Honda looks to Fit and new 5-seater hybrid to boost US sales
Honda’s doing a lot of dishing lately, specifically on how the company plans on boosting sales now that their top two markets are turning downward. A loss of interest from Japanese consumers tanked sales by 12%, while the housing market in the U.S. was expected to dampen sales.
However, Honda says they’re offering what American consumers will be after – cute, quick cars with better gas mileage than their counterparts. Along with the Fit, and popular Civic sedan, the company intends on releasing a new 5-seater hybrid in 2009 that should drum up interest.
On one hand, I think Honda’s performance in the hybrid market has a tinge of tragedy. They were the first major car company to streamline the technology with the release of their hybrid Civic and two-seater insight, but those efforts were quickly overshadowed by the Toyota Prius.
On the other hand, the company’s plans seem somewhat unrealistic. Toyota held 79% of hybrid sales in the US in the last quarter, and they’re anticipating no rise in sales for next year. Honda’s President, Takeo Fukui, hails interest in “gas-sippers” like the popular Honda Fit, Civic, and newly redesigned Accord to boost their numbers.
A romantic could hope the best for Honda, and drivers looking for more ecologically friendly options will certainly appreciate the push. We’re also waiting to see the outcome of the FCX Clarity lease program later this year running in California.
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