Honda 2Wheelers India Commences Global Engine Manufacturing from Gujarat Plant

AHMEDABAD:
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. commenced the manufacturing of global engines from its 4 th factory at Vithalapur (Ahmedabad district), Gujarat. Powering its 250cc (& 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 INR 135 Crores, 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 Pvt. Ltd. said, “As demand for mobility rises globally, Honda envisions further expansion of its exports footprint across the world. With the introduction of BSVI 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.”

Sharing more details from the inaugural ceremony, Ichiro Shimokawa, Chief Production Officer & Director , Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “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.”

Setting new quality standards with world-class technology
With the introduction of automotive safety, emission and performance standards, the new line will ensure seamless integration of Honda’s export capability with that of the global auto industry. 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.