Photography: Mohd Nasir
Honda
Cars India Limited (HCIL) has started the production of cars from its Tapukara
Plant in district Alwar, Rajasthan. Honda Amaze is the first car to roll out
from the new plant. The grand ceremony was attended by Vasundhara Raje, Chief Minister of Rajasthan
and Yasuhisa Kawamura, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan
in India. The event also witnessed the attendance of senior officials from
Rajasthan government, Honda senior management and their business partners.
HCIL plant in Tapukara is the first car
manufacturing plant in the state of Rajasthan. Spread over an area of 450
acres, the facility is an integrated manufacturing unit including all functions
of forging, press shop, powertrain shop, weld shop, paint shop, plastic
moulding, engine assembly, frame assembly and engine testing facility. The
plant has an installed capacity of 20,000 units per annum.
This
plant is the culmination of the best manufacturing know-how and practices
gathered from Honda’s global operations. It employs optimum automation, latest
equipment and best layout for achieving high quality, best ergonomics, improved
operational efficiency and safety. The plant is highly focused on conservation
of the environment and efficient use of energy and other natural resources.
With
a cumulative investment of Rs 3526 crore, Tapukara plant currently employs
about more than 3200 associates. The
Tapukara plant is the 2nd plant of HCIL which started its Phase I operations in
September 2008 with press shop and power train unit for engine components. With
the start of production of cars in the 2nd plant, HCIL’s total installed
production capacity has been increased to 240,000 units/ annum in India. During the current fiscal year 2013-14, HCIL
set a new record of crossing 1 lakh unit sales for the first time in a
financial year by selling 101,370 units in Apr’13– Jan 14 period registering a
growth of 78pc over same period last year which is the highest growth among
other brands in the industry.
Speaking
on the occasion Mr Yoshiyuki Matsumoto, Managing Officer, Honda Motor Co. Ltd.,
Japan and Representative of Development, Purchasing and Production in Asia
& Oceania Region noted, “India is an important market for Honda and with
the beginning of car production at Tapukara plant, we are advancing our
commitment to expand Honda’s business in India. We are thankful to the
Government of Rajasthan for extending all the support to participate in the
industrialisation of the state. Through our products and operations, our goal
is to make Honda a company that society wants to exist. ”
Hironori Kanayama, President & CEO, Honda
Cars India Ltd. said, “The beginning of car production from our 2nd plant is a
significant milestone for HCIL. With overwhelming response to our current
models like Honda Amaze and all-new City
and promising future line-up, we are ready to cater to the strong demand for
Honda cars from our customers in India.”