Toyota Kirloskar Vice-Chairman Vikram Kirloskar dies of cardiac arrest

Toyota Motors confirmed his demise. “We are extremely saddened to inform the untimely demise of Mr. Vikram S. Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor on 29th November 2022. At this time of grief, we request everyone to pray that his soul rests in peace. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Last respect can be paid at Hebbal Crematorium, Bengaluru, on 30th November 2022 at 1 pm,” the automaker said in a tweet.

Vikram Kirloskar was the fourth-generation member of the Kirloskar Group founded in 1888.

He passed mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

He is survived by his wife Gitanjali Kirloskar and daughter Manasi Kirloskar.

Kirloskar played an important role in bringing Japanese firm Toyota Motor Corp to India in 1997.

Union Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal remembered Vikram Kirloskar as one who pioneered the transformation of India’s automotive industry.

“Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Shri Vikram Kirloskar, Vice-Chairperson, Toyota Kirloskar Motor. A doyen of the automotive industry, he pioneered its transformation with his leadership. In this hour of grief, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family & friends🙏,” he tweeted.

Condoling Vikram Kirloskar’s death, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the was one of the stalwarts of India’s automotive industry.

“Heartfelt condolences on the sad & untimely demise of one of the stalwarts of India’s automotive industry, Vice Chairperson of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Shri Vikram Kirloskar. May his soul rest in peace. May God grant the family & friends the strength to bear this loss. Om Shanti,” the chief minister tweeted.

Union Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Electronics and Technology Rajeev Chandrashekar hailed Kirloskar for being a constant partner to Government and Karnataka for decades.

“I met him at recent Global Investors meet as cheerful as ever – I had joked to him that GoK give him a Lifetime Achievement for being a continuous partner to Government and Karnataka for decades. Deepest Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Om Shanti,” he tweeted.

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Executive Chairperson, Biocon Ltd, said in his death she lost a friend, whom she will hugely miss. “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,” she tweeted.

CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee said Vikram Kirloskar, who served as the president of the pan-India industrial body, offered his guidance on various aspects.

"Deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely passing away of Vikram. A stellar exemplar for Indian industry, he was always hugely invested in bringing in the most progressive ideas for its future. He guided CII and me personally in so many areas, be it technology, quality, sustainability or community initiatives. Will deeply miss his sage advice and gentle humor. My thoughts and prayers are with Geetanjali and Manasi at this terrible time", said Banerjee in a statement.