Honda's North American business is essentially back to normal following the years of turmoil that were the result of the business side effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales reached near pre-pandemic levels in 2023 and the cadence of new product hit a fever pitch. That fever hasn't broken.
"In 2023, we were finally able to meet the pent-up demand for our products with both brands rebounding and American Honda finishing the year up over 30 percent. We projected a strong recovery, and we achieved that," said American Honda Senior Vice President of Sales, Mamadou Diallo.
In 2024, American Honda will continue to invest in its internal combustion engine portfolio and launch its first high-volume battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), add new technologies to existing hot sellers and ready for a new Passport SUV to come to market.
American Honda's vehicle portfolio is comprised of two brands, Honda and Acura.
"Honda is leveraging its successful hybrid growth before its EV rollout to build consumer confidence and lay a strong foundation, creating tailwinds for its electrification strategy," Paul Waatti, manager of industry analysis at AutoPacific, told Newsweek.
"Acura has whitespace in its portfolio for an compelling new entry-level crossover, and building off the excitement of the recently released Integra with a similarly positioned product in crossover form is perhaps what the brand needs to ignite sales with new, younger buyers."
Acura ZDX
Acura's 2024 will usher the all-electric ZDX SUV to market. The SUV, based on the Chevrolet Blazer and co-manufactured with General Motors, will go on sale in February, when interested parties can begin placing orders via Acura's website. In early 2024, customers will be able to complete their purchase online as well, without ever having to set foot in a dealership.
Acura MDX
The brand's best-selling model will get a few new features in 2024, thanks to some added and deleted equipment. The Bang and Olufsen sound system that is in the ZDX will be made available in the MDX. Acura's derided touch pad-based infotainment system will be replaced with a touch screen version this year, and the center console reconfigured accordingly for better usability.
Customers will also benefit from an improved list of styling and technology changes. Google built-in will have its home running the three-row SUV's infotainment functions and an advanced suite of AcuraWatch safety and driver assistance technology will be available.
Acura RDX
Acura revealed little about its planned changes for the RDX two-row SUV during a video conference on Wednesday saying that it will, "receive updates to enhance its appeal and functionality."
New Acura Crossover
The premium automaker promises that a new crossover will debut later this year, positioned alongside the Integra car as a gateway to the brand.
According to records in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database, Acura received a trademark for "CDX" in November 2022 in regard to automobile naming rights. This filing is traditionally a key indicator of a future vehicle's name before it is publicly revealed.
Honda Prologue
Honda's all-electric version of a midsize SUV will launch at the beginning of the year, first with sales in zero-emissions-friendly states, mostly along the East and West Coasts. Then, the vehicle will be sold nationwide.
Honda CR-V Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCEV)
An alternative fuel version of the Honda CR-V will come to market later this year. Built and developed in conjunction with General Motors, the model will be able to be driven as a pure battery-electric model or using hydrogen for fuel to power the car's electric motors, similar to how hybrid cars of today use gasoline to power their engines, but they can run in "EV mode" for a few miles on only battery power.
When it comes to market the CR-V FCEV will be North America's first production vehicle that combines a plug-in feature with FCEV technology in one model.
Honda Civic
Like it's Accord and CR-V stablemates, the Civic is getting a hybrid powertrain for the 2025 model year. It also will get styling and feature enhancements, the automaker says.
Honda expects that hybrid versions of the car will comprise about 40 percent of the models' sales when it goes on sale in sedan and hatchback form.
Honda Passport
Honda previewed the upcoming redesign of the Passport in a rendering for members of the media that is not yet public. In its new form, the Passport will get more rugged looks, in line with the redesign of the Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus GX, complete with prominent roof rails, chiseled exterior lines, beefy tires, and a Land Rover Range Rover-like design nod at the rear. The automaker plans to bring the new Passport to market next year.
Honda Odyssey
Like the Acura RDX, the Odyssey minivan will receive styling and technology enhancements in 2024.
About the writer
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull leads the Autos team at Newsweek. She has written extensively about the auto industry for U.S. News & ... Read more
