Sales of Honda Navi and Cliq declined to an all time low in the year 2019. In 12 months, Navi sales stood at 127 units while Cliq managed to register sales of 1,828 units.
While there may be multiple reasons why a vehicle is discontinued, right on top are being irrelevant and simply not raking in numbers. If sales is particularly low, it doesn’t justify the numbers. While slow moving vehicles are sometimes dragged along in the hope of a midlife update but that’s always situational. Currently, that situation is BSVI norms. With the upgrade in emission norms being mandated from April 1, 2020, manufacturers are compelled to make necessary decisions regarding future product lines.
In February 2018, two years after its launch, it was reported that Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) would need to rethink Navi and Cliq. A year later, and less than three months away from BSVI transition, Honda Navi and Cliq sales have in no way spoken in their favour.
Honda Navi moped was quite easily meant to be a modern offering developed especially for Indian commuters. But, that commuter cycle simply didn’t grow big enough. Monthly sales kept falling and has more or less stabilised at 0 units on most months in 2019. In all, 127 units were sold through the year.
When CBS was mandated, Honda Navi was updated. That was about a year earlier, and well in time for the then set decline of April 1, 2019 for ABS/CBS implementation. The feature upgrade made the moped pricier by 1,800 bucks. Though still available at an ex-sh price of under 50k, Honda Navi simply hasn’t been attractive enough to buyers. Honda Navi gets power from the 110cc single-cyl engine that powers the brand’s ever popular Honda Activa scooter.
Given that there’s no sign of positivity as far as market demand is concerned, updating Honda Navi as a BSVI moped that will be costlier doesn’t bode well for the small bike. Honda Cliq is sailing on the same uncertain boat. Sales through 2019 is reported at 1,828 units. Aimed at being a small scooter for rural markets, the scooter hasn’t found any popularity.
While Honda Navi was introduced in 2016 after a grand showcase of a wide range, Honda Cliq was introduced the year later. In the short few years of business here, both small bikes have been unable to change market response. Honda Navi exports will be continued.
