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The Indian car industry has witnessed an incredible mix of various foreign brands and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), offering everything from budget-friendly cars to premium SUVs. However, did you know that a select few car companies in India, which dominate the four-wheeler market, also have a robust presence in the world of motorbikes?
This chapter of the automotive industry is a story worth exploring. To delve into this lesser-known aspect, let’s start by looking at some of the prominent automotive players in India that dabble in the world of two-wheelers.
Car companies in India :Honda
You might instantly recognize the Hero Honda brand as one of India’s own motorcycle icons. But how did it all started . It all started with a collaboration between Hero MotoCorp and Honda, the legendary Japanese automaker. While Hero Honda became a household name, it was Hero MotoCorp that was a separate Indian entity , partnering with Honda Motors, which originally began as a motorcycle manufacturer.
Flashback to 1946, the post-World War II era when bicycles were the most common mode of transportation. Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda Motors, saw an opportunity in the former Imperial Army’s generator engines, which were initially designed for wireless radios. He visualised using these engines as auxiliary power for bicycles. Consequently, Honda modified around 500 such engines.
Successfully producing and selling bicycles with auxiliary engines, which quickly gained popularity. As orders poured in, Soichiro Honda decided to design his own engine. In 1947, he introduced the very first A-type engine. By 1948, Honda Motors was officially incorporated. In 1953, the first Honda motorcycle, the Dream E, was launched, that started an era of an exciting journey. The company also entered the world of motorcycle racing in 1954, and further more innovative models followed. In a separate article, we’ll delve deeper into Honda’s motorcycle legacy.
to know more on history of honda visit – https://global.honda/en/brand/history.html
Suzuki’s Journey in India: From Maruti Suzuki to High end Sports bikes .
Another OEM that has a good hold in the Indian automobile industry is Suzuki. While it’s now a well-known name, Suzuki’s initial venture happened in 1982 with TVS Motor Company. This collaboration aimed to transfer technology for designing and manufacturing two-wheelers tailored to the Indian market. At that time, it was called TVS-Suzuki, and they introduced several popular models, including the Suzuki Supra, Samurai, Shogun, and Shaolin.
However, Suzuki decided to part in 2001, only to re-enter the Indian motorcycle market with a bang in 2006. This time, they launched their own high end sports bikes which quickly gained popularity. The Hayabusa, affectionately known as the “Dhoom Bike” from the Bollywood movie franchise, stands out. Other notable models include the Gixxer 1000 and Bandit. Today, Suzuki is a prominent player in the Indian motorcycle industry, offering a range of scooters as well.
Mahindra: Going Beyond Four Wheels
Yes, it might surprise you, but Mahindra, a prominent Indian automotive giant, has ventured into the world of motorcycles too. They introduced two-wheeler models like the Centuro , Mojo and Gusto. Additionally, Mahindra acquired iconic motorcycle brands YEZDI and BSA in October 2016, further expanding their presence in the two-wheeler market.
Car companies in India :BMW
Last but not least, how could we forget BMW, the renowned German car manufacturer? Their two-wheeler division, BMW Motorrad, has also made significant inroads into the Indian market. These bikes have garnered immense popularity and are frequently seen ridden by various celebrities. Not too long ago, I had the privilege of witnessing a stunning array of BMW bikes at BMW’s Joytown event in Mumbai, hosted last year.
