Honda small car and Toyota Etios to hit Indian roads by early 2011

Honda New Small Car, the concept car that was showcased at the Delhi auto expo in January this year, is expected to hit the Indian roads by the first quarter of next year. Interestingly, Honda's arc rival Toyota is also going to launch its Etios model in India in the same period. Both of the models attracted a large number of auto enthusiasts and visitors during the auto expo. The Indian auto industry is one of the fastest growing auto markets in the world as the country is home to a large number of middle class buyers. Both the Japanese auto giants are eying on the opportunity to make the most of the high growth potential in the Indian market.

The Honda new small car is specially being developed for the Indian market. To keep its price competitive, the company will use as much as 80 percent localized content in the manufacturing of this car. The car is expected to carry a price tag of Rs 4 to 5 lakh and will lock horns with some of the most popular hatchbacks of this segment like Chevrolet Beat, Ford Figo, Volkswagen Polo and Maruti Swift.

On the other hand, the Toyota Etios model is in the final stage of its launch in the Indian market. The Bangalore facility of the company is already buzzing with the preparation work for the production this car, from where the first lot of brand new Etios hatchbacks will be rolled-out. The company will launch the hatchback version of this model in India first and a sedan version may follow after a few months. The Etios model will mark the entry of the Toyota in the compact hatchback segment, as the company's India portfolio was limited to the premium car segment, so far.

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