Post 2014 Hero Honda will no longer get technical support from Honda. Thus the company has initiated the process of setting up a competent R&D base. However getting a good R&D base up and running can take a significant amount of time. Thus Hero Honda has adopted the strategy of recruiting R&D personnel from arch rivals Bajaj and TVS. The world’s largest motorcycle maker recently appointed T M Bala Raman at a senior level in its R&D division. Mr Bala has been a long time employee at Bajaj Auto and retired 3 years ago. He was employed on part time basis in an advisory role for the company.
Hero Honda does not have a full fledged R&D department yet and has been heavily dependent on joint venture partner Honda for designs and technical prowess. The company is famous for providing sticker upgrades, which has not pleased many. Hero Honda has roped in Wolff Olins to help in their re-branding post the break up with Japanese JV partner.
“I cant comment on the buzz doing the rounds, but if they want to hire 63 year olds from us, we will provide a list,” A Senior Bajaj Auto official said.
Source – HT
