Honda Cars India plans over 10 new models by 2030
Honda Cars India plans to introduce more than 10 new models, including electric vehicles and compact SUVs, by 2030. The company said India is among its top three global focus markets and outlined plans for multiple launches to drive future growth
New Delhi: Japanese automaker Honda Cars India plans to introduce over 10 new models, including electric vehicles and compact SUVs, in India by 2030, one of the three key markets identified for its future growth plans, according to a senior company official.
Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) on Friday launched the new version of its popular hybrid sedan City with introductory prices starting at Rs 11.99 lakh, while also unveiling its premium SUV ZR-V in India.
It will launch its first full electric vehicle in the second half of the ongoing fiscal in the country, HCIL President and CEO Takashi Nakajima told reporters here.
“Recently, we announced that we will be launching new models under two categories, that is, under 4 metres and the midsize category. Last time, in Japan, we mentioned 10 (models) but currently, we are counting more than 10 (models),” Nakajima said when asked how many new models Honda planned to launch in India by 2030.
In the ongoing fiscal, HCIL plans a total of six launches, including the City hybrid and the ZR-V hybrid, he said, adding that the launch of the new City and unveiling of the ZR-V mark the beginning of HCIL’s new phase of accelerated growth in the market.
“India is among the top three focus markets to realise Honda’s future growth, which will be driven by a strong pipeline of new products and our efforts to achieve cost competitiveness,” Nakajima said.
He further said, “This year is a landmark year for us with six strategic launches that will sharpen our competitive edge and reinforce our brand position in the market.”
Honda Motor Co had last week announced that it would start introducing models tailored to the Indian market from 2028 and leverage its two-wheeler business to upgrade customers to passenger vehicles as part of the rebuilding of its automobile business and future direction.
The company has positioned India, along with North America and Japan, as a priority market for its future growth strategy and decided to strategically allocate its resources to these markets.
From 2028, the company will begin introducing strategic models tailored to the Indian market in two vehicle categories — vehicles under 4 metres in length and the midsize category.
When asked how many of the new models would be India-specific, Nakajima said it would be a mix of India-specific models along with fully imported global models like the ZR-V SUV.
He said Honda is looking to participate in the two fastest-growing segments in India — sub-4 metre and midsize — with a variety of powertrains ranging from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and hybrids to battery electric vehicles.
Nakajima said that with a clearer direction on the multi-technology pathway policy in India, the company has decided to focus on the two segments.
This year, the company is looking at “double-digit” growth in India, Nakajima said.
HCIL officials said the company is not looking to enter the hatchback segment and its sub-4 metre vehicles would primarily be compact SUVs.
