Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI), the only Honda in the Indian 2-wheeler market that is a 100% subsidiary of the Honda Motor Company Ltd. Japan, has shared its plans for the business transformation. They are looking forward to strengthening their Manesar (Haryana) plant to make it a global resource factory for the ‘Making in India for the World’ campaign.
Besides expanding exports, HMSI is pursuing the development of fuel-efficient products and they plan a phase-wise implementation and integration of flex-fuel technology into their future products. HMSI will introduce a new low-end motorcycle in the commuter segment, leveraging the opportunity in the entry-level category for the Indian 2-wheeler market.
CEO of Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India said, “HMSI will expand its horizons in India. A staggered implementation of flex-fuel technology and multiple EV model introduction in the future will lead to an exciting journey ahead. HMSI also plans to enter the low-end motorcycle segment while boosting its new fun models’ business in domestic markets. Parallelly expanding its wings overseas, HMSI aims to serve more developed countries with its highest level of global quality standards.”
Honda’s current entry-level product in the market is the CD110 Deluxe competing in the 100-110cc segment with a starting price of ₹70,315 (ex-showroom). Honda has stayed tight-lipped about the specifications of the upcoming low-end commuter, but there are some speculations that it will be more affordable than the CD110 Deluxe and it would be a direct rival to the Hero Splendor.
If that is the case, then the engine might be the same 109.51cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled motor and the hardware might as well be the same and nothing fancy is to be expected. Telescopic front forks, twin rear springs and drum brakes on both ends with the safety net of a combined braking system. The estimated date for its launch is supposed to be sometime in the year 2023.
