biker

Yeah, but at least those get around 20MPG unlike the typical SUV/trucks 12-15.

kansaiwalker1

Actually sales are still way below expectations.

https://acurazine.com/forums/automotive-news-6/ford-500-freestyle-slow-catch-u-s-296457/


And from blueovalnews.com:

Depending on which article you read, either the new Montego/Five Hundred is selling well (the AWD model being out of stock in many dealers) or dealer inventory is too high even with low factory utilization.

"It's a car people want, not a car we have to work hard to sell." Darryl Hazel, Lincoln-Mercury President, Chicago Tribune 1/2005

Those who read Blue Oval News know that the Chicago plant is currently running well below capacity, so odds are that the truth is closer to the bad news on this chassis. Hopefully the mixed messages will end soon. Though AWD Montegos are sold out almost everywhere (reportedly due to lack of inventory from a parts supplier), we must question the whole move to AWD to entice Mercury's target market…

jdone

True. The Lexus RX330, which is really an ES330 station wagon with AWD, is Lexus's biggest seller.

TSX Hokie

This is no surprise. Honda took their best-selling sedan, gave it a class-leading interior and drivetrain, then slapped on a buck-toothed grille and a chunky butt with ooogly tail-lights. What do you know; it doesn't sell as well as its predecessor. Meanwhile, the Civic had a great run, but it doesn't provide much value compared with the Mazda3 and Scions now. The new Civic should put Honda on par with its competitors again, and hopefully they make the Accord less oogly too.

gavriil

I am sorry I was not clear with the above. I mean the above statement for GM only.

phile

What's really annoying to me is that with all the complaints regarding the rear, you'd think Honda would do something about it. I mean people complained about the rear of the previous Accord when it was new, but it's nowhere near as bad as the current version, and sales actually increased with the last version. So two years later, they just make the rear lights all red.

aaronnn

i agree phile.. i dont get how making the rear lights all red does anything to the actually sale of the car. i think its actually uglier.. the white/red stripe was alittle bit nicer, but that rear end really needs some reworking.

the civics are just dead now. theyve been running strong for 20 somewhat odd years, but its old news now. back during the 94-2000 models were running, that's when all the little kids wanted to get one and put a kit and fartcannon on it was when it was popular. those models were actually nice. for now everyone would rather get the mazda3 and scion tc (hell i would too, rather than the nowadays overpriced civics).

now for trucks, it wouldnt be so bad if people just chilled out with the huge SUV's. especially them hummers, escalades, and navigators.. that consumes 9mpg.. which is just HORRIBLE. they shouldnt make it at all if the car cant even get their mpg in the double digits. good thing the excursion ceased production. the whole fad with having a huge suv's just so you could spend 10k+ for shiny spinning dub rims on it has to GO. just because rich folks can afford it and the 3+dollars/gallon gas, doesnt mean they gotta make it harder for us not-so-rich folks.

kansaiwalker1

American Honda Reports Best Ever April Sales

Date: May 03, 2005 19:23


TORRANCE, Calif. 05/03/2005 -- Boosted by record April sales of Honda and Acura cars and light trucks, along with best-ever hybrid vehicle sales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted a best-ever April result of 135,597 vehicles, an increase of 13.6 percent over April 2004. It was the fourth-best month in the company's U.S. sales history. Other record-breaking results for the month include:

- Record April sales of Honda Division cars and light trucks including record April results for Civic, Odyssey, CR-V and Pilot
- All-time record sales of Honda hybrid vehicles, up 70.7 percent from April 2004
- Record April and second-best ever month for Acura Division sales (18th consecutive record month)
- Record April sales of TL, TSX and MDX luxury performance vehicles

American Honda posted record April car sales of 81,671 units, up 10.2 percent over last year, and record April light truck sales of 53,926 units, an increase of 19.2 percent over year-ago results. Year-to-date American Honda total vehicle sales of 443,779 rose 4.0 percent over the same period last year.

Rising fuel prices and increased consumer demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles led to a new all-time record result for Honda hybrid vehicles. April sales of hybrid models jumped 70.7 percent on a daily selling rate basis to 5,579 including all-time record sales of Civic Hybrid, up 9.8 percent to 3,466 units, and sales of 2,023 Accord Hybrids, the best month since its December 2004 launch. Year-to-date sales of hybrid models rose 56.7 percent to 14,604 vehicles, versus year-ago results of 9,317 hybrids.

"There is no question that today's consumer is looking more closely at fuel economy as a key part of their purchase decision," said **** Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "Our commitment to delivering products with superior fuel economy along with industry-leading safety performance and fun-to-drive character is clearly resonating with these buyers."

Record April sales of Honda Division cars and light trucks, including individual April records for the Civic, Odyssey, Pilot and CR-V, pushed Honda Division sales to a new all-time April record of 116,495 units, up 13.9 percent over year-ago results. It was the fourth best month in the Honda Division's U.S. sales history. Year-to-date Honda Division sales rose 3.2 percent to 376,263 vehicles. Record April sales of Civic, up 10.6 percent to 31,557 units, along with an 8.5 percent jump in sales of Accord, drove Honda Division car sales to a best-ever April result of 67,642 units, up 9.1 percent for the month.

Honda light truck sales also continued their record setting pace with sales of 48,853 SUVs, trucks and minivans, up 21.3 percent for the month and 16.2 percent for the year. Individual light truck records include the all-new Odyssey minivan, up 17.6 percent in April and 22.8 percent this year; the Pilot SUV, up 21.7 percent in April (11th consecutive monthly record) and 17.6 percent this year; and the CR-V, up 8.6 percent in April and 5.6 percent for the year. The all-new Ridgeline, in only its second full month on the market, reported sales of 3,365 units.

Acura Division sales rose 11.9 percent to a new April record of 19,102 Acura vehicles. It was the second best month in the Acura's 19-year history and the 18th consecutive record-setting month of sales for the division. Acura year-to-date sales of 67,516 have risen 8.9 percent versus a year ago. Record April sales of the TSX and TL sedans, along with strong performances by the RSX and the all-new RL luxury performance sedan, boosted Acura passenger car sales to a new April record of 14,029 vehicles, up 15.8 percent for the month and 13.6 percent for the year. The TSX sports sedan marked its fifth consecutive record month with sales of 3,329 units, up 35.4 percent for the month and 34.7 percent for the year to date. April sales of the all-new RL luxury performance sedan rose 153.2 percent to 1,304 vehicles, while year-to-date sales of the RL saw an increase of 183.9 percent to 5,463. Record April sales of the MDX sport-utility vehicle lifted Acura light truck sales to a new April record of 5,073 units, a rise of 2.4 percent versus year-ago results.



From TOV: http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=346150

Buzzworthy: TOV's Future Product Crystal Ball


We obtain information regarding future products from a variety of sources throughout the year. Generally we sift through everything as it comes in and report on the stuff that holds some credibility. And then there's other stuff we make up. Once again, we thought we'd provide a snapshot of some recent developments and where the rumors and projections stand at the moment.

'07 MDX - The only thing of potential interest that I've (very recently) heard about the MDX is that there are rumors of diesel-powered test mules wearing '05 MDX bodies on the road as you read this. Now that doesn't necessarily mean that the MDX will be fitted with a diesel - they could simply be using it as a platform for testing the powertrain for something else. Otherwise, we imagine that the MDX redesign will follow the philosophy of the '05 Odyssey redesign, which was "DON'T Screw Anything Up". In other words, expect it to be fortified with more power (though more torque might even serve it better), a stiffer chassis, which would lead to a better ride, improved handling, less interior noise, etc... There could be a trick or two up Acura's sleeve, but Takeo Fukui has recently stated that hybrid SUV's are not in the "3-year plan". Assuming that to be the case, then aside from the Diesel, Acura can possibly focus on expanding its reach into the "sport" side of the equation, potentially offering SH-AWD and a more sport-oriented suspension as part of a sport package or something, but all of this falls into the speculative category.

'07 RDX - The RDX Concept made its debut at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show. The production version should be appearing in showrooms sometime early in 2006 (NOTE: we've just heard that the date may now be June '06), and it wouldn't surprise us if Acura debuts the production version at one of the domestic autoshows (Detroit, Chicago, or New York) next year. The folks at Motor Trend swear on a stack of bibles that it will be powered by a 2.2L turbocharged motor producing around 260hp. I'm personally a little skeptical about that information, but the rumor just won't go away and MT's sources are supposedly "airtight". I'm not a huge fan of current turbos, but a move like this would definitely provide a bit of a spark for the Acura lineup. There's been a lot of talk in the industry over the past few years of next generation turbocharged petrol motors utilizing variable geometry turbines and high pressure direct injection systems similar to the advanced technology found in modern turbodiesel motors. Thanks to the opposing forces of the ever surging cost of oil and the seemingly insatiable appetites of car buyers for power, the industry has been working hard to overcome some of the obstacles (higher exhaust gas temperatures, operating speeds) involved in applying this technology to petrol engines. The combination of variable geometry turbines, direct injection systems, and advanced fuel management strategies results in superb power, torque, economy, and emissions characteristics. Considering all of this, and the fact that Honda's own common-rail turbodiesel effort has been very well received, it could be reasoned that Honda would seek to recover some of their R&D investment on the turbodiesel by applying some of the knowledge gained from that development effort towards petrol motors that they can sell in their largest marketplace. Having said all that, if the RDX doesn't end up with a turbocharger, expect to see a 3.0 or 3.2L V6 under the hood.

RL - Here's what we already know about the '06 RL. As per (Honda CEO) Takeo Fukui's remarks at the Detroit Auto Show, the 2006 RL will be fitted with Honda's Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS). Other than that we don't expect to see much else for the '06 model, though we would really love to see Acura offer a factory option wheel/tire upgrade package, and perhaps even a sportier suspension tune along with it. Now, let's look at the bigger picture and beyond model year 2006 for a moment. The 2005 RL is selling much better than past RLs, but is it selling as well as Acura had hoped? Perhaps not. Acura projected sales of 20000 models annually, and in general their past projections have been fairly conservative. But in the case of the RL, the year to date total for calendar year 2005 stands at just under 5500 units after 4 months, so at this rate it appears they will fall short of projections in the first year. Generally that's not a good sign. It's not a disasterous result, but what's going on? By any measure, the RL is quite a superb car, but it's in a very competitive segment with a lot of appealing vehicles, many of which are all-new for model year 2005 or 2006. So it may be a tad early to say at this point, but it would seem that Acura may feel some pressure to do something more extensive than normal with the car when the time for an MMC (mid-cycle model change, or minor model change) comes. But if you think about it, there's not a whole lot that they can do to the car itself even if it is decided that changes are necessary. By virtue of the platform chosen by Honda for the RL, there are precious few options for the product planners to address much of anything with the car. Perhaps the most logical enhancement would be to fit Honda's IMA system to the car to boost performance and economy. This would make it Honda's first AWD high-performance hybrid vehicle, and one of the priciest on the market. But an IMA system would add weight, cost, and further reduce cargo area, and the car doesn't really have much wiggle room in these areas to begin with. Otherwise, it's not likely that there's any meaningful amount of additional power or torque that could be added to the car without extensive re-engineering of the package (there's not much that will fit besides the transverse V6 that is already found in the RL). To reduce costs, a 2WD version of the RL could be offered, but the platform virtually dictates that it would have to be FWD, and that doesn't make a lot of sense. Perhaps the only remaining option would be to add more gadgets, such as laser (or radar) cruise control, lane departure warning system, nightvision, in-car entertainment systems, etc... But it's my opinion that adding these sorts of options will not increase sales. It will be interesting to see how the RL matures over the next few years.

'06 Acura RSX - We hear that there is no redesign scheduled for the RSX. So it could soldier on as-is for quite some time or it could suddenly disappear if it's determined to be a drag on the brand. We don't really expect that to happen any sooner than model year 2007.

TL - The TL's MMC should happen in MY07, so perhaps then we will see the SH-AWD system offered as well as a bit of a power boost, perhaps to around 300hp. It would also be a shame if it's not offered with the 6-speed transmission and high-performance tire option. Changes for 2006 are expected to be minor. There are some rumors of an enhancement to the 6MT transmission, but we can't discuss the nature of them yet and it's not clear if these enhancements will appear in model year 2006 or later.


TSX - Sales for the TSX continue to be very strong. No doubt about it, this has been a wonderful surprise for Acura. For 2006 all that we've heard is that there are minor things going on and the motor will be seeing a slight increase in power. We've heard that many times before from Honda and the word "slight" seems to equate to 10-15hp. Since the Accord models are both being bumped by 10hp, the TSX should be similar. If you recall, the TSX was introduced early in 2003 as a 2004 model, so we thought there was a chance of an MMC happening for the '06 Model. But we may not see much of an MMC of it at all, as latest rumors peg the replacement of the TSX to appear in model year 2008 (in order to pull it even with the European and JDM Accord model cycles). We created some waves recently by speculating in our model release matrix that we might see a turbocharged version of the TSX for the '07 model. To clarify, that is a purely speculative position, and this projection is entirely contingent upon whether or not the RDX will actually get a turbocharged motor. In other words, if the RDX doesn't end up getting the turbocharger, that significantly reduces the chances of the TSX seeing one. And even so, the 2007 date is probably wildly optimistic. If an all-new TSX is ready to go for MY 2008, it wouldn't make much sense to offer a turbo in the '07 model. So I've revised the model matrix to reflect that. Also circulating in the rumor mill is that a TSX coupe and convertible are in the works. We give the coupe a stronger chance than the convertible, but in any case we don't expect to see either of them to appear before the model change.


'06 Honda Accord - 2006 is the year of the Accord's MMC (minor model change). The current generation Accord has generated a bit of criticism for some of its styling elements, and as we first reported over a year ago, the 2006 Accord will be the recipient of extensive revisions to the vehicle, particularly the rear of it. The sedan is said to be getting LED taillamps. We have even seen some low quality photos of a vehicle that is very likely a lightly disguised 2006 Accord. As the photos show, the Accord's styling was pulled more in line with the current "corporate" look of American Honda. The rear lights bear a resemblance to both the upcoming Civic Coupe and the new for '05 Odyssey. Mechanically, both Accord motors will get a 10hp bump, up to 170hp for the 2.4L and 250hp for the V6.

'06 Honda Civic - Honda has already tipped their hand a fair bit on the upcoming 2006 Civic Si. We already know that it will feature at least 200hp, a 6MT, and a limited slip differential. We also know that it will retain a strut setup up front, though the rear suspension is said to be slightly revised. We're expecting 17" wheels to be standard on the Si, and we've also heard that 215/45-17s are the tire size (same as '05 RSX-S, as we predicted). But a really good piece of news that we've recently heard is that it will also be fitted with high performance "summer" tires, rather than hitting the road with "performance" all-season radials. Honda really means business with this car. As for the rest of the Civic line, base models will get a new 1.8L 140hp SOHC i-VTEC motor, with upper models said to possibly be getting 155-160hp versions of the same motor. Automatic climate control will be offered in upper models (including Si), and navi systems may be finally offered in some US Civic models as well. Hopefully the Civic will catch up with some of its competitors in the audio department and come standard with MP3/WMA playback capabilities in addition to offering an "aux-in" jack for those with portable MP3 players. Finally, not to be forgotten, the new Civic line will again include a Hybrid model as well, but we haven't heard much about it at this point.

'07 CR-V - The CR-V is due to be replaced for MY2007. Will it share key underpinnings with the Acura RD-X? Perhaps. Will it match the rumored 200+hp of the upcoming RAV4? Perhaps. Anything new for 2006? Not that we've heard.

Element - We've heard that body colored cladding may be available for certain colors and models of the '06 Element, but this bit of info has not been confirmed yet. It's also not clear whether the motor (which is shared with the Accord 2.4) will also benefit from the 10hp increase that the '06 Accord is getting.

'07 Jazz/Fit - We don't know a lot about the Jazz/Fit or whatever it will be called when it arrives here next year, but this new model will slot in beneath the Civic and be priced to attract more entry level shoppers into the Honda fold.

Odyssey - Just to state the obvious, Honda needs to offer IMA in the Odyssey soon. They also need to make the power liftgate standard on EX and above models. 17" wheels and tires (not runflat) should be standard on EX models as well.

'06 Pilot - The Pilot has enjoyed strong sales and Honda intends to keep things going with a fairly major freshening this fall. First of all, to improve freeway fuel economy, Takeo Fukui announced several months ago in Detroit that the Pilot's motor will be fitted with Honda's cylinder cut technology (VCM). Secondly, the exterior styling is said to have been revised so that it shares more of a family resemblance with its newest sibling, the 2006 Ridgeline. And finally, we've heard from dealers that a more affordable, slightly more thrifty 2WD model is on its way as well.

'06 S2000 - The S2000 lives on for another year, and for 2006 there are some very light revisions including restyled wheels, an outside temperature gauge, standard headrest speakers, and we heard from one source that daytime running lights will become standard as well.

MSZ

2 surprises I found:

-RSX is still selling
-S2k is going to live for another year

goldmemberer

The RSX refresh is kinda hot, plus they bumped the HP some... probably enough to appeal to that crowd.

F23A4

This I want to see. I just wonder if that '250hp V6' translates to '260hp' on premium.

I'd much rather have the non-VCM motor with IMA than the current one with VCM. 17s should at least be offerred....the Sienna has them (along with HIDs and AWD). Too bad the Ody doesnt have Lexus-like quality of the Sienna

AcuraGT-3

Honda really is on a roll now. People trust the brand no matter what they build or how it looks. And they continue to expand. Very impressive for a small company.

TSX69

Mizouse

wow they actually sold 57 NSXs this year? i thought this car was discontinued? or was that just sales to clear out their stock?

phile

The CL was still showing up on the sales chart a few years after it was discontinued as well.

TSX69

Honda 2nd Quarter Drops on Finance Losses ...
By Chang-Ran Kim, Asia auto correspondent 42 minutes ago

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Honda Motor Co. (7267.T) posted a surprise drop in quarterly net profit on Wednesday due to finance-related losses, but it raised its full-year forecasts to adjust for a weaker yen.

At the operating level, Japan's No. 3 auto maker beat market estimates with a 19 percent jump to a record profit for the second business quarter, thanks partly to brisk car sales in North America, India and China.

But the main catalyst for that rise was a favorable slide in the yen's value -- by 5 yen against the dollar and 12 yen to the euro -- which wiped out all the negatives including bigger outlays for raw materials and sales incentives.

Domestic rivals such as Toyota Motor Corp. (7203.T) and Nissan Motor Co. (7201.T) are also enjoying windfall currency gains, even as some U.S. and European auto makers announce dismal results amid sliding sales and production cutbacks.

Nissan is scheduled to report earnings on Thursday, followed by Toyota on November 7.

For the full year to end-March, Honda, which relies on North America for the majority of its profits, lifted its operating profit forecast to 820 billion yen ($6.9 billion) from the previous 750 billion. A softer-than-assumed Japanese currency contributed 91 billion yen -- more than the margin of revision.

The positive impact from its core vehicle sales business is now expected to shrink as a shift in consumer demand toward smaller cars hurts its product mix -- meaning thinner margins.

"We all know that forex is the main reason behind Honda's upward revision, which could be followed by similar moves by other auto makers," said Takashi Miyazaki, general manager of the investment strategy division at Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management. "But because of that I see the risk of the yen strengthening."

Full-year net profit is now seen at 555 billion yen instead of 550 billion. Honda changed its assumptions for the average values of the dollar and the euro for the year, to 115 yen per dollar from 112 and to 145 yen per euro from 139. The dollar is trading just under 120 yen and the euro around 150 yen.

July-September net profit at Honda fell 4.3 percent to 127.91 billion yen ($1.07 billion), hit by valuation losses on financial instruments and a difficult comparison with last year's big derivatives-related gains.

The net profit lagged an estimate of 135.5 billion yen by five brokerages surveyed by Reuters Estimates.

Operating profit, which strips out earnings from 44 affiliates in China and other parts of Asia, totaled 193.02 billion yen as revenue grew 12.5 percent to 2.63 trillion yen.

COMPACT CAR SHIFT

Powered by a fleet of fuel-efficient cars against the backdrop of high gasoline prices, Honda is winning drivers in North America and Europe, especially with the remodeled Civic sedan, although analysts said a supply shortage of such popular models is holding back volume growth globally.

At the same time, consumers' preference for smaller cars was also forcing bigger spending on deal-sweeteners for larger vehicles, especially in the United States, Honda said.

"There's a global shift toward compact cars, and that's led to a worsening model mix," Fumihiko Ike, a director at Honda, told a news conference.

Executive Vice President Satoshi Aoki said Honda was budgeting an additional $40 million to $50 million in sales costs in the United States, where competitors are piling on discounts on larger sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks.

Still, Honda said its results were generally within expectations apart from the yen's swing, and lifted its planned dividend payout to 64 yen a share for the full year from 60 yen. It said it would pay a quarterly dividend for the first time -- 17 yen at the end of each of the remaining quarters.

Honda's fortunes contrast sharply with those of Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F - news) and DaimlerChrysler AG (DCXGn.DE), which have been wrongfooted by U.S. consumers' shift away from big sport utility vehicles in favor of fuel-efficient cars.

Ford on Monday posted a quarterly loss of $5.8 billion -- its largest loss in 14 years -- while DaimlerChrysler last month slashed 1 billion euros off its original 2006 operating profit forecast on mounting losses at the U.S. Chrysler arm.

Honda's global car sales in the second quarter rose 6.0 percent to 884,000 units. But it nudged down its full-year forecast, by 20,000 units, to account for weak domestic sales.

Analysts said Honda's overall volume growth would continue to be hampered by supply constraints for four-cylinder engines, which power the small Civic and Fit models, adding the bottleneck would persist at least through the current quarter.

To address those issues, Honda said on Tuesday it would rejig output arrangements at two of its North American factories to allow for the production of up to 60,000 more Civics a year starting in April.

Honda shares gained 9.4 percent in July-September, beating a 6.9 percent rise in the transport sector subindex (.ITEQP.T).

The stock ended down 1 percent at 4,070 yen on Wednesday before the results were announced.

($1=119.20 Yen)

(Additional reporting by Risa Maeda)

TSX69

Acura Registers Second Consecutive Year of 200,000-Plus Sales

Light-Truck Sales Set a New All-Time Record

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Driven by yearly record sales
of light trucks and the TSX sports sedan, Acura surpassed the 200,000-unit
sales mark for the second consecutive year, the luxury division announced
today. Year-end Acura sales totaled 201,223 units, down just 3.7 percent
from a year ago (based on the daily selling rate).

Meanwhile, December Acura sales of 19,056 units were up 6.3 percent
compared to last year, fueled by strong demand for the all-new RDX
turbocharged SUV and MDX luxury SUV. MDX posted strong December sales of
6,227, up 17.1 percent from a year ago.

"To break the 200,000-unit sales barrier in consecutive years for Acura
is a great accomplishment," said **** Colliver, executive vice president,
sales. "We look forward to an even stronger year in 2007, especially after
the momentum we built in November and December of 2006."

2006 Acura sales highlights included:
- An Acura total light-truck record of 63,285 units sold, eclipsing the
previous mark of 59,505 set in 2004.
- A fourth consecutive year of record sales for the TSX sports sedan with
38,035 units, surpassing the record of 34,856 set in 2005 and a
9.5-percent increase over a year ago.
- The performance luxury sedan TL continuing as Acura's top-selling
model, recording annual sales of 71,348 units.
* Year-to-date percentages are based on 306 selling days for 2006
versus 307 selling days for 2005.

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., Jan. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- 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
**** 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.

Consumer information is available at http://www.honda.com.

dom

TSX on fire. Looks like the competition in finally affecting TL sales.

aesir11

How many TLs did they sell last year?

dom

78,218. Down 8.5%

aesir11

Wow. Probably a lot going to Toyota for the new GS.

biker

You mean ES.

The TSX certainly seems to be the winner of the bunch - for something that Honda cobbled together from the EuroAccord it certainly seems to have found a very nice niche in the market. Just hope Honda doesn't screw up V 2.0.

phile

It would take another RL/RDX-caliber goof-up to manage that. I know they're a small company and resources are limited, but geez some of the choices they make.

Black Tire

they on a roll!

aesir11

TMQ

Earnings down, revenue slightly up
______________________
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Reports Consolidated Financial Results for the Fiscal Fourth Quarter and the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2007
Wednesday April 25, 7:00 am ET

TOKYO, April 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced its consolidated financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.

Fourth Quarter Results


Honda's consolidated net income for the fiscal fourth quarter ended March 31, 2007 totaled JPY 176.1 billion (USD 1,492 million), a decrease of 19.7% from the corresponding period in 2006. Basic net income per Common share for the quarter amounted to JPY 96.70 (USD 0.82), a decrease of 19.3% compared to JPY 119.89 for the corresponding period in 2006. One of Honda's American Depository Shares represents one Common Share.

Consolidated net sales and other operating revenue (herein referred to as "revenue") for the quarter amounted to JPY 3,087.8 billion (USD 26,157 million), an increase of 9.0% from the corresponding period in 2006. Honda estimates that if the exchange rate of the Japanese yen had remained unchanged from the corresponding period in 2006, revenue for the quarter would have increased by approximately 5.3%.

Consolidated operating income for the quarter totaled JPY 250.2 billion (USD 2,120 million), a decrease of 26.6% compared to the corresponding period in 2006. This decrease in operating income was primarily due to the soaring raw material costs, the increased R&D expenses and accounting for the gain on return of the substitutional portion of the Employees' Pension Funds to the Japanese government ( the "gain on return" ) that was recorded in the fiscal fourth quarter ended March 31, 2006, which offset the positive impact of the increased profit attributable to higher revenue, continuing cost reduction effects and the currency effects caused by the depreciation of the Japanese yen.

Consolidated income before income taxes and equity in income of affiliates for the quarter totaled JPY 239.0 billion (USD 2,025 million), a decrease of 29.4% from the corresponding period in 2006.

Equity in income of affiliates amounted to JPY 19.9 billion (USD 169 million) for the quarter, a decrease of 12.2% from the corresponding period in 2006.

The gain on return of JPY 138.0 billion (USD 1,170 million) was included in the result of consolidated operating income and consolidated income before income taxes for the fiscal fourth quarter ended March 31, 2006. Accordingly, the impact of such gain on return after tax was reflected in the consolidated net income for the fiscal fourth quarter ended March 31, 2006.

The Company did a two-for-one stock split for the Company's common stock effective July 1, 2006. Concurrently, Honda's common stock-to-ADS exchange ratio was changed from one share of common stock to two ADSs, to one share of common stock to one ADS. Basic net income per common share and ADS were calculated based on the number of common shares after the stock split.

Business Segment

With respect to Honda's sales for the fiscal fourth quarter by business segment, unit sales of motorcycles totaled 2,408 thousand units, which was approximately the same level as the corresponding period in 2006. Unit sales in Japan was 79 thousand units, a decrease of 15.1%. Overseas unit sales was 2,329 thousand units, which was approximately the same level as the corresponding period in 2006, due mainly to the positive impact of the increased unit sales in other regions especially in Latin America, offsetting the negative impact of the decrease in unit sales in North America and Asia. Revenue from unaffiliated customers increased 7.7%, to JPY 421.7 billion (USD 3,572 million) from the corresponding period in 2006, due mainly to the positive impact of the currency translation effects. Operating income decreased by 27.0% to JPY 44.2 billion (USD 375 million) from the corresponding period in 2006, due mainly to the increased R&D expenses and the gain on return which was recorded in the fiscal fourth quarter ended March 31, 2006, offsetting the positive impact of the continuing cost reduction effects, the decreased SG&A and the currency effects caused by the depreciation of the Japanese yen.

Honda's unit sales of automobiles was 957 thousand units, increased by 6.2% from the corresponding period in 2006. In Japan, unit sales was 189 thousand units, which was approximately the same level as the corresponding period in 2006. Overseas unit sales increased 8.0% to 768 thousand units, due to the increased unit sales in North America, Europe, Asia and other regions. Revenue from unaffiliated customers increased 8.0% to JPY 2,430.7 billion (USD 20,591 million) from the corresponding period in 2006, due to the increased unit sales and the positive impact of the currency translation effects. Operating income decreased 35.1% to JPY 157.7 billion (USD 1,337 million) from the corresponding period in 2006, due mainly to the negative impact of the soaring raw material costs, the increased SG&A expenses and the increased R&D expenses and the gain on return which was recorded in the fiscal fourth quarter ended March 31, 2006, offsetting the positive impact of the increased profit attributable to higher revenue, continuing cost reduction effects and the currency effects caused by the depreciation of the Japanese yen.

Revenue from unaffiliated customers in financial services business increased 41.7% to JPY 117.4 billion (USD 995 million) from the corresponding period in 2006. Operating income increased 70.8% to JPY 40.9 billion (USD 347 million) from the corresponding period in 2006, due primarily to the increased profit attributable to higher revenue, the decrease in SG&A expenses and the currency effects caused by the depreciation of the Japanese yen.

Honda's unit sales of power products was 2,128 thousand units, which was approximately the same level as the corresponding period in 2006. In Japan, unit sales totaled 139 thousand units, an increase of 0.7%. Overseas unit sales was 1,989 thousand units, which was approximately the same level as the corresponding period in 2006. Revenue from unaffiliated customers in power product and other businesses increased by 7.9% to JPY 117.9 billion (USD 999 million) from the corresponding period in 2006, due mainly to the positive impact of the currency translation effects. Operating income decreased 45.0% to JPY 7.2 billion (USD 62 million) from the corresponding period in 2006. This was primarily due to the negative impact of the gain on return which was recorded in the fiscal fourth quarter ended March 31, 2006, offsetting the positive impact of the decreased SG&A expenses and the currency effects caused by the depreciation of the Japanese yen.

Geographical Segment

With respect to Honda's sales for the fiscal fourth quarter by geographical segment, in Japan, revenue for domestic and exports sales was JPY 1,265.1 billion (USD 10,717 million), up by 7.2% compared to the corresponding period in 2006, due primarily to the increased revenue from exports in automobile business. Operating income was JPY 68.2 billion (USD 578 million), down by 63.1% from the corresponding period in 2006, due primarily to the negative impact of the soaring raw material costs, the increased SG&A expenses and the increased R&D expenses and the gain on return which was recorded in the fiscal fourth quarter ended March 31, 2006, offsetting the positive impact of the increased profit attributable to higher revenue, continuing cost reduction effects and the currency effects caused by the depreciation of the Japanese yen.

In North America, revenue increased by 2.8% to JPY 1,671.4 billion (USD 14,159 million) from the corresponding period in 2006, due mainly to the increased unit sales in automobile business and the positive impact of the currency translation effects. Operating income increased by 21.3% to JPY 128.4 billion (USD 1,088 million) from the corresponding period in 2006, due primarily to the positive impact of the increased profit attributable to higher revenue, continuing cost reduction effects and the currency effects caused by the depreciation of the Japanese yen, which offset the negative impact of the soaring raw material costs.

In Europe, revenue increased by 24.5% to JPY 440.1 billion (USD 3,728 million), from the corresponding period in 2006, due primarily to the increased unit sales in automobile business and the positive impact of the currency translation effects. Operating income increased by 28.8% to JPY 12.6 billion (USD 108 million) from the corresponding period in 2006, due primarily to the positive impact of the increased profit attributable to higher revenue, continuing cost reduction effects and the currency effects caused by the depreciation of the Japanese yen, which offset the negative impact of the increased SG&A expenses.

In Asia, revenue increased by 28.4% to JPY 366.9 billion (USD 3,108 million) from the corresponding period in 2006, due primarily to the increased unit sales in automobile business and the positive impact of the currency translation effects. Operating income increased by 50.2% to JPY 19.2 billion (USD 163 million) from the corresponding period in 2006, due mainly to the positive impact of the increased profit attributable to higher revenue, which offset the negative impact of the increased SG&A expenses.

In Asia, in addition to subsidiaries, many affiliates accounted for under the equity method manufacture and sell Honda-brand products. Accounting terms of some of the affiliates differ from the Company's. Operating income does not include income from these affiliates. Income from these affiliates is recorded as equity in income of affiliates and reflected in net income.

In other regions, revenue increased by 43.4% to JPY 231.3 billion (USD 1,959 million) compared to the corresponding period in 2006, due mainly to the increased unit sales in all of the business segments and the positive impact of the currency translation effects. Operating income increased by 67.1% to JPY 19.5 billion (USD 165 million) from the corresponding period in 2006, due mainly to the positive impact of the increased profit attributable to higher revenue and the continuing cost reduction effects, offsetting the negative impact of the increased SG&A expenses.

Fiscal Year Results

Honda's consolidated net income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 totaled JPY 592.3 billion (USD 5,018 million), a decrease of 0.8% from the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. Basic net income per Common share for the period amounted to JPY 324.62 (USD 2.75), compared to JPY 324.33 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. One of Honda's American Depository Shares represents one Common Share.

Consolidated revenue for the period amounted to JPY 11,087.1 billion (USD 93,919 million), an increase of 11.9% from the previous fiscal year. Honda estimates that if the exchange rate of the Japanese yen had remained unchanged from the previous fiscal year, revenue for the period would have increased by approximately 7.4%.

Consolidated operating income for the period totaled JPY 851.8 billion (USD 7,216 million), a decrease of 2.0% compared to the previous fiscal year. This decrease in operating income was primarily due to the negative impact of the change in model mix, the soaring raw material costs, the increased SG&A expenses, the increased R&D expenses and accounting for the "gain on return" that was recorded in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, which offset the positive impact of the increased profit attributable to higher revenue, continuing cost reduction effects and the currency effects caused by the depreciation of the Japanese yen.

Consolidated income before income taxes and equity in income of affiliates for the period totaled JPY 792.8 billion (USD 6,716 million), a decrease of 4.5% from the previous fiscal year.

The gain on return of JPY 138.0 billion (USD 1,169 million) was included in the result of consolidated operating income and consolidated income before income taxes for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. Accordingly, the impact

of such gain on return after tax was reflected in the consolidated net income for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.

Equity in income of affiliates amounted to JPY 103.4 billion (USD 876 million) for the period, an increase of 3.8% from the previous fiscal year.

Forecasts for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2008

In regard to the forecasts of the financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008, Honda projects consolidated results to be as shown below:

FY2008 Forecasts for Consolidated Results
First half ending September 30, 2007


Yen (billions) Changes from FY 2007
Net sales and other operating revenue 5,800 + 10.9%
Operating income 355 - 10.5%
Income before income taxes and
equity in income of affiliates 360 + 1.4%
Net income 275 + 1.4%
Yen

Basic net income per Common share 150.93


Fiscal year ending March 31, 2008

Yen (billions) Changes from FY 2007
Net sales and other operating revenue 11,750 + 6.0%
Operating income 770 - 9.6%
Income before income taxes and
equity in income of affiliates 780 - 1.6%
Net income 575 - 2.9%
Yen

Basic net income per Common share 315.59


These forecasts are based on the assumption that the average exchange rates for the Japanese yen to the U.S. dollar and the Euro will be JPY 116 and JPY 152, respectively, for the first half of the year ending March 31, 2007, JPY 113 and JPY 148, respectively, for the second half of the year ending March 31, 2007, and JPY 115 and JPY 150, respectively, for the full year ending March 31, 2008.

More information for Honda's consolidated financial results can be found at Honda's Investor Relations website http://world.honda.com/investors/financialresult/

This announcement contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements are based on management's assumptions and beliefs taking into account information currently available to it. Therefore, please be advised that Honda's actual results could materially differ from those described in these forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors, including general economic conditions in Honda's principal markets and foreign exchange rates between the Japanese yen and the U.S. dollar, the Euro and other major currencies, as well as other factors detailed from time to time. The various factors for increases and decreases in income have been classified in accordance with a method that Honda considers reasonable.


Source: Honda Motor Co., Ltd

Mokos23

What has happened to Honda sales and Acura sales for the month of April and for the year so far? All of the Acuras except for the MDX aren't selling well at all.
Then at the Honda side only the Accord, Fit, and CRV are selling well, all of the other models have decreased in sales.

The Acura brand is sinking and sinking fast. We all know the RL is dead, the RDX is hurting, and even the TL and TSX are also starting to tank because both are getting old, but still good cars. I wonder where the car public is going to, I guess Lexus, Infiniti, and BMW.


http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=677310

F23A4

What is Acura's sales goal for the RDX?

odessa

When you have long model cycles, you suffer.

dom

I think it was 40K which they won't even come close to.

As for why sales aren't so hot? Do we really have to go over this again?

dom

And funny that the 4 year old TL still outsold the vaunted G35, 5350 to 4491.

cob3683

Acura's problem is their stubborness

BuddySol

It's not so bad when you look at the entire industry...even Toyota dropped farther than Honda compared to last April.

It was expected that April would be a slow month in auto sales...

BuddySol

err...Toyota didn't drop farther than Honda...but overall the industry went down in April.

Black Tire

gas prices going up, meaning less cars sales.

Crazy Bimmer

http://home.att.net/~fdmeloan/wsb/ht...ces.html-.html Few others.

F23A4

Funnier still is not only that I see more 3G TLs on the roads here in NJ than I do G35s, I see more 3G TLs than Accord V6s (7G), Altima V6s (3G & 4G) and Camry V6s (any gen).

to Acura for the TL's luxury value
for the TL's exclusivity though

Infamous425

honda/acura have on avg 5 yr model cycles. compare that to german cars which avg 6-7 yrs

dom

But you can't argue with numbers. The TL is still more exclusive than any of the cars you mentioned not to mention some of it competitors like the 3 series and ES.

savage

wow... i think the loss of the NSX was the biggest impact...