GUANGZHOU, China, April 21,2008 - Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., a Honda automobile production and sales joint venture in China, today revealed the name of its new proprietary car brand (Li Nian), that will begin selling products in 2010, and debuted the Li Nian Concept, a concept car that indicates the direction of the brand. Both announcements came at the 2008 Beijing International Automotive Industry Exhibition (Auto China 2008) which is held April 20 through 29, 2008.

Guangzhou Honda conceived the name for its proprietary brand, Li Nian, based on a desire to create a brand that will continue pursuing lofty ideals with a challenging spirit. While receiving support from Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in Japan, Guangzhou Honda will take the initiative to develop Li Nian brand products that embody more of the specific needs of Chinese customers. The Li Nian brand products will be sold through the Guangzhou Honda sales network. Honda became the first foreign automaker in China to develop products under an original brand of a local venture company.

The design of the Li Nian Concept represents the automobile's challenge to realize a dream-inspiring future, and reflects the image of a dynamic, stylish, and high-quality life for a new generation. Both the styling and engineering design for the Li Nian Concept were completed by Guangzhou Honda Automobile Research & Development Co., Ltd. (GHRD) which was established in 2007.

At the Auto China 2008, Guangzhou Honda also announced its plan to begin sales of the all-new Fit before the end of the year.


* LiNan is the pronunciation of the Chinese brand name, therefore it will not appear on any product and it is included here for reference only.


Overview of automobiles to be displayed at Auto China 2008.
Honda booth
- Li Nian Concept - a propietary brand.
- FCX Clarity
- CR-Z
- All-new Accord and other production vehicles

Acura booth
- MMC RL *Sales in China are scheduled to begin in second half of 2008
- MDX
- TL



Editorial Note:
TOV interface doesn't allow me to post Chinese characters, but as stated in the news release, "LiNian" is only a roman character transcription of the brand's name, and will never be used.
Although I'm not 100% sure, I believe the English meaning is "Idea".

Last edited by JeffX on April 21, 2008 07:53