Despite the predicted downturn in the U.S. car market this year, Honda is confident that the market is not in a decline. Earlier this month, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn told reports that the U.S. car market is in a recession, even if the economy is not. However, Honda CEO Takeo Fukui sees the market in a different light.
“It is true that in states like Florida and California, the numbers are going down,” Fukui told Automotive News. ” But if you look at the U.S. as a whole, I don’t think we’re seeing a recession. There are still good business opportunities. There is firm demand for automobiles.”
Honda — as well as many other foreign brands — typically do very well on the coasts, particularly in California. Although sales are slightly down in California, Fukui says strong sales in the Midwest — thanks to a shift from large SUVs to more economical vehicles — are keeping Honda’s overall sales relatively flat. According to Automotive News, Honda and Acura sales were down just 2.3%, compared to the market’s 4.2% overall decline.
But even with its small sales slip, don’t look for Honda to heavily discount any of its vehicles. Fukui says “it’s more important to offer customers good products at the appropriate price range” than to offer incentives.
