Encouraging Start to 2013 for Honda in Europe

LONDON--April 17, 2013:

First quarter figures for 2013 show an encouraging start to the year for Honda in  Europe . At 40,499 units, Honda ' s European sales volume ^{[ 1 ]} has grown by 16.3 per cent compared to 2012. Honda (UK) echoes this positive start with an increase of 23.04 per cent ^{[ 2 ]} .

Honda's sales performance has been underpinned by strong customer demand for recently launched models. The new British built Honda CR-V has been well received by customers, who have welcomed the style, utility and efficiency of the new model. Meanwhile, Honda's powerful yet ultra-efficient 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel engine has helped to support a growth in Civic sales.

Honda will continue to strengthen its range in Europe with the introduction of the 1.6 litre i-DTEC engine to the CR-V in Autumn 2013 and the launch of the new Civic Tourer model in early 2014. Both these new derivatives will be built at Honda's manufacturing facility in Swindon.

Commenting on the first quarter sales performance, Honda Motor Europe President, Manabu Nishimae said, "Economic conditions in Europe remain very challenging. Nonetheless, we have been encouraged by good customer demand for our new models such as the CR-V and the 1.6 litre i-DTEC Civic".