Hi Skam
The 'problem' for Honda is that if they increase the base price of the Civic by (say £1000), they are moving it into a price bracket whereby instead of competing against a different band of cars, and in a different market sector.
As to the cost of fixing the suspension - how many owners have actually complained do you think?
1% - 10% - 30%?
The conversation
could have gone something like this...
Tech guy (TG) "Boss, we have a problem with the new Civic"
Boss "What do you mean 'a problem'! We're due to launch it next week! AND those other manufacturers have done spy shots and are due to launch with some of our ideas."
TG "It's the suspension - we've found that some go 'clonk'"
Boss "Damn. Best call the PR companies and tell them not to broadcast the adverts. And cancel the launch party. And all those mags waiting to do a write up. Damn Damn. What floor are we on? and do the windows open?"
TG "Or we
could just launch anyway, and fix the ones who complain about it?"
Boss "take a pay rise
"
maybe
