ABOUT HONDA COMPANY
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Honda Motor Company, Japan, has been a dominant force in the Indian two-wheeler market since its establishment in 1999. Known for its innovation, quality, and strong focus on customer satisfaction, HMSI has steadily grown to become one of the leading players in the industry. Offering a wide range of products, from the new bikes to well-established models, the company caters to the diverse needs of Indian consumers by providing motorcycles and scooters that excel in performance, reliability, and fuel efficiency. Whether you’re exploring Honda motorcycles for daily commuting or seeking performance-driven models, HMSI continues to deliver options with cutting-edge technology at competitive pricing. For those interested in staying updated with Honda bikes price or exploring their lineup, Honda’s commitment to excellence makes it a trusted brand across the country, cementing its position in the growing Honda bikes India market.
History and Growth
HMSI was incorporated in 1999 and commenced its Indian operations in May 2001 with the launch of its first model, the Honda Activa. Over the years, HMSI has expanded its manufacturing capabilities and product portfolio, becoming the second-largest two-wheeler company in India with over 60 million customers.
Key Milestones and Developments
- 2001: Honda entered the Indian market with the Activa, marking its debut in the scooter segment.
- 2002: Honda started exports from India and obtained ISO 14001 certification.
- 2004: The brand launched the CB Unicorn, entering the 150cc motorcycle segment.
- 2006: Diversified into the motorcycle segment with the launch of the 125cc CB Shine.
- 2008: Introduced the Combi-Brake System with Equalizer technology, an industry first.
- 2009: Introduced Combi-Brake System with equalizer technology, an industry first.
- 2011: Honda split with Hero and became the only Honda in the Indian two-wheeler industry. This year also marked the entry into the 110cc motorcycle segment with the Dream Yuga. The second manufacturing plant was inaugurated at Tapukara, Rajasthan
- 2012: Achieved the milestone of 1 crore cumulative domestic sales and inaugurated a new Technical Centre with integrated SEDBQ function.
- 2013: The third manufacturing plant, with a capacity of 1.2 million units, was inaugurated at Narsapura, Karnataka. Honda Eco Technology (HET) was introduced for improved mileage.
- 2015: Achieved the 2 crore sales milestone and launched 15 new models, including the first in-India big bike, CBR 650F.
- 2016: The fourth manufacturing plant, with a capacity of 1.2 million units, was inaugurated at Vithalapur, Gujarat. Honda 2Wheeler India sales crossed the 5 million mark annually for the first time.
- 2017: Expanded capacity at the third manufacturing plant to 2.4 million units, bringing the total capacity to 6.4 million units annually from 11 assembly lines at four plants. The iconic Activa became India’s No. 1 selling two-wheeler, trusted by 1.5 crore families.
- 2019: Established the exclusive premium big bike business vertical ‘Honda BigWing’.
- 2021: Reached the 5 crore domestic sales milestone.
- 2022: Honda 2Wheelers India celebrated its 35 millionth two-wheeler landmark.
- 2023: Honda overtook Hero in domestic wholesales, clocking over 18.53 lakh units in the April-July period.
- 2024: Expanded capacity with a new assembly line at the Vitthalapur plant.
Manufacturing Facilities
HMSI operates four manufacturing plants across India:
- Manesar, Gurugram, Haryana: The first plant started production in 2001.
- Tapukara, Alwar, Rajasthan: The second plant was inaugurated in 2011.
- Narsapura, Kolar, Karnataka: The third plant was inaugurated in 2013.
- Vitthalapur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat: This is the fourth plant, inaugurated in 2016 and recently expanded in 2024.
These plants collectively have a production capacity of 7.05 million units per annum.
HMSI is the only two-wheeler manufacturer in India with a product portfolio ranging from entry-level 100cc models to the flagship 1800cc Gold Wing Tour.
Market Position and Achievements
HMSI is the second-largest two-wheeler manufacturer in India, following Hero MotoCorp. The company has a strong market presence with a wide range of products catering to different segments from 100cc to 1800cc. HMSI has achieved several significant milestones, including:
- 6 crore domestic sales milestone in 2024.
- 35 million two-wheeler mark in 2018.
- First motorcycle manufacturer to achieve 800 Grand Prix victories globally in 2020.
Future Plans
HMSI is set to enter the electric mobility segment, with plans to launch an e-scooter and e-motorcycle later this year. The company also focuses on developing fuel-efficient products and integrating flex-fuel technology into its portfolio. Additionally, HMSI aims to strengthen its Manesar plant as a global resource factory and expand its export horizons.
