Honda’s Largest Two-Wheeler Plant: Major Expansion at Vithalapur, India

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is set to further cement its global leadership in two-wheeler production with a significant expansion at its Vithalapur facility in Gujarat. This strategic move—backed by a ₹920 crore investment—is aimed at meeting surging domestic demand in the world’s largest two-wheeler market and boosting exports across more than 62 countries.

Key Expansion Details

• New Production Line:
  HMSI will add a fourth production line specifically for 125cc class motorcycles. This line is engineered to produce 650,000 units annually.
• Increased Plant Capacity:
  The Vithalapur facility currently produces 1.96 million units per year. With the additional line, its capacity will rise to 2.61 million units annually.
  Across India, HMSI’s total production capacity is set to expand from 6.14 million units to approximately 7 million units by 2027.
• Investment & Jobs:
  The ₹920 crore investment will not only ramp up production but also create around 1,800 new jobs, boosting local economic growth in the region.

Broader Strategic Impact

• Manufacturing Footprint:
  Honda’s production network in India now includes:
• Manesar, Haryana: 38,000 units/year
• Tapukara, Rajasthan: 1.3 million units/year
• Narsipura, Karnataka: 2.5 million units/year
• Vithalapur, Gujarat: Currently 1.96 million units/year, expanding to 2.61 million units/year
• Global Milestones & Future Plans:
  Honda recently celebrated a global production milestone of 500 million two-wheelers and a 25-year legacy in India with 70 million cumulative units. In addition to the expansion at Vithalapur, Honda plans to set up a dedicated electric vehicle manufacturing facility on or near the same premises, expected to be operational by 2028. This underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility and its ambition to launch at least one electric model globally each year.
• Market Ambitions:
  Honda aims to strengthen its position against competitors like Hero MotoCorp. Currently, Honda holds roughly 26% of India’s domestic two-wheeler market, and this expansion is a key step toward becoming the largest two-wheeler maker in India.
• Export & Sustainability:
  The enhanced production capacity will help meet robust export demand while supporting Honda’s broader sustainability goals, such as carbon neutrality by 2050 and its pledge to achieve zero traffic-related pollution for its vehicles globally.

In Summary

Honda’s expansion at its Vithalapur plant represents a pivotal investment in its future—combining technological innovation, increased capacity, and a robust manufacturing strategy. By adding a fourth production line costing ₹920 crore, the company is poised to deliver 650,000 additional two-wheelers annually from the Gujarat facility, elevating its total output and supporting its aggressive growth and export ambitions. With plans for an electric two-wheeler plant on the horizon, Honda is positioning India not just as a vital production hub but as a launchpad for its global future of sustainable mobility.