Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India Pvt. Limited (HMSI) has opened up its brand new technical centre in India at its manufacturing and assembly facility in Manesar in Haryana. Honda officials have commented that with the start of this technical centre, Honda will be able to heavily localize components and spare parts that go into the making of their two wheelers. The older technical centre that Honda 2 Wheelers had will also be shifting to the new building. The company is aiming to make India as its global 2 wheeler hub due to huge demand potential and low cost of production.
Honda is also gearing up to launch a slew of new models in the Indian market according to the needs of the Indian consumer. The president & CEO, HMSI, Mr. Keita Muramatsu commented that the new technical centre shall standardize, optimize & synergize Honda’s ‘globalized’ approach in India with Honda’s cutting edge R&D capabilities across the globe and a deep understanding of local environment to give mobility to a billion Indians at a faster pace.
The aggressive expansion plans of Honda 2 Wheelers have come in place after Honda split up with its long term JV partner, Hero MotoCorp. On the other side, Hero MotoCorp is also looking at expanding its product portfolio and technical expertise to develop motorcycles. Both the companies will be aiming for the top spot in the Indian 2 wheeler market. Recently Honda had outpaced Bajaj Auto to become the second largest 2 wheeler manufacturer in India, after Hero MotoCorp.