Honda registered a total of just over 2.85 lakh units as against 2.51 units recorded by Hero MotoCorp according to the Vahan portal
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Limited have overtaken Hero MotoCorp in the month of September 2022 to become the largest two-wheeler manufacturer in the country. In terms of retail sales, Honda managed a total of just over 2.85 lakh units as against 2.51 units recorded by Hero MotoCorp according to the Vahan portal.
This is the first time Honda has achieved such a milestone. Hero MotoCorp garnered a cumulative domestic rally of 5,19,980 units last month and is planning to launch its first electric model under the Vida brand on October 7, 2022. Reports suggest that Honda will introduce an all-new entry-level motorcycle to rival Hero Splendor’s range soon.
It could go on sale in the coming weeks and target high volume sales. Honda is also expected to launch an all-new 125 cc scooter, a 160 cc motorcycle and a 300-350 cc model in the near future. The XRE 300 was spotted testing in India a few days ago as well and it could be launched sometime next year to compete against KTM 390 Adventure and BMW G 310 GS.
The Honda XRE 300 appears to be in its initial stages of testing and it could be displayed at the 2023 Auto Expo in January. The dual sport motorcycle will more likely be priced around Rs. 3 lakh (ex-showroom) and in the international markets, it is powered by a 291 cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine developing 25.5 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 27 Nm at 6,000 rpm.
The powertrain is linked with a five-speed transmission. The XRE 300 is equipped with telescopic front forks having 245 mm travel, a Prolink monoshock rear suspension with 225 mm travel, 21-inch front and 19-inch rear wire spoked wheels shod on Metzeler Enduro 3 Sahara tyres. It could become the long-awaited adventure tourer enthusiasts have been waiting for years.
Honda’s top-seller in India is undoubtedly the Activa range while its entry-level motorcycles are also performing well. Only a few months ago, the CB300F naked streetfighter entered the market. Meanwhile, Hero has announced strengthening its EV strategy by partnering with Zero Motocycles with an equity investment of up to USD 60 million.