(December 4, 2010) BANGKOK, Thailand — Honda has debuted a prototype of the Honda BRIO, the new small-sized vehicle developed for Asian markets and scheduled to be introduced in Thailand and India in 2011.

Honda BRIO prototype is being developed with Honda’s advanced technologies, while further advancing Honda’s “man maximum, machine minimum” concept.

Being developed as a commuter for easy use in urban areas, the Honda BRIO prototype adopts a compact body — 142 inches in length — while ensuring enough cabin space achieved by highly efficient packaging. With this vehicle, Honda pursued the creation of an advanced exterior form, which is compact while asserting a strong presence.

For the mass-production model, which will be an entry-level car, Honda will develop unique versions for Thailand and India to reflect different customer needs in those markets. Moreover, with this vehicle, Honda will leverage the resources Honda has cultivated through its motorcycle business and utilize local sourcing of parts and materials such as sheet steel.

For the Thai model that is scheduled to be introduced in March 2011, the fuel economy of about 47 mpg will be targeted so that the vehicle will qualify as an eco-car by the Thai government, and a starting price of approximately $13,300 will be targeted as well.

For the Indian model that is scheduled to be introduced within 2011, local customer needs for a small car will be reflected and local content will be increased to create a model that achieves a good balance between vehicle performance and price.