
So, lets begin by addressing some of the concern about Hondas ability to rise to the challenge of new competition and the requirement for product innovation.To provide further context, you simply cant do an apples-to-apples comparison of industry sales without considering that some competitors have increasingly turned to fleet sales selling to rental car companies and direct cash incentives to customers in order to boost sales volume, while Honda has achieved solid sales gains in 2010 without resorting to either tactic. People look at one or two data points and quickly jump to a conclusion - forecasting gloom and doom or crowning the latest champion - whether or not the facts support that view.Importantly, in todays 247 news environment, such viewpoints can quickly be perceived as reality - unless you dispel the myths and false assumptions.

Honda continues to prioritize advancing power train technologies, fuel efficiency, more ergonomic and customer-friendly interiors, and weve always focused on developing vehicles that are fun to drive and fun to own.We also understand that speculation - in the world of politics, athletics and, yes, the auto industry - has become something of a sport. Even on those occasions when media or customers express their frustration that we havent met their expectations, we realize that its recognition of our history of innovation and focusing on the customer that has always challenged our industry to move in positive new directions.
