Horiba, the Japanese turnkey solution provider in automotive testing that comprises mechatronics, emission systems, automation and utility, is building an engine and vehicle test laboratory at the Denso facility in Manesar, Gurgaon. “This is its first full turnkey project in India,” said Atsushi Horiba, chairman, president and CEO, Horiba, who is visiting India to meet important customers.

Horiba has also been awarded the contract to supply and set up an emission test laboratory complying with European standards, noise and vibration laboratory equipment for testing heavy duty vehicles and engines as well as the driveline test systems for the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP). This is the largest and one of the most significant initiatives in India’s automotive sector so far, representing a unique alliance between the central government, several state governments and the auto sector to create a state-of-the-art testing, validation and R&D infrastructure here.

“Horiba’s market share in the emissions market is over 80 percent, says Dr Rajeev Gautam, managing director, Horiba India. Incidentally, Horiba will be taking part at the Automotive Testing Expo 2012.

In India, Horiba has supplied emission equipment to the automotive industry since the 1980s. Most India-specific norms such as Bharat Stage I and now BS IV have been evolved using Horiba’s equipment. The company supplies to almost all automobile manufacturers including Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Bajaj, Mahindra, Ashok Leyland, Yamaha, Honda Scooters, Suzuki Motorcycles. All models from these OEMs are tested on Horiba systems. Horiba has also delivered systems to the Automobile Research Association of India and International Center for Automotive Technology, which are both authorised vehicle testing organisations and will take part in the NATRiP as the R&D centres.

The company’s test systems provide solutions in the fields of engine test systems, driveline test systems, brake test systems, wind tunnel balances, emissions test systems and MCT (mechatronics: powertrain R&D). In addition, Horiba offers a range of software products from MEXA tools, VETS emissions tests systems, test stand automation, data evaluation and reporting software to driver's aids.

The bulk order for vehicle/engine emission measurement systems from NATRiP is estimated at around Rs 86 crore. The systems are to be installed as R&D facilities at four R&D and testing centres out of six. “Our measurement technology is expected to significantly contribute to the development of the Indian automobiles that have a lower impact on the global environment,” says Dr Gautam. NATRIP laboratories are expected to be operational from 2012 onwards.

Horiba’s global revenue in 2011 was 123.8 billion yen. Japan and the ASEAN region together account for about 40 percent of the business share. Currently, India contributes to about five percent of Horiba’s annual global revenue. The team in India is over 100- strong and the company expects future growth to emerge from India.

Chairman Atsushi Horiba has said that localisation will be his company’s key strategy to invest in India. “We would like to take advantage of the pool of talent here, especially from the IT sector,” he adds. “Horiba's objective is to be a first-class, global company that understands the culture, customs, and values of the countries and regions where we do business, and conduct business in harmony with the local community and its employees,” he signs off.

SUMANTRA BAROOAH & BRIAN DE SOUZA