What can we expect from Honda in 2013? According to officials, a 24-percent sales increase thanks to one very refreshed lineup favorite. In 2011, Honda set sales goals at 1-million units, and their expectation for 2012 jumps to 1.25-million units. There are several reasons for this goal, including a revamped Civic and ongoing recovery from the natural disasters in Japan and Thailand that caused parts and production shortages in 2011. We have to say, we can't wait to see how this will all unfold for Honda. And, as much as we love the 2012 Civic, we don't think that some upgrades would do it any harm.

The Civic has been a star in the Honda lineup for years, with options that suit nearly every lifestyle. It drives well, it's loaded with amenities, it's comfortable, and it's fun - what more could you ask for from your compact? The thing is, critics were expecting a bit more from this class-leading vehicle. John Mendel, Honda's Executive VP of Sale in the U.S. agrees, saying, "Building a good car isn't enough for us, we have to build a great car."²

And you can always expect Honda to go above and beyond expectations, so we weren't all that surprised to hear that they had announced a plan for an early redesign of the Civic. Initially set for the 2014 model year, Civic announced in the fall that consumers could expect the 2013 Civic to arrive late in 2012 with some very impressive upgrades. The main goals will be to improve upon the quality of the materials in the interiors, and to reduce cabin noise.

We think that with these upgrades, the 2012 Civic will once again dominate the compact car market, outdoing the up-and-coming vehicles that have narrowed the gap between the Civic and its competition. Rumor has it that the comfort and styling upgrades for the Civic will extend across the lineup, improving the quality and comfort of every new Honda model.

What do you think? Will an early Civic revamp help Honda boost their sales next year? Be sure to stayed tuned with Tameron Honda, located at 1675 Montgomery Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35216 to find out for sure.

Source: ¹http://news.businessweek.com/article.asp?documentKey=1376-LWIH060D9L3701-68I4KS93ARN7EIQ820OCNJ0EU8