Honda plans to line up 10 new car models by 2030

NEW DELHI: Honda Cars India is preparing an aggressive product expansion in the country, with plans to introduce more than 10 new models by 2030 as the Japanese automaker revs up to take on competition in one of its most important global growth markets.

The company on Friday unveiled the updated hybrid version of the City sedan at an introductory price of just under Rs 12 lakh and also brought the ZR-V hybrid SUV for India, signalling the start of a broader product push spanning compact SUVs, midsize vehicles, hybrids and electric cars.

Honda Cars India president and CEO Takashi Nakajima said the automaker now plans to launch "more than 10" models across sub-four-metre and midsize categories by the end of the decade. Honda's initial focus will be on two categories - under 4 metres and midsize, said Nakajima.

The expansion comes as Honda attempts to regain momentum in India's fast-growing passenger vehicle market after years of shrinking market share and a limited product portfolio. India, alongside North America and Japan, has now been identified as one of Honda's top three strategic markets globally. This year itself, Honda intends to launch six models, which, as per Nakajima, will reinforce its "brand position in the market," as it eyes double-digit growth.

Honda also has plans to launch its first fully electric vehicle in India during the second half of the current fiscal year. From 2028 onwards, the company will also begin rolling out India-focused products, tailored specifically for the sub-four-metre and midsize segments - the two categories driving the bulk of passenger vehicle growth in the country.

The company believes hybrids will remain central to the Indian market for the foreseeable future, even as it gears up for its first EV.