Honda Cars India Weighs Return of CKD Models, Calls ZR-V a ‘Test Case’

Honda Cars India is evaluating bringing back CKD (completely knocked down) premium models in India as part of a broader strategy to rebuild its product portfolio and strengthen its position in the country’s passenger vehicle market.

The Japanese automaker said the newly launched Honda ZR-V e: HEV premium sport utility vehicle could serve as a “test case” for future expansion in the premium segment, including the possible revival of local assembly operations for imported models.

When asked whether Honda could bring back CKD products such as the Civic, Accord and CR-V in India, Honda Cars India President and CEO Takashi Nakajima said, “Yeah. We are now, of course, constantly considering that.”

Honda today expanded its premium portfolio in India with the launch of the ZR-V, marking its return to the premium import space after the discontinuation of the Accord Hybrid and CR-V.

Positioned above the Elevate SUV, the ZR-V will target buyers looking for a premium five-seat hybrid SUV focused on refinement and comfort.

Nakajima said the model would help Honda assess demand for premium products in India. The company indicated that a strong response to the ZR-V could pave the way for wider localisation or assembly of premium products in the future.

“But of course, if it works, then we can also start expanding the production of those greater models,” Nakajima said.

Honda currently operates manufacturing facilities in Greater Noida and Tapukara in Rajasthan. While production has been consolidated at the Tapukara plant amid weak domestic volumes, the Greater Noida facility still has the capability to support CKD assembly operations.

When asked whether expansion of premium local assembly could require restarting operations at Greater Noida, Nakajima declined to share details.

“Well, regarding factory, I cannot disclose the details,” he said, adding, “But anyway, my task is to fully utilise Tapukara.”

The renewed focus on premium products comes as Honda reworks its India strategy after years of declining market share and a shrinking product lineup. The company’s current mass-market portfolio is limited to the Elevate SUV, City sedan and Amaze compact sedan, leaving it absent from several fast-growing segments, particularly sub-4-metre SUVs.

Honda has said India is now among its three core global markets alongside North America and Japan. The company plans to introduce India-focused products from 2028 and increase localisation to improve competitiveness.

At the same time, Honda is also exploring partnerships in India to expand scale and reduce costs, although the company has not disclosed whether the discussions involve technology sharing, cross-badging or powertrain supply agreements with other automakers.

The ZR-V and the recently launched City facelift form part of Honda’s broader six-product push planned for India this year.