Honda gets aggressive with range of new models

With a tight, fashionable design and good performance, Honda's Crider sedan is the first to combine the Chinese cultural elements. [Photo / China Daily]

Japanese carmaker Honda Motor Co is hoping to achieve a jump in sales by introducing an unprecedented lineup tailor-made for the Chinese market through its two joint ventures at the ongoing Shanghai auto show.

This is a continuation of the automaker's mid-term plan for the market unveiled last April.

The company announced its intent to introduce more than 10 new models, including small-displacement cars and plug-in hybrids, before 2015 with the goal of doubling annual sales compared to 2011, when nearly 618,000 units were sold.

Honda's latest Earth Dreams powertrain technology will be applied for the first time in China to the all-new Accord, a popular mid-sized sedan that will be locally made by the automaker's joint venture Guangqi Honda in the southern city of Guangzhou.

The all-new Accord will go on sale in September.

According to the mid-term strategy, by 2015 all the models under Honda brands sold in China will be equipped with this powertrain.

"Honda will strengthen its mid-term strategy and create a beautiful future with Chinese customers by bringing them more new products that have new value, fun and convenience," said Seiji Kuraishi, president of Honda Motors China.

The models by Honda and its Chinese joint ventures that will be making a global premiere at the show include the Crider sedan, the Concept M MPV and the Jade, an avant-garde sedan.

Aimed at the acutely competitive mid-sized segment, the Crider is Honda's first model that features an international design language fused with Chinese cultural elements.