Hero MotoCorp stands tall as the world’s largest manufacturer of two-wheelers, and India’s best-selling motorcycle company. Commanding over 40 percent of the market share in India, Hero MotoCorp consistently pushes boundaries in innovation and the development of new motorcycles and scooters, catering to both domestic and international markets. The company’s foundation was laid by Brijmohan Lall Munjal, through a collaborative venture with Honda. This partnership flourished for two decades, giving rise to a dominant force specializing in affordable motorcycles within the 100-110cc engine capacity range. However, the alliance between Hero and Honda concluded in 2010, paving the way for both entities to emerge as significant competitors in the automotive landscape.
Today, Hero MotoCorp boasts a robust manufacturing footprint with five operational factories across India, and a sixth facility under construction in Andhra Pradesh. At the heart of its innovation ecosystem is one of the world’s most expansive Research and Development centers, situated in Kukas, Rajasthan. This state-of-the-art facility serves as the cradle for all advancements in Hero bikes and scooter engineering. It features a comprehensive network of test tracks designed to replicate diverse real-world riding conditions, ensuring rigorous evaluation and refinement of every model.
Historically perceived as a maker of primarily small-capacity motorcycles, Hero MotoCorp has strategically evolved its portfolio in recent years. The company has ventured into designing and developing performance-oriented motorcycles that resonate with aspirational riders. Among these, the Mavrick stands out as Hero’s most powerful motorcycle to date, earning recognition as one of their finest creations. The iconic Karizma has also been revitalized, now powered by a contemporary liquid-cooled engine, marking a significant step in Hero’s performance bike evolution. Looking ahead, Hero MotoCorp has signaled intentions to introduce even larger capacity motorcycles, further expanding their range. However, the bedrock of the company’s revenue stream remains firmly rooted in the enduring popularity of models like the Splendor and Passion Pro series. These hero bike models continue to be volume drivers for the company. Hero MotoCorp has also carved a strong niche in the scooter segment, demonstrating its versatility across different two-wheeler categories. Notably, the Vida e-scooter is gaining traction in numerous regions across India, highlighting Hero’s commitment to the electric vehicle market.
In the foreseeable future, Hero MotoCorp is set to maintain a dual focus, nurturing its established high-volume models while simultaneously capitalizing on the expanding 200-400cc motorcycle segment. Strategic alliances with globally recognized brands like Harley-Davidson and Zero Motorcycles underscore this ambition. Furthermore, Hero MotoCorp holds a substantial stake in Ather Energy, a leading electric vehicle company, reinforcing its commitment to shaping the future of mobility and the hero bike narrative in both conventional and electric domains.
