GM sets up research lab in India
General Motors, the world’s largest automaker, has announced it has set up a $21 million automotive research laboratory in India’s technology hub of Bangalore, its first outside the United States.
“The research lab in India provides an increased diversity of talent and resources to our global research and development network,” said Alan Taub, executive director of the Science Laboratories for GM Research and Development.
“We are able to tap into these science-rich societies and involve the world’s best technical talent,” said Taub.
The research and development lab will focus its activities on advanced vehicle design technology, manufacturing technologies and electronic integration.
“The lab is being set up also for high-performance computing to develop structural materials. There is a tremendous infusion of electronic technology,” Taub said.
The Indian lab currently employs 17 scientists, but the number will increase to 100 within two months.
Global outreach
General Motors’ global network of research and development activities include its central hub at the Technical Centre in Warren in the US and science offices that have pacts with leading universities in more than 12 countries.
In India, the firm has more than 30 research projects being conducted at universities and national laboratories. In addition, it has alliances with several industry partners.
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“We chose India after a careful study and considering the availability of talent” Alan Taub, |
“The Science Lab (in Bangalore) can leverage the work going on in these laboratories. The location in the strategic Asia-Pacific region enables General Motors to remain a world leader in product innovation,” Taub said.
He said the technological revolution that was taking place in the automotive industry required growth in the company’s research and development capabilities.
“That is the main reason why we opened the centre in Bangalore. We chose India after a careful study and considering the availability of talent,” Taub said.
Currently, General Motors India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the parent firm, has a share of about 2% of the overall Indian car market and about 8% of the bigger, mid-sized car segment.