Hero MotoCorp inaugurates R&D centre in Jaipur, likely to roll out completely new product.

In what can be seen as a sign of arrival of Hero MotoCorp's technological prowess, the country's largest two-wheeler manufacturer said a completely new product from its state-of-the-art research and development (R&D) facility in Jaipur is likely to hit roads in the next 3-4 years.

The newly commissioned Centre of Innovation & Technology (CIT) will enable Hero to enhance R&D efforts significantly and will also help bring down the cost of its future products, said Chairman and Managing Director Pawan Munjal.

The development is significant as prior to the termination of the joint-venture with Honda, Hero was completely dependent on the Japanese company for technology. Critics have since raised questions on Hero's technical abilities and it's capability to bring indigenously developed products to the market.

Hero MotoCorp Chief Technology Officer Markus Braunsperger said, 'All products developed here will be developed as per international standards and sold globally. A completely new product developed from scratch will take 3-4 years.'

In the meantime, the company will continue to focus on strengthening its presence with new products in the bread-and-butter commuter segment.

Simultaneously projects will also be undertaken at the new Centre of Innovation & Technology (CIT) to step up its play in the premium end of the domestic two-wheeler market.

Hero MotoCorp CMD Pawan Munjal said, 'So far we have been importing technology for new products at a certain cost. I am sure when we develop here, relative to that it will be much more economical.'

Hero MotoCorp has invested Rs. 850 crore in developing the CIT, which is spread across 250 acres at Kukas near Jaipur. The CIT currently has around 500 engineers; another 100-odd engineers would be brought on-board to strengthen the team over the next one year.

ET