With the next-generation Honda Fit, the Japanese automaker will be stepping this up a little bit by using a regional r&d strategy instead of a one-size fits-all approach.

According to Japan’s Nikkei business daily, Honda is planning a crossover that will be built on the Fit platform. The move is expected to help it sell more than 1 million vehicles off the new platform. The crossover will be sold in the United States and Europe with a global sales volume of 400,000 units.

The U.S. version of the Fit crossover will be built at a new Mexico plant that the automaker plans to open in 2014.

On a global basis, Honda currently makes 800,000 vehicles on the Fit platform.

The redesigned Honda Fit is scheduled to debut next year.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoNews