Honda 2Wheelers India begins manufacturing engines for global markets

L-R: Ichiro Shimokawa, Chief Production Officer & Director and Atsushi Ogata, MD, President & CEO of HMSI

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has commenced manufacture of global engines from its fourth factory in India at Vithalapur, in the Ahmedabad district of Gujarat.

Powering its 250cc (and above) category two-wheelers, the dedicated engine line is set to serve the global demand like Thailand, US, Canada, Europe, Japan, Australia, and Gulf nations among others.

A total of 50,000 engine units are scheduled for production in its first year and the capacity will be further scaled up as per market demand. With an investment of over Rs 135 Crore, the company will manufacture ‘Midsize Fun’ model engines from its Gujarat plant for both Domestic and International markets.

Speaking at the line-off ceremony, Atsushi Ogata, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India said, “As demand for mobility rises globally, Honda envisions further expansion of its exports footprint across the world. With the introduction of BS VI norms in India, we are a step closer to achieve this vision. Building products which are at par with global standards of manufacturing, this new expansion will allow HMSI to develop production capabilities to strengthen our direction of make in India, for the world.”

Ichiro Shimokawa, Chief Production Officer & Director , Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India added, “With the global engine line-off today, HMSI will take its current exports capacity to new heights both in terms of markets as well as global quality standards. As part of this expansion, we are introducing special processes across various manufacturing stages like machining, engine assembly and advanced storage systems. Building the capability from ground up, best-in-class technology along with highly skilled manpower will ensure top quality standards. Starting off with close to 50,000 engine units in the first year, our aim is to further scale up as per market demand.”

Encompassing all key aspects of engine production and assembly, the new infrastructure will address the challenges of current day with the help of best practices and standardized technologies for the future which will include:

Machining Process: ‘Superfinishing by Lapping process,Digital quality management system for seamless accuracy, e-Daily Work Management System(e-DWM) for 100% Traceability of Parts&Processes.

Engine Assembly Process:Precision-based laser marking for Engine, 100% Torque Recording, & Advanced Firing bench for Engine testing, along with Vertical Carousels based advanced part storage system for optimized space utilization& 100% Part Traceability.

Best in class technology: 100% database record system of all critical quality parameters, Multi-level inspections (for zero defect outflow), Smart connected machines (with latest inspection technologies) coupled with special focus on associate skill development for increased efficiencies.