Honda Malaysia To Launch 4 Models In 2023

In a recent gathering, Honda Malaysia announced that it will launch 4 models in 2023 with 1 being a facelift while the other 3 will be all-new models. According to the company, it has also set a sales forecast of 80,000 vehicles and a target of 12.3% market share.

One of the all-new models coming soon will be the WR-V, Honda’s first small SUV. Its official introduction is planned for the 3rd quarter of 2023 and will make Honda Malaysia the first Japanese mass market manufacturer to enter the Small SUV segment. Already available in several ASEAN markets, the WR-V is targetted at active and young professionals and families. If the Malaysian version doesn’t stray from its neighbours’ then it will be powered by a 1.5L iVTEC engine paired with a CVT, offering 121 PS and 145 Nm. 

“2023 marks a great milestone for us as Honda celebrates its 75th anniversary. Continuing the Challenging Spirit that is ingrained in us since the Company’s founding, Honda Malaysia strives to accelerate our momentum this year through new model launches and marketing activities. To further strengthen the core identity and brand presence in the industry, we focus on leveraging three key pillars for our models, which are Advanced Technology, Premium Offerings and Sporty Appeal. The combination of these three key pillars will make the upcoming Honda models even more unique in the market and elevate their status in their respective segments,” said Honda Malaysia President & Chief Operating Officer Mr. Sarly Adle Sarkum. “In addition, Honda Malaysia will further strengthen our hybrid technology in the Malaysian market. We were the pioneer in introducing hybrid technology in this country 19 years ago. The technology has evolved significantly since, starting with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) to Sport Hybrid i-DCD, and now we have taken a step further with e:HEV technology.”

“Electrification is the global trend and future of mobility for the automotive industry. As such, Honda is also stepping up its electric vehicle (EV) development efforts progressively. Honda believes that the hybrid technology is the right approach at this point of time, particularly in Malaysia. We want to ensure Malaysians’ needs are being fulfilled with the most practical and relevant technologies before fully adopting EVs,” he added.

Furthermore, to improve customer experience, Honda Malaysia will introduce 2S (Service and Spare Parts) Pit Stops and promote its aftersales activities to fulfill the demand from current and potential customers. The company will also be enhancing its Honda CONNECT system which includes Safety, Security and Convenience features. Honda CONNECT will be introduced for other models in addition to the City RS, City Hatchback RS, Civic RS, Civic e:HEV RS and HR-V e:HEV RS, to enable more customers to experience a variety of functions available on the system.

Additionally, the HondaTouch platform will be upgraded to enhance the seamless experience for Honda customers by making it more convenient and accessible. This is part of Honda Malaysia’s effort to step up Honda customers’ digital journey and encourage more sustainable practices.

In 2022, Honda Malaysia sold 80,290 vehicles, a 51% increase from the total sales in 2021. The total sales represented 11.1% of the Total Industry Volume (TIV) in 2022. The company also retained its No. 1 position in the Non-National Passenger Vehicle Segment for the 9th consecutive year.

On a side note, Honda Malaysia emphasised that it is doing its best to fulfil all the bookings and ensure timely delivery for the new models despite the global semiconductor shortage.