Introduction
Hero MotoCorp Ltd., headquartered in New Delhi, India, is a global leader in the two-wheeler industry. Founded in 1984, it has been the world’s largest motorcycle and scooter manufacturer by unit volume since 2001. With a dominant 47% share of India’s motorcycle market and 33.2% of the overall two-wheeler segment, Hero continues to reinforce its leadership in the industry.
Early Milestones (1984 – 1994)
In 1985, Hero MotoCorp launched its first motorcycle, the CD 100, marking the beginning of its journey. By 1987, the company celebrated the production of its 100,000th motorcycle, followed by a major milestone in 1991, reaching 500,000 units. In 1994, Hero introduced the iconic Splendor, further propelling its success as production crossed the 1 million mark.
Expanding Horizons (1997 – 2000)
In 1997, Hero expanded its portfolio with the launch of the Street and strengthened its manufacturing capabilities by inaugurating its second plant in Gurgaon. Two years later, in 1999, the company introduced the CBZ, blending style with performance. The year 2000 marked a historic achievement as Splendor was declared the world’s No.1, becoming the largest-selling single two-wheeler model globally.
Growth and Transformation (2001 – 2010)
In 2001, Hero celebrated the rollout of its 5 millionth motorcycle and introduced the Passion model. By 2003, Splendor achieved a global record as the world’s best-selling model for three consecutive years (2000-2002). The momentum continued in 2004, with Splendor surpassing 5 million sales, and Hero Honda being recognized as the world’s No.1 two-wheeler company for the third straight year.
In 2005, the company expanded its manufacturing footprint by establishing the Hero Honda Haridwar Plant, its third facility. Two years later, in 2007, Hero launched the CBZ Xtreme, a 100cc bike that introduced fresh designs and advanced technology. By 2009, the company achieved another milestone, rolling out its 15 millionth two-wheeler from its Gurgaon plant.
A defining moment came in 2010, when Hero decided to part ways with Honda, leading to its rebranding as Hero MotoCorp in 2011, marking the start of its independent journey.
New Identity and Innovation (2011 – 2020)
In 2011, Hero unveiled its new brand identity and logo, marking a fresh chapter in its journey. The same year, it launched the Impulse, its first motorcycle developed without Honda technology. By 2013, the company took a step towards smart and eco-friendly mobility with the introduction of iSmart, featuring the innovative i3S (idle start-stop) technology.
In 2016, Hero showcased its independent R&D capabilities with the launch of the Splendor iSmart 110, the first motorcycle developed entirely in-house. Two years later, in 2018, the company celebrated a historic achievement—rolling out its 100 millionth two-wheeler, a landmark in the global two-wheeler industry. In 2019, Hero reached another major milestone with the production of 25 million units at its Haridwar facility.
Strengthening Market Presence (2021 – 2023)
In 2021, Hero MotoCorp restarted its operations in Nigeria and strengthened its premium lineup with the launch of the XPULSE 200 4V. The following year, in 2022, the company took significant strides in emerging mobility solutions by partnering with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. and introducing ‘VIDA’, its dedicated brand for electric mobility.
In 2023, Hero underwent a key leadership change with the appointment of Niranjan Gupta as Chief Executive Officer, marking a new phase in its growth journey.
Recent Developments and Future Outlook (2024 – 2025)
In 2024, Hero MotoCorp sold 5.4 million two-wheelers, marking a 2.5% growth from 2023. In January 2025, total sales rose 2.14% to 442,873 units, followed by 3.88 lakh units dispatched in February, including 3.57 lakh for the domestic market. Its EV brand, Vida, dispatched 6,200 units in February.
The company’s board approved an investment of ₹5.15 crore for a Solar Power Wheeling project, while plans are underway to hive off its EV unit as an independent entity. Hero also made its 250cc segment debut with the Xtreme 250R and introduced other two-wheelers such as the Karizma XMR, XPulse 210, Xoom 125, Xoom 160, Karizma XMR 210 Combat Edition, Updated Mavrick 440, and Vida Z at the Bharat Mobility Show.
Conclusion
Hero MotoCorp has consistently set benchmarks in the two-wheeler industry, evolving from a joint venture with Honda to an independent global leader. With a strong legacy of innovation, expansion, and technological advancements, the company continues to dominate the market while embracing sustainable and electric mobility solutions. As it moves forward, Hero remains committed to driving the future of two-wheelers through cutting-edge technology, premium offerings, and a strong focus on eco-friendly solutions.
FAQ’s
Who is the owner of Hero MotoCorp?
Ans :- Owner of Hero MotoCorp is Pawan Munjal and the Munjal family.
Can you buy a Hero motorcycle in the United States?
Ans :- No, Hero does not currently sell motorcycles in the U.S.
Is Hero owned by Honda?
Ans :- No, Hero MotoCorp is independent. It was formerly in a joint venture with Honda (Hero Honda), but they split in 2011.
Which hero bikes are discontinued?
Ans :- Some discontinued models include Hero Karizma ZMR , Xtreme Sports, Hunk, Impulse, and Maestro.
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