Honda to construct Bt1.7bn test course in Prachin Buri
HONDA R&D Asia Pacific has announced that it will construct an automobile test course at the Rojana Industrial Park in Prachin Buri with an investment of Bt1.7 billion.
The move aims to reinforce Honda's research and development capabilities so it delivers very competitive products which suit customer needs and requirements in Asia and Oceania.
The test course will be used for overall vehicle tests to evaluate vehicles' quality and performances and will complement the company's current activities which include product planning, styling design, engineering design, material research, and quality control. The test course is scheduled to be completed in 2017.
The new test course will be built on a site of more than 800,000 square meters with various test tracks. Honda's vehicles can be tested in various aspects on different kinds of tracks which simulate real road conditions and terrains in different parts of the world.
When completely constructed, it will become Honda's second automobile test course outside Japan.
The other is at the US. The test course will also be used for other products such as motorcycles and power products.
The announcement was made in conjunction with the foundation stone laying ceremony at the industrial park yesterday.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, other Cabinet members, and Shiro Sadoshima, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Japan to Thailand.
Somkid said: "Research and development play an important role to the creation of high-quality automobiles with fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness.
"The foundation stone laying ceremony for Honda's new test course today [yesterday] reflects the company's intention to help diversify the Thai automotive industry from the viewpoint of a strong manufacturing base to creating a competitive development base."
Fumihiko Ike, chairman and representative director of Honda Motor said: "Honda places the highest importance on research and development. This new test course will contribute to the ability to develop attractive and affordable vehicles for our customers in this region much faster and more effectively."
Noriaki Abe, president and chief executive of Asian Honda Motor said: "We must reinforce our product lineup and the enhancement of our R&D activities will be even more important for that.
"Honda is committed to making its products more competitive for both the Thai market and for the world, with Thai local component parts and infrastructure, with Thai R&D facilities, and with Thai engineers."
Honda R&D Asia Pacific, headquartered in Bangkok, has been set up since December 2005, taking charge on automotive research and development for the Asia and Oceania region, auto parts development and purchasing in Thailand, and styling research and prototype testing for completely built-up units.
Honda was the first automotive manufacturer to open an R&D operation in Thailand in 1988.