The Honda Fit is synonymous with compact cars. How have its sales and production numbers, which attest to its popularity, changed over time? In this article, we take a closer look at the changes in the Fit’s sales and production numbers, exploring the background to its popularity and the changes in sales trends in recent years.
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Fit sales figures and popularity
The first-generation Fit gained instant popularity after its release in 2001, with domestic sales reaching a record of over 250,790 units in 2002. Its innovative packaging and fuel efficiency breathed fresh air into the compact car market. With each model change to the second and third generations, the Fit’s sales numbers steadily increased both at home and abroad, with cumulative global sales exceeding 4.87 million units in 2013. In particular, rising demand in emerging markets has driven the increase in sales.
However, in recent years, the overall compact car market has been shrinking due to the increasing popularity of SUVs and the evolution of minicars. The Fit has also been affected, with sales figures beginning to decline.
Reference: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Sales volume in 2022
In terms of annual sales in 2022, the Honda Fit ranked 9th with 72,084 units .
| Date | Sales volume |
|---|---|
| January 2022 | 4,250 units |
| February 2022 | 5,359 units |
| March 2022 | 8,460 units |
| April 2022 | 3,509 units |
| May 2022 | 3,068 units |
| June 2022 | 4,971 units |
| July 2022 | 6,462 units |
| August 2022 | 5,148 units |
| September 2022 | 4,001 units |
| October 2022 | 4,688 units |
| November 2022 | 5,471 units |
| December 2022 | 4,884 units |
| total | 60,271 units |
Honda Fit registration numbers Source: Japan Automobile Dealers Association
Sales volume in 2023
In terms of annual sales for 2023, the Honda Fit ranked 15th with 57,033 units.
| Date | Sales volume |
|---|---|
| January 2023 | 3,992 units |
| February 2023 | 5,531 units |
| March 2023 | 9,099 units |
| April 2023 | 5,570 units |
| May 2023 | 2,934 units |
| June 2023 | 4,843 units |
| July 2023 | 5,428 units |
| August 2023 | 3,715 units |
| September 2023 | 4,673 units |
| October 2023 | 4,726 units |
| November 2023 | 4,254 units |
| December 2023 | 4,275 units |
| total | 57,033 units |
Honda Fit registration numbers Source: Japan Automobile Dealers Association
Sales volume in 2024
| Date | Sales volume |
|---|---|
| January 2024 | 5,047 units |
| February 2024 | 5,670 units |
| March 2024 | 7,362 units |
| April 2024 | 4,944 units |
| May 2024 | 4,436 units |
| June 2024 | 5,305 units |
| July 2024 | 6,049 units |
| total | 38,813 units |
Honda Fit registration numbers Source: Japan Automobile Dealers Association
The company announced a full model change in February 2020, with a monthly sales target of 10,000 units. In 2023, it plans to produce an average of about 4,752 units, significantly below the target.
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Fit How many months will it take to deliver?
As of August 2024, the estimated delivery time for the Fit is approximately 1 to 2 months for gasoline vehicles and 1 to 2 months for hybrid vehicles (e:HEV). As mentioned above, the production volume is less than the target number, so it does not seem that it will take that long to deliver. *Please note that there may be delays in the delivery of some electronic devices such as navigation systems.
However, this is only a guideline, and delivery times may vary depending on the grade, color, option selection, and even the dealer and region. For example, if you select a popular grade, a specific color, or many options, delivery times may be longer.
Updated: March 25th
Factory shipping time
- e:HEV: About 1 month
- Gasoline vehicles: About 1 month
Source: Honda Motor Co.
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The reason behind the sluggish sales of the Fit
1. The rise in popularity of minicars and SUVs
The overall compact car market is shrinking due to the evolution of minicars and the increase in options, such as SUVs, which have become popular in recent years. Customers are being taken away by minicars, which offer advantages in terms of fuel efficiency and maintenance costs, and SUVs, which are popular for their large passenger capacity and ease of use in the outdoors.
2. Pros and Cons of the Design
The current Fit design is friendly and cute, but some users say it lacks individuality and is not satisfying. For users who value sportiness and luxury, other options may be more appealing.
3. Loss of control due to model change
The Fit’s concept and design have changed significantly with each model change. The change from the sporty image of the first generation to the cute image of the current model may have confused the existing fan base and led to customers leaving.
4. The rise of competing models
Competing models such as the Yaris and Note have also improved their fuel efficiency and safety performance, and have released attractive models. Price competition has also intensified, and the Fit may be perceived as relatively expensive.
5. Damage to brand image
In recent years, Honda has seen strong sales of minivans and light vehicles such as the N-BOX and Freed, but struggles with sales of sedans and compact cars. The image of “Honda as a driving force” has faded, and the overall appeal of the brand has declined, which may also be affecting sales of the Fit.
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The appeal of the Fit
fit
1. Comfortable ride and excellent fuel economy
The e:HEV system’s smooth acceleration, quiet operation, and excellent fuel economy make everyday driving comfortable and economical. It also reduces fatigue on long drives and contributes to saving fuel costs.
With the minor change, the 1.3L DOHC i-VTEC engine was changed to a 1.5L direct injection DOHC i-VTEC engine, which increased maximum power and torque, making for a more comfortable ride.
| Specifications | New Fit | |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 3,990mm (4,090mm) | |
| Overall width | 1,695mm (1,725mm) | |
| Height | 1,515–1,565 mm (1,545 mm) | |
| Wheelbase | 2,530mm | |
| engine | 1.5L i-VTEC engine | 1.5L i-VTEC engine + new i-MMD (e:HEV) |
| Maximum power | 87kw(118PS)/ 6,600rpm |
78kw (106PS) / 6,000-6,400rpm |
| Maximum torque | 142Nm/ 4,300rpm |
127Nm (13.0kgfm) / 4,500-5,000rpm |
| Motor maximum output |
– | 90kw (123PS) / 3,500-8,000rpm |
| Motor Max Torque |
– | 253Nm (25.8kgfm) / 0-3,000rpm |
transmission |
CVT | Electric variable speed transmission |
| Drive system | 2WD(FF)/ 4WD |
2WD(FF)/ 4WD |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people | |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 17.9km/L – 18.7km/L (2WD) 16.0km/L – 16.6km/L (4WD) |
27.6km/L ~ 30.2km/L (2WD) 23.5km/L ~ 25.4km/L (4WD) |
2. Spacious interior space and ease of use
Although it is a compact car, Honda’s unique “center tank layout” provides a spacious interior and versatile seat arrangements. The rear seats also have ample legroom, making it ideal for family use.
3. Honda SENSING: Advanced safe driving support system
Various safety driving support systems, such as collision mitigation braking and false start prevention functions, are standard equipment, allowing you to enjoy driving with peace of mind.
4. Wide range of grades and unique designs
Choose from five grades to suit your lifestyle, from the basic “BASIC” to the SUV-style “CROSSTAR” to the high-quality “LUXE”. Each has a unique design that allows you to express your individuality.
Currently, there are five different types: “BASIC,” “HOME,” “NESS,” “LUXE,” and “CROSSTAR.” A new grade, “RS,” will be added to the lineup with a minor change on October 7, 2022. “RS” is a sports grade, but the bumper design is more stylish than the regular model, changing the impression. “NESS” will be discontinued. In addition, new body colors will be added to the lineup.
Fit “HOME”
Fit “HOME” after minor change
Fit “LUXE”
Fit “LUXE” after minor change
5. Easy to drive and maneuver
Its compact body size and excellent visibility make it easy to drive, and it can be maneuvered safely even on narrow roads and in parking lots.
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A word from the editorial department
The Fit has continued to pursue the ideal compact car and has evolved with the times. The changes in sales and production numbers tell the story of the Fit’s history.
The Fit will no doubt continue to create new value while responding to changing market needs. We will be keeping a close eye on the evolution of the Fit, which represents the future of compact cars.
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