Honda to launch two small cars in four years
26 Sep 2008
Japanese carmaker Honda Motor Co today said it would launch two small cars in India through its subsidiary Honda Siel Cars India in the next four years.
It plans to launch its first car, the premium hatchback Jazz by July 2009, as a part of its plans to enter the small-car segment in India. The Jazz will be made at the Honda Siel plant at Greater Noida.
Speaking to reporters, Takeo Fukui, president and CEO, Honda Motors, said the company would be launching two small cars in India within the next three or four years.
The 'Jazz' would be followed by a 1.2 litre petrol engine small car at present under development.
HSCI President and CEO Masahiro Takedagawa said the Jazz, which is a popular model in Japan, US, China, Brazil, Europe and Thailand, would have basic global constructions but with some modifications considering the Indian conditions.
The Indian company also plans to integrate its Indian operations into its Asian supply chain network with the kicking in of Indo-Asean free trade agreement next year.