Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has achieved a new milestone becoming the fastest manufacturer in the industry to cross the 40 million sales mark. The two-wheeler maker managed to achieve the stupendous number in a span of 18 years, backed by the strong demand for its scooter range. The volumes have only grown tremendously in recent times with the last 20 million customers joining Honda family in the previous four years. In contrast, the company gained its first 10 million customers in 11 years, followed by the next 10 million in the following three years.
Speaking about the milestone, HMSI – President and CEO, Minoru Kato said, “We are honoured by the love and trust that 40 million customers have bestowed on brand Honda in such a short time. Since the very start, Honda is led by a challenging spirit bringing Joy to millions of customers with high quality innovative products.”
Adding further, HMSI – Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Yadvinder Singh Guleria said, “Honda 2Wheelers India is proud to power every flight on wings for more than 40 million two-wheeler riders. With an extensive range of scooters and motorcycles, rapidly expanding network, adding customer friendly services, Honda is all set to further delight its customers in pursuit of their dreams.”
The Honda Activa continues to be the manufacturer’s most popular offering
While the company made its foray in India with Hero, Honda 2Wheelers commenced independent operations with its scooters. The Honda Activa was the first product to roll out from the company in 2001 and continues to be its most selling offering month-after-month. The manufacturer further added products like the Honda CB Shine, which is the world’s most selling 125 cc motorcycle with over 70 lakh units sold. The Honda CB Unicorn 150 was launched this period and continues to be a popular seller in the segment. The Japanese manufacturer was also the first to introduce Combined Braking System (CBS) in 2009, which is now mandatory on two-wheelers below 125 cc.
After splitting with Hero, Honda started a new journey in India in 2011 and has rapidly increased not only its sales figures but production facilities as well. The company expanded from churning out 16 lakh units annually at one plant to 64 lakh units annually from four facilities. The Honda Dream Yuga launched in 2012 marked the brand’s introduction into the mass market segment, while it has launched products including the CBR 650F and the Africa Twin in the premium end of the motorcycle segment.
Honda 2Wheelers India has also developed two India specific products over the past two years with the Navi and the Cliq scooters. In addition, Honda India exports products to over 120 countries globally and is in the process of adding over six lakh units in production capacity at its plants, taking the total production capacity of 70 lakh units per annum by 2020.
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