Honda's Wind Tunnel Facility Gets ARAI, ICAT Certification for WLTP Testing

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL) has received Confirmation Certificates from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT), two of the country's leading automotive testing and certification bodies. The certificates cover the company's advanced wind tunnel facility at its research and development centre in Tochigi, Japan, clearing it for use in testing tied to India's upcoming Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) requirements.

The ARAI certificate was presented by Dr Reji Mathai, Director of ARAI, while the ICAT certificate was handed over by Saurabh Dalela, Director of ICAT. Both were received by Udit Kumar, Senior Vice President and Director at HCIL, at separate ceremonies attended by senior officials from the two agencies.

The certification allows HCIL to use the wind tunnel alongside its chassis dynamometer facilities to determine vehicle road load — a key input for WLTP-based testing. This falls under the AIS:175 regulatory standard, which will make WLTP compliance mandatory in India from April 1, 2027.

WLTP is an internationally used testing protocol designed to give more accurate readings of fuel consumption, energy use and exhaust emissions than earlier test cycles. Developed under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, it is already in use in markets including Europe, Japan and South Korea. India is now moving toward adopting the procedure, which requires precise aerodynamic testing to assess vehicle efficiency and emissions.

Honda Cars India, established in 1995, manufactures passenger vehicles at its plant in Tapukara, Rajasthan, and is headquartered in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Alongside new car sales, the company also runs a pre-owned vehicle business under the Honda Auto Terrace brand.