| Honda Motor Corp., the second biggest | | | | plant is reaching its maximum capacity. It |
| Japanese automaker, is currently setting up | | | | will produce 100,000 units by January." |
| its second car manufacturing unit in | | | | |
| Rajasthan. The company plans to invest | | | | Officials of the Rajasthan State Industrial |
| approximately Rs 10 billion to build the unit | | | | Development and Investment Corp. said that a |
| that has a capacity of producing 60,000 units | | | | host of automobile ancillary units already |
| in the initial phase. | | | | exists in the state. The units were said |
| | | | holding an investment of about Rs 7 billion. |
| According to Masahiro Takedagawa, President | | | | |
| and Chief Executive of Honda Siel Cars, | | | | The state-run corporation, which has been |
| Honda's India unit, "We are setting up our | | | | promoting investments in Rajasthan, also |
| second plant in Bhiwadi. The unit will have | | | | plans to build another auto components zone |
| an investment of around Rs 10 billion." | | | | near Bhiwadi. The corporation is looking |
| | | | forward to attract investment of around Rs 30 |
| In a seminar hosted by the state government | | | | to 50 billion. |
| together with the Federation of Indian | | | | |
| Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci), | | | | In 1995, Honda set up its India operations. |
| Takedagawa said, "It will be operational by | | | | Since then, it has been selling the City, |
| 2009 and have a capacity of 60,000 units in | | | | Civic and Accord sedans and the CR-V sport |
| the first phase." | | | | utility vehicle. Whether the automaker will |
| | | | release its newest Acura vehicles equipped |
| The company decided to put up the plant in | | | | with premium Acura cargo liner and other |
| Rajasthan so that it could easily cater to | | | | genuine auto parts is still unknown. |
| India's largest market. By fact, the northern | | | | |
| and eastern regions cover about 50 per cent | | | | Currently, Honda is proposing a showcase of |
| of the total car sales in the country. | | | | the Jazz hatchback and the new version of its |
| | | | top-end Accord, also known as Honda Inspire |
| Other than the manufacturing facility, the | | | | in India. Officials said that the models will |
| Japanese automaker is also looking forward to | | | | be powered with a 2.4 L petrol engine and |
| building a suppliers' park. The project will | | | | will be available with a 3.5 L variant. The |
| be part of the development of a host of | | | | company is also planning to showcase the |
| ancillary units that will cater to the | | | | Civic hybrid and a prototype of its Formula 1 |
| company's needs. | | | | car, which will be in preparation for its |
| | | | plan to host Formula 1 racing in India by |
| At present, Honda is about to reach the | | | | 2010. Honda was able to establish 130 plants |
| production capacity of its Greater Noida | | | | in 30 countries, with operations in 160 |
| plant established on the outskirts of the | | | | countries around the world. |
| national capital. Takedagawa said, "That | | | | |