Honda Motor Co Ltd : Honda to Establish Fourth Motorcycle Plant in India

• Aggressive capacity expansion with New 4th plant at Gujarat in 2015
• Ambitious showcase of 9 products powered by trusted Honda Technology
  • New Activa125 - the "King of Scooters" rides into India
  • New CBR 650R - Honda's higest displacement motorycle to be assembled in India
  • 4 Global showcases - RC 213V (2013 Moto GP champion), Goldwing (1832cc big bike), CBR500R (500cc performance bike), PCX 125 (Europe's much loved contemporary scooter)
  • 3 exciting 2014 editions - CBR1000RR SP (2014) , CB Trigger & Dream Yuga (new colours)
• Welcome to the exciting Honda universe where 'Technology Meets Emotion'

GREATER NOIDA, India, February 5, 2014 - Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (Private) Ltd., Honda's motorcycle manufacturing and distribution company in India announced its 'Aggressive and Ambitious' Roadmap for market leadership in India at its high voltage press conference at the 12th Auto Expo 2014.

Announcing major milestone in Honda history in India, Takanobu Ito (President, CEO & Representative Director, Honda Motor Company, Japan) announced,

"HMSI sales volumes have already reached 2nd position for Honda's two wheeler business worldwide. We believe India may soon be top market for Honda. Today I am happy to announce Honda will reach closer to customers with a new 4th plant at Gujarat. We will invest an additional Rs. 1,100 crore for creating new 1.2 million units annual capacity."

Since 2011, HMSI has aggressively grown from 1 to 3 plants to better realize its vision to provide superior quality products with speed and affordability. With existing three plants covering North and South India, Honda wanted to reach closer to vast market in West which contributes over 25% to HMSI business.

In order to serve customers more efficiently with speed, Honda has announced its new Fourth plant in the Ahmedabad district of Gujarat. The fourth plant is scheduled to become operational in 2015 with an initial annual production capacity of 1.2 million units.

This capacity expansion plan will increase HMSI's total annual production capacity to 5.8 million units, including 1.6 million units at first plant (Haryana), 1.2 million units at second plant (Rajasthan) and 1.8 million units at third plant (Karnataka).

Sharing Honda's roadmap for India, Keita Muramatsu (President & CEO - Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd.) said,

"As Only Honda which is free to realize its Dreams for India, we are moving ahead on full throttle. Our customer driven cutting edge R&D from Technical Center and superior technology products will be supported by aggressive production capacity expansion to 5.8 million units by FY 2015-16 and speedy addition of new 500 touch-points to our viable network. Customer needs in India are evolving as so is our product line-up which will soon include CBR 650F and Activa 125 - Honda's largest displacement motorcycle & scooter for India."

At the Auto Expo, HMSI gave a glimpse of its upcoming product strategy by showcasing 9 new India specific two-wheelers across all motorcycle and scooter segments. This includes:

The 'King of Scooters' from Powered by New 125cc superb power, exciting technology for best Advance Features (Combi-optional Disc Brake, tubeless meter), high on Reliability body, viscous air filter, MF Style (clear winkers, front instrument panel, commanding sturdy alloy wheels, crowned Comfort & Convenience.
(Market availability starts Indian market)

Honda's totally new 650cc middle sports model featuring sleek, sporty style and a completely new DOHC 4 cylinder 6 gearbox engine with PGM-FI electronic fuel injection tuned for high torque in low-to-mid rpm range, especially below 4,000rpm. Enjoy thrilling Peak power of 64kW at 11,000rpm and peak torque of 63Nm at 8,000rpm with well balanced high-quality chassis and standard-fit ABS. This middleweight can be enjoyed for a wide range of uses including touring and sports riding.

Celebrating cutting edge technology is RC213V (Racing motorcycle (RC) + 21st century + 3rd bike + Victory engine). Racing at unbelievable speed 344km/hour at Qatar race track in Moto GP 2013, this 1000cc racing machine is truly an ode to Honda technology and celebrates its motorsport DNA. This is the very bike which Marc Marquez rode to become the World's youngest Moto GP champion and Honda once again won the "Triple Crown Championship" at 2013 Moto GP with this mean machine.

A legacy that's defined touring comfort, convenience and innovation since 36 years- 'The King of Motorcycles' fortifies its legendary reputation for reliability, luxury with big hearted performance.

The 1832 cm3 engine, Five-speed gearbox with overdrive, electric reverse, shaft final drive mean effortless riding.

The list of envy invoking features include Air bag system (World First since 2006), Inbuilt Surround Sound(SRS) Music system with cockpit control, Navigation with GPS lane guiding system - Real Time Weather and Traffic conditions, Real Time Trip Planner with Web Share, Seat / Grip Heating and even Foot Warmers for the trip you planned to Himalayas.

An excellent entry level sports bike, which appeals to riders looking for a great value alternative to larger sports bikes. It provides an excellent first big sports bike experience with its sporty sleek design and Liquid Cooled PGM-FI power mill. A middle-weight machine, blessed with lightweight agility and an engaging power delivery making it enjoyable to ride in every scenario. Designed to identify and develop young racing talent from around the world and participated in European rounds of the 2013 FIM World Superbike Championship.

Honda's much loved contemporary styled scooter packed with smart navigation, theft proof system. The PCX125 gets Honda's brand-new eSP(enhanced Smart Power) singlecylinder, liquid-cooled four-stroke engine with idling stop designed to provide enhanced durability, even better fuel economy, increased power and torque, and quieter operation. Its crisp and contemporary 'big scooter' styling and nimble, reassuring chassis, coupled a whole lot of sensational features and convenient design touches, make it a joy to travel on a day-to-day basis.

Engine re-tuned for super sport performance, celebrated Ohlins suspension introduced 1st time in CBR series, BREMBO front piston calipers with 220mm disc, motorsport HRC look & feel

Now available in:
Pearl Sunbeam White

4 new dual tone colors
(Majestic Grey, Sports Black, Vibrant Blue, Sports Red)
New Premium Style with
3D Honda emblem, chrome finish muffler protector, Stylish red shock absorbers

Talking about Honda's pavilion - the largest among all motorcycle companies at Auto Expo 2014 Yadvinder S. Guleria (Vice President- Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd.) said,

"Come witness "Technology meets Emotion". See Honda's pioneering technology worldwide - from the true blue blood racing machine RC 213 (2013 World Moto GP winning bike) to legendary Goldwing (World's 1st motorcycle with Safety Airbags). Connecting on an emotional level, Honda will realize the Dreams of many. Create memories as your family understand road safety with Honda's cutest family member Chhota Bheem or meet Honda's Brand Ambassador Akshay Kumar and be a Superstar yourself."

Reinforcing its commitment towards becoming a Responsible manufacturer that Society wants to exist; Honda will promote Fun, Safety and Environment at the Auto Expo, 2014.

The highlight for FUN EXPANSION is led by Racing zone where special display RC 213V showcases Honda as World Champion of Racing through the Moto GP Triple Crown victory (Constructor, Team & Rider). Step into the outside pavilion and get an exhilarating feel of on leaning on tight corners atop the special racing motorcycle display. Good news for adrenalin junkies who will be thrilled by witnessing expert off-road riders in action on Honda's All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) TRX 420F which has been specially imported from America. Also expanding fun culture will be the popular Gymkhana and slow riding contest.

With road safety at its heart, Honda is promoting SAFETY through both theory (road safety education to spread healthy road sense) and practical approach. There is an opportunity for all ages - CRF 50 and first aid training for kids, riding stimulator training for new riders and an exclusive safe riding activity for females.

Honda brings India's favourite animation superstar 'Chhota Bheem' for promoting road safety and awareness in a fun way. and along with him the asli khiladi of Bollywood and Honda's Brand Ambassador Akshay Kumar will create ripples with his presence at the venue on 8th and 9th February.

Another hallmark of all Honda pavilion is Design Corner where Showstopper is Project CX-01. This is the First concept model fully developed by Honda R&D India at Technical center, Manesar. (CX for Concept Cross and 01 for first model by HRID). With this model, the styling design team at HRID has responded to emerging need of urban youth enjoying global exposure. Additionally, audience can witness the secretive world of R&D with Indian team demonstrating sketch preparation and the clay model to mass production model.

So welcome to the universe of Honda where 'Technology meets Emotion.'