Hello All!

When my '00 Intrepid got flooded back in May, I took that as a sign to move on to a better vehicle. I had been considering a BMW Z3, but after comparing the performance of these cars, the Honda was the better choice for me.

I committed to my S2000 back in June -- just got my VIN last Thursday. The anticipation is killing me!

Anyway, to my questions:

1) Why has Honda decided to produce ~10k cars worldwide for three model years? Why not have a normal model lifespan? I realize that manufactures need a flagship product to draw the attention of customers, but does the S2000 really sell that many Civics and Accords?

2) Is Honda making a profit selling these cars at MSRP? Purchasing/manufacturing tooling for a car that will only be around for three years is awfully expensive. If not, see question #1.

3) What is the assembly line like? Is it highly automated or does it require a great deal of manual labor? I heard a dealer once say that the cars are "handbuilt." Are they handbuilt a la Rolls/Bentley?

4) Are there any rumors about a replacement for the S2000 when it bows out for 2002? Will it REALLY not be offered beyond 2002?

I've scoured the forums for threads that talk about these subject, but didn't find much subject matter. Forgive me if they've already been covered and kindly guide me to those threads.

Keep in mind that I'm not complaining at ALL that Honda is producing this awesome automobile!

Gowgom

 

Most of that has been discussed to death...not sure what to tell you to search for. Maybe 2003? Also try searching for japan under meets...some folks went over there in June to see the plant and came back with all kinds of details (including how much is hand-built, and I believe potential for model years beyond 2002).

 

I'm sure that there are others here who can provide more definitive answers than I can but...

1) I'm not aware that 2002 will be the last model year. I believe that the group of regulars on this form who visited the factory in Japan a few weeks ago verified that a) the car is largely hand assembled; and b) it will have a normal run (about 5 years?). Clearly, the fact that it is hand assembled will limit the production numbers.

2) Who knows for sure whether Honda is making a profit. Considering the hand assembly factor, and the design/construction of many of the components (e.g., the engine), it is hard to understand that Honda is making much money on this car. THe dealers, on the other hand, are making a killing. (I assume that you know that the car was developed in celebration of Honda's 50th aniversary.)

3) See 1.

4) Yep, there are lots of rumors. As far as I know, there are no facts.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Gowgom
[B]Hello All!


1) Why has Honda decided to produce ~10k cars worldwide for three model years? Why not have a normal model lifespan? I realize that manufactures need a flagship product to draw the attention of customers, but does the S2000 really sell that many Civics and Accords?

 

Thanks for the feedback -- I found a few threads from the group that took the tour of the Honda factory and the Mugen facility. Really interesting stuff!

The information in those threads makes perfect sense. In light of the popularity of the car it would not be a wise business decision to stop production.

I totally agreed -- it would seem that at first glance with all the labor involved that much of a profit is realized. But, hey, it's the 50th anniversary! I suppose we can speculate all we want as to WHY...

Gowgom

 

Just like this.
http://asia.vtec.net/beystock/honda/s2000/...tory/index.html