Honda’s future plans for 2024 in the U.S. automobile market were outlined during a media briefing with Mamadou Diallo, Senior Vice President of Sales at American Honda. Reflecting on 2023, Diallo highlighted the successful rebound of both Honda and Acura, with a remarkable 30% increase in sales. The company aims to build on this momentum in 2024, focusing on hybrid models, light trucks, and the introduction of high-volume Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) models.
In 2023, American Honda achieved 1.3 million units in sales, marking a 33% YoY increase as production stabilized and logistics challenges eased. Looking ahead to 2024, the Honda brand targets up to 1.3 million units in sales, while the Acura brand aims for 150,000 units. This ambitious goal could result in a sales increase ranging from 10-15% compared to the previous year. The company is entering 2024 with a robust inventory of both cars and trucks, positioning itself to sustain sales momentum.
The success story of 2023 included the Honda CR-V hybrid, which emerged as the best-selling hybrid vehicle in the U.S. across all segments, with sales surpassing expectations at 361,457 units for the year.
In terms of product cadence for 2024, American Honda is implementing a smart electrification strategy, increasing hybrid volume, and introducing its first high-volume electric vehicles. Mamadou Diallo emphasized the company’s commitment to achieving 100% zero-emissions vehicle sales by 2040 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
For the Acura brand, 2024 will see the introduction of the all-electric ZDX SUV, available for online transactions through a new omni-channel retail experience. The MDX SUV, Acura’s best-selling model, will undergo significant enhancements, including styling changes, premium audio, a new technology interface, and an advanced AcuraWatch™ suite of driver assistive features. The RDX will also receive upgrades, and an all-new Acura crossover is set to debut later in the year.
Honda’s plans include the initiation of sales for two zero-emissions vehicles in 2024—the all-new electric Prologue SUV and the CR-V Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCEV). The Prologue will focus initially on California, ZEV states, Texas, and Florida before a nationwide rollout. The CR-V FCEV combines plug-in and FCEV technology in one model, marking a significant step in North America.
The popular Civic lineup is set to receive styling and feature enhancements for the 2025 model year, introducing a Civic hybrid for both sedan and hatchback models. The Civic hybrid is expected to comprise about 40% of the models’ sales upon launch in the summer of 2024. Additionally, the Odyssey minivan will undergo styling and technology enhancements to remain competitive in the minivan segment.
In terms of electrification and sustainability, Honda showcased its new global EV series, the Honda 0 Series, and two concept models, Saloon and Space-Hub, at CES 2024. A production model based on the Saloon concept is scheduled for introduction in the U.S. in 2026. The company is consolidating manufacturing lines in Ohio as part of the new Honda EV Hub, preparing for EV production.
As a key player in the automotive industry, Honda’s commitment to clean, safe, and connected vehicles is evident in its diverse lineup, which includes popular models like the Civic, Accord, HR-V, CR-V, Passport, Pilot, Ridgeline, and Odyssey. The electrified vehicle lineup features the Accord hybrid, CR-V hybrid, and, later in the year, the Civic hybrid. The eagerly anticipated Honda Prologue SUV, the company’s first volume battery-electric vehicle, is also set to join the lineup. With over 40 years of automobile production in America and a focus on domestic manufacturing, Honda continues to shape the future of sustainable and innovative transportation.
