The company saw a 19.8% year-over-year decline from the 445,257 units sold in February 2024.
03 Mar 2025 | 2988 Views | By Angitha Suresh
Hero MotoCorp, long standing as the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, dispatched 388,068 total units in February 2025, according to a company release. The figure includes 357,296 units in the domestic market, marking a significant 19.8% year-over-year decline from the 445,257 units sold in February 2024. The electric ...
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Hero MotoCorp, long standing as the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, dispatched 388,068 total units in February 2025, according to a company release. The figure includes 357,296 units in the domestic market, marking a significant 19.8% year-over-year decline from the 445,257 units sold in February 2024. The electric vehicle brand, VIDA, dispatched 6,200 units. Exports were up 33% compared to February 2024 with over 30,000 units dispatched.
The February performance continues a concerning trend for Hero MotoCorp, which has seen volatile domestic sales figures since mid-2024. After a strong festive season that peaked with 657,403 units in October, the company has struggled to maintain momentum:
While HMSI has not yet released its February 2025 figures, the sharp decline in Hero MotoCorp's numbers has opened up a chance that HMSI may finally beat Hero MotoCorp's numbers.
UPDATE: Honda dispatched 3.84 lakh two-wheelers in the domestic market in February, higher than Hero MotoCorp's 3.57 lakh, beating the Indian company to take the crown in the two-wheeler market.
The narrowing gap between the two manufacturers has been evident over the past six months. In August 2024, Hero led by just 585 units, before widening its advantage during the festive season. However, by January 2025, the difference had again contracted to just 9,401 units.
There have been several factors potentially driving this shift. Hero's traditional strength in entry-level commuter motorcycles has been challenged by declining demand in this segment due to inflation and economic pressures affecting lower-middle and working-class consumers. Conversely, HMSI's more balanced portfolio and strategic entry into the 100cc segment with models like the Shine 100 has helped it weather these market changes more effectively.
Meanwhile, Hero MotoCorp remains optimistic about future growth, with the press release noting the company "anticipates momentum increase in the coming months owing to the upcoming marriage season and new product launches." The manufacturer is strengthening its 125cc scooter portfolio, having already commenced deliveries of the Destini 125 across India, with plans to begin dispatches of the Xoom 125 soon.
The company continues to expand its premium retail presence through its "Premia" dealership network, which now counts 64 locations nationwide. These outlets feature dedicated sections for Hero MotoCorp, VIDA, and Harley-Davidson products under one roof, representing the company's push into higher-margin segments.
Additionally, Hero has launched a large-scale upskilling initiative for women in collaboration with the Automotive Skills Development Council, aiming to train 20,000 women across eight critical roles in the automotive sales and service ecosystem over the next 15 months.
While February's performance raises questions about Hero's market leadership, the company's year-to-date figures remain strong, with domestic sales of 5,101,672 units for the fiscal year through February, compared to 4,961,275 units in the same period last year.
| Month | Hero MotoCorp Units | Hero YoY Change | HMSI Units | HMSI YoY Change | Difference (Hero - HMSI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 2024 | 492,263 | +4.08% | 491,678 | +9.00% | 585 |
| September 2024 | 616,706 | +18.65% | 536,391 | +9.00% | 80,315 |
| October 2024 | 657,403 | +17.44% | 553,120 | +20.00% | 104,283 |
| November 2024 | 439,777 | -7.66% | 432,888 | +2.90% | 6,889 |
| December 2024 | 294,152 | -22.10% | 270,919 | -2.85% | 23,233 |
| January 2025 | 412,378 | -2.10% | 402,977 | +5.00% | 9,401 |