Honda Cars India is planning to make its strong hybrid cars more affordable. The company has decided to localize the strong hybrid powertrain used in the Honda City sedan. This move is expected to significantly reduce costs, making these eco-friendly vehicles more accessible to Indian consumers.
Bigger Hybrid Portfolio?
Currently, Honda offers a strong hybrid powertrain only on the City sedan. However, with the localization of the hybrid technology, Honda plans to expand its hybrid offerings to other models as well. This decision comes as part of Honda’s strategy to boost its presence in the Indian market and meet the upcoming CAFE III norms.
Takuya Tsumura, President and CEO of Honda Cars India, shared that localizing the hybrid powertrain is a key part of their plan. By producing the hybrid components locally, Honda can take advantage of lower taxes and reduced production costs. This will help bring down the price of strong hybrid cars, making them a more attractive option for buyers.
Does it make sense?
The move to localize hybrid technology is also a response to the growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles in India. Strong hybrids offer a great balance of performance and fuel economy, making them an ideal choice for environmentally conscious consumers. With the new cost savings, Honda hopes to increase the adoption of hybrid vehicles in the country.
Honda’s decision to focus on strong hybrids comes at a time when the Indian automotive market is shifting towards more sustainable options. The company is also working on developing electric vehicles (EVs) to meet the evolving needs of consumers. However, for now, strong hybrids remain the best fit for the Indian market due to their affordability and efficiency.
Hybrid Cars good for business?
The localization of hybrid technology is expected to have a positive impact on Honda’s sales in India. The company has faced challenges with some of its models, such as the Elevate SUV, which did not offer a hybrid option due to cost concerns. By making strong hybrids more affordable, Honda aims to attract more buyers and strengthen its position in the market.
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