Next-gen Honda Jazz launch in India could be delayed

Honda India, undoubtedly, is on a roll at the moment. The demand for the new City and the Mobilio has been so overwhelming that the brand recently has had to start a second shift at its Tapukara manufacturing facility.    

The strong demand is likely to prompt Honda India to delay the launch of its next offering. The model in question is the next-generation version of the Jazz. "Last year we announced that within this fiscal year we will come up with Mobilio and Jazz. But the great demand (for other models) is exceeding our expectations. So we started the second shift of our second plant," says Hironori Kanayama, President and CEO, Honda Cars India. 

Looks like the demand is so strong that the launch of the next-gen Jazz could be pushed back to next year. “We have not yet taken a decision (on the exact time of launch). We anticipate the launch of Jazz any time next year," Mr. Kanayama added.

The next-gen Jazz was anticipated for an end 2014 launch, nearly two years after the old version was taken off the company’s India range. Retaining the old model’s impressive quality levels and its flexible interior, the upcoming Jazz is expected to bring in good sales for Honda India in the premium hatchback segment.