Honda to launch four more products in the next 3 years

With the grand response that Honda India got at the Amaze launch, we speak to Mr. Shigeru Yamazaki, Sr. Vice President and Director - Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd. On this occasion to find out Honda’s future plans for India.

Q1) Honda just got the CR-V, do we except any other high-end vehicles from Honda?

Ans) As you said we launched the new CR-V, which is just petrol and currently we aren’t focusing on getting a diesel on it. This Accord won’t get diesel, until the new model comes in. We still have to make a final decision on this. We are working on cars that are spacious on the inside and smaller on the outside, as this is Honda’s concept “Man maximum, machine minimum”.

Q2) Do we expect a SUV from Honda?

Ans) We have a SUV that will come in, it is the part of introducing five products in the next three years. The first launch of these five is the Amaze and now there are four more launches. The idea to introduce a SUV as people need space.

Q3) There is a sudden demand for compact UVs, could we except anything in that segment?

Ans) That is another vehicle the Honda will like to chip in a certain share and there is a model that we shall introduce. We can’t mention what product will it be.

Q4) With increase in demand with the introduction of Amaze, how much of the production will be given to this new sedan?

Ans) At the moment, the Greater Noida plant is capable of producing 1.2 lakh units and we that is what we are limited to you for this year. Once our new plant starts next year, that is when our production capacity will see a hike.

Q5) The rise in production next year means there will be an increase in dealerships? Maruti Suzuki has about 1000 touch points, so has Honda a particular number in mind.

Ans) It is a step by step process, as more dealerships means more investment and we should have the results also if we open several dealerships. At the moment, we are focusing on our production, but yes there is a plan to expand the number of dealerships once the second plant springs to life.