Honda Motor Company is planning to stage an aggressive comeback in the Indian market, announcing a massive product offensive that will see it launch at least 10 new models by 2030. In a strategic shift, the Japanese automaker is placing its biggest bet on the booming SUV segment, with plans to introduce seven new SUVs that could help make it more competitive against Suzuki, Toyota, and Hyundai.

1. A new dedicated project team will be appointed for India
2. New launches will include global products as well as locally developed ones 
3. 0 Series α SUV will share components with existing Elevate  

The company’s renewed urgency stems from its sparse current portfolio – only the Elevate midsize SUV and the City and Amaze sedans. This limited line-up has led to significant market share loss, especially as its traditional strength in sedans shrinks and the Elevate struggles to gain ground against segment leaders like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. New products are thus vital to keep Honda relevant.

Details on the aggressive product strategy

Honda president and CEO Toshihiro Mibe confirmed this product plan at the Japan Mobility Show. “We are coming up with a very aggressive model launch plan. We are planning to launch 10 or more models by 2030... And then for the SUVs, which have become mainstream in India, our plan is for seven models by 2030.”

The company’s management stated that India is now a key priority, prompting a dedicated project team to develop a comprehensive strategy for the country.

Of the seven upcoming SUVs, some will be global models, while others will be designed exclusively to meet the specific preferences of Indian buyers.

India to be global hub for new 0 Series SUV

The most significant product detail shared is the planned launch of the Honda 0 α (Alpha) SUV in India in 2027. This vehicle, recently unveiled at the Japan Motor Show, will share key components with the existing Elevate but feature a new architecture and a software-ready design.

The management confirmed the production strategy: “Because it is going to be an SUV, we will make maximum use of Elevate components and combine them with the Zero Series concept to create a completely new product.”

Crucially, the 0 Series α (Alpha) SUV will be manufactured in India and then exported to Japan and other Asian markets, signalling India’s elevation to a global manufacturing and design hub for the Japanese brand.

The company’s management acknowledged that the rapid market shift and the growing influence of Chinese OEMs in international markets are driving this urgent and expansive product response.

With inputs from Ketan Thakkar