Canadian Acura/Honda April 2012 Sales

Combined April sales of 12,800 units by the Honda and Acura divisions of Honda Canada Inc. represented a 4% increase over last year's sales.  The Honda Automobile Division reported March sales of 11,303 units, up 4% from last year, led by strong sales of Honda Civic (up 15%) and CR-V (up 6%).  The Acura Division reported April sales of 1,497 units, up 10% over last year, with increased sales of Acura RDX (up 76%) and TSX (up 35%).

"We are pleased to see a great sales start of the all-new 2013 Acura RDX compact luxury SUV, which went on-sale last month," said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president, Honda Canada Inc. "The vehicle is more powerful, roomier, quieter and has improved fuel efficiency, and these features are what customers in the luxury SUV market expect."

"Canadian built Honda Civic and CR-V have shown a steady sales increase in April. Both vehicles are designed to provide Canadian customers with best in-class value. And we would like to thank Canadians for continuing to embrace the Civic, keeping it as the leader in its segment year-to-date," added Chenkin.

Honda Canada has sold approximately 3.5 million Honda and Acura passenger cars and light-duty trucks in Canadasince 1973.  Of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada in April, 96% were produced at the company's assembly plants in North America, up 1% from same month last year.

Read more »

American Acura/Honda April 2012 Sales

American Honda today reported April 2012 U.S. sales of 122,012 units, an increase of 10 percent based on the daily selling rate. The Honda division posted April 2012 sales of 109,837, an increase of 9.2 percent compared to April 2011. Acura's U.S. April sales of 12,175 were up 18 percent compared to April 2011. 

Honda 
- Honda Accord sales up more than 40 percent compared to April 2011, demonstrating the strength of Accord, even as an all-new version is set to debut this fall. 

- New April sales record for CR-V. Accord, CR-V, Odyssey and Ridgeline all post double-digit percentage sales gains compared to last year. 

- Honda Civic Hybrid sales up more than 600 percent on heightened fuel-price sensitivity. 

"With double-digit sales growth in April, the Accord continues to be the retail sales leader in the mid-size segment," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. "As other manufacturers resort to fleet sales, the quality and value of the Honda Accord continues to win new customers even as we prepare to launch an all-new model this fall." 

Acura 
- 2013 Acura RDX is fast out of the gate, with sales of the all-new SUV up more than 65 percent compared to same period last year. 

- All core Acura models (TL, TSX, RDX and MDX) post double-digit increases compared to 2011, while MDX remains Acura's best selling model. 

- The all-new ILX compact luxury sedan goes on sale May 22. 

"We're delighted to see customers embrace the right-sized 2013 Acura RDX," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "It's great to see so many new owners recognizing the remarkable combination of class-leading fuel economy, performance and luxury in our new SUV." 

Read more »

BREAKING NEWS: Honda to Unveil 2 Concepts in China

This may be the Accord Sedan Concept that Honda is debuting in Beijing on April 23rd

This may be the Asian/Australian Honda Odyssey Concept that Honda is debuting in Beijing on April 23rd

Honda is set to unveil two major vehicles in Beijing, China. These two vehicles are part of Honda's grandiose revitalization for the brand in China as it prepares to launch 10 new and full-model-change vehicles from 2013-2015. Honda wants to double its 2011 sales by 2015. Honda is now committed to equipping every model sold in China by 2015 with its patented Earth Dreams Technology and as a result, each of its new models will be tops in fuel efficiency and performance. As part of its revitalization, Honda will be unveiling the CR-Z, Insight and Fit Hybrid to Chinese consumers with preparations of building local plants in China to produce these hybrids and reduce shipping costs. 

Acura China will also benefit from this announcement with the new NSX to be launched in China along with the introduction of the ILX, RDX and RLX models to Chinese consumers. Acura will also specifically equip local Chinese vehicles with smaller engines where the demand continues to grow for fuel-efficient and small engines. All Acura engines will be revamped by the end of 2015 to bring the latest advanced technologies to Chinese consumers. 

Along with enhancing current products, Honda is also looking at establishing a Honda design studio in China. This studio will be able to strengthen Honda China and enable Honda China to produce local products that exceed the expectations of customers in China. And of course, Honda is also looking at ways of incorporating local supplies and parts/components into its Chinese vehicles to increase cost competitiveness and increase its support of local industries. Some of this will be achieved with Dongfeng Honda's second plant to be utilized by July 2012. Meanwhile, Guangqi Honda is set to expand its operations into a third line and is aiming for production on this line by 2014. 

Of course, a revitalization isn't without word-of-mouth and Honda will begin a new brand communication campaign in China with the tag line meaning "a new future will be carved out when Honda takes new actions together with its customers." Acura's new tagline will suggest that Acura vehicles put the central focus onto customers and will provide each customer with the joy of becoming one with the vehicle and the freedom of maneuvering at the will of the driver. Acura will put the focus onto the customers and strengthen their already well-established customer service by providing specialized services. 

Acura China and Honda China's revitalization begins with the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition which starts April 23, 2012 to the press, April 27 to the public until its closing on May 2, 2012. 

Read more »