Why Was the Spirior Discontinued?
2 Answers
The Spirior entered the Chinese market and achieved localized production as early as 2009. However, since the Accord had already established a strong reputation in China, most consumers preferred the Accord over the Spirior when choosing a Honda mid-size sedan. By the time of its discontinuation in 2017, the Spirior's monthly sales were less than 2,000 units, which was less than one-sixth of the Accord's sales, making its discontinuation an expected outcome. Here is some relevant information about the Spirior: 1. Positioning: Honda's initial intention in launching the Spirior was commendable—offering two distinct models with different attributes (family-oriented and sporty) based on the same platform, which undoubtedly provided consumers with more choices. 2. Reasons for discontinuation: The primary reason for the Spirior's poor sales was its product positioning. Additionally, its reputation was not strong enough to compete with rivals like the Accord and Camry in the same segment, making its low sales quite predictable. Lastly, the use of an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission in the mid-to-high trim models also contributed to the Spirior's lackluster sales performance.
I used to pay close attention to the Honda Spirior, believing its discontinuation was primarily due to poor market sales. As a long-time Honda fan, I recall this model was positioned as a B-segment sedan, competing with more popular rivals like the Accord and Camry. To streamline production, Honda focused resources on the Accord and other best-selling models, making the Spirior a casualty. Additionally, consumer preferences shifted towards SUVs, with many buyers opting for spacious vehicles like the CR-V or UR-V. The Spirior's slightly conservative design, slow updates, and uncompetitive pricing gradually led to its decline. Now, Honda is fully committed to electrification, with models like the e:HEV series capturing more attention. While it handled well, the Spirior lacked standout features. Had sales been stable, Honda wouldn't have discontinued it—truly a result of changing times. Opting for an Accord or newer models is more practical now.
