Honda began selling motorcycles in India in 1937 and automobiles in 1949. The company’s early cars were imported from Japan and consisted of small, economical vehicles that appealed to Indian buyers looking for an affordable way to get around. In 1953, Honda introduced its first car designed specifically for the Indian market — the HR-V (the Civic model outside India). The HR-V was successful and helped kickstart Honda’s car sales in India.
