Japanese car maker Honda is ready to roll out new cars from its second plant in Rajasthan, reports have claimed. These new models will be based on the Brio platform and are expected to roll out from next month. According to the report in Economic Times, this move aims at doubling production in the country for gaining a higher market share. It is being said that the new manufacturing facility at Tapukara will help Honda to double its annual production. The yearly capacity is now expected to reach 240000 units in 2014. Furthermore, the plant at Rajasthan, apart from the Brio hatchback and Amaze compact sedan, is also likely to produce Mobilio MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) and a compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).
Yoshiyuki Matsumoto, Honda Motor's Managing Officer and Representative of Development, Purchasing and Production for Asia & Oceania, said, “We have plans to start the second plant in the ongoing fourth quarter of this fiscal. As a company offering a wide range of products and venturing into several new segments, we plan to expand the Brio platform from the new plant with its current and new derivatives line-up likely to be rolled out.”
Currently, the plant is producing engine components and transmission parts that are made available for domestic, Thai and European markets. Honda India is planning to invest Rs. 2,500 crore in the manufacturing facility. This investment will be used to build a new assembly line for cars, diesel engine component production line and forging unit. With this endeavour, the auto company is likely to generate around 2200 jobs, once car production is shown a green flag.
The auto company has seen a remarkable response to the Amaze sedan. This vehicle is the first one to make use of Honda's Earth Dreams diesel technology, which has been acclaimed throughout the globe. In 2013, Amaze was the best selling vehicle for the auto company in the Indian market. As per statistics, its sales (about 57000 units) accounted for over half of the company's total sales in India. New cars will start rolling out of the Tapukara plant in February 2014. Honda's plant at Greater Noida will see the production of models like City, the next generation Accord and Brio.
