Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India Ltd. (HMSI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan’s Honda Motor Corporation is going to launch India specific Model within a short span of time. As a part of the same strategy Japan’s Honda Motor Corporation sold its 26% stake in Hero Honda joint venture to Munjal owned Hero group. The company is also planning to expand its capacity, dealer base and strengthen vendor base in order to capture larger market share in Indian two wheeler segment. Currently HMSI has a sales network of 790 outlets (398 dealers and 392 branches) and 389 authorised service centers
An HMSI spokesperson said “Our current and future endeavors will be directed to meet all kinds of customer requirements, including introduction of new and unique India-specific models. We are concentrating to meet the current demand and also focusing to expand dealer base, strengthen vendor network and increase quality manpower to service greater customer base.” However the company did not mention exact time frame for launch of its India specific models. Currently the company has Activa, Dio and Aviator in scooter segment and CB Unicorn, CB Unicorn arDazzler, CB Shine, CBF Stunner and CB Twister in motorcycle segment. It has also started booking of its 250cc sports bike CBR250R which will be available in showroom from April month of this year.
When asked about the booking response for CBR250R, the official said “Bookings for CBR250R, our global 250cc road-sports motorcycle have opened from January 1, 2011. Customer interest for this motorcycle is overwhelming and within a month we have received 1,800 confirmed bookings.” He also added that HMSI plans to sell 1.6 million units in FY 2010-11 and grow 26 per cent over the 1.27 million units sold during FY 2009-10.”
It seems like Honda’s solo ride will give India new generation products in motorcycle front. It is wrong to assume that Honda is not successful in the motorcycle segment because till now Honda is operating via joint venture and its wholly owned subsidiary and now it is going to focus only on its subsidiary. As far as scooter segment concern Honda is clear winner in India. For example, Honda Activa which is ruling gearless scooter segment and Honda Eterno which ruled geared scooter segment before it was discontinued. Apart from this Pleasure which was launched by Hero Honda also market leader in the segment which was once ruled by TVS scooty. Hope Honda will do same thing in motorcycle segment.