In the midst of strict nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic,Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) closed April’20 with limited exports of 2,630 two-wheelers.
Honda’s domestic sales in April’20 stood at Nil as all 4 of its production facilities suspended operations from 22nd March till now in accordance with lockdown guidelines issued by the Government.
Elaborating on how Honda is standing united with its business partners while preparing for the disruptive future, Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Director – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Since suspending operations in this unprecedented crisis, Honda is taking strong measures for business continuity, safeguarding health & wellbeing of Staff, families & communities at large. We have eased the anxiety of our business partners and improved their cash-flows through quick liquidity infusion. Promoting #StayHomeStaySafe for our customers, we have already extended Free service and Warranty period by another 2 months. Parallely as a responsible manufacturer, Honda is extensively recalibrating all its SOP’s – not only within company but entire ecosystem; from the viewpoint of both personnel and workplace safety in COVID-19 era. At the same time, during lockdown we continue skilling-up HMSI and dealer staff with various e-learning modules. Preparations are on to resume operations after receiving respective approvals from Government, while re-aligning with supply-chain constraints and evolving market sentiments.”
Honda announces changes in Top Management
Honda Motor Co. Japan has announced the new top management at HMSI to strategically steward the brand towards market leadership in the disruptive future. Mr. Atsushi Ogata shall succeed his predecessor Mr. Minoru Kato as the new President, CEO and Managing Director of HMSI.Mr. Ogata is also an Operating Executive at Honda Motor Co., Japan.Additionally, Mr. V. Sridhar(earlier GVP & Director – Manufacturing, HMSI) becomes Senior Director – Purchase, HMSI;whereasMr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria (earlier Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, HMSI) andMr Vinay Dhingra (earlier Senior Vice President, General & Corporate Affairs) arenow a part of the Board of Directors of HMSI.
Honda 2Wheelers India pledges support to its business partners
Honda took a slew of measures supporting its partners including suppliers and dealers. This included advance payments of incentives and reimbursements across the 3 functions (sales, service and spare parts), Buy-back of unsold BS-IV inventory with few dealers majorly in Delhi NCR area. Additionally, Honda also announced that it will entirely bear the interest cost of BS-VI inventory (Physical plus Transit) with dealers during the nationwide lockdown. Honda also released payments approximately amounting to Rs. 1,700 Crores to all its suppliers, dealers and service providers on time.
Honda India Foundation pledged Rs. 11 crore aid to combat the deadly impact of COVID-19 pandemic. This includes, 2,000 units of Honda engine powered high pressure backpack sprayers to various Govt agencies and financial aid to Central & State governments’ relief funds. Additionally, Honda is supporting local administration by providing food packets for the poor and underprivileged and making available its ambulances stationed at all plants for medical emergencies in these difficult times. Honda associates across all 5 Honda group companies in India also voluntarily donated one day’s salary towards the total relief aid.
