Honda position to overtake Chrysler as No.4 automaker in the U.S.

Until now, U.S. automotive industry watchers were only worried about Toyota overtaking the Big Three in annual sales in the U.S. market. In 2006, Toyota eventually overtook Chrysler and went onto maintain a lead over Dearborn’s Ford Motor Company. According to a report by Automotive News, another Japanese automaker will soon join Toyota in beating the Big Three in annual sales.

In about a month, American Honda will take a lead of Chrysler Group LLC to become the No.4 automaker on the stateside. Up until Nov. 2009, American Honda sold 1.044 million units, holding a substantial lead of 200,000 units over Chrysler. During the same period in 2008, Chrysler led Honda by 21,000 units.

Chrysler spokeswoman Kathy Graham said that the automaker is aware of the fact that it has fallen behind Honda but said executives think the change will only be temporary.

“We are taking the steps that are necessary to have a good foundation and to build consumer confidence,” she said. “We are on the right path. There will be short-term pain to get to our long-term goals,” she said.