With a strong demand for small cars in India, Honda plans to address the same and is in the process of enhancing its vehicle development capability in the country.
The last few years have made dramatic changes in Honda and its modus operandi for the Indian market. Perceived as a premium brand, the automaker made the big jump in the mass market space with the Brio but only found success with the launch of the Amaze compact sedan, credit to the diesel engine of course. With changing tides and an approach towards customer connect, Honda now plans to expand its Indian portfolio with more small cars to meet the rising demand.
India is one of the fastest growing auto markets globally and it should come as no surprise that Honda wants to capitalise on the same. The automaker stated that it is the company’s priority to listen to the needs of the customer from different regions. Hence, if small cars are showing strong demand then the automaker is seriously considering the possibilities of developing new models. Honda is currently in the process of enhancing its vehicle development capability in the country.
The customer demand derived strategy applies not only to India but to all of Asia. Honda globally wants to enhance six regional operation systems and wants to see each region to independently work on the development, procurement, production and sales of their respective markets. The manufacturer is applying the same strategy in India and stated to be focusing on providing the right products instead of just running after volumes. Improving regional capabilities will also help the company position India as a global production hub.
Honda currently exports components from India to several major markets across the globe including South East Asia and South Africa along with cars including the Brio, Amaze, City, Jazz and Mobilio. With the increased competitiveness and finishing on India made products, Honda is optimistic that there is ample room for growth in the exports sector and is currently experimenting with smaller vehicles that are bringing in the maximum volumes. While those plans will take some time to execute, Honda’s short term product launches include the BR-V compact SUV, CR-V facelift, next generation Accord and its hybrid version.
