1 month ago
Honda's Product Offensive in India
Honda Cars India is planning a big push with new products.
They just launched the ZR-V, a hybrid SUV that costs Rs 47.99 lakh.
Kunal Behl, the vice-president of Honda Cars India, said this is just the start.
They have six new products planned for this year, including a mass-market electric car.
They are also working on a smaller SUV for 2028.
The ZR-V is selling well, with half the buyers being new to Honda.
Honda is focusing on hybrid and electric cars because India's charging infrastructure is improving.
They won't have factory-fitted CNG options soon, but they will offer retrofits for some buyers.
Honda Cars India launched the ZR-V hybrid SUV, priced at Rs 47.99 lakh.
Kunal Behl, VP of Honda Cars India, revealed plans for six new products, including a mass-market EV and a sub-4-meter SUV by 2028.
The ZR-V has exceeded sales expectations, with 70% of the annual target achieved in the first two months.
Hybrid variants now account for 45% of Honda City bookings, up from 15% previously.
Honda is prioritizing hybrid and electric powertrains, with CNG retrofits offered for fleet and price-sensitive buyers.
- Who
- Honda Cars India, led by Kunal Behl
- What
- Launch of ZR-V hybrid SUV and plans for future products including a mass-market EV and a sub-4-meter SUV
- Where
- India
- When
- Current financial year and beyond, with the sub-4-meter SUV scheduled for 2028
- Why
- To expand market coverage across pricing tiers, body styles, and powertrain choices, and to tap into India's growing SUV market
Hybrid and Electric Focus
Petrol and CNG Options
Powertrain Strategy
Hybrid and Electric Focus
Honda is prioritizing hybrid and electric powertrains for the future, seeing them as the most practical steps towards electrification in India.
Petrol and CNG Options
Honda will continue to offer petrol powertrains and CNG retrofits for fleet and price-sensitive buyers, though factory-fitted CNG options are not part of the short-term lineup.
Key facts
- ZR-V Price
- Rs 47.99 lakh
- ZR-V Sales Target
- 70% achieved in first two months
- Hybrid Bookings (Honda City)
- 45% of total bookings
- Sub-4-Meter SUV Launch
- Scheduled for 2028
- Product Actions
- Six planned for the current financial year
- Mass-Market EV
- Planned by Honda
Quotes
Top industry analyst
Industry analyst from a leading ratings agency
“"The ZR‑V is not intended to be Honda’s next volume driver. Imported from Japan as a completely built unit (CBU) and priced at Rs 47.99 lakh (ex‑showroom), the flagship SUV is expected to remain a niche offering because of high import duties,"”
thehindubusinessline.com
“"Positioned as our flagship model in the India line‑up, the ZR‑V embodies Honda’s global advancements in strong‑hybrid technology, design, comfort and safety,"”
thehindubusinessline.com
Senior company official
Senior Honda company official
“"Its strategic value lies in restoring the premium flagship position left vacant by the CR‑V and Accord while showcasing Honda’s latest strong‑hybrid technology, Honda Sensing Level 2 ADAS and global engineering capabilities,"”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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