Dongfeng-Honda first sub-brand model to be called DB1

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Dongfeng and Honda are working together on a new sub-brand, we have learned that their first car will be based on the current Honda Civic in China which is the eighth generation, the ninth generation is expected to hit the market in China in early 2012 and will likely be on show at the Beijing Auto Show next year.

Honda have already set up a sub-brand with its partner at Guangzhou Auto which has been named Everus, but Honda are readying another brand with its partner Dongfeng to recycle its older models for emerging markets in inland Chinese cities where consumers often lack the cash to buy high end models from joint venture companies but do aspire to own a foreign brand, these sub-brands are a suitable half way bridge between local Chinese brands and foreign brands for many potential consumers.

The first Dongfeng-Honda model will be a Civic based model called the DB1, its unclear if Dongfeng-Honda will get 9 models into the line up to make the DB9, but its unlikely that they will follow the DB naming series once production begins. The Chinese auto press are estimating that the DB1 will be priced from 100,000rmb to 140,000rmb when it finally launches in early 2012.