Honda, the Japanese auto giant, is looking at India as a prospective export centre. Mass scale production here has not been possible until now due to India's emission regulation policies, but now that the government is fast-tracking the application of BS-VI norms, Honda is working towards establishing a solid exporter base.
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), became the first-ever subsidiary of Honda to sell 5 million units in a single fiscal year and the company sees great potential in its Indian subsidiary, since the Indian government has decided to skip BS-V and implement BS-VI norms by 2020. Minoru Kato, the newly appointed president and CEO of HMSI, said, “The Indian market today is at the cusp of its biggest-ever paradigm shift. It is going to see a substantial change in 3-4 years. BS-VI norms will make India match the world’s most stringent quality standards. Honda’s vision is to build exponentially on our solid foundation. Our new business direction is to be leading in India and the world. BS-VI holds a big opportunity for Honda. It will help our Indian operations become Honda’s export hub of the world."
The company is bringing its patented PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) technology here. The tech is Honda’s proprietary digital electronic fuel injection system employed for internal combustion engines. The system helps inject a specific amount of fuel after taking into account determined data. Out of Honda's 5,000 patents worldwide, 400 are registered in India and Honda is looking to register more based on these new developments.
Other expansion plans include the launch of four new models-two automatic scooters and two motorcycles in FY2017-18. These will include the new Africa Twin DCT, trial assembly of which has begun in India.
