Auto
|
Updated on 31 Oct 2025, 06:15 am
Reviewed By
Aditi Singh | Whalesbook News Team
▶
Honda Cars India is set to significantly expand its presence in the rapidly growing Indian passenger vehicle market, with plans to launch ten new models by the year 2030. A major focus of this expansion will be on sport utility vehicles (SUVs), with seven of the ten new models slated to be SUVs. This strategy aims to capitalize on the strong consumer demand for SUVs in India.
The company, currently selling only three models in India, will offer a mix of vehicles. Some will be mass-market models manufactured locally in India, while others will be premium models imported as Completely Built Units (CBUs), which will likely be priced higher due to import duties. Honda Motor India's President & CEO, Takashi Nakajama, expressed interest in entering the "sub-4-metre SUVs" segment, a highly competitive but lucrative category.
Honda also plans to leverage its successful two-wheeler division for deeper consumer engagement and expand its supplier network in India. A key highlight of the expansion is the planned manufacturing of the Honda 0 Alpha electric model in India, with subsequent exports to Japan and other Asian markets. The batteries for this vehicle will be sourced from CATL technology produced in Indonesia. Honda is placing a significant bet on expanding its range of electric and hybrid models, potentially including autonomous driving technology powered by its proprietary ASIMO OS, depending on market demand.
Impact: This significant investment and product offensive by Honda signal a robust commitment to the Indian market, potentially leading to increased competition, greater choice for consumers, and a boost to local manufacturing and exports. It indicates a strong belief in the growth potential of the Indian auto sector, especially in the SUV and EV segments. Rating: 7/10.
Difficult Terms: * Completely Built Units (CBUs): Vehicles that are manufactured in one country and then imported into another country as a finished product, ready for sale. * Sub-4-metre SUVs: Sport Utility Vehicles that have a length of less than four meters, a common classification in India often associated with tax benefits and competitive pricing. * ASIMO OS: Refers to a potential future operating system for autonomous driving, possibly inspired by or derived from Honda's advanced robotics technology (ASIMO).
Auto
Suzuki and Honda aren’t sure India is ready for small EVs. Here’s why.
Brokerage Reports
Stocks to buy: Raja Venkatraman's top picks for 4 November
Mutual Funds
Quantum Mutual Fund stages a comeback with a new CEO and revamped strategies; eyes sustainable growth
Tech
Why Pine Labs’ head believes Ebitda is a better measure of the company’s value
Banking/Finance
SEBI is forcing a nifty bank shake-up: Are PNB and BoB the new ‘must-owns’?
Industrial Goods/Services
India’s Warren Buffett just made 2 rare moves: What he’s buying (and selling)
Startups/VC
a16z pauses its famed TxO Fund for underserved founders, lays off staff
Energy
India's green power pipeline had become clogged. A mega clean-up is on cards.
Renewables
Brookfield lines up $12 bn for green energy in Andhra as it eyes $100 bn India expansion by 2030