Honda to launch India-specific models post Hero Honda exit

NEW DELHI: With its exit plan from Hero Honda being finalised, Japan's Honda Motor Co is gearing up to launch India specific two-wheeler models as it prepares for the solo ride here.

The company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI), will also expand its dealer base and strengthen vendor network to rapidly expand presence in the country. It will start selling 250cc sports bike CBR250R in India from April, priced at Rs 1.5 lakh onwards.

"Our current and future endeavors will be directed to meet all kinds of customer requirements, including introduction of new and unique India-specific models," an HMSI spokesperson told PTI.

The company, however, did not elaborate on the India specific models and the time-frame for their launch.

Currently, HMSI sells both scooters, such as Activa and Dio, and motorcycles, including Stunner, Shine, Twister and Unicorn in India.

When asked about plans for network expansion in the wake of Honda's exit from Hero Honda, the HMSI official said: "We are concentrating to meet the current demand and also focusing to expand dealer base, strengthen vendor network and increase quality manpower to service greater customer base."

At present HMSI has a sales network of 790 outlets (398 dealers and 392 branches) and 389 authorised service centres.

On January 24, Honda Motor Co and the Hero Group had executed a final binding licensing agreement paving way for the Japanese auto major's exit from the 26-year-old joint venture -- Hero Honda. Under the deal, Honda will sell its 26 per cent stake in Hero Honda to the Hero Group, although it will continue to supply technology for sometime.

In order to expand presence in the high-end bikes segment, HMSI will start selling 250cc road-sports bike CBR250R from April priced Rs 1.5 lakh onwards.

"Bookings for CBR250R, our global 250cc road-sports motorcycle have opened from January 1, 2011. Customer interest for this motorcycle is overwhelming and within a month we have received 1,800 confirmed bookings," the official said.

On the overall sales front, the company is looking for 26 per cent growth in 2010-11.

"HMSI plans to sell 1.6 million units in FY 2010-11 and grow 26 per cent over the 1.27 million units sold during FY 2009-10," the official said.