The last month of the year typically sees manufacturers posting lower sales than usual, as buyers prefer to defer their two-wheeler purchases until after the New Year. Here’s how the major players in the ICE arena performed.
Hero: 2,94,152 units
As usual, Hero retained its place at the top of the pyramid despite selling half of what it normally does. Compared to its November 2024 sales figure (4,39,777 units), the company reported a substantial 33.11 percent decline. Even in comparison to its sales in December last year (3,77,842 units), Hero reported a 22.15 percent decrease. The company also has a number of new launches lined up, including two new 250cc bikes, the new Xpulse 210, and two new Xoom scooters.
Honda: 2,70,919 units
Honda is not that far behind Hero, with less than 23,000 units separating the two. Compared to its November 2024 sales of 4,32,888 units, Honda reported a big 37.42 percent decrease. Similarly, when compared to its December 2023 sales (2,86,101 units), it reported a decline, albeit a smaller one at 5.31 percent. Honda is preparing to enter the EV arena soon with two new electric scooters and will also introduce some big bikes in India this calendar year.
TVS: 2,15,075 units
Alongside Hero and Honda, TVS also sold more than two lakh units in December 2024. Despite this, it reported a 29.56 percent decline compared to its November 2024 number (3,05,323 units). However, it reported a minuscule 0.04 percent increase when compared to its December 2023 sales figure (2,14,988 units). TVS showed a new 300cc engine late last year, and new bikes based on that will be coming, with the first one being an ADV. It bears mentioning that these sales numbers do not include those of the iQube electric scooter, which is the second bestselling EV in India.
Bajaj: 1,28,335 units
Bajaj Auto remains in its usual number four place, and it reported a substantial 36.97 percent decline compared to its November 2024 sales number (2,03,611 units). It also saw a decline compared to its numbers from last December (1,58,370 units), although this was a comparatively smaller 18.97 percent one. Bajaj will launch the new KTM 390 Adventure, 390 Enduro and 390 SMC R models this year. It is worth noting that these numbers include those of the Chetak electric scooter, which is now the bestselling EV in the country, dethroning the long-standing number one, Ola Electric, in the process.
Suzuki: 78,834 units
Suzuki was the only company to report increases in both month-on-month and year-on-year sales. Compared to its November 2024 sales (78,333 units), it reported a 6.40 percent increase. The company also saw a healthy 14.21 percent increase compared to its sales in December last year (69,025 units). Suzuki might also foray into the EV game, with its e-Burgman scooter.
Royal Enfield: 67,891 units
Just like nearly every other brand on this list, Royal Enfield also reported a 6 percent decrease compared to its November 2024 sales of 72,236 units. But, compared to its December 2023 sales tally of 57,291 units, the company reported an 18.50 percent increase. Royal Enfield is working on a new portfolio of models with a larger twin-cylinder engine compared to the current 648cc mill, and at least one model debuting this new motor will be breaking cover this year.
Ved Janve
Vishal Venugopal
