Honda's Small Car to Arrive in India Sooner Than Expected

Honda Siel Cars India Limited showcased its small car model concept at the Delhi Auto Expo in January 2010. Following the event, Honda's small car was announced to be launched in the Indian market by early 2011.

The manufacturer has started working on Honda's small car model and has almost completed a production ready model.Honda showcased Honda's small car model at the Bangkok International Motor Show and is contemplating options to launch the Honda small car by the end of the year, contrary to its planned schedule in early 2011.

Speaking on the progress, an official said "The marketing teams are stepping on the gas now," an official close to the development said, on condition of anonymity. He added "No stone is being left unturned to ensure that the car enters the domestic market soon."

There is a rumor doing the rounds that Honda may coincide the launch of Honda's small car alongside the launch of the rival model Toyota Etios. The latter is likely to come to the Indian market by the end of this year. However, Indian officials have denied any such rumors regarding Honda's small car initiative. Clarifying the rumors of the launch of Honda's small car, Jnaneshwar Sen, vice-president for marketing, Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) said "We have no such plans, and we believe that 2011 will not be too late to launch the vehicle. Car penetration is still low in the country and there is a lot of space to grow."

The year 2010 witnessed the launch of many small cars and Toyota Etios and Honda concept models were amongst the list of cars that garnered attention. The way Honda small cars will be received is yet to be seen. However, the launch of other concept cars likeChevrolet Beat, VW Polo, Ford Figo and Nissan Micra have set the stage for small concept cars and Honda's small car initiative.