Honda celebrates 20 successful years of the City in India, from 1998 till date, over 3.6 million units sold globally.
Honda kick-started its celebrations to honour 20 successful years of the City in India. Launched back in 1998, the City has been the most sought-after mid-size sedan in India even today. Currently, in its fourth generation, India is the largest and most important market for the Honda City accounting for over 25 percent of the car’s current worldwide sales. One of the largest running nameplate/ brands in India, the City continues to be an aspirational car for many and enjoys an enormous brand loyalty amongst its customers.
The City is the very first Honda car to be sold in India and was developed as an Asian model. With a presence in 60 countries, the sedan has registered sales of 3.6 million units globally and over 7 lakh units (and counting) in India. The current facelifted fourth generation Honda City averages sales of approximately over 4000 units a month in the country. In terms of the dealer network, there were only 12 dealers in 11 cities in 1998 but in 2017 that number has significantly gone up to 349 outlets in 234 cities.
The first generation Honda City was sold in a choice of two petrol engines – 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre and two years later, Honda introduced the VTEC motor in the car. Five years after the City was introduced to India, the company launched the second-generation City which saw the introduction of the CVT variant – a first on an Indian car.
In 2008, the third generation City with the new 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine was launched and safety features like ABS and airbags were standard across all variants. The fourth-gen City is termed as the most successful City ever with sales of over 2.76 lakhs (and counting). In fact, this was the first time the City ever featured a diesel engine.
Coming to tier-wise market distribution, 19 percent of sales of the City (fourth-gen) now comes from tier 3 cities. The City has been a tremendous success and carries a rich legacy. With every generation lasting for just five years, expect the fifth-generation City to debut in India by 2019.
Honda City Celebrates 20 Years
– City was the first Honda car to be launched in India in 1998
– The sedan is currently in its fourth generation
– Is ranked No. 1 in the JD Power Initial Quality Study for 15 times
– First in segment sunroof was introduced in the City (3rd-gen) in 2011
– In 2012, CNG ready version of the City was introduced
