Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has appointed Toshiyuki Yanagisawa as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), effective October 1, 2026, as the company advances its long-term growth strategy for the Indian market.
The announcement forms part of Honda's leadership transition in India, with Takashi Nakajima, the current President and CEO of HCIL, moving to Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd. after completing his tenure in the country.
Dual leadership role across Honda's India businesses
Yanagisawa currently serves as an Operating Executive at Honda, while leading the India Strategic Development Office and serving as CEO of Honda Digital Innovation India Pvt. Ltd. (HDII).
According to Honda, he will continue leading HDII while taking charge of Honda Cars India, giving him responsibility for both businesses.
The company said the appointment aligns with its strategy to strengthen operations in India, which it has identified as one of its key global growth markets.
India remains central to Honda's future strategy
Honda said North America, Japan and India have been identified as priority markets for the company's future growth.
The India Strategic Development Office, currently headed by Yanagisawa, has been responsible for developing market-specific strategies and execution plans to expand Honda's presence in the country.
According to the company, initiatives related to its India-focused strategic vehicle, scheduled for launch in 2028, have now moved into the execution phase.
The leadership transition comes as Honda prepares for the next stage of its product and business expansion in India.
Executive brings previous India experience
Honda said Yanagisawa has previously worked at Honda Cars India, giving him first-hand experience of the country's automotive market, customer preferences and operating environment.
The company said his understanding of India's business landscape will support its growth plans as competition intensifies across the passenger vehicle segment.
Leadership transition at Honda Cars India
As part of the management change:
- Toshiyuki Yanagisawa will become President and CEO of Honda Cars India Ltd. from October 1, 2026.
- He will continue serving as CEO of Honda Digital Innovation India Pvt. Ltd.
- Takashi Nakajima will move to Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd. after completing his India assignment.
Honda continues to expand its India portfolio
Established in December 1995, Honda Cars India Ltd. manufactures passenger vehicles for the Indian market from its production facility in Tapukara, Rajasthan, while its corporate office is located in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
The company's current portfolio includes:
- Honda Amaze
- Honda City
- Honda Elevate
- Honda ZR-V, imported from Japan as a completely built unit (CBU)
Honda also operates its Honda Auto Terrace business, offering certified pre-owned vehicles across India.
With Yanagisawa set to assume office in October, Honda is aligning its leadership with its broader strategy to accelerate growth in India, particularly as execution begins on its India-focused vehicle programme planned for 2028.