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Koichi Kondo to Automotive News: Next Ridgeline will focus more on fuel efficiency
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Date: October 15, 2008 15:29
Submitted by:
JeffX
Source:
Automotive News
Credibility Rating:
Not Specified
In a small blurb in this week's issue (October 13, 2008) of Automotive News, Honda Executive VP Koichi Kondo is quoted as saying that development on the next generation Ridgeline will place a greater emphasis upon fuel economy, saying about the Ridgeline "It's a very nice concept, a very nice car. But the sales aren't so successful."
The Ridgeline has struggled to meet Honda's initial targets of 50000 annual units, and through September of this year, sales are off by 17.9% from 2007's figures. According to the story in Automotive News, Kondo thinks that the Ridgeline is functionally very competitive, but a tangible advantage in terms of fuel economy will help it stand out further from its competition. The current EPA numbers of 15mpg city and 20mpg don't exactly live up to the V6-only, unibody framed Ridgeline's original promise of a fuel economy advantage over other trucks.
Supposedly, Honda is considering "extending the lineup under the Ridgeline badge", though enlarging the Ridgeline is reportedly not an option.
The Ridgeline debuted in early 2005 as a 2006 model and received a minor refresh for the 2009 model year.
TOV Commentary: Given Honda's general focus on fuel efficiency, the Ridgeline isn't the only light-truck in Honda's lineup that needs improvement. The Odyssey and Pilot are both pretty thirsty, and in our own real world experience, the benefits of VCM seem to be limited to travel on roads that are dead level.
Last edited by JeffX on
October 15, 2008 15:42
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