--- title: "Honda Keeps Setting Sales Records. The CR-V and Hybrids Are Why: TDS" date: "2026-11-04" modified: "2026-11-04" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail.md" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/honda-keeps-setting-sales-records-the-cr-v-and-hybrids-are-why-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" tags: - "CR-V" - "honda" - "suv/crossover" --- # Honda Keeps Setting Sales Records. The CR-V and Hybrids Are Why: TDS ![Honda CR-V TrailSport front three-quarter view]() *\Adam Ismail\* Good morning and welcome to [The Downshift](), a daily sweep of today’s top headlines from the auto industry and car culture, curated by *The Drive’s* editorial team. Each story gets a short summary and a link to the original source if you want to dive deeper. Here’s what’s cooking on Wednesday, November 4, 2026: 🔊 A new episode of *[The Drivecast]()*, *The Drive’s* weekly podcast, will go live later today on [Apple Podcasts](), [Spotify](), and wherever you get your podcasts. 📈 Honda's SUVs led the charge to the automaker's best October in North America since 2020. The CR-V recorded 34,815 units—about 10% better than a year ago—and 53% of them sold were hybrids. Even the Acura MDX sold 54% better versus October 2025, which makes you really wonder how much money they're leaving on the table with the RDX's hiatus. *\[[Honda]()\]* 🏭 Mercedes reportedly now doesn't anticipate U.S. production of the GLC SUV to begin until 2030—quite a long way away from its planned November 2027 start. Since the GLC is currently imported, that'll expose the company to tariffs on the model, and it seems like Mercedes won't bring manufacturing over until the SUV's next redesign. *\[[Automotive News]()\]* 💴 Toyota is expected to announce its first rise in global operating income in more than a year, to the tune of $6.3 billion over the July-through-September quarter. That would work out to an 18% jump. *\[[Reuters]()\]* ⚡ The Ferrari Luce is sold out through 2027, according to CEO Benedetto Vigna. "If someone comes, he has to wait one year to get the cars," Vigna said on an earnings call. The Luce starts at $615,000, and first deliveries are expected before the end of the year. *\[**[TechCrunch]()**\]* 💶 BMW still enjoyed a 2% boost in trading today despite slashing its projected full-year profit margin for the second time in five months and a restructuring plan that would cut 8,000 jobs in Germany. *\[[Reuters]()\]* 🛻 In addition to the Fathom electric pickup due for sale here, Ford is launching a new, affordable midsize truck for international markets. The bill of materials is said to be 20% lower than that of the Ranger, according to CEO Jim Farley, and the hope is that it'll do for the overseas truck market what the Maverick did here. *\[[CarBuzz]()\]* 💰 TWG Global co-chair Mark Walter is reportedly looking to sell his stake in the Cadillac F1 team for $3 billion. Walter, who is currently being investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission for fraud, also owns the Los Angeles Dodgers and LA Sparks and, until August, the Lakers as well. *\[[USA Today]()\]* *Got a tip or feedback for The Downshift? Reach out to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() ## More - [Why Every Honda CR-V Hybrid Has ‘FART’ In the VIN]() - [Yes, Honda Really Sold a 10-Passenger CR-V for Tax Reasons]() - [Honda Wrestles Title of America’s Best-Selling Car From Ford and Toyota: TDS]() - [2023 Honda CR-V First Drive Review: Simply Really Good]() - [2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid Review: When Very Good Isn’t Quite Enough]() - [Honda CR-V ‘Dream Pod’ Turns the Small SUV Into a Practical Camper]() - [It’s Way Too Easy to Steal a Honda CR-V’s Safety Tech in 2026]() - [An 800-HP Honda CR-V Hybrid Race Car Is Coming, and I’m Here for It]()