KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Honda Motorcycles and Scooter India to expand India production
- To launch a new Honda two-wheeler every year
- Currently offers the Activa e and the QC1 electric models
Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) has set its sights on becoming the market leader in the domestic two-wheeler space, backed by major investments in capacity expansion. The company recently marked a significant global milestone by producing its 50 crore units, which rolled out from its Vithalapur plant in Gujarat. As part of its aggressive future roadmap, HMSI is also doubling down on electrification, aiming to launch a new electric Honda two-wheeler every year. Let's take a closer look at what's driving this ambitious push, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community of avid petrolheads to never miss out on any latest news and automotive updates.
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New Honda Two-Wheeler Each Year With A Push On More Production
Honda is a bit late to the electric two-wheeler game, especially in the Indian context, with the Honda Activa and the QC 1 now being two of its models, where the Activa e is still awaiting its pan-India rollout, which is restricted by the availability of its charging stations. Minoru Kato, Executive Officer at Honda Motor Company, emphasized the brand's strong focus on the Indian market, stating that the goal is to achieve the highest market share by building a production ecosystem that aligns with evolving customer expectations. To that end, the company is investing Rs 920 crore to expand its Vithalapur facility in Gujarat. This move is expected to boost Honda's overall annual production capacity in India to 70 lakh units by 2027. Currently, Honda operates four manufacturing plants across the country with a combined capacity of 61 lakh units. These include the Manesar plant in Haryana (3.8 lakh units), Tapukara in Rajasthan (13 lakh units), and the EV-focused Narsapura facility in Karnataka, which can produce up to 25 lakh units annually.
Mr. Minoru Kato expressed confidence in the company's battery-swapping model for EVs, noting that battery degradation over time will be less of a concern, as Honda will take responsibility for charging and warranty. He also confirmed that Honda plans to roll out at least one new electric model each year globally. India's Narsapura plant, where a dedicated EV facility is being developed, is expected to serve as an export hub for electric two-wheelers, with full-scale operations targeted by 2028.
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Sharing insights into Honda's performance, a top executive revealed that Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) sold 53.26 million units (excluding EVs) in FY25, securing a 28.3% market share. Driven by strong demand for key models like the Activa and Shine, HMSI has significantly narrowed the sales gap with market leader Hero MotoCorp. Looking ahead, Honda is optimistic about India playing a pivotal role in its global strategy to achieve 6 crore two-wheeler sales annually by 2030. While the brand may have joined the EV race in India a bit later than some rivals, Tsutsumu Otani, President, CEO, and MD of Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), has made the company's ambition clear. "The electric two-wheeler market in India is steadily expanding, with around 12 lakh units sold in FY25," Otani said. "Our goal is to become the number one player in the EV two-wheeler segment in the coming years."
Verdict
Honda is a bit late on jumping on the bandwagon of electric two wheelers, but with more and more swapping stations currently in process, it is likely to get more traction owing to the Activa nameplate. However, the swappable nature that the brand is confident about has not worked well with the masses here in India, but since they hope to make a difference, it would be a great feat if they could break that trust barrrier regarding the deteriorating battery life.
