Honda to Phase Out the Element

Honda performed well in November, but this doesn't necessarily mean that all the models produced by the Japanese carmaker managed to exceed expectations. The Element for example remained the same not-attractive model we got used to, so the parent company decided to reconsider its future plans with this particular project. In fact, it seems like Honda has already decided Element's future: the car will be pushed out of production.

According to a report by AutoGuide, an official announcement on the matter is expected to be released today, but even without a confirmation, Honda seems to take the right decision. In the US, Honda sold a total of 939 Elements in November 2010, down from 1,017 units in the same month of the previous year.

To give you an idea on how low the Element sales have remained over the years, we must mention that the Accord, the company's best-seller in the US market, sold 19,025 units during the past month, up from 17,239 units in November 2009. For the sake of comparison, only 12,960 buyers chose the Element in the first eleven months of the year, while Honda Accord attracted a total of 279,000 people in the same period.

In the financial report rolled out yesterday, Honda has only praised the way both the Acura and the parent brand performed last month, saying that increased figures are expected to be registered by year end."

Our Acura Division sales continue to be strong, led by red hot year-to-date sales of our MDX and RDX SUVs," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "And with the newly released Odyssey minivan and CR-Z sport hybrid selling well, we look forward to a good year end."

As mentioned, Honda is expected to roll out an official announcement later today, so we'll keep you posted.

Source;
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/honda-to-discontinue-element-27583.html

Honda Greenlights a 2nd Generation Element

In spite of being functionally outstanding, Honda's odd looking Element crossover has never lived up to sales expectations. The funky box never approached the initial sales target of 75,000 units a year, and this year it's on track for barely more than 15,000 sales. Despite its relative commercial failure, Honda has reportedly given the green light to a second generation model. Despite a couple of modest freshenings, the Element is already seven years into its life cycle – considerably longer than typical for a Japanese branded model.

Given the slow sales, why would Honda bother with a new iteration? Honda's executive vice-president, John Mendel, has informed Automotive News that virtually all Element sales are incremental. The Element shares its platform with the much higher volume CR-V, but apparently almost no buyers cross-shop the two vehicles – Element buyers have no interest in the CR-V and vice-versa. If Honda does proceed with a new model, perhaps unique features like the recently introduced dog friendly package will be the key to increased differentiation and success.

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-honda-finally-approves-a-second-act-for-the-element/

2009 Honda Element Information

****UPDATE; October 02, 2008****
Here is a link to the post on all the information that I have on the 09 Element;
http://thehondaportal.blogspot.com/2008/09/finally-first-2009-honda-element-pic.html

I have been reading in a few sites that there is some confusion as to whether or not there is going to be a 2009 Honda Element, because information has been scarce.

YES, there is going to be a 2009 Honda Element, here are the trim levels;

Element LX
Element SC
Element EX
Element EX AWD


Here is a snipet from Vtec.net on the matter;
"The Element receives a major update for 2009 with significant exterior styling changes while also adding new and improved interior features. Additional details will be released in the fall."


Car and Driver says;
"The platform and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine remain unchanged."