Hero Bikes Soon to Get New Engines

Hero Motocorp and Honda parted their ways two years ago, and still Hero is using the technologies developed under the joint venture. However, now the company has developed three new engines of 100cc, 110cc and 250cc independently in their own R&D facilities, which are ready to be introduced in the new products next year.

Hero MotoCorp's Senior Vice-President (marketing and sales), Mr. Anil Dua said,“We have successfully tested three engines. These will be introduced in some of our products next year.”
Company's MD & CEO Pawan Munjal said,“We are working on a product below the HF Dawn but don’t expect a drastic reduction in price.” One product of the company for 2014 will be definitely a more affordable commuter using locally developed 100cc engine. The company's 250cc engine is expected to be introduced in a entry level sport bike and next gen Karizma ZMR, while they might use the 110cc engine for a new range of automatic scooters. However, the existing product range is expected to be continued with the present technology.

Recently, Hero introduced 15 updated products of its existing line-up, and Mr Munjal commented, “It has just been over two years since we commenced our solo journey. In this short span, we have made significant upgradation of our existing line, incorporating next-generation technology and features. This is a reiteration of our capability to develop indigenous technologies.” Earlier, the company announced to launch 50 new products in three years, and 15 has been unvieled, which means there are 35 more to come.

Hero has rights to use Honda's technology for its new products till 2017, but the company aiming to launch its own developed range of vehicles by 2016. To support the task, the company's new technology partners are Italian design firm Engines Engineering, performance bike manufacturer Erik Buell Racing (EBR) and Austrian engine developer AVL. Mr. Munjal said, “Our ultimate aim is to have our partners as an extended R&D arm for Hero MotoCorp. These partners have huge specifications available and we want to be known as a full-fledged global two-wheeler brand eventually.”

As we all know about, the company is also going to open a new R&D centre near Jaipur, Rajasthan with an investment of Rs. 450 crore .

Source: Business Standard