Why did Honda stop making the fit?
Honda has decided to discontinue its popular Fit subcompact car in the United States and Canada after the 2020 model year. This decision was driven by a shift in consumer preferences towards larger vehicles, as well as the automaker's strategic focus on other models in its lineup.
Changing Consumer Preferences
The primary reason Honda discontinued the Fit was the declining demand for subcompact cars in North America. Consumers have been increasingly gravitating towards larger vehicles, such as SUVs, crossovers, and pickup trucks, in recent years. This shift in consumer preferences has made it challenging for automakers to maintain strong sales of smaller, more fuel-efficient models like the Fit.
Honda's Strategic Priorities
In addition to the market trends, Honda's decision to discontinue the Fit was also influenced by the company's strategic focus on other models in its lineup. Honda has been placing greater emphasis on its larger, more profitable vehicles, such as the Pilot SUV, Ridgeline pickup, and Odyssey minivan. The resources and production capacity previously dedicated to the Fit have been redirected towards these higher-volume and higher-margin models, which better align with the company's current priorities.
Fit's Declining Sales
The Fit's sales had been steadily declining in recent years, making it increasingly difficult to justify its continued production. In the United States, Fit sales dropped from a peak of over 60,000 units in 2013 to just 35,000 units in 2019. This downward trend, combined with the shift in consumer preferences and Honda's strategic priorities, ultimately led to the decision to discontinue the Fit in North America.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of the Honda Fit in the United States and Canada is a reflection of the changing automotive landscape and Honda's strategic priorities. While the Fit was a popular and fuel-efficient subcompact car, the declining demand for such vehicles and Honda's focus on larger, more profitable models have led to the model's demise in North America.
