Honda Previews 2026 US Sales Strategy, New Models Ahead

American Honda HMC shared details of its U.S. automotive outlook for 2026, which includes its sales performance in 2025 and a peek into key elements of its upcoming product strategy. Per Lance Woelfer, vice president of sales, nearly the entire Honda and Acura portfolio has been redesigned or refreshed over the past 18 months, positioning the company with one of the most up-to-date model lineups in the industry as it heads into 2026.The automaker expects a tougher competitive environment next year, and the industry seasonally adjusted annual rate is projected between the high 15-million and low 16-million units. Against this backdrop, American Honda forecasts total 2026 sales of about 1.5 million vehicles, suggesting a rise of 4% year over year. Both brands are expected to post moderate gains, with Honda sales exceeding 1.35 million units and Acura aiming for roughly 135,000 units. Entering 2026, the company continues to operate with a below-average inventory level as it works through supply chain challenges that emerged late last year.To remain agile in shifting market conditions, American Honda plans to follow a flexible and balanced approach. In response to affordability concerns and rising average vehicle prices, the company will boost production of value-focused trims across core Honda models, such as the CR-V, Civic and Accord, as well as entry-level Acura offerings, including the ADX and Integra. On the product front, Acura will introduce the RSX electrified SUV in the second half of 2026, while the Integra Type S will receive interior and exterior updates. The MDX will gain additional enhancements later in the year. Development is underway on the next-generation RDX, which will debut Acura’s first two-motor hybrid system, with the current RDX set to pause production this year.Honda has also begun rolling out the refreshed 2026 Pilot, featuring a larger touchscreen, refined steering, a quieter interior, updated styling and enhanced safety technology. The S+ Shift feature, first seen on the Prelude, will be added to the Civic Hybrid and the Civic Type R will receive design updates. In addition, Honda revealed a prototype of the Honda Base Station, a compact, towable travel trailer designed in the United States to tap into growing interest in outdoor lifestyles, particularly among young families.Honda’s Zacks Rank & Key PicksHMC carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) at present.Some better-ranked stocks in the auto space are General Motors Company GM, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company GT and PHINIA Inc. PHIN, each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GM’s 2025 and 2026 EPS has improved by a penny and 16 cents, respectively, in the past seven days.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GT’s 2025 EPS has improved 19 cents in the past 90 days. EPS estimates for 2026 have moved down 13 cents in the past 90 days.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PHIN’s 2025 sales and earnings implies year-over-year growth of 1.1% and 33.4%, respectively. EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 have improved 45 cents and 81 cents, respectively, in the past 30 days. Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor StockThis under-the-radar company specializes in semiconductor products that titans like NVIDIA don't build. It's uniquely positioned to take advantage of the next growth stage of this market. And it's just beginning to enter the spotlight, which is exactly where you want to be.With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $971 billion by 2028.See This Stock Now for Free >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (GT): Free Stock Analysis Report Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (HMC): Free Stock Analysis Report General Motors Company (GM): Free Stock Analysis Report PHINIA Inc. (PHIN): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks