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AgenciesThe Honda 0a Honda Motor has placed India at the centre of its global growth strategy, marking a renewed push to regain relevance in one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets.“India is our biggest focus after the U.S. under the new global strategy,” said Takashi Nakajima, President and CEO of Honda Cars India. The move comes as Honda’s market share in India has declined to 1.2% from about 7% a decade ago.At the Tokyo Motor Show, Honda Motor Co. President Toshihiro Mibe announced plans to launch the Honda 0a (Zero Alpha) — a mid-sized electric SUV — in 2027, with Japan and India as its primary markets. Positioned as the entry point into Honda’s upcoming Zero Series of EVs, the 0a will also serve as a key export model built in India.A senior Honda official said localization of the EV remains one of the key challenges the company is working to address.Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, outlined a multi-pronged strategy to rebuild scale and brand perception. “We will introduce mass-market models alongside premium offerings via the CBU route. Our design philosophy is youth-centric, and future launches will reflect that. One solution doesn’t work in India—we will differentiate through design, ride quality, performance, and technology, including ADAS and advanced transmissions,” he said.Live EventsBehl added that while electric vehicles are central to Honda’s long-term vision, India’s transition will be gradual. “EVs alone won’t deliver scale in India. Our portfolio will include petrol and hybrid models—but not diesel—to meet diverse customer needs,” he said, adding that former India presidents are working closely with Nakajima’s team to ensure the market receives the focus and resources it deserves.Why the Zero Series Marks a New Design ShiftThe Honda 0a, unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, represents the brand’s new design direction. Slated for production in India in the first half of CY2027, the mid-sized SUV will compete in a crowded segment against the Suzuki eVitara, Hyundai Creta EV, and Honda’s own Elevate EV.Design-wise, the 0a stands out with signature LED lighting, an illuminated Honda logo, and a sharply styled rear profile. “You don’t have SUVs with this kind of sleekness,” said Behl. “Future models will build on this philosophy. There will be several new product launches aimed at the mass market and younger buyers.”With the Zero Series, Honda is introducing an all-new EV design language across its future lineup. The dedicated electric platform underpinning these models—developed two to three years ago—does not support multiple powertrains, setting it apart from the flexible architectures adopted by many rivals more recently.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News onHonda IndiaHonda Zero AlphaElectric SUVHonda Cars IndiaMarket ShareEV design languageJapanese automakerautomotive marketslocalization challenges (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online....moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onHonda IndiaHonda Zero AlphaElectric SUVHonda Cars IndiaMarket ShareEV design languageJapanese automakerautomotive marketslocalization challenges(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online....moreless
