Japanese car maker Honda seems to be exulted with its achievements in Asian markets and plans to launch three new models in fiscal 2015. Among these markets, India has been a major contributor in the overall success of the company and Honda will be delighting domestic consumers with its upcoming innovations. Recently reports had suggested that the auto major has been the most successful automotive brand in India and recorded a steep inflation in its annual sales. Incessantly, the company has gained a spot in the country's top five car makers and seems to be in full throttle to overhaul its successors.
The models that will be constituting the upcoming line-up of Honda India are fourth generation City, which will be arriving in Indian market on January 7. The company is all set to kick off the entry of its most iconic car in mid-level sedan segment. Interestingly, all its dealerships are inundated with pre-bookings of this car. Industry experts are of a view that the new City will consequently meet with a waiting period of 2-3 months before its final delivery to the buyer in near future. It must be noted that Honda is leaving no stone unturned to make its top selling sedan a huge success and interestingly, it has been getting similar responses from auto experts and media agencies.
The second launch would be marked by premium hatchback, Honda Jazz. The all new version of this car is expected to be showcased at Auto Expo 2014 and is anticipated to turn some heads. Considerable changes have been brought in the outlook and interiors of this car. Furthermore, it will be equipped with the latest 'Earth Dream' diesel technology along with the option of standard petrol mill. Earlier, the car failed to gain stature among consumers due to its heavy pricing. However, the auto maker claims to have eradicated that problem as well and new Honda Jazz will certainly prove to be more beneficial for the company.
The final launch will be marked by Honda Mobilio, a Multi Purpose Utility Vehicle (MPV). This car will mark the company's advent in respective segment and is expected to gain admiration among prospective buyers. Upcoming Mobilio is based on the platform of company's highly acclaimed hatchback, Honda Brio, but will have a larger wheelbase of up to 4 metres. This MPV will be incorporated with the option of either a 1.5-litre diesel or 1.5-litre petrol mill. A 7-seater capacious seating arrangement is expected to provide utmost comfort to passengers during city rides and long journeys. It is conjectured to be in the price range of Rs. 7 lakh – Rs. 12 lakh and might be arriving in February 2014.
Honda seems so appeased with the response of Asian markets that it is planning to assert all its focus on India and Thailand. The company is expecting these two nations to provide half share of the total sales and in a bid to achieve this target, Honda is striving hard to come up with finest of creations. In this regard, Honda Motor India President and Chief Executive Officer, Yoshiyuki Matsumoto said at Tokyo Motor Show, “We will be expanding the range of vehicles in India by launching at least three new models by the end of next fiscal year.” He also expressed his interest to develop an Indian made car which will in turn be exported to surrounding countries. Matsumoto further added, “I understand I am in India for developing a made-in-India car but before that we need to bring down our cost and ramp up our R&D.”
At present, the company's full focus is on the fourth generation Honda City, which will mark its advent at all dealerships across India. The astute marketing of Honda has been advantageous for the hype of this car in the Indian auto market and same is expected from the company for its upcoming designs as well.
