Japanese carmaker Honda is studying the utility vehicle market keenly for possible launches in the next couple of years.
The company is developing a seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle. “We are studying the market to decide whether to launch it or not based on what people are looking from us in terms of style, practicality and durability and see if Honda can offer that,” said Jnaneswar Sen, Senior Vice-President- Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, at the launch of the Honda Amaze sedan in the city.
Honda also unveiled a concept compact sports utility vehicle at the recent Detroit Motor Show. Utility vehicles is a fast-growing space in the country with all carmakers keen for a slice of the action. Apart from utility vehicles, one can also expect a few diesel models from Honda, including the next-gen City.
The company entered the diesel market in India with the launch of an entry-level sedan Amaze. The year 2014 will also see an “all-new” Jazz and Civic.
For long, Honda has been conspicuously absent from the diesel category. “While we still swear by petrol, we cannot beat the market.
We have to give the customers what they want.” However, the industry may be experiencing a “slight shift” to petrol, given the hike in diesel prices, said Sen.
“Whichever way the market moves, we will have the choice,” he said.