The future of Honda in Australia

[yfin]

The August 2007 "Wheels Magazine" has an article about Honda's agressive plan for Australia with quotes from Honda Australia senior director, Lindsay Smaller.

Here are the key points from the article:

• back in 2002 Honda sold just 23,587 cars in Australia.
• 4 years later that figure has risen to 54,202, an increase of over 130%. So far in 2007, the brand is up 19% and is on track to crack 60,000 sales by years end.
• Honda Japan wants to see Australia be the number one 'tier two' non-manufacturer in Australia by 2010 with a target of 80,000 cars. By 2015 they want 100,000 sales
• If Australia can reach 100,000 sales it will be viable to establish the premium Acura brand here.
• The NSX replacement will not be coming to Australia. The gap between the Legend and the estimated $250k for the NSX is too great.
• There are expected to be an increase in Honda dealerships in Australia - from 96 to 124 over the next 4 years
• Honda's agressive plan is to roll out 14 new or replacement models over the next 4 years. This will include diesels and the latest VTEC versions.

[r`Geno]

[*]Honda's agressive plan is to roll out 14 new or replacement models over the next 4 years. This will include diesels and the latest VTEC versions.[/LIST]

Including FD2

[sitta]

FD2, and varieties of civic hatch from uk including diesel model. if the fd2 does come i will regret my purchase of the fn2 lol

[yfin]

My prediction is next gen euro with option of i-vtec K23 turbo and sh-awd. You just wait and see!

I don't believe Honda would go to all the effort and R&D of an i-vtec turbo without using the motor in more than one vehicle (2007 Acura RDX).

[aaronng]

My prediction is next gen euro with option of i-vtec K23 turbo and sh-awd. You just wait and see!

I don't believe Honda would go to all the effort and R&D of an i-vtec turbo without using the motor in more than one vehicle (2007 Acura RDX).

The engine is not too good though...

[tseesinngwailo]

No NSX replacement? that sucks, even though i would never afford one without ebaying my daughter, would still be nice to see some getting around..

[blk_shadow]

The engine is not too good though...

aren't they've planned to scrap this engine? from the latest honda tuning magazine?

[yfin]

aren't they've planned to scrap this engine? from the latest honda tuning magazine?

I read they were "thinking" about it because of poor sales in the US for the RDX.

I think this engine could be good for the Euro - especially if they can up to power to MPS levels. The RDX is the first we have seen this engine- who knows what is it capable of. Have a look at these performance figures (eg 6.8 to 60mph and 15.2 over the 400m and that is auto). Not bad for a SUV weighing 1800kg. If Honda can put that package in a more compact sedan weighing under 1600kg that would work well. Throw in a manual and you are looking at low 14s out of the box.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do.../pageId=102048

[jeffske]

sounds like a dim future for true honda fans

[skinnyboy]

sounds like a dim future for true honda fans

amen to that.

Best to keep on modifying the early 90's cars forever i fear

[aaronng]

sounds like a dim future for true honda fans

Very few true Honda fans bought an NSX new.

Honda Australia is going the right way now, with the Euro, UK CTR and now possibly the JDM CTR.

[panda[cRx]]

we'll never see anything like the great 90's cars again, whether it be honda, nissa or toyota. cars have moved on with the times (safety/environmental standards etc)