Honda to Begin Exporting Mid-Size Motorcycles from India to Europe in 2026

Honda plans to start exporting mid-size displacement motorcycles from India to Europe beginning in 2026, as it steps up efforts to position the country as a key export hub for global markets.

In its Corporate Update 2025, the company said India is evolving into a global export base and that shipments of mid-size motorcycles to Europe will commence in a phased manner during the year.

The move forms part of Honda’s broader strategy to build an efficient global supply system that addresses regional demand by optimising the use of global resources.

Honda currently exports motorcycles manufactured in India to 62 countries and regions, including North America, Central and South America, the Middle East, Africa and parts of Asia.

The company is also expanding exports to Central and South America, targeting markets such as Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. Honda said road conditions and customer requirements in these regions are comparable to those in India, making India-developed models suitable for Latin American markets.

To support its global expansion, Honda is strengthening competitiveness across development, procurement and production operations in India. The company is enhancing local research and development capabilities to respond more quickly to customer needs and reduce product development timelines.

Key facilities supporting these efforts include Honda R&D (India) in Manesar and the HRID Solution R&D Center in Bengaluru. These centres focus on developing cost-competitive products by leveraging local resources, including Indian suppliers, components and engineering talent.

The R&D teams are also working on integrating new technologies through open innovation, with a focus on software, connected services and longer-term business opportunities.

India remains central to Honda’s global strategy, with the country being the world’s largest motorcycle market and annual demand estimated at around 20 million units. The company aims to strengthen competitiveness across all segments in India, from the Activa scooter to light motorcycles, with a long-term objective of achieving the top market position.

Globally, Honda holds around a 40% share of the two-wheeler market and recorded its highest-ever sales across 37 countries and regions in the financial year ended March 31, 2025.

Honda is also setting up a dedicated electric motorcycle manufacturing plant in India, which will adopt a high-efficiency production system aimed at reducing costs. The plant is expected to become operational in 2028.

As part of its electric vehicle strategy, Honda plans to commonise key modules such as batteries, e-axles and chassis components, while continuing to offer competitively priced internal combustion engine models.

In the financial year ended March 31, 2025 (FY25), exports accounted for 8% of Honda’s total sales in India, with the company exporting 505,012 units.