Honda Siel Cars India plans to tap export markets in neighbouring countries with the locally-built Brio small car.
“We are planning to export the car to Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka,” sales and marketing chief Jnaneswar Sen told just-auto at the Brio media launch. Honda Siel also plans to export Brio engine parts to Thailand where the car is also made.
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Honda is increasingly ‘localising’ its Indian operation as it no longer wants to depend solely on Japanese suppliers for some parts.
The Brio, with 1.2-litre petrol engine, is being launched into a segment which accounts for almost 70% of the Indian car market.
“Brio is 80% localised and this will be raised to 90% in the next few months,” Sen said. Honda has 132 suppliers for the new car which is made at a plant in Greater Noida.
Honda’s second and cheapest hatchback for India will compete with Maruti Suzuki’s Swift and Ritz, Hyundai’s i10, the Toyota Liva and Ford Figo. Prices range from INR395,000 (US$8,000) and INR510,000 at showrooms in New Delhi.
As petrol prices rise, carmakers are widening their diesel offerings. Asked about a Brio diesel, Sen said, “We are considering the diesel version but it will take some time.”
