Honda Mobilio to have 90 percent localisation

Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) is all set to roll out its seven-seater Mobilio MPV next month, in both petrol and diesel guise. The company had first showcased the car at the Auto Expo in February this year and received good consumer feedback.

Honda has a strong portfolio of MPVs globally with products like the Odyssey, Freed, and Stepwgn.

To be marketed as a family car, HCIL is targeting not only large families but also those who have traditionally opted for a sedan or an SUV.  The Mobilio will be made at the company’s Greater Noida plant in volumes of 45,000 units per annum with production to start by end-June. The Brio, Amaze and the new City have localisation levels of around 90 percent.  “Expect a similar local content in the Mobilio,” a company official told Autocar Professional.

According to Jnaneswar Sen, senior vice-president (marketing and sales), “We have received a great response for the Amaze and the all-new City in 2013-14. With both manufacturing plants in operation, as well as two new models – the Mobilio and the all-new Jazz – due for launch this financial year, we look forward to another year of growth. We will increase our dealer network by 35 percent this year by reaching out to more Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets which will be instrumental for our growth. The company currently has 172 facilities in 109 cities in its network and this will increase to 230 facilities.”

In 2013-14, HCIL recorded its highest ever annual sales of 134,339 units, an 83 percent growth over 2012-13.

HCIL has seen major success in the Amaze and new City sedans. In April last year, the carmaker entered the diesel segment in India with the launch of the 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine and the Amaze. The car, which was the first model to roll out from the new Tapukara plant in Rajasthan, has since sold over 86,000 units. Meanwhile, the fourth-generation City, which was launched in January this year, has sold more than 35,000 units.