Comments
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) plans to invest Rs 800 crore in the ongoing financial year for expanding operations in the country.
The company, which had posted a growth of 22 per cent in 2017-18, aims to grow in double digits in 2018-19 as well.
“We will invest close to Rs 800 crore this financial year as we aim for double-digit growth for the third consecutive year,” HMSI President and CEO Minoru Kato told reporters here.
The investment would mainly go into improving the efficiency at manufacturing plants, getting new tools and equipment for BS VI upgradation, and new product launches.
During 2018-19, HMSI plans to expand the sales network to 6,000 touch points from 5,700 outlets last financial year. “We will enhance our presence, especially in rural areas,” Kato said.
The company, which is already number one contributor to parent Honda’s global two-wheeler business, also plans to launch a brand new model and 18 upgrades of existing products in 2018-19.
The two-wheeler major is also planning to expand its best dealer network to 250 outlets in the financial year from 200 touch points last year. It is also planning to introduce a customer loyalty programme.
On the company’s 2020 plans, Kato said the two-wheeler maker is set to upgrade to BS VI emission norms much before the deadline. HMSI has started upgrading its facilities for the same.
He, however, said that the entire two-wheeler industry might see volumes fall post 2020 due to significant price hike in BS VI compliant products.
“It (BS VI) will however open up various export markets for us,” HMSI Senior VP sales and marketing YS Guleria said.
The company exports to around 27 countries, including Sri Lanka and Nepal. Overseas shipments contribute around 5 per cent of the company’s current volumes.
When asked if the company is looking to introducing electric models in the country, Kato said, “We are evaluating but there is no concrete plan yet.”
In 2017-18, HMSI had sold 61 lakh units. The company’s installed capacity across its four plants stands at 64 lakh units.
Comments
COMMENT NOW
Comments
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of TheHindu Businessline and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.