Honda says UAE car sales rebound

A sharp improvement in sales in the past two months may offset the decline Honda suffered in the UAE in the first half of the year, according to a senior official. In October, Honda's sales exceeded 400, and this month they topped 600.

"The UAE was one of the markets where we suffered because of the uncertain conditions for the Gulf's automobile sector. Our sales are down 5 to 10 per cent here," said Akira Makino, Jebel Ali-based automobile marketing manager for Honda Motor Co's regional operations.

"But since August the auto market has steadied a lot, and this should help us as well. The recent launch of the Civic, and now the Accord will also be beneficial." If the surge extends into December, the UAE may account for sales of about 5,000 vehicles for the full year.

In Iran, Honda forecasts sales of around 18,000, more or less equal to 1999 figures. "If we do so, it will still be quite an achievement. We have maintained our position in Saudi Arabia, which is our largest market in the Gulf. If the upturn continues, we hope to touch 20,000 units within the next two years," said Makino.

For the Middle East and Africa, Makino expects to close the year with 44,000 plus units, and in line with the 1999 tally. Honda yesterday launched the 2001 model year Accord, available in the 2.3 and 3 litre versions.

Targeted at the upper end of the medium car category, the 2.3 litre version is available for Dh54,000 to Dh60,000, and the 3.0 litre is priced at Dh88,000. Forecasts are that the Accord will contribute GCC sales of 6,500 next year, just behind the Civic which should sell 8,000.
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