Honda's Electrifying Roadmap: 5 New Cars for India as They Shift Gears Toward SUVs and Green Mobilit

Honda is making bold strides in the Indian market, announcing a plan to launch five new cars as part of their global mission to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. The Japanese automaker is revamping its strategy in India with a renewed focus on SUVs and electrification.

In a significant shift, Honda has decided to exclusively introduce SUVs in the Indian market, responding to the surging demand for these rugged vehicles. Takuya Tsumura, President of Honda Cars India, outlined their ambitious vision: "By 2030, we plan to launch five more models, including an Elevate-based EV and other SUVs. With these additions, we aim to take on the competition and emerge victorious." The introduction of the Elevate SUV is expected to drive a 35 percent boost in sales.

Honda's President and CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, emphasized the importance of the Indian market, noting, "For Honda, the Indian market is substantial, and it's a market where electrification is rapidly gaining ground in both cars and two-wheelers." Honda is gearing up to launch its first full electric vehicle in India within the next three years, drawing inspiration from its recently unveiled Elevate SUV.

Furthermore, Honda is open to strategic alliances aimed at advancing technology and fortifying its presence in India. Mibe underlined their approach: "As long as we can ensure a mutually beneficial relationship between the two companies, we believe the alliance is valuable." While Honda's previous alliance with General Motors for affordable electric vehicles didn't materialize, the company remains receptive to future collaborations, seeking shared advantages.

Toshio Kuwahara, Asian Honda Motor Company President & CEO, highlighted India's significance within Honda's global landscape, stating, "It is already number seven in the world for us in terms of the number of cars sold. Excluding China, when we look at the Asia Pacific region, electrification and the electric vehicle market will play a pivotal role. As India is a crucial part of this equation, we believe that India deserves special attention." Honda's strategic realignment in India signifies a commitment to a greener and more competitive future in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.