Honda Appoints Toshiyuki Yanagisawa as Honda Cars India CEO
Honda has appointed Toshiyuki Yanagisawa as President and CEO of Honda Cars India, effective October 1, 2026.
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Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has appointed Toshiyuki Yanagisawa as President and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL) with effect from October 1, 2026. The Japanese automaker is preparing to accelerate its long-term growth strategy in the Indian market.
Yanagisawa is currently an Operating Executive at Honda Motor Co. and heads the India Strategic Development Office. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of Honda Digital Innovation India Pvt Ltd (HDII). He will continue to head HDII and Honda Cars India in the new role.
The leadership change comes at a time when Honda is increasingly focusing on India, which it has identified as one of its three strategic global markets along with North America and Japan.
Honda said its dedicated India Strategic Development Office has been working on market-specific business plans and execution strategies to enhance its presence in the country.
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Leadership Change:
Honda also said the development of its India-focused strategic vehicle, due to be launched in 2028, has entered the execution phase, highlighting the rising importance of the Indian market in the company’s global roadmap.
Yanagisawa is not new to the Indian auto industry having worked with Honda Cars India in an earlier assignment. The company expects his experience in the country will help it better understand local consumer preferences and strengthen its market position.
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In the leadership reshuffle, current President and CEO of Honda Cars India, Takashi Nakajima will move to Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd, the company’s regional headquarters after his tenure in India.
The appointment underscores Honda's renewed commitment to India as it prepares for its next phase of growth, with new products and market-specific strategies expected to play a key role in expanding its presence in the country's passenger vehicle market.
