Honda presented its plans at the China International Automobile Exhibition, saying it will soon start selling the Insight and the Fit Hybrid in Chinga. The Japanese automaker is also planning on opening a design studio in China by year end.
Last month, Honda said it sold its millionth hybrid globally since introducing the first version of the Insight in 1999. About 90 percent of those have been sold since 2005. To compare, Toyota will make and sell more than a million hybrids this year. Check out Honda’s press release below.
GUANGZHOU, China, November 22, 2012 – Together with its automobile production and sales joint ventures in China, Guangqi Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. and Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., Honda is exhibiting at the 10th China(Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition (Press Day: November 22, 2012 / Show Dates: November 23 – December 2, 2012).
The theme of the Honda booth is a Chinese key phrase () Honda began using for its brand communications in April 2012 at the Beijing Motor Show. The phrase represents Honda’s determination to take new actions to carve out a new future in China. Also, for the first time outside of Japan, Honda is demonstrating the all-new ASIMO humanoid robot newly equipped with the world’s first autonomous behavior control technologies.
Strengthening hybrid lineup and beginning local production of hybrid models
In addition to the CR-Z which was launched in July, Honda announced the introduction of the Insight and the Fit Hybrid. Honda also announced its plans to further expand its lineup of hybrid models in China. In order to offer its hybrid models to Chinese customers at more affordable prices, Honda will begin preparation for local production of hybrid models in China in 2014.
Establishing Honda Design Studio
Honda is planning to open a tentative design studio in China before the end of this year to strengthen the development of exclusive China models by Chinese designers.
Exhibiting Acura RLX Concept and unveiling Acura ILX
The Acura RLX Concept, the next-generation flagship sedan concept model, is on display. Based on this concept model, the RLX is scheduled market introduction in 2013. The Acura ILX, Acura’s first luxury compact hybrid sedan, is also unveiled.
Comment by Seiji Kuraishi, president of Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd.
“Since Honda began automobile business in China in 1998, our cumulative number of customers here has exceeded 4.2 million. Honda will further strengthen collaboration with our two local partner companies, Guangqi Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. and Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., to take our roots even deeper into China and strive to become a brand of choice for Chinese customers.”
Exhibited Models
– Guangqi Honda Automobile Co., Ltd.:
Concept C (market introduction of mass-production model based on this concept model is scheduled in 2013), Fit Hybrid (sales start from Nov. 2012), CR-Z, Fit, City, Accord, Crosstour, Odyssey, Li Nian S1
– Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd.:
Concept S (market introduction of mass-production model based on this concept model is scheduled in 2013), Insight (sales start from Nov. 2012), Spirior (minor model change), Civic, CR-V, Elysion, CIIMO
– Others:
All-new ASIMO (demonstrated for the first time outside of Japan), motorcycles, outboards, etc
– Concept models:
RLX Concept (China premiere), NSX Concept
– Mass-production models:
ILX (newly announced in China), RDX, MDX, ZDX, TL
