Honda Entry-Level Motorcycle Launch Planned, To Expand Product Range

Honda CD 110 Dream — Honda wants to make an even more affordable bike than the CD 110 Dream

Honda is looking to launch an entry-level motorcycle in India to cater specifically to the rural market as part of its plans to expand its bike portfolio in India.

Currently, the Japanese bike maker has the CD 110 Dream, which is priced from Rs. 64,505/- (ex-showroom, Delhi), as its most affordable motorcycle in India and Honda wants to create more affordable products for the rural market.

President, CEO and Managing Director of Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) Atsushi Ogata has conceded that despite the brand’s motto being supplying affordable products to customers, it currently does not have a strong rural product.

It is under study to develop such a model and its launch will take some time, “but not five or ten years”, said Atsushi Ogata about Honda entry-level motorcycle launch.

Another area the bike maker wants to improve its presence in is the mid-range portfolio or the 150cc and above class.

By 27th August, Honda is set to launch the CB Hornet 200R, which will be the beginning of the introduction of “attractive models to establish new customer groups in urban centres”.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the bike maker has begun reviewing model by model profitability, while also looking at localisation, meaning more India-centric products can be expected.

“Africa Twin, CBR, they are not India oriented models, so we should have localised original products exclusively tested for the Indian market. Such models are under study,” HMSI’s president stated.

Also, Honda wants exports from India to increase and by next three years, it plans to make HMSI the biggest resource for exports, beating China, Japan and Thailand, since BS6 products can be shipped to advanced countries as well.