subject: Honda In 2009: Down But Not Out [print this page] In a year automakers scrambled to survive -- much less focus on producing newer models -- even the mighty Honda brand took a hit. Only Subaru, Kia and Hyundai saw increased sales. So how did Honda do in 2009? Sales fell 19.46 percent, moving just 1,150,784 units in 308 selling days.
Honda's annual report announced the obvious: Though economies in China and India expanded, U.S. and European economies tumbled hard, after an earlier growth spurt. Introduction of the all-new Pilot, Acura TSX and Acura TL got noticed, but couldn't create a big enough splash to increase total sales figures.
And though the Honda Accord lost the number one sales spot to the Toyota Camry in 2009, despite the drop, the Accord still gathered respect as an automotive icon, because of its history of reliability and comfort.
The news was brighter in several segment's of Honda's overall outlook, however. The company's concentrated efforts on innovation garnered Honda's FCX Clarity the title of 2009 World Green Car. And the number two and three spots in most fuel-efficient vehicles went to the Honda Civic Hybrid at 42 mpg, and the Honda Insight, at 41 mpg, (based on new EPA fuel economy methods).
In addition, Consumer Reports magazine named the Honda Insight as the most reliable vehicle in 2009. Car and Driver magazine also called it the number one hybrid on the market that year. The Insight, introduced in February, 2009, offers not just high performance, but substantial cost reductions -- to appeal to a wider audience.
So how did Honda do in 2009?
Like most automakers, Honda executives were glad to see the year end. But with reliable standards like the Accord, and creatively designed vehicles like the Insight, Honda experts predict the automaker is on the road to recovery.
