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Honda Two-Wheelers: History, Subsidiaries & Products

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India is one of the largest two-wheeler manufacturers, offering scooters and bikes. It has expanded with multiple plants and innovative models, establishing itself in India and globally.

  • 06 May 2025
  • 3 min read
  • 4 views

Overview of Honda two-wheelers

HSMI, or Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd., is one of the biggest manufacturers of motorcycles and scooters in the country. It is a subsidiary of the Japanese company Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

Since its establishment in 2001, Honda two wheeler company has grown rapidly, offering a wide range of products. It has achieved several milestones, including becoming the first two-wheeler brand in India to produce 35 million units in just 17 years. Honda continues to expand its presence, not only in India but also in 68 other countries.

Honda two-wheelers history

Honda bikes history dates back to 1999 and includes the following:

  • 1999: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) was incorporated.
  • 2001: The first manufacturing plant was set up in Manesar, Haryana, and the first model, Activa, was launched.
  • 2002: They started exporting two-wheelers from India.
  • 2004: The company launched its first motorcycle, the 150cc CB Unicorn, and became the best brand in the scooter segment.
  • 2008: The company continued to grow despite the global financial crisis.
  • 2009: HSMI Introduced a combi-brake system with Equalizer, an industry-first safety feature.
  • 2012: It became the only Honda bikes company in India after separation from Hero.
  • 2015: Launched 15 new models.
  • 2017: The Activa became India’s No.1 selling two-wheeler, trusted by 1.5 crore families.

Honda two-wheelers by decade

The history of HSMI over the decades is as follows:

1.   2001 – 2011: Laying the foundation

  • HSMI started with the Activa and expanded into motorcycles.
  • The Manesar plant scaled up from 55,000 units to 16.5 lakh units annually.

2.   2011 – 2017: Aggressive growth

  • HSMI became the only operating Honda two-wheeler brand in India.
  • Three new plants were set up, increasing annual production capacity to 64 lakh units.

3.   2017 – Present: Leading the market

  • It became a global production hub, accounting for 31% of Honda’s worldwide motorcycle production.
  • Honda continued introducing new technologies and models to meet customer needs.

Conclusion

HSMI has grown from a single plant in 2001 to becoming one of the largest two-wheeler producers in the country. With a strong emphasis on innovation, excellent quality, and customer satisfaction, Honda has built a loyal customer base. From scooters to motorcycles, the company continues to set new benchmarks in the industry, shaping the future of two-wheelers in India and beyond.

When buying a two-wheeler, it’s important to acquire bike insurance online for legal compliance and enhanced safety. Comprehensive bike insurance protects you from unexpected costs that can occur due to accidents, theft, or damage.  


Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.

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