After launching the compact entry level sedan Amaze, which affected the market of Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire, Honda is planning to introduce a new Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) in the Indian auto market. A sketch of the Brio Amaze based MPV was released by Honda, which is generating a lot of buzz and excitement from car enthusiasts. The upcoming model from the Japanese auto maker is scheduled to be unveiled at the 21st Indonesia International Motor Show, which will be held in Jakarta in September.
Post launch, the model will square off against the likes of Maruti Ertiga, a seven seater utility vehicle that has done fairly well in the Indian auto market. Honda is hoping to market the Brio Amaze MPV in the same manner as it promoted the Amaze sedan. The new model will be specially developed to match the demands of Asian market. It must be noted that this development happens to be a venture between Honda R&D Asia Pacific Company Limited and P.T. Honda R&D, which are based in Thailand and Indonesia, respectively.
This Amaze based MPV is set to be the first car in the entry level MPV segment for the Japanese auto giant in India. Featuring a sporty appearance, the car is expected to be a seven seater model, which will sport a number of comfort features. Some of the key highlights that are visible in the sketch include a low slung roof and an elongated wheelbase. Although interiors of the car are not clear enough, the MPV, as per industry experts, will be spacious, comprising three rows and have sufficient boot space.
Sources close to the development process started that the 2014 Honda Amaze Brio MPV is going to be the first car to be rolled off the assembly lines of company's Karawang plant. For the Indian auto market, the MPV is likely to come in both diesel and petrol variants. After the Indonesian launch, the new MPV is expected to be unveiled at the January 2014 Auto Expo in India.
“Honda LMPV Concept will be a special product for Honda in Indonesia because it is specifically designed to suit the needs of consumers and the character of the road in Indonesia. Honda LMPV Concept will also be produced in Indonesia, and became the first product of the new Honda factory in Karawang which we plan to begin operating in early 2014, ” said Tomoki Uchida, President Director, PT Honda Prospect Motor.
