Honda forecasts that sales of this "global compact series" will expand from about 500,000 today to 1.5 million for the fiscal year ending in March 2017. That will help Honda drastically increase sales from 4 million to 6 million vehicles during the same period.
DETROIT -- Honda unveiled Monday a stylish "urban SUV" concept at the heart of a small car onslaught aimed at helping the Japanese automaker boost global sales by 50% over the next four years.
An expansion of the already popular Fit family, Honda (IW 1000/30) said the muscular yet compact car will offer a great alternative to customers who want the versatility of a sport utility vehicle with the size and handling of a small car.
"With aspirational and sophisticated styling, this urban SUV concept showcases the dynamic sculpting and vibrant character lines of a sporty coupe in the confident, capable stance of an SUV," American Honda sales chief John Mendel told a press conference at the Detroit auto show.
"Younger buyers in particular are looking for the functionality of an SUV in an efficient, fun-to-drive package. And we think this vehicle is right on the money."
The new model will hit the U.S. and Japanese markets in 2014 following the launch of the updated Fit before being rolled out worldwide.
