Indian Autos blog

Honda’s small car showcased in the concept from at the Auto Expo as the New Small Concept could be named “Brio.” Codenamed 2CV, the compact Honda will drive into India next year with a fuel efficient, refined and minuscule petrol engine and a manual gearbox.

Sources say that Honda will keep the production model very close to the concept. The Honda Brio is expected to have futuristic styling along the lines of the Chevrolet Beat. A sedan based on the Brio’s platform is also expected.

Honda could debut the small car in Thailand in March 2011 and it is expected in India around the same time. With heavy localization, Honda hopes to price it around 5 lakh rupees. We’re keen as mustard to see the final outcome.

Ed Welburn, global design chief of General Motors, explains the design language on the new Chevrolets that debuted in Paris this past week. He talks about the concept of the Orlando, Cruze hatchback and the Aveo.

India will get the new Aveo twins next year with Multi-jet diesel engines. The sedan is expected to arrive first followed by the hatch and some of the Chinese vans. General Motors could also possibly introduce LPG and CNG kits on these models.

The Orlando is a well-appointed mini van and its chances in India are slim.

Have you read our conversation with Ed Welburn this year?

Because first of all we would like to satisfy local demand. We believe that it in its current and present form a car for developing markets. So we’re looking at specific developing markets. So if you’re living in one of these developing markets, Asia for example, possibly Africa,possibly Latin America, you might be able to buy …(in a year or two perhaps).

Carl-Peter Forster, Group CEO of Tata Motors remarks on the Tata Nano’s overseas journey. It appears like there will be two versions – a refurbished one for similar markets and an all-new one for developed markets.