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Honda Looks To Accord And CR-V For '08 Sales Bump

Honda expects its U.S. sales to increase between 3% and 5% next year, according to John Mendel, evp of American Honda auto operations. "I think they'll probably be the leader in terms of market share gain," agrees Erich Merkle, director of forecasting for IRN Inc. in Grand Rapids. He adds 3% to 5% growth for an automaker next year will be "phenomenal."

Through November, Honda's U.S. sales this year are up 3.1% to 1.4 million vehicles, thanks largely to a redesigned Accord and CR-V. Honda should continue to receive a lift in 2008 from these vehicles, Mendel says. A redesigned Pilot, a three-row SUV, and Fit, a subcompact hatchback, are planned for next year.

Despite Honda's overall growth, the Japanese automaker has faced difficulties in some segments. Sales for Acura, Honda's luxury brand, are down 10.8% so far this year. Reshaping Acura into a true luxury brand is a huge priority for Honda, Mendel says.

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