Honda to bring new SUV, bigger sedans in India

Following in the footsteps of more manufacturers who had promptly recognised India’s increasing premium car market, Japanese carmaker Honda is also planning to introduce new products in India, including an SUV and bigger sedans. The manufacturer will also look to add more features in its future offerings to make them more attractive to the masses.

"The market is changing. We are seeing a big shift from A, B categories to upper segment and that's why Maruti and Hyundai are also trying to move to the premium side. So, we are also carefully monitoring this segment movement," Honda Cars India president, Yoichiro Ueno told PTI.

Asked if the company plans to launch a new SUV model soon, Honda Cars India President and CEO Yoichiro Ueno said, "You can expect, yes," he said, and added, "It really depends on customers' voice. If there is a lot of demand or request, then we might look at it (bringing the HR-V)."

Admitting that the gap between products in different segments has not helped the company, Ueno said, "There is a lot of demand to upgrade from City to bigger cars and unfortunately, we don't have a bigger car... Especially the dealers are requesting. They don't want to lose these City customers to other brands."

Ueno added, "We are receiving a lot of request to reinforce the SUV market, we have CR-V but practically City is the flagship model."

Stressing on the need to be nimble footed and deliver products which customers want in a fast changing market, Ueno said, "We think it is very important to catch up."

Honda had launched the new BR-V earlier this year as facelifted versions of cars like the Amaze and Brio have also broken cover in India. The Jap is also set to launch the Honda Accord Hybrid sedan later this month in the country.

Source: CarDekho.com