Japanese auto maker Honda is reportedly contemplating bringing its multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) Freed to India by 2016, to challenge the country's best-selling MPV Toyota Innova, claims a new report.
The Economic Times, citing sources close to the development, reported that the company is likely to bring a second MPV to India, following the launch of its first MPV - Mobilio. Honda Mobilio is expected to hit the Indian markets by June 2014.
After the City sedan, Mobilio will be the second new Honda model launched in India, followed by the new Jazz. The vehicle will be pitted against Maruti Ertiga, Chevrolet Enjoy and Mahindra Xylo, and is the third model to be built on the Brio and Amaze platforms. The car is expected to pack a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine under the hood.
Innova has been one of the most successful endeavours in the Indian market by Toyota. The company has sold around 4.5 lakh units till November since its entry in 2005. It is priced between 9.77 lakh and 15.06 lakh (exshowroom Delhi). According to the report, the next generation Honda Freed will see daylight in ASEAN markets next year. Meanwhile, Toyota is also developing the next generation Innova to face the challenges in the segment.
"Both cars are under design right now and it would interesting to see how Honda takes on an well established product which was ruling the market with no competition since its debut," a source told to ET.
However, Honda India spokesperson maintained that the company does not have any such plans at present.
"However, we are actively looking at the MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) segment and plan to launch the Honda Mobilio next year," said the spokesperson.
