Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has taken a significant leap forward in its manufacturing capabilities with the inauguration of two new production lines at its Global Resource Factory in Manesar. The unveiling of a state-of-the-art engine assembly line, particularly focusing on Completely Knocked Down (CKD) engines, marks a milestone in the company’s commitment to innovation and quality.
The expansion is poised to augment HMSI’s role in the global two-wheeler market, serving customers across 58 countries spanning various regions, including Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. The event, attended by esteemed company executives including Mr. Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO of Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, emphasized the strategic significance of the new assembly line in Honda’s global strategy.
Otani expressed enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “We are thrilled to launch the new CKD engine assembly line here in Manesar. It stands as a beacon of our continuous efforts to lead with advanced technology and to cater to a diverse global market with high-quality products.”
The Manesar facility, operational since 2001, has been instrumental in establishing HMSI’s reputation as a premier two-wheeler manufacturer and export hub, elevating India’s position in the global automotive landscape.
The newly inaugurated assembly line boasts cutting-edge features aimed at enhancing efficiency and maintaining top-notch quality standards:
Precision Assembly Tools: Employ DC tools for critical torquing and a vision camera inspection system to ensure precision and quality.
Complete Traceability: Meticulous tracking of every part and process to enhance quality control and assurance.
Acoustic Testing: Utilizing an acoustic chamber and a dedicated exhaust collection line to ensure compliance with global sound standards.
Automation: Implementing advanced automation technologies such as flywheel assembly automation system and automatic piston parts verification system to reduce human error and ensure precision.
The expansion is anticipated to not only bolster India’s export figures but also elevate the country’s engineering prowess on a global scale. Additionally, HMSI has witnessed robust domestic sales, with a remarkable 81% year-on-year jump in domestic wholesales in March 2024, totaling 3,58,151 units compared to 197,542 units in March 2023. On an annual basis, the company’s sales surged by 12.53% to 45.30 lakh units in FY24, up from 40.25 lakh units in FY23, reaching a milestone of 6 crore domestic sales in March 2024.