Honda is currently readying up its second plant, which is situated in Tapukara, Rajasthan and is expected to begin production by early 2014. The Japanese automaker has also started conducting feasibility study for its third plant, which is likely to be based in Sanand, Gujarat. The third plant is intended to cater to an all new model by Honda, which will be made specifically for the Indian market. It is said to be an entry level car in Honda’s Indian portfolio, which will be positioned below the Brio hatchback. The Honda Brio starts at Rs. 4.13 lakhs and the targeted price range for the upcoming hatchback is expected to be Rs. 3-4 lakhs.
Honda recently launched its first diesel car in India, the Amaze, which is targeted head on against the Maruti Swift DZire and has proven to be Honda’s most successful car in India till date. The Japanese automaker is now preparing to attack the entry level segment with the upcoming hatchback, which will compete with the likes of the Maruti Alto and Hyundai Eon. The new hatchback is expected to be released in 2017 and is internally known as the ‘World A-entry hatch’. Currently the carmaker is making all its models in the Greater Noida plant.
Expansion of production is the need of the hour for Honda. The manufacturer is making strong growth strategies to head towards the volume car market and competing with top players such as Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. The Japanese automaker is targeting a market share of around 10 percent with new launches lined up for 2015-2016. Models which are confirmed for an India launch include the next generation Honda City and Jazz, Honda Mobilio MPV based on the Brio platform and a compact SUV based on the new Jazz platform. Honda is betting big on the Indian market after the tremendous success of the Amaze sedan.
Source – Financial Express
