Honda's September 2022 overtake of Hero MotoCorp in two-wheeler retail registrations resurfaces

Resurfacing a September 2022 move: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India registered more than 285,000 two-wheelers that month, surpassing Hero MotoCorp's 251,000-plus registrations. Hero was preparing to launch its VIDA electric vehicle and approved up to $60 million for a Zero Motorcycles investment.

— FiledSun, 30 Aug, 2026, 11:02 IST·First seen Sun, 30 Aug, 2026, 11:01 IST·Source ET Auto Retail

What happened

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India · Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India surpassed Hero MotoCorp in September 2022 retail registrations. Hero planned to launch its

Key facts

  • Honda registrations: more than 285,000 two-wheelers in September 2022
  • Hero registrations: more than 251,000 two-wheelers in September 2022
  • Hero dispatches: 519,980 motorcycles and scooters in September 2022
  • Hero investment in Zero Motorcycles: up to $60 million

Why this matters

Hero’s planned up-to-$60 million Zero Motorcycles investment and VIDA rollout suggest an EV capability-building agenda as Honda gains near-term scale in core two-wheelers.

What to watch

  • Monthly VAHAN retail registrations through the festive season, especially Honda's lead in scooters and Hero's recovery in commuter motorcycles.
  • Hero VIDA launch timing, pricing, bookings, delivery ramp and charging-network execution.
  • Evidence of Hero-Zero Motorcycles investment closing and resulting premium EV product or technology collaboration.
  • Dealer inventory levels, discounting intensity and retail-versus-wholesale divergence for both companies.
  • Competitor performance from TVS, Bajaj and Ola, which could fragment gains from either Honda or Hero.
  • Honda is likely to defend dealer momentum with festive offers, finance schemes and high-volume scooter/motorcycle inventory allocation.
  • Hero is likely to increase dealer incentives and marketing around commuter motorcycles while accelerating VIDA launch, charging partnerships and EV retail readiness.
  • Both manufacturers may intensify entry-level and 110-125cc product actions, where affordability and fuel economy most directly influence registration share.