Honda Developing Brio Based MPV Codenamed 2NH

Published: Monday, June 11, 2012, 14:00 [IST]

Honda, the Japanese carmaker has joined the list of carmakers planning to build affordable MPVs. Honda has stated that it has now started developing a new MPV based on its recently launched small car Brio. Honda's Brio based MPV has been code named as the 2NH and is being developed in Indonesia.

The new Brio based MPV has been aimed at Asian car markets and is expected to carry a low price tag. Honda does not have a small MPV in its lineup in India. Although demand for its small cars and City sedan is going up, it does not have a model that can compete against the likes of the Toyota Innova and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.

Reports say Honda started working on the Brio based MPV in Indonesia as the country has a high demand for such vehicles. Honda is planning to keep the price of the MPV low by having as much as 80% localization. Almost 50% of parts are imported by Honda for its cars.

The MPV segment in India is hotting after the arrival of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. Nissan is set to launch its Evalia, Renault will launch its Duster and Ashok Leyland will follow Nissan with the Flyte. Honda has identified the need for an MPV but it is surprising that it has chosen the Brio's platform to build the new car. This will mean the car will be small and will not carry a heavy and large engine.

It remains to be seen if Honda will build the 2NH with both petrol and diesel engines. The Japanese carmaker is yet to launch a diesel car in India. It is currently working on developing a diesel engine but has not made any statement about the possibility of adding a diesel engine to its existing lineup of models.

Article Published On: Monday, June 11, 2012, 14:00 [IST]

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