Intro: Between 1985-1997 the Guangzhou Peugeot Auto Corporation produced various models of the French company in the workshop of the old Guangzhou Auto Works. After Peugeot backed out, worried by the increasing losses Honda took over the company. This was the first Chinese joint venture of the Japanese company, soon to be followed another with Dongfeng on manufacturing engines and from 2004 assembling automobiles as well.
Pilot production started at Guangzhou in 1999, full scale in 2000. The first vehicle from the line was the Honda Accord, in 2.0-litre version. Later 2.3-litre and 3-litre V6 versions followed.
By 2004 sedan and hatchback versions of the Fit and the Odyssey MPV have also been added to the local portfolio. In March, 2005 production of the latest Odyssey commenced at the plant. Later in 2005 first batch of Jazz hatchbacks, slated for export to Europe were built in a new plant. |
