Guangzhou Honda Reveals New Proprietary Brand

[panda[cRx]]

as found at http://world.honda.com/news/2008/408...rietary-Brand/

GUANGZHOU, China, April 21, 2008– Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., a Honda automobile production and sales joint venture in China, revealed the name of its new proprietary car brand, (LI NIAN)*, that will begin selling products in 2010, and debuted the LI NIAN Concept, a concept car that indicates the direction of the brand. Both announcements came at the 2008 Beijing International Automobile Exhibition (Auto China 2008) which is held April 20, 2008 through April 28, 2008 (Press days: April 20 & 21, 2008).



LI NIAN Concept
Guangzhou Honda conceived the name for its proprietary brand, LI NIAN, based on a desire to create a brand that will continue pursuing lofty ideals with a challenging spirit. While receiving support from Honda Motorin Japan, Guangzhou Honda will take the initiative to develop LI NIAN brand products that embody more of the specific needs of Chinese customers. TheLI NIAN brand products will be sold through the Guangzhou Honda sales network. Honda became the first foreign automaker in China to develop products under an original brand of a local joint venture company.

The design of the LI NIAN Concept represents the automobile’s challenge to realize a dream-inspiring future, and reflects the image of a dynamic, stylish, and high-quality life for a new generation. Both the styling design and engineering design for the LI NIAN Concept were completed by Guangzhou Honda Automobile Research & Development Co., Ltd. (GHRD) which was established in 2007.

At the Auto China 2008, Guangzhou Honda also announced its plan to begin sales of the all-new Fit before the end of the year.

* LI NIAN is the pronunciation of the Chinese brand name LI NIAN ; therefore, it will not appear on any product and is included here for reference only.

interesting, but a smart move by honda as the chinese market is growing and growing. it'll be interesting to see what kind of price bracket the cars are made for

[SiReal]

I'll also be interested to see how much $$ they spend on R&D prior to commercial release of their vehicles. Seeing its backed by Honda, it should be reasonable.

[bennjamin]

compared to other chinese mad cars out there - the R+D and funding behind this new line probably wont exceed the current crop by too much. Its a money making scheme and nothing else.

PS look at any chinese made car in "crash tests"....or the copied designs....god forbid....

[m3ntAL_l2]

whats this new got to do with the crash test n copied designs?

[panda[cRx]]

errrrr it's a chinese car, i don't think there is a quality chinese car out there]

edit: it doesn't say they will be made in china. while it is most likely they will be there is a small chance the vehicles could be produced in thailand

[m3ntAL_l2]

when u say "chinese car" u mean cars thats made in china but badged as honda/mazda etc.. or do u mean a chinese own disgnd and made cars

[aaronng]

I am guessing Honda china wants to produce a cheaper model, but Honda Japan isn't willing to let the Honda brand be associated with cheap, sub-par and unsafe cars. Hence the new branding.

[specialst]

Honda made in china?
umm that wouldnt be reassuring...

*made in china = make to break* LOL

[aaronng]

Honda made in china?
umm that wouldnt be reassuring...

*made in china = make to break* LOL

Honda already has CRVs and other models made in China for the China market. And they don't break. This is a new and cheaper brand.

[Kangaaz]

Every major foreign car companies that set up in china are in some forms of joint ventures, and the qualities of the cars are actually quite good. Most of the models produced would for the Chinese domestic market only.

[yourfather]

looks like a murano had sex with a jazz/colt

[Nodachi]

the factory is huuuuuge... i've been there.. it's about 15 mintues drive from my uncle's factory... BTW Honda guangzhou has been the cleanest factory i've seen in China..