Honda Business Brief

1. Honda Sets All-Time Record for Worldwide Auto Production for Any Month and Achieves

Continued Growth Across Europe For the month of October, Honda announced that worldwide auto production experienced a year-on-year increase for the 27th month (since August 2005); this was also an all-time record for any month. Production in Europe increased 88.9% for the month of October to 26,141 units. For the period of January to October 2007, production in Europe increased by 25.6% to 197,210 units, compared with the same period last year. According to the ACEA, Honda has achieved the highest growth in Europe of all car manufacturers operating in this market for the period of January to October 2007, with an increase of 14.2% to a record 272,603 cars compared with the same period in 2006. Honda's market share for this period has increased from 1.8% in 2006 to 2.0% in 2007. http://www.world.honda.com/news/2007/c071127Automobile-Sales/

2. Honda Debuts All-New FCX Clarity Advanced Fuel Cell Vehicle
Honda unveiled the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show, announcing plans to begin limited retail marketing of the vehicle in the US, starting summer 2008. The FCX Clarity is a next-generation, zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle featuring tremendous improvements to driving range, power, weight and efficiency - and boasting a low-slung, dynamic and sophisticated appearance, previously unachievable in a fuel cell vehicle. The FCX Clarity marks the significant progress Honda continues to make in advancing the real-world performance and appeal of the hydrogen-powered fuel cell car. Honda plans to lease the FCX Clarity to a limited number of retail customers in Southern California with the first deliveries taking place in summer 2008. http://world.honda.com/news/2007/4071114All-New-FCX/

3. One Million Civics produced at Honda in Swindon Honda of the UK Manufacturing Limited (HUM) is celebrating a major milestone with the production of the millionth Swindon-built Civic. Civic production in the UK began on September 19, 1994 and in that first year just 6,652 Civics were produced; this year, HUM will produce 138,792 Civic cars. Over the past 12 months, annual production capacity has grown from 190,000 to 250,000 cars. This is due to increasing demand for the Civic 3-door and 5-door models and the latest CR-V - all built at Swindon and exported to over 60 countries. Honda has invested £1.38billion in Swindon and now employs 5,000 associates at the factory. http://world.honda.com/news/2007/4071109One-Million-Civics/

4. Honda Soltec Commemorates Opening of Solar Cell Production Plant Honda Soltec Co., Ltd., Honda's wholly-owned solar cell subsidiary, recently commemorated the opening of its solar cell production plant with a ceremony attended by approximately 80 dignitaries, guests and Honda officials. Honda Soltec was established in December 2006 with its headquarters in the Kumamoto prefecture. It has a capital investment of 4 billion yen, employs 150 associates and began mass production of solar cells in October this year. Annual production will reach full capacity of 27.5 megawatts (an equivalent amount of electricity to power approximately 9,000 houses) by spring 2008. http://world.honda.com/news/2007/c071112Honda-Soltec/

5. Honda Introduces Experimental Home Energy Station IV
Honda announced that it has begun using the Home Energy Station IV at its Honda R&D facility in Torrance, California. This fourth-generation experimental unit is designed to provide fuel for a hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle, as well as heat and electricity for a home. The new system is more compact and efficient, with a lower operating cost than previous models. The announcement coincides with the world debut of the all-new FCX Clarity hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show. http://world.honda.com/news/2007/4071114Experimental-Home-Energy-Station/

6. Honda Introduces a World-Debut Concept Vehicle at 2007 SEMA Show
More than 17 Honda project and concept vehicles were recently displayed at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association's (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. Making its world debut, the Honda Accord Coupe HF-S Concept represents a radical vision for customizing the all-new Accord's design and performance through stylish and functional modifications. The 2008 Accord Coupe equipped with dealer-installed Honda Factory PerformanceTM (HFPTM) components melds a distinctive, custom appearance with an enhanced level of handling performance. In addition to the Accords on display, fifteen more unique vehicles were displayed in the Honda booth, including the all-new S2000 CR and the recently introduced Civic Mugen Si Sedan. Enhancing the S2000's performance potential, the S2000 CR introduces more track-oriented suspension settings, aerodynamic-enhancing bodywork, a removable hardtop, higher rigidity and reduced weight. http://world.honda.com/news/2007/4071030SEMA-Show/

7. Honda's First U.S. Auto Plant Celebrates 25 Years of Production
Honda was the first Japanese automobile manufacturer in America and has recently celebrated 25 years of production at its Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio. Another milestone will also be reached this month with the production of the plant's nine-millionth vehicle. The Honda Accord was the plant's first vehicle in 1982 and remains its core product, with the recent launch of the eighth-generation Accord. Initially producing 160 vehicles in two months, the plant now has 5,300 associates and an annual capacity of 440,000 vehicles. Today, Honda operates six auto plants in North America and a seventh, located in Indiana, will begin operations in autumn 2008. http://world.honda.com/news/2007/c071101US-Auto-Plant-Celebrates-25Years/

8. Honda Begins Construction of New Auto Plant in Argentina
Honda commemorated the start of construction of its new auto plant in Campana, Buenos Aires with an important ceremony this month. The guest of honour was Néstor Carlos Kirchner, the president of Argentina and joining him was Honda's chief operating officer for regional operations in South America, Sho Minekawa. The new automobile production plant is scheduled to begin operations in the second half of 2009, with an annual production capacity of 30,000 units. The total investment related to the establishment of the new plant is expected to be approximately US$100 million and it is expected to employ 800 new associates. http://www.world.honda.com/news/2007/c071115New-Auto-Plant-Argentina/

9. Honda Fit Awarded ‘Car of the Year 2007-2008' in Japan
The all-new Honda Fit has recently been chosen as Japan's Car of the Year - a coveted award, given annually by a 60-member panel consisting primarily of automotive journalists. Honda has won five of the last 10 Car of the Year awards, including one for the first-generation Fit in 2001.

10. Rally-Prepared Honda Civic Type R Makes GB Debut JAS Motorsport's Honda Civic Type R R3 recently made its gravel debut on the Wales Rally Great Britain, the final round of the 2007 World Rally Championship. The car proved its credentials on tarmac with a remarkable fifth overall on the Rallye du Valais in Switzerland, but the Rally GB is one of the most challenging gravel events that drivers face in the WRC. The R3 Type R complies with new FIA rally regulations. The class is for two-litre, two-wheel drive cars that have been built to a strict set of cost-effective criteria. The Civic Type R R3 is powered by a new Honda engine developed by JAS Motorsport in collaboration with Mugen.

Year-End Speech

The current fiscal year is the last year in the current 3-year mid-term which began in spring 2005. During the last three years, Honda focused on gaining a foothold for the future, and results of such efforts have begun to show in many areas.

Honda will further accelerate its effort to strengthen the core characteristics that make Honda unique in the areas of research and development, production, procurement, sales and marketing on a global basis, with a focus on the following three pillars:

Strengthening the foundation for global growth

Strengthening Honda's effort to reduce its environmental footprint
Accelerating efforts in Japan to strengthen the core characteristics that make Honda unique
1. Strengthening the foundation for global growth
Motorcycle

{Asia Oceania - Motorcycle}
2007 sales forecast: 9.5 million units (up 3% from 2006)
Honda's cumulative motorcycle production reached 20 million units in India (in January 2007), 15 million units in Thailand (in September 2007), and 20 million units in Indonesia (in November 2007).

India - The third motorcycle production plant of Hero Honda will begin operation in April 2008, adding annual production capacity of 500,000 units.

Vietnam - The second motorcycle plant with annual production capacity of 500,000 units will begin operation in the latter half of 2008.

With Honda's fuel injection (FI) and low friction engine technologies, Honda developed a 100cc class motorcycle engine which achieved a maximum 15 percent improvement in fuel economy, increased power output, and lower cost compared to a conventional engine. New models equipped with this engine will be introduced to countries in Asia starting in 2008.

{South America - Motorcycle}
2007 sales forecast: 1.53 million units (up 25% from 2006)
Peru - A new motorcycle plant with annual production capacity of 25,000 units began operation in October 2007.

Brazil - December 2007, the expansion of annual motorcycle production capacity in Brazil from the previous 1.35 million units to 1.5 million units has been completed. The production capacity is scheduled to be further expanded to 2 million units in early 2009.

Automobile

{North America - Automobile}

2007 U.S. sales forecast: 1.55 million units (up 3% from 2006)
2008 U.S. sales plan: 1.59 million units (up 3% from 2007)

Sales of the all-new Accord are off to a good start, while sales of Civic and Fit remain strong.
For cumulative sales from January through November 2007, CR-V and Odyssey were ranked as the best selling vehicles within each respective category.
Annual production capacity of Honda's auto plant in Mexico was expanded from the previous 30,000 units to 50,000 units in September 2007 concurrent with the start of CR-V production.
In fall 2008, Honda's total annual auto production capacity in North America will be 1.62 million units after a new auto plant in Indiana and a new auto engine plant in Canada begin production.
The prototype of the all-new Pilot will be introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2008.

{Europe - Automobile}

2007 sales forecast: 380,000 units (up 23% from 2006)
2008 sales plan: 420,000 units (up 11% from 2007)
Sales of Civic, CR-V, and diesel models remain strong, and sales in Russia and Central Europe have increased significantly.
In February 2007, production at the UK plant reached 250,000 units annually making full utilization of the plant's production capacity. With completion of capacity expansion at the plant in Turkey from the previous 30,000 units to 50,000 units, Honda's total annual auto production capacity in Europe will be 300,000 units at the beginning of 2008.
In the first half of 2008, the all-new Accord Sedan and Tourer will be introduced to the market. The mass production models will be introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008. The all-new Accord will be equipped with an i-DTEC engine, which complies with the Euro 5 emission standard expected to become effective in 2009.

{Asia Oceania - Automobile}

2007 sales forecast: 345,000 units (up 9% from 2006)
2008 sales plan: 415,000 units (up 20% from 2007)
India - By the end of December 2007, annual production capacity of the existing auto plant in India will be doubled from the current 50,000 units to 100,000 units. In July 2007, the construction of a new auto plant began (which is scheduled to become operational in 2009).
Thailand - Cumulative automobile production in Thailand reached the milestone of 1 million units in November 2007. Honda's local engine parts plant began operation in April 2007, and a plant which produces stamped body panel service parts began operation in September. In addition, Honda's second auto plant in Thailand will become operational in the latter half of 2008. Combined production capacity will be 240,000 units annually at its full capacity. Increased production in Thailand enables Honda to further strengthen its ability to offer products to the entire region.
The all-new Accord was introduced first in Thailand in November 2007, then will be introduced to the other countries in the region in 2008.

{South America - Automobile}

2007 sales forecast: 118,000 units (up 30% from 2006)
Brazil - At the end of July 2007, the annual production capacity of Honda's automobile plant in Brazil was expanded to 100,000 units. Honda decided to further expand the capacity up to 120,000 units by sometime around August 2008.
In addition to gasoline-base models, Civic and Fit models equipped with a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) system have been very popular since their introduction in 2006. To respond to increasing demand, Honda will increase the ratio of FFV models for both products.
Argentina - In November 2007, Honda began construction of a new automobile plant with annual production capacity of 30,000 units (with a plan to begin operation in the latter half of 2009). The new plant will play a key role in Honda's production network in South America along with the Honda auto plant in Brazil.

{China - Automobile}

2007 sales forecast: 420,000 units (up 29% from 2006)
2008 sales plan: 490,000 units (up 17% from 2007)
Sales of City, Civic, CR-V, Acura MDX continue to be strong. The export plant, Honda Automobile (China) Co., Ltd., which produces a product for European markets, began fully utilizing its annual production capacity of 50,000 units in April 2007. Honda's sales and production are growing steadily in China.
In March 2007, a new company which manufactures and supplies power train components such as transmissions began operation. Honda has been further increasing local content and improving cost competitiveness.
In late November 2007, Civic Hybrid sales began. At the beginning of 2008, Honda will introduce an all-new Accord, Honda's best selling model in China with annual sales of more than 100,000 units.

R&D Capabilities

In November 2007, Honda began the construction of a new R&D center in Sakura, Tochigi with the aim to further strengthen its R&D system and capabilities.
The new R&D center will have multiple test courses, which replicate various driving conditions ranging from high-speed driving to urban driving. Along with Honda's existing test courses, the Tochigi Proving Ground and Takasu Proving Ground, the new facility in Sakura will enable Honda to strengthen development of next-generation vehicles.
In addition to test courses, Honda decided to build a product development facility dedicated to the Acura brand within the new R&D center being constructed in Sakura with an aim to strengthen product development for the Acura brand.
In April 2006, Honda R&D launched a new organizational structure separating the product development functions for the Honda and Acura brands. With the addition of a dedicated development facility for the Acura brand, Honda R&D will further strengthen product development capabilities which clearly define the unique characteristics of each brand and accelerate product development that offers new value for the customer.
The overall size of the new R&D center in Sakura, including test courses, is expected to be approximately 2.3 million square meters (㎡). Honda should begin partial operation of this state-of-the-art and environmentally-responsible facility in 2009, with full operations in 2010. The related investment is expected to be approximately 48 billion yen.
The existing Automobile R&D Center in Tochigi will focus its efforts on further strengthening product development for the Honda brand and development of next-generation power plants including hybrid, diesel, and fuel cell power plants. By adding a new automobile R&D center, Honda will establish an R&D system and capability which enables Honda to continue creating new value and further advance its ability to create advanced technologies and products that represent the uniqueness of Honda.

Production

Motorcycle - A new Kumamoto motorcycle production plant will be completed in spring 2008. Honda will concentrate all domestic motorcycle production to Kumamoto with a target schedule by the end of 2009.
Automobile - Construction of a new engine plant in Ogawa and new auto plant in Yorii began in fall 2007 with a target to begin operations in 2009 and 2010, respectively.
In order to increase the attractiveness and competitiveness of its products, Honda will apply the latest technologies at these new motorcycle and automobile plants and establish high quality and high efficiency production systems. These plants will advance Honda's production systems and capabilities while being responsible for evolving such systems and capabilities to other Honda plants around the world.

Motorcycle and Automobile Business in Japan

{Motorcycle Business in Japan}

2007 sales forecast: 330,000 units (down 6% from 2006)
The installment of a fuel injection system to scooters sold in Japan is virtually completed. Honda Super Cub, which will celebrate its 50th year anniversary in 2008, was also advanced with installment of a fuel injection system in September 2007.
Honda's best selling light-weight motorcycle, FORZA, underwent a full model change in December 2007. A type of all-new FORZA equipped with an audio system will be introduced in spring 2008.
Honda's best selling small-size motorcycle, CB400 SUPER FOUR, now has enhanced product attractiveness with the installation of a fuel injection system in December 2007.
In addition, in spring 2008, Honda will introduce an automatic sports cruiser, DN-01, offering the joy of riding to more people. With this model, Honda will expand the attributes of FUN and bring a breath of fresh air to the motorcycle market.
As a result of Honda's effort to increase the number of "Honda Dream" dealerships, the network now has approximately 100 dealership sites. Honda will continue to strengthen the foundation of its motorcycle business and continue promoting the attractiveness of motorcycles.

{Automobile Business in Japan}

2007 sales forecast: 620,000 units (down 12% from 2006)
Sales of the all-new Fit is going strong, and it was ranked as the industry's best selling car for the month of November 2007. The cumulative sales of Fit in Japan, from the first generation model to the current model, exceeded 1 million units.
The introduction of a unified "Honda Cars" logo and identity as well as restructuring of the sales network in metropolitan areas are about to be completed. As a part of this effort to strengthen sales in metropolitan areas, the new structure of Honda Cars is being established with the enlargement of existing dealership locations and opening of new locations.
To further strengthen the Honda brand, all-new versions of four different vehicles will be introduced in Japan during 2008. Honda's goal is to expand sales by offering attractive products which bring more joys to customers.
With an aim to increase 2008 sales, Honda today debuts the all-new Inspire.
Inspire is a model based on the all-new Accord which was introduced and well received in North America since its introduction in September 2007.
The Accord is one of Honda's core global models with global sales of nearly 700,000 units annually in more than 160 countries, accounting for approximately 20% of Honda's global sales. Accord has always been packed with Honda's latest technologies and provided value beyond customers' expectations.
With the all-new fifth-generation Inspire, dynamic attraction as a sporty sedan and depth of quality as a high-end sedan was thoroughly pursued, in addition to the excellent basic performance of Accord.
All-new Inspire provides customers in various age groups who aspire to a high-end sedan with a joy of driving that is unique to Honda.
The size of the sedan market in Japan is approximately 600,000 units, however, it is still an important market which accounts for 20% of all new vehicle registrations.
Despite its increased value, the price of the all-new Inspire remains close to the price of the previous model, making it very attractive in the market for a sedan in this class.

CONFIRMED! 2010 Acura NSX

Honda has just confirmed that the second-generation Acura NSX will be produced. After waiting and waiting, this confirmation seems to be icing on the cake right? Well, there's more waiting to be done. Honda has revealed that the new NSX will debut sometime in 2010.

Unfortunately, the anticipated new NSX launch was expected this year at the Tokyo Auto Show but the NSX was absent on Honda's display this year.

Well, this certainly is longer than we had hoped for. But if it turns out alright, it'll certainly be worth the wait.

2008 Canadian Honda Odyssey Now Here!

This year, the 2008 Canadian Honda Odyssey receives the mid-model change and a new DX model specially for Canadians.

For more, visit the Honda Odyssey website @ http://www.honda.ca/HondaCA2006/Models/Odyssey/2008/default.asp?L=E

Canadian ECORebates

Honda Canada has successfully won a battle to get two of its cars, the Fit and Civic to be considered in Canada's ecoAuto Rebate Program. For 2008, 32 new models were added to this rebate program available to the citizens of Canada.

The program originally went into effect on March 20, 2007, allowing Canadians who purchase or lease new fuel-efficient vehicles to claim rebates from $1,000 to $2,000.

Last year, Honda's only vehicle on the list of fuel-efficient vehicles was the Civic Hybrid. This year, Honda has replaced the alternator on the Fit to make it just slightly more-efficent to make it through. The Civic has been slightly altered with low-rolling resistance tires, new chassis panels, a rear lip spoiler and new aerodynamic wheels for the DX-G model. The models available for the rebates are Fit and Civic models equipped with a manual transmission.

This year's complete list is available on the Transport Canada website.

Vehicles that qualify for the rebate include hybrid electric and highly energy-efficient vehicles, including:
new passenger cars that consume 6.5 litres per 100 kilometers or less
minivans, trucks and SUVs that consume 8.3 litres per 100 kilometres or less
vehicles equipped to operate on 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent gasoline that consume 13 litres per 100 kilometres or less.

2009 Honda Pilot

A prototype of the 2nd generation Honda Pilot will be unveiled in January 2008 at the Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS). The prototype will convey design features of the more boldly-styled, next-generation Pilot and will emphasize authentic SUV styling, clever interior packaging and advanced technologies for safety, fuel efficiency and convenience. The current-generation Pilot offers versatile eight-passenger seating and all-weather, medium-duty off-road capabilities while earning a distinctive reputation in the midsize SUV class for its refined handling and ride comfort. Among its numerous accolades, the Honda Pilot has earned Car and Driver magazine's prestigious "5Best Truck" award for six straight years (2002 thru 2007). Additional Honda vehicles to be on display at NAIAS include the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, introduced at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, and the CR-Z concept vehicle, introduced at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show. Limited retail marketing of the FCX Clarity will begin in summer 2008. The CR-Z is a next-generation lightweight sports car concept equipped with Honda's original gas-electric hybrid system.

2008 Honda CR-V and 2008 Honda S2000 Now On Sale!

The 2008 Canadian Honda CR-V is now on sale! The only changes are that the Dual Zone Climate Control System, 8-Way Power Driver's Seat with Power Lumbar Support and 270-watt AM/FM/6CD with 7 speakers including subwoofer are now standard on the EX-L trim.

For more information, go to http://www.honda.ca/HondaCA2006/Models/CR-V/2008/default.asp?L=E

The 2008 Canadian Honda S2000 is now on sale! The only changes this year are new 5-spoke alloy wheels. Unfortunately the U.S.-spec CR (Club Racer) trim is not available in Canada.

For more information go to http://www.honda.ca/HondaCA2006/Models/S2000/2008/default.asp?L=E

Dwindling Hybrid Tax Credits

As hybrids become more and more mainstream, consumer tax credits for buying hybrids and continuously dwindling away.

Before the end of this year, buyers of the Civic Hybrid will still get the tax credit of $2,100 and buys of the Accord Hybrid will still get the tax credit of $1,300. But in the new year, those credits will be cut exactly half off. The Civic hybrid will get a $1,050 tax credit, the Accord Hybrid will get a $650 tax credit. Worse yet, after July 1, 2008, they will be halved again, with the Civic Hybrid getting $525 tax credit and $325 tax credit for the Accord Hybrid.

The tax credits were established in hybrids' infancy. The reason, of course, was to encourage Americans to invest in relatively energy-efficient automobiles despite the premiums of up to several thousand dollars each that automakers charge for obtaining a hybrid powertrain versus a conventional one. But the legislation called for phasing out the tax credits once a company's hybrid sales reached 60,000 total units- an indicator of sufficient consumer interest to have established the vehicle in the market. Specifically, the law calls for a beginning of a phase-out in the second calendar quarter after the quarter in which the manufacturer sells its 60,000th hybrid or lean-burning-technology vehicle.

Honda Worldwide Sales

Honda Motor Co. has announced a summary of automobile production, Japan domestic sales, and export results for the month of October, including all-time records for any month for worldwide auto production and production in regions outside of Japan.

Due to a decrease in production for the domestic market, production in Japan experienced a year-on-year decrease for the second consecutive month (since September 2007). Production in regions outside of Japan experienced a year-on-year increase for the 27th consecutive month (since August 2005).

Worldwide production experienced a year-on-year increase for the 27th consecutive month (since August 2005). Honda sets an all-time record for any month for production in regions outside of Japan and worldwide production, as well as production in North America and Europe. The production in Asia and China marked an all-time record for the month of October.

In Japan, total domestic sales for the month of October experienced a year-on-year decline for the tenth consecutive month (since January 2007). New vehicle registrations in October experienced a year-on-year decline for the sixth consecutive month (since May 2007). Sales of mini-vehicles in October experienced a year-on-year decline for the eighth consecutive month (since March 2007).

The Fit was the industry’s third best-selling car among new vehicle registrations for the month of October, with sales of 8,336 units.

The Life was the industry’s sixth best-selling car among mini-vehicles for the month of October, with sales of 5,460 units. Zest was the industry’s ninth best-selling mini-vehicle with sales of 3,321 units.

Due mainly to an increase in exports to North America and Asia, total exports from Japan in October experienced a year-on-year increase for the fourth consecutive month.

2008 AJAC Winners

Canada's Automotive Journalists Association of Canada have named their 2008 AJAC category winners for the model year 2008. All the winners were voted out of "new" vehicles in their categories meaning that re-freshed or redesigned models were tested and awarded.

Honda had one car as a category winner out of the two categories it was featured in.

The 2008 category winners are:

Small Car: Saturn Astra
Family Car: Honda Accord EX Sedan
Luxury Car: Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Prestige Car Over $75,000: Audi R8
Sports/Performance Under $50,000: Mini Cooper S
Sports/Performance Over $50,000: Audi S5
Convertible: BMW 335i Cabriolet
Minivan: Hyundai Entourage
Pickup Truck: Chevrolet Silverado
SUV/CUV Under $35,000: Nissan Rogue
SUV/CUV $35,000 - $60,000: Saturn Vue
SUV/CUV Over $60,000: Buick Enclave
Most Coveted Vehicle: Audi R8

November Sales (Canada)

Honda Canada reported November sales of 13,676 units in both its Honda and Acura divisions. Combined sales were down 2.7% compared to last year.

The Honda division reported sales of 11,464 units down 6.4% compared to last November. Record incentives and haggling to the Ridgeline resulted in record sales for the half-ton pickup, with 511 units moving off the lot. The new 2008 Honda Accord sales were also strong, up 70% from last year, selling 2,117 units.

The Acura divison reported sales of 2,212 units up 22.9%. There were two Acura models receiving all-time records, the MDX which sold 880 units, up 65% and the RDX which sold 481 units.

Honda's Odyssey Minivan Best-Seller

Yes, that header is true.

According to the December issue of the Automotive News, the Odyssey van narrowly secured the Number One sales slot for minivans in the USA. This is the first time the Odyssey has actually taken the spot which has been held by Chrysler LLG's Dodge Caravan. Total Year-To-Date sales (158,139 Odysseys vs. 154,824 Caravans). For 2008, the Odyssey has also gone through a very quiet mid-cycle model change, but in a waning market its sales are only off 2.7% compared to 2006. Automotive News quotes an analyst who predicts that Chrysler will respond aggressively in December in hopes of regaining the top spot.

November Sales

American Honda Motors posted record November sales of 111,431 Honda and Acura vehicles, up 4.7%, surpassing the previous November 2006 record of 106,446, announced today. American Honda year-to-date sales increased 2.7% to 1,419,750.

Honda Division year-to-date sales increased 4.8% to 1,257,228. Honda Division posted record November sales of 98,521, up 10.4% compared to last year. November records for individual models included the CR-V with sales of 16,498, up 1.6%, and the Fit, with sales of 5,361, up 106.0% for the month. Sales of the all-new Accord increased 25.2% to 28,161. Sales of the Civic increased 24.8% to 25,141; the Civic Hybrid increased 46.6% to 3,238.

"Even In these uncertain times, our bread-and-butter products are showing real growth," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "The all-new Accord continues to set a blistering pace with sales up by more than 25 percent."

The real disappointments for the Honda Division were the Ridgeline and Element both down at least 1,000 units. The most biggest, disappointed was the Pilot, which lost nearly 50% of its sales, about 5,000 units were moved out this year, compared to more than 9,000 last year.

Acura Division posted sales of 12,910 for November. The MDX sport utility vehicle led the division with sales of 4,891. November sales of the TL performance luxury sedan totaled 4,064; the TSX sports sedan totaled 1,884. Sales of the RDX sport utility vehicle totaled 1,679. All sales were down in November. Each and every model posted at least a 10% decrease to as much as 46% decrease in the RL.