Honda considering India-specific small car to gain market share - Report

16/12/2015 - 16:52 | Honda Brio, Honda | Aravind Jayachandran

To be positioned above entry-level models Maruti Alto and Wagon R.

In an interview to ET, Hironao Ito, senior vice president at Honda India's R&D arm, has divulged Honda's interest in designing and developing an India-specific model, so as to increase market share in the world's fifth largest auto industry.

2015 facelifted Honda Brio front quarter at the 2015 Indonesia International Motor Show — Honda's current entry-level offering is the Honda Brio, which is entering its second generation in the "next few years".

He said:

The car would be the first to be developed at Honda's local research centre and will be positioned above small, cheap entry-level models, such as Maruti Suzuki's Alto and Wagon R.

According to an IHS Automotive, the small hatchback will be produced in India and exported to other countries. They speculate the launch to take place around 2020 and roll out 150,000 units per annum, of which 50,000 will be exported.

Honda BR-V at Thai Motor Expo 2015 — The company's next big product launch is the Honda BR-V, which will go on sale next year. It will make its Indian debut at the Auto Expo 2016.

Also Read: Honda Accord to be showcased at Auto Expo 2016, re-launch next year

Currently, technical and design details are scarce. Mr Ito states that the development of the platform and engine will be carried out by Honda Japan, while the exterior and interior can be designed and developed by Honda Cars India, to suit the needs of an average Indian customer.

Honda BR-V - Image Gallery (Unrelated)