In the first quarter of FY2025, Hero MotoCorp continued to dominate the Indian motorcycle market. The company sold 1.39 million units, marking a 13 percent growth compared to the previous year. Despite this growth, Hero’s market share in the motorcycle segment slightly decreased to 43.74 percent from 45.02 percent last year. Key models like the HF Deluxe, Splendor+, and Passion Plus contributed significantly to this performance, accounting for 85 percent of its total sales.

Honda Records Highest Sales Growth

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) emerged as the fastest-growing manufacturer in Q1 FY2025. With a remarkable 71 percent year-on-year growth, Honda sold 6,19,397 units. Its market share surged to 19 percent from 13 percent a year ago. The Shine 100 and CD110 Dream saw substantial sales, with the Shine 125 becoming a major contributor, making up 63 percent of Honda’s total bike sales.

Segment-wise Motorcycle Sales Trends

Motorcycles were the dominant category in Q1, with sales reaching 3.19 million units, a 17 percent increase from the previous year. Scooters followed with 1.66 million units sold, reflecting a 28 percent rise. Mopeds also saw a 16 percent increase, with 1,22,715 units sold.

The commuter segment led motorcycle sales with 15,03,398 units, showing a 12 percent growth year-on-year. The 110-125cc executive bike segment came second with 9,13,793 units sold, up 19.62 percent. The 150-200cc segment saw a 21 percent increase, with 3,34,207 units sold. The 125-150cc category grew by 64 percent, reaching 1,74,934 units, while the 250-350cc segment faced a slight decline of 3.5 percent.

Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor Performance

Bajaj Auto, India’s third-largest motorcycle seller, dispatched 5,38,643 units, a 3 percent increase. While sales in the 100-110cc and 125cc segments saw declines, Bajaj performed well in the 350-500cc category, with a 135 percent increase to 12,695 units. This performance contributed to a decrease in Bajaj’s market share to 17 percent.

TVS Motor reported an 8 percent increase in motorcycle sales, totaling 3,18,975 units. The Raider 125 was a standout performer, with sales of 118,197 units, up 18 percent. However, the entry-level segment saw a 15 percent drop.

Royal Enfield and Yamaha Updates

Royal Enfield, a leader in the midsize motorcycle market, sold 2,04,686 bikes in Q1, marking a slight 1 percent decline. The company’s performance in the 500-800cc segment was notable, capturing 96 percent of the segment’s total sales.

India Yamaha Motor experienced a 2 percent growth, selling 1,10,184 units. While sales of its 149cc FZ series bikes declined, the 155cc MT-15 and R15 models saw a 31 percent increase.

Outlook for the Two-Wheeler Industry

The Union Budget 2024’s focus on increasing rural income and enhancing personal income tax benefits is expected to drive further demand for commuter motorcycles and boost sales in the executive segment. The two-wheeler industry is poised for continued growth, driven by these economic factors.

As the market evolves, manufacturers will need to adapt to shifting consumer preferences and economic conditions to maintain their competitive edge.