DETROIT -

Also using the event as a platform to show off the newest version of the Civic, a top Honda executive this week looked back at how the automaker performed in 2010 as well as what could be expected this year.

John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., indicated the manufacturer posted 7.6 percent sales growth in 2010, moving 1.23 million Honda and Acura models.

“This is even more significant when you consider that we did it one customer at a time. In fact, we continue to be virtually the only full-line manufacturer to increase sales without bulking up on fleet sales,” Mendel told attendees at this week’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

“We’ll continue this strategy in 2011, growing sales for both the Honda and Acura brands,” he continued. “And our local production — 87 percent of sales — will continue to serve as an advantage.”

Mendel went on to mention the company has placed a substantial effort behind building momentum for the Acura brand in hopes it will pay significant dividends as the brand celebrates its 25th anniversary in March.

“Acura sales have posted double-digit increases for 11 consecutive months now and were up more than 27 percent in 2010,” Mendel stated.

“You can expect double-digit growth again this year because we have some more excitement in store for the Acura brand later this spring,” he revealed.

Mendel offered encouraging news about Honda, too. Coming on the heels of what the company considers a successful launch, Mendel indicated sales of the completely redesigned Honda Odyssey increased by 30 percent from the prior year with production coming out of the OEM’s plant in Alabama.

“And we just learned, Odyssey — completely developed by our R&D team in Ohio — earned five stars in each seating position of all three crash tests in NHTSA’s new test program as well as for the overall rating,” Mendel recounted.

“That’s not just a first in the minivan category. We believe it’s a first for the entire industry,” he declared.

Honda also is pleased with the performance of the CR-Z. Mendel indicated Honda has sold more than 5,000 units since the automaker launched the model four months ago.

“It’s great to see our customers embrace this vehicle and our effort to push hybrid technology in a sporty direction,” Mendel emphasized.

New Civic Reveal

Mendel also offered glimpses of the 2012 Civic coupe and sedan concepts at the major Detroit auto event.

The Honda executive explained these concept versions of the ninth-generation Civic build on the current model’s signature one-motion, mono-form design with more expressive body lines. Mendel believes this complete redesign also offers a bolder, more energetic and sleek appearance.

Mendel noted the new Civic will be more compact outside but with more cabin space as well as more fuel efficiency at every level.

Offering a sedan, coupe, hybrid, natural gas and both sporty Si sedan and coupe models, Mendel indicated the product will grow a bit more for 2012. He said the next generation Civic will offer three different powertrains, including a 40 mpg package within the gasoline engine lineup, the natural gas powered Civic GX and the new Civic Hybrid with the first-ever application of a lithium-ion battery technology in one of the company’s hybrid vehicles.

In addition to the standard fuel economy ratings, Mendel pointed out most Civic gasoline models also will feature Honda Eco-Assist technology meant to help less-efficient drivers achieve higher fuel economy.

Furthermore, Mendel emphasized the natural-gas powered Civic will be assembled at Honda’s plant in Greensburg, Ind.

Mendel hopes the new Civic will appeal not only to younger buyers but a broad range of customers.

“Civic is a car for all people attracting buyers from all demographics from the ‘greatest generation’ to Generation Y,” Mendel asserted.

“This is something Civic has always accomplished by remaining forward-looking and focused on the needs of customers with outstanding fuel economy and affordability even for first-time buyers and without compromising the joy of driving. In fact more than 30 percent of Civic customers are under the age of 35,” he continued.

“We’re not changing the market position established by the current model at the front of the line in the compact segment,” Mendel went on to say. "But we have strived to more clearly express all that Civic represents to our customers in order to maximize customer value and increase our competitive advantage. More than ever, the all-new Civic will fulfill the needs of virtually every compact car buyer.”