[Rajeevraj]

The Hero MotoCorp Centre of Innovation and Technology was inaugurated today in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The facility is expected to become the company’s nerve-center for the development of future scooters and motorcycles.

Although Hero MotorCorp is the biggest Two Wheeler manufacturer in India and also world wide, most experts unanimously agree that Hero's research and development mechanism is lacking in spite of partnerships with global brands like Honda. Hero decided couple of years back to work on this handicap and the Hero MotoCorp Center of Innovation & Technology is a result of that effort. The sprawling 247 acre center was built at a cost of approximately Rs 850 Cr.

Speaking at its inaugural press event, Mr Pawan Munjal, Chairman, Managing Director and CEO of Hero MotoCorp said, "Hero CIT is a giant stride in our endeavor towards strengthening out in-house technology capabilities. It is a defining step, not just for Hero, but also for India to truly blossom on the global stage as a technology powerhouse."

The Center will be home to over 500 automotive experts with global and regional expertise, and the operations at CIT will be headed by Dr Markus Braunsperger, Chief Technology Officer of Hero MotoCorp. According to Dr Braunsperger, “CIT is the new home of our R&D team and the commencement of operations here is a major milestone in our endeavor 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." Mr Braunsperger also went on to say that the average age of the employees at the center is just 30 years.


The facility boasts of a 16km track in order for future products to be tested thoroughly and vigorously. The test track is composed of 45 different surfaces that will allow products to be tested in differing conditions such as water, dust, and off-road conditions. The facility also houses integrated testing, design and styling studios to help with product development. Engine, chassis and design development will also take place at Hero CIT.

The future road map of the new Center of Innovation and Technology involves 4 main objectives:

• Setting up systems
  
• Strengthening talent pipeline,
  
• Strengthening product portfolio,
  
• Fulfilling global standards.

Source: Various Online Reports

[Aditya]

Hero MotoCorp has formally inaugurated its ‘Global Centre of Innovation and Technology’ (CIT) in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The R&D center has been built with an investment of Rs. 850 crores.



Its activities will include product design & development, prototype manufacturing, testing and validation. The CIT has test-tracks within the campus. The 16 kilometre-long tracks have 45 different surfaces to simulate real world road conditions, both Indian and global.



Home to over 500 automotive experts, the operations at CIT will be headed by Dr. Markus Braunsperger, Chief Technology Officer.

[CarCynic]

Great news, here's hoping they would come up with some new and exciting products for the enthusiasts. Impulse 223 (Wishful thinking) or atleast a naked Karizma with round headlamp.

[fiestarry]

Hero Motors is a big company with about 03 distinct products; the 100 cc , the 150 cc and a 125 cc. The Karizma is so long in the tooth it overqualifies for a Mastodon role.
All these are Honda powertrains. There hasn't been one innovative, interesting, different or even remotely radical development from them in three decades. If you leave out the side panel and tank stickers that is.
Right from the 80 odd cc CD 100 to the Hunk the products have nothing original in them.
Small garages have shown more promise than them so far. Hopefully all those buildings, techie brains and acres of space will help them. Bajaj and Mahindra have shown us how it can be done!

[Rajeevraj]

The newly launched Splendor I-smart 110cc becomes the first product to come out of Hero MotorCorp's Center in Jaipur. (Related thread (Hero Splendor iSmart 110 launched at Rs. 53,300)).

Seems to be a safe start as does not seem to be anything ground breaking about the Splendor I-Smart 110. But the center is expected to churn out several products including global ones.

Need to wait and watch.

[timuseravan]

I have high hopes they come up with new and exciting models. While Bajaj and TVS have been innovating and coming up with great new bikes, Hero has been selling the same splendor in 50 different avatars.
A start would be back to basics Karizma with new tech.

[Viju]

Without a doubt, Hero Moto Corp has the best R&D center (facility-wise) among the 2 wheeler OEMs in India right now. As a motorcycle test engineer, I would love to be working in such a place (except I cannot imagine riding day after day in the Jaipur summer heat!). Hero has the financial muscle to hire the best in the industry from across the globe.

I just hope they get someone at the helm who is an enthusiast and visionary; and guides the company to a sustainable future. Sid Lal's transformation of RE is a good example. Good luck to Hero Moto.