Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India (HMSI) has inaugurated its third manufacturing facility in Narsapura, Karnataka. Honda started its completely owned two-wheeler venture in India in 1999 and has resurrected the gearless scooter market in India with launch of the Activa and Dio, specifically for female riders. The first launch in the motorcycle segment was the Honda Unicorn, powered by a 150cc engine. It has been the exclusive motorcycle in its segment with monoshock suspension and Diamond frame chassis.
The infrastructure of the new facility is based on Honda’s concept of ‘Joy to the Next Generation’. Reduced energy consumption for the production line and over 30% of water consumption required for the plant will be availed by the self rain water harvesting system. The praiseworthy ‘Green Factory Concept’ that Honda has considered in establishing the new plant is a benchmark in two-wheeler industry in India. Honda has made a massive investment of Rs. 1350 crore for the new plant, resourced with the automated production line with advance robotic process to boost production besides keeping the quality of product top notch.
Honda employs 4500 associates while 90% of the total employees belong to the local region of the factory. Starting production in June, Honda has set a production target of 12 lakh units in the first phase with additional production of 6 lakh units in the second phase by the end of this fiscal year. The other two existing plants in Manesar, Haryana and Tapukara, Rajasthan produce around 28 lakh units, which will reach to over 40 lakh units by the end of this fiscal year. Honda will assemble the entry segment Dream Yuga in the first phase followed by the class leading Activa in the second phase of production at its Narsapura plant.
Honda’s product lineup in India is widely spread to serve every class of customer. The company manufacturers from entry level automatic scooters to premium motorcycles like the CBR250R. The Japanese automaker also import performance bikes on pre-order basis. India is one of the major markets for Honda two-wheelers as the company holds the largest market share after Hero MotoCorp. For 2013-2014 financial year, Honda is expecting to encounter growth in total sales at an increased rate in comparison to last fiscal year.
