Honda Cars India Plans Double-Digit Growth, 6 New Launches in FY26 | Kunal Behl, HCI | AP Dialogue

Honda Cars India is betting big on a refreshed product offensive to reclaim ground in the Indian passenger vehicle market, with Kunal Behl outlining an ambitious roadmap that includes six new launches this financial year and double-digit growth expectations. In this exclusive conversation with Autocar Professional at the launch of the new Honda City, Behl explains the pricing strategy behind the facelift, why Honda is doubling down on its strong hybrid image to differentiate from turbo-petrol rivals, and how the carmaker plans to tackle three decades of brand fatigue by extending City's sporty character to the exterior and interior design. Beyond the City, Behl shares details on Honda's upcoming sub-four-metre SUV that will be manufactured in India for global markets, the company's stance on EV readiness amid evolving CAFE norms, and why infrastructure and policy support remain critical before any aggressive electric push. He also discusses the launch of Honda Cars India's new captive finance arm, plans to convert the brand's vast two-wheeler customer base into four-wheeler buyers, and how the company is working to become more agile by shortening development cycles and deepening localisation. With 168 dealerships, 216 touchpoints and an installed capacity of 1,80,000 units at Tapukara, Honda is positioning itself for a sustained comeback in India's evolving PV market.