Latest news with #YogeshMathur
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Shine 100 DX and CB125 Hornet fuel Honda's renewed focus on mass motorcycle market
In a year that marks its 25th anniversary in India, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is steering decisively into the two segments that define the country's mass motorcycling landscape — 100cc and 125cc. With the introduction of the Shine 100 DX and the CB125 Hornet , Honda isn't just bringing new products; it is sharpening its strategy to win the volume game through a blend of regional relevance, customer segmentation, and product distinction. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has introduced the Shine 100 DX and CB125 Hornet to strengthen its presence in the high-volume 100cc and 125cc motorcycle segments. With these launches, the company aims to tap deeper into commuter and youth segments, reinforcing its ICE portfolio in India. This isn't new territory for HMSI, but the approach is more calibrated than ever before — drawing from deep consumer insight, changing aspirations, and a growing understanding that brand loyalty in India's commuter space is built on dependability first, and design later. Two segments, two different customers The 100cc segment in India is vast, accounting for nearly 29 per cent of the total two-wheeler market. Honda's Shine 100, launched two years ago, helped the brand capture nearly 15 per cent of the lower-end commuter market. But Honda knew this wasn't the whole opportunity. 'The 100cc segment is bifurcated," said Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, HMSI. 'One is extremely price-sensitive and utility-focused. For this, we already have Shine 100. But 70 per cent of the segment is made up of riders looking beyond basic mobility — they want reliability, durability and a sense of pride." This is where the Shine 100 Deluxe fits in. With a digital meter, wider fuel tank, five-step adjustable suspension, tubeless tyres, and premium graphics, the Deluxe brings a new level of aspiration to the entry-level commuter. It's built for daily grind but crafted to look like it belongs to a higher bracket. 'In a segment that contributes to 20 per cent of the overall industry, we see huge potential," added Mathur. 'And the timing aligns perfectly with festive season demand." Also watch: Honda CB 125 Hornet Walkaround In HD + Exhaust Note 🎧🎧 Honda CB125 Hornet: A style play for Gen Z At the other end of the commuter spectrum is the 125cc category, where Honda already commands a 51 per cent market share as of Q1 FY25. The SP125 and Shine 125 have long been staples in this space, but consumer expectations have evolved. 'Young buyers no longer want just a motorcycle — they want an expression of identity," Mathur said. 'That's where the CB125 Hornet comes in. It is not only sporty but packed with tech and style features Gen Z cares about." Golden USD forks, a 4.2-inch TFT digital cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and distance-to-empty readouts, split seats, LED lighting — all rolled into a package that hits the sweet spot between performance and practicality. With a 0–60 kmph time of 5.4 seconds, it also brings real performance cred to the segment. Mathur dismissed any fears of cannibalisation within Honda's portfolio, saying, 'These products will bring new customers. There's enough headroom in both 100cc and 125cc to grow without eating into existing volumes." No rush, just relevance Interestingly, HMSI's recent launches come at a time when India's two-wheeler industry is slowly but steadily recovering to its pre-COVID levels. Yet Honda has maintained a measured tone in its pursuit of leadership. Tsutsumu Otani, President, CEO and Managing Director, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), stated during the launch event that Honda contributed nearly 50 per cent of the industry's growth last fiscal year and that the brand's focus is on 'delivering value, not chasing numbers." Even so, with HMSI's current market share at 27 per cent, the ambition to close the gap with its former partner Hero MotoCorp is evident. For Tsutsumu Otani, its more about delivering value than chasing numbers (Mohd Nasir for HT Auto) 'Leadership will be a byproduct of relevance," Mathur emphasised. 'If we stay in sync with what the Indian customer needs — be it in design, utility or aspiration — the numbers will follow." Electrification and a multi-fuel future Even as it reinforces its ICE playbook, Honda is in no tearing hurry on the electrification front. When senior members of its global two-wheeler leadership team visited India recently, the message was refreshingly candid. Minoru Kato, the head of the Motorcycle business at Honda Motor Company, did not mince words in describing the local EV two-wheeler market as 'stagnant" — a space propped up more by subsidies and fuel price anxiety than genuine consumer conviction. Also Read : Honda to relook at its electric two-wheeler strategy as it finds Indian market stagnant Honda debuted its electric two-wheelers — the Activa e with a swappable battery and the Honda QC1 with a fixed battery — earlier this year. The rollout has been phased, starting with Bengaluru and expanding to Delhi and Mumbai. 'We're still in the process of evaluating which battery approach works best for the Indian market," Otani said. However, HMSI's road to carbon neutrality, which it plans to achieve by 2050, is not limited to EVs alone. The company is actively pursuing a multi-pathway strategy toward carbon neutrality. This highlights a focus on Flex-fuel technologies, which Honda has already positively executed in Brazil, with more than 7 million flex-fuel two-wheeled vehicles sold so far. Yogesh Mathur stated that the company's vision is to give customers sustainable options without compromising performance or affordability (Mohd Nasir for HT Auto) The company has launched its first ethanol-compatible motorcycle in India - the Honda CB300F Flex Fuel - and is now working with governments to clarify policies and incentives around bioethanol-based mobility solutions. Mathur echoed this broader outlook, stating, 'We are not betting on a single technology. Whether it's EVs, ICE or flex-fuel, our vision is to give customers sustainable options without compromising performance or affordability." The long game In many ways, Honda's 2025 playbook reflects the balancing act many legacy automakers are attempting: doubling down on ICE where it still thrives, while preparing the ground — cautiously but firmly — for an electric and sustainable future. As Otani succinctly put it during the event, 'This is not just about new products. It is about reinforcing Honda's role in India's mobility story — across segments, technologies, and generations." For now, the Shine 100 Deluxe and CB125 Hornet may seem like modest moves. But in the vast chessboard of India's two-wheeler market, they are strategic placements, meant to consolidate territory and shape perception — one commuter, one aspirational rider at a time. Check out Upcoming Bikes In India. First Published Date:
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Honda steps up commuter game with new bikes to take on Hero
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is expanding its footprint in the high-volume commuter motorcycle segment, aiming to challenge Hero MotoCorp, the dominant market leader. To strengthen its position in the world's largest two-wheeler market, the Japanese two-wheeler major launched two new motorcycles -- the Shine 100 Deluxe and the CB125 Hornet -- on Wednesday. These strategic introductions are designed to drive sales volume and compete more aggressively in this key segment. 'With these two new models, our volume is surely going to go up. Last year was very significant for us because in the total industry growth of 1.6 million, we contributed 50% of the growth. We expect to have this kind of growth in this fiscal year as well with the launch of these two motorcycles,' said Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing at HMSI. Despite a decline in demand for entry-level motorcycles (100-110cc) in recent years, the segment still accounted for more than 46% of motorcycle volume and 29% of the total two-wheeler sales in the financial year 2025. Hero MotoCorp, on the back of its most successful product Splendor dominates this space with about 78% share.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Honda CB 125 Hornet unveiled, bookings begin from August 1
Honda CB 125 Hornet will be offered in four colours. Check Offers Honda CB 125 Hornet has been unveiled alongside the Shine 100 DX. The new motorcycle joins the Honda SP125 in the company's 125cc motorcycle segment. The CB 12 Hornet is aimed at young buyers and combines the legacy of the CB and the Hornet brand. Bookings will begin from August 1. Honda claims that the new CB 125 Hornet will add a new customer base for the bike maker in the 125cc segment where it enjoys 45 per cent market share. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, stated that the CB125 Hornet is set to redefine the 125cc premium commuter space with its advanced styling, segment-first features. Honda CB125 Hornet: Design The Honda CB125 Hornet features a bold front fascia that is complemented by an all-LED lighting setup, including a signature twin-LED headlamp with LED DRLs and high-mounted LED turn indicators. Moving to the side profile, the CB125 Hornet gets a muscular fuel tank with sharp tank shrouds and a stylish muffler. Also Read : Honda Shine 100 DX unveiled, bookings open from August 1 Aimed at young Indian buyers, the new CB125 Hornet is offered in four colour options with contrasting colours. These include - Pearl Siren Blue with Lemon Ice Yellow, Pearl Igneous Black, Pearl Siren Blue with Athletic Blue Metallic, and Pearl Siren Blue with Sports Red. Honda CB125 Hornet: Features and hardware In terms of features, it gets a 4.2-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity and Honda RoadSync app compatibility. With this, the riders can access navigation, calls & SMS alerts, and music playback with a headset through the TFT display. The screen can be toggled by the switches placed on the left handlebar. The CB125 Hornet further gets a universal USB Type-C charging port, enabling riders to charge their devices while on the go. Moreover, it comes equipped with an engine stop switch & a side-stand indicator with engine inhibitor for added safety. On the hardware front, the CB125 Hornet USD front forks along with a 5-step adjustable mono-shock. Furthermore, the new CB125 Hornet features multi-spoke alloy wheels and a split seat set-up for better comfort of both rider and pillion. Braking duties are handled by a 240mm petal disc at the front and a 130mm drum at the rear. Also Read : Honda to relook at its electric two-wheeler strategy as it finds Indian market stagnant The company noted that the inclusion of petal disc enhances heat dissipation & improves cooling, thus improving braking efficiency. Moreover, as an added safety measure, the CB125 Hornet is equipped with a single-channel ABS. Honda CB125 Hornet: Specs Powering the all-new CB125 Hornet is the same 123.94cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected, OBD2B compliant engine as the Honda SP125. However, the engine in the CB125 Hornet churns out 11 bhp of power at 7500 RPM and 11.2 Nm of peak torque at 6000 RPM. The engine comes paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The new motorcycle is claimed to go from 0-100 in 5.4 seconds, making it the fastest motorcycle in its class. Check out Upcoming Bikes In India. First Published Date: 23 Jul 2025, 11:52 am IST
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Local ABS suppliers lack sufficient capacity: HMSI's Yogesh Mathur
Two-wheeler demand likely to remain tepid until festival season, says HMSI Deepak Patel New Delhi Listen to This Article The government's decision to mandate anti-lock braking systems (ABS) for all two-wheelers from January 1 next year has raised concern across the industry due to a limited local-supplier capacity, says Yogesh Mathur, director (sales & marketing), Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), in an email interview with Deepak Patel. He says demand for two-wheelers is expected to remain weak until the festival season begins, and the industry is watching negotiations between India and China on rare-earth minerals, essential for electric vehicles. Edited excerpts: The two-wheeler industry's performance was tepid (a 6.2 per cent year-on-year drop) in the first quarter of
Mint
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Mint
Honda says ABS rollout from Jan for two-wheelers to drive up imports
Honda Motorcycles and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd has joined larger peer Honda MotoCorp Ltd in flagging concerns about the January rollout of anti-lock braking system in all two-wheelers, saying it could spike imports as local suppliers are not yet ready to meet the demand. 'Cost is definitely there as an impact. But more important is in terms of whether we are really prepared from the supply side point of view," Yogesh Mathur, director of sales and marketing at Honda Motorcycles and Scooter India (HMSI), told Mint. Suppliers will have to rely on import routes due to the strict timelines and domestic manufacturing will have to prepare accordingly, he said. The country's second-largest two-wheeler maker's warning reflects the anxiety flagged by its former partner, Hero, about the 'key business risk" in its latest annual report, without directly referring to the anti-lock braking system (ABS) implementation from 1 January. The system improves traction and helps avoid skidding on roads, which helps prevent accidents. Currently, only two-wheelers with an engine capacity of more than 125cc are required to have ABS. At the end of the financial year 2025, only 16% of the total 19.6 million two-wheelers sold had the required technology. If the draft proposal is implemented, 84% of the two-wheeler market will have to install ABS, increasing the cost by ₹3,000-5,000 per unit. Representatives of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam), an industry lobby, met on 9 July with the Union roads ministry secretary to seek a relaxation on the rollout deadline. The minutes of the 9 July meeting, accessed by Mint, showed the Siam delegation asked for more time to study India-specific accident data before implementing such regulations. '[But] the Secretary MoRTH stressed the urgent need for implementing safety measures, citing the high percentage of 2-wheeler fatalities, and emphasised technical interventions." HMSI's Mathur told Mint, 'If these deadlines prevail, definitely, I think it will be only through the import route, not from the domestic side unless the investments are being done by the supplier to increase their production." Analysts predict that the domestic ABS industry will see rapid growth due to the implementation of such regulations. 'With the shift toward ABS, we expect the industry size to increase by 5X to ₹80.4 bn," Rishi Vora, an analyst at Kotak Institutional Equities, wrote in a 20 June note. 'Currently, the 2W ABS market is dominated by Bosch—unlisted arm (60-70% market share), Continental andEndurance Technologies (10-15% market share)." Other analysts flagged reliance on imports for critical ABS 65–70% of critical ABS components, particularly electronic control units and wheel speed sensors, are imported, with China and select Asean nations forming a major part of the sourcing base, said Harshvardhan Sharma, group head for auto tech and innovation at Nomura Research Institute Consulting and Solutions India.'While domestic suppliers are actively expanding capacity, a full localization transition may require at least a 12–18 month runway, factoring in validation cycles, tooling, and volume commitments," Sharma said. Subhabrata Sengupta, partner at Avalon Consulting, suggests that with the deadline approaching soon, more players will look to enter the segment and expand their capacities. '...The ECU and sensor may be imported initially, but assembly may be indigenized quickly," Sengupta said. 'However, in our view, this is a deadline to light a fire. In all probability, this may get relaxed by say 6 months, making implementation smoother."
