Things seem to be on the fast track with Honda Cars India. The company announced it will inaugurate its second plant in Tapukara, Rajasthan on February 24, this year. The facility will roll out its first car with the beginning of the car manufacturing unit.
Last year, there were rumours about the plant being functional by April; however that was followedby news on Honda striving hard to start the plant before time. Indeed, the plant is coming up quick and fast and is expected to multiply the production bytwo fold. Honda’s current installed annual capacity stands at 1,20,000 units and when the new facility goes live they can boast of an annual capacity of 2,40,000 units.
The plant spread over 450 acres is located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, roughly 190 kms from Honda’s existing plant in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Phase one of the plant was inaugurated in 2008. Since then, engine components, transmission parts for domestic, European and Thai markets are manufactured at the plant. The commencement of a car assembly line will provide employment for 2,200 people.
Honda will manufacture the Amaze sedan, Mobilio MPV and the Jazz hatchback in this new plant. This facility will ease Honda’s woes of not being able to meet demand as the existing plant is running full capacity. With their existing product plans, the capacity seems just adequate, and if the demand still exceeds the supply, Honda may have to run additional shifts to cater to demand.
