Sumitomo Riko launches automotive R&D centre in India to tackle electrification and emissions

Japanese automotive components giant Sumitomo Riko is opening a dedicated research and development facility in India to help local automakers meet the demands of vehicle electrification and tightening emissions rules. The new subsidiary, SumiRiko Research & Development India Pvt. Ltd., will be based in Haryana and is slated to start operations in September 2026, the company confirmed in a 25 June announcement. Sumitomo Riko cited India’s rapidly expanding automotive sector and rising environmental compliance requirements as the key drivers behind the investment. “To further strengthen our ability to address customer needs in the Indian market, we decided to establish an R&D centre,” the company stated. The facility will focus on design, evaluation, and technical service for automotive and motorcycle components, promising faster response times to customer requests and smoother development cycles. It will draw on Sumitomo Riko’s expertise in polymer materials and evaluation technologies to tailor products specifically for the Indian market. The new subsidiary is expected to be formally established in July 2026, with Kazuhiko Kato named as its representative.