Honda Opens Asia and Oceania Automobile R&D Centre

BANGKOK – November 18, 2009: Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. (HRAP) was officially launched with the Minister of Industry, Mr. Chanchai Chairungruang, presiding over the inaugural ceremony. The primary focus of this new centre is to address the rapidly changing consumer needs and market demands as well as strengthening Honda’s competitiveness in Asia and Oceania region.

Mr. Fumihiko Ike, President & Chief Executive Officer, Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said, “Today’s opening of Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. represents an important step in Honda’s history and commitment to Thailand, which has become one of our core operation bases for motorcycles, automobiles and power products. We are currently producing 3.3 million units of Honda products annually for export to more than 80 countries around the world. We have steadily grown our Thailand functions into an important operation for Honda, not only in the Asia-Oceania region, but also for global markets.

“Honda, as a frontrunner in the environmental area in Thailand, is working to develop a variety of fuel-efficient vehicles including one for the Eco-car project that was initiated by the Thai government. We are now developing a new small car that meets Eco-car requirements and making every effort to introduce it in the near future. With today’s opening of HRAP, Honda will further accelerate the development of this Eco-car,” added Mr. Ike.

Mr. Chanchai Chairungruang, Minister of Industry, said, “Since it was established in Thailand 45 years ago, Honda has been one of the leading global automobile manufacturers that have continuously worked with the government to develop Thailand’s automotive industry. This includes manufacturing both automobiles and motorcycles, creating a parts supply chain, and establishing its regional headquarters in Thailand. Today’s opening of its automobile research and development centre represents Honda’s commitment as a private sector company to support the government’s policy to further develop Thailand’s automotive industry. This new R&D Centre will also promote technology transfer and skills development while generating employment in the country.”

The new Honda R&D Centre is situated on 95 rai along eastern Kanchanapisek Road. The facility will accelerate local content development to help stimulate the Thai and regional automotive industry. Specific activities to be undertaken at the Centre include product planning, styling research, engineering development, and vehicle testing. It is Honda’s fourth Automobile R&D Centre outside of Japan, following the USA, Europe and China.

Honda was the first automotive manufacturer to open an R&D function in Thailand in 1988, when it established a motorcycle research & development operation that expanded into the development hub for the Asia & Oceania region in 1997. With the opening of the new Honda R&D Centre, Honda will strengthen its automobile operations in addition to its comprehensive motorcycle operations.

Honda established the Honda Research Department in Thailand in 1994 to develop and supply auto parts in Thailand and support its auto production operations. The Department’s responsibilities grew to include product planning and quality control. In 2005, the Honda Research Department was registered as a juristic entity under the name Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. Also known as HRAP, it is now responsible for research and development for automobiles in the unique Honda style that meet the changing needs of consumers across the Asia and Oceania region.