Polar Opposites: Honda Sales Freefall 33.4% In August - Acura Sales Leap Forward 24.6%

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted August sales of 108,729 vehicles, a decrease of 30.0 percent, based on the daily selling rate*, the company announced today. The decrease in monthly sales reflects elevated August 2009 results from the federal government's Car Allowance Rebate System, or "Cash for Clunkers." American Honda year-to-date sales reached 815,075, an increase of 1.5 percent versus last year.

Honda Division posted August sales of 97,195, a decrease of 33.4 percent versus August 2009. The Pilot and Odyssey both posted sales increases, up 13.1 percent and 8.7 percent, respectively. The Accord was the top-selling Honda model for August with sales of 25,148, followed by the Civic with 22,803. August 23rd also marked the start of sales for the all-new CR-Z sport hybrid coupe.

"We've known that August comparisons would be irrelevant due to the 'Cash for Clunkers' program last year," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "The good news is that we continue to see increasing demand for Honda products as customers seek even greater value."

Acura Division posted August sales of 11,534, an increase of 24.6 percent versus August 2009, and year-to-date sales reached 85,668, an increase of 24.1 percent. The MDX was the top-selling Acura model for the month with sales of 4,386, up 61.8 percent. The RDX also posted strong sales, up 75.1 percent.