American Honda Posts 10th Consecutive Year of Record Sales in '06 [1.3.7]

[T Mac]

American Honda Posts 10th Consecutive Year of Record Sales in 2006
Increased Civic and CR-V sales help propel Honda to its best sales year ever

Torrance, Calif. 01/03/2007 --

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today announced all-time record sales results for the 10th consecutive year. Sales from both Honda and Acura Divisions totaled 1,509,358 and pushed American Honda annual sales up 3.5 percent based on the daily selling rate*. The results also mark the company's 13th consecutive year-over-year sales increase. American Honda December sales totaled 131,778 vehicles, up 3.0 percent for the month based on the daily selling rate.

2006 American Honda sales highlights:

• All-time record total vehicle sales of 1,509,358 (up 3.5 percent)
• 10th consecutive yearly sales record
• 13th consecutive year-over-year annual sales increase
• All-time record light truck sales of 665,408 (up 6.9 percent)
• Individual vehicle sales records for Honda CR-V, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline and Acura TSX

"American Honda's ten consecutive years of record sales are consistent with our strategy to build long-term, sustainable and steady growth," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "In this year of record fuel prices, Honda has benefited from its position as the most fuel-efficient car company in America**."

Honda Division posted its 13th consecutive year-over-year sales increase, up 4.8 percent in 2006 to 1,308,135 vehicles. Civic sales increased 3.0 percent to 316,638. Light-truck sales of 602,123 increased 6.6 percent, setting a fifth consecutive all-time record. Odyssey annual sales of 177,919 increased 2.4 percent and set an eighth consecutive all-time record. CR-V annual sales of 170,028 increased 13.6 percent to 170,028. CR-V December sales of 17,439, up 29.8 percent, set a monthly sales record.

"Honda light-truck models are more competitive than ever," said Colliver. "Consumers who compare safety ratings, fuel economy and comfort and convenience features are finding much to like in our lineup."

Civic Hybrid sales are up 21.2 percent to 31,253 for the calendar year and sales of all Honda hybrid vehicles (Civic Hybrid, Accord Hybrid and Insight) totaled 37,573 vehicles.

2006 Honda Division sales highlights:

• 11th consecutive all-time record Honda Division sales of 1,308,135 (up 4.8 percent)
• 13th consecutive year-over-year sales increase
• Fifth consecutive year of record light-truck sales at 602,123 (up 6.6 percent)
• Record full-year sales of CR-V, Odyssey, Pilot and Ridgeline

With record sales of the TSX performance sedan, the Acura Division posted a result of 201,223 for the calendar year and broke the 200,000-unit mark for the second consecutive year. Acura light-truck sales rose 9.6 percent in 2006 on a sales-weighted basis, to 63,285. Acura posted record December sales for light trucks of 8,674, up 63.1 percent.

*The daily selling rate is calculated with 306 days for 2006, versus 307 for 2005. December, 2006 included 26 selling days compared to 27 for December, 2005.
**Based on model year 2005 CAFE average fuel economy ratings and weighted sales for passenger-car and light truck fleets sold in the U.S. by major manufacturers.

[CT RIDGELINE FAN]

Well it looks like they hit their goal of selling at least 50,000 Ridges.