Honda confirms fresh Ridgeline for 2011

[AVANTI R5]

The Chicago Auto Show paled in terms of reveals compared to many, but amongst the flashy displays and concept cars there were also some tidbits of information finding their way to the public for the first time. For instance, Vicki Poponi, Honda’s vice president of product planning revealed that Honda has plans to introduce a fully revised version of its unibody pickup for the 2011 model year.

The Honda Ridgeline represents Honda’s first foray into the truck segment, first unveiled at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show, and later launched as a 2006 model year. The Ridgeline was originally projected to sell 50,000 units annually, and early on it even surpassed that figure. In recent years however, the sales figures have declined dramatically with 33,875 sold in 2008, followed by a drop of 51.4 percent to 16,464 for 2009.
“The customers love the Ridgeline,” Poponi said. “It’s really a unique truck. It’s its own segment. But because it’s a niche vehicle, they’re really aren’t many people out looking for it. It’s also a bit older than we like.”

The Ridgeline received its last mid-cycle refresh for 2009, and after five years on the market without a major overhaul this unibody pickup is beginning to show its age

http://www.leftlanenews.com/honda-co...-for-2011.html

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[lawn boy]

any pics?

[Damon]

the only full sized truck id own / drive (for my needs). i test drove one about a year ago and it felt like i was driving a car. so comfortable. this inspired our purchase of the wife's loaded out pilot.

[rsholland]

Originally Posted by Damon

the only full sized truck id own / drive (for my needs). i test drove one about a year ago and it felt like i was driving a car. so comfortable. this inspired our purchase of the wife's loaded out pilot.

It's actually considered a "mid-sized" truck, yet it will carry 4x8 paneling flat on the bed floor like a full-size truck. I very much look forward to see how Honda will improve this truck.

Bob

[Masterauto]

they changed their mind

[AVANTI R5]

On Thursday, it was reported that Honda’s Ridgeline pickup will be upgraded for the 2011 model year. Honda’s assistant vice president of product planning Vicki Poponi said that the Ridgeline, which has not been upgraded for five years, will see some changes in 2011. Well, you can scratch that.

PickupTrucks.com, who originally spoke to Poponi at the 2010 auto show about the next-generation Ridgeline, received an email today from Christina Ra, manager at Honda public relations.

She says:
“American Honda apologizes if there was inaccurate information shared at the Chicago Auto Show about the Ridge line pickup. I can confirm that there will be no significant change to the Ridgeline through the 2011 model year.”

It looks like the Ridgeline will move on as one of the oldest vehicles in Honda’s lineup.