No new Honda Ridgeline coming on 2011

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The Honda Ridgeline is a great unibody pickup that people either love or hate. Unlike other pickups that people can use as a “work” truck, the Honda Ridgeline is a mid-sized utility truck that will let you haul stuff, but will not compromise comfort that you would usually get in an SUV.

Unfortunately, the Honda Ridgeline hasn’t been selling very well recently. Sales have plummeted 51.4% from 33,875 units in 2008 to 16,464 in 2009. Add to that the fact that the Honda Ridgeline is an ageing truck. It was introduced way back in 2005 and a redesign is way overdue. One thing people are really hoping for is improved fuel economy.

Despite all its problems, the Honda Ridgeline has retained a good following because of its reliability, smooth ride, great handling and excellent build quality so a lot of people were surely delighted to read that an all-new Honda Ridgeline will be coming in 2011.

PickupTrucks.com earlier reported that Vicki Poponi, the Assistant Vice President for Product Planning of Honda broke the news about the 2011 Honda Ridgeline at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, but Honda was quick to respond saying otherwise.

"American Honda apologizes if there was inaccurate information shared at the Chicago Auto Show about the Honda Ridgeline pickup," Ra told PickupTrucks.com. " I can confirm that there will be no significant change to the Ridgeline through the 2011 model year," said Christina Ra, Public Relations Manager of Honda. "[Honda's PR staff in the U.S.] usually receives word about 18 months before the launch of a new vehicle. As of now, we don't know when a new Ridgeline is coming. It's not going to be before the summer of 2011."

This is really sad news for the Ridgeline’s loyal followers. Let’s hope that the Honda Ridgeline is given a second lease on life and kept on the Japanese automaker’s lineup a little longer until such time they can offer it with an improved fuel mileage.

Read the full article here.



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