At present, Toyota Innova is one of the most looked after MPV (Multi-purpose Vehicle) in the Indian market. To challenge its reign now, Honda is keen to bring back its globally successful model Freed in the Indian auto market. If Honda's so far journey is analysed, one can easily notice a lot of efforts being put behind its every product launch in the country. The auto maker introduced its flagship model Amaze to give a stiff challenge to Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire in the sedan category. It has already unveiled Honda City while Jazz is on its way too. And now, the company plans to overtake India's best selling MPV Toyota Innova with its second utility vehicle in 2016. The first one to come will be Honda Mobilio, which is expected to be showcased at the upcoming Auto Expo 2014.
The Indian version will be next generation model of Freed, tweaked as per the local conditions. This model is likely to be launched in ASEAN markets by mid 2014. As discussed, it will follow Honda Mobilio, a 7-seater crossover MPV which has been built on the well known Brio hatchback platform. There is rife news about both, Honda and Toyota working on their respective next-generation Freed and Innova models to lure domestic customers. A person well versed with Indian strategy of Honda and Toyota said, “Both cars are under design right now and it would interesting to see how Honda takes on an well established product which was ruling the market with no competition since its debut.”
Keeping aside all rumours, a Honda official said that the auto company is currently looking forward to make Mobilio's Indian launch successful. He also added, “However, we are actively looking at the MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) segment and plan to launch the Honda Mobilio next year.” Evidently, the company does not want to reveal what's hidden for the future and just wants to primarily focus on the current launches. But, as they say, 'it's hard to conceal stardust', insiders have confirmed about the launch of Freed in the Indian auto market in next two years. This sounds good and car aficionados will definitely like to vouch on it, but nonetheless, one also needs to patiently wait for an official announcement.
Interestingly, a look at the competitor will have its own reward when everything is streamlined towards hinting about tough times ahead. Toyota has so far sold about 4.5 lakh units of Innova till November 2013. The price of this utility vehicle lies between Rs. 9.7 lakh and Rs. 15.07 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Experts have forecasted that Freed, once launched in the Indian market, will bring real competition to Innova. However, Honda has to ensure a right pricing strategy, and this is what it has been doing so far. Amit Kaushik, Principal Analyst-autos at Global Consultancy Service IHS Automotive said, “This segment was untouched till date as Innova was perhaps the leader with almost no competition. Now it would be interesting to see how Honda takes this rivalry with an established product going forward.”
