[Administrator]

The Element, the ugly duckling of the Honda lineup, will live on for a second generation. According to a report by Automotive News, Honda VP John Mendel has confirmed that despite the car's underachieving sales numbers there are good reasons to introduce a modernized version of the functional box.

Apparently the largest argument for keeping the Element around is that it attracts a certain type of customer to Honda dealerships that wouldn't otherwise be interested in a Honda. Surprisingly, despite the fact that the Element shares its platform with the high-volume CR-V, almost no one cross-shops the two. Element owners also tend to be a loyal bunch, so presumably Honda is hoping to move original owners into a new model.

For the most part, many had assume the Element was slated for the scrap heap of history after its seven year production cycle (two longer than the average) hadn't produced a single second generation concept.

Originally Honda had targeted the Element at 75,000 units sold on an annual basis. This year it is on track for just 15,000.

There is no word on when the second generation Element could arrive, although it could be as early as the 2011 model year.

More: Report: Honda Gives Green Light to Second Generation Element on AutoGuide.com

 

[EL-MT]

My Christmas wish came TRUE! Now it only has to offer a diesel and a 6 speed manual with AWD keep it less than $30K USD and I will buy one new.

 

[spdrcr5]

Automotive News article...

Although Element was no hit, Honda plans a 2nd generation

Mark Rechtin
Automotive News
December 14, 2009 - 12:01 am ET

LOS ANGELES -- Although the Element has been a disappointing seller, Honda plans to offer a second generation of its quirky crossover rather than treat it as an experiment.

The company is hitting a key demographic with the Element that it does not reach with the vehicle's platform sibling, the CR-V, said John Mendel, American Honda Motor Co. executive vice president.

"Our specialty vehicles give a little spice to the brand," Mendel said in an interview. "It's all about platform usability. And the Element is part of that strategy."

He said internal data show that no one cross-shops the CR-V and Element. "In the showroom you couldn't get most Element buyers to even sit in a CR-V," Mendel said.

Element buyers like its flexibility and storage capability, which make it ideal for stowing mountain bikes, surfboards and ski equipment, he said. The CR-V is aimed more at young families.

As a result, Honda will derive another outside-the-box vehicle from CR-V underpinnings to replace the Element.

Mendel declined to say when it will arrive, whether it will look like the current Element or even whether it will be named Element.

The Element went on sale in 2003. Other than a mild reskin in 2007, it has remained unchanged.

Honda initially hoped to sell 75,000 units annually. But after its first year, when 67,478 were sold, the Element never managed to break 60,000. Honda sold 26,447 last year, and sales in 2009 are down 46 percent to 13,458 through November.

By contrast, the CR-V is the segment leader. At the peak year of 2007, Honda sold nearly 220,000.

 

[EXwSCnose]

.........................
The Element went on sale in 2003. Other than a mild reskin in 2007, it has remained unchanged.

...just a typo;

• 2007 was a great technology improvement with little outward change... save for the SC addition.
• 2009 was the re-skin, which ironically brought the SC's appearance closer to the base Element again...

I am happy to see HONDA carrying the Element further in its selection. Honda has quietly expanded its vehicle selection, go check the web site...

 

[PVR]

I won't be happy unless they bring back the unpainted panels!

 

[CoolE'sRule]

I won't be happy unless they bring back the unpainted panels!

I'm guessing, that just like taking the salt from an item makes it cost more at a grocery store, getting the "unpainted Panels" option will add to the cost, not subtract from it.

Jeff

 

[bh241]

This is the kind of news that should be on the main page of elementownersclub.com instead of a news bulletin about the crosstour. :roll:

Good to hear the E will continue on. :grin:

 

[PVR]

I'm guessing, that just like taking the salt from an item makes it cost more at a grocery store, getting the "unpainted Panels" option will add to the cost, not subtract from it.

Jeff

I'll pay extra

 

[Tim Vance]

I won't be happy unless they bring back the unpainted panels!

Hear!Hear!

Painted panels, in my opinion was the worst thing they did!

 

[IRV]

I'm quoting a long time member:

"Painted panels are Evil":evil:


:lol::lol:

 

[BigAl205]

When did they start painting panels?

 

[spdrcr5]

When did they start painting panels?

i think 06 or 07

 

[BigAl205]

i think 06 or 07

I was just razzing the guys...the "painted" panels aren't really painted.

 

[davec959]

At the local Honda dealer, they never have more than one E on the lot at any given time and no new E stays unsold more than a day or two. My question is are they underselling or is Honda underproducing the Element?

 

[Perro_Loco]

They started the painted panels with the EX-P's in 06. Then they were plastic, now the new ones are metal with the exception of the front clip and rear bumper. I'm glad I got mine when I did, I wanted one specifically for the plastic panels (although I really wanted the unpainted ones, don't tell my E tho). I wonder if they'll bring back the rear sunroof, that's another thing I love about mine.

A nice big sunroof, plastic panels, stock 6spd manual, and a diesel and I'd consider trading up. I doubt the diesel would happen so I'll be keeping mine around for a long time 8)

 

[lizzurd]

I was just razzing the guys...the "painted" panels aren't really painted.

Then how did they get the colour on them?

Shoe polish?:-D

 

[jdiane]

I dont care what a 2nd gen element looks like, but it has to deliver over 30 mpgs for me to even consider it (and I'm avg 24mpg right now).

And yes, painted panels are evil. ;-)

 

[LMntGuy1982]

Painted or unpainted, if I get a new one I'm gonna sand the hell outta that sumbitch and bedliner the panels.

 

[desinia]

Although Element was no hit, Honda plans a 2nd generation

blah blah blah blah

He said internal data show that no one cross-shops the CR-V and Element. "In the showroom you couldn't get most Element buyers to even sit in a CR-V," Mendel said.

That's funny. I was a CR-V buyer until I just happened to sit in an Element.

 

[OUZO Power]

almost no one cross-shops the two.

I have both.