Auto Sales May 2025: Honda Stumbles In Number 1 Chase, Witnesses Minor Dip

After a jubilant April that saw Honda surpass its erstwhile partner Hero to take the first position, Honda's sales have slipped once again. The brand reported that it sold 4,65,115 units cumulatively in May 2025, which is 5.47 per cent less than the 4,92,047 units it retailed in the corresponding month last year. Even on a month-on-month basis, sales have dropped by 3.28 per cent compared to the 4,80,896 units it retailed in April 2025. 

Out of the above cumulative, Honda sold 4,17,256 units in the domestic market, which was 7.4 per cent less than the 4,50,589 units it retailed in May 2024. But with 47,859 exports, Honda exported 15.44 per cent more two-wheelers compared to 41,458 units in the same month, last year. 

Despite this drop in business, Honda is now slowing down by any means. The brand recently reached a significant milestone of producing 500 million motorcycles globally. The 500 millionth two-wheeler was manufactured here in India with its most popular offering, the Activa. Later on, Honda confirmed that it will be further expanding its manufacturing capacity in the country by adding another production line at its Vithalapur facility. While that will take care of its mass offerings, the brand also enhanced its presence in the premium segment, by launching not just one but seven brand new offerings in quick succession last month. 

What started with the Rebel 500, quickly expanded to include the X-ADV, CB750 Hornet, CB1000 Hornet SP, and the e-Clutch versions of the CB650R and CBR650R, too. The last model that was added to this portfolio was the 50th Anniversary Edition of the Honda Gold Wing Tour.  As for its all-electric offerings the Activa e: and the QC1, Honda is yet to bring in some good sales numbers, which currently is limited by its market reach. Therefore, it will be quite some time before Honda manages to sell as many electric scooters like TVS and Bajaj has managed till now.