The newest generation of Honda Accord was unveiled on Friday by the Honda Motor Co Ltd. As the Detroit rivals have shifted focus to SUVs, crossovers and pickup trucks, the new Honda Accord 2018 is one of the four re-engineered midsize sedans that Asian automakers are betting to claim market share.
The new Honda Accord 2018 has more horsepower, safety technology like standard collision-avoiding braking. It is a great competition for the rival Toyota’s Motor Corp’s all-new Camry launching this month. New Accord styling resembles German sports sedans, and also better fuel economy although figures have not been released yet by Honda.
Honda will also offer manual transmission as an option for the driving enthusiasts. The option will be available in two versions of the 2018 Accord, unlike the only automatic shift offered in most midsized cars. A first for a front-wheel drive car will be the new 10-speed auto shift available in certain Accords.
The new Honda Accord 2018 will have an infotainment system capable of being upgraded over a Wi-Fi network. However, functions such as engine performance or braking will not be upgradable over the air.
The Accord and Camry, each sell over 300,000 vehicles a year which makes them the pillar for manufacturers in US business. Nissan Motor Co Ltd will be launching a new Altima midsize sedan in the upcoming months and Hyundai Motor Co will launch a Sonata midsize car. All are popular brands and will promote their cars extensively.
Jeff Conrad, Senior Vice President Honda said that his expectation is that Honda will sustain its current sales level of 350,000 cars during the current year, regardless of the decline in sales of sedan.
With reference to the models hitting the market this fall, Jeff said that he expects people to stop and take a look at the new products.
According to the dealers, there is a fair chance for Honda and its Asians rival to boost sales with updated models, since General Motors Co and Ford Motor Co have cut their sedan production and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV has abandoned the segment.
The vice president for third-largest US auto dealer group, manufacturer relations at Group 1 Automotive Inc, Pete DeLongchamps said that they could take share from other brands which is traditionally what always happen when a new product is launched.
Back in 2012 the passenger cars used to make 51.2 percent of the market which however has declined steadily since then. Sedans have plunged down to a 31.8 percent market share as of the first half of 2017. IHS Markit said that the US consumer loyalty had increased towards the SUVs and pickup trucks and declined for sedans.
Honda’s launch of the new Honda Accord 2018 has collided with its recall announcement for about 2.1 million vehicles for a defect linked to fires.
