Chennai: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), the country’s second-largest two-wheeler maker by volumes, is gearing up for a fresh product offensive, with plans to launch two to three new premium motorcycles above 200cc and new electric scooter models this year, while simultaneously expanding manufacturing capacity and deepening localisation as part of its long-term India strategy.With the premiumisation trend gathering momentum, driven by rising disposable incomes and changing consumer preferences, HMSI’s proposed motorcycle launches will primarily target the fast-growing higher-displacement segments.In FY26, HMSI sold 3.16 million scooters and 2.59 million motorcycles, but its motorcycle business remained heavily skewed towards commuters, with 81% of volumes coming from the 110cc-125cc segment. The 151-350cc category accounted for only 13%, highlighting the need to strengthen its premium portfolio.“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,” Tsutsumu Otani, president, CEO and managing director, HMSI, told TOI.The premium motorcycle portfolio will be backed by an expanding supplier base, with Honda saying it is working closely with vendors to localise components for motorcycles above 200cc.“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,” he said.The product offensive is being backed by a significant manufacturing expansion. HMSI is adding nearly 6.5 lakh units of annual production capacity each at its Tapukara plant in Rajasthan and Vithalapur facility in Gujarat, taking its total annual production capacity to about 8 million units by FY2028.Beyond premium motorcycles, Honda is also preparing to expand its electric two-wheeler portfolio. The company confirmed it will introduce new electric scooter models this year, although it intends to adopt a measured approach to electrification, arguing that the pace of the transition will depend on the readiness of charging infrastructure.India will also continue to play an increasingly important role in Honda’s global manufacturing network. The company said the improving competitiveness of Indian suppliers is enabling it to gradually shift production of certain models from China and Japan to India, a move expected to boost exports in the coming years.Honda exports to markets across Asia-Oceania, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Central and South America, and is 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 said.
