Honda Motor Co. is looking to take the top spot in India — the world's largest motorcycle market — through a massive investment in production and sales on the crest of the growing popularity of scooters.
Honda has already seen success, becoming the No. 1 two-wheeler brand in 17 of 36 states and territories in the country last year. The firm calls that a "quantum leap" from 2011, when it held the top spot in just two areas. In 2010, the company agreed to end a joint-venture partnership with market leader Hero MotoCorp. Ltd.
The motorcycle market comprises motorbikes, mopeds and scooters. In recent years, a surge in scooter demand fueled by a rising number of women in the workforce has transformed the landscape. Even women in semiurban and rural areas — who are often considered socially conservative in a traditionally male-centric society — are riding scooters.