New Delhi: Vikram Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. and one of the stalwarts of the Indian auto industry who was also the face of Toyota in India, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 64. According to initial reports, Vikram Kirloskar suffered a massive heart attack.

Toyota India confirmed the development in a statement on its social media. The statement read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely demise of Mr. Vikram S.Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor on November 29, 2022.

We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Last respect can be paid at Hebbal Crematorium, Bengaluru, on 30th November 2022 at 1pm. [2/2] pic.twitter.com/2XuhErUnzD

— Toyota India (@Toyota_India) November 29, 2022

---Advertisement---

In this time of grief, we request everyone to pray that his soul rest in peace. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Last respects can be paid at Hebbal Crematorium, Bengaluru on November 30, 2022 at 1 pm.”

Vikram Kirloskar is survived by his wife Geetanjali Kirloskar and daughter Manasi Kirloskar. Vikram Kirloskar graduated in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He has held several important positions in CII, SIAM and ARAI over the years. Vikram Kirloskar was the fourth generation head of the Kirloskar Group. He was the Chairman and Managing Director of Kirloskar Systems Ltd. and also Vice Chairman of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd.

Vikram Kirloskar was last seen at the unveiling event of the new generation Toyota Innova HyCross in Mumbai on November 25, 2022.

“I think the country’s goal is to reduce carbon (emissions). You have to look at it holistically and (on) a scientific basis and that’s what we are doing,” he told PTI when asked about Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s hybrid strategy. at a time when electric vehicles (EVs) were gaining ground in India.

Kirloskar argued that given the current low level of renewable energy in India, EVs may not necessarily serve the purpose of reducing carbon emissions.

Devastated with Vikram’s shocking demise. He was such a dear friend who I will hugely miss. I share the pain and unconsolable grief of Gitanjali Manasi n the family. May he rest in eternal peace. Om Shanthi 🙏 pic.twitter.com/PwT8kywtdM

— Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (@kiranshaw) November 29, 2022

Meanwhile, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, executive chairman of Biocon Biologics also condoled the death of Vikram Kirloskar and wrote on Twitter, “Devastated by Vikram’s shocking death. He was such a dear friend who will be greatly missed. I share the pain and inconsolable grief of Gitanjali Manasi from the family. May he rest in peace in eternal peace. Om Shanthi.”

“The entire automobile industry is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Shri Vikarma Kirloskar at the age of 64 in Bengaluru. Mr. Kirloskar led SIAM as President from 2013 to 2015 and chairs the SIAM Passenger Vehicle CEO Council. Mr. Kirloskar was widely respected and admired at all levels.

He contributed immensely to the growth of the Indian automobile industry and emphasized the need to make India a robust automobile manufacturing hub.

He was always passionate about the all-round development of industries and aligning them with national goals for the good of the economy, environmental sustainability and society,” said Vinod Aggarwal, SIAM President and MD & CEO, VECV about the sad demise. Shri Vikarm Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar.