New Haryana-based research facility will accelerate product development for electric vehicles, motorcycles, and next-generation mobility solutions tailored to the Indian market.
Sumitomo Riko Co. Ltd. has announced the establishment of a new automotive research and development centre in Haryana, India, marking a significant investment in one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets. The new subsidiary, SumiRiko Research & Development India Pvt. Ltd. (SRK-RDI), is scheduled to begin operations in September 2026 and will strengthen the company’s ability to develop products tailored to the evolving needs of the Indian automotive industry.
The decision comes as India’s automotive sector continues to expand, driven by rising vehicle production, increasing electrification, and stricter environmental regulations. Sumitomo Riko said the new R&D centre will enable faster responses to customer requirements while supporting the development of advanced technologies for both passenger vehicles and motorcycles.
Located in Haryana, the facility will focus on product design, evaluation, testing, and technical services for automotive and two-wheeler applications. By establishing local engineering capabilities, the company aims to accelerate product development, improve collaboration with customers, and shorten development cycles for components designed specifically for the Indian market.
The new centre will leverage Sumitomo Riko’s expertise in polymer materials technology and comprehensive evaluation technologies to develop high-performance automotive components that meet changing market requirements. The company supplies a wide range of products, including anti-vibration rubber components, hoses, sound-control products, and other advanced materials used across the automotive industry.
India has become a strategic market for global automotive suppliers due to rapid growth in electric vehicles, increasing localisation of manufacturing, and rising demand for technologically advanced components. The establishment of the R&D centre reflects Sumitomo Riko’s long-term commitment to supporting domestic vehicle manufacturers and global OEMs operating in India.
The company expects the new facility to strengthen its innovation capabilities while supporting the development of products that improve vehicle performance, comfort, durability, and environmental sustainability. It also aligns with Sumitomo Riko’s broader management vision of creating technologies that contribute to greener and more comfortable mobility solutions.
Industry analysts view the investment as another sign of India’s growing importance as a global automotive engineering and innovation hub. With increasing investments from international component manufacturers, the country continues to attract research, development, and advanced manufacturing projects that support the transition toward electric and sustainable mobility.
By establishing its first dedicated R&D centre in India, Sumitomo Riko is positioning itself to respond more effectively to local customer needs while contributing to the advancement of automotive technologies that will shape the future of mobility in India and beyond.