Honda unveils 7-seat BR-V1 at Auto Expo start; Fiat to debut Jeep by mid-year

The Motor Show 2016 kicked off on Wednesday at the India Expo Mart in Greater NOIDA promising a positive outlook for the industry. Major automobile manufacturers showcased products which promise to give a thrust to the Indian automobile industry. These products are poised to set the tone for the FY 2016.

The passenger car segment which has witnessed healthy growth in the ongoing fiscal saw major launches. Maruti Suzuki unveiled their Vitara Brezza which is scheduled for a launch in the upcoming weeks. General Motors announced Chevrolet Essentia and Chevrolet Beat Activ for India. Hyundai unveiled their much awaited Tucson and showcased Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo. Isuzu India launched India’s first “Adventure Utility Vehicle” Isuzu D-MAX V-Cross. 

Tata Motors, and Jaguar Land Rover too showcased their products to the media. Volkswagen unveiled their new compact sedan Ameo which is a made-for-India product. They also unveiled the Volkswagen Tiguan, Volkswagen Passat GTE and the 21st Century Beetle. Renault Kwid 1.0 Litre was also launched at the Auto Expo. Mercedes Benz launched the much-awaited SUV GLC and the S-Class Carbiolet.

The two-wheeler segment saw unveilings from UM Motorcycles, DSK Benelli, TVS and Suzuki Motorcycles. Hero Motocorp unveiled technology and innovation-driven new product strategy. Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India saw six new models being unveiled in the show which are scheduled for their India launch. Presence of industry stalwarts and public figures like Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor and Sachin Tendulkar added to the glamour to the already impressive lineup of vehicles on display at The Motor Show 2016. The venue, India Expo Mart Limited (IEML) has been given a massive makeover for the Auto Expo - The Motor Show 2016. 

The venue has witnessed enormous construction in the form of six large halls with an additional carpet area of 37,240 sqms complete with air conditioning and adequate power supply cabling. The gross indoor exhibition space has increased from 67,000 sqms. in the previous edition to 73,000 sqms. in the ongoing edition of the show.

Honda cars India unveiled its seven-seater crossover utility vehicle ‘BR-V’ which has been exclusively developed for the Asian markets including India. The vehicle is scheduled to be launched in the country this year. India is the largest contributor to the Asia and Oceania region and the fourth largest contributor to Honda’s automobile sales globally, Honda Motor Ltd President and CEO Takahiro Hachigo told reporters here at the Delhi Auto Expo 2016. 

Speaking on the occasion, Katsushi Inoue President and CEO Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) said in 2015 the company achieved a record sales of two lakh units in a calender year. “The launch of Honda BR-V and Accord in 2016 will help us accelerate our growth this year and also strengthen our brand in the country,” Inoue said. The company also showcased its flagship sedan Honda Accord at the Auto Expo. HCIL plans to further strengthen sedan line up in India and reintroduce Honda Accord later this year. The company sells six models in the country including popular sedans like Amaze and City and premium sports utility vehicle CR-V. 

Meanwhile, Italian automaker Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said it will launch the Jeep brand in the country during the middle of the year with two products, both in diesel and petrol variants.  

The company, which had initially planned to debut Jeep in India with just diesel engines, now plans to launch Grand Cherokee and Wrangler Unlimited in both the versions. Fiat changed its plans after India came up with new regulations regarding the diesel engines due to pollution concerns.  “We will enter India with two products this year and we will also manufacturing locally next year... India market will be a big part of our growth as we move from here. We are looking to become a serious volume player,” Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Director (Jeep Product Marketing)Jim Morrison said.