Hero MotoCorp inaugurates R&D centre, gears up for new models

Country's largest two-wheeler maker Hero MotoCorp today formally inaugurated its R&D centre here, where it will develop future models with an aim to consolidate position in domestic and international markets.
The centre christened as Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT) is spread across 250 acres and has come up at an investment of Rs 850 crore.
"Our dream is to make the company number one in the world not only in volumes but in every sense. This facility here will contribute to this dream," Hero MotoCorp Chairman, Managing Director and CEO Pawan Munjal told reporters here.
CIT would help in developing bikes and scooters not only for India but for global markets too, he added.

"With this facility, we aim to bring game changing innovations. This is a giant step in our relentless endeavour towards strengthening our in-house technology capabilities," Munjal said.
In order to compete globally, the company has stitched a world class team from all across the world, he added.

The company has hired 500 engineers, including 12 expats, and plans to add 100 more by the end of next fiscal.
Munjal said the centre will help the company to further enhance its capabilities in whichever segment Hero MotoCorp is currently present.
"Besides, we will be focusing on developing premium segment models (200-250 cc) not only for India but also for our international markets," he added.

Two scooter models Duet and Maestro Edge, developed in the facility are already in the market.
When asked if the commissioning of the facility would lead to decline in product development costs for the company, Munjal said: "As we have been importing technology at certain cost, when we produce and develop here it would be much more economical."
He, however, did not share the cost reduction details.
Hero MotoCorp CTO Markus Braunsperger said the facility would explore ways to widen the company's product range in bikes, scooters and new mobility solutions.
All the projects from company's Dharuhera R&D centre would gradually move to the Jaipur facility, he added.

The Jaipur facility houses 14 test tracks covering a distance of 16 km with 45 different testing surfaces.