Dongfeng Honda to launch three new cars in '09

Shanghai, April 28 (Gasgoo.com) Dongfeng Honda has announced it plans to launch three mass-produced car models, namely, new Odyssey, Civic Hybrid and a high-end sports sedan (code-named SR-9) this year, xinhua.net said today. The company said it targets to sell 520,000 vehicles in China for 2009.

SR-9, positioned as a high-end sports sedan, is actually a small face-lift of European Accord and measures shorter than Guangqi Honda's Accord and LaCrosse but closer to the second-generation Mazda 6 Ruiyi. The middle-sized sports model is said to be a major force for Dongfeng Honda to explore new segment though analysts doubt the car may directly affect the automaker's Accord sales.

The new Civic Hybrid is expected to go on sale in China by June, priced at 269,000 yuan ($39,440), and SR-9 will be on the market in the second half of this year, said general manager of Dongfeng Honda.

Besides, the new generation Odessy MPV reportedly will be rolled out in the third quarter of 2009, endowed with more sedan elements in exterior design, driving performance and comfortable configurations.

SR-9 is displayed at the 2009 Shanghai auto show.