Hitachi plans to make rail tracks, auto parts

Tokyo-based Hitachi is looking at manufacturing automotive components and railway tracks in India. The company is even planning to set up power plants in the country.

Speaking to Business Standard Tsutomu Kanai, chairman emeritus, said: "We are exploring the idea of manufacturing automotive components and railway tracks in India. The market for automotive components is very good in India because of a large presence of global auto majors in the country. We have, however, not yet chalked out any concrete plans for manufacturing."

"Earlier also, we wanted to manufacture products here, but we were discouraged by poor infrastructure facilities. However, things have now changed and we feel that we will lose out if we do not have a significant presence in one of the fastest growing economies of the world," he said.

Globally, Hitachi manufactures various automotive components including starters, generators, mass air flow sensors and water pumps.

The company is also looking to set up power plants in India. "We used to supply power-related equipment to the country in the past and now we are looking to set up power plants," Kanai said. Hitachi currently supplies equipment and services to power generation firms.

He said apart from its manufacturing plans, the company also intended to supply automotive components and power equipment to companies in India.

Hitachi ended March 31, 2006, with sales of $80.9 billion. In India, Hitachi Home & Life Solutions (India), a subsidiary of Hitachi Home & Life Solutions, manufactures and sells a wide range of air-conditioners.