LOS ANGELES -- Honda’s upcoming crossover vehicle based on the Fit subcompact hatchback likely will be named HR-V.
In filings with the U.S. Patent and Trademark offices, Honda recently filed for a trademark for the name. The company also recently showed the vehicle to dealers and called it HR-V, according to Temple of VTEC, a popular Web site for Honda enthusiasts.
Honda typically doesn't comment about future product news. A company spokesman, when asked today about the Fit-based crossover's name, said: "Stay tuned."
Using the HR-V nameplate would not be new for Honda. The automaker sold a subcompact crossover by that name in the European market from 1999 to 2006. As the new Fit platform is global, this would allow Honda to leverage the vehicle’s name recognition in the European market. However, the vehicle will be called Vezel in Japan.
The HR-V will be assembled at Honda’s Celaya, Mexico, plant for the North American market. Between the Fit and HR-V, the plant can build 200,000 vehicles.
