Honda Planning Multiple Variants of Fit for North American Markets

The Honda Fit has long been one of our favorite subcompacts, deftly combining ultra-efficient packaging with entertaining driving dynamics. But the number of variants sold in the North American market of Honda’s popular subcompact is about to triple, according to a report from Automotive News. Construction of a new assembly plant in Mexico is currently underway, where the models will be produced for both the Mexican and U.S. markets. With an annual capacity of 200,000 units, the plant should be able to handle demand from both markets.

In a nod to U.S. tastes, the next-generation Fit may be offered in a four-door sedan configuration, as well as a compact crossover, in addition to the current five-door hatchback model. Worldwide, Honda already sells multiple variations of the Fit, which is also sold in some markets as the Jazz. The recently-introduced Fit Twist was unveiled for the Brazilian market, which added more rugged styling cues and slightly higher ride height to give it somewhat of the “Outback” treatment. Alternately, Honda sells the seven-passenger Fit Shuttle in Japan and other markets for customers looking for added passenger and cargo versatility in a compact package.

Honda expects the Fit to become its fastest-growing nameplate in the years ahead, and key to its growth in the Mexican market, where Honda sold 36,209 vehicles through the end of 2011. The company has already surpassed last year’s total by selling 42,933 units through the end of October.
Will the addition of a notchback Fit eat in to Civic sedan sales, or appeal to a whole different consumer? Share your thoughts on Honda’s lineup expansion below.


Source;
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/honda-planning-multiple-variants-of-fit-for-north-american-markets-190411.html#axzz2EatqcA8N