Honda has woken up and is now looking at all possible means to increase its market share. The first step the company did was increase localisation, followed by cut price variants of the City and Jazz facelift. Then came the Brio at a smashing prices of under Rs. 4 lakhs.
Honda did suffer due to the Thai floods but is now back on track. The Brio is doing decent numbers and has now become the Top seller for Honda. The company is now mulling to launch a model in the MPV segment which will share its platform with the Honda City and Jazz. Internationally the company markets the Freed 6 seater MPV which shares its platform with the City and Jazz.
The new City is expected in 2014 and possibly Honda may use this opportunity to launch the MPV. Considering the Ertiga has been a runaway success, the segment will see new entrants. What Honda needs is a good product with aggressive styling and the most important is too equip the MPV with a diesel heart. Honda has already announced the making of diesel engine with smaller capacities which are primarily targeted for the Asean and European markets with India being one of the lead countries for the development.
Chevrolet will launch the Enjoy MPV and Mahindra is in the final stages of the Mini Xylo. Considering the heated competition Honda will have to pull its sleeves to get a good foot hold.