Honda reportst that RIDGELINE Sales are below expectations

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

I read in one of the national newspapers (USA Today I think) that Honda has just reported that sales of the Ridgeline are below expectations. But, the article went on to say that Honda has no plans for incentives to make up the sales expectations.
If Honda is serious about getting the sales up to par, they should talk to the dealers that are adding $1500 to $3000 above MSRP (quite common in NE Fla). I drove 75 miles away and got exactly what I wanted with lots of Honda accesory add-ons for $300 over invoice.
Seems as though dealers are doing the same thing with the Ridge that they did when the Odessey first came out....gouge like hell. However, this time it may be biting them in the rear. As we all know, truck shoppers have more options in the market place, than mini-van shoppers. IMHO there were probably lots of potential customers that were willing to make the truck leap to a Honda, but were put off by all of the price gouging. And, they in turn, purchased a truck from another brand. Honda should also consider that these same customers turned off by the price gouging are spreading the word and consequently turning off future potential buyers as well.

I laugh as I drive past the local Honda dealers here in town and look at all of the Ridgelines that are sitting on their lots.
When I went to pick up my Ridge, my salesman asked what was going on the local market here that would make me drive 75 mi to get a truck. I told him price gouging. He laughed as asked me to pass along to the local dealers to please contine their current praticies as he is selling the Ridge to customers in their own area faster that he can get them!!!! Me included. :lol: