BEIJING-Honda is continuing to develop the first-ever new brand by a foreign carmaker designed specifically for China with its local partner, but when it will go on sale remains a mystery.

"Development of our new brand Everus is well underway as scheduled, but when it will hit the China market is not yet clear," said Kanayama Hironori, president of Guangqi Honda Automobile Co on Friday at the Beijing auto show.

Some media reports earlier said the Everus would be in showrooms by the end of the year.