Honda wants to stick to being a premium brand and hence will not launch a smaller car than the Brio in India.
It’s official now, Honda has confirmed that a sub Brio hatchback will not be launched in the Indian market. Honda wants to stay a premium brand and isn’t interested in the entry-level hatchback segment currently dominated by the Maruti Alto and Renault Kwid.
Honda’s decision to stay premium and avoid the entry hatchback segment actually makes sense. First, the competition in the segment is intense, second, the profits of operating in the entry-level segment are less.
“Brio will remain our entry-level car even when the BS-6 emission norms come into force (by 2020). This speculation (on a car below Brio) was always a speculation which we had never commented on. Moreover, we are known for our premiumness and will never dilute that by launching any car below Rs. 5 lakh at a time when the market dynamics are changing,” CEO, Honda Cars India said.
However, Honda is working on an all-new Brio which will be launched in India next year. The car will be a global model. With the launch plans of the small car being shelved, the Brio will remain the entry-level car from Honda for the Indian market. The Honda Brio rivals the Hyundai Grand i10 and Maruti Swift.
The current selling Brio is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol motor that makes 88 HP of power and 109 Nm of torque. This engine comes paired to a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Honda Small Car
– Honda rules out small car launch plans for India
– The Japanese carmaker intends to remain a premium brand
– The upcoming Hyundai small car will not have a rival from Honda
Source – BusinessWorld.in
