Honda Adds Small Car Brio To Eco-Car Market

Honda has confirmed plans to sell an eco-car in Thailand early next year but plans for a hybrid remain unclear even though Japanese competitor Toyota has two petrol-electric models available.

Honda introduced its Brio eco-car prototype, which will be featured at the Thailand International Motor Expo that runs till Dec 12 at Impact Muang Thong Thani.

The prototype is close to the mass-production model, which will go on sale in March at a starting price of around 400,000 baht, said Honda Motor chief manager Takanobu Ito.

The Brio five-door hatchback has a 1.2-litre gasoline engine, and a four-door sedan might be analyzed later.

Honda also aims to initiate the Brio in India next year with a starting price below 500,000 rupees. Brios made in Thailand and India might be exported to other markets in the region excluding Japan and China.

Mr. Ito said the Brio, which is smaller than the City and Jazz, reflected worldwide order for smaller cars as well as consumers' concerns about fuel economy and impact on the environment.