This is the issue Honda will continue to have whilst it insists on having two separate brands in the US. Acura was never introduced to the UK (not sure about Continental Europe), Infiniti failed within 10 years as there was not enough distinction between them and Nissans - far too many obviously shared parts. Which just leaves Lexus, which does not appear to have much of an issue of Toyota's stealing sales.
You do have me slightly confused with your quote of 'associated costs of introducing another vehicle in the lineup, prevent Honda USA from investing in the added features.' They don't have to add another vehicle, they just add these features to the vehicles they already have, like they have done to their European models. What would improve things even more is if they offered more options rather than overloading top tier models. To get factory LED headlamps on the HR-V in the UK you had to purchase the top of the range EX. Most, if not all, of the HR-V's competitors offered LED's either on more basic models, or as an optional extra.
You do have me slightly confused with your quote of 'associated costs of introducing another vehicle in the lineup, prevent Honda USA from investing in the added features.' They don't have to add another vehicle, they just add these features to the vehicles they already have, like they have done to their European models. What would improve things even more is if they offered more options rather than overloading top tier models. To get factory LED headlamps on the HR-V in the UK you had to purchase the top of the range EX. Most, if not all, of the HR-V's competitors offered LED's either on more basic models, or as an optional extra.
