MANILA – The Philippine unit of Japan’s Honda Cars plans is preparing more models for rollout this year after the launch of a new variant of its Odyssey minivan.
During the launch of the Odyssey, Honda Cars Philippines Inc (HCPI) president Toshio Kuwahara said the other models include a new sports utility vehicle (SUV), but stopped short of identifying them.
Besides the Odyssey, Honda sells the Accord, Brio, Brio Amaze, City, Civic, CR-V, CR-Z, Jazz and the Pilot in the Philippine market.
Of the 11 existing models, only the City is assembled locally at Honda’s plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Kuwahara said any decision to add more lines to the company’s Sta. Rosa plant will have to wait for the government’s automotive industry roadmap.
At end-February, HCPI has sold 2,346 units, up 14 percent from 2,057 last year. For the entire 2014, the company sold 13,378 units.
For the newly launched Odyssey, the company aims to sell 300 units. Imported from Japan, the Odyssey retails for P2.298 million.
“The last version of Odyssey sold around 250 units in this country so I expect to exceed that…around 300 units. I would be happy if I can sell that much in one year,” Kuwahara said.
“Market is stable. I think we can stimulate the market with the introduction of the new Odyssey,” he said.
During the launch of the Odyssey, Honda Cars Philippines Inc (HCPI) president Toshio Kuwahara said the other models include a new sports utility vehicle (SUV), but stopped short of identifying them.
Besides the Odyssey, Honda sells the Accord, Brio, Brio Amaze, City, Civic, CR-V, CR-Z, Jazz and the Pilot in the Philippine market.
Of the 11 existing models, only the City is assembled locally at Honda’s plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Kuwahara said any decision to add more lines to the company’s Sta. Rosa plant will have to wait for the government’s automotive industry roadmap.
At end-February, HCPI has sold 2,346 units, up 14 percent from 2,057 last year. For the entire 2014, the company sold 13,378 units.
For the newly launched Odyssey, the company aims to sell 300 units. Imported from Japan, the Odyssey retails for P2.298 million.
“The last version of Odyssey sold around 250 units in this country so I expect to exceed that…around 300 units. I would be happy if I can sell that much in one year,” Kuwahara said.
“Market is stable. I think we can stimulate the market with the introduction of the new Odyssey,” he said.
Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/business/106289/honda-launches-new-minivan-for-philippine-market