Honda Motors and the other two big Japanese automotive companies, Nissan and Toyota, have led the front in areas factory automation and technology that is environmentally friendly. The one area they have not been as quick on, to date, has been their reluctance venture into emerging markets. This trend is quickly changing, however. The big three in Japan are expanding into new and uncharted territory in emerging markets, with Honda cars and plant popping up in places such as the former Soviet Union, the Saharan region of Africa and especially southern India.
In some respects, these moves come as an attempt to avoid what happened a decade ago in China. General Motors and Volkswagen entered that emerging market early, and have had a long string of success over the Japanese manufacturers who entered later in the game.
India is a nation with more than one billion people, and it is just entering an automotive revolution age. As such, India is an area of particular interest for the Japanese Big Three. After China, India may be the next big megamarket in the world. According to some studies, it is estimated that vehicle sales in India and other developing regions may increase by as many as 10 million units during the next six years. In the past, these emerging markets were an afterthought. Today, they are becoming essential to the future of companies like Honda.
Honda has sold motorcycles in India for years. In India, Honda is expanding its production capacity from 30,000 units just three years ago to 160,000 planned units next year.
You don’t have to travel to southern India to see why Honda cars are some most popular cars in the automotive industry. Stop by our local Lehigh Valley Honda dealer. We’re within striking distance of the entire Lehigh valley, and we can help you pick the best Honda for your needs.