Honda Motors car sales in India fail to keep pace with the growing auto industry in the country. They are losing market share by leaps and bounds, only because they are yet to offer a diesel powered car in India. There were reports earlier that Honda will be launching a Brio diesel during Diwali this year, but Honda India Senior VP, Sales & Marketing, Jnaneshwar Sen has confirmed that they will not launch Brio diesel in India, atleast for now.
“Honda is working on a diesel car, but it will not be a Brio diesel which will be offered first,” added Sen. When asked, why this delay in launching a diesel engine, Sen says, “Honda is all about engines. Our engines create new benchmarks in the auto industry and that will be the case with Honda’s diesel engine. Just like every other Honda engine, we want to be sure with this one as well. It will be the most powerful and efficient in its segment,” added Mr Sen, in a chat during Drive to Discover 3 final leg.
Mr Sen further adds, “I have driven the Honda diesel car and it is nothing like anything offered in the industry today. It will set a new benchmark, as far as diesel engines are concerned.” When asked which Honda car will first get the diesel powertrain, Mr Sen politely turns down the question.
Honda is expected to launch their first diesel driven car in Indian markets next year. Honda Cars India have experienced a dip in market share over the past few years, specially due to increased competition from auto companies who have brought out increased number of diesel cars. Diesel is not only cheaper than petrol, but is also more efficient. India being a mileage conscious market, the industry has seen a major shift in the preference of car buyers. Honda’s new diesel engine powered car will be manufactured using locally sourced components, allowing them to keep the costs down.
Related Story
Honda to launch their first diesel car in India next year: Brio based sedan