HONDA Motor Corp will launch new models to double sales in China by 2015 as it revs up growth to narrow the gap with Western rivals in the world's biggest auto market.

Japan's second-largest automaker plans to launch more than 10 new or upgraded vehicles in China over the next four years, including models that are tailor-made for Chinese customers, Seiji Kuraishi, head of Honda's China operation, said yesterday.

"It's an undeniable fact that we have been too cautious in our business expansion (in China)," Kuraishi said. "We will reform our business operation in the future and further deepen our presence in China."

He said Honda will start selling three hybrid vehicles in China this year and plans to produce locally in the future. All models sold in China will be equipped with advanced energy-saving engines by 2015.

He also said its premium affiliate Acura will launch the RDX and ILX models in China this year.
 

Source:shanghaidaily