The Indian motorcycle industry has a diverse history, marked by collaborations, innovation, and the rise of major domestic players. Several companies, both Indian and international, have contributed to shaping the landscape of two-wheeler manufacturing in the country. Here's a look at some of the key players:
API (Automobile Products of India):
- Founded in 1949 in Bombay (now Mumbai).
- Manufactured Lambretta scooters and API Three Wheelers under license from Innocenti of Italy.
- Also produced automobile ancillaries, including clutch and braking systems.
- Ceased operations in 2002, according to webbikeworld.com.
Bajaj Auto:
- An Indian global two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturing company based in Pune, Maharashtra.
- Manufactures motorcycles, scooters, and auto rickshaws.
- Part of the Bajaj Group, founded by Jamnalal Bajaj in Rajasthan in the 1940s.
- The world’s third-largest manufacturer of motorcycles and the second-largest in India.
- The world’s largest three-wheeler manufacturer.
Escorts Group:
- An Indian multinational conglomerate with interests in agri-machinery, construction equipment, and railway equipment.
- Had a motorcycle division from the 1960s to the early 2000s.
- Manufactured Polish SHL M11 175 cc motorcycles under the brand name Rajdoot from the early 1960s until 2005.
- In the early 1980s, Escorts began making Yamaha motorcycles in India.
- Launched the Rajdoot 350 in 1981, followed by the Yamaha RX 100 in 1984.
Hero MotoCorp:
- Formerly Hero Honda, an Indian motorcycle and scooter manufacturer based in New Delhi.
- The largest two-wheeler manufacturer in the world and in India, with a significant market share.
- Ranked among the World’s Most Respected Companies by Forbes in 2006.
Harley-Davidson India:
- A wholly-owned subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, based in Gurgaon, Haryana, India.
- Commenced operations in August 2009 and appointed its first dealership in July 2010.
- Offered a range of models across its Sportster, Dyna, Softail, V-Rod, Touring, and Street platforms.
- Operated dealerships across India.
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI):
- The wholly-owned Indian subsidiary of Honda Motor Company, Limited, Japan.
- Founded in 1999.
- Established in Manesar, District Gurgaon, Haryana.
Ideal Jawa:
- An Indian motorcycle company based in Mysore.
- Sold licensed Jawa motorcycles beginning in 1960 under the brand name Jawa and from 1973 as Yezdi.
- Known for the catchphrase “Forever Bike, Forever Value”.
- Jawa motorcycles have a cult following in India to this day.
Kinetic Engineering Limited:
- An Indian automotive manufacturer.
- Founded in 1972 by HK Firodia.
- Formerly sold two-wheelers under the brand names Kinetic Honda and later Kinetic Motors.
- Formed a joint venture with Honda Motor Company to introduce Kinetic Honda scooters.
Mopeds India Limited:
- A two-wheeler manufacturer based in India.
- Manufactured and sold the Suvega range of Mopeds under technical collaboration with Motobécane of France.
- Its first model was the Motobécane Mobylette sold under the name Suvega Super 50.
- The first company in India to launch Mopeds in India.
Royal Enfield:
- The oldest global motorcycle brand in continuous production, with its first motorcycle produced in 1901.
- Known for producing single and twin-cylinder motorcycles.
- Sold a significant number of units in 2018.
Suzuki Motorcycle India Limited (SMI):
- The wholly-owned Indian subsidiary of Suzuki, Japan.
- Established a manufacturing facility at Gurgaon, Haryana.
TVS Motor Company:
- An Indian multinational motorcycle company headquartered in Chennai, India.
- A major motorcycle company in India with significant revenue.
- A large exporter in India, with exports to numerous countries.
