Why did Honda Discontinue the Fit?
Honda has recently announced that it will be discontinuing its subcompact hatchback, the Honda Fit, in the United States after the 2020 model year. The Fit has been a popular choice for city driving with its compact size and fuel efficiency, so why would Honda choose to discontinue it? There are a few reasons that can explain this decision.
Falling Sales
One of the main reasons for the discontinuation of the Honda Fit is falling sales. In recent years, consumer preference has shifted towards larger vehicles such as SUVs and crossovers. As a result, sales of subcompact cars like the Fit have declined. In 2019, Honda sold only 35,414 Fit models in the United States, which is a 19% decrease from the previous year.
Increased Competition
Another reason for Honda’s decision to discontinue the Fit is increased competition. With the rise in popularity of subcompact SUVs like the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR, the Fit has faced tough competition in its own segment. Additionally, many automakers are introducing new electric vehicles and hybrids, which provide better fuel efficiency and have lower emissions, making them a more attractive option for environmentally-conscious consumers.
Focusing on Electric Vehicles
Lastly, Honda’s discontinuation of the Fit may also be related to the company’s plans to focus on developing and producing electric vehicles. In recent years, Honda has made significant investments in electric vehicle technology and has already released models such as the Clarity Electric and the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. It’s possible that Honda’s decision to discontinue the Fit could be a strategic move towards investing more resources in the production and development of electric vehicles.
Conclusion
Although the Honda Fit has been a popular choice among consumers for many years, the recent decline in sales and increased competition in the subcompact car segment have led to its discontinuation. Additionally, Honda’s focus on investing in electric vehicle technology may have played a role in this decision. As consumer preferences and environmental regulations continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how automakers like Honda adapt and innovate to meet these changing demands.
