Hyundai, the only car manufacturer after Maruti Suzuki to enter into mainstream car market with its entry hatchback Santro, has come a long way since its launch. In terms of technology, design and production facility, it has kept in sync with the latest in the market.
Presently, it has a stellar line-up of 10 models. Except for the Santro Xing which still sells in strong numbers, all other models have been completely revamped from their earlier version. Be it the entry level Eon, which is undoubtedly the most feature laden car in its segment or the flagship Santa Fe, which competes with not just its segment but higher as well and even the gorgeous Sonata, which is the best example of their Fluidic Construction. Every car has its unique character.
Marketing is just a means of highlighting the best in cars but then the sales figures too vindicate the fact that Hyundai India has attained the status of a successful car manufacturer in the country. The company was also featured as one of the plants with maximum production capacity utilization according to a recent study report.
It takes more than simple in-line processes and manufacturing techniques to be called the second largest car manufacturer in the country and the largest exporter from India. We at CarTrade.com were very happy to attend their Chennai production facility and witness the making of their recently launched Hyundai Xcent compact sedan.
This plant is spread over an area of 535 Acres and we were given a complete trip around it in a Hyundai Bus. The prime function of a car maker is to make cars and Hyundai does that very well but then it also does its bit in being a responsible car manufacturer by supporting eco-friendly measures as well as helping the lesser blessed. Spread across a sizeable area is a rain harvesting pool which was a first of its own kind. Herein rain water is collected and is converted into usable water medium which can be used in and around the plant. There is a dedicated 24x7 running Reverse Osmosis plant, which has several different water purification processes.
It was indeed a learning process as we got to know the finer details of this company’s social contribution. There is a facility where wooden benches are made and are sent to government and corporation schools for the under privileged kids.
They also have a “Go-Green” project which benefits marginalised farmers by supplying them saplings. This project has not only benefitted local farmers but has also changed the topography by improving the air quality and the soil quality to make it suitable for cultivation. The company has modestly adopted a village and initiated different lifestyle improving projects like sanitation project, helping them develop schools and libraries, giving nurse training and also a driver programme training. So that sums up the socio responsibility of Hyundai India.
It took 17 months to setup this facility which by itself is a major feat. This one also boasts of being the biggest powertrain plant. It is supported by 42 Korean vendors and 77 local vendors. One look at the facility and you will barely find any human intervention. Many operations are completely robotised and it is a sight to see all these Transformer style robots doing their job. Once the positions and coordinates are specified, these robots identify them with sensors and start welding them at tandem. The panels are brought together on dedicated conveyors and are held by fixtures until welded properly.
After the shell is binded by welding, it is turn to get a colour coat and this is done in an automatic paint shop. The painting robot already has commands of the particular color to be painted on the particular model and thus immediately after finishing off one, it changes shade for the next desired one without wasting any time. The multiple layers of coats give them an impressive lustre.
Every process is concluded with final human intervention where employees assemble different elements together. This included the front dashboard, door trims, seats etc. The employees also run an inspection before finally signing it off. One interesting aspect is that the company also pays a keen ear to employee suggestions and then the employee of the month also gets an opportunity to have lunch with top management. Not only this, the company takes detailed interest in his social behaviour and also finds out reasons and causes if he hasn’t been performing well. Now we know why Hyundai India doesn’t make it to the news for wrong reasons as they take great care of their strong workforce.
Hyundai cars have been very popular in the Indian market. They have not only given strong competition but also raised the benchmark of its respective segments. The Xcent which was launched to bid farewell to Accent and bring in a fresh approach has been doing well. Even the new i20, which is all set to make its debut in some months from now, is one of the most anticipated hatchbacks to be made in this very facility. This plant visit made us learn different aspects of Hyundai brand and its culture in India.
