The last month of the year typically sees manufacturers post lower sales than usual as buyers prefer to defer their two-wheeler purchase to after the new year. Here’s how the major players in the ICE arena performed. 

Hero: 2,94,152 units

As usual, Hero retained its place at the top of the pyramid despite selling half of what it normally does. In comparison to its November 2024 sales figure (4,39,777 units), the company reported a substantial 33.11 percent decline. Even in comparison to its sales for December last year (3,77,842 units), Hero reported a 22.15 percent decrease. Hero has a number of new launches lined up including two new 250cc bikes, the new Xpulse 210 and two new Xoom scooters as well. 

Honda: 2,70,919 units

Honda is not that far behind Hero with less than 23,000 units separating the two. In comparison to its November 2024 sales of 4,32,888 units, Honda reported a big 37.42 percent decrease. Similarly, even in comparison to its December 2023 number (2,86,101 units), it again reported a decline, albeit a small 5.31 percent one. Honda is preparing to enter the EV arena soon with two new electric scooters and will also introduce some big bikes in India this calendar year.

TVS: 2,15,075 units

Alongside Hero and Honda, TVS also sold more than two lakh units in December 2024. Despite doing so, it reported a 29.56 percent decline in comparison to its November 2024 number (3,05,323 units). However, it reported a miniscule 0.04 percent increase when compared to its December 2023 sales figure (2,14,988 units). TVS showed a new 300cc engine late last year and new bikes based on that will be coming, with the first one being an ADV. It bears mentioning that these sales numbers do not include those of the iQube electric scooter, which is the second best-selling EV in India.   

Bajaj: 1,28,335 units

Bajaj Auto is in its usual number four place and it reported a substantial 36.97 percent decline, compared to its November 2024 sales number (2,03,611 units). It also reported a decline compared to its numbers for last December (1,58,370 units), although this was a comparatively smaller 18.97 percent one. Bajaj will launch the new KTM 390 Adventure, 390 Enduro and 390 SMC R models this year. It is worth noting that these numbers include those of the Chetak electric scooter, which is now the bestselling EV in the country, dethroning the long-standing number Ola Electric in the process. 

Suzuki: 78,834 units

Suzuki was the only company that reported increases both month-on-month and year-on-year. In comparison to its November 2024 sales (78,333 units, it reported a 6.40 percent increase. The company also reported a healthy 14.21 percent increase compared to its sales of December last year (69,025 units). Suzuki might foray into the EV game too, with its e-Burgman scooter.  

Royal Enfield: 67,891 units

 

Just like nearly every other brand on this list Royal Enfield too reported a 6 percent decrease compared to its November 2024 sales of 72,236 units. But, in comparison to its December 2023 sales tally of 57,291 units, the company reported an 18.50 percent increase. Royal Enfield is working on a new portfolio of models with a larger twin-cylinder engine compared to the current 648cc mill and at least one model debuting this new motor will be breaking cover this year. 

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