Honda Cars India Limited (HCIL), the completely owned subsidiary of Japanese automobile giant Honda Motor Co., seems to be shifting its focus towards diesel powered vehicles in the domestic market. The car maker has already revealed intentions to introduce its first diesel four-wheeler in the domestic market somewhere in 2013-14 fiscal. Further, it has been revealed that the upcoming diesel car from stables of HCIL is going to be an entry-level sedan called 'Amaze', which shares same platform with the company's popular hatch – Brio.
It is not just the Brio based sedan; Honda Motor Co. is developing bigger and more capable diesel power-mills to be used in its premium hatchback jazz and its CRV compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). It is anticipated that HCIL’s upcoming diesel fleet is going to feature Brio hatch, Amaze sedan, Jazz premium hatch and CRV compact SUV in the country. Reportedly, the company has already developed its diesel engines for Indian market and production is expected to start anytime soon.
In an official statement, HCIL said, “The new entry sedan will be called the 'Amaze', and will be launched in Thailand and India. The details of the model will be announced later this month in Thailand and next financial year, 2013-14, in India.” The company added, “In Thailand, the model will be equipped with only a petrol engine.”
HCIL has affirmed that the yet-to-be launched Honda Amaze will be offered in both petrol and diesel guises in the Indian passenger car market. The Honda Brio based sedan will incorporate the company's newly developed diesel motor, besides being adept at catering to the entry-level car enthusiasts of the country.
Without enclosing further details regarding the pricing of upcoming Honda Amaze entry-level sedan, HCIL said, “These models will be introduced to the market at affordable prices realized by increasing cost competitiveness through local sourcing and production."
According to HCIL's official statement, the company is looking towards expanding its product portfolio in the rapidly growing automobile markets of Asian countries. Honda Motor Co. aspires to cater to the varying needs and requirements of Asian car enthusiasts by offering value-for-money products, in those markets where competition is pretty intense.
Coming to the features of yet-to-be launched Honda Amaze, HCIL statement said, "The car offers amazing power delivery yet with class leading fuel efficiency, while sustaining core Honda values to appeal to the growing base of middle class customers aspiring to own a Honda Sedan."
The rising trend and popularity towards diesel powered vehicles among Indian car enthusiasts has been dubbed as a prime reason behind the Japanese car makers’ decision to establish a solid foothold in the country. HCIL missed greatly a decent diesel run model in its Indian four-wheeler portfolio and any further delay could cost the company a chunk of market present and much more.
