Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has officially announced the appointment of Mr. Takashi Nakajima as the new President & CEO of Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), effective from Q-1, 2025. His appointment follows the annual management changes within Honda Motor Co. Ltd., bringing a new leadership direction for the brand’s operations in India.
Leadership Transition at Honda Cars India
Mr. Takashi Nakajima will succeed Mr. Takuya Tsumura, who is set to return to Japan to take on a new role at Honda‘s headquarters after a successful three-year tenure in India. Mr. Tsumura played an important role in reinforcing Honda’s premium brand positioning in the Indian market, spearheading customer-centric solutions, and driving sustainable business growth.
Mr. Takuya Tsumura’s Impactful Tenure in India
Under Mr. Tsumura’s leadership, Honda Cars India Ltd witnessed significant milestones, including:
- Expansion of Honda Car’s Premium Portfolio: Launch of premium models like the Honda City e:HEV, India’s first mainstream hybrid model, the all-new global SUV Elevate, and the third-generation Honda Amaze.
- Foundation for Honda Car’s EV Future: Laying the groundwork for the launch of Honda’s first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in India.
- Honda Cars Growth in Exports: Initiating the export of the India-made Honda Elevate to Japan, showcasing India’s manufacturing strength.
- Enhanced Brand Communication: Leading innovative marketing campaigns targeting diverse consumer segments and strengthening digital engagement.
- Operational Efficiencies: Implementing strategies to improve dealership profitability and customer service, enhancing the overall ownership experience.
His efforts positioned HCIL for long-term success, and his contributions will leave a lasting impact on the brand’s trajectory in India.
Who is Takashi Nakajima?
Bringing over three decades of experience with Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Mr. Takashi Nakajima is well-versed in global automotive markets. Since joining Honda in 1994, he has held key positions across various international markets, including Japan, China, Spain, the Czech Republic, and Russia. His expertise spans multiple domains such as Business Planning, Product Planning, Marketing, and Sales Promotion.
In his most recent role, Mr. Nakajima served as the President of Honda Motor Russia since 2021. Additionally, he played a crucial role in Product Planning, Marketing, and Corporate Communication for Honda’s automobile business in Japan’s domestic market, shaping the company’s strategic approach.
What to Expect Under Mr. Nakajima’s Leadership
As he takes the helm at HCIL, Mr. Nakajima is expected to build upon Honda’s strong legacy in India while driving the brand’s next phase of growth. Key focus areas under his leadership may include:
- Accelerating Electric Mobility: With Honda’s first BEV for India in the pipeline, Mr. Nakajima is expected to lead the charge in the company’s transition towards electrification.
- Strengthening Product Portfolio: Introduction of advanced and premium models tailored for the evolving Indian automotive market.
- Enhancing Customer Experience: Leveraging digital transformation and innovative marketing strategies to deepen consumer engagement.
- Boosting Exports: Expanding the global footprint of India-made Honda vehicles through strategic export initiatives.
Honda’s Commitment to India’s Automotive Future
With Mr. Nakajima’s extensive experience and strategic vision, HCIL is set to continue its commitment to delivering innovation, quality, and an enhanced driving experience for Indian consumers. As the automotive industry evolves with technological advancements and sustainability initiatives, Honda Cars India is poised for a dynamic future under his leadership.
Stay tuned for exciting developments as Mr. Nakajima takes charge, steering Honda Cars India towards new heights of success in the years to come.