Honda Sales Still Collapsing Despite Successful Models

Japanese automaker Honda today announced the January 2009 American sales, unveiling a decline of 30.7 percent compared to the same month of 2008. But more importantly, Honda officials admitted the automotive industry faces one of the most difficult periods in history and even if several companies struggle to counteract the recession with all kinds of measures, it's almost impossible to get out of the crisis without declining sales.

"Two models posted gains, but we are still facing unprecedented times in the industry, and no auto company is immune from current market conditions," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.

Honda sold 71,031 units in the United States in January 2009 which represent a 30.7 percent decline compared to the same month of the previous year. “Honda Division posted January sales of 63,175, a decline of 30.5 percent versus January 2008 on a daily-selling rate basis,” the company said in a press statement.

Honda total car deliveries dropped 31 percent to 35,601 units in January, despite the fact that Fit sales were increased by 1.8 percent to 4,745. In addition, Honda light-truck sales were decreased by 29.7 percent to 27,574 units. The all-new Acura TSX sports sedan on the other hand is the best selling model in January, as delivered grew up 11.6 percent to 2,406.

And even if it's often said people are more interested in hybrid models during economic crisis, sales of Honda's Civic Hybrid fell 40.7 percent to 1,076 units in January 2009 from the first month of 2008 when 1,745 models were delivered in the US. The S2000, the Honda vehicle set to be discontinued at the end of the year, brought a drop of 65.5 percent as only 76 models were sold last month compared to 212 units delivered in January 2008.