Honda Motorcycle Business announced today that the OEM aims to introduce 30 electric models globally, targeting annual sales of 4 million electric motorcycles. Already, 13 models have been launched, including the CUV e: and ICON e: in Indonesia and the Activa e: in India.
The company has unveiled ambitious plans to harness India’s potential as a hub for exporting high-value motorcycles to South America, marking a strategic move in its global expansion.
Speaking at a media briefing, Minoru Kato, Executive Officer and Chief Officer of the Motorcycle and Power Products Operations, outlined the company’s vision for the fiscal year ending March 2025. Honda projects global motorcycle sales of 20.2 million units, capturing an impressive 40% share of the global market, with 85% of sales driven by the Asian region, led by India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. This strategy underscores India’s pivotal role in Honda’s long-term growth blueprint.
The company is targeting diverse customer segments in India with models like the Activa, Dio, Shine, and SP, supported by initiatives to enhance its dealership network and localise production.
Honda’s global production model is supported by standardised platforms and an optimised supply chain. This strategy ensures efficiency while delivering region-specific products, from commuter bikes to recreational motorcycles, solidifying its leadership position in key markets worldwide.
Riding The Growth Wave
Honda anticipates the global motorcycle market to grow from 50 million to 60 million units annually by 2030, driven by increasing demand in the Global South—regions like India, ASEAN countries, and Central and South America. To meet this demand, Honda plans to expand its competitive product lineup, focus on electrification, and aim for a 50% market share, including electric motorcycles, in the coming years.
Electrification At The Core
Honda has positioned 2024 as the first year of electric globalisation, with the company making a full-fledged entry into the electric motorcycle market.
Daiki Mihara, Operating Executive, Head of the Motorcycle and Power Products Electrification Business Unit, Electrification Business Development Operations, noted that by 2030, said to support this electrification drive, Honda is enhancing the charging ecosystem. Through its Honda e:Swap service, battery swapping is being introduced in key cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. Additionally, Honda’s partnerships with battery manufacturers and localized production efforts aim to reduce the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for electric motorcycles, making them as affordable as their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts.
Sustainability & Innovation
Honda is not solely focused on electrification; it is also reducing the environmental impact of its ICE motorcycles. Initiatives include the development of flex-fuel models, such as the CB300F, which accommodates blends of ethanol and gasoline. Honda’s broader sustainability efforts extend to factory operations, with solar power installations in Japan and forest conservation projects in Brazil. The company is also adopting bio-engineered plastics like DURABIO™ and recycling materials to minimize waste.
In Europe, Honda is doubling down on its FUN motorcycle lineup, with models like the CB, CBR, Africa Twin, and Rebel series. New technologies, such as the Honda E-Clutch and the world’s first V3 engine with an electric turbocharger, promise to elevate the riding experience. These innovations are designed to cater to enthusiasts seeking both performance and sustainability.
Shaping a Carbon-Neutral Future
Honda’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality for its motorcycle business by the 2040s is reflected in its “Triple Action to ZERO” strategy. This includes advancements in electrification, recycling initiatives for used batteries, and exploring secondary uses for power packs in off-grid areas in India.
The company is also reimagining manufacturing processes to reduce environmental impact. For example, its Kumamoto Factory in Japan combines solar power generation with lithium-ion storage batteries, while the Manaus Factory in Brazil preserves a 1,000-hectare forest area to offset carbon emissions.
Leading The Charge
Honda’s motorcycle business is poised for transformative growth, balancing global ambitions with local sensitivities. By embracing electrification, leveraging its leadership in ICE motorcycles, and implementing sustainable practices, Honda is not only redefining the motorcycle market but also driving the industry toward a greener future. With its robust strategies, Honda aims to retain its legacy as a pioneer in innovation, customer-centricity, and sustainability.
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