Honda Plans Premium Motorcycle and Electric Scooter Launches in India Expansion
CHENNAI — Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has announced plans to launch two to three new premium motorcycles above 200cc and new electric scooter models this year. The product offensive, detailed in Chennai, is part of a broader strategy to expand the company's manufacturing capacity and deepen component localization in India.
The move comes as HMSI looks to capitalize on rising disposable incomes and changing consumer preferences toward higher-displacement segments. Tsutsumu Otani, President, CEO, and Managing Director of HMSI, stated that the company is preparing for growth in the recreational motorcycle market by introducing more localized models.
Currently, HMSI's motorcycle business is heavily dependent on the commuter segment. In FY26, the company sold 3.16 million scooters and 2.59 million motorcycles. However, 81 percent of its motorcycle volumes came from the 110cc-125cc segment, while the 151cc-350cc category accounted for only 13 percent of sales.
To support the new premium motorcycle portfolio, HMSI is working with local vendors to localize components for motorcycles above 200cc. Otani emphasized that the company's strategy is centered on the "Make in India" initiative, which requires building supplier readiness before introducing global products to the Indian market.
In addition to product launches, HMSI is executing a major manufacturing expansion. The company is adding approximately 6.5 lakh units of annual production capacity at its Tapukara plant in Rajasthan and another 6.5 lakh units at its Vithalapur facility in Gujarat. This expansion will bring HMSI's total annual production capacity to about 8 million units by FY2028.
HMSI also plans to expand its electric two-wheeler portfolio with new electric scooter models this year. The company noted it will take a measured approach to electrification, as the transition pace will depend on the readiness of local charging infrastructure.
Furthermore, the rising competitiveness of Indian suppliers is allowing Honda to gradually shift the manufacturing of certain models from China and Japan to India. This shift is expected to boost exports to markets across Asia-Oceania, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
