American Honda Motor Company: Dedicated 2nd production shift for 2015 Fit and HR-V

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To the relief of Canadian, U.S. Honda automotive dealers and would be Fit buyers, Honda officials promised Wednesday to fire up a 2nd production shift in Celaya, Mexico, home to the 2015 Fit and Fit world-platformed HR-V Crossover.

Amid corporate vows of greater quality control, tales of freight train bandits, exploding airbag propellants and lawsuits, our Honda contact tells us that 2015 Fit production will be increased in Celaya, that some media reports of strained “Green Labor” company relations, quality control issues, shipping delays and stolen parts along freight lines may be bordering on sensationalism.

Could be, sensationalism does sell the news. However, the lack of Fit inventory, especially of the EX-L with Navigation and Honda Sat-link variants is causing consumer angst and dealership woes while promoting competitor sales.

Honda Fit positioned to replace entry-level Civic

2015 Fit has the potential of eventually unseating Civic from its long standing position as Honda’s entry-level foundation car. Civic has been Honda’s bread and butter in North America for decades. However, up-sized and up priced Civic is outgrowing the sub compact segment while not offering a hatchback variant. In walks a much improved 2015 Fit featuring a lower base price, greater interior space, 5 door hatch variant, improved power, performance and handling.

Demand has created an order backlog

Fit sales were up 60% (month over month) for September with 6,000+ registered sales recorded. In-fact Accord, Fit and CR-V sales carried the mark with Civic sales down-trending.

With Automotive News, Car and Driver and others reporting production and shipping problems south of the border, heightened consumer demand for Fit may be the actual cause and effect of the Fit shortage, with overstated, media fueled dilemma based hyperbole undertones.

We've yet to talk to a dealership or consumer impacted by the known theft or damage of a 2015 Fit in shipping transit. If you’re one of the few, we’d like to read your comment at Torque News.