Once Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan Limited (HACPL), were well thought-out to be the pioneers of introducing and most frequently updating their models in Pakistan. Ever since the beginning, Honda Atlas was all the time ahead of the other two Japanese brands (Toyota & Suzuki) when coming to quality, technology and to timely update their products.
Regrettably after 2009, the company lost its ritual to set up timely changes & bringing in worthy facelifts in Pakistan. The 8th gen Civic without a facelift was produced for nearly 7 years prior to being substituted by the 9th gen Civic in 2012. However the 5th generation City that was commenced in 2009 continues to sell even today regardless of being almost a 9 year old car now. This definitely injured their reputation and the company faced miserable sales for the reason that the combined sales figures of City & Civic are now being presented, rather than the individual sales figures of both the cars as before.
Nevertheless as the introduction of 10th generation Civic and the BR-V, things have begun to improve for HACPL. Honda’s net sales increased by 48% year-on-year owing to strong volumetric growth in sales volumes during this period.
As there is presently no competition in the class, Atlas is pleased dragging the 5th gen City since ages, on the other hand there is some severe competition predictable in our market within a couple of years, consequently it won’t be easy for Honda to participate with the decade old City.
Hyundai, Kia, Datsun, FAW and a couple of other Chinese brands are projected to launch a variety of vehicles in Pakistan by 2019. Keeping this in view, it won’t be a simple scenario for Honda .Even though the recent addition of BR-V has paid off well; Honda may require offering something cheaper than the City to confine a chief market share.
The Honda Brio Hatchback & Amaze Sedan
The Brio hatchback or the Amaze subcompact sedan can be a fine add up in Honda’s lineup. Both Brio & Amaze are anchored in same platform & powered by 1.2-litre i-VTEC engine generating 88bhp and 109Nm, with the rated fuel economy of 17.8 km/l, whereas the CVT variant (Amaze) has a fuel efficiency rating of 18.1 km/l.
These small Honda cars are offered in India, Thailand, South Africa, Indonesia and the Philippines and fascinatingly the Amaze sedan does rationally well when evaluated with its sibling, the Brio hatchback.
Rather than launching more costly models for example the HR-V, CR-Z & CR-V which doesn’t add much to the sales, Honda should consider bringing in the likes of Brio & Amaze to lock good market share before the true competition comes.
Do you think Honda should introduce the Brio/ Amaze in Pakistan, let us know with your comments.
