Honda seeks to double China volume by 2015
Honda Motor Co. is seeking to double its sales in China by 2015 by accelerating new model launches, upgrading vehicle technology and expanding production capacity.
The Japanese automaker plans to introduce more than 10 new and redesigned Honda-branded models including hybrids and electric vehicles from 2013 to 2015, according to information released by its China subsidiary Honda Motor China Investment Co.
Meanwhile, Honda said the engines used in vehicles sold in China will be renewed by 2015 to improve fuel economy.
In 2012, Honda is launching three hybrid models in China -- the CR-Z, the Insight and the Fit Hybrid, which are fitted with Honda's original integrated motor assist lightweight and compact hybrid system.
Honda also plans to bring to China an unspecified new hybrid system for its mid- to large-sized vehicles as well as a plug-in hybrid system following the IMA hybrid system.
Later this year, the Japanese company will begin local production of electric vehicles at Guangqi Honda Automobile Co., its joint venture with China's Guangzhou Automobile Group Co.
Aside from Honda-badged vehicles, three production Acura-branded models will launch in China, which include the ILX small sedan, the RDX small SUV and the RLX luxury sedan. The new Acura NSX concept car will also be introduced in China.
Like the Honda-badged models, all Acura models available in the Chinese market will feature upgraded powertrains by 2015.
To make its products more appealing to Chinese consumers, Honda also plans to build a design studio in China. It will source more parts and components locally and sign on new local suppliers to reduce production costs in China.
Capacity expansion
Besides Guangqi Honda, Honda has another joint venture in China - Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co.
Dongfeng Honda's second plant will start production in July. Guangqi Honda, which currently has two plants, is looking to build a third plant which can begin production in 2014.
Honda sold 593,212 Honda-branded vehicles and 4,624 Acura models in China in 2011.
It is now the sixth largest carmaker in China, following Volkswagen AG, General Motors Co., Toyota Motor Corp., Nissan Motor Co. and Hyundai Motor Co., according to LMC Automotive.
Meanwhile, Honda said the engines used in vehicles sold in China will be renewed by 2015 to improve fuel economy.
In 2012, Honda is launching three hybrid models in China -- the CR-Z, the Insight and the Fit Hybrid, which are fitted with Honda's original integrated motor assist lightweight and compact hybrid system.
Honda also plans to bring to China an unspecified new hybrid system for its mid- to large-sized vehicles as well as a plug-in hybrid system following the IMA hybrid system.
Later this year, the Japanese company will begin local production of electric vehicles at Guangqi Honda Automobile Co., its joint venture with China's Guangzhou Automobile Group Co.
Aside from Honda-badged vehicles, three production Acura-branded models will launch in China, which include the ILX small sedan, the RDX small SUV and the RLX luxury sedan. The new Acura NSX concept car will also be introduced in China.
Like the Honda-badged models, all Acura models available in the Chinese market will feature upgraded powertrains by 2015.
To make its products more appealing to Chinese consumers, Honda also plans to build a design studio in China. It will source more parts and components locally and sign on new local suppliers to reduce production costs in China.
Capacity expansion
Besides Guangqi Honda, Honda has another joint venture in China - Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co.
Dongfeng Honda's second plant will start production in July. Guangqi Honda, which currently has two plants, is looking to build a third plant which can begin production in 2014.
Honda sold 593,212 Honda-branded vehicles and 4,624 Acura models in China in 2011.
It is now the sixth largest carmaker in China, following Volkswagen AG, General Motors Co., Toyota Motor Corp., Nissan Motor Co. and Hyundai Motor Co., according to LMC Automotive.
