Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL), a subsidiary of Japanese auto giant Honda, is gearing up to make its foray into the highly regulated Japanese market with its India-made mid-sized SUV, the Elevate. This marks the first time that a product manufactured HCIL will be exported to Japan, and the company is set to launch the SUV in the Japanese market in the spring of 2024 under the brand name WR-V.
The Elevate, which made its successful debut in India earlier this year, will be produced at HCIL’s Tapukara plant in Rajasthan and exported to Japan. This strategic move not only showcases the manufacturing capabilities of HCIL’s India operations but also reinforces the company’s vision of making the country a key export hub in Honda’s business.
HCIL’s Tapukara plant is fully equipped to cater to both domestic and export requirements, and the company is also planning to introduce a battery-electric version of the Elevate within the next three years. In addition to this, HCIL aims to launch five SUV models in the Indian market 2030, with the Elevate being powered a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a six-speed manual and a seven-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT).
This move underscores Honda’s commitment to leveraging its manufacturing capabilities in India and expanding its presence in the global automotive market. With the introduction of the Elevate in the Japanese market, HCIL is poised to make a significant impact and further establish itself as a key player in the SUV segment.