Honda India confirms six new launches by 2020
Honda is all set to launch an onslaught of new vehicles in India over next three years. The company has confirmed a total of six all-new vehicles are India-bound in the near future.
By Tushaar Singh Gill
Honda has confirmed that a total of six new vehicles are India-bound over the next three years. Also, all of these six vehicles will be brand new, not facelifts of the existing ones.
The Japanese company has also stated that all of the six cars planned will be brought to India via the CKD route, thus hinting that none of these will be mass market models. Honda India had shifted its focus from premium segment to economy segment a few years back, but now the Japanese company seems to be curious on regaining its premium segment market share.
Honda did not reveal any details about these new cars, but it is safe to assume that the latest generation Civic and CR-V are definitely arriving in India. Honda aims to produce its 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine in India for export purposes, and both new Civic and CR-V are expected to benefit from it. Globally, Honda has also introduced a new 1.5-litre i-VTEC turbo petrol engine in these vehicles, though details on this engine making it to India remain sketchy.
Another speculated entry from Honda India is the HR-V SUV, which will go against the Jeep Compass. The HR-V’s Indian entry was cancelled previously, but rumours suggest that Honda is studying the HR-V’s feasibility in India yet again. If launched, it would share many components, including its engines, with the new Civic.
During this announcement, the CEO of Honda, Takahiro Hachigo, made it very clear that the company is not looking into launching any EVs in India for now, but hybrids maybe a part of the plan. Hachigo also expressed his disillusionment towards India’s uncertain policies, like abrupt withdrawal of the FAME subsidy scheme.
The tenth generation Accord has been launched in North America already, and it could be launched here soon, replacing the current model - which is the only hybrid model in Honda India’s range for now. Globally, even the City and Jazz are offered with hybrid powertrains. If Honda decides on strengthening its Indian hybrid portfolio, expect a few of these model to be launched here as well.
