Honda reveals Mobilio MPV at Indonesia Int’l Motor Show

Jakarta (Indonesia), September 19, 2013: In a world premiere today, P T Honda Prospect Motor (HPM), Honda's automobile manufacturing and sales JV in Indonesia, took the covers off a prototype of the Mobilio (codename: 2NH), a new multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) developed exclusively for Asian markets, at the 21st Indonesia International Motor Show underway from September 19-29.

Known as a ‘low’ MPV or LMPV, the Brio-based Mobilio is styled with a comparatively low-slung roof and an elongated wheelbase. The vehicle, developed following local consumer and road conditions feedback, will be Honda's first model to be introduced in the lower priced MPV category, which is the best-selling category in Indonesia.

The Mobilio, which offers has a spacious cabin and a three-row seat configuration for seven occupants, is 4.4 metres long and has a ground clearance as high as 185mm. Power will come from a 1.5-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine. The new MPV will be produced at HPM’s second plant which is slated to become operational in January 2014 in the Karawang region of Indonesia. The plant will have an annual production capacity of 120,000 units. Combined with the current capacity of 60,000 units, HPM's annual production capacity will total 180,000 units.

Commenting on the Mobilio, Takanobu Ito, president and CEO of Honda Motor Co, said: "The Mobilio is the first model Honda has developed especially for the Indonesian market. Working closely with Honda operations here to study the unique needs of Indonesian customers, the Mobilio will fulfill the dreams of Indonesian customers for an affordable family car featuring Honda's high standard of quality. We will continue to support the expansion of Honda business in Indonesia by introducing new products that meet the needs of our Indonesian customers."

Known as Asia’s MPV haven, Indonesia is the home to many MPVs. Toyota’s Innova is produced there, the Maruti Ertiga is o sold there and there are a raft of other MPVs on sale there too. While Indonesia is likely to be the launch market for the Mobilio, India should be next in line where the new MPV will be squarely targeted against the Maruti Ertiga.