Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has introduced the ADV160, a groundbreaking flex-fuel scooter designed to run on E85 fuel. This vehicle represents a significant step in India's transition towards alternative energy sources, as it is the country's first scooter to support an E85 blend (85% ethanol, 15% petrol).
Advancing Flex-Fuel Mobility
The ADV160 is set to be manufactured in India, underscoring Honda's commitment to its "Made in India, for India and the World" initiative. It features an 8.1-litre fuel tank and a substantial 27-litre under-seat storage, both positioned as segment-leading attributes. This launch follows Honda's previous flex-fuel offering, the CB300F motorbike, which was discontinued due to the unavailability of E85 fuel until June 2026. The reintroduction of flex-fuel technology with the ADV160 signals Honda's readiness for the future of Indian mobility.
Strategic Vision and Market Approach
Tsutsumu Otani, President & CEO of Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, emphasized the company's alignment with government directives on fuel policy. "We follow the government's direction. Today it is E20. We will prepare for E25 and flex-fuel vehicles," Otani stated. He further articulated Honda's priority on customer growth and satisfaction over market share, particularly as the company expands its premium and alternative-fuel offerings in India.
Expanding Portfolio and Localisation
Alongside the ADV160, HMSI also unveiled an expanded portfolio of 10 new and refreshed two-wheelers for the Indian market. This diverse lineup includes seven all-new models and three refreshed models, catering to various segments from cruising and adventure touring to electric and flex-fuel mobility. Otani highlighted India's growing importance not just as a major market, but as a global manufacturing and innovation hub for Honda, contributing roughly a third of its worldwide two-wheeler volumes.
The increased localization of these models is a critical milestone for HMSI, strengthening its product development, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities within India. This strategy aims to bring Honda's global technologies closer to Indian consumers while reinforcing India's role as a vital export hub for the company.
Electric Mobility Outlook
Regarding electric motorcycles, Otani indicated a cautious, data-driven approach. "Motorcycle customers and scooter customers use their vehicles differently. We are carefully studying those usage patterns," he explained. He also acknowledged that Honda's battery swapping model for electric scooters has not yielded optimal results so far, suggesting a need for further evaluation in this evolving sector.