Honda Motor Co. expects its U.S. sales to increase between 3% and 5% in 2008 despite a slight drop in the overall market, said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda auto operations.
Total light vehicle sales in 2008 likely will be around 15.7 million, Mendel said Thursday during a visit to metro Detroit. Total U.S. sales are expected to finish at 16.3 million this year.
Through November, Honda's U.S. sales are up 3.1% to 1.4 million vehicles, thanks largely to a redesigned Accord and CR-V.
Honda should continue to receive a lift in 2008 from these vehicles, Mendel said. A redesigned Pilot, a three-row SUV, and Fit, a subcompact hatchback, are planned for next year.
"We haven't let our foot off the gas on the product development side," Mendel said.
Honda also could attract customers shifting to more fuel-efficient vehicles in the face of higher gas prices, he said.
"When fuel prices are an issue with consumers, I think we benefit even more because we either lead or are among the leaders in every segment where we compete," Mendel said.
Honda's expectations for 2008 are reasonable, said Erich Merkle, director of forecasting for IRN Inc. in Grand Rapids. IRN forecasts overall light-vehicle sales of 15.5 million next year.
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