Honda India

Honda India – Overview

Honda India refers primarily to the Indian operations of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., the globally renowned Japanese multinational known for its automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment. In India, Honda operates through two main entities:

1. Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL) – for passenger vehicles.

2. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) – for two-wheelers.

History and Background

• Global Roots: Honda Motor Co., Ltd. was founded in Japan in 1948 by Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa.

• Entry into India (Cars): Honda Cars India Ltd. was established in 1995 as a joint venture between Honda Motor Co., Japan, and Usha International of the Shriram Group. In 2012, Honda became a 100% subsidiary.

• Entry into India (Two-wheelers): Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. was set up in 1999, wholly owned by Honda, starting with the launch of the iconic Activa scooter in 2001.

Key Operations

1. Honda Cars India (HCIL):

• Headquarters: Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

• Manufacturing Facilities:

  • Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh) – operational since 1997.

  • Tapukara (Rajasthan) – operational since 2014.

• Popular Models in India:

  • Honda City (flagship sedan)

  • Honda Amaze

  • Honda Elevate (SUV)

  • Honda WR-V (SUV, earlier version)

  • Jazz (hatchback – discontinued in 2023)

• Focus Areas: Premium sedans and compact SUVs with strong emphasis on fuel efficiency and reliability.

2. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI):

• Headquarters: Manesar, Haryana.

• Manufacturing Plants:

  • Manesar (Haryana)

  • Tapukara (Rajasthan)

  • Narsapura (Karnataka)

  • Vithalapur (Gujarat)

• Popular Models:

  • Honda Activa series (Activa 6G, Activa 125)

  • Honda Shine (motorcycle)

  • Dio (scooter)

  • CB350 series (retro bikes)

  • Unicorn (motorcycle)

• Market Position: One of the top two-wheeler brands in India, competing strongly with Hero MotoCorp and TVS.

Key Facts

• Honda has sold millions of Activa scooters in India, making it one of the country’s most successful two-wheelers ever.

• Honda City has been a benchmark in India’s sedan segment since 1998.

• The brand is known for its VTEC engine technology, refined performance, and premium interiors.

• HMSI is the largest scooter manufacturer in India by volume.

FAQs

Q: Is Honda still selling diesel cars in India?
A: As of 2023, Honda has phased out diesel engines in India, focusing on petrol and hybrid technology.

Q: Does Honda make electric vehicles in India?
A: Honda has begun exploring EVs for the Indian market, but as of now, no mainstream electric car or two-wheeler has been launched here.

Q: Which is Honda’s best-selling vehicle in India?
A: The Honda Activa leads in two-wheelers, and the Honda City is the top-selling car.

Significance in India

Honda India is seen as a reliable, premium, and aspirational brand. It introduced advanced Japanese technology, world-class safety, and fuel efficiency to Indian roads. The company also plays an important role in India’s automotive exports, sending vehicles and parts to several countries.