HONDA SALES SURGE THROUGH THE SUMMER

• Honda continues its reign as the fastest growing mainstream car brand in Europe after nine months of 2016
• Total sales of 127,655 units to the end of September secures 27.5 per cent growth compared to same period in 2015
• Strong demand driven by the introduction of all-new HR-V and Jazz
• Strong growth rates across main European markets including Italy (+118.3%), Germany (+31.4%) and France (+32.5%).

Honda Europe saw a strong surge in car sales through the summer of 2016, according to figures provided by European industry body ACEA. This trend is a continuation of the Japanese brand’s strong growth throughout the year.

Honda recorded total sales in EU and EFTA countries of 127,655 units* to the end of September, an increase of 27.5 per cent compared to 2015. This performance was driven by the reintroduction of the HR-V crossover, delivering 28,213** registrations. The Jazz supermini increased its rate of sales growth, ending September with a 24.4** per cent increase year to date compared to 2015. The Italian market lead the strong growth on Jazz with a massive 146.4 per cent increase. The Civic range also saw a 4.9 per cent growth, supported by the introduction of the new Type R.

All five of the main car markets in Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain) saw sales increase for the Honda brand. Italy continued its strong growth in 2016 with a 118.3 per cent increase**, making it Honda’s third largest European market. Markets including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Switzerland all saw Honda increase sales by over 30 per cent versus 2015.

Jean-Marc Streng, General Manager, Automobile Division, Honda Motor Europe, commented, “Honda’s growth in Europe comes from a broad base, with significant sales increases across most markets. Our aim is to exceed 160,000 units for 2016, giving us strong momentum for 2017 as we see the new European-built Civic hatchback range arrive in showrooms.”

ENDS

* Data provided by ACEA (http://www.acea.be/uploads/press_releases_files/20161014_PRPC_1609_FINAL.PDF)

** Internal Honda registration data

For further information, please contact:

Karen Parry, Department Manager - Corporate Affairs
T: 01344 888634 M: 07775 035220 E: karen.parry@honda-eu.com

Simon Branney, PR Communications Manager (Cars)
T: 01344 888644 M: 07824 866400 E: simon.branney@honda-eu.com 

David Rogers, PR Communications Manager (Motorcycles)
T: +44 (0) 1344 888573 M: +44 (0) 7775 227872 E: david.rogers@honda-eu.com

Tom Lynch, Press Fleet Executive
T: 01344 888631 E: Tom.Lynch@honda-eu.com

Amelia Bovey, Power Equipment PR Consultant
T: 01372 414127 M: 07717 447561 E: hondapowerproducts@mpacreative.com

Nicci Packwood, Power Equipment PR Consultant
T: 01372 414129 M: 07507 488157 E: nicci.packwood@mpacreative.com

About Honda

Honda (UK) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Honda (Japan).

One of the top 20 brands in the world, Honda manufacturers a broad product range encompassing cars, motorcycles, power equipment (including marine, energy, lawn and garden and ATV) and aviation and was the first Japanese automobile manufacturer to release a dedicated luxury brand, Acura, in 1986.

Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959,as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than 14 million internal combustion engines each year.

Since 1986, Honda has been involved with artificial intelligence/robotics research and released their ASIMO robot in 2000. Honda has also ventured into aerospace with the establishment of GE Honda Aero Engines in 2004 and the Honda HA-420 HondaJet, which began production in 2012.

Honda has over 55 years of World Championship Racing. Today, Honda is an active participant in Formula One, motorcycle, touring car and ATV racing and draws upon its proud racing heritage in every aspect of business.