May 2007 Sales: American Honda

[Variance]

May 2007 Sales: American Honda

TORRANCE, Calif. - Record May sales for American Honda Motor Co., Inc., increased to 145,367, up from 141,810 in 2006, breaking the previous May record set in 2004, the company announced today. The Honda Division posted record May sales of 129,447, up from May 2006 results of 125,639.

With one additional selling day in May 2007, the daily selling rate* (DSR) percentage change represents a 1.4 percent decline for American Honda and a 0.9 percent decline for Honda Division. Year-to-date American Honda sales increased to 625,994, up 1.0 percent.

Honda Division's new May record was bolstered by all-time record sales of the compact Civic and subcompact Fit and a new May record for the CR-V crossover SUV - the best-selling SUV in the U.S. Civic sales of 39,993, up 32.6 percent for the month, shattered an all-time record of 36,533 set in August 2001. Civic Hybrid sales of 4,520, up 50.4 percent, also broke the all-time record of 4,146 set in August 2005. Record May CR-V sales increased by 35.9 percent to 19,513. Fit results of 5,361 achieved a new all-time record.

"Small is big right now," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "Smaller vehicles have become more attractive for multiple reasons and we expect this trend to continue for the time being."

Additional large volume Honda Division products for May include the Accord, 31,915; Odyssey, 15,235; and Pilot, 10,133. Ridgeline and Element volume respectively totaled 3,600 and 3,187. Year-to-date, Honda Division sales of 551,220 are up 2.5 percent with total car sales increasing by 3.9 percent and light truck sales increasing by 0.7 percent on a DSR basis.

Acura Division sales totaled 15,920. The recent introductions of the completely redesigned MDX luxury SUV and all-new RDX crossover SUV pushed Acura light truck sales up 82.6 percent to 6,635. The MDX posted strong May sales of 4,623, up 27.2 percent versus last year and up 7.1 percent for the year on a DSR basis.

*The daily selling rate is calculated with 26 days for May 2007, versus 25 for 2006.

For more information about Honda vehicles, please visit www.honda.com. For media inquiries, please go to www.hondanews.com.For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries, please go to www.acuranews.com.

American Honda Vehicle Sales For May 2007
								Month-to-Date			  Year-to-Date
							  May	  May	 DSR**   May	  May	  DSR**
							 2007	 2006	% Chg.  2007	 2006	  %Chg.
	American Honda Total   145,367  141,810   -1.4%  625,994  614,778	1.0%
	   Total Car Sales	  87,064   84,898   -1.4%  352,733  357,073   -2.0%
	   Total Truck Sales	58,303   56,912   -1.5%  273,261  257,705	5.2%
		 Honda Total Car
		  Sales			 77,779   72,221	3.6%  310,766  296,620	3.9%
		 Honda Total Truck
		  Sales			 51,668   53,418   -7.0%  240,454  236,964	0.7%
		 Acura Total Car
		  Sales			  9,285   12,677  -29.6%   41,967   60,453  -31.1%
		 Acura Total Truck
		  Sales			  6,635	3,494   82.6%   32,807   20,741   56.9%
	Domestic Car Sales*	 71,463   65,971	4.2%  283,116  287,234   -2.2%
	   Honda Division	   65,703   59,994	5.3%  258,302  256,478   -0.1%
	   Acura Division		5,760	5,977   -7.3%   24,814   30,756  -20.0%
	Domestic Truck Sales*   40,872   43,108   -8.8%  192,492  198,045   -3.6%
	   Honda Division	   34,237   39,614  -16.9%  159,685  177,304  -10.6%
	   Acura Division		6,635	3,494   82.6%   32,807   20,741   56.9%
	Import Car Sales		15,601   18,927  -20.7%   69,617   69,839   -1.1%
	   Honda Division	   12,076   12,227   -5.0%   52,464   40,142   29.7%
	   Acura Division		3,525	6,700  -49.4%   17,153   29,697  -42.7%
	Import Truck Sales	  17,431   13,804   21.4%   80,769   59,660   34.3%
	   Honda Division	   17,431   13,804   21.4%   80,769   59,660   34.3%
	MODEL BREAKOUTS BY
	 DIVISION
	Honda Division Total   129,447  125,639   -0.9%  551,220  533,584	2.5%
	   Fit				   5,361	5,248   -1.8%   18,156	9,040   99.3%
	  Accord*			   31,915   36,967  -17.0%  153,431  145,529	4.6%
	   Memo: Accord Hybrid	 439	  520  -18.8%	1,702	2,849  -40.7%
	  Civic*				39,993   29,006   32.6%  137,288  138,744   -1.8%
	   Memo: Civic Hybrid	4,520	2,890   50.4%   13,895   13,154	4.8%
	  S2000					510	  908  -46.0%	1,888	2,895  -35.3%
	  Insight					0	   92				3	  412  -99.3%
	  FCX						0		0				0		0
	  Odyssey*			  15,235   16,887  -13.3%   64,822   72,941  -11.8%
	  Pilot*				10,133   12,856  -24.2%   56,261   59,288   -5.9%
	  CR-V*				 19,513   13,804   35.9%   84,464   59,660   40.5%
	  Element*			   3,187	5,216  -41.2%   16,728   22,125  -25.0%
	  Ridgeline			  3,600	4,655  -25.6%   18,179   22,950  -21.4%
	Acura Division Total	15,920   16,171   -5.3%   74,774   81,194   -8.6%
	  RSX					   12	2,125  -99.5%	  287	8,311  -96.6%
	  TL*					5,760	5,977   -7.3%   24,814   30,756  -20.0%
	  TSX					2,859	3,520  -21.9%   14,007   16,664  -16.6%
	  RL					   653	1,047  -40.0%	2,858	4,680  -39.4%
	  NSX						1		8  -88.0%		1	   42  -97.6%
	  MDX*				   4,623	3,494   27.2%   22,388   20,741	7.1%
	  RDX*				   2,012		0		   10,419		0
	Selling Days				26	   25			  127	  126
	  *Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic and global sourced
	   parts.
	  ** Daily Selling Rate

[source: American Honda Motor]

[regfootball]

May 2007 Sales: American Honda

funny thing about honda. the can only move the metal if its a crappy little sh1tbox with good mpg, or if its an all new model.

otherwise, they are stuck with dead wood.

drop gas to 2.25 a gallon and honda is screwed

Edited June 2, 2007 by regfootball

[GXT]

funny thing about honda. the can only move the metal if its a crappy little sh1tbox with good mpg, or if its an all new model.

otherwise, they are stuck with dead wood.

drop gas to 2.25 a gallon and honda is screwed

Not like GM... they can sell any sh1tty thing, right?

[Z-06]

Not like TOYOTA... they can sell any sh1tty thing, right?

FIXED

[regfootball]

what he said

[Intrepidation]

FIXED

[Ravenfreak13]

I don't understand the supposed honda "quality".

I was in my neighbors new C-RV(they had to dump their mazda 3, since it was a heap)...It was louder and the ride was rougher then our sebring. I am also shocked at the outdated screen displays and the radio unit. How could you put a high tech looking screen in the instrumeent panel and then make the radio screen look like a 1980's alarm clock screen? I was also in another neighbors mothers new pilot. Hard plastic galore and the same ugly radio and temp control screens on the center stack. I am quite shocked at the overblown hype about how great hondas are.

[GXT]

I don't understand the supposed honda "quality".

I was in my neighbors new C-RV(they had to dump their mazda 3, since it was a heap)...It was louder and the ride was rougher then our sebring. I am also shocked at the outdated screen displays and the radio unit. How could you put a high tech looking screen in the instrumeent panel and then make the radio screen look like a 1980's alarm clock screen?

Perhaps I can help you to understand.

Honda combined this "1980's alarm clock screen" (see the second row of pictures, far right):

http://automobiles.honda.com/models/interi...odelName=CR%2DV

with this "high tech looking screen":

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/20...v/photo_08.html

Whereas the competition offers no "high tech looking screen" and this 1970's dot-matrix printer screen that seems to predate the invention of LCD:

http://autos.yahoo.com/pontiac_torrent_fwd...n&i=inradio

If you have trouble bringing up that image, please refer to pretty much any other Pontiac/Chevy interior shot from the past couple of years. But quite frankly, that is the most flattering shot of the screen I have seen. Much more dot-matrix in person.

Perhaps the CR-V stereo isn't Honda's greatest work, but I'd say that compared to the competition they are doing OK. If Chevy/Pontiac offered that stereo it would be a crowning achievement.

Edited June 4, 2007 by GXT

[Flybrian]

That in-dash screen is irritating. Too much information in a limited space. VW does the same thing. Mercedes does the same thing. Audi does the same thing...

The 1986 Casio TravelMaster clock display afflicts countless Asian cars and I really don't know why. So much effort is made into details like the one you just mentioned, yet the clock is disgusting and a pain to look at.

[Snate]

The interior with the NAV looks good...the interior without looks gawdawful.

[Intrepidation]

I'd like to take a moment to thank Chrysler, for at least changing up their stereo head/Nav designs.

[Intrepidation]

Perhaps I can help you to understand.

Honda combined this "1980's alarm clock screen" (see the second row of pictures, far right):

http://automobiles.honda.com/models/interi...odelName=CR%2DV

with this "high tech looking screen":

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/20...v/photo_08.html

Whereas the competition offers no "high tech looking screen" and this 1970's dot-matrix printer screen that seems to predate the invention of LCD:

http://autos.yahoo.com/pontiac_torrent_fwd...n&i=inradio

If you have trouble bringing up that image, please refer to pretty much any other Pontiac/Chevy interior shot from the past couple of years. But quite frankly, that is the most flattering shot of the screen I have seen. Much more dot-matrix in person.

Perhaps I can help you understand:

This is the Torrent's old one, which will be replaced next year.

More to the point, the competition does off both a different radio and a shiny high-tech screen

And this is the display.

Personally, I like th CR-V's interior and have no issues with it's screens or what have you, just pointing out what the competition's got.

Edit:

And for the hell of it, here's Chrysler's

Edited June 4, 2007 by Dodgefan

[Ravenfreak13]

That radio you have shown in the CR-V is not the base unit.

This is the base unit which they have. NASTY!

[Intrepidation]

That radio you have shown in the CR-V is not the base unit.

This is the base unit which they have. NASTY!

That's the base unit of the new CR-V? What a load of $h!! It looks like something from the 80's or early 90's!

That's the worst head unit I've seen in a modern vehicle.

[Ravenfreak13]

^A $33k SUV...Those screens are unacceptable.

[Ravenfreak13]

That's the base unit of the new CR-V? What a load of $h!! It looks like something from the 80's or early 90's!

That's the worst head unit I've seen in a modern vehicle.

I told you!

I like the Sebrings screen. It displays the radio station name, slogan, artist and song thats playing on regular FM radio.

[Intrepidation]

I told you!

I like the Sebrings screen. It displays the radio station name, slogan, artist and song thats playing on regular FM radio.

Naturally the auto rags don't complain about it.

[Ravenfreak13]

Naturally the auto rags don't complain about it.

It's probably because their test cars are loaded. Seriously I almost puked when I saw the horridness of the base CR-V's interior. It was even worse put togather then my saturn. Kind of scary for over $20k.

[GXT]

That radio you have shown in the CR-V is not the base unit.

This is the base unit which they have. NASTY!

I stand corrected. That is ugly.

[Intrepidation]

I spy...misaligned surfaces!

[GXT]

Perhaps I can help you understand:

This is the Torrent's old one, which will be replaced next year.

Now that I have seen it, I'm not going to defend the base CR-V stereo... that is ugly. Even the Civic and Fit have better looking stereos. Granted, it seems like the base unit is only available on the 20Kish models.

But that standard Chevy/Pontiac stereo in the current Torrent and the G6/Cobalt/etc. is very ugly.

And this is the display.

That display is truly ugly (although the buttons look like a giant leap up from the current model). I believe it is the same one that I saw in the SRX. I couldn't believe that they would put that in a Cadillac. It would be a disappointment in an entry level car.

Edited June 5, 2007 by GXT

[bowtie_dude]

That radio you have shown in the CR-V is not the base unit.

This is the base unit which they have. NASTY!

Thats horrible.

[Intrepidation]

Now that I have seen it, I'm not going to defend the base CR-V stereo... that is ugly. Even the Civic and Fit have better looking stereos. Granted, it seems like the base unit is only available on the 20Kish models.

But that standard Chevy/Pontiac stereo in the current Torrent and the G6/Cobalt/etc. is very ugly.

That display is truly ugly (although the buttons look like a giant leap up from the current model). I believe it is the same one that I saw in the SRX. I couldn't believe that they would put that in a Cadillac. It would be a disappointment in an entry level car.

The MCE SRX? it's a different stereo unit. But the BLS commits that sin, which I agree is unacceptable. Lookinga t it, the display is actually the same, but the unit itself looks nicer.

[bowtie_dude]

Whats a GOOD display look like? Every base unit display I've ever seen in ANY car is pretty basic.

[bowtie_dude]

Just to illustrate my point.

I'm assuming this is a base unit in a Mercedes. Its the only non-nav unit I could find on their website.

OOOoooohhh...aaaaaaahhhh...NOT!

Volvo S80:

IS 250:

RX 350:

VW GTI:

A3/A4:

------------------------

I think we can safely assume that pretty much everyone's base head unit display sucks. Anything that actually stands out as nice is an exception to the rule, but I've get to see any base unit that looked all that fantastic.

[bowtie_dude]

Perhaps I can help you to understand.

Honda combined this "1980's alarm clock screen" (see the second row of pictures, far right):

http://automobiles.honda.com/models/interi...odelName=CR%2DV

with this "high tech looking screen":

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/20...v/photo_08.html

That display you seem to think is anything special looks like any display off of a decent CD player you could buy a decade ago, when people still bought CD players. There's nothing all that special about it.

[Ravenfreak13]

I find it quite disturbing that those screen digit styles are still used. At least dot matrix can be configure to suit any text where as the old way certain letters look messed up.

[Intrepidation]

Just to illustrate my point.

I'm assuming this is a base unit in a Mercedes. Its the only non-nav unit I could find on their website.

OOOoooohhh...aaaaaaahhhh...NOT!

Volvo S80:

IS 250:

RX 350:

VW GTI:

A3/A4:

------------------------

I think we can safely assume that pretty much everyone's base head unit display sucks. Anything that actually stands out as nice is an exception to the rule, but I've get to see any base unit that looked all that fantastic.

Well the displays may suck, but at least the unit looks a million times better than the CR-V's

[Flybrian]

Actually, that Mercedes unit looks worse. At least the single-DIN Honda unit gives you a cubby hole...

[Ravenfreak13]

Everyone knows that cubby holes are just fillers for something that should be there.

[CARBIZ]

The face plate of the current Equinox may not be award winning, but it is intuitive and not overly complicated. The "bowtie" look that Chevrolet is going to is decidely prettier, but function is equally important in a car environment. Too many, or too small controls are only confusing and take the driver's attention off the road.

[bowtie_dude]

Well the displays may suck, but at least the unit looks a million times better than the CR-V's

Of that there can be no doubt. It literally looks like something out of a mid-90s SUV.

[Ravenfreak13]

More like a mid-90s compact aftermarket unit.

[Intrepidation]

Of that there can be no doubt. It literally looks like something out of a mid-90s SUV.

More like a mid-90s compact aftermarket unit.

Take your pick. The aftermarket stereo in the Shadow looks nicer than that.

[bowtie_dude]

Call me biased, but the GM display is the best, IMO. I mean it gives you a lot of info on one screen. All your FM presets are displayed and its a nice contrast that won't wash out in sunlight or if you have sunglasses on (read every review of a Toyota with their default green/grey background and black display if you wonder what I mean).

[Ravenfreak13]

It's quite depressing that people view honda as quality...what about that Center stack would make you think "strong resale value"

[Intrepidation]

Call me biased, but the GM display is the best, IMO. I mean it gives you a lot of info on one screen. All your FM presets are displayed and its a nice contrast that won't wash out in sunlight or if you have sunglasses on (read every review of a Toyota with their default green/grey background and black display if you wonder what I mean).

I like them design wise, and I like the fact that they make an effort on some models by color matching the center stack (silver, piano black). That being said, I like Chrysler's latest Stereo unit a lot. Very easy to use and, as Raven will attest, displays lots of info. I've never seen a Chrysler stereo withing that past 20 years wash out.

MyGig destroys most of the GM systems except what Cadillac has, IMO.

[bowtie_dude]

Whats MyGig?

And, again I may be a little biased, but the new Sebring interior was definitely designed for the nav unit, because the regular head unit looks pretty bad.

And its pretty much the same unit in ever other Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler, and I'm not that impressed by it.

All the domestics could benefit from a lesson in integrated center stacks.

The 08 Focus and Escape center stacks are very good steps in the right direction for Ford, I'm very impressed by them. GM needs to get on the ball in that respect. I'm tired of their universal head unit showing up in every vehicle they sell.

[Ravenfreak13]

Didnt someone just complain that integrated is bad? Anyway, I'd rather it not be integrated because there is no room for customization. plus, it makes the dashboard look slabsided.

[Intrepidation]

Whats MyGig?

And, again I may be a little biased, but the new Sebring interior was definitely designed for the nav unit, because the regular head unit looks pretty bad.

And its pretty much the same unit in ever other Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler, and I'm not that impressed by it.

All the domestics could benefit from a lesson in integrated center stacks.

The 08 Focus and Escape center stacks are very good steps in the right direction for Ford, I'm very impressed by them. GM needs to get on the ball in that respect. I'm tired of their universal head unit showing up in every vehicle they sell.

I won't argue with the integrated part...because I agree that they should be more integrated...if there's one thing to like about Honda/Toyota (and now Hyundai), it's the integrated center stacks. When I was referring to MyGig (Chrysler Nav system with HD and all that good stuff) I was referring to functionality and the HD and USB dock.

Didnt someone just complain that integrated is bad? Anyway, I'd rather it not be integrated because there is no room for customization. plus, it makes the dashboard look slabsided.

He said they were good.

[Ravenfreak13]

I have issues with integrated...when it breaks, unintegrated units are simple to take out. You have to remove so much to take out an integrated one.

What looks easier to remove?

[bowtie_dude]

I hear that argument all the time about integrated vs unintegrated. But the simple fact is the amount of people who immediately replace their factory unit when purchasing a new vehicle is probably so small it doesn't matter. I don't think its a good enough reason to have an ugly head unit in every vehicle you make.

[aaaantoine]

I'd like to play the "resale value" card when it comes to integrated head units.

As RavenFreak says: Head unit breaks, it's easier to repair / replace the unintegrated model.

My typical argument: A new media format becomes popular, and you want your car to be able to utilize it (hey, it's happened before). With an integrated unit, you either have to plug the new hardware into the AUX jack and have cumbersome and easily stolen hardware lying around, or you can't upgrade at all.

I offer one hypothetical scenario: integrated 8-track player. Would you still pay the same amount of money for that 1972 Chevelle for boulevard cruising?