In a big move towards its global presence, Hero Motocorp recently commenced operations of its Colombian plant. Inaugurated by Mr. Juan Manuel Santos, President of Colombia and Mr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman, MD and CEO of Hero MotoCorp Ltd this is first Hero Motocorp factory outside of India. All the other four factories of the manufacturer are within and spread across India. Hero Motocorp is also the first Indian manufacturer to have its own manufacturing unit in Colombia, a market that also has the presence of Bajaj and TVS. The manufacturing unit has been set up at a cost of 70 million dollars and will initially have a capacity of 80,000 units and will be expanded over the coming year to 1,50,000 units. Providing local employment for up to 2200 in the new factory, the unit will be making the top 10 models of the Hero Motocorp line up including the scooters. The same manufacturing base will be used to export and penetrate the US and Mexican markets.
Located at Parque Sur free trade zone at Villa Rica (Cauca) – 500 km south-west of Bogota the new Hero Motocorp manufacturing unit is span across 17 acres. Motorcycles and scooters made here will be sold through the existing 160 outlets across the country. The motorcycles that are currently doing very well in the Colombian market include – the Karizma, Glamour, Passion Pro, iSmart and also the 100cc Eco Deluxe. The Colombian market will also get the much awaited Hero Dash scooter, that is slated for launch later this year in India. The Colombian market is quite similar in its requirement of usage of motorcycles. Most two wheeler purchases are for commute and the market is strong and trending towards highly efficient lower capacity motorcycles.
Including the Colombian market, Hero Motocorp now sells in a total of 24 countries across the world and is fast becoming a very strong global player. In India, Hero Motocorp has the largest variety of motorcycles on offer and over the next couple months will be unveiling higher capacity scooters and motorcycles.
