(June 1, 2012) TORRANCE, Calif. — Led by record CR-V crossover sales, American Honda today reported May 2012 U.S. sales of 133,997 units, an increase of 47.6 percent compared to May 2011 (an increase of 36.3 percent based on the daily selling rate).

The Honda Division posted May 2012 sales of 119,411 units, an increase of 46.0 percent compared to May 2011. Acura’s U.S. May sales of 14,586 units increased 62.1 percent compared to May 2011.

CR-V set a May sales record of 25,186 unit, besting previous record by 5,226 units. The completely redesigned CR-V was introduced late last year.

Other Honda Division highlights:

• Civic sales were up more than 80 percent compared to May 2011; an exceptional sales figure for any month, Honda sold 33,490 Civics in May;

• Accord sales of 29,737 unit continues to show strength in the tough mid-size segment — especially for a car that will be replaced late this summer with an all-new model — up more than 70 percent from May 2011.

"With our best May sales performance since before the financial crisis it’s obvious Honda’s return to strength is in full swing, and our May sales are impressive irrespective of last year’s production supply problems,” said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. “Any time Honda Civic sales surpass 33,000 units in a month, it shows real demand in the marketplace."

On the Acura side, total sales of 14,586 units represented a 62.1 percent, making this Acura’s best month since December of 2010.

The RDX, redesigned for the 2012 model year, had its best sales month ever (3,301 units), with May 2012 sales up 216.8 percent. The RDX is expected to be at the top of the compact luxury SUV segment.

Overall, Acura light trucks posted a best-ever May result of 8,226 units, up 64.7 percent.
The all-new ILX compact luxury sedan went on sale May 22. As dealer inventory builds, the ILX marketing campaign launches with national TV advertising beginning in early June with the NBA conference finals on ESPN

“With the new RDX setting an all-time sales record this month, Acura went well beyond recovering from last year’s supply issues,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “Now, with the new ILX reaching dealerships across America, Acura is just beginning a great new hot streak.”