Honda may produce a hybrid version of the Civic in China, according to a Japanese press report. The Nihon Keizai Shimbun said that the company has already applied for a license with the relevant authorities to sell hybrid models in China.
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Honda would like to introduce the Civic hybrid to the market as soon as possible, and if sales go well could consider producing the car in China in the future. At the moment all hybrid versions of the Civic are produced in Japan.
Honda would be following in Toyota’s footsteps. Toyota started building the Prius hybrid car from CKD kits at Sichuan FAW Toyota Motor in Changchun in December 2005.
Other companies have also stated intentions to launch hybrid cars in China, namely Beijing Hyundai, GM, Volkswagen and Geely.
China is seen by some analysts as a potentially significant market for new environmentally-friendly vehicle technologies.
Pollution in major cities is already becoming a problem and car ownership is increasing. I
If the new technologies are accepted while the market is still developing it will be easier than trying to convert the market at a later stage.
Furthermore it is thought that the Chinese government may even legislate in favour of environmentally-friendly technologies as this may also have the effect of boosting the local automotive industry.
See also:
CHINA: Beijing Hyundai jumps on accelerating hybrid bandwagon
CHINA: First Toyota hybrid built outside Japan
