Honda recently announced a new product strategy for the Indian market. Following the new approach, the Japanese automaker will focus on the compact and midsize SUV segments along with developing market-specific models. This strategy will enable the company achieve “an optimal balance of performance and price that satisfies customers in India.”
The carmaker aims to leverage its local resources to develop and produce “locally tailored models as quickly as possible.” The company plans to launch 10 new models by 2030, including both global and locally developed products.
New Honda Subcompact SUV
Targeting the highly-competitive sub-4 metre SUV segment, Honda plans to introduce a new compact SUV by 2028. This segment is currently one of the highest-volume generating categories in the Indian passenger vehicle market, and the new model could provide Honda the much-needed sales boost. The new Honda subcompact SUV will be positioned against the Maruti Brezza, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon and other models in the segment.
New Honda Midsize SUV
Honda has also announced a new midsize SUV, however, its details are not available at the moment. If the Japanese automaker adopts a “dual-SUV” strategy similar to Maruti Suzuki, it could significantly maximize market coverage, while benefiting from economies of scale in R&D, development and manufacturing.
For reference, Maruti Suzuki successfully follows the dual-SUV strategy by selling the Grand Vitara under the Nexa retail chain and Victoris through the mass-market Area dealership network.
Honda might position its new midsize SUV as a more premium product with strong hybrid powertrain and advanced technologies such as ADAS Level 2. It could share the platform and petrol engine with the Elevate or the carmaker could choose it to develop as a distinct product.
Honda 0 Alpha EV SUV For India
The Japanese automaker also plans to foray into the EV (electric vehicle) segment with the Honda 0 α (Alpha) SUV in 2027. The upcoming electric SUV will feature a new platform and a software-ready design, while sharing several components with the Elevate. The new EV will be manufactured in India, and exported to overseas markets.
