NOVI, Mich. (AP) -- Honda Motor Co.'s top U.S. auto executive says the company may have to update its models faster because the competition is getting so tough in segments where the Japanese automaker has strong sales.
Executive Vice President John Mendel said Friday that the normal two-year update and five-year redesign cycles may not be valid any more in some segments.
Honda is scheduled to update its top-selling midsize Accord next year and redesign the car by 2013. But Mendel says the redesign could take place before then as Honda introduces new technologies to raise fuel economy.
He spoke at an event in suburban Detroit held to introduce the new Accord Crosstour. Honda says the five-door crossover drives like a car but can haul things like a sport utility vehicle.