By 2030, Honda Cars intends to introduce ten new models and is placing a significant bet on the Indian market. This week, the O Alpha Electric SUV concept was on display at the Tokyo Motor Show. It will be an important part of Honda’s India EV strategy. Honda Cars India currently sells three models in India: City, Amaze, and Elevate.
According to senior executives, the company is keeping an eye on customer preferences and market trends in India. Seven of the ten new products will be SUVs from various market segments and fuel types. There are three EVs in development for Honda’s O Series. Two SUVs and a saloon are on the list. Among these the O Alpha is targeted for India and other Asian markets. Honda intends to manufacture the SUV in India and export it. The market launch is expected by the end of the financial year 2027.
The 0 Series SUV is likely to be the full-size flagship product, which is targeted for the US market. Concerning the battery technology, CATL will be the supplier of the upcoming EVs’ cells. CATL’s Indonesia plant will supply the cells for the batteries used in the production of Alpha SUV in India.
The authorities are reluctant to discuss the product offensive, but they are confident that a multi-fuel strategy will be implemented. Honda sees growth potential in the sub-4 metre SUV space in India as well.
Without disclosing the launch timeline, the brand confirmed entry into this space. The recent revision in taxation has provided an impetus to this segment, where cars under 4-metre length (under 1.5-litre diesel, 1.2-litre petrol) attract 18 per cent GST. Brezza, Venue, Sonet, 3XO, and Nexon are among the numerous competitors in this market. Honda will bring global models to India for the other products.
It is anticipated that they will be fully constructed units (CBU). The possibility of performance-oriented models was not ruled out by Honda. In the year 2024, Honda Car India sold 68,650 units on the domestic market. Despite a decline in sales over the years, the brand reaffirmed its commitment to the Indian market, calling it “key” to its global plans. The high-ranking officials stated that they anticipate gaining ground through the new product offensive.