Honda to recruit more talent for R&D

Honda Siel Cars India Limited will recruit more talent from India in a view to localization of car components to make the cars more competitive in the market. It may be recalled that the company has recently established its new RD facility. This research facility intends on more localization of components to make the cars more competitive in the Indian market which is extremely price sensitive. Honda's current RD team strength is around 25-30 which will be ramped up in phases. The company has resorted to more localization due to higher cost of imports, its dependence on imported auto components, shipments as well as dollar rupee fluctuation in the market. Its luxury sedan models as well as upcoming premium hatchback models will also have high level of localization. Honda also stated that the Indian manufacturing arm will also help the company to do business in South East Asia due to India's Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN nations.