Hero MotoCorp eyes big gains from all-new Tech Centre in Jaipur

Hero MotoCorp, the country’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, today showcased its state-of-the-art Hero Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

The sprawling facility, which saw an investment of Rs 850 crore, houses the best global technologies in product design and development, testing and validation. The CIT also boasts world-class test-tracks within the campus. The 16- kilometre-long tracks have 45 different surfaces to simulate real-world road conditions, both Indian and global.  

Dedicating the 247-acre CIT to the nation, Pawan Munjal, chairman, managing director and CEO of Hero MotoCorp, said: “We aim to introduce cost-efficient and game-changing solutions for India and the world. My dream is to make Hero MotoCorp the world’s No. 1 two-wheeler company in every sense and dimension.”

Home to over 500 automotive experts with global and regional expertise, the operations at CIT will be headed by Dr Markus Braunsperger, Chief Technology Officer. According to Dr Braunsperger, “The CIT is the new home of our R&D team and the commencement of operations here is a major milestone in our endeavour 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. The CIT will become a unique workplace for engineering talent in India, bringing our R&D vision to life – energising smart mobility technology.”

The CIT, apart from the world-class infrastructure, is also a one-of-its-kind facility housing all aspects of R&D under one roof, including self-sufficient facilities for new product design, prototype manufacturing, testing and validation. 

Dr Markus Braunsperger added, "The Hero CIT will be a unique workplace for engineering talent in India. We are bringing our R&D vision to life through this facility. Within this facility, we are establishing new work processes and enhancing our technical skills to global benchmarks. The future roadmap for Hero CIT has four main objectives -- setting up systems, strengthening our talent pipeline, strengthening our product portfolio and fulfilling global standards."

Dr Braunsperger remarked that the average age at the facility is just 30 years. "The young, free-thinking minds would be our biggest asset going forward," he added.

Talking to Autocar Professional recently in the context of his vision of the R&D facility at Jaipur 10 years down the line, Dr Braunsperger had said that the state-of-the-art facility should be attractive for any engineer on this planet. According to him, the Hero Centre of Innovation & Technology (CIT) is one of the best two-wheeler research and development facilities in India, and also in the world.

Recommended: Interview with Hero MotoCorp's Chief Technology Officer, Dr Markus Braunsperger