Honda US gives Ridgeline truck tougher looks | Automotive Industry News

Redesign from windscreen ahead presents Honda’s US truck a tougher search

Honda Motor is redesigning the appears to be like and the advertising for its sport utility autos and vehicles to enchantment a lot more to US consumers who are paying out premiums for rival automakers’ autos that offer a a lot more rugged, off-road adventure impression, a media report stated.

Reuters observed, since the seventies, Honda experienced been synonymous in the US with understated, properly-engineered and really efficient autos this sort of as the Civic and Accord. It also delivers SUVs, minivans and the Ridgeline pickup truck.

The report also observed, about the earlier 5 several years, US consumers experienced shifted toward more substantial autos with all wheel generate, more robust suspension, huge grilles and overall body armour designed for ploughing about desert paths and mountain trails however [as in the United kingdom] most this sort of autos never go away pavement.

Reuters stated Ford’s new Bronco sport utility and its F-150 Raptor design are chasing this trend while Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is increasing its Jeep model to enjoy a lot more income from a section it dominates.

More than 70% of autos offered in the US final yr were being midsize vehicles and SUVs while fifty three% of Hondas offered equipped those classes. Honda does not sell a huge pickup that competes with the Ford F-150, and is consequently shut out of just one of the US market’s most financially rewarding segments.

“We are not on trend with the rest of the market,” Jay Joseph, Honda’s US automobile advertising chief, instructed Reuters all through a meeting simply call.

Honda on Thursday unveiled a new search for its midsize Ridgeline pickup, giving the car a more substantial grille and other off-road cues. A new advertising campaign launched Friday demonstrates the Ridgeline hauling grime bikes and charging down unpaved roads in the Rocky Mountains. Previous wrestler John Cena presents the advertisements a ‘tough guy’ voice.

Honda is hoping the new method will strengthen Ridgeline profits to 50,000 vehicles a yr from about 33,000 in 2019, Joseph instructed the information company.

Honda’s Passport mid-sized SUV would be just one of the following types to get the off-road makeover, Joseph instructed Reuters.