Okinawa Autotech announces the opening of its first European R&D center in Italy in partnership with Tacita. The Indian electric two-wheeler maker has entered into a joint venture with Tacita, with a total investment of EUR 25 million over the next three years. The first product designed at the facility will be an upcoming electric cruiser motorcycle, the company said.
Details of the upcoming electric cruiser are still being kept under wraps, but Okinawa says the electric motorcycle will be unveiled in the coming months. The company promises that its next product will be equipped with “the latest electric vehicle technology and best-in-class performance” in the motorcycle field.
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Speaking at the inauguration of the new R&D center, Jeetender Sharma, Managing Director and Founder of Okinawa Autotech said, “As India’s leading EV manufacturer, the company is committed to strengthening the EV ecosystem. Rs. 500 crore has been invested together with key stakeholders of the company in developing new products, manufacturing facilities, network expansion and brand building. The establishment of a global R&D center demonstrates our ambition to bring the best technology in the world to Indian customers. The center will Committed to developing future technologies for the next generation of electric vehicles. We thank our partner Tacita for their support in developing our first high-speed electric cruiser motorcycle for the Indian and global markets. We are excited to bring this product to India , to help us further strengthen our presence in the electric two-wheeler industry.”
New R&D center will see Okinawa invest €25m over next 3 years
The new R&D center in Okinawa will be led by Tacita co-founder Pierpaolo Rigo and will work with the company’s existing R&D center in India. The global R&D center will focus on new product development as well as upgrading the company’s existing product portfolio.
The company will also develop an all-new electric powertrain for its next-generation products at the plant. The new R&D center in Okinawa will employ nearly 50 people from India and other parts of the world. The manufacturer also plans to develop an employee exchange program with partner Tacita to develop employee skills both nationally and internationally.
Okinawa had previously showcased the Oki100 as its first electric motorcycle in India, but the project appears to be on hold for now. The upcoming Cruiser, meanwhile, could be the first of its kind in the electric motorcycle segment, which sells mostly streetfighter commuters and sporty electrics. More details should be announced in the coming months.
First published date: Jan 25, 2023 at 18:12 PM CST
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