Honda concept dials M for minivan [w/video]

Sat, 20 Apr 2013

Yes, it looks a bit, uh, toothy, but what you see here is a concept that previews a brand new small MPV specifically designed for the Chinese market. Called the Concept M, the swoopy Honda was designed in Japan and the automaker is currently aiming to launch a production version in China sometime in 2014.

Honda hasn't released many details about its small van concept, simply saying that it "offers the attributes of a passenger car while adding new value through the realization of a comfortable and spacious cabin space made possible by Honda's packaging technologies, and the fun of driving." Doesn't sound too bad to us.

Have a glance at the Concept M in the gallery above (full disclosure: we don't have live shots of this one), and take a look below for the official press blast direct from the MPV's Shanghai debut, as well as a promotional video showing the new concept from all angles. Oh, and be sure to turn your volume down before pushing the play button.

Introducing the "Concept M" new-value MPV concept model

The Concept M is a concept vehicle for the MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) segment developed mainly for Chinese market. Currently, commercial vehicles account for the majority of the MPV market in China. To such an MPV market, Honda will introduce a new-value vehicle that offers the attributes of a passenger car while adding new value through the realization of a comfortable and spacious cabin space made possible by Honda's packaging technologies, and the fun of driving. The Concept M was designed by the design studio at the Automobile R&D Center of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in Japan. Honda is making progress in the development of a mass-production vehicle based on this concept model aiming for market introduction next year.

By Steven J. Ewing