Post the split-up of Honda Motorcycles with their 3 decade long partner, Hero Group, the company is now gearing up to get into the top notch segment of the Indian 2 wheeler market. The last steps of the separation between the two manufacturers are currently under work post which who have strategized their independent operations in the market now. On one hand, Hero MotoCorp is developing its R&D capability by going into technological JVs with EBR and AVl.
Honda Motorcycles, on the other hand is now expanding to its small Indian R&D base in India. Named as Honda R&D India Private Limited (HRID), the location of it will now be changed from a rented set up at IFFCO chowk in Gurgaon to an integrated R&D set-up in the HMSI Manesar plant. A new building is currently under construction to house the R&D engineers. The building is expected to go into operation in the next 3 to 6 months.
Honda is investing close to Rs. 700 crore to develop this Indian R&D base. It also aims to double the number of R&D engineers it currently employs to 200 to 300. The R&D engineers will have the technological expertise from minor model changes to styling and design, prototype development, testing & validation and component development with vendor to offer products faster at lower cost. With such a focused approach to the Indian market, we can expect to see more tailor made Honda bikes in the market very soon.
