[RobbJK88]

They've already stated that release will come in waves. Sedan first (early to mid Fall) then the coupe (a month or two after that) then the Si variants (most likely early to mid spring 2016) and then the type R/hatch (late 2016/early 2017).

The only official release date so far is the sedan debut at LA and Detroit in September.

Most likely they have already stopped production on the 9th gen civics and ordering sheets are only to get rid of remaining stock at factories and other dealerships.

 

[RobbJK88]

Indeed, shouldn't be much longer for them to start getting aggressive on getting rid of outgoing 9th generation models, that's if some haven't started already.

They already have. The dealers in my area are all offering 2015 hondas (accord and civic models specifically) for $0 down at signing, 0% interest, $150 a month civics, $189 a month accords, every other commercial is about the summer clearance event going on.

 

[RobbJK88]

Honda's not quite as tied to volume sales as say, Toyota. The funny thing is Honda has bashed Toyota for inflating their yearly sales numbers with fleet sales, which honda doesn't do. In all reality, honda probably does sell more cars to private consumers than Toyota does, but Toyota always adds in those fleet sales which always jack their numbers up higher.

Wasn't it recently said that honda's return to its roots of affordable and sporty driving was because they felt they became too worried about volume? So i'd say they're even less concerned now than they might have been a few years ago.

In terms of profit. I saw an article that had listed many of the mainstream automakers and their most popular cars and how much of an MSRP markup it gets versus the actual cost of building the car. I believe FCA (dodge, fiat chrysler) had the highest markup of like 53% or more on most cars. While toyota and honda took less margin at a lower high 30s to mid 40% markup. How interesting that the cheaply made american cars have the higher markup, really shows where dedication to quality parts/labor comes in while still offering affordable prices on the lots.

 

[RobbJK88]

I'm surprised by that because I know that FCA has the worst profit margins on their vehicles as well.

I believe if i remember correctly, VW actually had the lowest % of markup, but only because their cars are so expensive to build in the first place. Pretty much all american makers had a 10-15% higher markup than their japanese counterparts. I remember the koreans were kind of in between the two.

 

[RobbJK88]

Why does that surprise you? A thin margin means you need more markups to recoup your proddy costs. Perfectly logical if you ask me...

The Japanese have lower markups as they have higher production efficiencies. Toyota is a god when it comes to this...

Yea, toyota is king of efficiency, but that because they build toasters on wheels. Appliances. Cars with a soul and a personality take a little more time and finesse. lol.

 

[RobbJK88]

Fair.. Sort of... Kaizen and Toyotas Production System we're responsible for Supra, Celica, the original 86 and all the bullet proof original Lexus' like the LS and SC...

currently I would agree with that LOL

http://dailykanban.com/2015/03/toyotas-tnga-tps-2-0/

Oh i agree with you. I'm not saying toyota doesn't have a heritage of fun sporty cars.. but unlike honda who realized their mistake and are now correcting it by injecting life back into their cars toyota decided toasters were good enough as long as they sell. If sales ever do start to slip for Toyota, they'll go back to their heritage like honda is doing.

Currently Toyota only really cares about reliability, sales volume, and building lifeless A to B appliances for boring people.

 

[RobbJK88]

If you want more soul, go for the Kia Soul!

My jokes stink...

Too bad there aren't enough enthusiasts out there to pressure Toyota into improving their line. Maybe the younger generations are more performance conscious?

According to every study done the younger generations are getting less and less concerned with how their cars drive and more the tech the car includes (infotainment, touch screens, etc). Most of the younger generation can't be bothered to know anything about their cars, if they can even afford to have one. But, enthusiasts will always be around, even as a small demographic, there will always be car enthusiasts for the automakers to (hopefully) continue to cater to.