02/02/2010 - TORRANCE, Calif. -
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted total January vehicle sales of 67,479, an increase of 2.9 percent compared to January 2009, based on the daily selling rate,* which involved two fewer selling days. Honda Division posted January sales of 60,347, an increase of 3.5 percent versus January 2009.

Leading Honda January total car sales of 37,736 were Accord, up 35.6 percent to 20,759, and Civic, up 12.1 percent to 14,693. Honda light-truck sales decreased 11.2 percent to 22,611.

"We're off to a steady start for 2010 and we're optimistic that we can build momentum," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "We look forward to launching the all-new CR-Z sport hybrid coupe later this year, and next week, we'll give everyone their first look at the exciting new Odyssey Concept at the Chicago Auto Show."
The Acura Division posted sales of 7,132, a decline of 1.7 percent compared to January 2009. The MDX was the brand's best-selling vehicle with 2,358 units sold, up 20.3 percent.
*The daily selling rate is calculated with 24 days for January 2010 and 26 days for January 2009. The year-to-date daily selling rate is calculated with 24 days for 2010 and 26 days for 2009. All percentages reflect the daily selling rate.
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For more information or downloadable high-resolution images of Honda and Acura vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com or www.acuranews.com. Consumer information is available at www.honda.com.



Fit sales have slipped way below 3,000, following a trend (except for Dec. sales spike due to holiday shopping) since Cash for Clunkers that Fit sales are declining. I predicted earlier last year that the stimulus program would drain sales that would have been made later on. If we dip back into recession (unless there's further govt. stimulus), expect Fit sales to remain around 2,500-4,500 sales per month yearlong. Though, JD Power has predicted there will be a 10% increase in sales this year, Honda may not increase production until they actually see the demand.

Don't expect Fits to get cheaper like they were in late 2008/early 2009, though. There probably won't be a surplus of Fits due to decreased production, so prices will remain high.