TOKYO, Nov. 9, 2009 (Kyodo News International) -- Honda Motor Co. (NYSE:HMC) said Monday it received orders for about 18,000 units of its new Step WGN minivan in the first month after its launch on Oct. 9, more than three times its monthly sales target of 6,000 units.

Honda said the Step WGN was appreciated by customers for its high fuel efficiency, a big interior space, and under-floor storage which third-row seats can be folded into.

Among the two types of Step WGN, the sportier Step WGN Spada, launched on Oct. 23, drew more popularity, accounting for 55 percent of the orders, Honda said.

The automaker said the Step WGN has been well received by a wide variety of customers, including households with children whose parents are in their 20s to 40s.