With widespread negativity and uncertainty due to market slowdown and corona virus epidemic, two-wheeler sales continue to bleed for most OEMs. India’s second-largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) has registered a negative YoY growth of -21.90% in February 2020. Sales have dropped to 3,15,302 units from 4,03,744 units sold in February last year.
Among HMSI’s portfolio, only Honda Activa has registered positive growth in February 2020. YoY sales have grown by 9% from 2,05,239 units in February 2019 to 2,22,961 units in February 2020. Activa has remained the top-selling Honda two-wheeler for several years and it was updated to BS6 specifications in January 2020.
New Honda Activa 6G comes with a range of new features such as engine start/stop button, eSP (enhanced Smart Power) tech, silent start, external fuel filling and telescopic suspension. The scooter also offers 10% higher mileage in comparison to its predecessor.
Honda Two Wheeler Sales Feb 2020
| No | Honda | Feb-20 | Feb-19 | Diff | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Activa | 2,22,961 | 2,05,239 | 17,722 | 8.63 |
| 2 | CB Shine | 50,825 | 86,355 | -35,530 | -41.14 |
| 3 | Dio | 26,494 | 45,017 | -18,523 | -41.15 |
| 4 | CB Unicorn | 12,333 | 14,741 | -2,408 | -16.34 |
| 5 | Dream | 2,124 | 20,382 | -18,258 | -89.58 |
| 6 | Grazia | 250 | 8,373 | -8,123 | -97.01 |
| 7 | Livo | 206 | 17,914 | -17,708 | -98.85 |
| 8 | XBlade | 40 | 2,721 | -2,681 | -98.53 |
| 9 | CB300R | 37 | 0 | 37 | – |
| 10 | CB Hornet 160R | 12 | 3,002 | -2,990 | -99.60 |
| 11 | Africa Twin | 2 | 0 | 2 | – |
| – | Total | 3,15,302 | 4,03,744 | -88,442 | -21.91 |
The next Honda bestseller is CB Shine with a sales figure of 50,825 units in February 2020. This is a significant drop of 41% in YoY sales, as against 86,355 units sold in February 2019. It may be recalled that Honda had launched BS6 CB Shine in February at a price of 67,857 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Just like Activa, updated CB Shine also gets eSP tech and silent start. Other new features include programmed fuel injection, new instrument cluster design and passing switch. BS6 Honda CB Shine is 14% more fuel-efficient compared to its predecessor.
At number three is Honda Dio with 26,494 units in February 2020 sales. YoY sales are down by 41%, as against 45,017 units sold in February last year. Honda launched all-new BS6-compliant Dio last month, starting at Rs 59,990 ex-showroom. New Honda Dio comes with several upgrades such as side-stand engine cut off function, engine start/stop, external fuel filling, digital instrument cluster and a storage compartment at the front.
At number four is CB Unicorn with sales of 12,333 units in February 2020. YoY sales are down by 16% from 14,741 units sold in February last year. Other Honda scooters and motorcycles have also registered negative growth in February 2020. Honda Dream sales are down by 90%; Grazia: -97%; Livo: -99%; CB Hornet 160R: -100%; X Blade: -99% and CBR 250R: -100%. Honda CB300R registered a sales figure of 37 units in February 2020.
Looking at worsening situation in India, it is likely that consumer sentiments will remain negative in coming months. Two-wheeler manufacturers including Honda are currently sitting on a large inventory of BS4 models, which will be difficult to liquidate by March 31. It is expected that Supreme Court or government would announce some relief measures for Indian automotive manufacturers in the coming days.
Source: Bike - rushlane.com
