Honda R&D Asia Pacific Officially Opened

Honda’s new automobile research and development center, Honda R&D Asia Pacific, was inaugurated today, strengthening Honda’s presence in the Asia and Oceania regions. The site is situated along the eastern Kanchanapisek Road. The facility was designed to help stimulate the Thai and regional automotive industry.

Specific activities to be undertaken at the Center include product planning, styling research, engineering development, and vehicle testing. It is Honda’s fourth Automobile R&D Center outside of Japan, following the USA, Europe and China.

“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,” said Fumihiko Ike, President & Chief Executive Officer, Asian Honda Motor.

According to an official statement, the company is currently producing 3.3 million units of Honda products annually for export to more than 80 countries around the world.

“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,” continued Ike.

“Today’s opening of its automobile research and development center 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 Center will also promote technology transfer and skills development while generating employment in the country,” added Chanchai Chairungruang, Minister of Industry.