Honda considering bringing Japanese models to the U.S.

Posted: Aug 07, 2008
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As U.S. consumer demand shifts to more compact and fuel-efficient models and as Honda sees a boost in demand for its Fit subcompact, the Japanese automaker is considering bringing more of its small Japanese models to the U.S.

Sales of the 30mpg Fit jumped 73 percent last month as gasoline prices top $4 a gallon. That contributed heavily to Honda being the only automaker to report a gain in U.S. sales this year. Honda is studying the possibility of bringing the Stream wagon – a Japanese version of the Odyssey minivan.

According to Dan Bonawits, Honda’s U.S. vice president for corporate planning, Honda won’t be rushing any Japanese models to the U.S. until it is certain that current U.S. patterns will continue.

“We’ve got a fairly long-term product plan laid out and we’re going to try to stick with that,” Bonawitz said.

 

Source: Bloomberg


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  • beeoh

    too bad. honda sales are doing well. i think if they bring some of the jaoanese models over to the states as acuras, this will boost sales tremondously! imagine that Stream wagon above with acura “amenities” and a turbo 4. i dont see honda/acura losing anything in doing this.

  • http://egmcartech.com Honda FormulaOne

    in my opinion, bigger news would be their clean diesel V6 engine. if an i-DTEC 4 banger can get nearly 60mpgs, 30 plus epa #s for Honda's Odyssey/Pilot vehicles? they'd bring back consumer interests in these passenger-friendly autos.

    TBA

  • http://www.autointheknow.com autocontent

    Honda has some amazing vehicles offered in Japan and Europe that sadly aren't offered in the US. As a result Honda has a somewhat conservative image here, while abroad has a performance-oriented image. I say, the more non-domestic models that make it over here the better, including sportier vehicles to compliment Honda's renowned eco-friendly lineup.

  • http://www.autointheknow.com autocontent

    Honda has some amazing vehicles offered in Japan and Europe that sadly aren't offered in the US. As a result Honda has a somewhat conservative image here, while abroad has a performance-oriented image. I say, the more non-domestic models that make it over here the better, including sportier vehicles to compliment Honda's renowned eco-friendly lineup.