Takashi Nakajima Appointed as the New President & CEO of Honda Cars India

Japanese automobile giant Honda Motor Company has announced a leadership change for its Indian subsidiary, Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL). Takashi Nakajima has been appointed as the new President and CEO of HCIL, effective April 1, 2025. Nakajima will succeed Takuya Tsumura, who will return to Honda’s headquarters in Japan after completing his three-year tenure in India.

This appointment is part of the annual management restructuring process at Honda Motor Company, aimed at strengthening its global leadership and operational strategies.

Who is Takashi Nakajima?

Takashi Nakajima is a Honda veteran with 30 years of experience in the automobile industry. He joined Honda in 1994 and has held key leadership roles in various international markets, including:

• Russia – Served as President of Honda Motor Russia since 2021.
• Japan – Worked in Honda’s headquarters, handling business planning and product strategy.
• China – Contributed to Honda’s expansion in one of the world’s largest automobile markets.
• Spain & Czech Republic – Played a crucial role in marketing and sales promotions.

Nakajima’s vast experience in business planning, product planning, marketing, and sales promotion makes him well-equipped to lead Honda Cars India in a competitive market.

Takuya Tsumura’s Contribution to Honda Cars India

Takuya Tsumura, the outgoing President & CEO of HCIL, has had a significant impact on Honda’s operations in India. During his three-year tenure, he focused on:

• Enhancing Honda’s premium brand image in India.
• Strengthening customer-focused initiatives to boost satisfaction and loyalty.
• Driving profitable growth for the company amidst industry challenges.

Key Achievements Under Tsumura’s Leadership

During his time in India, Tsumura led the successful launch of multiple premium models, such as:

1. Honda City e:HEV – India’s first mainstream hybrid sedan, setting a new benchmark for fuel efficiency and eco-friendly driving.
2. Honda Elevate – A global SUV designed to cater to the growing demand for premium SUVs in India.
3. Third-Generation Honda Amaze – A compact sedan that continues to be a popular choice among Indian consumers.

These models have reinforced Honda’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, strengthening its foothold in the Indian automobile market.

What This Leadership Change Means for Honda Cars India

With Takashi Nakajima taking over, the company is expected to:

• Focus on new product strategies to enhance Honda’s lineup in India.
• Strengthen hybrid and EV offerings in response to India’s shift towards sustainable mobility.
• Expand market share in the SUV segment, which has seen rapid growth in recent years.
• Leverage global experience to align Honda’s Indian operations with international best practices.

Summary of Leadership Change at Honda Cars India

Category	Details
Why in News?	Takashi Nakajima appointed as the new President & CEO of Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), effective April 1, 2025.
Who is Replacing Whom?	Nakajima succeeds Takuya Tsumura, who will return to Honda’s headquarters in Japan after completing a three-year tenure in India.
Reason for Change	Part of Honda Motor Company’s annual leadership restructuring to strengthen global operations.
Who is Takashi Nakajima?	– Honda veteran with 30 years of experience. – Joined Honda in 1994. – Held leadership roles in Russia, Japan, China, Spain, and the Czech Republic. – Expertise in business planning, product strategy, marketing, and sales.
Takuya Tsumura’s Contributions	– Enhanced Honda’s premium brand image in India. – Strengthened customer-focused initiatives. – Led profitable growth despite market challenges.
Key Achievements Under Tsumura	– Honda City e:HEV – India’s first mainstream hybrid sedan. – Honda Elevate – A global SUV catering to India’s premium SUV demand. – Third-Generation Honda Amaze – A compact sedan popular among Indian consumers.
Impact of the Leadership Change	– New product strategies to enhance Honda’s Indian lineup. – Strengthening hybrid & EV offerings to align with India’s push for sustainable mobility. – Expanding market share in the SUV segment. – Leveraging Nakajima’s global experience to align Indian operations with international best practices.