20 Jan 2026
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The year 2025 was a defining chapter for Hero MotoCorp, showcasing a delicate balance between steady growth, market challenges, and a strategic pivot toward the future of mobility. As global two-wheeler markets adapt to shifting consumer expectations, stricter emissions norms, and accelerating electrification, Hero demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and readiness for transformation.
From having the best used bike exchange platform Wheels of Trust, robust domestic and international sales to record festive demand and the expansion of its electric vehicle (EV) ambitions, 2025 underscores Hero’s ability to navigate change while staying true to its core strengths.
Globally, Hero recorded a 2.8% increase in sales in 2025, a notable feat in a year marked by heightened competition and price-sensitive markets. While modest on the surface, this growth signals stability in Hero’s core two-wheeler business during a period when many traditional manufacturers are recalibrating post-pandemic supply chains and demand patterns.
The Indian market, the backbone of Hero’s success, remained especially strong. With over 20.7 million two-wheelers sold nationwide, Hero contributed 5.7 million domestic sales, reaffirming its dominance in commuter and entry-level motorcycles, a segment critical to India’s personal mobility landscape.
International markets also began to deliver meaningful results. Hero’s global strategy translated into record international sales of 424,350 units, marking a 19% year-on-year increase. Growth was strongest in Africa and Latin America, regions where demand for reliable, fuel-efficient, and affordable two-wheelers aligns perfectly with Hero’s product philosophy.
The final month of the year brought a particularly bright spotlight on Hero’s market performance. December 2025 wholesales rose 40% year-on-year, reaching 456,479 units compared to 324,906 units in December 2024. This surge was fueled by festive demand, product launches, and strong traction across both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric scooters.
Domestic sales were the major driver, jumping 42.5% to 419,243 units, with motorcycles remaining the backbone at 402,374 units. Scooters also shone, more than doubling to 54,105 units, reflecting growing consumer interest in convenient and urban-friendly mobility solutions, including electric options.
Hero’s Wheels of Trust platform further amplified this festive success. By offering certified pre-owned bikes and scooters, transparent pricing, and assured scooter, moped, and bike exchange, their platform strengthened buyer confidence, attracting both first-time riders and those upgrading their vehicles.
Despite these encouraging numbers, 2025 was not without its hurdles. Rising input costs, currency fluctuations, and increasing competition from both legacy manufacturers and nimble EV startups put pressure on margins.
The rapid growth of electric scooters, particularly in urban India, is reshaping buyer expectations, shifting focus from mileage and price alone to connectivity, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology.
For traditional ICE leaders like Hero MotoCorp, this shift underscores the urgency of accelerating innovation beyond familiar boundaries.
Hero MotoCorp’s response has been clear: electric vehicles are central to the company’s future strategy. The launch of VIDA Electric, a modern, urban-focused EV brand, represents a significant pivot from Hero’s traditional commuter image while leveraging its manufacturing expertise and scale.
Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be a breakthrough year for Hero’s EV ambitions. Plans include expanding the Wheels of Trust platform, introducing multiple electric scooter and motorcycle models under VIDA Electric, and fostering partnerships that accelerate technological development.
A key collaboration is with Zero Motorcycles, the California-based EV specialist, supported by an equity investment of nearly Rs 500 crore. Together, they aim to launch six new electric models, combining Zero’s electric powertrain expertise with Hero’s global distribution and manufacturing strength.
The success of 2025 and the December festive surge demonstrates Hero’s ability to maintain a balanced portfolio across ICE motorcycles, ICE scooters, and electric scooters, catering to a diverse range of customer needs. Strong domestic distribution, high brand recall, and a focus on quality, reliability, and after-sales support helped translate market demand into tangible sales.
Hero MotoCorp’s 2025 performance reflects a company in transition. Solid domestic and international sales, coupled with record festive performance, highlight the strength of Hero’s core business. Simultaneously, the strategic pivot toward electric mobility through VIDA Electric and Zero Motorcycles signals forward-thinking intent.
While challenges remain, especially the need to adapt quickly to evolving EV expectations, Hero’s scale, financial commitment, and partnerships position it well for success.
If execution aligns with strategy, the journey from 2025 into 2026 could mark the beginning of a new electric era for Hero MotoCorp, blending tradition, innovation, and customer trust in equal measure.
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