 "Pawan Munjal")
Hero MotoCorp Ltd (HMCL), the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, inaugurated its global Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Built with an investment of Rs 850 crores, the CIT is a reinforcement of Hero’s commitment to innovate sustainable mobility solutions, for the world, in India.
“The CIT is the result of our bold vision to position Hero MotoCorp as the leading source of innovation and green technology. This facility is a giant stride in our relentless endeavour towards strengthening our in-house technology capabilities. Rich in diversity, the CIT brings together a multi-national group of automotive experts, creating an environment of engineering excellence and innovation. With the CIT now becoming operational we have the ideal combination of world class infrastructure and talent pool to ‘Innovate in India’, not just for the country but for the world,” said Pawan Munjal, chairman, managing director & chief executive officer, Hero MotoCorp Ltd.
The facility, which boasts of test-tracks within the campus, houses the technologies in product design & development, testing and validation. Home to over 500 automotive experts with global and regional expertise, the operations at CIT will be headed by Dr Markus Braunsperger, chief technology officer.
Commenting on the occasion, Dr Markus Braunsperger said, “The CIT is the new home of our R&D team and the commencement of operations here is a major milestone in our endeavour to ramp-up the product development competency to global standards at Hero. Within this facility we are establishing new work processes and enhancing our technical skills to global benchmarks. We will compete globally, attracting the best talent from India and across the world. The CIT will become a unique workplace for engineering talent in India, bringing our R&D vision to life - energising smart mobility technology.”
The CIT is a one-of-its-kind facility, housing all aspects of research and development under one roof: including self-sufficient facilities for new product design, prototype manufacturing, testing and validation. CIT has been granted Platinum rating by Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) with a rating of 91 points, making it the highest rated facility among the manufacturing sector in India.
In just a few years since commencing its solo journey, HMCL has significantly scaled-up its in-house R&D capabilities to develop consumer oriented and market relevant products. The company has already established the credentials of its R&D function with the successful launch of Maestro Edge & Duet scooters - the first of its products designed and developed by Hero’s in-house R&D team.
