Although, the month of June has been rigid for many automakers, but the company, which has to actually take it in all seriousness is the Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI). And the reason is quite apparent that they are the only automaker exists in India, which doesn't have a diesel car portfolio. And who can deny the fact that the surge in petrol prices have compelled consumers to go towards diesel cars, despite a considerable higher price than that of the petrol models.
Recently out sales report clearly states that the June has come out as a huge setback for the company. Where in the June 2011, it sold 3,455 units, this year it has come down to 2,677 units. However, if looked at the accumulative sales of Q1, this might certainly give them a sigh of relief, but won't help in fighting out the real BIG problem. In fact Honda too has observed the whole situation, and this has made them speed-up their diesel engine plans, which has been said to be first fitted in its compact cars.
They revealed a 1.6-litre common rail i-DTEC engine at the Tokyo Motor Show for the first time, which will be further downsized to accommodate into the Honda Brio. The Honda Brio is the first model which will have a diesel heart in India and later on other cars will follow the suit. Other than the Honda Brio diesel, Honda is working on an MPV too using the Jazz platform for the markets like India, which will have the diesel engine as well.
