Why the Honda Elevate Is Winning Over Japanese Buyers More Than Indians
Why the Honda Elevate Is Winning Over Japanese Buyers More Than Indians
In an unexpected twist, the Honda Elevate, a mid-size SUV that made its debut in India on September 4, 2023, is making waves across the globe, particularly in Japan. Despite prevailing stereotypes that often view Indian-made cars as subpar, the Elevate's success story is proving otherwise. Market trends reveal that the Elevate, marketed as the WR-V in Japan, is outselling its Indian counterparts, reflecting an intriguing global automotive trend.
In India, the Honda Elevate has seen a respectable performance, with 39,077 units sold over ten months. This translates to an average of around 3,900 monthly units, demonstrating a steady demand for this newly launched SUV. While these numbers are commendable, they pale in comparison to the sales figures the Elevate has achieved in Japan.
Since its launch, the Honda Elevate/WR-V has experienced impressive sales figures in Japan, surpassing 4,000 units per month. The vehicle significantly outperformed local sales expectations in May and June of this year. This surge in popularity has seen the WR-V's monthly sales figures reach new heights, reflecting a robust market reception.
The Honda Elevate's success in Japan marks a significant achievement for both Honda and the Indian automotive industry. It is the first model manufactured in India to make a considerable impact in the Japanese market, setting a new benchmark for Indian-made vehicles on the global stage. According to Nikkei, a respected Japanese publication, the import of Honda cars into Japan has seen a marked increase. April saw 3,472 registrations, which rose to 4,204 in May, and further to 4,319 units in June. These figures are over twenty times the monthly average of 173 units recorded earlier in 2023.
The Elevate's success story underscores Honda's global strategy of tailoring products to meet regional preferences. Rebranded as the WR-V for the Japanese market, the Elevate remains unchanged in terms of specifications from its Indian counterpart. This strategic rebranding aligns with Honda's approach of adapting its models to fit local markets while retaining core attributes.
The WR-V, or Winsome Runabout Vehicle, is positioned under Honda's global RV series. Despite the change in name, it retains the same 1.5-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine as the City sedan. With power figures of 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque, and transmission options including a 6-speed manual and a CVT gearbox, the WR-V offers a blend of performance and practicality. The consistency in specifications highlights Honda’s commitment to maintaining quality while appealing to diverse markets.
The Honda Elevate's pricing in India has also undergone changes. In January 2024, Honda announced a price hike for the Elevate, ranging between Rs 20,000 and Rs 58,000, depending on the variant. The SUV now starts from Rs 11.79 lakh and goes up to Rs 16.67 lakh. This price adjustment reflects the brand's strategy to balance affordability with value. The Elevate is available in four variants in India: SV, V, VX, and ZX.
Looking ahead, Honda is also exploring the development of an electric version of the Elevate. This move aligns with global trends towards electrification and could further bolster the Elevate's appeal in both domestic and international markets.
The Honda Elevate's remarkable performance in Japan, coupled with its solid presence in India, highlights the growing global acceptance of Indian-made vehicles. This success story reflects a positive shift in perceptions and underscores the capabilities of Indian automotive manufacturing. As the Elevate continues to make its mark across borders, it stands as a testament to the quality and potential of Indian automotive innovation.
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