HMSI charts aggressive plan for growth

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), the 100% subsidiary of Honda Motor Company, is betting big on India. Having surpassed the 8-million sales mark recently, the company plans to have an annual production capacity of 40 lakh units against 21 lakh units per annum by the end of 2011-12.

“We have acquired 8 million happy customers in a short span of 11 years; with the recent 8th million achieved in last seven months,” said NK Rattan, vice-president (sales & marketing). Faster introduction of models with the launch of new global road-sport machine CBR 250R and refreshed version of CB Twister till date will continue throughout FY11.

“With accelerated growth with stability in production, HMSI aims to touch 21 lakh units sales in FY12 from its two facilities in Manesar (Haryana) and Tapukara (Rajasthan). Meeting varied customer expectations from Honda are our 13 high quality reliable products in all major two wheeler segments (three scooters, seven motorcycles and three fun bikes),” he said.

To meet existing customer expectations, HMSI started production at its second plant at Tapukara (Rajasthan). Currently equipped with initial production capacity 6 lakh units, HMSI is eyeing to double capacity of second plant to 12 lakh units by March 2012.

“In order to realise Honda’s vision to provide good products with speed and affordability and to increase its market share sharply in the two-wheeler segment, HMSI entered into MoU with Karnataka government last month to set up third manufacturing plant in Bengaluru area.

Once operational in first half of 2013, this plant will have an annual production capacity of 12 lakh units. Cumulatively, this will expand our total capacity to 40 lakh units per annum by 2013,” he said.

“Reaching closer to our valued customers, our sales and service network and to expand our network further, the company will add 300 more outlets to take the total number of outlets to 1,500 by the end of this financial year,” he added. According to him, expanding fun culture in India, Honda has engaged over 7,500 biking enthusiasts including women through its various fun activities like Gymkhana, Honda One Make Race and Asia Cup of Road Racing.