American Honda Records Best-Ever November Sales [12.1.6]

[T Mac]

American Honda Records Best-Ever November Sales
CR-V posts its third consecutive month of record sales

TORRANCE, Calif. 12/01/2006 --

Total American Honda Motor Co., Inc., November vehicle sales increased 0.6 percent over last year to 106,446, breaking the previous November record of 105,860 set in 2005, the company announced today. Supported by a 51.1 percent increase in Honda CR-V sales and a 66.8 percent increase in Acura MDX sales, American Honda's light truck sales are up 8.1 percent for the month. Year-to-date total vehicle sales continue on a record-setting pace of 1,377,580 cars and light trucks, increasing 3.6 percent over last year and putting the company in line for a 13th straight year of sales increases.

"Our all-new light truck products are off to a strong start" said Richard Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The 2007 Honda CR-V has set a record every month since its introduction in September and the all-new 2007 Acura MDX posted its second best month ever."

The Honda Division reported November sales of 89,246, down 3.0 percent from last year's all-time record November. Year-to-date, Honda Division sales are up 5.0 percent to 1,195,413 as Odyssey, Pilot, Civic, Ridgeline and CR-V have all achieved year-to-date increases. For November, record Honda CR-V sales totaled 16,242 and the popular Civic Hybrid model posted a record of 2,208 units, up 6.0 percent.

The Acura Division posted record November sales of 17,200 vehicles, highlighted by record November sales of the TSX sports sedan and the MDX luxury SUV with 2,463 units and 6,086 units sold respectively.

For more information and downloadable high-resolution images of Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.honda.com.

[Ridgetalker]

If I am reading the chart correctly, it looks like Ridgeline sales are up for the year but down for the month. I did see a new Ridgeline commercial on television over the weekend. I'd like to see sales really pick up but I guess that may not happen.

[Lingered_I]

Don't forget that 2005 wasn't a full year for the Ridge. They sold 4500 per month in 2005 (March to November), versus 4140 per month in 2006 (January to November). I think they need more marketing. Talking of which - a cool Nissan commercial - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InF9FLp7cYM

[mrlizzzard]

I think they need heated seats and mirrors and rear window defog,DRL's and about 6MPG's.

[Ridgetalker]

Originally Posted by Lingered_I

Don't forget that 2005 wasn't a full year for the Ridge. They sold 4500 per month in 2005 (March to November), versus 4140 per month in 2006 (January to November). I think they need more marketing. Talking of which - a cool Nissan commercial - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InF9FLp7cYM

Good point. The Ridgeline is an awesome all around everyday vehicle. With better marketing I think it would sell much better. It just doesn't seem like Honda is doing a good job of getting the word out. I see Pilots everywhere but rarely do I see another Ridgeline. When I do, I flash my lights and give a thumbs up!!!

[MoosePond]

What I read from these numbers is that there's a "leftover" national inventory from last month of about 1,750 Ridgelines which is great news for anyone looking to buy at this particular time. Can you spell "Let's Make A Deal?"

There is no question that the RL is a great truck but Honda is not doing a terrific job of promoting it. For example, drove past my largest local dealer the other day and he had one of every current model on his showroom floor except the Ridgeline and the S2000. He had about a dozen RLs on the lot (back row) but not a single one displayed where folks might notice them.

[3Lions]

Hey T mac - any numbers/sales for Canada available? Marketing has been good here but Ridges are still not moving off the dealership floors too quickly - won't put me off though - making the big move/deal in January !!!