Automotive company Dongfeng Honda reveals new electric vehicle brand, Lingxi; initial model set to debut in 2024.
In a significant move towards electrification, Dongfeng Honda, the joint venture between Honda and Dongfeng Motor, has unveiled a new energy vehicle (NEV) brand called Lingxi in China. The brand, which was unveiled at an event last night, is aimed at younger consumers and priced separately from Honda's all-electric e:NS range.
The Lingxi L, a 5-seater fastback electric vehicle, was introduced as the first model from the Lingxi brand. The vehicle boasts a battery capacity of 60 kWh, an electric engine output of 218 PS, and a CLTC battery range of about 520 km. Pricing begins at approximately $18,000 USD FOB, making it competitively priced in the market segment it targets.
The Lingxi brand is part of Dongfeng Honda's strategy to advance the electrification transition. By 2025, more than 50 percent of products from Dongfeng Honda will be electrified, with a cumulative total of over 10 all-electric models to be launched by 2030.
Dongfeng Honda's vice president, Pan Jianxin, stated that the Lingxi brand is a new effort in the new joint venture era. The company's franchise stores have been upgraded to brand experience centers to reflect this new direction.
However, specific current sales performance metrics for Lingxi have not been publicly disclosed in accessible sources. The sales performance of the e:NS1, another electric vehicle from Dongfeng Honda, has been sluggish, with monthly sales of less than 200 units in April-June and 611 units in August.
Despite the lack of concrete sales figures for Lingxi, social media posts indicate positive reception for the Lingxi L in terms of product features. The vehicle has been highlighted as a remarkable electric vehicle, suggesting a promising start for the brand.
Meanwhile, Honda China's sales figures show a decline. In August, the company sold 102,257 vehicles, up 14.01 percent from July, but down 25.10 percent year-on-year. The company also announced that it has started exporting cars from China for the first time.
As Dongfeng Honda continues to push forward with its electrification strategy, the success of the Lingxi brand will be a key indicator of the company's ability to compete in the rapidly growing electric vehicle market in China.
- Dongfeng Honda's new energy vehicle brand, Lingxi, introduced a 5-seater fastback electric vehicle named Lingxi L.
- The Lingxi L comes with a 60 kWh battery, a 218 PS electric engine, and offers a CLTC battery range of around 520 km.
- Priced at approximately $18,000 USD FOB, the Lingxi L competes in the targeted market segment, offering affordability alongside innovation.
- The manufacturing giant, Dongfeng Honda, seeks to increase its electrified products to over 50% by 2025 and launch over 10 all-electric models by 2030.
- Dongfeng Honda's Vice President, Pan Jianxin, mentioned that the Lingxi brand signifies a new initiative in the joint venture era.
- While specific sales data for Lingxi has not been disclosed, consumer reception on social media appears to be positive, highlighting the Lingxi L's features as remarkable.
- On the contrary, Honda China's overall sales figures show a decline, with year-on-year sales down 25.10 percent in August despite an increase from the previous month.
- As Dongfeng Honda progresses with its electrification strategy, the performance of the Lingxi brand will play a crucial role in the company's competitiveness within the rapidly expanding electric vehicle market in China.
