Honda, Toyota to unveil new small cars at Delhi Auto Expo

Japan's Honda Motor Co has chosen the 'auto expo' in New Delhi next month for the world premiere of its new concept small car that it is developing for India and other emerging markets. The week-long auto show starts on 5 January.

Honda will join rival Toyota Motor Corp, which is also unveiling its 'EFC', or entry family car, for the first time at the expo.

Carmakers apart from those specialising in luxury brands are racing to develop cheap, small cars for the developing market to compete with the likes of Maruti Suzuki – unquestionably the market leader in this segment – and Tata Motors with its much-publicised Nano to win over buyers in the burgeoning middle class.

As a spin-off these cars can also be tailored for the developed markets – especially Europe – where the demand for small, fuel-efficient cars is also growing. Tata Motors already has a European version of the Nano – but from what one can see, the car is only reaching the market in dribbles, as production lags far behind the pre-launch hype.

Honda Siel Cars India, the Indian arm of Honda Motor, said in a statement on Monday, "Honda's new small car is a concept model of the vehicle which Honda is currently developing especially for India and other emerging nations."

In addition, the company will exhibit the CR-Z Concept 2009, a concept for a new hybrid model, which was first exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show in October.

Besides the concept cars, Honda will showcase its 'humanoid robot' ASIMO. It will also have a special display zone called design corner which will provide a glimpse into what is involved in designing a car from scratch.

The company will also present an engine section that highlights the advances made by Honda in engine technology, along with the refreshed range of vehicles that it currently sells in India, such as its sedans City 1.5 V, Civic and Accord V6, and the sports utility vehicle CR-V.