Honda India to roll-out diesel version of cars

Diesel cars are a need of the hour in the Indian market, considering the wide gap between the pricing of diesel and petrol fuels. In last few months, there has been a major shift of buyers towards diesel version of cars, changing the dynamics in the Indian market. The rising demand for diesel run cars has forced Japanese car maker Honda to rethink over its ‘only petrol’ strategy in the Indian market.

While speaking to the reporters in Chennai, Honda Siel Cars India Senior Vice-President (Sales and Marketing), Jnaneswar Sen, said that the firm is engaged in the development of diesel engines in its base market Japan. He added, "The Research and Development team in Japan is developing diesel engines. It is premature to say that the products will be rolled out on diesel."

It is to be mentioned here that all India portfolio models of Honda are available in petrol version only, while their competitors are enjoying good sales with availability of both petrol and diesel versions in the Indian auto market.

Meanwhile, the recently rollout small car Honda Brio is receiving a lukewarm response in the Indian auto market with sales of 171 units in initial four days of its launch. While elaborating the company’s strategy for Brio model in the Indian market, Mr. Sen said, "So far we are present in top 20 per cent. Now we are reaching out to many first time buyers (with Brio). Besides, in our current range, we have excellent repurchase."