Honda Elevate debuts in Japan

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【Summary】Japanese auto major Honda is set to introduce its made-in-India mid-sized SUV, Elevate, in the Japanese market next year. This will be the first instance of a product manufactured by Honda Cars India Ltd being exported to Japan. The model will be manufactured in India and exported to Japan, reflecting the manufacturing capabilities of Honda's India operations. The company's Tapukara-based plant is fully equipped to handle both domestic and export requirements.

FutureCar Staff Nov 17, 2023 5:19 AM PT

Japanese auto major Honda is planning to introduce its India-made mid-sized SUV Elevate in the Japanese market next year. This will be the first time that a product manufactured by Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) will be exported to the highly regulated Japanese market. HCIL is producing Elevate at its Tapukara production facility in Rajasthan.

An HCIL spokesperson stated that after its successful debut in India earlier this year, Elevate is scheduled to launch in the Japanese market in Spring 2024 under the brand name WR-V. This marks a significant milestone for HCIL as it will be the first model manufactured in India and exported to Japan. The spokesperson also mentioned that this move showcases the manufacturing capabilities of Honda's operations in India and reinforces their vision of making the country a key export hub.

The Tapukara-based plant of HCIL is fully equipped to meet both domestic and export requirements, according to the spokesperson. Elevate was introduced in the Indian market in September this year, and HCIL plans to introduce five SUV models in the domestic market by 2030. Additionally, the company has plans to release a battery-electric version of Elevate within the next three years.

The Elevate model is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine and is available with both a six-speed manual and a seven-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT).