Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, a division of Japanese Honda Motor Co, intends to expand its annual production capacity to 8 million units by 2028. Consequently, it is expected that over 3,800 new jobs will be created in India.
Global Production Strategy
According to President and CEO Tsutomu Otani, India is becoming an increasingly significant part of Honda's global strategy for production and exports. The company's production facilities are designed not only to meet domestic demand but also to support growing international markets.
Although electric mobility is an important element of Honda's long-term vision, the company maintains a commitment to a balanced, multi-pronged approach that includes ICE technologies, electrification, and alternative fuels in India.
Exports and Current Operations
As export demand grows, the company is investing in expanding production capabilities to efficiently serve both domestic and international customers. Currently, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India exports products to 65 countries, including mature markets such as Japan and Europe.
Otani noted steady growth in export figures: from 0.36 million units in fiscal year 2024 to 0.51 million units in 2025 and 0.62 million units in 2026, demonstrating India's increasing role as a strategic global manufacturing hub for Honda.
Production Capacity Expansion
The company currently has a total installed production capacity of over 6 million units across four plants located in Manesar (Haryana), Tapuka (Rajasthan), Narasapura (Karnataka), and Vitlapura (Gujarat).
As part of the expansion, Otani announced the recent plan to establish a new third production line at the Tapuka (Rajasthan) plant with investments of approximately 150 billion rupees. This line, which is set to start operations in 2028, will add 670,000 units to the annual capacity, bringing the total capacity of the Tapuka plant to 2.01 million units.
Furthermore, in 2025, HMSI announced the addition of a fourth production line at the Vitlapura (Gujarat) plant with an investment of 92 billion rupees. This line will begin operating in 2027 and add 650,000 units to the annual capacity, increasing the plant's total volume to 2.61 million units, making it Honda's largest motorcycle assembly plant globally.
Outlook and Policy
As a result of these planned expansions, HMSI's total annual production capacity in India is expected to reach approximately 8 million units by 2028, supporting more than 3,800 new jobs.
Responding to questions about electrification, Otani emphasized that electric mobility remains a key direction in the long-term strategy, and the company continues to strengthen its readiness to expand its EV portfolio in line with market and ecosystem development.
When asked about Delhi's policy regarding EVs, which mandates that only electric two-wheelers will be registered starting April 1, 2028, Otani called it a 'positive step towards promoting sustainable mobility and improving air quality.'
However, he also noted that the pace of transition will ultimately depend on consumers. Existing ICE vehicles will continue to be used, and buyers will choose the mobility solution that best suits their needs based on factors such as availability, convenience, charging infrastructure, and daily usage patterns.