He will head manufacturing, technical, purchase and vendor development including supplier support.

All these senior executives will continue to hold positions on the company’s board.

Shigeru Tomonaga, deputy managing director, manufacturing, will be executive adviser to the board and chief of the supplier support centre.

“As we expand our operations in India, we need our team to take up new roles and responsibilities. I wish my colleagues the best for their new endeavours,” Hiroshi Nakagawa, managing director and chief executive officer, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said.

Toyota Motor Company holds 89 per cent in the company, while the rest is with the Kirloskar group. The auto maker has two plants in the country — both are in Karnataka.

JLR recall in China

Jaguar Land Rover’s Chinese subsidiary will recall 337 cars because of sub-standard fixings in their brakes and steering boxes, China’s national product quality watchdog has said.

The recall is for 190 2012 Evoque and Freelander vehicles produced on June 11 this year. Sub-standard fixings in the rear brake calipers may lead to brakes failing and sudden tyre deflation.