India’s largest two-wheeler maker, Hero MotoCorp, said on Monday that it recorded its highest-ever retail sales during this year’s 32-day peak festival period, with 15.98 lakh (1.6 million) units sold. This represents a growth of 13% compared to the festive season last year.
“There has been good momentum and growth in most parts of the country, with rural sales catching up with the urban segment in the latter half of the festive season,” said Hero MotoCorp Chief Executive Officer Niranjan Gupta.
“The 125cc motorcycle segment, with the Xtreme 125R, emerged as a key growth driver, while the 100cc segment also contributed positively to the company's strong sales performance,” the company said.
The automaker’s core strength has been in the entry-level 100-110cc segment but has struggled in the premium market due to its limited offerings. However, the company has recently been focusing more on the 125cc and premium segments.
Hero MotoCorp has been betting on newly launched models and the expansion of new format stores – Premia and Hero 2.0 – to drive volume growth and market share gains in the premium and 125cc segments.
The automaker had the highest number of product launches in FY24, with more offerings in the premium and 125cc segments, including the Xtreme 125R, Xtreme 200S, Xtreme 160R 4V, Harley-Davidson X440, Karizma XMR, and the Mavrick 440.
“We expect the momentum to continue and are optimistic about the remainder of the year,” Gupta said.
Meanwhile, the retail sales of its electric two-wheeler brand Vida reached 11,600 units, while sales of the Harley-Davidson X440 exceeded 2,800 units. The robust sales reflect Vida and X440’s increasing brand popularity and ongoing network expansion.
Hero MotoCorp is doubling down on its electric vehicle business under the Vida brand, with plans to expand its portfolio this year to four models from the current two. One of the new scooters is expected to be in the affordable range, while the other could be in the mid-segment.