S2000, Legend and Acura to hit Indian Shores through CBU

BUSA · 18th January 2006, 16:24

Honda mulls new plant for small car

By Byas Anand/TNN

New Delhi: Japan’s Honda Motor is now looking to drive up the value ladder in India. Enthused by the growing demand for super-luxury cars in India, Honda Siel Cars plans to unleash a range of premium cars—including Legend, S2000 and the Acura line-up—on the Indian roads through the import route.
In addition, Honda is exploring the option of setting up a second plant, which would house the production lines for its premium small car, a senior company official said.
Honda Siel Cars (HSCI), Honda’s Indian arm, is examining various products from the parent’s global stables and is thinking about introducing models like Legend, S2000 and even the Acura in the domestic market, HSCI president and CEO M Takedagawa told TOI.
“Looking at the growing rush among overseas manufacturers to target the super-luxury car market, there seems to be a lot of excitement in this segment. We will now be approaching Honda with a detailed business plan to introduce these high-end models in India,’’ he said.
These models, he added, will be introduced through the completely built-up import route. “CBU imports is easy and we intend to use this to expand our presence in the premium end of the market in India,’’ Takedagawa said. HSCI today markets only one imported model, the SUV CR-V. All other products—City, Accord and the soon-to-be-launched Civic—are locally produced.
While Legend and S2000 would be introduced through Honda’s existing dealerships, Takedagawa said, the firm will have to establish a parallel franchise line-up and network for the Acura badge. “The world over, Acura is marketed through a separate set of outfits,’’ he added. While the Legend is Honda’s flagship luxury saloon with a 300-hp engine, the S2000 is a two-door sports car. The Acura line-up includes premium sedans, luxury coupes and even sports utility vehicles, and the price tags for these vehicles will range between Rs 24 lakh and Rs 1.3 crore.
“The current plant has the capacity to build 100,000 vehicles a year. This will be available only for the existing line-up in India. When we plan to get into the small car segment, we will set up a new car plant, adjacent to the existing facility in Greater Noida,’’ he said.

SMOOTH RIDE

Honda Siel Cars plans to unleash a range of premium cars—including Legend, S2000 and the Acura line-up—on the Indian roads through the import route

While Legend and S2000 would be introduced through Honda’s existing dealerships the firm will establish a parallel franchise line-up and network for the Acura badge

Source " - Todays TOI, Page 18
http://epaperdaily.timesofindia.com/

GTO · 18th January 2006, 18:13

AN S-9000 rpm revvin - 2000!!! When? Where do I put the deposit?

Its great to hear of such an initiative, and the only other manufacturers to offer this are DCIL, BMW and Toyota (?). Just because our market size for such high end machinery is limited does not mean that potential owners are robbed of authencity and organised after sales support by the grey market dealers.

Honda and DCIL will hardly make any money out of this - but the key is to offer their existing customers something within the portfolio to move up to, choice, branding and image.

When will Honda Motorcycles think along the same lines? How about a CBR with white money, warranty, EMIs and after sales support?

GTO

v1p3r · 18th January 2006, 21:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTO

AN S-9000 rpm revvin - 2000!!!

Huh??? That doesn't make much sense...

Shan2nu · 18th January 2006, 21:24

Quote:

Huh??? That doesn't make much sense...

I know what GTO means but, it doesn't make sense technically, coz the new S2000 revvs to only 8200rpm.

But what the heck. I'l have the old one. Hahahah

!!!!AN S-9000 rpm revvin - 2000!!!!! - Yeah babey!!

And one more thing, if yo'l didn't know, the Honda Legend is also known as the Acura RL, which has a 3.5 ltr V6 producing 300bhp and...........it comes with Hondas (SH-AWD) Super Handling - All Wheel Drive.

It's not only the 2nd most powerful production Honda yet (ridgeline being the first), but also the smartest.

Shan2nu

Rehaan · 18th January 2006, 22:29

Not that i have driven the new one, but i seem to think that i would pick the 8200RPM S2K over the 9kRPM one.... just seems like there would be more drivable fun... not to mention the fact that its perfect gearshift got even better!

I say, put a hold on that R1 fund.... s2k on the way...
What say Rtech?

cya
R

Rtech · 18th January 2006, 22:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rehaan

I say, put a hold on that R1 fund.... s2k on the way...
What say Rtech?

cya
R

bah! I could buy a truckload of R1's for the price on 1 S2k! But the darn bike manufacturers here don't even give me that choice!!

Mpower · 18th January 2006, 23:31

We need products like the TL to heat up the competetion and keep guys like Skoda honest.
Otherwise they think they can charge what every they want & loot the Indian customer.

amit · 19th January 2006, 00:11

Quote:

We need products like the TL to heat up the competetion and keep guys like Skoda honest.
Otherwise they think they can charge what every they want & loot the Indian customer.

Acura TL is a much more expensive and luxorious car compared to Skoda. It will probably be priced a little less then Mercedes E, BMW 5 etc. Maybe even more then these cars if it's going to be a CBU. But boy oh boy, wouldn't the Acura TL be one awesome car to buy. I love that machine!

nitrous · 19th January 2006, 00:37

Quote:

Quote:
Originally Posted by GTO
AN S-9000 rpm revvin - 2000!!!

Huh??? That doesn't make much sense...

It means AN S"-9000 rpm revvin "2000!!!

Is that enough v1p3r or should i send u back to school??

Harrie · 19th January 2006, 09:07

What is the big deal? The cars will be priced so damm high thanks to the duties we have! Probably a well heeled 60's something guy will get one and be chaffeured around!

Just wish PC would atleast bring down the duty rates this time around.

1Day · 19th January 2006, 10:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harrie

Just wish PC would atleast bring down the duty rates this time around.

i would like it like that..

but i feel there is only one sentiment for this "keep dreaming"

The duty should now be reduced to 50-66% max for CBUs and about 25-33% for SKD...and the 50-66% should be divided into different engine sizes like in europe.. bigger the engine more the duty but max should be 66%..this would fuel a growth which would take india automotive industry to the next level i believe..

but its sad that PC doesnt see it that way..it is one of the most important industry currently in india..

Rtech · 19th January 2006, 10:57

Guys, you are looking at this in a pessimistic way. Think about it, expensive they may be, but atleast the buying public is being given the CHOICE to decide what he/she wants. The auto makers should be applauded for offering even the select few atleast the chance to buy a top end car here and provide a warranty and service backup etc.

I just wish our bike manufacturers wake up and offer this same choice to the Indian bike enthusiast. I would probably still not be able to afford a litre bike, but atleast the option is always there.

Harrie · 19th January 2006, 11:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rtech

Guys, you are looking at this in a pessimistic way. Think about it, expensive they may be, but atleast the buying public is being given the CHOICE to decide what he/she wants.

Not being pessimistic buddy. Just venting out my frustrations

Its like the so near yet so far thingy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rtech

I just wish our bike manufacturers wake up and offer this same choice to the Indian bike enthusiast. I would probably still not be able to afford a litre bike, but atleast the option is always there.

Ya true. Saw Yamaha's showroom near Ashram in Delhi. Hope their plans materialize.

veyron1 · 19th January 2006, 20:01

yeah-read the article. honda, price the s2000 close to or around the 3.0 accord (aahhh..dreams..but could turn to reality if the duty structure pans out, as the new S retails for about 33G U.S $), and people could mistake ichibaan for siddhivinayak, by judging the queue outside the showrooms....

of course, i'm exaggerating it a li'l bit- but, a RWD..?? a honda..?? the legendary S, you say...?? hmmm...no matter if i have to beg, borrow or steal- honda shall have the pleasure of having me as one of it's customers...

PPS · 24th October 2013, 23:05

Honda is considering bringing its luxury brand Acura to India according to Autocar! It's still a long time away though.

http://www.autocarindia.com/auto-new...ia-361673.aspx

18th January 2006, 16:24	#1
BUSA Senior - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bombay Posts: 5,130 Thanked: 20 Times View My Garage	S2000, Legend and Acura to hit Indian Shores through CBU Honda mulls new plant for small car By Byas Anand/TNN New Delhi: Japan’s Honda Motor is now looking to drive up the value ladder in India. Enthused by the growing demand for super-luxury cars in India, Honda Siel Cars plans to unleash a range of premium cars—including Legend, S2000 and the Acura line-up—on the Indian roads through the import route. In addition, Honda is exploring the option of setting up a second plant, which would house the production lines for its premium small car, a senior company official said. Honda Siel Cars (HSCI), Honda’s Indian arm, is examining various products from the parent’s global stables and is thinking about introducing models like Legend, S2000 and even the Acura in the domestic market, HSCI president and CEO M Takedagawa told TOI. “Looking at the growing rush among overseas manufacturers to target the super-luxury car market, there seems to be a lot of excitement in this segment. We will now be approaching Honda with a detailed business plan to introduce these high-end models in India,’’ he said. These models, he added, will be introduced through the completely built-up import route. “CBU imports is easy and we intend to use this to expand our presence in the premium end of the market in India,’’ Takedagawa said. HSCI today markets only one imported model, the SUV CR-V. All other products—City, Accord and the soon-to-be-launched Civic—are locally produced. While Legend and S2000 would be introduced through Honda’s existing dealerships, Takedagawa said, the firm will have to establish a parallel franchise line-up and network for the Acura badge. “The world over, Acura is marketed through a separate set of outfits,’’ he added. While the Legend is Honda’s flagship luxury saloon with a 300-hp engine, the S2000 is a two-door sports car. The Acura line-up includes premium sedans, luxury coupes and even sports utility vehicles, and the price tags for these vehicles will range between Rs 24 lakh and Rs 1.3 crore. “The current plant has the capacity to build 100,000 vehicles a year. This will be available only for the existing line-up in India. When we plan to get into the small car segment, we will set up a new car plant, adjacent to the existing facility in Greater Noida,’’ he said. SMOOTH RIDE Honda Siel Cars plans to unleash a range of premium cars—including Legend, S2000 and the Acura line-up—on the Indian roads through the import route While Legend and S2000 would be introduced through Honda’s existing dealerships the firm will establish a parallel franchise line-up and network for the Acura badge Source " - Todays TOI, Page 18 http://epaperdaily.timesofindia.com/
	(1) Thanks

18th January 2006, 18:13	#2
GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 70,493 Thanked: 300,290 Times View My Garage	AN S-9000 rpm revvin - 2000!!! When? Where do I put the deposit? Its great to hear of such an initiative, and the only other manufacturers to offer this are DCIL, BMW and Toyota (?). Just because our market size for such high end machinery is limited does not mean that potential owners are robbed of authencity and organised after sales support by the grey market dealers. Honda and DCIL will hardly make any money out of this - but the key is to offer their existing customers something within the portfolio to move up to, choice, branding and image. When will Honda Motorcycles think along the same lines? How about a CBR with white money, warranty, EMIs and after sales support? GTO
	() Thanks

18th January 2006, 22:29	#5
Rehaan Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 24,039 Thanked: 34,069 Times	Not that i have driven the new one, but i seem to think that i would pick the 8200RPM S2K over the 9kRPM one.... just seems like there would be more drivable fun... not to mention the fact that its perfect gearshift got even better! I say, put a hold on that R1 fund.... s2k on the way... What say Rtech? cya R
	() Thanks

18th January 2006, 23:31	#7
Mpower Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 10,409 Thanked: 1,729 Times View My Garage	We need products like the TL to heat up the competetion and keep guys like Skoda honest. Otherwise they think they can charge what every they want & loot the Indian customer.
	() Thanks

19th January 2006, 09:07	#10
Harrie BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: KA 03, KL 12, TN 38 Posts: 701 Thanked: 36 Times View My Garage	What is the big deal? The cars will be priced so damm high thanks to the duties we have! Probably a well heeled 60's something guy will get one and be chaffeured around! Just wish PC would atleast bring down the duty rates this time around.
	() Thanks

19th January 2006, 10:57	#12
Rtech Team-BHP Support Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 5,770 Thanked: 359 Times View My Garage	Guys, you are looking at this in a pessimistic way. Think about it, expensive they may be, but atleast the buying public is being given the CHOICE to decide what he/she wants. The auto makers should be applauded for offering even the select few atleast the chance to buy a top end car here and provide a warranty and service backup etc. I just wish our bike manufacturers wake up and offer this same choice to the Indian bike enthusiast. I would probably still not be able to afford a litre bike, but atleast the option is always there.
	() Thanks

19th January 2006, 20:01	#14
veyron1 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,424 Thanked: 52 Times View My Garage	yeah-read the article. honda, price the s2000 close to or around the 3.0 accord (aahhh..dreams..but could turn to reality if the duty structure pans out, as the new S retails for about 33G U.S $), and people could mistake ichibaan for siddhivinayak, by judging the queue outside the showrooms.... of course, i'm exaggerating it a li'l bit- but, a RWD..?? a honda..?? the legendary S, you say...?? hmmm...no matter if i have to beg, borrow or steal- honda shall have the pleasure of having me as one of it's customers...
	() Thanks

24th October 2013, 23:05	#15
PPS Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: mumbai Posts: 2,467 Thanked: 3,717 Times	Re: S2000, Legend and Acura to hit Indian Shores through CBU Honda is considering bringing its luxury brand Acura to India according to Autocar! It's still a long time away though. http://www.autocarindia.com/auto-new...ia-361673.aspx
	() Thanks