Honda's January Sales Down 27.9%
Honda reported in with their sad sales numbers with unadjusted monthly sales down 27.9 percent. Fit sales were steady, up 5.9 percent. Accord and Civic took drubbings of minus 31 and minus 32 percent respectively, with the Civic Hybrid down 62 percent. Light truck sales were down 27 percent with the Odyssey minivan trailing an unusually heavy 38 percent hit. (The number one selling minivan nameplate just took a back seat to the rebate-stuffed Toyota Sienna.) Over on the Acura side, TSX buyers ignored TTAC reviews and sent sales up 16 percent, which comes out to a little over 300 cars. The more expensive numb-feeling, shovel-nosed sedan, the TL, was down 40 percent. The Acura CUVs got similarly neglected, down 46 percent. Needless to say, Honda’s management team is on the case. Well, someone’s case.
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To me, Honda Accord has meant "smart fuel-efficient mid-sized car." As mentioned, the paradigm of what a mid-size car has grown over the years (at least in the U.S., as you can see by comparing our Accord to the Euro accord aka Acura TSX). Of course, the growth in engine cylinder count and horsepower has been enormous over the past 20 years as well. I had a rental Accord a few months back (4 cyl. auto) and thought the engine was more than adequate for my needs and was nice and quiet. When did we decide that our family cars require 250+ horsepower? I think my '87 LXi had 120 hp but weighed substantially less... again, about the size and performance of today's Civic I would imagine. As for the Astra, it was a real disappointment to me. The interior was very plain as is he exterior of the 5-door model (usually my body style of choice). Also, the car is quite heavy and felt sluggish even with a manual transmission. Worse, the price seemed high and the fuel economy actually slightly worse (!?) on the freeway than the larger Aura 4-cyl/5-speed auto sitting next to it on the lot. No wonder it has been a sales flop.
Mark MacInnis I think Britain's civic type R is based off of the Fit already, but I like your idea of making the change span the entire model line. Sell the Fit as a hatchwagon, the civic as a coupe/sedan and the insight as a hybrid. Hopefully they could save enough money on the platform sharing to make the Insight the luxury car that it's transmission demands (I'm really trying to be charitable about the CVT thing, because really they should burn them all).
I think it's very interesting on what's going on with the card industry and with Honda from what we here is struggling in the industry. I myself have been looking for a job and just got an offer through Career Builders with Honda interested in me for an interview next week. I have pasted a copy of the email below. Whoever reads this email you decided for yourself on what to believe. From what they claim business is booming???? ---------------------------------------------------- Congratulations! We have reviewed your online resume and we like what we see. You are invited to interview with Honda of Ocala for a position as a Sales Representative. Interviews will be at the dealership on: Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, Feb 9th, 10th, or 11th, between 10 am and 5 pm. Please view the information below and contact me by email to schedule your interview. Honda has a great lineup of fuel efficient cars and trucks, including hybrids, which are the hottest vehicles in the marketplace. This strong brand of fuel efficient autos, is highly respected as the industry leader in today’s automotive market. While others in our industry may be cutting back, Honda of Ocala needs additional associates to handle their sales traffic. New management has created an exciting environment at our store, with special events and a tremendous advertising campaign. The sales team is expanding to handle additional business. Our goal is to provide customers with an excellent purchase and ownership experience. Our friendly and courteous sales staff makes car and truck buying fun. This creates the perfect place to begin a new career in the fast-paced and rewarding auto industry. Honda of Ocala is seeking enthusiastic, self-motivated individuals to join our team working in the New and Pre-owned Sales Department. You bring a great attitude and we will provide you with the best training in the area to help you get off to a great start in your new career. Our new sales associate expected first year earnings is $40,000 to $60,000, with a generous pay plan that includes salary plus commission, bonus, and manufacturer incentive compensation. Previous experience in one of the following is a plus, but not required: • Sales/ Customer Service • Retail/ Hospitality • Finance/ Internet Sales • Management/ Marketing Honda of Ocala offers: Salary while you learn your new profession Extensive training program Full benefit package with Medical and Dental plan choices, 401K and more Employee Discount Purchase Program for you and your family Paid Vacation A great place to work with advancement opportunity • FULL PAID TRAINING PROVIDED • PLEASE NO PHONE CALLS TO THE DEALERSHIP • PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS ATTIRE IS REQUESTED • NO EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED INTERVIEW LOCATION: Honda of Ocala 1800 SW College Rd. Ocala, Fl 34472 www.google.com/map Rosie Moore Human Resources Manager Sales Staff Solutions Inc. interview@salesstaffsolutions.com