HERO HONDA BRINGS TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME HRITHIK, SEHWAG, PRIYANKA, IRFAN PATHAN & RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE IN A MUSIC VIDEO
- Monday, September 15, 2008

HERO HONDA NET PROFIT ZOOMS 31% TO Rs 275 CRORE IN Q3 (FY 2007-2008) - Thursday, January 31, 2008.

HERO HONDA SET TO REWRITE THE BASICS OF THE PREMIUM SEGMENT - Wednesday, October 17, 2007

HERO HONDA WORLD NO 1 FOR SIX YEARS IN A ROW
- Wednesday, January 31, 2007

HERO HONDA’S TRAIL BLAZING RUN CONTINUES UNABATED

• RIDES ON ROBUST TOP LINE GROWTH & BOTTOM LINE PERFORMANCE
• REPORTS 13 PER CENT VOLUME GROWTH, NET PROFIT AFTER TAX OF RS 402.17 CRORES & EBIDTA MARGIN OF 16.04% IN Q4
• DIVIDEND PAYOUT OF RS 20 PER SHARE
• TO BUILD ON ITS DOMESTIC MOTORCYCLE MARKET SHARE OF 57%

Financial Results for Q4, FY’08-09

• Total sales for Q4 stands at 9,97,855 units, growth of 13 per cent, three times that of the industry growth during the period
• Total turnover (Net Sales & Operating Income) Rs.3422.52 crores, growth of 22.24 per cent
• Net profit after tax at Rs 402.17 crores, growth of 34.64 per cent
• EBIDTA margin for the quarter 16.04 per cent

Financial Results for FY’09

• Total unit sales of 37.22 lakh two-wheelers, growth of 12 per cent, more than double that of the industry growth during the period
• Total turnover (Net Sales & Operating Income) of Rs. 12356.88 crores
• Net profit after tax at Rs. 1281.76 crores
• Dividend of 1000 per cent
• EBIDTA margin for the year 14.16 per cent
• EPS of Rs. 64.19/-

 New Delhi, April 21, 2009: Hero Honda Motors Ltd (HHML), world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer for eight consecutive years, continues to defy the sluggish trends across the economy to report a robust bottom line growth to match its impressive top line performance during the fourth quarter (January-March) of the financial year (FY) ‘09.

Riding on an industry-beating 12 per cent growth in sales volumes in FY’09, Hero Honda’s total turnover (Net sales & Other Operating income) grew to Rs 12356.88 crores, a growth of 19.22 per cent over Rs. 10364.54 crores recorded over the last fiscal. The company has recorded an EBIDTA margin of 14.16 per cent in this fiscal. The EBIDTA margin in the previous year (07-08) was 13.33 per cent.The strength of the operations and the resultant strong financial position translates into a dividend payout of Rs 20 per share, than the payout of Rs 19 per share in the last fiscal.

Dr. Brijmohan Lall, Chairman, Hero Honda Motors Ltd, said “ The Hero Honda value proposition stems from our deep understanding of the industry and the local market. The company continues to benefit uniquely from its strong customer and supplier relationships. Our performance is a tribute to all our stakeholders - our customers, our suppliers, our dealers, our employees and also our joint venture partners for their continuous support and faith in us."
                                                                                                 
Mr. Pawan Munjal, MD & CEO, Hero Honda Motors Ltd., said "FY’09 – our 25th Year – has been a path-breaking year for us. We continue to set new benchmarks even as recessionary trends and sluggish market situation afflict firms across the globe. We grew at 12 per cent during FY’09 even as the industry grew by mere five per cent. Our Q4 volumes growth – 13 per cent - was more than three times that of the industry growth of four per cent during the period. The dividend payout is in recognition of the company’s strong financial performance and is indicative of the Board’s confidence in the company’s strategic direction. With more than 57 per cent share in the domestic motorcycle market, we are in the strongest position in the company's history.”

“This robust top line growth, combined with our operating margins, revenue trends and industry-leading growth is reflective of the winning strategy that we continue to execute with precision. The strategy is driven by innovation in every sphere of our activity, and we will build on this path to keep up the growth momentum in the new financial year as well," he added.

The stronger-than-industry growth has been driven by several factors including new product launches, refreshed product portfolio, robust performance of its brands across segments and an ever-expanding network across urban and rural markets.

Fiscal 2008-09 saw Hero Honda launch nine models across segments. With the new all-muscle and macho Hunk, and a sporty and stylish new CBZ X-treme, HHML strengthened its market presence in the 150cc segment. Hero Honda introduced self-start in the 100 cc range with its new launch Passion Pro. The “Power Start” variants were also introduced in CD Deluxe and Splendor NXG. In addition, the company also refreshed its successful Glamour, Glamour FI, Splendor NXG and Pleasure models

Innovative communication across media, leveraging properties such as sports and entertainment for brand building, and augmenting its distribution network to more than 3500 touch-points also contributed significantly to the company’s performance.

Milestones and Achievements during FY’09

• Celebrates 25th year of Hero Honda’s successful existence; and eight years of industry leadership as the world’s largest manufacturer of two-wheelers by a single company in a calendar year
• Crosses the landmark of 25 million cumulative sales in its 25th year of existence
• Crosses the landmark retail sales of more than six lakhs two-wheelers in a month in October 08
• Consistent growth in share in the domestic motorcycles market, taking it to an all-time high of over 57 per cent
• Keeps consolidating its more than 10 per cent share in the domestic scooter market, selling an average of 12,000 units of Pleasure per month

Awards

Mr. Pawan Munjal was awarded the “CNBC TV18 Overdrive Man of the Year Award” at the CNBC TV18 Overdrive Auto Awards

Hero Honda also received four prestigious awards at the recently held NDTV Profit Car India Bike India Awards 2009

• The Viewer's Choice Award for Passion Pro
• Two-Wheeler Manufacturer of the Year Award
• Best Integrated Campaign Award for Hero Honda Pleasure
• The Best Brand Ambassador of the Year Award to Priyanka Chopra for Pleasure

In addition to these, the company also won three other coveted awards -

• Dun & Bradstreet Rolta Corporate Awards 2008 in two-wheeler category
• The Most preferred Brand of two-wheelers award at the CNBC Awaaz Consumer Awards’08
• The NDTV Profit Business Leadership Award for two-wheelers

GROWTH STORY CONTINUES AT HERO HONDA WITH EBIDTA AT 14.47 PER CENT IN Q3, 2008-09

• DEFIES INDUSTRY TREND WITH TURNOVER (NET SALES & OTHER OPERATING INCOME), AT RS. 2881.27. CRORES; PAT AT RS 300.42 CRORES.
• SHARE IN DOMESTIC MOTORCYCLES MARKET AT ALL TIME HIGH OF OVER  56%

Highlights of Q3, FY'08-09

Corporate Performance:

• Total turnover (Net sales & Other Operating income)  Rs 2881.27 crores, growth of 4.77 per cent
• Net profit after tax at Rs 300.42 crores, growth of 9.24 per cent
• EBIDTA margin for the quarter 14.47 per cent, up from 13.58 per cent  in previous quarter (July-September’08)

Achievements:

• Crossed the landmark retail sales of more than six lakh two-wheelers in a month in October
• Retail sales during the quarter grew by 3.5 per cent compared to corresponding quarter in FY ’07-08
• Growth of 11 per cent in two-wheelers despatch sales in the first nine months (April-December) this financial year
• Over 56 per cent share in domestic motorcycle market

New Launches:

• Launched seven new models this quarter - New CD Deluxe, New Passion Pro, Splendor NXG, New Pleasure, New Glamour, New Glamour FI and the all new CBZ X-treme.

 New Delhi, January 20, 2009: Hero Honda Motors Ltd (HHML), the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer, today carried its growth story forward in the third quarter (October-December) of the financial year 2008-09.

Reflecting its robust retail sales during the quarter, when the company sold a record six lakh two-wheelers during the month of October, Hero Honda reported Rs 300.42 crores of net profit after tax for the third quarter. The company’s profit after tax in the corresponding period last fiscal (October to December, 2007-08) stood at Rs 275.01 crores.

Even as the industry continues to reel under high interest rates and an overall credit squeeze, Hero Honda’s total turnover (Net sales & Other Operating income) grew to Rs 2881.27 crores, a growth of 4.77.per cent over Rs  2750.20 crores recorded in the corresponding period last fiscal. The company has recorded an EBIDTA margin of 14.47 per cent in the quarter. The EBIDTA margin in the previous quarter (July-September '08) was 13.58. per cent.            

During the first nine months of this financial year (April-December’08), Hero Honda’s total turnover (Net sales & Other Operating income) grew to Rs 8934.36 crores, a growth of 18.1.per cent over Rs  7564.65 crores recorded in the corresponding period last fiscal. The company has recorded an EBIDTA margin of 13.44 per cent in the first nine months. The EBIDTA margin in the corresponding period (April– December’07) last year was 12.68 per cent.

Dr. Brijmohan Lall, Chairman, Hero Honda Motors Ltd, said “Our performance is a tribute to the way we have positioned the company over the past several years. The results reinforce our confidence in Hero Honda’s ability to perform well under adverse market conditions. We wish to thank all our stakeholders – customers, associates, dealer friends, ancillaries and also our joint venture partners Honda Motors Co – for their continuous support and faith in us."
                                                                                                 
Mr. Pawan Munjal, MD & CEO, Hero Honda Motors Ltd., said "Our third quarter results reflect Hero Honda’s remarkable resilience in the current deteriorating business environment and also illustrate the benefits of the strategic initiatives that we have undertaken over the past couple of years. We have been able to deliver another solid quarter of strong earnings and improved operating margins.”

“We are celebrating 25 years of consistent growth and business success, driven by innovation and operational excellence. Looking forward, we will remain focused on further strengthening our industry leadership, while continuing to improve efficiencies in our business. We will continue to innovate in all areas of our business - technologically-superior products, network expansion, brand building, manufacturing excellence and financial management," he added.

Softening of commodity prices, cost rationalization across the board, strengthening of the premium product portfolio and a growing rural market have played key role in the company’s performance.

With over 56 per cent market-share, the company continues to enjoy the number 1 position and is consistently growing its share in the domestic motorcycle market. Hero Honda launched seven new models this quarter – the new CBZ X-treme in the premium segment, "Passion Pro Power Start”, new Glamour FI, new Glamour and a self–start version of Splendor NXG in the deluxe segment, new CD Deluxe in the entry segment and the refreshed Pleasure in the scooter segment. The scooter ‘Pleasure’ has also been growing strongly, with more than 12,000 units being sold every month on an average.

Hero Honda’s pioneering efforts in the two-wheeler industry have also been acknowledged by various entities. Mr. Pawan Munjal was recently awarded the “CNBC TV18 Overdrive Man of the Year Award”. The company also recently won three coveted awards - "The Most preferred Brand of two-wheelers" award at the CNBC Awaaz Consumer Awards 2008, and the "NDTV Profit Business Leadership Award” for two-wheelers.  

HERO HONDA REPORTS LEADERSHIP PERFORMANCE WITH 50 % NET PROFIT IN Q2, '08-09

DEFIES INDUSTRY TREND WITH TURNOVER (NET SALES & OTHER OPERATING INCOME), AT RS. 3202 CRORE; EBIDTA AT 13.58 PER CENT 

Highlights of Q2, FY'08-09

• Total turnover (Net sales & Other Operating income) Rs 3202 crores, growth of 35.6 per cent
• Net profit after tax at Rs 306.30 crores, growth of 50 per cent
• EBIDTA margin for the quarter 13.58 per cent
• Total sales for Q2 stands at 9,72,095 units , growth of 28.5 per cent
• Total sales for H1 stands at 18, 66,349, growth of 19.7 per cent
• Over 55 per cent share in domestic motorcycle market
• Launches first-of-its kind music video to celebrate 25 years of Hero Honda

New Delhi, October 21, 2008: Hero Honda Motors Ltd (HHML), the world's largest two-wheeler company for seven consecutive years, today firmly reiterated its undisputed leadership in the domestic two-wheeler market with impressive bottom line growth for the second quarter (Q2) – July to September - of this financial year (FY) 2008-09.

Even as the industry continued to face tough market conditions on account of uncertainty over interest rates and overall credit squeeze, the company reported 50 per cent growth in profit after tax (PAT) at Rs 306.30 crore for the second quarter. Hero Honda's profit after tax in the corresponding period last fiscal (July - Sept, 2007-08) stood at Rs 204.33 crore.

Total turnover (Net sales & Other Operating income) grew to Rs 3202 crore, a growth of 35.6 per cent over Rs 2361 crore recorded in the corresponding period last fiscal. The company has recorded an EBIDTA margin of 13.58 per cent in the quarter. The EBIDTA margin in the previous quarter (April - June '08) was 12.20 per cent.

The strong financial performance is in line with the company's better-than-industry top line growth. After posting a growth 11.38 per cent in the first quarter, the company kicked off the second quarter with a 39.8 per cent growth in sales in the month of July, and followed up with 26.8 per cent growth in August and 22.4 per cent in September. Hero Honda consistently keeps growing its share in the domestic motorcycle market, and currently enjoys over 55 per cent share.

Hero Honda's cumulative sales for the second quarter (Q2) this FY stands at 9,72,095 units - a growth of 28.5 per cent over Q2 last FY (2007-08). The cumulative sales for the first six months (H1) stands at 18, 66,339 units of two-wheelers compared to 15, 59,486 units sold in H1 in the last FY – reflecting a consistent 19.7 per cent growth in cumulative sales.

Dr. Brij Mohan Lall, Chairman, Hero Honda Motors Ltd, said “We are happy with our financial performance. It gives immense joy to see this kind of results in the 25 th year of our company. I wish to thank all our stakeholders – customers, associates, dealer friends, ancillaries and also our joint venture partners Honda Motors Co – for their continuous support.”

Mr. Pawan Munjal, MD & CEO, Hero Honda Motors Ltd., said “Our numbers speak for themselves. Even in this volatile and competitive environment, our top line continues to outpace the industry growth, our market share is at an all time high, and the financial balance sheet is a delight – all the factors which form the hallmark of a resilient company with cutting-edge management. We will continue to keep innovating – in bringing in technologically-superior products, in our network expansion, in brand building, in our financial management, and in our communication.”

“Going forward, we will have to keep a close watch on the commodity prices movement, and other factors such as inflation, interest rate scenario and availability of retail finance. These factors will play a crucial role in the industry growth in the subsequent quarters,” he added.

Hero Honda has already rolled out its festive season initiatives, with the launch of four new models – the all-new “Passion Pro” and three refreshes of its existing models - new CBZ X-treme, a self–start version of Splendor NXG and the refreshed Pleasure. During the coming months, the company will further augment its product portfolio with new launches across segments.

Key Hero Honda brands continue to drive strong volumes across segments - CD Deluxe in entry segment, Glamour, the new Splendor NXG, Splendor + and Passion Plus in deluxe segment, and Hunk, CBZ X-treme and Karizma in the premium segment.

Celebrating its 25th year, Hero Honda released an innovative music video in the month of September. Titled “Hero Honda Dhak Dhak Go” , and involving as many as eight brand ambassadors of Hero Honda, the music video has been receiving rave reviews.

Hero Honda recently won two very coveted awards - “The Most preferred Brand of two-wheelers” award at the recent CNBC Awaaz Consumer Awards 2008, and the “NDTV Profit Business Leadership Award”.

New Delhi, September 15, 2008: Celebrating its twenty fifth year, Hero Honda Motors Limited (HHML) is set to release an innovative music video today across all TV channels.

The music video features for the first time top achievers from Bollywood and sports together to celebrate the 25th year of another high achiever – Hero Honda Motors – which has retained the coveted title of world’s largest manufacturer of two-wheelers for seven consecutive years.

In a casting coup of sorts, the company has roped in almost all its brand ambassadors to feature in the music video - Bollywood heartthrobs Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra; top cricketers such as Virender Sehwag, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, Gautam Gambhir and Ishant Sharma; and ace Indian shooter Lt. Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore.

Titled “Hero Honda Dhak Dhak Go”, the blockbuster three-minute long video has been conceptualized by Draft FCB Ulka and produced by Ravi Udyawar who has several music videos to his credit, including the recent Strings' video featuring John Abraham, titled "Koi Aaney Wala Hai".

The catchy music track has been composed for a pan-India feel reflecting the brand’s reach. Composed by Ranjit Barrot and complemented by the voices of Shankar Mahadevan, Sukhwinder Singh and Shreya Ghoshal, it’s a perfect blend of sufi and rock, the flavour of music that the youth a with today.

Shot at five different locations across the country and abroad, including Mumbai, Jaipur and Kuala Lumpur, the project was spread over a period of two months.

Mr. Anil Dua, Sr. Vice President (Marketing & Sales), Hero Honda Motors, says “In our 25th year, we feel very young and energetic, and hence the idea was to do something different, and not follow the stereotype.  We wanted to celebrate the young and emerging India – an India which is confident of taking on the world. This India story is best reflected in the success of our young achievers from the field of cricket and entertainment. The storyline and lyrics convey this message very beautifully.”

“Hain Yuva Desh Ki Dhadkan Hum, Laakhon Karoron Saath Hain, Duniya Ko Dikha Dein Aapna Dum, Har Saapne Mein Vishvaas Hai, Bhar Le Dil Mein Iss Josh Ko, Dhak Dhak Go.”

Truly a “Shrine of Technology” in the Holy City of Haridwar, the latest state-of-the-art addition to the Hero Honda family of manufacturing facilities was today inaugurated by Dr. Brijmohan Lall, Chairman, Hero Honda Motors Ltd. at a glittering ceremony in the presence of dignitaries including senior bureaucrats, business leaders, members of the media and a wide cross section of the company’s stakeholders.

Key Information on the Haridwar Plant

• Initial installed capacity of 500,000 units, to be scaled up to a million units by end-2008
• Initial investment of approx. Rs. 450 crores by Hero Honda, Rs. 150 crores more to be invested by end-2008
• Capacity to be expanded to 1.5 million units by 2010, with a combined investment of Rs. 1,900 crores by Hero Honda & its ancillaries
• Haridwar complex is the biggest of the three manufacturing set-ups of Hero Honda, spanning about 275 acres
• Initial production level of 2000 vehicle units per day which would be scaled up to 4000 vehicles per day by the end of this year
• 100 ancillaries will be setting up their manufacturing base in Haridwar over the next two years. To begin with, 40 ancillaries will set up their facility in the Industrial Parks being specially developed for Hero Honda ancillaries.

A Shrine of Technology

One of the most technologically advanced automobile manufacturing plants in the country

• New paint shop based on modern Acrylic Cathode Electrode Deposition technique

• Being water-based paint, it is environment-friendly
• Several times more rust-resistant
• Uniform thickness, and hence greater gloss, further enhancing the aesthetics

• Entire shop floor is under single roof. It not only helps in synchronous line management but also enables better communication for more synergistic operations
• Unidirectional material movement to ensure more effective and efficient logistics for managing material flow within the plant
• Direct-on-Line (DOL) through a well-networked conveyor system for feeding components directly to the production line

A Green Plant

Hero Honda Haridwar plant is one of the greenest automobile plants in the country

• The plant has 70 per cent of its area as green open spaces
• Approx 45,000 sq. mts of the plant roof area is being converted into green roof through plantation
• The most contemporary effluent treatment and handling equipment; there is zero discharge on liquid effluents

A Young Plant

• The average age of employees in the plant is around 25 years. The employee strength is about 700 which is expected to grow to 2,000 by the year end.
• Haridwar and surrounding areas contribute 75 per cent of the entire workforce.
• A fully equipped training centre, the famed Hero Honda Gurukul, provides technical and non-technical training for the incumbent staff of the plant.

Dr. Brijmohan Lall, Chairman, Hero Honda Motors Ltd., said, “This is a very momentous occasion for the entire Hero Honda family. It has indeed been a very fulfilling journey, which started from Dharuhera in 1985 to Haridwar today. None of this would have been possible without the unstinted support and cooperation of all our stakeholders. I take this opportunity to especially thank our customers who have reposed their faith in us and in our products for all these years. I would also like to thank the Uttarakhand State Government for its support all through the setting up of this plant.”
 
Mr. Pawan Munjal, MD & CEO, Hero Honda Motors Ltd., said, “This plant in Haridwar is born out of our collective dream and vision for excellence. And what better time for this to happen than today, the onset of the silver jubilee year of our company. This is the first major event in this 25th year, and there will be many more initiatives for our customers and other stakeholders all though the year. I have desired that this plant be our masterpiece. We have imbibed our experiential learning and contemporary practices in this ‘Shrine of Technology’. This plant sets new benchmarks in terms of lay-outs, processes, supply chain management, human resource management and most importantly environmental consciousness. This should truly be a center of excellence for the manufacturing industry in the country.”

The new plant will employ flexible production technique enabling production of different models in the Hero Honda portfolio. In addition to manufacturing for the domestic market, the plant will also cater to export requirements.

Hero Honda’s Haridwar plant will contribute significantly to the economic development of Uttarakhand. Hero Honda and its ancillaries have already generated direct employment opportunities for over 2000 people in the state. As the company expands its operations in the state, this number will grow further to over 7,000 people. Along with employment, emphasis has also been laid on training and learning. The plant has set up a Gurukul within the complex, which serves not only as a learning centre for all employees who join the plant, but also for their continuous development.

As a part of ‘Hero Honda We Care’, the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, the company has lined up several initiatives that promise to bring about significant improvements in the lives of people residing in Haridwar and neighbouring areas.

A group company will be setting up a Technology Park, two Industrial Parks and a shopping mall within the plant complex over the next two years. Housing issues will be addressed with the construction of two residential complexes. Accessibility of quality healthcare and education are other priority areas, and accordingly the company plans to set up 200-bed hospital and a school within the plant complex. All this envisions creation of an industrial cluster in Uttarakhand which will multiply generation of wealth and prosperity in the region. 

HERO HONDA NET PROFIT ZOOMS 44 PER CENT, RIDING ON ROBUST SALES IN Q1, 2008-09

REPORTS TURNOVER OF RS  2890  CRORE

RECORDS EBIDTA OF  11.99  PER CENT

Highlights of Q1, FY’08-09

• Total sales for Q1 stands at 8,94,244 units, growth of 11 per cent
• Near 55 per cent share in domestic motorcycle market
• New manufacturing plant at Haridwar, Uttarakhand, starts production
• Total turnover Rs   2890  crores, growth of 16  per cent
• Net profit after tax at Rs 273  crores, growth of 44  per cent
• EBIDTA margin for the quarter 11.99 per cent

New Delhi, July 29, 2008: Hero Honda Motors Ltd (HHML), the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, today reported an impressive bottom line growth to match its robust top line performance during the first quarter (April-June) of the financial year (FY) 2008-09.

Hero Honda reported  44  per cent growth in profit after tax (PAT) at Rs 272.87  crore for the first quarter of this financial year. Hero Honda’s profit after tax in the corresponding period last fiscal (April-June, 2007-08) stood at Rs 189.84 crore.

Total turnover (sales turnover plus other income, net of excise) grew to
Rs. 2890.25 crore, a growth of 16 per cent over Rs 2486.90 crore recorded in the corresponding period last fiscal. The company has recorded an EBIDTA margin of 11.99  per cent in the quarter. The EBIDTA margin in the previous quarter (Jan-March ’07-08) was 14.77 per cent.

This strong financial performance comes close on the heels of the company’s good overall sales through the first quarter. Hero Honda kicked off the new financial year with a 9 per cent growth in sales in the month of April, and followed up with 9.5 per cent growth in May and 16 per cent in June. Indeed, Hero Honda’s share in domestic motorcycle market has been growing upward of 55 per cent. 

Hero Honda’s cumulative sales for the first quarter (Q1) this FY stands at 8,94,244 units - a growth of  11 per cent over Q1 last FY (2007-08). Hero Honda had sold 8,02,853 units of two-wheelers in Q1 in the last FY.

The consistent performance comes on account of key Hero Honda brands driving strong volumes across segments – CD Deluxe in entry segment, Glamour, the New Splendor NXG, Splendor + and Passion Plus in deluxe segment and Hunk, CBZ X-treme and Karizma in the premium segment. Hero Honda’s scooter Pleasure has also been contributing to the volumes, with more than 10,000 units being sold in June this year.

According to Dr. Brijmohan Lall, Chairman, Hero Honda Motors Ltd, “This financial year is the 25th year of Hero Honda’s existence. We had a befitting beginning to the year with the inauguration of our new plant at Haridwar in April, which is going to substantially augment our installed capacity. This is a significant step towards our future growth. We remain committed to reach out to our customers across the country, and provide them with quality products. I also wish to thank our customers and all our stakeholders for reposing their faith in us, which is consistently reflected in our top line as well as our bottom line growth.” 

Mr. Pawan Munjal, MD & CEO, Hero Honda Motors Ltd., said “We continue to demonstrate leadership performance - profitability in tandem with increasing market share. We have continued to invest in further spreading our distribution network, expanding into new markets in semi-urban, rural and upcountry areas; and in brand building initiatives through our customer focused advertising and leveraging our various properties such as cricket etc – resulting in strong top line growth. Simultaneously, we have continued to focus on all-round efficiency improvement and cost rationalization across the board. This two-pronged strategy has helped us maintain profitability, even as we continue to further consolidate our near 55 per cent share in the domestic motorcycle market.”

The industry, however, is severely impacted with the very high costs of raw materials such as steel, aluminum, copper and rubber; double-digit inflation and the continuing uncertainty over interest rates.

New Delhi, April 24, 2008: Hero Honda Motors Ltd. (HHML), the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer for seven consecutive years, today reported a robust bottom line growth to match its impressive top line performance during fourth quarter (January-March) of the financial year 2007-08.

Financial Results for Q4, FY'07-08

• Total sales for Q4 stands at 884075 units, growth of 3.28%
• Total turnover Rs. 2843.79 crores growth of 5.95 %
• Net profit after tax at Rs 298.70 crores, growth of 53%
• EBIDTA margin for the quarter 14.77 %

Financial Results for FY'07-08

• Total unit sales of 33,37,142 two-wheelers
• Total turnover of Rs. 10517 crores
• Net profit after tax at Rs. 967.88 crores
• Dividend pay out of 950 %
• EBIDTA margin for the year 13.06 %
• EPS of Rs. 48.47

Riding on the impressive tally of 33,37,142 two-wheelers it sold during the FY, the company reported a Profit after tax of Rs. 967.88 crores in this financial year (detail as per annexure attached) , even as the domestic two-wheeler industry remained sluggish on account of high interest rates and low availability of consumer finance. Hero Honda's sales surpassed its tally of previous year, further boosting its share in the domestic motorcycle market to more than 52 per cent, even as the industry saw a decline in domestic motorcycle sales by 12 per cent and overall two-wheeler sales by seven per cent during the financial year.

 New Delhi, March 1, 2008: Passing on the excise duty cut benefit in Budget 2008 to customers, Hero Honda Motors Ltd (HHML), the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles, today reduced prices on all its models, ranging from Rs1000/- to Rs 2400/-.

The company, which sold 265,431 units of two-wheelers in the month of February, reduced the price of Splendor+ by about Rs 1300/- (ex-showroom Delhi) and on Karizma by about Rs 2400/- (ex-showroom Delhi). Similarly, the price of its best-selling 150cc bike Hunk has been reduced by about Rs 1800/- (ex-showroom Delhi).

Mr. Pawan Munjal, MD & CEO, HHML, said “Hero Honda has taken the voice of the customer to the government, and consequently the excise duty on two-wheelers has been reduced to 12 per cent from 16 per cent. This is a welcome move, and we are happy to pass on the entire benefit to customers. The reduction in excise duty cut will enable us to draw more customers to our fold, but the basic factors causing the industry slowdown still remain unattended. Credit financing has been withdrawn in some key markets, while interest rates on consumer loans also remain very high. This credit squeeze continues to be the most critical factor adversely impacting industry growth, and we still don’t see any indication from the banks and the government to address this concern. For the industry to make a turnaround and get back on the path of growth, the government has to address these key issues.”

HERO HONDA JOINS INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE AS PARTNER  

New Delhi, February 22, 2008: Hero Honda Motors Ltd. (HHML), the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer for the seventh year in a row, today signed on as partner for the Indian Premier League (IPL), scheduled to start from April 16, 2008 onwards.

Announcing this, Mr. Pawan Munjal, Managing Director, Hero Honda Motors Ltd. said, “We are delighted to be partner with  the Indian Premier League, which further strengthens our close to two decade long association with cricket. Indian cricket, as indeed cricket worldwide, is witnessing historic developments with the highly innovative concept of IPL, and we are happy to be a part of it. The Twenty20 format of the IPL is set to take cricket’s popularity to a new high and like all cricket lovers I am also looking forward to the forthcoming mega cricketing event.”

Mr. Lalit Modi, BCCI Vice President and IPL Chairman and Commissioner, said “We are happy to have Hero Honda Motors come on board as one of the partner. Hero Honda brings to the table its immense experience in the field of corporate association with cricket both at national and international level. Hero Honda’s association with IPL is going to add a lot of value to the entire event.”

Hero Honda has always been able to connect with the youth through the platforms of sports and entertainment. The company’s name has been synonymous with the game of cricket. Popular Indian cricketers such as Virendra Sehwag, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina are presently brand ambassadors for Hero Honda.

Q3 Highlights

Corporate performance:

Achievements:

New Launches:

New Delhi, January 31, 2008: Hero Honda Motors Ltd. (HHML), the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer, today reported 31% per cent growth in profit after tax (PAT) at Rs 275 crore for the third quarter (October-December) of this financial year (2007-08). Hero Honda's profit after tax in the corresponding period last fiscal stood at Rs 209.18 crore.

Total Turnover (sales turnover plus other income, net of excise) grew to Rs 2795.17 crores, a growth of 3.54 per cent over Rs 2699.63 crores recorded in the corresponding period last fiscal. The company has recorded an EBIDTA margin of 13.95% in the quarter. The EBIDTA margin in the previous quarter (July-September'07) was 12.39%.

This strong financial performance comes close on the heels of the company's good overall sales even in the face of the prevailing slowdown in the two-wheeler industry. Hero Honda's cumulative total turnover for the first three quarters (April–December 2007) of this financial year stood at Rs. 7673.43 crores.

According to Mr. Brijmohan Lall, Chairman, Hero Honda Motors Ltd ., “Our performance during the third quarter of this fiscal has been very encouraging considering the current slowdown in the two-wheeler industry. We have been consistently reporting better-than-industry sales numbers, and it has also been reflected in our bottom line. We wish to thank all our customers and stakeholders for reposing their faith in our company and our products.”

Mr. Pawan Munjal, Managing Director & CEO, Hero Honda Motors Ltd . said, “Given the industry slowdown scenario, we are very enthused by our robust financial numbers for the third quarter. However, this was not unexpected. We had undertaken some strategic initiatives since the beginning of this fiscal, including a conscious effort to rationalize costs across the board, and its results are now visible. Our bottom line has seen a consistent improvement, and we have been able to demonstrate that it is possible to keep gaining market share while maintaining a robust bottom line.

“With input costs softening and our sharp focus on cost efficiencies, we should be able to further improve upon our financial results,” he added.

HERO HONDA BRINGS LEGENDARY ROCK BAND

“THE SCORPIONS”

THE ICONIC ROCK BAND TO PERFORM LIVE IN
MUMBAI & BANGALOORU AS PART OF THEIR
“HUMANITY WORLD TOUR 2007-08”

New Delhi, 06th December 2007:- Fans of rock music in the country are in for a feast, as “Scorpions” are going to “Rock You Like a Hurricane”. As part of the legendary rock band’s “Humanity World Tour 2007-08”, Hero Honda Motors Ltd, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, is bringing Scorpions for pulsating live concerts in Mumbai and Bangalore this month.
Fans have been eagerly looking forward to see the iconic German band, whose latest album “Humanity – Hour I”, released in May this year, has gone on to become a huge hit worldwide. The latest album comes 35 years after they hit global headlines with their debut album “Lonesome Crow” in 1972. In all these years, the Scorpions have produced some of the most popular albums such as “In Trance”, “Tokyo Tapes”, “Animal Magnetism”, “Savage Amusement”, “Face the Heat”, “Eye to Eye”, “Moment of Glory” and “Unbreakable”.
Scorpions will perform at Mumbai on December 14th, and in Bangalore on December 16th. Humanity World Tour 2007/2008 takes the Scorpions right through Europe, North and South America and Asia.
“Direct contact with our fans is our biggest source of inspiration,” says the band’s front-man Klaus Meine. 
 “Music has been an integral part of our communication with the youth. And what better way to connect with our fans than to bring their all-time favourite band Scorpions closer to them! This is going to be a high point for music lovers in the country, after the very popular ‘Hero Honda Campus Rock Idols’, a nationwide contest of amateur rock bands.”
“There are a lot of people who say that the classic concept album is dead. We don’t see it that way, so we are swimming against the tide again with our new “Humanity – Hour I” which is a mature album, with lyrics that are often provocative and deal with the dark sides of the world we live in. At the same time though, we are sending our fans a positive musical message, telling them not let the insanity going on around us every day get them down”, explains Klaus Meine, who considers Humanity – Hour I to be the most powerful album since the global success of Crazy World in 1991.
 “We have delivered a strong body of work over the years and are more confident than ever,” says lead-guitarist Matthias Jabs.
Fans all over the world seem to agree: above all in Asia and Eastern Europe, the Scorpions still fill the biggest stadiums every year, performing in front of hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic fans. In early March, the band returned to Moscow to give a concert in the Kremlin at the invitation of the Russian President – an honour granted to relatively few Western artists. But the Scorpions’ power-packed live shows have numbered among the events that sold out the fastest in the USA and Canada and many European countries for decades as well.

New Delhi , October 17, 2007: The "Hero Honda Hunk" is here. And it is set to re-write the basics in the premium space of the Indian two-wheeler industry.

Hero Honda Motors Ltd (HHML) today augmented its steadily growing strength in the premium segment (150cc and above) by launching a new brand - the 150cc Hunk . Hero Honda has already doubled its volume and share in the premium segment during the period January - September 2007, while the overall share of Hero Honda in the domestic motorcycle market is currently more than 50 per cent.

Unveiling the new bike here, Mr. Brijmohan Lall, Chairman, HHML, said "With the launch of the 'Hunk', we have strengthened our product portfolio in the premium segment, so our customers looking for a higher-powered bike now have a large variety to choose from the Hero Honda stable only. True to our leadership position in the Indian two-wheeler market, we now have range of models in every segment of the market, to meet specific needs and requirements of customers."

Mr. Pawan Munjal, Managing Director and CEO, HHML , said "The 'Hunk' is our tribute to the Youth of India today - confident and ready to take on the world. It personifies the very fighting spirit and resilience of our youngsters, who are making a mark for themselves in their chosen fields of vocation. Some of the key findings of our extensive research amongst the youth have been incorporated into the 'Hunk' to make it a complete package of world class technology, unprecedented features and stunning looks. I am sure there will be many more 'Hunks' on Indian roads soon."

The 'Hunk' will be immediately available for test drives and bookings through the company's wide network of dealers. It would be available commercially by the last week of this month.

Turnover increases 15% to Rs 2700 crore for Q3 2006-07

Investments in capacity expansion, brand building and new models begin to yield results

New Delhi, January 31, 2007: Hero Honda Motors Ltd., (HHML) which has achieved the unique distinction of being the World No1 two-wheeler company for six consecutive years in terms of unit sales in a calendar year by one single company today announced the financial results for the quarter ending December 31, 2006.

The Company clocked an impressive 896,113 units of two-wheeler sales during Q3¬ 2006-07, more than 12 per cent higher than 798,302 units sold in Q3 of 2005-06. This has resulted in Hero Honda’s market share in two-wheelers going up to 40 per cent from 39.5 per cent in the corresponding quarter previous fiscal. Turnover increased from Rs 2351 crore to Rs 2700 crore, a healthy growth of 15% per cent.

HHML significantly increased its investments in brand building initiatives which helped the company achieve world record dispatch and retail sales in the festive season. This coupled with rising input costs resulted in EBIDTA margin of 11.32% per cent. The profit before tax ( PBT) was Rs. 303.43 crore and profit after Tax ( PAT) was Rs 209.18 crores in Q3 of 2006-07 as compared to Rs 382.72 crore and Rs 261.78 Crores respectively in the corresponding quarter of previous financial year.

Mr. Pawan Munjal, MD and CEO, Hero Honda Motors Ltd., said "in this quarter, Hero Honda crossed significant milestones and received recognition from various quarters. We fulfilled our commitment to our customers by providing the latest technology and styling in our five new products launched in Q3 2006-07. Significant investment in marketing, coupled with current levels of raw material prices have impacted operating margins as we had predicted at the time of Q2 results announcement and subsequently."

Recap of Q3 2006-07
The third quarter of 2006-07 witnessed significant action at Hero Honda - a new manufacturing facility, world record sales figures, an array of new launches across segments and recognition received from industry experts for innovations in product design and technology. In Q3 2006-07, the company aggressively focused on gaining market share via topline growth.

Record Sales Numbers
Posted World record dispatch sales of 3.63 lakhs and retail sales of over 5.31 lakhs in October 2006.

Exciting New Products
Aggressive products launch strategy for increased market share across segments. Launch of five exciting new offerings in Q3:

• Premium segment: CBZ X-treme set new standards in product design and performance in the 150cc premium segment. An exciting offering targeted at today’s youth, the fastest 150cc on Indian roads, has received a very encouraging market response and will positively impact HHML’s share in the premium segment. The bike walked away with majority of the auto awards in this category.
• Executive segment: Two best-sellers from HHML in their new avatar have captured the imagination of the market. These are the special festival edition of Passion Plus and the new Glamour with alloy wheels.
• Entry segment: CD Delux and CD Dawn with all new engine and features and specifications customized for Indian conditions, have strengthened the company’s presence in the entry segment.

• State-of-the-art capacity expansion completed in existing manufacturing plants
• New manufacturing facility at Haridwar in Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal) coming up at fast pace, to start operation by the middle of this year with an initial capacity of 500,000

• ICC Champions Trophy
• Hero Honda Indian Golf
• Hero Honda ITA Awards
• Hero Honda Star Screen Awards
• Hero Honda Sa Re Ga Ma

Awards and accolades

• Hero Honda named amongst the top 10 companies in India by the Asia 200 Leadership Report by the Wall Street Journal Asia
• CBZ X-treme – Bike of the Year 2007 – BS Motoring
                          Bike of the Year 2007 - Overdrive Magazine
                          Bike of the Year - NDTV Profit Bike India & Car India Awards
                          Bike of the Year (150 cc) NDTV Profit Bike India & Car India
• Programmed fuel injection ( PGMFI ) – Bike Technology of the Year 2007
• CD Delux – No 1 standard motorcycle – TNS Voice of the customer Awards 2006
• Splendor + - No 1 Executive motorcycle - TNS Voice of the customer Awards 2006
• Pleasure – No 1 Un-geared scooter- TNS Voice of the customer Awards 2006
• Hero Honda – TNS Most Trusted Company 2006

For Further Information please contact:

Sanjiv Singh | Rajni Kumar
Corporate Voice | Weber Shandwick
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E: sanjiv@corvoshandwick.co.in; rajni@corvoshandwick.co.in
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