Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) is set to expand its entry-level motorcycle lineup with a new 100cc model, aiming to challenge market leader Hero MotoCorp while focusing its EV efforts solely on scooters for now.
Expanding the 100cc Motorcycle Portfolio
HMSI currently offers only one 100cc motorcycle, the Shine 100. However, the company is now planning an additional product in this segment, targeting customers who want more features and style without breaking the bank.
This strategic move is designed to take on Hero MotoCorp, which currently dominates the 100-110cc segment with its popular Splendor range. Hero commands a massive 78 percent market share in this crucial category.
Despite a general decline in the 100-110cc space, these bikes still represent over 46 percent of total motorcycle sales in FY25. HMSI, holding a 6 percent share in this specific segment, sees significant room for growth, especially in rural areas.
The New 100cc Model’s Ambition
The upcoming 100cc model is expected to be positioned above the existing Shine 100. It will aim to attract aspirational buyers who might otherwise consider Hero’s Splendor range, which typically sits at a higher price point than the Shine 100.
Earlier reports suggested HMSI is working on a retro-styled commuter motorcycle, possibly named the MC100 Classic or Shine 100 Classic, with a launch anticipated this year. This new addition is vital for Honda to narrow the market share gap with Hero.
In the first quarter of 2025, Honda trailed Hero by less than 74,000 units. While Hero’s market share has seen a decline from 37.04 percent (FY21) to 28.61 percent (FY25), Honda’s has risen from 25.58 percent to 27.17 percent. By strengthening its presence in the feature-rich 100cc segment, Honda aims to further challenge for the top spot.
Honda’s EV Strategy: Scooters First
Unlike many other legacy two-wheeler brands that are developing electric motorcycles, Honda has decided against entering this specific EV segment for the time being. The company believes the electric vehicle market is currently dominated by scooters, and this is where its focus lies.
Honda’s current EV portfolio includes two electric scooters: the Activa E: and the QC1. Launched earlier this year, Honda’s EV operations have already expanded to 21 cities and are planned to reach over 100 cities within the next year.
The company is targeting a 50 percent share of the addressable e-scooter market. Honda views its swappable battery model as a key solution to concerns about battery life and resale value, aiming to ensure long-term value retention for EVs similar to traditional internal combustion engine models.
Future Plans: Flex-Fuel and Production Growth
Beyond immediate launches, Honda is actively working on E85 flex-fuel technology. This innovation, already seen on the CB300F, is considered better suited for Indian conditions compared to E100 fuel.
Looking further ahead, a dedicated electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Karnataka is scheduled to be operational by 2028. Honda also aims to significantly scale its Indian production capacity to 7.7 million units by FY30, demonstrating a strong commitment to the market.
- Honda plans to launch a new, more feature-rich 100cc motorcycle to complement the Shine 100.
- This new model aims to directly challenge Hero MotoCorp’s dominance in the 100-110cc segment.
- Honda’s immediate EV strategy focuses exclusively on electric scooters, with no plans for electric motorcycles yet.
- Long-term goals include implementing flex-fuel technology and establishing a dedicated EV manufacturing plant in India.
These strategic moves highlight Honda’s determination to grow its market share and solidify its position in the competitive Indian two-wheeler landscape.
