Dongfeng Honda to launch new B-class car in 2009

Shanghai, October 23 (Gasgoo.com) Dongfeng Honda officially confirmed that it will roll out a B-class car based on the Acura platform by the second half of 2009, Beijing Times said today, citing top executives of Dongfeng Honda Automobile.

In an interview with Beijing Times, Dongfeng Honda vice general manager Liu Hong told the reporter that the company has finally approved the new B-class car plan and also made clear the automaker’s 2009 sales target. The heavyweight B-class car has been included in the automaker’s new model plans for next year, with the new producing equipment in preparation, Liu said.

The upcoming new model, derived from the latest Acura B-level platform, is likely to be redesigned to adapt to the Chinese market through Acura TL, a sporty sedan especially made for the North American market. Dongfeng Honda said its production version will be a more luxury B-level car not too much different from TL in its overall style though it has undergone designs for localization

Speaking of Dongfeng Honda’s sales target for 2009, Liu Hong disclosed the company plans to seek a breakthrough next year, with three models (including the new B-class car) to total sales of 190,000 units for the whole year. The 2009 Civic and CRV will target the sales of 180,000 units and the new B-class model will be looking to surpass 10,000 units in 2009.