Honda’s 2 wheeler arm in India, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India or best known as HMSI showcased their might at the 2014 Auto Expo. The Japanese company used the platform to announce their aggressive plans for the Indian market, showcased a few global offerings, launched the all new Activa 125, few refreshed versions of the existing range of two-wheelers, concepts, fun zones and safety awareness.
The theme for this was “Technology meets Emotion”. Honda revealed their roadmap for India with a major announcement of the company’s fourth new plant in Ahmedabad district of Gujarat which will have a manufacturing capacity of 1.2 million at an investment of Rs. 1100 crores and will start operations in 2015. HMSI has 3 plants in India 2 in the North and 1 in South. The new plant will cater to the West which contributes over 25% and will serve the customers more efficiently and help reduce waiting periods. With the new plant in operation in the 2015, Honda will be able to make 5.8 million units per year.
Honda had not one or two products, but 9 major models to showcase at the auto expo which included the new Activa 125, new CBF 650F, 4 global showcases – RC 213V (2013 Moto GP champion), Goldwing (1832cc big bike), CBR 500R (500cc performance bike), PCX 125 (Europe’s much loved contemporary scooter) and three 2014 editions of the company’s existing range- 2014 edition of CBR1000RR SP, CB Trigger & Dream Yuga in new colour options.
Honda claimed to have the largest pavilion amongst the two wheelers at the expo and showcased the first made in India CX-01 concept which is developed by the Indian R&D arm of Honda. Chhota Bheem & company’s brand ambassador Akshay Kumar helped to promote safety awareness at the Honda Pavilion.
HMSI also displayed their existing range of scooters and motorcycles such as the Activa, Activa i, Dio, Aviator, Dream Yuga, Dream Neo, CB-Shine, CB-Twister, CB-Stunner, CB-Trigger, CB-Unicorn, CBR150R, CBR 250R. The big bikes display included the VT 1300CX, VFR 1200R, CBR1000RR and CB1000R.
The FUN EXPANSION had a racing zone where the company showcased the RC 213V. The All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) TRX 420F allowed the visitors experience off-roading activities.
To sum it up, Honda has laid a strong foundation to achieve its goal to be a number player in the Indian market, but we cannot under estimate our own Indian two wheeler company, Hero MotoCorp who also showcased the new products which are quite appealing.
