Reeling under the success of new City sedan, Honda is gearing up to bring forth its new offering, Mobilio in India. Honda India’s absence in MPV segment has been conspicuous, with Mobilio the Japanese car maker will tap into an untouched segment that has a great potential in current scenario. Honda had displayed the MPV at the 2014 Auto Expo held in February this year. Underpinning Brio platform, Mobilio is receiving last minute touch ups prior to its launch. The company has also started trial production of the MPV, hinting at the launch to be happening soon. Speculations are doing the rounds that Honda could launch Mobilio towards the end of second quarter or beginning of third quarter.
In India, the MPV from Honda will face off with Maruti Ertiga, Nissan Evalia, Toyota Innova, Mahindra Xylo and Chevrolet Enjoy. In the past few years MPV segment has seen new entrants that opened to a good response, however the low market sentiment has brought down sales trend witnessed by the thriving UV segment. Last fiscal ended on a low note with a slight drop in sales of UV segment and sharp dip in overall passenger car sales in India.
However, fourth quarter of FY 2013-2014 was considerably good for HCIL on the back of spiraling demand for its new City sedan and compact sedan Amaze. HCIL sold a total of 134,339 units in FY 13-14 out of which Amazes’ sale accounted for almost 58% of the total sales at 77,711 units sold from the time of its launch until March 31, 2014. Besides, these two models, Honda offers Brio hatchback and CR-V premium SUV in India. By the beginning of 2015, company will launch revivified Jazz in the domestic market. Honda will be manufacturing Jazz at its newly inaugurated facility located in Tapukara plant along with Amaze. However, Mobilio will be produced at the company’s Greater Noida plant.
