Japanese auto major Honda on Tuesday (25 October) launched its flagship model Honda Accord hybrid in India priced at Rs 37 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
"It is always our endeavour to offer Honda's latest technology and products to Indian customers and the introduction of the Accord Hybrid is in line with our commitment," Honda Cars India President and CEO Yoichiro Ueno said.
India is only the sixth country globally where Honda has launched the Accord Hybrid since its debut earlier this year.
Ueno went on to add that the company is looking for government’s support to play its role towards environmentally friendly and sustainable mobility.
The USP of the car is its 2.0-litre Atkinson Cycle DOHC i-VTEC engine that uses Honda’s ‘Earth Dream Technology’, that allows the car to deliver good power figures while being able to maintain and impressive fuel economy. The car gives a mileage of 23.1 kmpl.
"Hybrid is the technology for future... We are ready to harmonise the need for human mobility and taking care of the environment. We would like to work with the government," Ueno added.
The ex-showroom price of car is slightly higher in Bangalore and Navi Mumbai. Accord will cost Rs 40.57 in Bangalore lakh and Rs 40.14 in Navi Mumbai.
The reason for the high price can be attributed to the fact that Honda does not get the advantage of FAME tax break, despite taking the hybrid route, as it is going to be imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU).
FAME India scheme offers incentives on electric and hybrid vehicles of up to Rs 29,000 for bikes and Rs 1.38 lakh for cars. Imported CBU models do not come under the ambit of the scheme, making them more expensive.
The car maker had earlier raised its dissatisfaction with the subsidies. "There are different levels of hybrid technologies some are mild systems while some full hybrid systems. I think it is necessary to differentiate, otherwise the cost difference is there," Ueno told PTI last week.
The new model from Honda will directly compete with rival Toyota's Camry Hybrid, which is priced at Rs 30.9 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
Since its launch in India in 2001, the Honda Accord has sold 27,000 units. The company had stopped selling the car since November 2013.
With the launch of Accord Hybrid, the model is making its comeback in India.
HCIL Senior Vice-President sales and marketing, Jnaneshwar Sen said the new model can be booked from all its dealers across the country, but will be delivered from only a select outlets.
BW Reporters
The author is Senior Correspondent with BW Businessworld
