Honda hits top 10
January was a stand-out month for Honda with two market entrants breaking into Japan’s top 10 as full-month deliveries started for the new hybrid Vezel, of which 6,235 were sold, and the Odyssey, which is in its third month of release on 5,278 units. Although outside the top 10, Honda’s Stepwgn enjoyed strong demand on 4,167 sales. Together with mainstays such as the Accord and its PHEV and the Freed, the marque sold 49,411 units – a 135.7 per cent increase over January 2013. Over-1,000cc models’ dominance of the top-10 continued with 125,885 sales, or 47.6 per cent, represented by leading models. Other contenders included Toyota’s new Harrier, which posted a first full month of 4,617 deliveries with more than 20,000 forward orders received by the end of the month. The IMVIA says: “Unless production can be ramped up within Toyota’s already-stretched assembly capacity, we would expect further strong month-by-month market share to possibly erode gains made by other popular SUVs. “Subaru’s Impreza missed a top 10 slot by 16 units. It’s a consistent performer that has helped Fuji Heavy Industries retain a strong presence despite only having six models available.” Mazda’s all-new Axela, which was in the second full month of deliveries in January, posted 4,476 sales. In the full-size multi-seater bracket, those eyeing Australian opportunities should note the combined sales total of Toyota’s Alphard and Vellfire came to 7,477. “After a mid-launch recall decimated deliveries, Mitsubishi’s Outlander and its PHEV returned to form at 1,540 units,” says the IMVIA. “That was better than Nissan’s Leaf which, at 1,241 deliveries, seems unable to lift demand much over the 1,000-monthly mark. “Overall, the market on January was stellar for manufacturers, with Toyota and Honda reaping rewards with a range of new models and consumer preferences towards hybrid or PHEV drivetrains.” The IMVIA also notes a slight rise in 600cc sales, which took 41.1 per cent of the market with 203,659 units. But observers believe consumption tax being imposed on the kei-class may spike numbers up over the increase in the over-1,000c bracket.
