THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, MARCH 1, 2026

Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) on Sunday reported a sharp 30.11 per cent year-on-year decline in total sales to 7,212 units in February 2026, reflecting a significant contraction in volumes largely on account of a steep fall in overseas shipments.

The company said exports dropped to 1,583 units during the month compared with 4,707 units in February last year, marking a substantial erosion in its international dispatches and weighing heavily on overall performance. The decline in exports overshadowed the relatively stable traction in the domestic market, where select models continued to draw customer interest.

Commenting on the performance, HCIL Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Kunal Behl said the company maintained its sales momentum through February, driven by the strong popularity of Honda Amaze compact sedan, while Honda City and Elevate also recorded steady volumes.

Industry observers note that the export slump has emerged as the key drag for the Japanese carmaker’s India operations, even as the brand sustains demand in core urban markets through its sedan and mid-size SUV portfolio. The Amaze continues to anchor entry-level volumes for the company, while the City retains its position in the premium sedan space and the Elevate strengthens Honda’s presence in the highly competitive SUV segment.

The February performance comes amid evolving market dynamics, with automakers recalibrating production and shipment strategies in response to fluctuating global demand and supply chain adjustments. Despite the year-on-year decline, HCIL’s management remains focused on leveraging its established models to maintain domestic stability while working to revive export momentum in the coming months.