Synopsis

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India plans to launch new premium motorcycles this year. The company will also introduce new electric scooter models to the market. This move targets India's growing premium motorcycle segment and rising incomes. Honda is expanding manufacturing capacity and localising components for new models.

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Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is preparing a fresh product push in the country with plans to launch two to three new premium motorcycles above the 200cc segment and new electric scooter models this year, according to a report by The Times of India (TOI).

The move comes as the Japanese two-wheeler maker looks to tap into India's growing premium motorcycle market, driven by rising disposable incomes and changing consumer preferences. The new launches will primarily target higher-displacement motorcycle segments, where Honda currently has a relatively limited presence.

According to the report, HMSI sold 3.16 million scooters and 2.59 million motorcycles in FY26. However, its motorcycle portfolio continues to be dominated by commuter models, with 81% of sales coming from the 110cc-125cc category. The 151cc-350cc segment accounted for just 13% of volumes, underlining the company's focus on strengthening its premium offerings.

"In the past, the market for recreational motorcycles was limited. But rising GDP, increasing disposable incomes and greater exposure to global products are changing customer preferences. We are preparing for this growth by introducing more localised models," HMSI President, CEO and Managing Director Tsutsumu Otani told TOI’s G Balachandar.

The report said Honda is also working with suppliers to localise components for motorcycles above 200cc as part of its broader "Make in India" strategy.

"Our strategy is centred on 'Make in India'. We have a wide global portfolio, but introducing products in India requires localisation and supplier readiness. We will continue bringing new models step by step while improving localisation," Otani was quoted as saying.

Alongside new product launches, the company is expanding its manufacturing footprint. HMSI is adding around 6.5 lakh units of annual production capacity each at its Tapukara plant in Rajasthan and Vithalapur facility in Gujarat. This expansion is expected to take the company's total annual production capacity to around 8 million units by FY28, the report said.

On the electric mobility front, Honda also plans to introduce new electric scooter models this year. However, the company will take a calibrated approach to electrification, with future expansion depending on the development of charging infrastructure, according to the report.

India is also becoming increasingly important to Honda's global manufacturing strategy. The report said the company is gradually shifting production of certain models from China and Japan to India as the competitiveness of Indian suppliers improves, a move that is expected to support exports.

Honda currently exports two-wheelers from India to markets across Asia-Oceania, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Central and South America, while also evaluating opportunities arising from India's expanding network of free trade agreements.

"India remains one of Honda's most important global markets and a strategic export hub. We have continued investing by expanding manufacturing capacity, strengthening localisation and enhancing supplier capabilities," Otani told TOI.