Honda working on new platforms for BS-VI products and an all-new Activa – Report
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India is set to revamp its product portfolio to meet the BS-VI emission norms. Apart from complying with the new standards with the integration of fuel injection system, three-way catalytic converter, an O2 sensor, electronic control unit and an onboard diagnostic module, Honda plans to introduce a new architectural platform for a majority of its products.
Also read: Honda CB650R could be launched in India by early 2020 – Report
In an interview to Autocar Professional, Yadvinder Singh Guleria, senior vice-president and operating head - Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, said:
Currently, all our focus is on BS-VI because it not only requires a technological change in our line-up, but the models will be built on entirely new platforms too. Yes, there will be change in engines but along with that there will also be changes in terms of frame and chassis for the majority of our current line-up. This is what we have decided, which may not be true for the entire industry. BS VI is going to be a very big change for us.
Apart from the strategy for the BS-VI upgrades, Guleria also spoke about the next-generation Honda Activa. While he remained tight-lipped about the launch timeline, he did state that the company is studying the feature trends in the market and that potential buyers can maintain high expectations from the new model.
Speaking about the next-generation Honda Activa, Guleria added:
Connectivity is one of the things (on the new Activa). Similarly, there are many other new features that the customer might not be aware of and could come as a surprise. I would like to tell them, ‘Please wait for those surprises!’
A test mule of the next-generation Honda Activa was spotted for the first time in March, at the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) facility. The test mule revealed many details about the future model, which is expected to be named 'Activa 6G' as per the current nomenclature.
The Honda Activa 6G was seen with an updated suspension setup that includes telescopic front forks instead of spring-loaded hydraulic type shock absorber for better ride quality. Guleria talking about connectivity suggests that it might come with a Bluetooth enabled instrument console, a feature that is already available on the TVS NTORQ.
Also See: Honda Activa 6G - IAB Rendering
The Honda Activa 6G will go on sale by the first quarter of the calendar year 2020.
[Source: autocarpro.in]