The Indian auto market is very price-sensitive and the segments which cater to the mass market are the most cost-conscious. With the large amount of options available in each segment, buyers are really spoilt for choice. Every vehicle has something going for it and the ultimate winner turns out to be the one that offers the most bang for the buck. Sadly, the Honda Brio doesn’t really feature in the list of vehicles liked by buyers. The hatchback has recorded an all-time low sales of just 74 units in the past month.
The Honda Brio is a very capable hatchback and it is based on the modern GSP platform that also underpins the Amaze compact sedan and the newly launched Mobilio. Why then does the Brio not sell in good numbers? It is very clear that Honda isn’t focussing on the Brio as much as it is on the Amaze, City and now Mobilio. The Brio doesn’t even get a diesel engine while the Amaze already has one. The Brio also feels a bit pricey for what it offers as its chief rival the Hyundai Grand i10 comes loaded. It may offer good quality of parts, Honda’s reliability and driving pleasure but unfortunately it has failed to win the hearts of buyers looking for a feature loaded vehicle in this segment.
In other news, the latest kid on the block, Honda Mobilio has managed to generate 10,000 bookings (3365 units already delivered) which is very good considering the fact that it competes with the hot selling Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. Honda will also export the MUV to Africa and hence the company has swapped its production line with that of the City. Result? Honda will be able to produce more units of the Mobilio while the City will see a rise in waiting period due to low production. Overall, Honda has seen a growth of 40% in sales in July 2014 (15,709 units) as compared to July 2013 (11,223 units). Honda sold 4507 units of the Amaze last month while in the same month the company sold 7705 units of the City and 58 units of the CR-V.
