Six years since it parted ways with its erstwhile partner Hero Group, Japanese two-wheeler major Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India has captured the number 1 position across 15 states and two union territories, accounting for around 52% of the overall domestic two-wheeler market.
Honda has overtaken Hero MotoCorp in key markets, including Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, among other states, claimed the company.
The elevation to the top spot was based on the April-September data of FY-18, as released by the industry body Siam.
These 17 markets include the entire western region, comprising states like Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa. It also includes the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka, apart from other regions like Punjab, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
In other big-demand states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh too, Honda continues to outperform and sales are increasing two times the speed of two-wheeler industry in the past six years, added the company in a statement.
Minoru Kato, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said: “We have invested with speed and aggression to meet demand for quality Honda products. In just six years, Honda has expanded from one to four plants, launched new exciting models and tripled its network reach.”
Honda’s leadership in the market has grown significantly over the years. From dominating the market in just Arunachal Pradesh and Goa in 2011, its hold has increased to make it the market leader in at least 15 states and two union territories in 2017. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “While becoming the first choice of the progressive states, the next wave of demand growth for Honda is coming on the back of increasing scooterization of traditionally motorcycle-driven states. Be it Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand or Chattisgarh, scooters are the fastest growing segment in these states.”
The firm is confident of consolidating its position further in the motorcycle segment, even as it plans on expanding its network and improving last mile availability of its products.
Source: ET
