Honda electric motorcycles: Future strategy unveiled

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has outlined its future vision for the global motorcycle market, with a strong focus on electrification, carbon neutrality, and strategic expansion across key regions. The briefing was led by Minoru Kato, executive officer and chief officer of the Motorcycle and Power Products Operations, and Daiki Mihara, operating executive for the Electrification Business Unit.

Honda’s motorcycle business remains the foundation of the company, having produced more thanr 500 million motorcycles globally since the launch of the Dream D-Type in 1949. The company operates 37 production facilities in 23 countries and has a 40% share of the global motorcycle market.

In FY2025, Honda expects to sell 20.2 million motorcycles, with 85% of sales from Asia (India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam) and 6% from Japan, Europe, and the U.S. The company has also recorded all-time high sales in 37 countries in 2024, reinforcing its global leadership.

Expanding in key markets

Honda sees further growth potential in the Global South, particularly in India, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, where rising populations and urbanisation are driving demand. The company aims to capture a 50% share of the global motorcycle market by 2030, including electric motorcycles.

In India, Honda continues to strengthen its market position through popular commuter models like Activa, Dio, Shine, and SP. The company is expanding its production automation, local supplier partnerships, and exports of high-value models to South America.

In Europe, where demand for large motorcycles remains strong, Honda is enhancing its FUN model lineup, including the CB, CBR, Africa Twin, and Rebel series. The company has revived the Hornet and Transalp models and developed the world’s first motorcycle V3 engine with an electric turbocharger for future models.

Electrification and carbon neutrality

Honda has set a target of carbon neutrality for all motorcycle products by the 2040s. The company is accelerating its electric motorcycle lineup, with plans to introduce 30 electric models globally by 2030 and achieve 4 million electric motorcycle sales annually.

Recent developments include:

• October 2024: Introduction of CUV e: and ICON e: electric models in Indonesia.
• November 2024: Launch of Activa e: and QC1 electric models in India.
• EICMA 2024: Unveiling of EV Fun Concept and EV Urban Concept models.

Honda is also expanding battery swapping services through Honda e:Swap, starting in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. By 2028, the company will open a dedicated electric motorcycle plant in India to reduce costs and make EV ownership as affordable as petrol models.

Beyond electrification, Honda is adopting flex-fuel models, increasing solar energy usage at its factories, and investing in battery recycling. The Honda Kumamoto Factory in Japan and the Manaus Factory in Brazil are leading the way in renewable energy integration.

With a commitment to innovation, Honda aims to lead the global motorcycle industry by combining cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and market expansion.