Ultimele articole din presa straina referitoare la Honda

[ticker]

De la Florin (tokyodream):

http://www.stiriauto.ro/articol/4027/Honda-va-lansa-un-nou-autoturism-hibrid-low-cost-in-2009-/

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/business-16/1211339046292990.xml&storylist=michigannews

[tokyodream]

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/206794,american-auto-love-affair-sours-as-fuel-prices-soar--feature.html

http://www.gasgoo.com/auto-news/6519/Honda-seeking-approval-to-double-China-JV-capacity.html :wink:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-hybridshowdown-glance,0,5292646.story

http://www.autospies.com/news/2009-Honda-Pilot-carries-same-price-tag-as-2008-model-30174/

[hondatu]

Honda's CEO gears up for next hybrid race

When CEO Takeo Fukui says he would spend $10 billion to rack up a Formula One victory for Honda, you get the sense that he really means it.

Under Fukui's five-year leadership, Honda Motor's car sales have jumped by a third and profits by an even bigger margin to a record $5.8 billion last year.

But it's the lack of an F1 win that sticks in the craw of the 63-year-old former engineer, who joined Honda precisely because it was the first Japanese automaker to enter the world's premier motor sport.

Fukui just doesn't like to lose.

"When it comes to F1, our score is zero. It kills me," Fukui, once an amateur racer himself, told a small group of reporters last week. "If I could fix it with a trillion yen I would, but it's not a problem that money can solve."
The Tokyo native is taking that same fierce competitive streak to the battle against giant Toyota Motor in gasoline-electric hybrid technology.

Toyota beat Honda to the hybrid market by two years with its Prius in 1997. The vastly improved second-generation Prius in 2003 became an instant hit, helping Japan's top automaker win a reputation overnight as the frontrunner in green technology.

Honda's own efforts have been stop-and-go. After launching the Insight two-seater in 1999, Japan's No.2 automaker discontinued sales of two underpowered hybrid models, leaving the gasoline-electric Civic and hybrid sales at a fraction of Toyota's.

Honda detailed plans last week to change that. Using technological advances that would make its hybrid system cheaper and more profitable, Honda will roll out three affordable hybrid cars over the next few years.

With gasoline prices going through the roof, Honda hopes to sell about 500,000 hybrids a year by 2015 -- nine times what it sold last year -- rivaling Toyota's own goal of boosting hybrid sales to a tenth of its total sales after 2010.

"We're losing the image game in Japan to Toyota, and that's tough to take," Fukui said, before adding that he believed Honda's environmental cachet was still superior to Toyota's in the United States, the world's biggest market.

Fukui knows what it feels like to persevere in the face of failure and end up winning big.

He got his first taste soon after joining in 1969, when Honda was mainly an engine and motorcycle maker. The first job assigned to Fukui was reducing toxic exhaust emissions from car engines -- a project that legendary founder Soichiro Honda had recently placed at the top of his priority list.

After Fukui failed several times, the late Honda, who headed R&D at the time, berated the young engineer, telling him to think out of the box, Fukui remembers.

It was sound advice. In 1974, Fukui flew to the United States for a government test that certified the vehicle based on the new CVCC engine as the first to clear the U.S. Clean Air Act based on engine performance alone.

Honda, which only started making cars in the 1960s, named the vehicle Civic, a runaway hit that helped put Honda on the global car industry map.

Occupying Honda's post decades later as head of R&D, Fukui, whom one engineer described as "cool and smart, unlike Soichiro-san, who was prone to yelling", pushed the rank and file to raise its game.
On the same day in December 2002, Honda and Toyota became the world's first automakers to put a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle on the road.

Fukui has also watched Toyota, with more than twice as many vehicle sales and nearly three times as much profit, follow Honda's lead in developing humanoid robots and airplanes.

So what about the elusive Formula One?

"We've done what needs to be done to win," said Fukui. "I think now it's only a matter of waiting."

[ticker]

http://www.leftlanenews.com/honda-overtakes-ford-as-3-brand-in-us-gunning-for-chevrolets-2-spot.html

[tokyodream]

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/28/2009-honda-pilot-designer-says-number-crunchers-won-out/

http://www.wbns10tv.com/live/content/local/stories/2008/05/28/hybrid_cars.html?

http://wire.jacksonville.com/pstories/business/20080529/284063559.shtml

http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008805240330

http://www.motherproof.com/2008/05/let-an-acura-pa.html

[tokyodream]

http://autos.canada.com/news/story.html?id=56c388b8-78e3-41a5-b162-f09668bb7de7

http://www.automotive.com/auto-news/02/36624/index.html - avem premii :oops:

http://www.chicoer.com/opinion/ci_9424499

http://wot.motortrend.com/6248137/ad-watch/honda-airs-live-commercial-to-promote-european-accord/index.html

[tokyodream]

http://www.presstelegram.com/ci_9493603

http://www.republicoft.com/2008/06/04/suv-sales-going-limp/

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2008/06/civic-best-sell.html :oops: :lol: :roll:

http://www.nbc4.com/automotive/16494247/detail.html :idea: :lol:

http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/606/story/474141.html :wink:

http://www.autospies.com/news/A-Honda-on-a-Diesel-Diet-30634/ :roll:

http://trucktrend.automotive.com/64789/163-0807-2009-honda-pilot-first-drive/index.html

[tokyodream]

http://www.gasgoo.com/auto-news/6709/Honda-resumes-production-at-storm-damaged-China-plants-.html

http://www.fuelcellsworks.com/Supppage8885.html :!:

http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/06/09/hjn061008scooter.html

http://cbs11tv.com/wrapper_consumer/moneysavers/save.gas.money.2.744431.html

http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080607/NEWS/875866447/-1/rss01

[VFX]

http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080612.004/danica-patrick-to-get-shot-at-f1-seat :oops:

UPS, se pare ca nu...
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/12/correction-honda-f1-not-testing-danica-but-would-like-to/ :roll:

[tokyodream]

4 din 10:

http://www.kpho.com/automotive/16597299/detail.html?rss=pho&psp=nationalnews

http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/2008/06/02/2008-06-02_more_features_for_acuras_popular_sedan.html

http://rides.importtuner.com/ride/1012943/mike-jdm/1995/acura/integra/index.html

[Delphi]

Rezultatul sondajului JDPower in Germania: Honda pe primul loc. :D Sondaj (http://media.hotnews.ro/media_server1/document-2008-06-20-3317525-0-studiul-power-pentru-piata-auto-germana.pdf)

[dumiflo]

Honda CEO Demands NSX must be faster than GT-R :
http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080619.003/honda-ceo-demands-nsx-must-be-faster-than-gt-r

[razvan p.]

Honda Automobile News - - - - -


1) Honda Begins Sales of New Compact Minivan: the Freed

TOKYO, Japan, May 29, 2008 - Honda announced that it will begin sales
of a new compact minivan, named the Freed, in Japan on May 30, 2008.

Full Story:
http://world.honda.com/news/2008/4080529New-Compact-Minivan-Freed/

Photo Index (50 photos):
http://world.honda.com/news/2008/4080529New-Compact-Minivan-Freed/photo/



- - - - - Honda Corporate News - - - - -


1) Honda Sets All-Time Record for Auto Production in the Month of April
for Regions Outside Japan and Worldwide

TOKYO, Japan, May 27, 2008 - Honda announced a summary of automobile
production, Japan domestic sales, and export results for the month of
April 2008.

Full Story:
http://world.honda.com/news/2008/c080527Automobile-Sales/

[tokyodream]

Super-air-bag-uri spate:

http://world.honda.com/news/2008/4080529New-Compact-Minivan-Freed/photo/pages/38.html :wink:

[tokyodream]

http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=59954

http://www.sgvtribune.com/ci_9668197

http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/mostpopular.var.2353283.mostviewed.honda_civic_sla mmed_in_reliability_survey.php

http://www.gasgoo.com/auto-news/6709/Honda-resumes-production-at-storm-damaged-China-plants-.html

http://asianbiz.blogspot.com/2008/06/honda-is-scoring-big-times-in-usa-auto.html :oops:

http://www.nationalpost.com/life/driving/story.html?id=583158 :wink:

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/hondas-next-hybrid-could-revive-insight-name/

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/06/17/business/fuelcell.php :oops:

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Honda-launches-first-hybrid-car-in-India/324419/ :wink:

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/06/19/honda-launches-civic-hybrid-in-india/

[tokyodream]

Vanzari bune in CHINA:

http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200807/20080708/article_365995.htm

Comparatie 3 SUV-uri:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=128367

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=65&objectid=10520143&ref=rss

http://www.nbc6.net/2009-cars/16337835/detail.html

http://www.straight.com/article-152018/honda-coupe-proves-thrifty-can-also-be-lively :oops:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/motoring/2008032738_hybridvalues04.html

http://www.autospies.com/news/What-Recession-Honda-Sales-Up-Almost-18-But-Acura-Down-17-31787/

http://www.importtuner.com/tech/powerpages/0805_impp_2008_civic_si_power_pages/index.html

[tokyodream]

http://www.montereyherald.com/business/ci_9861097 :

SMALL-CAR FEVER

High gas prices are pushing up the sales of small cars. Here are some examples of how well small cars were selling through May: Model U.S. sales Change

Honda Fit 29,784 +64%

Toyota Yaris 56,208 +50.4%

Ford Focus 105,499 +36%

Honda Civic 164,994 +20.1%

Chevy Cobalt 93,362 +17.8%

Toyota Prius 79,675 +3.8%

=============================================

2008 Honda Odyssey Touring - Still king of the Honda lineup:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/12/MTO511L402.DTL

=============================================

http://blogs.superstreetonline.com/6266333/featured-articles/automobiles-honda-civic/index.html :?:

http://www.aikenstandard.com/0410StolenCars :roll:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-79stolencars,0,4644267.story :!:

http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2008/07/09/91741.htm :cry: - 3 din 10

[ticker]

http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080718.008/honda-civic-type-s-fireblade-replica-for-italy

not bad at all! :oops:

http://img.worldcarfans.com/US/2008/7/18/9080718.008/9080718.008.1M.jpg

[tokyodream]

http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Business/20-Jul-2008/New-model-of-Honda-Accord-CRV-launched/

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200880718056

http://lfpress.ca/cgi-bin/publish.cgi?p=239446&s=wheels

http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/34827

http://londonbikers.com/news/9124/honda-extends-three-popular-bike-deals-until-september

http://www.autospies.com/news/Honda-Launches-Auto-Max-Railcar-Fleet-32604/ :?:

[tokyodream]

2010 Honda Hybrid Sedan Caught in Death Valley :

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=129607 -aveti si VIDEO :wink:

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=776533

Honda plans Rs 10 lakh bike to counter Nano:

http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Honda-plans-Rs-10-lakh-bike-to-counter-Nano/341012/

New Markets Spur Honda to Record Quarter :

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/news-article.aspx?storyid=114714

http://www.reuters.com/article/ousiv/idUST2450620080725

http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/34993

http://www.al.com/business/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/business/121714653249090.xml&coll=2

[tokyodream]

http://blogs.edmunds.com/karl/2008/07/as-fuel-prices-go-so-goes-the-hybrid-advantage.html

Which Cars Do Women Favor Most? - 2 locuri din 10:

http://www.kmbc.com/2009-Cars/17038854/detail.html

Which SUV Is Best Value For Consumers? - locul 4:

http://www.ketv.com/automotive/17028744/detail.html

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/i-inside-line-i-does-its-thing-on-the-160k-acura-nsx/ :wink:

10 Millionth Honda Transmission Produced in Ohio :roll: :

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/07/29/094748.html

[tokyodream]

2008 Honda Civic GX:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,394341,00.html

http://allcarsallthetime.blogspot.com/2008/07/how-civic-of-them-home-builder-throws.html

http://www.mobilemarketingmagazine.co.uk/2008/07/honda-civic-r-w.html

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=130087

http://www.autospies.com/news/Acura-s-2010-NSX-Disrobed-Should-The-LF-A-Take-Cover-32974/

[tokyodream]

http://autos.canada.com/news/story.html?id=8607b1d0-0b5d-415a-95ed-68841ee2eecd

http://driving.canada.com/research/viewroadtest.spy?artid=99599

http://driving.canada.com/research/viewroadtest.spy?artid=98666

[tokyodream]

http://gumption.typepad.com/blog/2008/08/doing-our-2008-honda-civic-hybrid-duty.html

http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200808/200808060008.html :wink:

http://jalopnik.com/399850/new-acura-crossover-caught-night-testing

http://jalopnik.com/399781/2009-acura-tl-interior-gets-up+close-and-personal :roll:

http://www.leftlanenews.com/acura-to-expand-lineup-by-2010-rival-mercedes-bmw.html

http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=&id=9cde7f52-668e-42b6-a119-3f6dc59c7797&&Headline=Honda+supply+shortage+to+persist+through+ FY+%3a+CFO&strParent=strParentID

[Cristi]

Dupa cum arata X6 fighter-ul nu aduce a Coupe. Doar daca are stilpi camuflajul ala. Spatele aduce a SUV sau break.

[tokyodream]

Mai noi, mai vechi:

http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/07/01/honda-tests-walking-instead-of-driving/#slide_4

http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/06/05/1989-honda-crx-named-ultimate-apocalypsemobile/

http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/06/17/new-zero-emission-house-to-be-constructed-in-japan/#slidem_2

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=142&objectid=10525283&ref=rss

[BogdanRR]

Dupa cum arata X6 fighter-ul nu aduce a Coupe. Doar daca are stilpi camuflajul ala. Spatele aduce a SUV sau break.

Nu te lasa pacalit de camfulaj, urmareste linia usii fata care se vede ducandu-se usor in jos spre terminatia ei de sus si pragul usii spate, care este destul de mic...aproape ai zice ca nu are usa spate!
Daca e un coupe-suv cu 2 usi, rupe tot pe piata. E conceptul pe care multa lume l-a afisat dar nimeni nu s-a incumetat sa-l faca.

[tokyodream]

http://www.autowereld.com/autonieuws/detail.asp?artikel=6030

http://www.autowereld.com/kortnieuws/detail.asp?artikel=6393

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080806/FREE/802432685/1532/FREE

http://www.waaytv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8809945

http://www.leftlanenews.com/honda-considering-bringing-more-japanese-models-to-us.html

http://www.katu.com/news/26248339.html

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=781361

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/honda_acura_central/2007_honda_accord_i_ctdi_diesel_short_take_road_te st

http://www.autospies.com/news/New-Acura-gets-Top-Safety-pick-33388/

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=130468
- ACURA TL 2009

[tokyodream]

BESTIAL : Charting The Changes: 2009 Honda Vehicle Changes :)

http://www.autospies.com/news/Charting-The-Changes-2009-Honda-Vehicle-Changes-33435/

[pauliasi]

Ma intreb daca versiunile de Honda Civic realizate pentru Japonia difera de cele realizate pentru Europa... Spre exemplu versiunea 1.8 S M/T de civic sedan de la noi este ca o imbinare intre versiunile DX si LX din Japonia si chiar sunt lucruri pe care DX le are (DX-ul intelegand a fi versiunea de baza), spre exemplu Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) si versiunea "S" nu le are sau invers, spre exemplu A/C

[ticker]

versiunile difera de la piata la piata. E vorba de politica de marketing a adaptarii produsului la piata.End of off topic :)

[tokyodream]

http://www.newscanada.com/default.asp?pagename=media&content=getcontent&type=print&lang=en&vol=&cat=&articleID=49542&mode=view&id=

http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/editors_notebook/0808_2009_honda_pilot_fullsize_suv/index.html

http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-9916.html :)

[tokyodream]

http://wot.motortrend.com/6282272/green/new-honda-dedicated-hybrid-will-be-cheaper-than-a-prius-arrive-spring-2009/index.html

http://blog.al.com/assembly-lines/2008/08/unfunny_end_to_honda_pilot_tv.html

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/08/2009-acura-tl-24-high-res-photos.html

[tokyodream]

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/mc/2008-acura-tl.htm

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?dept_id=108879&newsid=20016256

http://jalopnik.com/5036923/hondas-new-hybrid-cheaper-longer-and-higher-fuel-economy

PS - inca una:

http://reviews.cnet.com/green-tech-products/?hhTest=1&tag=bubbl_3

[tokyodream]

http://blogs.automobilemag.com/6285980/car-news/2009-honda-civic/index.html

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/2009-acura-tl.php - FIRST DRIVE

http://digitalprosound.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=488551

[tokyodream]

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=130933

[tokyodream]

Domasco unveils 2009 Honda Pilot SUVhttp://www.gulf-times.com/site/images/spacer.gif:

http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=237651&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08234/905833-97.stm?cmpid=autonews.xml - Acura TL

http://wot.motortrend.com/6288587/miscellaneous/refreshing-or-revolting-2009-honda-civic/index.html

http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/08/25/story5.html - Acura TL

[tokyodream]

2009 Honda Civic Coupe revealed in brochure:

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/2009-honda-civic-coupe-revealed-in-brochure/

CARZ4GIRLZ VEHICLE REVIEW: 2008 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID :

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/08/27/097801.html

Honda Pilot 2009 hits Doha roads :

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?month=August2008&file=Local_News2008082532051.xml&section=Local_News

http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/aa-uk-turn-to-honda-motorcycles.htm

Honda manages to buck auto trend:

http://www.peoriatimesobserver.com/state_news/x81490250/Honda-manages-to-buck-auto-trend

Question: Has Honda’s S2000 Hung On Too Long? (http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/blogs/marty_blog/2009/question-has-hondas-s2000-hung-on-too-long/):

http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/blogs/marty_blog/2009/question-has-hondas-s2000-hung-on-too-long/

[tokyodream]

Vanzari Canada:

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2008/03/c9150.html (http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2008/03/c9150.html)

http://www.pr-inside.com/honda-offers-new-motion-adaptive-electric-r787358.htm (http://www.pr-inside.com/honda-offers-new-motion-adaptive-electric-r787358.htm) :)

[Cyrax]

Honda's Prius-fighter : :D
http://money.cnn.com/2008/09/04/autos/honda_insight/index.htm?cnn=yes

[tokyodream]

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=131667 (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=131667) - comparatie

http://aaenvironment.blogspot.com/2008/09/honda-fcx-clarity-hydrogen-fuel-cell.html (http://aaenvironment.blogspot.com/2008/09/honda-fcx-clarity-hydrogen-fuel-cell.html)

http://wot.motortrend.com/6295179/green/too-cool-for-joules-honda-wont-make-an-all-electric-car-any-time-soon/index.html (http://wot.motortrend.com/6295179/green/too-cool-for-joules-honda-wont-make-an-all-electric-car-any-time-soon/index.html)

First Drive: 2008 Honda Civic Mugen RR :)
[/URL]
[URL]http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=131768 (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=131768) -

[tokyodream]

Drive-test Accord Coupe V6 - SUA:

http://carwad.net/blog/?p=624 (http://carwad.net/blog/?p=624)

Updated engine makes new 2009 Acura TSX more enjoyable :


http://www.canadaeast.com/rss/article/411291

[dumiflo]

Honda City Launches in Thailand
http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080912.006/honda-city-launches-in-thailand

[tokyodream]

Un articol interesant zic eu:

http://www.krdotv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9009578 (http://www.krdotv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9009578)

[hondatu]

Honda offers quicker, safer inflating air bag


Honda has developed an air bag that inflates quicker and reduces the impact of a crash, the Japanese automaker said Thursday.
Tokyo-based Honda Motor Co. said its new air bag is the world's first that inflates in stages, mitigating the force of its deployment.
The new air bag will be introduced in the Life minicar, which goes on sale in Japan in November. Overseas sales plans are undecided as regulations vary, especially for the U.S., said senior manager Koichi Kamiji.
Europe may get the air bag as early as next year, he said.
The new air bag inflates to a safe size in 0.015 seconds. Current air bags take 0.030 seconds, according to Honda.
Honda also unveiled a camera system that shows blind-spots for the driver on a car-navigation monitor.
The system, which uses cameras in the front, sides and rear of a vehicle, will be offered in the Odyssey minivan, set to go on sale next month in Japan. Overseas plans are undecided.
Nissan Motor Co. already offers a similar system.

[tokyodream]

Inside Story: 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid :

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/mc/2008-honda-civic-hybrid.php (http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/mc/2008-honda-civic-hybrid.php)

Honda Develops New Multi-View Vehicle Camera System to Provide View of Surrounding Areas :

http://www.physorg.com/news140974597.html (http://www.physorg.com/news140974597.html) :)

2009 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring:

http://www.edmunds.com/honda/pilot/2009/testdrive.html (http://www.edmunds.com/honda/pilot/2009/testdrive.html)

[tokyodream]

Joc cu S 2000:

http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/54825 (http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/54825) :) :) :)

Guangzhou Honda to make all-new 1.8L City model :

http://www.gasgoo.com/auto-news/1007808/Guangzhou-Honda-to-make-all-new-1-8L-City-model.html (http://www.gasgoo.com/auto-news/1007808/Guangzhou-Honda-to-make-all-new-1-8L-City-model.html) - yummy :)

Japan's First Carrozzeria Takes Shape :

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=131973 (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=131973)

[hondatu]

:) http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/classic/112_0708_1965_honda_s600/index.html (http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/classic/112_0708_1965_honda_s600/index.html) :)

[tokyodream]

CR-V:

http://www.ajc.com/cars/content/printedition/2008/09/20/carhondacrv.html (http://www.ajc.com/cars/content/printedition/2008/09/20/carhondacrv.html)

ACURA TSX 2009:

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/auto-review-2009-acura-tsx/story.aspx?dist=hplatest&guid=%7BBCAE8643%2D898C%2D45D5%2D986C%2DAC3EBC8938 D9%7D

[Delphi]

McCain i-a suparat pe producatorii neaosi americani :p pentru ca foloseste mai mult masini ne-americane (de exemplu Honda Sedan 2001) :D. Groaznic! Link articol (http://www.newsweek.com/id/160091).

[Delphi]

Noul model de airbag pentru sofer: link (http://www.world.honda.com/news/2008/4080918i-SRS-airbag-system/index.html).

[tokyodream]

Honda launches third-gen City:

http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-25998.html (http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-25998.html)


Motoring Memories: Honda Insight, 1999-2006 :

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/bv/1999-2006-honda-insight.php (http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/bv/1999-2006-honda-insight.php)

Honda Acura sales in China to double this year:

http://www.gasgoo.com/auto-news/1007858/Honda-Acura-sales-in-China-to-double-this-year.html

[tokyodream]

Bold style in ’09 Honda Pilot crossover SUV :

http://www.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=98566 (http://www.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=98566)

Honda delays new Indian car plant until 2010 :)

http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/?id=375140 (http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/?id=375140)

Honda announces 6-speed manual for 2010 Acura TL :

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/26/honda-announces-6-speed-manual-for-2010-acura-tl/

[tokyodream]

Lotus and Oaktec developing Honda Civic hybrid for rally/circuit duty:

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/09/26/lotus-and-oaktec-developing-honda-civic-hybrid-for-rally-circuit/ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/09/26/lotus-and-oaktec-developing-honda-civic-hybrid-for-rally-circuit/)

Honda Opens New Engine Plant in Ontario :

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2008/25/c8555.html (http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2008/25/c8555.html)

Acura TSX: a small car that delivers big thrills:

http://www.sanluisobispo.com/business/national/story/481400.html (http://www.sanluisobispo.com/business/national/story/481400.html)

2010 Acura TL SH-AWD Manual - First Drive Review :

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/honda_acura_central/2010_acura_tl_sh_awd_manual_first_drive_review (http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/honda_acura_central/2010_acura_tl_sh_awd_manual_first_drive_review)

Test Drive: 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid :

http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/2008-honda-civic-hybrid.php (http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/2008-honda-civic-hybrid.php)

[tokyodream]

Honda is Intentionally Suppressing Alt Fuel Civic GX Vehicles, Says Edwin Black:


http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/09/29/139649.html (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/09/29/139649.html)

2009 Canadian Car of the Year "Testfest," October 20-24, 2008 :

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/2009-coty-preview.php (http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/2009-coty-preview.php) - putem lua 5 premii :)


WOW!!! Acura TL SH-AWD Beats TWO YEAR OLD Audi S4 – The Spies Expose The Truth Behind The Hype!

http://www.autospies.com/news/WOW-Acura-TL-SH-AWD-Beats-TWO-YEAR-OLD-Audi-S4-The-Spies-Expose-The-Truth-Behind-The-Hype-35274/

2009 Acura MDX :

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/112_0809_2009_acura_mdx_first_look/index.html

[tokyodream]

NEW BIKES - Honda Announces Third Wave of 2009 Models:


http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13061 (http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13061)

Hybrid Honda Insight, Hybrid Motorcycle Lead Green Push (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/01/hybrid-honda-insight-hybr_n_130944.html) :

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/01/hybrid-honda-insight-hybr_n_130944.html (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/01/hybrid-honda-insight-hybr_n_130944.html)

Acura brand off 30% - Accord down 36.1%; Fit up 43.7% :


http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081001/BUSINESS01/81001072/1118/RSS (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081001/BUSINESS01/81001072/1118/RSS)

2009 New Car Model Guide:

http://www.roadandtravel.com/roadtests/2009-new-car-model-guide/index.html (http://www.roadandtravel.com/roadtests/2009-new-car-model-guide/index.html)

Honda completes expansion of Ohio engine plant :

http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20081002/NEWS01/310020031/1002

[tokyodream]

Electric cars shine at Paris auto show :

http://www.kansas.com/508/story/549695.html (http://www.kansas.com/508/story/549695.html)

REVIEW: Acura TL is ready for challenge :

http://www.thenewsherald.com/articles/2008/10/03/business/auto/doc48e6531d4a146248308198.txt (http://www.thenewsherald.com/articles/2008/10/03/business/auto/doc48e6531d4a146248308198.txt)

[Ionut R.]

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/listarticle.aspx?cp-documentid=434649&topart=hybrids

[tokyodream]

Honda begins production of Civics in Greensburg :


http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081009/BUSINESS/81009024 (http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081009/BUSINESS/81009024)

Magazine Ranks Midsize, Large Three-row SUVs :

http://www.motherproof.com/news-rants/story/magazine-ranks-midsize-large-three-row-suvs/ (http://www.motherproof.com/news-rants/story/magazine-ranks-midsize-large-three-row-suvs/)

[tokyodream]

Honda begins production at new plant :


http://www.wishtv.com/global/story.asp?s=9151632 (http://www.wishtv.com/global/story.asp?s=9151632)

2009 Acura TL (http://www.directshift.com/wordpress/2008/10/11/2009-acura-tl/) :

http://www.directshift.com/wordpress/2008/10/11/2009-acura-tl/ (http://www.directshift.com/wordpress/2008/10/11/2009-acura-tl/) :)

Who Has The Greenest Cars In The Land? The SGI Green Index Tells All :

http://www.autospies.com/news/Who-Has-The-Greenest-Cars-In-The-Land-The-SGI-Green-Index-Tells-All-35843/ - 4 premii

[tokyodream]

Revolutionary Motorcycles - Honda Interceptor Features Oval Cylinders (VIDEO) :) :

http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/radical-motorcycle-concept-honda-unwraps-the-interceptor (http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/radical-motorcycle-concept-honda-unwraps-the-interceptor)

Honda begins mass production of Civic sedans in Indiana:

http://motorage.search-autoparts.com/motorage/Industry+News/Honda-begins-mass-production-of-Civic-sedans-in-In/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/557989?ref=25 (http://motorage.search-autoparts.com/motorage/Industry+News/Honda-begins-mass-production-of-Civic-sedans-in-In/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/557989?ref=25)

Detroit 3 put focus on fuel efficiency :

http://www.bradenton.com/420/story/945565.html

[tokyodream]

CARZ4GIRLZ: Good, Better & Best – Comparing the Honda Civic, Toyota Camry & Acura TSX Sedans:


http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/10/13/170970.html (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/10/13/170970.html)

Honda Enhances Flexible Manufacturing Network in North America :

http://www.pr-inside.com/honda-enhances-flexible-manufacturing-network-r858408.htm (http://www.pr-inside.com/honda-enhances-flexible-manufacturing-network-r858408.htm)
(http://www.pr-inside.com/honda-enhances-flexible-manufacturing-network-r858408.htm)

Honda finds a groovy new way to pitch products: the musical road :


http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-roads13-2008oct13,0,4147014.story?track=rss (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-roads13-2008oct13,0,4147014.story?track=rss)

iPod Connections, Bluetooth Widespread in New Cars :

http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/10/ipod-connection.html

[tokyodream]

http://www.cricketviewer.com/2008-honda-civic.html (http://www.cricketviewer.com/2008-honda-civic.html)

http://www.pr-inside.com/honda-certified-com-a-one-stop-shop-for-r859473.htm (http://www.pr-inside.com/honda-certified-com-a-one-stop-shop-for-r859473.htm) :)

Honda to start making Accords at Alabama factory :

http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=98524

[tokyodream]

Next Honda Ridgeline to Focus on Fuel Economy :

http://blogs.automobilemag.com/6305714/car-news/next-honda-ridgeline-to-focus-on-fuel-economy/index.html (http://blogs.automobilemag.com/6305714/car-news/next-honda-ridgeline-to-focus-on-fuel-economy/index.html)

Honda Civic Shows Off Its 'Groovy' Side:

http://www.technologymarketing.com/bw/content_display/news-and-features/automotive-travel/e3ifa25645bfd6bcf91e65e80eec1e59e54 (http://www.technologymarketing.com/bw/content_display/news-and-features/automotive-travel/e3ifa25645bfd6bcf91e65e80eec1e59e54)

4-cylinder Accord production to increase locally:

http://www.marysvillejt.com/web/index.php?sid=50&id=2720 (http://www.marysvillejt.com/web/index.php?sid=50&id=2720)

[primus]

Ha ha, asta e superba!

Motorcycle Tow Trucks - Honda Goldwings Coming Through
http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/motorbike-tow-trucks-for-cars-in-trouble (http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/motorbike-tow-trucks-for-cars-in-trouble)

[Sharky]

Sunt 3 Honde: Civic, Fit (Jazz la noi), Accord Sedan (si 4 Toyote, 1 Kia si 2 Forduri) in acest top 10 in care a cam inceput sa conteze si consumul, pe langa pret, fiabilitate etc.

http://autos.yahoo.com/auto-shows/paris_auto_show_2008/656/10-Most-Popular-Cars-of-the-Year;_ylc=X3oDMTE3b210YXIwBF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2Zw LXRvZGF5BHNsawN5YWhvby1hd2FyZA--

[tokyodream]

Honda cutting Pilot production, shifting Accord, Ridgeline, adding fours :

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/15/honda-cutting-pilot-production-shifting-accord-ridgeline-addi/ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/15/honda-cutting-pilot-production-shifting-accord-ridgeline-addi/)

Inside Story: 2009 Acura TSX :

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/mc/2009-acura-tsx.php (http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/mc/2009-acura-tsx.php)

[tokyodream]

Foarte frumos: Japan: New Honda Odyssey

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=133806#8 (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=133806#8) - frumoasa foc


http://www.boston.com/cars/car_reviews/articles/2008/10/15/honda_fcx_clarity_exclusive_boston_drive/ :)

Hybrid cars not always as green as they seem:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/16/BAMR139TBC.DTL

Mugen Kits Already Out For JDM Honda Odyssey (http://jalopnik.com/5065087/mugen-kits-already-out-for-jdm-honda-odyssey) :

http://jalopnik.com/5065087/mugen-kits-already-out-for-jdm-honda-odyssey :)

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/10/honda-reveals-all-new-odyssey-mpv-in.html

Honda plan at odds with industry and just might work :

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20081015/AUTOS_honda_081015/20081016?s_name=Autos&no_ads=

[tokyodream]

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/18/ebay-find-of-the-day-ferrari-nsx-ferracura-360-nsx/ (http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/18/ebay-find-of-the-day-ferrari-nsx-ferracura-360-nsx/) ???

[razvan p.]

- - - - - Paris 2008 News - - - - -


1) Honda Booth Video Report Now Available

PARIS, France, October 3, 2008 - Catch all the excitement at this
years Honda booth at the Paris Motor Show.

Video Report (1 min 30 s):
http://world.honda.com/Paris2008/HondaBooth/video/


2) Honda Booth Live Report Now Available

PARIS, France, October 3, 2008 - Take a closer look at the displays
at this year's Honda Booth.

Live Report (30 photos):
http://world.honda.com/Paris2008/HondaBooth/photo/




And that wraps up our special coverage of the Paris Motor Show. We'll be
covering the next international motor show, so until then, a bientot!




Stay tuned for more worldwide updates from Honda


- - - - - Honda Corporate News - - - - -


1) Honda Opens New Hybrid Site - "Words of Hybrid"

Japan, October 6, 2008 - Honda has opened a new "Words of Hybrid" site,
featuring the all-new Insight Concept premiered at the Paris Motor Show
on October 2, 2008. The site provides details of the Insight Concept
and a history of Honda's hybrid development.

"Words of Hybrid" Site:
http://world.honda.com/Hybrid/



- - - - - Honda Motor Sports News - - - - -


1) Hayden Takes Third as Stoner Wins At Home
MotoGP World Championship Grand Prix Round 16: Australia Grand Prix

PHILLIP ISLAND, Australia, October 5, 2008 - Casey Stoner took a
convincing win at his home track ahead of a determined Valentino Rossi
who was second and a resurgent Nicky Hayden (Repsol Honda RC212V) who
finished third at a cold Phillip Island hosting red-hot racing.

Full Story:
http://world.honda.com/MotoGP/2008/16australia/race/

Photo Report (photos):
http://world.honda.com/MotoGP/2008/16australia/race/01.html


2) Checa In The Top Four At Magny-Cours
World Superbike and World Supersport 2008 Round 13: MAGNY COURS

MAGNY COURS, France, October 5, 2008 - Carlos Checa (Hannspree Ten Kate
Honda CBR1000RR) took a best of fourth in race two at Magny-Cours, to
add to a race one seventh place, and keep him fifth in the overall
championship rankings.

Full Story:
http://world.honda.com/SBK/2008/13france/race/

Photo Report (photos):
http://world.honda.com/SBK/2008/13france/race/01.html

[tokyodream]

New Honda Plant Drives Need for Roads :

http://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/story.asp?story=11442 (http://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/story.asp?story=11442)

Acura Boasts New NSX Will Kick GT-R's Launch-Controlled Ass (http://jalopnik.com/5062609/acura-boasts-new-nsx-will-kick-gt+rs-launch+controlled-ass) :

http://jalopnik.com/5062609/acura-boasts-new-nsx-will-kick-gt+rs-launch+controlled-ass (http://jalopnik.com/5062609/acura-boasts-new-nsx-will-kick-gt+rs-launch+controlled-ass) :)

[Delphi]

Mr. Fukui anunta un motor V8 (http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=795525). :)

Nu se stie pe ce va fi pus :confused:. Pe RL? Pe NSX? Pe ambele?

http://autos.canada.com/news/story.html?id=bbb8293a-fcf1-45d1-b70d-1f8726b65cda

[ticker]

Zicea ca va fi pus pe Legend si pe RL :)

NSX va avea V10 aspirat

[tokyodream]

Photos: Hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles :

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10069209-48.html (http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10069209-48.html)

http://www.allworldauto.com/recalls/acura_recalls_67-1.html (http://www.allworldauto.com/recalls/acura_recalls_67-1.html) :(

[mars2k]

@tokyodream: Tare "recall"-ul asta :)
http://www.allworldauto.com/recalls/NHTSA_06V270000_2006_ACURA_TSX_recall_60902.html

Defect Summary: On certain passenger vehicles and motorcycles, the owner's manuals contain incorrect contact information for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) vehicle safety hotline.

[tokyodream]

Alternate Realities

Hybrid cars are the first wave of the future -- and the second wave is on its way :


http://www.metroweekly.com/domestic_partner/gears/?ak=3838 (http://www.metroweekly.com/domestic_partner/gears/?ak=3838)

Talk Back Tuesday: Do Luxury Brands Still Make Sense? :

http://blogs.edmunds.com/karl/2008/10/talk-back-tuesday-do-luxury-brands-still-make-sense.html (http://blogs.edmunds.com/karl/2008/10/talk-back-tuesday-do-luxury-brands-still-make-sense.html)

[tokyodream]

Honda opens second plant in Thailand :

http://www.canadiandriver.com/thenews/2008/10/21/honda-opens-second-plant-in-thailand.htm (http://www.canadiandriver.com/thenews/2008/10/21/honda-opens-second-plant-in-thailand.htm)

Gas Money: Civic Si 'has staying power' :

http://media.www.thetowerlight.com/media/storage/paper957/news/2008/10/23/Life/Gas-Money.Civic.Si.has.Staying.Power-3500888.shtml (http://media.www.thetowerlight.com/media/storage/paper957/news/2008/10/23/Life/Gas-Money.Civic.Si.has.Staying.Power-3500888.shtml) - am lasat si un mesaj :)

[HACC]

articolul despre Honda City aparut in revista Auto Show il puteti gasi aici:

http://hondafan.etp.ro/gallery/v/HACC/articole+honda/honda+city.bmp.html

[tokyodream]

Multumim!

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=134087 - locul 2

New Honda Pilot navigates highways and backwoods :

http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/cars/story.html?id=b3f9d64a-3c21-4b37-a43d-211ba2865f6c

Dongfeng Honda to launch new B-class car in 2009 :)

http://www.gasgoo.com/auto-news/1008134/Dongfeng-Honda-to-launch-new-B-class-car-in-2009.html

[tokyodream]

Only Honda: New i-SRS Airbag System and Bird's Eye camera :

http://spbcar.ru/news/en/article/16932/ (http://spbcar.ru/news/en/article/16932/)

Current Prius rumored to get price cut to compete with Insight:

http://spbcar.ru/news/en/article/17499/ (http://spbcar.ru/news/en/article/17499/)

FIA wants standard engine for F1 in 2010:

http://spbcar.ru/news/en/article/17417/ (http://spbcar.ru/news/en/article/17417/)

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/10/18/honda_hydrogen.ART_ART_10-18-08_C14_DNBKQ9O.html?sid=101

Honda revamps Odyssey for sale in Japan :

http://www.projo.com/projocars/content/ca_newodyssey_10-22-08_4MBUTDP_v5.1bd1c35.html

Automakers to lower production in Britain :

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/rss/nb20081024a3.html

http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_10797065

http://www.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=99948

Ballots being counted in Car of the Year:

http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/story.html?id=92a523fc-c323-485a-9ba7-eed0ebf861cf

[tokyodream]

Honda fits into market with new compact car :

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2008/10/25/2003426877 (http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2008/10/25/2003426877)

Edmunds.com True Cost to Own Study Reveals Which Cars Offer Best Value :

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/10/24/195399.html (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/10/24/195399.html)

[HACC]

Edmunds.com True Cost to Own Study Reveals Which Cars Offer Best Value :

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/10/24/195399.html (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/10/24/195399.html)


aici se pare ca nu s-a facut o clasificare pe clase, tipuri de carburanti, etc. toate masinile clasificate aici sunt pe platforme din clasa mini si compacta. oricum este laudabila pozitia civic-ului si chiar al mini-ului.

[tokyodream]

New Honda Pilot navigates highways and backwoods :

http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/cars/story.html?id=b3f9d64a-3c21-4b37-a43d-211ba2865f6c (http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/cars/story.html?id=b3f9d64a-3c21-4b37-a43d-211ba2865f6c)

Acura weds luxury and economy in TSX TSX uneasy marriage :

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/autocorner/chi-rides-mateja-acura-tsx-1026-oct26,0,3227469.column (http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/autocorner/chi-rides-mateja-acura-tsx-1026-oct26,0,3227469.column)

Acura finally caves to the Magic 8 Ball :

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/19/acura-finally-caves-to-the-magic-8-ball/ (http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/19/acura-finally-caves-to-the-magic-8-ball/)

Calgary Honda races into a new model year :

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/cars/story.html?id=f38ea29d-5128-4ef8-8ef4-348fcd68c8f7

PROFIT la Honda:

http://www.topix.net/content/ap/2008/10/honda-reports-drop-in-quarterly-profit

The big fight ":

http://www.thehindu.com/mp/2008/10/29/stories/2008102950630400.htm - CR-V vs Outlander

[tokyodream]

Honda's Alabama plant building test pickups :

http://www.waaytv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9262287 (http://www.waaytv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9262287)

[Delphi]

Honda anuleaza lansarea de motoare Diesel in SUA: http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=797648 (http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=797648) :(

2009 Honda Accord Coupe - SUA: Honda marked the 25th anniversary of manufacturing the vehicle at its Marysville, Ohio, assembly plant !

http://www.todaynewspapers.net/articles/2008/10/30/autoworld_today/articles/aw1.txt :)

[tokyodream]

Consumer Reports: Toyota ranked most reliable:

COMBINED NEWS SERVICES
October 24, 2008
Toyota Motor (http://www.newsday.com/topic/economy-business-finance/manufacturing-engineering/automotive-equipment/toyota-motor-corp.-ORCRP015439.topic) Co.'s Scion (http://www.newsday.com/topic/services-shopping/vehicles/makes-models/scion-prdcrmk38.topic) brand tops the list of most reliable cars in Consumer Reports' annual vehicle reliability study, as Asian automakers continue to fill the top of the magazine's rankings.

Ford Motor Co. (http://www.newsday.com/topic/economy-business-finance/manufacturing-engineering/automotive-equipment/ford-motor-co.-ORCRP006077.topic)'s reliability increased this year and is now close to Toyota (http://www.newsday.com/topic/services-shopping/vehicles/makes-models/toyota-prdcrmk41.topic) and Honda Motor Co. (http://www.newsday.com/topic/economy-business-finance/manufacturing-engineering/automotive-equipment/honda-motor-co.-ORCRP007390.topic), according to the survey released yesterday by the Yonkers-based magazine.

The results of the study, which surveyed more than 1.4 million Consumer Reports subscribers in the spring on model years 1999 to 2008, show Scion vehicles as the most reliable, followed by Acura (http://www.newsday.com/topic/services-shopping/vehicles/makes-models/acura-prdcrmk2.topic), Honda (http://www.newsday.com/topic/services-shopping/vehicles/makes-models/honda-prdcrmk13.topic), Toyota and Lexus (http://www.newsday.com/topic/services-shopping/vehicles/makes-models/lexus-prdcrmk22.topic).

Toyota saw three models slip to below average in last year's report. The carmaker "seems to have rectified some of the problems," and all 42 Toyota, Lexus and Scion models in the survey scored average or better, Consumer Reports said.
Other Asian brands rounded out the top 10 of predicted reliability. Ford (http://www.newsday.com/topic/services-shopping/vehicles/makes-models/ford-prdcrmk11.topic)'s Lincoln (http://www.newsday.com/topic/services-shopping/vehicles/makes-models/lincoln-prdcrmk23.topic) was No. 11, Mercury (http://www.newsday.com/topic/services-shopping/vehicles/makes-models/mercury-prdcrmk29.topic) was No. 15 and the main Ford brand No. 17.

Consumer Reports was tough on domestic brands overall. The nonprofit said Land Rover (http://www.newsday.com/topic/services-shopping/vehicles/makes-models/land-rover-prdcrmk21.topic) ranked least reliable, followed by Saturn (http://www.newsday.com/topic/services-shopping/vehicles/makes-models/saturn-prdcrmk37.topic), Chrysler (http://www.newsday.com/topic/services-shopping/vehicles/makes-models/chrysler-prdcrmk9.topic), Cadillac (http://www.newsday.com/topic/services-shopping/vehicles/makes-models/cadillac-prdcrmk7.topic) and Dodge (http://www.newsday.com/topic/services-shopping/vehicles/makes-models/dodge-prdcrmk10.topic).

However, the survey findings may help Ford win back customers after it lost U.S. market share every year since 1995. Ford has publicized the results of studies it commissioned showing the quality of its Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands is near the same levels as Toyota and Honda.

"They are really doing what Toyota did, small, incremental changes over time, which is exactly what they should do," said Aaron Bragman, an analyst with Global Insight Inc. in Troy, Mich.

Best and worst

Consumer Reports ranked predicted reliability of 2009 models based on survey results from previous years. The magazine's best and worst picks for predicted reliability in each segment:



SMALL CAR

BEST: Scion xD, Mini (http://www.newsday.com/topic/services-shopping/vehicles/makes-models/mini-prdcrmk30.topic) Cooper Clubman

WORST: Nissan (http://www.newsday.com/topic/services-shopping/vehicles/makes-models/nissan-prdcrmk32.topic) Versa (sedan)

FAMILY CAR

BEST: Toyota Prius (http://www.newsday.com/topic/services-shopping/vehicles/makes-models/prius-prdcrmk51.topic), Kia (http://www.newsday.com/topic/services-shopping/vehicles/makes-models/kia-prdcrmk47.topic) Optima

WORST: Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring (V-6)

SPORTY CAR, COUPES & CONVERTIBLES

BEST: Lexus SC, Volvo (http://www.newsday.com/topic/services-shopping/vehicles/makes-models/volvo-prdcrmk43.topic) C30

WORST: Chrysler Sebring (convertible),

Saturn Sky
UPSCALE/LUXURY CAR

BEST: Infinity M35 (rear-wheel drive), Lexus IS250

WORST: Cadillac STS (V-8), Mercedes-Benz (http://www.newsday.com/topic/services-shopping/vehicles/makes-models/mercedes-benz-prdcrmk28.topic) E-Class (V-8)

WAGONS & MINIVAN
BEST: Toyota Matrix, Scion xB

WORST: Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan

SMALL SUV

BEST: Honda Element, Toyota FJ Cruiser

WORST: Land Rover LR2, Saturn Vue (V-6, all-wheel drive)

MIDSIZED SUV

BEST: Honda Pilot (2008), Lexus RX400h (hybrid)

WORST: Land Rover Range Rover, Volkswagen (http://www.newsday.com/topic/services-shopping/vehicles/makes-models/volkswagen-prdcrmk42.topic) Touareg

LARGE SUV

BEST: Toyota Sequoia, (no second pick)

WORST: Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (V-8), Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (turbodiesel)

PICKUP TRUCKS

BEST: Toyota Tundra (V-6), Honda Ridgeline

WORST: Ford F-250 (turbodiesel), Dodge Dakota (four-wheel drive)

[tokyodream]

Honda uses flexible plant idea to keep Alabama workers on the job during tight economy :

http://www.al.com/business/birminghamnews/news.ssf?/base/business/1225617408132400.xml&coll=2 (http://www.al.com/business/birminghamnews/news.ssf?/base/business/1225617408132400.xml&coll=2)

[tokyodream]

http://allcarsallthetime.blogspot.com/2008/11/wards-auto-backs-up-rumor-that-i-dtec.html (http://allcarsallthetime.blogspot.com/2008/11/wards-auto-backs-up-rumor-that-i-dtec.html)

http://www.azcentral.com/business/consumer/articles/2008/11/06/20081106biz-hybridincentives06-ON.html (http://www.azcentral.com/business/consumer/articles/2008/11/06/20081106biz-hybridincentives06-ON.html)

[tokyodream]

Multumesc Lucian77 :) :

http://www.zercustoms.com/news/Honda-Civic-HFP.html (http://www.zercustoms.com/news/Honda-Civic-HFP.html) :D

http://www.zercustoms.com/news/Honda-Walking-Assist-Device.html (http://www.zercustoms.com/news/Honda-Walking-Assist-Device.html)

http://www.zercustoms.com/news/Honda-Ridgeline-Powersports.html (http://www.zercustoms.com/news/Honda-Ridgeline-Powersports.html) ;)

http://www.zercustoms.com/news/Honda-i-SRS-Airbag.html (http://www.zercustoms.com/news/Honda-i-SRS-Airbag.html)

http://www.zercustoms.com/news/Honda-POLAR-III.html (http://www.zercustoms.com/news/Honda-POLAR-III.html) :D

http://www.zercustoms.com/news/2009-Honda-S2000.html (http://www.zercustoms.com/news/2009-Honda-S2000.html) :)

http://www.zercustoms.com/news/Honda-ASV-4-DSSS-Testing.html (http://www.zercustoms.com/news/Honda-ASV-4-DSSS-Testing.html)

[Cyrax]

Honda walking assist :) http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2008/11/07/walk-assist.html

[zagado26]

Ce inseamna sa ai simtul umorului cand vinzi o Acura:D

http://www.yatahonga.com/data/media/18/2008110/A_vendre.jpg

[tokyodream]

Consumer Interest in Bigger Autos Seen Rebounding in Latest AutoTrader.com Trend Engine Report :

http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2008/11/07/3769797.htm (http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2008/11/07/3769797.htm)

Should Honda Bring JDM Odyssey To U.S.? (http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/blogs/marty_blog/2009/should-honda-bring-jdm-odyssey-to-us/)

http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/blogs/marty_blog/2009/should-honda-bring-jdm-odyssey-to-us/ (http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/blogs/marty_blog/2009/should-honda-bring-jdm-odyssey-to-us/) :)

[tokyodream]

Honda certified used cars add vehicle history reports :

http://www.canadiandriver.com/thenews/2008/11/05/honda-adds-carproof-histories-to-used-vehicle-program.htm (http://www.canadiandriver.com/thenews/2008/11/05/honda-adds-carproof-histories-to-used-vehicle-program.htm)

Hybrid Cars Come With Own Buying Criteria :

http://www.thestreet.com/story/10447195/1/hybrid-cars-come-with-own-buying-criteria.html?puc=_tscrss

Hondas 2009 Motorcycle Models and Ride of a Lifetime Competition Announced at NEC Motorcycle Show :

http://www.inter-bike.co.uk/tblnewspop.asp?news=2749


http://troyandgay.com/blog/2008/11/12/we-could-buy-honda-or-toyota-instead/ (http://troyandgay.com/blog/2008/11/12/we-could-buy-honda-or-toyota-instead/)

[tokyodream]

Honda la SEMA 2008:

http://www.motivemagazine.com/gallery/gallery.html?c=show_thumbs;p=Manufacturers/Honda/Concepts/2008%20SEMA%20Cars (http://www.motivemagazine.com/gallery/gallery.html?c=show_thumbs;p=Manufacturers/Honda/Concepts/2008%20SEMA%20Cars) :)


New Honda Accord - the premium alternative !

http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/4459

Mileage Challenge 3.3: Driving Impressions :

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2008/11/mileage-blog-3.html :)


Acura puts panache into luxury market :

http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/cars/story.html?id=f02943b9-022e-46d9-b31f-98cfa2e48fc1 - 2 pagini

[tokyodream]

Honda pressures Detroit 3 on small cars :

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008811150308 (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008811150308)

Vehicles 2009 :

http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/section.html?section=Vehicles+2009 (http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/section.html?section=Vehicles+2009)

New Honda Plant Creates Jobs In Indiana:

http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=d70e89da-e583-44fa-bfe1-63fb258c5cef

[Sharky]

Extrase din textul original:

"I'm not sure Chrysler can weather the storm as an individual company," says Dan Edmunds, director of vehicle testing at Edmunds.com.

It's an entirely different story, however, for the two Japanese auto giants, Toyota and Honda. The best-performing cars, according to our rankings, are all made by these two carmakers, with Toyota claiming six spots and Honda four in the top 10.

In the sixth spot is the immensely popular Honda Accord. It earned the highest Insurance Institute Highway Safety crash test ratings, its predicted reliability is high and there are no recalls so far this year.

"Honda's manufacturing quality is strong, and the consumer's perception of quality is also strong," says Jonathan Banks, senior director of consulting services for Automotive Leasing Guide.

Behind the Numbers
To compile our list of 2008 best- and worst-performing cars, we looked at five factors, all pertaining to 2008 model-year vehicles: the number of recalls to date, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database; reliability ratings from Consumer Reports; depreciation, in the form of Automotive Leasing Guide's (ALG) star ratings; safety from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash test ratings; and fuel economy and annual fuel costs from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Fuel costs were based on AAA's national regular gas price of $2.42 and unleaded at $2.60.

Aside from a standout number of recalls, we looked specifically for below-average reliability, high depreciation and IIHS results of "marginal" or "poor" for worst performers. Of the vehicles that met at least two of these qualifications, we also looked at other factors, such as fuel efficiency and fuel cost per year of ownership, assuming 15,000 miles driven per year.

Leading the Pack
Just as Chrysler dominates the bottom of the list, Toyota reigns at the top, with six vehicles that have among the highest resale values and best reliability scores. And all of the top 10 are among the most fuel-efficient cars and SUVs on the road.

The fuel-efficient Toyota Prius hybrid tops the list with an "excellent" reliability rating, no recalls and a five-star-rated resale value. It has the highest fuel economy (46 mpg) and the lowest annual fuel cost of any car on the list ($789).

Another top performer is Toyota's Scion xD, a hatchback introduced in the 2008 model year as a replacement to the xA hatchback. The xD has an "excellent" reliability rating, no recalls and good fuel economy (28 mpg).

While the Scion is a solid performer, however, it isn't perfect. It earned an "acceptable" (second-highest) frontal crash-test rating but did score a "good" rating (highest) in side- and rear-impact crash tests. Also, its resale value is an average three stars.

While there are no similar cars from U.S. automakers on the top half of the list, there are bright spots for 2009 and beyond, as GM and Ford Motor both plan to bring more fuel-efficient, nicely equipped small cars like the Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Festiva to the U.S. from other countries.

"There are things in the pipeline," says Edmunds, at least for those two companies. "I just don't know if Chrysler will be around to do it."

Trailing the Pack
Chrysler has carved out for itself a big space on our list of poor-performing cars, but the automaker has plenty of company.

When gas prices topped $4 a gallon this summer, consumers dropped gas-guzzling SUVs like the Nissan Xterra (17 mpg), as sales plummeted 29.1% from January to October, compared with same period in 2007. The Xterra falls to sixth place among the worst-performing vehicles, as there have been three recalls on the car so far this year, not to mention its below-average performance in crash ratings in side (marginal) and rear (poor) tests, as well as its mediocre three-star resale value.

The Xterra's sales drop can't be chalked up to a general anti-SUV sentiment either, as the smaller Toyota Rav-4 rated fourth among best-performing cars and the Honda CR-V came in fifth. Unlike the Xterra, both cars deliver on fuel economy and resale value.

"If it has a one- or two-star resale value, then it's not a great quality car," says Banks. "If it has a lot of recalls, then you may spend a lot of time in the repair shop. And when the vehicle warranty ends, you may face high repair costs."

Not bad, isn't it? Numai in Romania tzugulanii (OK, majoritatea :)) mai cred ca nemtoaicele sunt cele mai tari ...

http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/729/2008s-bestand-worst-performing-cars/

[tokyodream]

Greensburg Honda to build natural gas powered Civics :

http://www.greensburgdailynews.com/breakingnews/local_story_322121700.html (http://www.greensburgdailynews.com/breakingnews/local_story_322121700.html)

[tokyodream]

Kelley Blue Book Announces Winners of 2009 Best Resale Value Awards :)

http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2008/11/19/3797920.htm (http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2008/11/19/3797920.htm)

"2009 BEST RESALE VALUE: BRAND
Honda

2009 BEST RESALE VALUE: BY VEHICLE CATEGORY:

COMPACT PICKUP: Toyota Tacoma
FULL-SIZE PICKUP: Toyota Tundra
CROSSOVER: Honda CR-V
LUXURY CROSSOVER: BMW X5
HYBRID CROSSOVER: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
SUV: Jeep Wrangler
LUXURY SUV: Audi Q7 Quattro
HYBRID SUV: Chevrolet Tahoe
HIGH-PERFORMANCE CAR: Nissan GT-R
HYBRID CAR: Honda Civic Hybrid
COMPACT CAR: MINI Cooper
MID-SIZE CAR: Lexus IS
FULL-SIZE CAR: Cadillac CTS
LUXURY CAR: Audi A5
VAN: Honda Odyssey

2009 BEST RESALE VALUE: TOP 10 MODELS:

Honda Civic/Civic Hybrid
Honda Fit
MINI Cooper
Scion xB
Scion xD
Scion tC
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Prius
Toyota Yaris
Volkswagen Rabbit
(All values based on the November/December 2008 Kelley Blue Book Residual Value Guide. Top 10 models appear in alphabetical order)."

[tokyodream]

Honda Insight to Introduce Ecological Drive Assist System in Spring 2009 :

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Honda-Insight-Introduce-Ecological-Drive/story.aspx?guid=%7BB64CCEAA%2DC893%2D4C80%2D89B5%2 DD5F6F03B7D1F%7D (http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Honda-Insight-Introduce-Ecological-Drive/story.aspx?guid=%7BB64CCEAA%2DC893%2D4C80%2D89B5%2 DD5F6F03B7D1F%7D)

Best US used cars prices revealed :

http://www.jordannews.net/story/432388 (http://www.jordannews.net/story/432388)

Honda Marine: Decades of Leading Engine Technology:

http://www.boating-industry.com/output.cfm?id=1224667 (http://www.boating-industry.com/output.cfm?id=1224667)

[BooBoo]

eheee!!! :rolleyes:

http://autos.yahoo.com/auto-shows/la_auto_show_2008/713/Yahoo-Autos-Excelerator-Award-Winner;_ylc=X3oDMTB2cjF1c3NjBF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2 ZwLXRvZGF5BHNsawNjb3k-

[zagado26]

"This combination of performance, safety and comfort—at prices ranging from $20,755 to $28,555—make the Honda Accord Sedan a natural choice as the winner of Yahoo! Autos’ inaugural Excelerator Award."
Asta inseamna pret intre 16575 si 22.805 euro! Misto sa stai in state!

[tokyodream]

Innovative fuel cell packaging demonstrates green performance potential :

http://www.fuelcellsworks.com/Supppage9366.html (http://www.fuelcellsworks.com/Supppage9366.html)

Honda cutting back production:

http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/11/17/daily27.html (http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/11/17/daily27.html)

Honda Motor Co. to cut production by another',000 vehicles:

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/business/story/4252139p-4895848c.html (http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/business/story/4252139p-4895848c.html)

Car And Driver Announces 10 Best For 2009 (http://jalopnik.com/5094749/car-and-driver-announces-10-best-for-2009) :

http://jalopnik.com/5094749/car-and-driver-announces-10-best-for-2009 (http://jalopnik.com/5094749/car-and-driver-announces-10-best-for-2009) - 2 premii :)

[gab1]

Honda FC Sport Design Concept Surprise Reveal at L.A. Auto Show
http://www.worldcarfans.com/9081119.036/honda-fc-sport-design-concept-surprise-reveal-at-la-auto-show
http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20081121/capt.cps.ogv49.211108035039.photo02.photo.default-512x341.jpg?x=400&y=266&q=85&sig=D184GTt5XkVN0Zpyz8dHVQ--

[razvan p.]

auleou' si doamne ajuta!!!ce mai e si aia velicule?????

[tokyodream]

Draga Razvan, vezi ca este topic separat pentru FC SPORT :)


Honda, the Japanese car-maker, is to close its UK factory during February and March as it slows production amid plunging sales:


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/3494840/Honda-to-close-UK-factory-for-two-months.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/3494840/Honda-to-close-UK-factory-for-two-months.html)


Honda, Toyota Tops When It Comes To Resale :

http://www.wpxi.com/2009-cars/18019620/detail.html (http://www.wpxi.com/2009-cars/18019620/detail.html)

Honda, Acura Take Top Spot in Residual Value Awards :)

http://wot.motortrend.com/6360402/auto-news/honda-acura-take-top-spot-in-residual-value-awards/index.html (http://wot.motortrend.com/6360402/auto-news/honda-acura-take-top-spot-in-residual-value-awards/index.html)

Honda Cuts Production in U.S. and U.K. :

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=136406 (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=136406)

[razvan p.]

ahap.ma luminai'.STAR TREK.

[tokyodream]

Honda, Toyota Tops When It Comes To Resale :

http://www.wpxi.com/2009-cars/18019620/detail.html (http://www.wpxi.com/2009-cars/18019620/detail.html)

DRIVELINE: Honda piles more into new-generation Pilot:

http://lfpress.ca/perl-bin/publish.cgi?p=250130&s=wheels (http://lfpress.ca/perl-bin/publish.cgi?p=250130&s=wheels)

To Honda or not to Honda ?? (http://motorfair.blogspot.com/2008/11/to-honda-or-not-to-honda.html) :

http://motorfair.blogspot.com/2008/11/to-honda-or-not-to-honda.html (http://motorfair.blogspot.com/2008/11/to-honda-or-not-to-honda.html)

Rebel: A Chopper Profile:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/rebel-chopper-profile.htm (http://auto.howstuffworks.com/rebel-chopper-profile.htm)

[ramm]

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/11/1120_in_cars/index.htm?technology+slideshows

Sper ca nu a mai fost.

Cam seamana Chevy-ul cu Accord-ul.
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/11/1120_in_cars/14.htm

[tokyodream]

Honda hybrid wins Energywise rally !!!

http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/5176681 (http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/5176681)


Honda says profit goals "Herculean task" :

http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2008/11/28/honda_says_profit_goals_herculean_task/?rss_id=Boston.com+--+Latest+news



Honda, Acura top residual value rankings (http://www.leftlanenews.com/honda-acura-top-residual-value-rankings.html) :


http://www.leftlanenews.com/honda-acura-top-residual-value-rankings.html :) :) :)

[tokyodream]

Remarkably civilized Civic :

http://www.boston.com/cars/car_reviews/articles/2008/11/30/remarkably_civilized_civic/ (http://www.boston.com/cars/car_reviews/articles/2008/11/30/remarkably_civilized_civic/)

[tokyodream]

Canadians keen on fuel-efficient vehicles :

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/35358214.html (http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/35358214.html)

Honda: Odyssey sales skidded in November :

http://blog.al.com/businessnews/2008/12/honda_odyssey_sales_skidded_in.html (http://blog.al.com/businessnews/2008/12/honda_odyssey_sales_skidded_in.html)

Honda of Canada Selects Dassault Systemes DELMIA and 3DVIA Solutions for Alliston Plants :

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Honda-Canada-Selects-Dassault-Systemes/story.aspx?guid=%7B68F8616B%2DA53A%2D46C8%2D8905%2 DC3CAE1167B4C%7D (http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Honda-Canada-Selects-Dassault-Systemes/story.aspx?guid=%7B68F8616B%2DA53A%2D46C8%2D8905%2 DC3CAE1167B4C%7D)

[PanterA]

2009 Honda Insight Hybrid to Make World Debut at the North American International Auto Show (http://world.honda.com/news/2008/4081203North-American-International-Auto-Show/)

[tokyodream]

RailAmerica begins first shipments of Honda Civics along Indiana short-line railroad :

http://www.1330wtre.com/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1228324926&archive=&start_from=&ucat (http://www.1330wtre.com/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1228324926&archive=&start_from=&ucat)=

2009 Honda Accord Review - varianta SUA:

http://www.edmunds.com/honda/accord/2009/review.html (http://www.edmunds.com/honda/accord/2009/review.html)

2015 Preview: Acura To Get a V8 - :( :( :( :

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=136746 (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=136746)

[tokyodream]

2009 Honda Accord Sedan, Tourer Unveiled For JDM (http://jalopnik.com/5103525/2009-honda-accord-sedan-tourer-unveiled-for-jdm) :

http://jalopnik.com/5103525/2009-honda-accord-sedan-tourer-unveiled-for-jdm (http://jalopnik.com/5103525/2009-honda-accord-sedan-tourer-unveiled-for-jdm) :) :) :)

Motor Mouth: New Acura TL gets a tighter grip :

http://www.eagletribune.com/pubiz/local_story_341222631.html?keyword=secondarystory (http://www.eagletribune.com/pubiz/local_story_341222631.html?keyword=secondarystory)

[tokyodream]

Cars.com Videos: 2009 Honda Civic, 2009 Acura TL :

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2008/12/carscom-videos.html (http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2008/12/carscom-videos.html)

The best midsize sedans of 2009 :

http://www.kivitv.com/global/story.asp?s=9505565

[tokyodream]

Honda cutting production again :

http://dayton.bizjournals.com/dayton/stories/2008/12/08/daily39.html (http://dayton.bizjournals.com/dayton/stories/2008/12/08/daily39.html)

Honda to cut 18,000 vehicles from production :

http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=9516021 (http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=9516021)

[tokyodream]

Best cars and trucks for 2009 :

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008812140420 (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008812140420)


Mai jos in articol:

2009 10 best engines winners :


Honda Motor Co.: 3.5L SOHC V6 (Accord Coupe) :)

Phoenix Honda Dealer Announces Two New Cars Under $16,000 :

http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=82585

[tokyodream]

http://www.nextautos.com/earningsfinancials/acura-needs-niche-models-to-buoy-brand (http://www.nextautos.com/earningsfinancials/acura-needs-niche-models-to-buoy-brand)


Honda to scale down business amid global economic woes :

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/NewsBreak/20081217122732/Article/index_html

Acura's Taking The Next Steps Towards Luxury With The TL And TSX :

http://www.superstreetonline.com/featuredvehicles/130_0812_acura_tl_and_tsx/index.html

[tokyodream]

Honda Civics top list of most frequently stolen cars: Insurance Bureau :( :) :

http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2008/12/17/7779686.html (http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2008/12/17/7779686.html)

Most Stolen Vehicles:

1. 2000 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
2. 1999 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
3. 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STi 4-door AWD
4. 1995 Dodge/Plymouth Grand Caravan/Voyager
5. 1995 Dodge/Plymouth Caravan/Voyager
6. 2002 Acura RSX Type S 2-door
7. 2001 Audi TT Quattro Roadster
8. 1995 Acura Integra 2-door
9. 1996 Dodge/Plymouth Neon 2-door
10. 1996 Dodge/Plymouth Neon 4-door


Comentarii ?

[tokyodream]

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20081218a1.html (http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20081218a1.html)

Multe stiri aici http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstSearchResult/index.php?page=1&searchKind=0&searchChr=honda (http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstSearchResult/index.php?page=1&searchKind=0&searchChr=honda) , dar nu le pot citi :(

[zagado26]

Probabil trebuie sa te inregistrezi si sa faci login ca sa le poti citi.

[tokyodream]

Fuel price cuts, economy crimp Honda :

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10128010-48.html (http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10128010-48.html)

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http://www.lasvegascitylife.com/articles/2008/12/26/ride/shift/iq_25865450.txt :

" Honda's Prius fighter is now on the road

The Japanese automaker took the wraps off its Insight gas/electric hybrid earlier this year at the Paris Motor Show, and now the company has made preproduction models available for journalists to drive. However, American scribes invited to a recent press event had to agree not to publish driving impressions and other sensitive information until a date early in January to coincide with the car's North American launch at the Detroit Auto Show. Expect to see it on the road this coming spring with a price lower than that of the Honda Civic Hybrid. On the outside, the Insight appears similar to the Toyota Prius and also has a flat floor as well as a futuristic dashboard. Honda will equip the new dedicated hybrid model with a system similar to the 1.3-liter Integrated Motor Assist setup found in the current-generation Civic Hybrid. "


================================================== ================

RL Sedan Balances Sport, Luxury :

http://www.motherproof.com/car-reviews/new/2009-Acura-RL/

[tokyodream]

Honda, Toyota Dominate Most-Researched List :

http://www.wmur.com/automotive/18381349/detail.html (http://www.wmur.com/automotive/18381349/detail.html)

Acura's design progresses beyond plain vanilla:

http://www.dailypress.com/features/dp-life_autoreview_1230dec30,0,2886078.story (http://www.dailypress.com/features/dp-life_autoreview_1230dec30,0,2886078.story)

[tokyodream]

Accord, Civic top CarMax used vehicle search list :

http://aftermarketbusiness.search-autoparts.com/aftermarketbusiness/Distribution/Accord-Civic-top-CarMax-used-vehicle-search-list/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/573360?contextCategoryId=42269 (http://aftermarketbusiness.search-autoparts.com/aftermarketbusiness/Distribution/Accord-Civic-top-CarMax-used-vehicle-search-list/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/573360?contextCategoryId=42269)

The top 10 searched vehicles on carmax.com for 2008 are:

1. Honda Accord
2. Honda Civic
3. Toyota Camry
4. Ford Mustang
5. Nissan Altima
6. Chevrolet Tahoe
7. Ford F-150
8. Toyota Corolla
9. Toyota Tacoma
10. Nissan Maxima

================================================== ==

Kelley Blue Book Ranks Honda Civic As Most Searched Car :

http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=83504 (http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=83504)

================================================== ==

REVIEW: 2009 Honda Accord EX-L V6 - DRIVELINE: Honda's six strikes a chord:

http://lfpress.ca/perl-bin/publish.cgi?p=254242&s=wheels (http://lfpress.ca/perl-bin/publish.cgi?p=254242&s=wheels) :

FACT FILE :

2009 Honda Accord EX-L V6

As tested (before taxes): $36,813

Options: Winter tires ($1,323)

Freight: $1,410

Configuration: Front engine/FWD

Engine/Transmission: 3.5-litre V-6/ 6-speed manual

Power/Torque: 271 hp/251 lb.-ft.

Fuel (capacity): Regular (70L)

EnerGuide fuel ratings (L/100 km): 12.6 city, 7.8 highway

Warranties: 3 yr./60,000 km basic, 5 yr./100,000 km powertrain

Competitors: Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry

Strengths: Flexible model lineup, proven engines, copious interior/cargo space

Weaknesses: Rear visibility, lack of split-folding rear seat, fuel economy not stellar

--- --- ---

Report card (out of 5)

Economy 3.5

Value for $ 4.0

Styling 3.5

Comfort 4.0

Performance 4.0

Overall 4.0

================================================== ==

[tokyodream]

Shopping for a New Car? Go Green for 2009 :

http://askpatty.typepad.com/ask_patty_/2008/12/shopping-for-a-new-car-.html (http://askpatty.typepad.com/ask_patty_/2008/12/shopping-for-a-new-car-.html)

Under $10,000:

2000 Honda Insight (average mpg: 51)
2001-02 Toyota Prius (average mpg: 41)
2000-05 Toyota Echo (average mpg: 38)
1998-2002 Chevy Prizm (average mpg: 32)
1998 Mazda Protégé LX (average mpg: 32)
1998-2000 Toyota Corolla LE (average mpg: 32)
1998-2001 Acura Integra LS manual (average mpg: 32)


$10,000 - $20,000:

2004-06 Toyota Prius (average mpg: 44)
2001-03 Toyota Prius (average mpg: 41)
2006-07 Honda Civic Hybrid (average mpg: 37)
2003-05 Honda Civic Hybrid (average mpg: 36)
2007 Honda Fit Sport manual (average mpg: 34)
2007 Toyota Yaris Liftback manual (average mpg: 34)


================================================== ============

Masina anului 2009 in Croatia:

http://www.autoklub.hr/tuning/predstavljamo - in centru-dreapta

Clasament la zi:

http://www.autoklub.hr/images/anketa-title.png :

Koji će automobil osvojiti titulu CROAUTO 2009?

Alfa Romeo MiTo
6,33%

Citroën C5
4,27%

Dacia Sandero
1,61%

Ford Fiesta
4,42%

Honda Accord
4,77%

Hyundai i20
16,59%

Mazda 6
11,35%

Opel Insignia
11,27%

Renault Megane
13,76%

Seat Ibiza
1,43%

Suzuki Splash
0,62%

Škoda Superb
17,48%

Toyota IQ
0,75%

Volkswagen Golf
5,34%

Ukupno glasova
7214

=============================================

[tokyodream]

Japan auto executives hope for US recovery :

http://townhall.com/news/business/2009/01/05/japan_auto_executives_hope_for_us_recovery (http://townhall.com/news/business/2009/01/05/japan_auto_executives_hope_for_us_recovery)

Japan's export-dependent automakers have been battered by the slowdown in the U.S. set off by the financial crisis last year. The rising yen has also hurt the companies. The dollar, which had cost 113 yen a year ago, is trading at about 90 yen lately, a 13-year low.

Takeo Fukui, president and chief executive of Japan's No. 2 automaker, Honda Motor Co., said he hoped the global economy had bottomed out. Tokyo-based Honda has its hopes on the hybrid Insight set to go on sale later this year, he said, but the main problems were the U.S. downturn and the weak dollar.

"First of all, the U.S. market has to recover," he told reporters. "The yen is at an abnormally high level. The Japanese economy needs its export industries."
Honda, which makes the Odyssey minivan and Accord sedan, has cut production to adjust to slowing demand, and slashed its profit forecast for the fiscal year ending in March to 185 billion yen ($2.0 billion), less than a third of its previous year's earnings.

================================================== ==========

Honda Canada reports record annual sales for 2008, up one per cent from 2007 :

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b010567A&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss

The Honda division sold a record 151,974 units - bolstered by the Civic, Fit and Pilot brands - and the Acura division sold 19,384 units. :)

[tokyodream]

Honda Canada reports record annual sales for 2008, up one per cent from 2007 :

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b010567A&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss (http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b010567A&utm_source=markets&utm_medium=rss)

================================================

American Honda Reports 2008 Annual and December Monthly Sales :

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/01/05/346213.html (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/01/05/346213.html)

================================================== =

Honda unveils 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon lineup (http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/honda-unveils-2009-tokyo-auto-salon-lineup/) :)

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/honda-unveils-2009-tokyo-auto-salon-lineup/ (http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/honda-unveils-2009-tokyo-auto-salon-lineup/)

================================================== =

Euro-spec Honda Insight rated at 53 mpg (US), 101 g/km CO2 :)

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/08/euro-spec-honda-insight-rated-at-53-mpg-us-101-g-km-co-sub-2/ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/08/euro-spec-honda-insight-rated-at-53-mpg-us-101-g-km-co-sub-2/)

==============================================

Honda sales down 35% in December , in SUA:

http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2009/01/05/daily4.html (http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2009/01/05/daily4.html)

================================================

New Acura TL 2009 just wants to be driven:

http://www.recorder.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1377290 (http://www.recorder.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1377290)


FAST FACTS :

2009 Acura TL

As tested (before taxes): $39,990
Options: none
Freight: $1,825
MSRP range: $39,990-$47,990
Configuration: Front engine/front wheel drive

Engine/Transmission: 3.5L V6/5-spd auto with sequential shift
Power/Torque: 280 hp/254 lb.-ft.

Fuel (capacity): Premium (70L)
EnerGuide fuel economy ratings: 11.6 L/100km city; 7.5 L/100km hwy
Observed fuel economy: 10.4 L/100 km combined over 463 km
Warranties: Four years/80,000 km (basic); Five years/100,000 km (powertrain)
Competitors: Audi A4; Lexus ES 350; Lincoln MKZ; Nissan Maxima; Saab 9-3; Volvo S60

Report Card :

Economy: 5 - Outstanding for a reasonably powerful V6.
Value for $: 5 - Decent price for an upscale sports sedan.
Styling: 4 - Take it or leave it, but no denying it is distinctive.
Comfort: 4 - Comfortable and roomy seats all around for four; OK for five.
Performance: 4 - Feels as solid and powerful as any traditional RWD sports sedan.
Overall: 5 - Simply the best front-wheel drive sports sedan on the market.

Strengths: Bang for the buck; comfortable and roomy seating; excellent powertrain.

Weaknesses: Controversial looks.

================================================== =======

Honda Civic Stands Atop as Canada's Top-Selling Vehicle :

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2009/07/c5703.html (http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2009/07/c5703.html)

Based on record annual sales of 72,463 units in 2008, Honda Civic is the first passenger car in 15 years to achieve status as the top-selling vehicle, including all cars and trucks, in Canada. Honda Civic has been Canada's top-selling car 11 consecutive years. (Shown is the Canadian-built 2009 Honda Civic Si Sedan.) (CNW Group/Honda Canada Inc.)
http://www.newswire.ca/images/spacer.gifhttp://www.newswire.ca/images/spacer.gif
================================================== ===

Honda is named as Canada's best 'Mainstream Brand' for Residual Value :)


http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2009/08/c6093.html (http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2009/08/c6093.html)

Honda Canada manufactures the Honda Civic sedan and coupe, and the Acura
CSX sedan and MDX luxury utility vehicle at its two plants in Alliston,
Ontario, and produces fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines at its new engine
plant adjacent to its Canadian manufacturing facilities. With 135
manufacturing facilities in 28 countries worldwide, Honda attracts more than
24 million customers annually.

[tokyodream]

Week-end-ul asta este salon la Tokyo , 9-11 ianuarie :

2009 Tokyo Auto Salon: Honda Concepts :

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=139206 (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=139206)


"TOKYO — Honda may have pulled out of Formula 1 and shelved its much-hyped 600-horsepower, V10-powered NSX (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=129976) in the wake of the global financial crisis, but the company has not forgotten its sporty roots, as one look at its concepts for the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon proves.

Honda's tuning arm, Honda Access, will unveil its all-new Sports Modulo customized lineup at the show, which takes place from January 9-11. This could well be the last update of the aging S2000 (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/ViewModelDetail/make=Honda/model=S2000). Employing a rallying cry of "Fumon," which means "wind ripple," Honda Access' designers created radical aerodynamic body parts to reduce the S2000 Sports Modulo's drag-coefficient levels.

While the edgy front spoiler and rear winglets won't win any big design awards, Honda engineers tell us that these parts improve downforce and stability at speed. This S2000 also features new lightweight alloy wheels and a wine-red retractable cloth roof.
Honda's second main concept for the show is its Sports Modulo Fit RS concept. It's based on the popular Fit (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/ViewModelDetail/make=Honda/model=Fit) and wears the same "wind ripple" aerodynamic body parts as the S2000, along with sport wheels and a significantly upgraded interior redesign in three-tone bright orange, black and aluminum. The Honda Access will display upgrades for Civic (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/ViewModelDetail/make=Honda/model=Civic) and Accord (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/ViewModelDetail/make=Honda/model=Accord) models as well.

On the opposite end of the design spectrum, Honda openly panders to the young female market with its Life Style Study concept, based on the 600cc Life minicar. The cutely colored interior and exterior are covered with hundreds of Swarovski crystal beads. It looks like something out of Paris Hilton's toy box. The Life Style Study even gets a center console boasting shiny crystals as well as dreamy pink polka-dot seat covers. Well, it will show well under the lights.

Inside Line says: Honda is still going for the gusto at the Tokyo salon. — Peter Lyon, Correspondent "


================================================== =========

Alabama-built Honda Odyssey best-selling minivan of 2008 :

http://www.al.com/business/birminghamnews/news.ssf?/base/business/123123332522320.xml&coll=2

The Alabama-built Honda Odyssey claimed the crown as the country's top-selling minivan of 2008, a victory that rings somewhat hollow in a year marked by historic lows across the global automotive industry.
The Odyssey, built at the Japanese automaker's Lincoln assembly plant, posted U.S. sales of 135,493 last year, Honda said Monday.
That number is a 22 percent decline from the minivan's 2007 sales total of 173,046, but it was still good enough to knock off the longtime champ, Chrysler's Dodge Caravan, which ended 2008 with 123,749 in sales.

Despite a global economic crisis that has pummeled automakers worldwide, the Odyssey's new title is good news for the state's auto industry and particularly Honda's 4,500-worker Lincoln plant, said Steve Sewell, executive vice president of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama.

"This just shows that the Odyssey is still a viable, high quality product that meets consumer demands," he said. "It's good to know that they're tops in their segment, and it suggests that they ought to be well-positioned when vehicle sales do improve again."
Alabama's automakers, which include Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai, have been suffering with their foreign and domestic peers amid a global sales slump that has forced them to slash output.

U.S. sales reports issued Monday were filled with more gloom, as major players in the industry wrapped up 2008 by reporting double-digit sales declines for December.
Minivans, in particular, have been fading since before the industry crisis of 2008. The segment once commanded 7 percent to 8 percent of the market, but that number has dwindled to as low as 4 percent earlier this year.

However, the Odyssey has long been among the top sellers in the segment and in 2007 came within a few thousand vehicles of besting the Caravan's sales total.
During December, Honda said it sold 6,950 Odysseys, a 53.4 percent drop from December 2007. Meanwhile, Chrysler also reported a steep December sales decline for the Caravan, which posted sales of 6,927, a 67.4 percent drop from the year-ago period.
The Caravan's 2008 sales total was a 30 percent fall from 2007.
Other top-selling minivans for 2008 also posted sales totals that fell short of their 2007 performance.

The Chrysler Town & County had sales of 118,563, a 14 percent drop, while the Toyota Sienna ended the year with 115,944 in sales, a 16 percent decline.

E-mail: dkent@bhamnews.com

================================================== =========

Consumer Reports: Great Used Cars For Under $12,000 :


http://www.tampabays10.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=97310


While sales of new cars have really tanked, plenty of people are still buying used cars. Consumer Reports can help you make sure you're getting a winner.
Look for cars that have performed well in Consumer Reports' road tests and that have a good record of reliability and are likely to hold up for the long term.

Consumer Reports has come up with a list of the "best of the best" used cars. There are plenty of good choices, several for under $12,000.

Those bargain used cars include:


2002 and 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX
2003 Acura RSX
2004 Mazda3

Consumer Reports recommends getting the Mazda3 with side-curtain airbags - an important safety feature. That was an option in 2004.
You can find more used cars Consumer Reports recommends here (http://www.tampabays10.com/news/local/www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/used-cars/cr-recommended/the-best-worst-used-cars-406/overview/index.htm).

Whatever car you're considering, Consumer Reports says have it thoroughly inspected by an independent mechanic. A dealer should let you do that as long as you leave identification behind. But first, look over the car carefully yourself. Check the body closely, looking for dents, scratches and rust. And check the tailpipe. White steam is okay, but dark smoke is a sign of trouble.

Consumer Reports' research shows cars have gotten vastly more reliable. A well-maintained car should last 100,000 miles, even 200,000, without a major breakdown.
Consumer Reports says you always want to take any car you're considering for a test drive. You can find advice on how to make the most out of a test drive here (http://www.tampabays10.com/news/local/www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/car-buying-advice/guide-to-new-car-buying/at-the-dealership/the-test-drive/0702driv0.htm).
Consumer Reports has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor appearing on this Web site.


Copyright © 2004-2008 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

[tokyodream]

ABG First Drive: Honda Insight - 50+ mpg without breathing hard! (http://www.dvorak.org/blog/2009/01/12/abg-first-drive-honda-insight-50-mpg-without-breathing-hard/)

http://www.dvorak.org/blog/2009/01/12/abg-first-drive-honda-insight-50-mpg-without-breathing-hard/ (http://www.dvorak.org/blog/2009/01/12/abg-first-drive-honda-insight-50-mpg-without-breathing-hard/)

As 2009 kicks off, Honda is launching a new hybrid-only model that revives the Insight name on an altogether more practical machine. This time Honda is aiming for real mass market appeal with a price the company hopes will make the new Insight “The Hybrid for Everyone.” Honda invited us out to Arizona before Christmas to sample the new Insight and we can now tell you all about it. Read on to find out if Honda’s Insight is on target.
In many respects, the original Insight was what the EV1 might have evolved into if GM had followed some of the development paths it looked into. The parallels to the EV1 are numerous. As much as people like to mythologize the EV1, even if GM had continued to produce it, it is unlikely that it would ever have been a commercial success because of its configuration. As much as green car fans like to tout the facts that most people drive alone most of the time and don’t drive very far, the chasm between what people need most of the time and what they buy is a large one.
Part of Honda’s goal with the new Insight (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/11/abg-first-drive-2009-honda-insight-63-4-mpg/) was to create a car that was recognizable as a hybrid. This led directly to the shape you see in the photos (check out the gallery (http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/abg-firklklst-drive-20jh09-hojkknda-insjhkight/1221562/)). As both Toyota with the Prius and General Motors with the Volt, one of the keys to maximizing the efficiency is to minimize the aerodynamic drag. Hence the Insight has a shape that moves through the air with minimal resistance.

Let’s get right to the matter at hand that will be of most interest to ABG readers, the mileage. On the morning drive route I made no real attempt at maximizing efficiency beyond avoiding aggressive driving and leaving the econ mode engaged. On this route I managed a respectable 52 mpg. Even more impressive, the Insight proved to be a very enjoyable drive. It wasn’t quite up on the same performance level as the VW Jetta TDI, but the handling was easily on par with the Fit which is indeed a good place to be for a small car.
In the Insight Honda has created a compact car with outstanding fuel efficiency and all the best dynamic traits of the Fit. What it looses is some of the incredible packaging of its sibling. The lower profile means less passenger volume and the loss of the Fit’s rear magic seats. Nonetheless, the Insight has ample room for four adults and some cargo in the back. Honda expects the the Insight to score a 40/43 mpg city/highway rating for the EPA when the final numbers are in. Based on the experience I had driving in Arizona, that shouldn’t be hard to achieve in ideal conditions. We’ll be looking forward to see how it performs in colder and hotter weather.
Honda has not announced pricing yet, indicating they will wait until closer to the on-sale date of April 22. Honda spokesman Sage Marie indicated that the volatility of commodity prices like steel would make it unwise to lock down a price yet. Previously, Honda CEO Takeo Fukui has alluded to a base price as low as $18,500 which is about the same as a loaded Fit Sport. Honda will likely try to keep the starting price under 20 grand. Regardless, Honda intends for the Insight to be the most affordable hybrid on the market and is planning on 200,000 world-wide sales annually, with half of those in North America. We can’t wait to spend more time with one.

[razvan p.]

daaa....maretul si clarvazatorul tovaras FUKUI!!!nice!

[ticker]

Trist...

Daca la Dacia fabrica se inchide din cand in cand, fabrica Honda din UK se inchide pana in IUNIE!!! :(

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/01/honda-to-shut-down-uk-swindon-plant.html (http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/01/honda-to-shut-down-uk-swindon-plant.html)

[tokyodream]

2010 Honda Fury — Production-Ready Honda Chopper by Spring: 2009 New York Motorcycle Show (With Video) :

http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4299767.html?nav=RSS20 (http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4299767.html?nav=RSS20)

NEW YORK– In a move that shocked the motorcycle industry, Hondahttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4299767.html?nav=RSS20#) has unveiled a custom-style chopper they call the Fury—and it's coming to a Honda store near you this spring. At first glance the bike boasts the usual chopper cues, but closer inspection reveals modern touches like liquid cooling (note the discreetly placed radiator) and shaft drive, as opposed to a traditional chain or belt. The fork is raked a considerable 38 degrees; for reference, the famous "Captain America" (http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4264018.html) chopper from the film Easy Rider has a 43-degree rake.

We got an early look at the bike in the metal at Honda's R&D headquarters in Torrance. And the attention to detail is impressive. We dig the bike's silhouette and its general absence of badges or overt branding—you'd never guess this was a Honda. But we're still scratching our heads about that radiator and shaft drivehttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4299767.html?nav=RSS20#). Then again, Honda is a company that has a long history of doing things its own unique way, look no further than the insanely rev-happy, four-cylinder Honda S2000 or the unibody Ridgeline pickup truck (http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4290275.html) .

The Fury's tank looks like a stretched piece of taffy, leaving plenty of space above the large chrome cylinder heads that cap the fuel-injected, 1312 cc, 52-degree, single-pin V-twin. While Honda asserts the engine will have an intoxicating exhaust note, we won't be able to confirm that claim until we ride the bike at the end of February. The seat sits at a low 26.7 in., and the 200 mm rear tire is fat, though it looks somewhat dwarfed inside the large rear fender. Several bikes were on hand, including a fully accessorized model decked out with a color-matched chin spoiler, an embroidered seat, a small windscreen, and a few miscellaneous chrome details. One mean-looking matte black Fury also caught our eye, offering a respite for those who may be visually allergic to chrome and gloss.

Launching a chopper during a recession may seem like a counterintuitive move. But if there are potential buyers out there who have balked at pricey customs, and their rather sketchy rideability, the Fury might be an opportunity to get in on the raked-out, two-wheeled lifestyle. Honda rep Jon Seidel explains, "Bottom line, customers want a radical-looking chopper, but with all of those Honda characteristics that we know about," adding, "I think we hit the nail on the head." —Basem Wasef

http://media.popularmechanics.com/images/honda_fury_nyc_430_0109.jpg

================================================== =================

Mark Phelan: You'll love these fabulous cars !

http://www.freep.com/article/20090117/COL14/901170370/1001

Spicuiri:

"................ Honda Insight

Honda hopes to regain status in the hybrid market with its new five-passenger Insight. The four-door hatchback layout has EPA fuel-economy ratings of 40 m.p.g. in the city and 43 m.p.g. on the highway for a likely combined rating of 41 m.p.g. or 42 m.p.g. "

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Car Review: 2009 Honda Pilot !

Without question the 2009 Honda Pilot is among the elite in its class, and for dependability it does not get much better than a Honda Sports Utility Vehicle. The 2 wheel drive LX is an excellent value
http://ads.associatedcontent.com/www/delivery/lg.php?category_id=27&content_type=article&content_type_id=1379444&key_page=79112221652774357&key_ad=1680833433&site_id=1&ad_pos=2&bannerid=455&campaignid=64&zoneid=2&source=cat-27-&loc=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.associatedcontent.com%2Fa rticle%2F1379444%2Fcar_review_2009_honda_pilot.htm l&cb=8815907b43

starting at only $27,695 with a 5-speed automatic transmission gets 17 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway. The engineering and style of the 2009 Honda Pilot is superior, and is fast becoming a consumer favorite.

The performance of the 2009 Honda (http://www.associatedcontent.com/topic/607/honda.html) Pilot is thanks to a 3.5 Liter, 24 (http://www.associatedcontent.com/theme/1074/24.html) valve V-6 engine, that has a 250 Horsepower output at 5,700 RPM's. MacPherson strut front suspension, multi-link rear suspension, and front and rear stabilizer bars (http://www.associatedcontent.com/theme/372/bars.html) enable a smooth constant ride on all surfaces. An anti-lock braking system, electronic brake distribution system and brake assist ensures consistent stopping ability in inclement weather. The performance package on the 2009 Honda (http://www.associatedcontent.com/topic/607/honda.html) Pilot is rounded out with variable power assisted rack-and-pinion steering and unit body construction.

The exterior of the 2009 Honda (http://www.associatedcontent.com/topic/607/honda.html) Pilot shows more elegance and fashionable design (http://www.associatedcontent.com/theme/1579/design.html) than a pedestrian SUV. With power side mirrors, a tailgate with a lift-up glass hatch, and auto on/off multi-reflector halogen headlights the Pilot is a good looking ride.

On the interior the 2009 Honda (http://www.associatedcontent.com/topic/607/honda.html) Pilot offers 8 passenger seating, power window, door, and tailgate locks, 12 beverage holders and map lights. A tilt and telescoping steering column, rear seat heater ducts, and a driver and front passenger illuminated vanity mirrors are nice features. A sound system consisting of an AM/FM stereo with a CD player and 7 speakers will keep passengers entertained. Top this off with a digital odometer and trip meter and its easy to understand the popularity of the 2009 Honda (http://www.associatedcontent.com/topic/607/honda.html) Pilot.

From a standpoint of safety the 2009 Honda (http://www.associatedcontent.com/topic/607/honda.html) Pilot is at the front of the pack. With dual stage, dual threshold front airbags, front side airbags, and three row side curtain airbags passengers are protect fr
http://ads.associatedcontent.com/www/delivery/lg.php?category_id=27&content_type=article&content_type_id=1379444&key_page=79112221652775184&key_ad=145408943&site_id=1&ad_pos=2&bannerid=455&campaignid=64&zoneid=2&source=cat-27-&loc=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.associatedcontent.com%2Fa rticle%2F1379444%2Fcar_review_2009_honda_pilot.htm l%3Fpage%3D2%26cat%3D27&cb=b85c6a3555

om all angles in an accident. The side impact door beams and lowered anchors and tethers for children, combined with daytime running lights (http://www.associatedcontent.com/theme/1626/professional_holiday_light_displays.html) make a good safety package even better.

The warranty on the 2009 Honda (http://www.associatedcontent.com/topic/607/honda.html) Pilot is better than on most sports utility vehicles. A bumper-to-bumper limited warranty of 3 years/36,000 miles and a powertrain limited warranty of 5 years/60,000 are a nice addition to the peace of mind already brought by a superior vehicle.

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[tokyodream]

Japan's Auto Industry Reeling, Shelving Acura V8 Sedan, Toyota-Subaru Sports Car :


http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=139966 (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=139966)

TOKYO — Remember the shocking news in December that the worsening financial crisis had forced Honda to withdraw from F1 and shelve its long-anticipated V10-powered NSX (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=127446) supercar? That, it turns out, is just the tip of the iceberg for Japan's ailing carmakers. Inside Line's source in Japan says that just about every manufacturer is either canceling new-model projects or putting them on hold until market conditions improve.

One of the most anticipated collaborations of recent years was the joint R&D venture between Toyota and Subaru (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=125558) to build a new lightweight, cheap rear-wheel-drive sports car based on the Impreza's (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/ViewModelDetail/make=Subaru/model=Impreza) platform and drivetrain. That project has now been postponed for at least a year, with a new launch date to be expected no earlier than late 2012.
Nissan's rear-wheel-drive Nissan 200SX/Silvia replacement was one of the first future models to be axed — a car that was being built on a common platform shared with an upcoming hybrid sedan.

Another much anticipated makeover was the all-new V8-powered 4WD Honda Legend, currently under development in Japan. Or should we say, previously under development. As Honda's (Acura's) first V8-powered sedan, it was expected to do battle in the U.S. with Cadillac, BMW, Mercedes and Lexus. According to our source, that won't happen now.

First shown at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show, the Daihatsu OFC-1 concept (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=122637) was destined to become the next-generation Copen, with at least two prototypes in existence. That plan has now been shelved, too.

And in the Mitsubishi lineup, the next-generation Pajero and Eclipse (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/ViewModelDetail/make=Mitsubishi/model=Eclipse) have also fallen on hard times and can expect a delay of at least two years from the planned 2010 debuts.

Inside Line says: Major product cuts and delays are not limited to the U.S. auto industry. — Peter Lyon, Correspondent

[tokyodream]

Honda Insight looks for some star treatment :

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090113/AUTO04/901130431/1364 (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090113/AUTO04/901130431/1364)

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Honda Releases the All New Hybrid Insight for 2010 :

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1385592/honda_releases_the_all_new_hybrid_insight.html?cat =27 (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1385592/honda_releases_the_all_new_hybrid_insight.html?cat =27)

================================================== =====

UK Speed Camera Accuses 73hp Honda of Impossible Speeds ???

http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/26/2661.asp (http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/26/2661.asp)

A 73hp Honda was accused of driving 98 MPH, 13 MPH faster than a test showed it was capable of driving.

http://www.thenewspaper.com/rlc/pix/lylehonda.jpgThe owner of a fourteen-year-old Honda was vindicated after a speed camera in Bristol, UK accused the vehicle of driving an impossible speed. Crown prosecutors had threatened Dale Lyle, 21, with a fine of £1000 (US $1450) and a six-month license suspension for the crime of driving 98 MPH in a 70 zone. After being accused, Lyle was so determined not to give in and pay the unjust fine that he spent £1200 (US $1740) of his own money to prove his innocence.

"It's ridiculous the lengths I've had to go to prove I was innocent, Lyle told the Bristol Evening Post. "The whole thing has been a shambles, a waste of money."

Lyle had been behind the wheel of his 1994 Honda Civic on December 13, 2007 when a speed camera on the A38 near Plymouth insisted that the little Honda was doing 98 MPH. Lyle's unmodified car had been equipped with a 1.3 liter engine that made a total of 73 horsepower when new -- but by then it had about 130,000 miles on the odometer. Lyle knew the ticket had to be wrong.

"I certainly wouldn't want to drive my Honda Civic at 98 MPH," Lyle told the Evening Post. "It's such a small car I wouldn't feel safe -- it's a glorified Japanese shopping trolley."

Local magistrates refused to consider the car's lack of power as evidence and in June told Lyle that he had to pay to have his car tested by an independent laboratory at his own expense if he wanted to continue with that line of argument. By that time, however, Lyle had already replaced the Honda with another car. He was forced to buy it back for £600 (US $870) and then spend another £600 having the vehicle examined on a test track in Bedfordshire. The results of the test showed conclusively that the Honda's maximum speed was 85.4 MPH.

"It makes you wonder how many people say 'fine, give me the points' when they are not guilty," Lyle said after reflecting on the trouble he went through.

Lyle now hopes the court will grant a request to cover the costs he incurred in proving his innocence.

Source: Bristol speeder proves his car was too slow (http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/homepage/Bristol-speeder-proves-car-slow/article-625010-detail/article.html) (Bristol Evening Post (UK), 1/19/2009)

Comentarii ???

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[tokyodream]

His Civic duty !

http://www.theweekender.com/motors/His_Civic_duty_01-20-2009.html (http://www.theweekender.com/motors/His_Civic_duty_01-20-2009.html)

Jeff Waugh of Clarks Summit has taken steps over the years to turn his 1999 Honda Civic from ordinary to extraordinary.
“Let’s face it,” Waugh says, “there are a lot of Civics on the street. I wanted mine to stand out.”

The Civic was introduced to the American market in 1973. It is the second longest running nameplate from a Japanese automobile manufacturer. (The Toyota Corolla, introduced in 1968, ranks first). The first Civic was a small inexpensive hatchback, and since then, every generation of Civic has been improved upon — and raised the bar for all automobiles.

Waugh is right, there are a lot more Civics on the road today. In July 2008, with rising gas prices and a weakening economy, the Honda Civic passed the Ford F-150 pickup truck to become the top-selling vehicle in the United States. The Civic is currently in its eighth generation and got a facelift by Honda for 2009, which includes a redesign for both the front and rear of the car.

Waugh’s Civic has a 1590 cc, 1.6 liter V-tec engine that is mostly stock, but he also added a K&N air filter along with an MSD coil and distributor. The engine also has a four in-line front transverse engine with a 75 mm bore, a 90 mm stroke, and features a 9.4 compression ratio, a light alloy block and head gasket, overhead cam and four valves per cylinder. It’s capable of producing about 106 horsepower at 6,200 rpm.
The 1999 model features an axle ratio of 4.357:1, two disc brakes (including two ventilated discs), as well as a wishbone front and rear suspension that are independent with coil springs. The exterior of Waugh’s Honda was originally white, and he changed it to two-tone black and white. He also added a spoiler, a body kit and Angel Eyes springs, which drop the Civic about three inches from its normal height. To the interior of the Civic, Waugh added a Pioneer DVD/GPS, JBL audio speakers and three amps and a viper alarm. The car now sits on 17-inch Fox chrome rims.

“I’ve done a lot,” Waugh says, “but I do have some additions planned over this winter including an intake, nitrous and exhaust, as well as a new steering wheel and seats.”

He also plans to add a pair of Altezza taillights and an AEM short ram intake.
“I’ll have them ready for the car shows in the spring,” Waugh says.

[tokyodream]

Au trecut 40 de ani:

Honda Celebrates 40 Years in Australia

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/01/22/379628.1.jpg (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/01/22/379628.1-lg.jpg)


http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/01/22/379628.html (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/01/22/379628.html)

MELBOURNE, Australia – January 22, 2009: Hondahttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/01/22/379628.html#) is celebrating 40 years in Australia with a limited edition of one its most endearing vehicles, the four cylinder Honda Accord.
The limited edition four cylinder Accord showcases Honda’s commitment to producing passenger carshttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/01/22/379628.html#) that feature the latest in technology and design quality.
The Accord V6 was recently named Drive's 2008 Car of the Year and Large Car of the Year.
The original Accord was the first Japanese car to feature air conditioning, a digital clock, power steering, cloth seats, a tachometer, intermittent wipers and an AM/FM radio as standard. During its first year in Australia, the Honda Accordhttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/01/22/379628.html#) won ‘Wheels Car of the Year’, the first Japanese car to win the coveted award.
The Honda Accord has continued to receive accolades including Drive Car of the Year 2008 for the V6. In fact, the Accord remains the most highly decorated car in Honda’s history.
The limited edition Honda Accord is packed with extra features including fog lights, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, floor mats, illuminated door sill garnishes and 40th Anniversary badging.
Honda Australia’s Senior Director, Mr. Lindsay Smalley, is proud of the Accord's success in Australia.
“The Accord was one of the first models Honda introduced to Australia 40 years ago and has been a popular choice ever since. The name ‘Accord’ was chosen to symbolise Honda’s efforts to achieve an accord between people, society and motor vehicles through advanced technology.
“The Accord was ahead of its time when the first model was released and it continues to evolve to this day. Last year we launched the 8th generation Accord, offering buyers the choice of either a 2.4 litre four cylinder engine or a powerful 3.5 litre V6 featuring revolutionary Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology that seamlessly switches between six, four and even three cylinders as required,” Mr. Smalley said.
The Accord has sold over 16 million units since 1976 in 160 countries and remains one of Honda’s most endearing and successful models for more than 30 years.
The 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Accord has a 2.4 litre four cylinder i-VTEC engine which produces 133kW and 222Nm with a 5-speed automatic transmission as standard.
Its impressive performance is matched by equally impressive fuel consumption – just 8.8 litres/100km – and very low emissions.
And even more impressive is the price - $31,440 plus on road costs. For the month of January, customers will also receive free registration and CTP insurance, a 5 year warranty and free 5 year 24hr Premium Roadside Assist.

[tokyodream]

Honda Quits Motorcycle Racing In Japan !

http://www.manufacturing.net/News-Honda-Quits-Motorcycle-Racing-In-Japan-012309.aspx (http://www.manufacturing.net/News-Honda-Quits-Motorcycle-Racing-In-Japan-012309.aspx)

TOKYO (AP) -- Honda Motor Co. said Friday it was pulling its team out of a motorcycle race in Japan this year as a part of cost-cutting amid a global slowdown.
Honda said in December that it was quitting Formula One racing to focus on its core business of making and selling cars.
Honda, Japan's second biggest automaker, declined to say how much would be saved by ending its participation in the Suzuka 8 Hour World Endurance Championship Race.
Honda motorcycles will continue to take part in such races for other teams, the Tokyo-based company said.
The Honda Racing motorcycle team was No. 1 last year in the 8-hour race, and second in 2007. The race boasts a 30-year history.
Like other Japanese automakers, Honda is being battered by the plunge in global auto demand after the U.S. financial crisis struck last year.
Its plants are being idled to curb production and reduce inventory. The maker of the Accord sedan and Odyssey minivan, is putting 4,300 people out of work in Japan by the end of April. Honda employs 185,000 people around the world.

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[Delphi]

Honda Corporate:


2008 YEAR END SPEECH SUMMARY (http://asia.vtec.net/Corporate/2008YE/index.html)

2008 SALES & PRODUCTION FORECAST (http://asia.vtec.net/Corporate/2008YE/sales4cast.html)

[dics]

Mie nu-mi merg linkurile

[ramm]

Nici mie dar am zis sa nu fiu primu' care zice :)

[Delphi]

Sorry guys, acum merg. :yepp:

[tokyodream]

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i154/markymaclmb/mugenrr09-1.jpg

[yulasinio]

@tokyodream: tu ai zis ca ai mutat postul dar nu ai zis ca unde si l-am pus iarasi in link-ul in care mi l-ai dat :smackbum: :D

Edit : E bine si asa :)

[tokyodream]

Honda Civic and Ford F-Series top sellers in 2008 !

http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/01/20/honda-civic-and-ford-f-series-top-sellers-in-2008.htm (http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/01/20/honda-civic-and-ford-f-series-top-sellers-in-2008.htm)

Richmond Hill, Ontario - The Honda Civic and Ford F-Series finished out December 2008 and also the year 2008 overall as the top-selling car and light truck in Canada, according to industry analyst Dennis DesRosiers. The Civic finished as the best-selling vehicle in Canada, with 72,463 sold, compared to 67,749 copies of the F-Series.

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HONDA PULLS THE PLUG ON S2000 ROADSTER !

http://weblog.signonsandiego.com/weblogs/garage/2009/01/honda_pulls_the_plug_on_s2000.html (http://weblog.signonsandiego.com/weblogs/garage/2009/01/honda_pulls_the_plug_on_s2000.html)

S2000 FAST FACTS
2009 MSRP: $35,665, including $670 freight charge
Engine: 237-hp, DOHC, 2.2-liter fVTEC our-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Fuel economy: 18/25; 91 octane
Tires: 17-inch Bridgestone Potenza RE050
Wheelbase/length: 94.5/162.2 inches
Curb weight: 2,864 pounds; CR 2,813 or 2,765 w/o hardtop; audio and AC add 43 pounds.
Cool features: red start button; short-throw shifter; leather-trimmed seats (or on the CR, fabric with synthetic suede trim; power top with glass backlight
What not to like: early cars had a tendency to oversteer in competitive driving, even with 50/50 balance; turning circle of 35.4 feet is more like a sedan; creature comforts pushed the curb weight to about 3,000 pounds with car and driver.

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Honda cuts output by 50,000 vehicles !

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?feed=AP&date=20090126&id=9491423 (http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?feed=AP&date=20090126&id=9491423)

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Honda’s Latitude CUV to compete with Toyota Venza !

http://www.egmcartech.com/2009/01/26/hondas-latitude-cuv-to-compete-with-toyota-venza/ (http://www.egmcartech.com/2009/01/26/hondas-latitude-cuv-to-compete-with-toyota-venza/)

Spies have once again caught the upcoming all-new Hondahttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://www.egmcartech.com/2009/01/26/hondas-latitude-cuv-to-compete-with-toyota-venza/#) Accord CUV undergoing testing. At first glance the car may look like the European Honda Accord Tourer (pictured above), but upon closer inspection the prototype seems to sit a little higher than the Accord Tourer.
The Honda Accord CUV will be based on the Accord chassis and is expected to enter production in the 4th quarter of 2009 at Honda’s Marysville or East Liberty factory. The production version of the car will fit between the CR-V and the Pilot and will take on Toyota’shttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://www.egmcartech.com/2009/01/26/hondas-latitude-cuv-to-compete-with-toyota-venza/#) Venza crossover.

Powertrain options are yet to be revealed but sources say that all-wheel-drive may be offered as an option. As for names, insiders say that “Latitude” is one of the names being considered for the new Honda crossover.

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[tokyodream]

How Acura Got into the North American Market !

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1403568/how_acura_got_into_the_north_american.html (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1403568/how_acura_got_into_the_north_american.html)

Honda had already been an established automobile car maker in the Asian hemisphere, but it was not until 1986 and at least a decade worth of research and development that they created 60 dealerships

across North America that would lead to the birth of Acura.

Acura represented the luxury series of Honda (http://www.associatedcontent.com/topic/607/honda.html) in North America, and they would start this with the Integra and Legend models. Both these models targeted the luxury and high-performance market and became quite successful and increasingly popular. The next model which would be best known and competed in a class that was new for a Japanese market was the Acura NSX.

It would only take Acura four years to take the NSX into the arena alongside well known racing cars, such as the Ferrari and the Porsche. As its name suggests, the New Sports Experimental (NSX) came with a V-6 mid engine that had the power level raised to that of its European counterparts but at a far more affordable cost.

Not everything was a paved road to success for Acura though. While they did get off to a good start with popularity and sales, they started to lose its foothold on the market by the closing of the 1990's. Many believed that this setback was due to the follow-up of designs that the market was looking for. The car's image had preceded the developing team's view of the market. For Acura, their debut into North America was just an approach of rebranding existing Japanese-spec Hondas so that they would be accessible to the new market that was for a time out of their reach.

It would not be until the turn of the 21st century that Acura would once again retake its place in the market and would establish a reputation for Japanese-spec cars for years to come. The world will now get to discover the power and capability that these Japanese companies can bring into the world of racing, and create a respect and following for Japanese branded cars. Even now, many 1990's models of Acuras are still being sought after by avid tuning enthusiasts.

</U>Nowadays, Acura has again entered a new market by launching a line of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and Crossover Vehicles, and perhaps they will eventually carry on the image of becoming a sought aft
er vehicle in their respective markets as well. With their gained popularity through the use of their vehicles by Grassroots Racing and the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), Acura is now an established brand that is well respected in the western hemisphere.

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Honda Accord Euro is 2008 Wheels Car of the Year ! :) :) :)

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/01/21/377743.html (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/01/21/377743.html)

MELBOURNE, Australia – January 21, 2009: The Honda Accordhttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/01/21/377743.html#) Euro has been awarded the 2008 Wheels Magazine Car of the Year.
Outclassing a field of 35 eligible new passenger vehicles launched in 2008, the Accord Euro won the prize, recognised as one of motoring’s most prestigious awards globally.
To crown the winner, intensive testing over 7 days by 8 expert judges from Wheels of 18 new models, covering in excess of 10,000 kilometres was undertaken.
The criteria covered 5 key areas; function, technology, environmental efficiency, safety and value.
Announcing the win nationally to approximately two million viewers on Channel 9’s A Current Affair, Wheels Editor Mr. Ged Bulmer commented, “The Hondahttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/01/21/377743.html#) Accord Euro is the right car for the times, not too big, not too thirsty and not too expensive.
“It blends great driver satisfaction with outstanding dynamics and supreme passenger comfort.
“It is an exceptionally well–rounded car with painstaking care to build quality and detail.”
Honda Australia Managing Director and CEO, Mr Yasuhide Mizuno was delighted with winning the award.
“This is fantastic result for a fantastic car that epitomises every element of Honda’s DNA. It’s fun to drivehttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/01/21/377743.html#) nature combined with quality, safety, value and sporty styling is what the second-generation Accord Euro is about.
“I want to say thank you to all the judges for making the Accord Euro number one. We were a finalist with the first-generation Euro in 2003, so to be recognised for our efforts with this prestigious award with the second-generation Euro makes everyone at Honda very proud. It is a wonderful way to start the year,” Mr. Mizuno said.
The 2008 Wheels Car of the Year Award is the fifth won by Honda, the first being the original Honda Accord in 1977 which was also the first Japanese car to do so.
Other Honda models to win include the Honda Prelude in 1987, the Honda NSX in 1991 (joint with Nissan Pulsar) and the Honda Odyssey in 1995.
Now, some 14 years later, the Honda Accord Euro has triumphed, winning the 46th annual award of the world longest continuously running Car of the Year Award.
The award winning Honda Accord Euro offers buyers the choice of three models and is priced from $33,990*.
http://ads.associatedcontent.com/www/delivery/lg.php?category_id=27&content_type=article&content_type_id=1403568&key_page=8612433752986153&key_ad=1269153062&site_id=1&ad_pos=2&bannerid=455&campaignid=64&zoneid=2&source=cat-27-&loc=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.associatedcontent.com%2Fa rticle%2F1403568%2Fhow_acura_got_into_the_north_am erican_pg2.html%3Fcat%3D27&cb=dee803fdca

[tokyodream]

Honda cuts annual forecast as 3Q profit tumbles :

http://www.kansas.com/508/story/682132.html (http://www.kansas.com/508/story/682132.html)

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Honda Reports 90% Drop in Profit, Guides Down :

http://www.smartmoney.com/breaking-news/on/?story=ON-20090130-000142-0155 (http://www.smartmoney.com/breaking-news/on/?story=ON-20090130-000142-0155)

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Yet Effective Changes For '09 Honda CBR600RR:

http://www.paddocktalk.com/news/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=101524&newlang=&topic=16&catid=0 (http://www.paddocktalk.com/news/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=101524&newlang=&topic=16&catid=0)

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WE DRIVE: Honda Insight hybrid :

http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=4816100&fSectionId=1566&fSetId=381 (http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=4816100&fSectionId=1566&fSetId=381)

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Honda FC Sport Concept Car to Make Canadian Debut :

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2009/02/c4808.html (http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2009/02/c4808.html)

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[tokyodream]

ACEEE Dubs Honda Civic GX Greenest Car For 6th Year; Prius In Second Place :)

http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2009/02/aceee-dubs-honda-civic-gx-greenest-car-for-6th-year-prius-in-second-place.html (http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2009/02/aceee-dubs-honda-civic-gx-greenest-car-for-6th-year-prius-in-second-place.html)

In an anticlimactic repeat, Honda's natural-gas burning Civic GX topped the annual "greenest vehicles" of the year listing being published this morning by the non-profit American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (http://www.aceee.org/).

It is the 12th year the Washington-based environmental and economic lobbying group has published its Green Book Online (http://www.greenercars.org/), which ranks passenger cars and light trucks for overall environmental impact.

Although the list for the 2009 model year contained no big surprises, it was marked by the reappearance of General Motors Corp., with trio of small cars among the dozen "greenest" vehicles in the market - the Chevrolet Cobalt compact and its Pontiac G5 twin placed eighth overall and the Chevrolet Aveo subcompact finished10th.

The GM cars, which were rated highly for their fuel economy, knocked Ford's Focus off the "greenest" list after its appearance there last year as the only domestic car in the top twelve.
The Ford didn't get a lower score - but the average scores in the top 12 were higher this year than last.

Evolution, Not Revolution:

Generally, the 2009 list was marked by continued improvements in the fuel economy and reduced greenhouse gas emissions of scores of vehicles rather than by stellar performances from just one or two models.
Manufacturers are fine-tuning their engines and transmissions, improving materials, and adding emission control technologies, said ACEEE transportation program director Therese Langer.


"We are seeing a lot of incremental improvements" she said, "More direct-injection systems, improvements to the internal combustion engine. It's amazing how little of the market [now] falls below 'bin 5' standards," for tailpipe emissions.
Vehicles rated lower than bin 5 are generally described as environmentally "dirty."

Diesels Step Up:

One notable event this year, Langer said, is that the onset of clean diesel fuel and improved diesel emissions systems, coupled with growing demand from consumers for smaller, more efficient vehicles, have put diesels "in the running among environmentally preferable vehicles."
Volkswagen's diesel-fueled Touareg SUV, which ranged as the dirtiest, or "meanest" vehicle of the year in 2008, isn't offered in the U.S. as an '09 model, so the gasoline-or-E85 ethanol "flex-fuel" Hummer H2 from General Motors Corp. fell into that unenviable spot this year.
http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/assets_c/2009/02/ACEEEgreener-thumb-400x221.jpg (http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/ACEEEgreener.jpg)ACEEE ranks vehicles for overall environmental friendliness, and also ranks them by category (right) to help car shoppers find the greenest vehicles in each segment. It rates vehicles on numeric scale with 100 points marking theoretical perfection. So far the best any vehicle has done is 57 points--the score awarded his year to the Honda Civic GX.
The ratings consider fuel efficiency, estimated fuel expenses, tailpipe emissions that affect human health, emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases linked to global warming - both from fuel consumption and from the vehicle manufacturing process (a score using weight-based industry estimates of carbon output)

Greenest:

In the overall rankings, the Honda Civic GX outscored the rest of the field for the sixth consecutive year.
While not the industry's fuel-efficiency leader, the Civic GX has cleaner emissions and produces less greenhouse gas than any other mass-market vehicle sold in the U.S today.
The car is a standard Honda Civic converted by the manufacturer to run on compressed natural gas, which has about 30 percent less carbon content and about 95 percent fewer smog-causing emissions than gasoline.
Toyota's Prius hybrid placed second with 53 points; Honda's Civic hybrid was third with a score of 51; the two-seat Smart from Daimler ranked fourth with 49 points and Toyota's Yaris subcompact and Nissan's Altima hybrid sedan tied for fifth place on the green list with 46 points each.

Meanest:

The mean list was dominated by heavy pickups, SUVs and exotic sports cars with gas-guzzling, carbon-spewing engines.
Following the 16-point Hummer H2 flex-fuel SUV at the bottom of the rankings as the nation's "meanest" or least-environmentally friendly vehicles were the V-12 powered Lamborghini Murcielago sports car and the heavy-duty GMC Yukon 2500 SUV, tied at 18 points; and the Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG ans ML63 AMG "high performance" SUVs, the Lincoln Navigator SUV, Maybach V-12 luxury car and GMC Sierra K2500 heavy duty pickup, at 19 points each.http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/assets_c/2009/02/ACEEE%20meanest-thumb-628x481.jpg (http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/ACEEE%20meanest.jpg)

In addition to identifying the greenest and meanest vehicles in the market, the ACEEE ranks the various market segments - from subcompact economy cars to heady duty pickups - to help consumers select the greenest vehicle that meet their needs.
Among the leaders were the Toyota Tacoma for full-size pickups, the Ford Ranger for compact pickups, the Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid C1500 for large SUVs and the Subaru Outback for wagons.

More to Come:

With the 2009 model year affected by soaring gas prices, an abrupt shift in consumer demand away from trucks and toward fuel-efficient smaller cars and the year-end election of a new president with decidedly green leanings, Langer said, ""things have been changing rapidly on many fronts" for the world's automakers.
"We can imagine that we'll see more substantial shifts incoming years, but right now we are not seeing things change fast enough to make a significant shift now."
It's not discouraging, though, Langer said, adding that improvements this year "still were quite impressive."
Change is coming, she said, "and although we expect it to be evolutionary and not revolutionary for a few years, we think that maybe by 2020 we'll see he big shift" to electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and other types of private transportation vehicles that don't rely primarily on petroleum for their primary fuel."
ACEE's 2009 Green Book Online ranks more than 1,400 vehicle models with various engine and transmission combinations. As its name implies, it is available on-line (http://www.greenercars.org/) with monthly or annual subscriptions.


Posted by John O'Dell February 3, 2009, 5:00 AM

[tokyodream]

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090208/auto/auto4.html (http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090208/auto/auto4.html)

2010 Honda Insight, 63.4 mpg!


This year is shaping up to be a big one for hybrid, and Honda has revive the Insight brand. The original Insight was the first hybrid to make it to the US market, but it was never very commercially successful.

Honda only managed to sell about 18,000 Insights worldwide over six years. Honda has created a five-seat hatchback that it says will be the most affordable hybrid in the world. Honda is targeting worldwide sales of 200,000 Insights a year, with half of those going to North America.

The Insight makes good use of its Fit based chassis for fun steering and handling, and still manages to get outstanding fuel efficiency of 63mpg.
==============================================

Honda S2000 to be terminated year end !


One of Honda's sports cars, the S2000, will come to an end at the close of the 2009 model year. The S2000 has been around for 10 years and a pink version was seen in the movie, Fast and the Furious.

Sales of the S2000 for December '08 numbered 72 units and the amount sold for 2008 was 2,538 coming from 4,302 units from the year before. Honda has sold 110,000 in its 10-year run.

The high-revving roadster has always had more in common with the company's high-performance motorcycles, thanks to its 9,000 rpm redline and minimal low-end torque .

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The Best New Cars !

http://townhall.com/columnists/MarkSolheim/2009/02/08/the_best_new_cars


If you're in the market for new wheels, Kiplinger's is here to help. We screened sedans in five categories -- under $20,000, $20,000 to $25,000, $25,000 to $30,000, $30,000 to $45,000, and $45,000 and over -- and selected Best New Car and Best in Class models in each category. (To search and sort comprehensive data on more than a thousand 2009 cars, crossovers and SUVs, go to Kiplinger.com.)

If you're in the market for new wheels, Kiplinger's is here to help.In the Under $20,000 category, the redesigned Honda Fit wins Best New Car, boosted by its fuel-efficiency (33 miles per gallon on the highway) and an amazing 21 cubic feet of cargo area. Best in Class honors go to the Volkswagen Jetta for safety, roominess and European driving dynamics at a value price. Both the Jetta and Fit Sport earn the top safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety -- a rare honor at this price point.

To find a hybrid, you'll have to move up to the $20,000-to-$25,000 category. We gave the Best in Class nod to the Honda Civic Hybrid, which gets slightly lower fuel economy than the Toyota Prius but is a top safety pick because it comes with standard stability control. The larger, more powerful Mazda6 is Best New Car. The four-cylinder Mazda6 i Sport has a respectable 170 horsepower and gets 30 mpg on the highway.

Midsize hybrids and family sedans with more extras populate the $25,000-to-$30,000 category. For the second year in a row, Best in Class plaudits go to the Honda Accord EX V6 for its mix of roominess, power, superb handling and good fuel economy. The Dodge Challenger R/T gets our Best New Car award. With design cues from the classic 1970 pony car, 372 hp of Hemi muscle, and plenty of legroom and cargo space for family affairs, the new Challenger generated an excitement that few 2009 introductions could claim.

The real action for 2009 is in the $30,000-to-$45,000 category. The stunning Cadillac CTS earns Best in Class, and the much-hyped Hyundai Genesis, the Korean carmaker's first luxury entry in the U.S., wins Best New Car. When a flawlessly finished rear-driver with scads of standard equipment starts at just $32,000, who cares about status?
Fuel economy isn't a perk in luxury cars that cost more than $45,000. Here, it's all about craftsmanship, power and status. The Jaguar XF, which replaces the Jag S-Type, gets our Best New designation. "It's to die for," says Erich Merkle, lead auto analyst for consulting firm Crowe Horwath LLP. Best in Class is the BMW 535xi, a true value considering that its world-class BMW engineering and drivability, plus no-charge maintenance for the four-year warranty period, are all yours for about $54,000.

Copyright © 2009 Salem Web Network. All Rights Reserved.

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Honda joins Mitsubishi, GM in cutting production output!

http://www.canada.com/business/fp/Honda+joins+Mitsubishi+cutting+production+output/1222927/story.html

Honda Motor Co. said Tuesday it will cut output further than previously planned in Canada, the United States and Japan as demand for new cars and trucks continues to shrink worldwide.
In its second production cut in two weeks, Honda said it would cut its domestic production by another 21,000 vehicles and its North American output by an additional 29,000 vehicles. The company’s assembly facility in Allison, Ont., is among its facilities affected.
The automaker will trim production at Alliston by 9,000 vehicles through the end of March, said company spokesman Richard Jacobs.
One assembly line at the facility will go from two daily work shifts to one, he said. Output of Civic and Acura MDX models made on the line will be halved from 800 units a day to 400 units. Honda will also take four non-production Fridays in February, Mr. Jacobs said.
The workers affected will not be laid off but reassigned to another assembly line or to the neighbouring engine plant, Mr. Jacobs said. "It’s kind of readjusting everything," Mr. Jacobs said. "We’re going to have to see how the market is by the time we get into March."
The adjustment cuts its planned manufacturing output in North America to 1.26 million units for its fiscal year ending in March, a 12% decrease from a year ago. It cuts its output in Japan to 1.15 million units, also a 12% drop.
Japanese automakers are being hit by slowing sales at a time when the yen is getting stronger versus many currencies, making it more expensive to sell cars overseas they build in Japan. Toyota Motor Corp. has predicted it will post its first operating loss in 70 years this year. Honda, which last year pulled out of Formula One racing as a way to save money, expects to update its own earnings forecast on Friday.
Mitsubishi Motor Corp., another Japanese-based automaker, said on Tuesday it will suspend production at its Illinois assembly plant for another five weeks this year on top of the 12 weeks shutdown already planned. On Monday, General Motors Corp. said it would initiate further output reductions at factories in Canada and the United States and cut 2,000 U.S. jobs.
Analysts expect new-vehicle sales in the United States this year to be about 10 million, the lowest level since the early 1980s.
Just over 2 million passenger vehicles and heavy trucks were built in Canada last year, a 19% drop from the previous year.
That number will drop to 1.66 million this year, according to a forecast by DesRosiers Automotive Consultants.

© Copyright (c) National Post

[tokyodream]

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/02/10/417669.html (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/02/10/417669.html)

Honda Insight at Melbourne Motor Show !


TULLAMARINE, Australia – February 10, 2009: The world’s most affordable hybrid, the Honda Insighthttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/02/10/417669.html#), will be the main attraction at the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show from 27 February to 9 March.
Mr. Fumihiko Ike, Chief Operating Officer of Regional Operations for Hondahttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/02/10/417669.html#) Asia Oceania announced the Insight’s arrival at his recent visit to Australia to launch the all-new Honda City.

Honda Australia’s Senior Director, Mr. Lindsay Smalley is looking forward to the Insight being available in Australia in the near future.
“After pioneering hybrid motoring in Australia with the original Insight in 2000 and following this with two generations of Civic Hybrid, we are looking forward to showcasing our latest innovation in hybrid technology with the second generation Insight.

“This is one part of our vision to offer more hybrid motoring options to the Australian public,” Mr. Smalley said.
The all-new Insight hybrid vehicle is currently on sale in the United States and Japan.
The new Honda Insight has been designed to offer a practical, five-seat family car at an affordable price, with excellent fuel economyhttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/02/10/417669.html#) and low CO2 and other emissions. The Insight has a boot capacity of 408 litres with the seats up. The repackaging of the IPU and batteries means the Insight has seats which fold almost flat, increasing the boot capacity to approximately 1,017 litres.

Honda’s latest hybrid vehicle revives the Insight nameplate, which was first used in 2000 and marked the introduction of hybrid motoring to Australians. It also marks a return for Honda to producing hybrids in a dedicated aerodynamic body, designed to optimise the performance of the efficient petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain.

The Insight combines an optimised 1.3 litre i-VTEC engine, now with Vehicle Cylinder Management (VCM) which shuts down cylinders and in some cases all four cylinders, to reduce fuel and emissions. It has a compact thin electric motor that gives the engine assistance when increased performance is required and acts as a generator during deceleration and braking. It also allows electric only operation in some slow and medium speed conditions.
The Insight has been designed to give good real world emission and fuel economy figures. Its key element is the Eco Assist system that is fitted as standard. The upper instrument cluster where the speedometer is situated features a colour changing ambient light that illuminates green when driving ecologically, blue/green when the car is being driven acceptably and blue when driving with less regard for economy.

The ambient lighting of the speedometer combines with a bar diagram which is more than a simple instantaneous economy meter. The display in the centre of the rev counter shows how aggressively the driver is accelerating or braking and encourages the driver to stay towards the middle with lighter more progressive use of the brake and accelerator pedals.

To chart progress during each journey, leaves will appear on the bare stems of the plant icons on the centre meter if the driver is matching the ecological driving conditions ideal. Should their driving go outside of these parameters for a length of time, the plants will wilt. At the end of each journey the driver is given a score which they can build up over time and gradually they will be rewarded with trophy symbols for continued good driving.

The practical interior is complimented by an attractively styled and aerodynamically profiled body, (similar in looks to the FCX Clarity fuel-cell car), which achieves an excellent CD of 0.28, helping the Insight to achieve excellent fuel economy and low emissions.

[tokyodream]

Honda Ridgeline production to start Monday in Lincoln !

http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/stories/2009/02/09/daily32.html?ana=from_rss (http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/stories/2009/02/09/daily32.html?ana=from_rss)

Honda Manufacturing of Alabama LLC (http://ad.doubleclick.net/imp;v7;j;211540940;0-0;0;17652620;0/0;30100567/30118444/1;;~aopt=2/1/99/0;~okv=;beh=;pos=t1;vs=notopic;sz=728x90;tile=1;kw =birmingham;dcopt=ist;~cs=e%3fhttp://m1.2mdn.net/1488751/HP200901291v1.htm?t=10&cT=http%3A//ad.doubleclick.net/click%253Bh%3Dv8/37d3/2/0/%252a/u%253B211540940%253B0-0%253B0%253B17652620%253B255-0/0%253B30100567/30118444/1%253B%253B%257Eaopt%253D2/1/99/0%253B%257Esscs%253D%253f&l=http%3A//www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/gen/Honda_Manufacturing_of_Alabama_LLC_FCAF0C06319F427 785EEBEF242E2D435.html) announced Thursday it will begin production of its third vehicle – the Ridgeline – at the Lincoln plant on Monday.
The addition of the Ridgeline will make Honda Manufacturing the sole production source of three light truck products: the Odyssey minivan, the Pilot sport utility vehicle and the Ridgeline pickup.
Honda officials announced plans to move production of the Ridgeline pickup from Canada to Alabama in March 2008.


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2009 Chicago Auto Show: 2010 Acura TSX V6 !

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/chicago/2009/2010acuratsxv6news.html (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/chicago/2009/2010acuratsxv6news.html)

CHICAGO — Acura aims to fill a perceived gap between its redesigned TL sedan and the four-cylinder TSX with the new 2010 Acura TSX V6 (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/chicago/2009/2010acuratsxv6.html), which made its debut at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/chicago/2009/index.html) on Wednesday. The V6-equipped TSX goes on sale this summer.

Acura says the new model is "aimed at youthful buyers who want a performance-oriented sports sedan in a more personal size." Undoubtedly, it's also for buyers put off by the four-cylinder TSX's (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=126300) mediocre 7.7-second 0-60-mph time.

The TSX V6 shares its 3.5-liter VTEC engine with the base Acura TL (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=135666). The V6 makes 280 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque — a big upgrade over the current TSX's 201 hp and 172 lb-ft. Unlike on the four-cylinder model, though, the only available transmission will be Acura's SportShift five-speed sequential automatic, which comes with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

The TSX V6 features revised suspension tuning and larger-diameter Michelin Pilot all-season tires mounted on 18-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels. A mildly revised front fascia and a discreet badge on the tail are the only visual clues to the V6's identity.

Inside Line says: A V6 engine should inject some life into the otherwise lukewarm Acura TSX, but expect a $30,000-plus sticker when the 2010 Acura TSX V6 hits dealers. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent

[tokyodream]

'Green' vehicles gain momentum :

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/13/green-vehicles-gain-momentum/ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/13/green-vehicles-gain-momentum/)

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CARZ 4 GIRLZ : DOWNSIZING INTO AN ECONOMY CAR


http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/02/14/426484.html (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/02/14/426484.html)

Econo-Car Pick #1: 2009 Honda Fit. A sweet rear spoilerhttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/02/14/426484.html#) and bright-cherry red color elevate this 29-mpg economy car from geek to chic. For under $19,630,it's a more affordable economy hatchback than many competitors and remains to be a highly reliable vehicle in Consumer Report's reporting. The 117-horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder is s confident and the acceleration onto the highway is bold for its engine size.


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[tokyodream]

Honda proposes settlement in odometer cases !

http://www.canada.com/Technology/Honda+proposes+settlement+odometer+cases/1299359/story.html (http://www.canada.com/Technology/Honda+proposes+settlement+odometer+cases/1299359/story.html)

REGINA -- Honda Canada has proposed a settlement in three class action suits brought against it that allege the odometers in certain Honda and Acura vehicles overstate the mileage by up to four per cent.
The plaintiffs in the actions claim that the alleged overstatement in mileage diminished warranty coverage and reduced the permitted mileage allowed under leased vehicles.
Recent media reports state that about 900,000 vehicles throughout Canada could fall under the settlements terms.
The vehicles included in the settlement include any purchased or leased 2000 Honda and Acura models on or after Nov. 14, 2000, all 2001-2006 Honda or Acura models, and 2007 Honda Fit automobiles.
A letter has been sent to customers to notify them of the proposed settlement, stating that although the odometers were within the design tolerance standard of the Society of Automotive Engineers, Honda “has agreed to settle the class actions in the interest of customer satisfaction.” However, “it has agreed to do so without any admission of liability.”
The letter indicated that Honda will seek court approval to resolve the cases by automatically extending permissible mileage of any lease or mileage-based warranty of eligible vehicles by five per cent. Honda will also automatically reimburse customers for charges paid if they exceeded the allowed mileage under a lease, up to five per cent over the allowed mileage.
Additionally, the settlement would allow customers to seek reimbursement for repairs that would have otherwise been covered by warranty, if they occurred between the maximum mileage permitted by warranty and that amount plus five per cent. Reimbursements can also be sought for charges paid to a lessor other than Honda Canada Finance Inc. for exceeding mileage over what was permissible, up to five per cent.
The settlement benefits will not be implemented until the courts in three Canadian provinces have approved it. Once approved, there will be a six-month period in which owners can submit claims.
Honda owners will be bound by the terms of the settlement unless they opt out, which can be done by filing an opt out form before May 18.
Approval hearings will take place in Ontario on Mar. 25, British Columbia on April 3, and Quebec on May 11. The Ontario class action includes all eligible vehicles that are not from British Columbia or Quebec.

Further information is available at www.canada-odo-action.ca (http://www.canada-odo-action.ca) or by calling the Honda Claims Centre at 1-866-936-2286.

[tokyodream]

Honda Surpasses 300,000 Units In Cumulative Global Sales of Hybrid Vehicles !


http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2009/18/c9452.html (http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2009/18/c9452.html)

North America Accounts for Nearly 4 of Every 5 Hybrid Sales

TORONTO, Feb. 18 /CNW/ - Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Tokyo, has announced that
global sales of Honda hybrid passenger cars passed the 300,000-unit mark on a
cumulative basis at the end of January 2009, since the introduction of the
first-generation Honda Insight gasoline-electric hybrid car 10 years ago.
Nearly four of every five of Honda's hybrid sales (78 per cent) were in the
North American market.
Honda is now selling its hybrid vehicles in approximately 40 countries
around the world, including Canada.
Insight, which goes on sale April 22 in Canada and the U.S., is a
five-door hatchback model that utilizes the latest generation of Honda's
Integrated Motor Assist(TM) (IMA(R)) hybrid technology and new, more
cost-efficient production methods.
The new 2010 Honda Insight defines a new stage in the evolution of hybrid
technology, designed to provide hybrid customers with a new level of
affordability, fun-to-drive performance, and an estimated city/highway fuel
economy rating of 4.8/4.5 L/100km.
Sales targets have been set by Honda of approximately 60,000 units in
Japan, 30,000 units in Europe, and about 100,000 units in North America. The
annual global sales target for Insight is approximately 200,000 units.
Honda will further enhance its hybrid model lineup with the introduction
next year of an all-new sporty hybrid car, based on the CR-Z concept model, in
an effort to achieve full-scale market penetration of hybrid vehicles.

Honda Canada manufactures the Honda Civic sedan and coupe, and the Acura
CSX sedan and MDX luxury utility vehicle at its two plants in Alliston,
Ontario, and produces fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines at its new engine
plant adjacent to its Canadian manufacturing facilities. With 135
manufacturing facilities in 28 countries worldwide, Honda attracts more than
24 million customers annually.




For further information: Richard Jacobs, (416) 287-4708

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New Honda City Named Indian Car of the Year 2009 (http://world.honda.com/news/2009/4090217Honda-City/)

February 17, 2009 - The new Honda City was pronounced Indian Car of the Year 2009 (ICOTY 2009) by top automobile journalists of India at a ceremony held in Mumbai.

ICOTY award has been instituted to review all new cars in the Indian market and is judged by an 11 member specialist jury consisting of senior automobile journalists from leading automobile magazines in India.

The new Honda City was among the 7 cars which qualified in this year’s awards that included new launches by other manufacturers competing for the title.

The new and completely re-designed 3rd generation Honda City was launched in India in September 2008. The model has been very well received which is evident from its consistent sales growth of 17.6% during the period November 2008 - January 2009 (after start of deliveries). Honda City provides values exceeding customer expectations and sets a new benchmark in the highly competitive C-segment.

Expressing delight on receiving the award Siddharth Shriram, Chairman, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. said, “Indian Car of the Year is the highest honor for a car in India voted by India’s top automobile journalists of the country and it is indeed a privilege for us to receive this award for Honda City. The all-new Honda City is Honda’s most significant model in this market and this award is a true testimony of the appreciation from our customers and experts. We would like to express gratitude to everyone including our suppliers who have made it possible to make the new Honda City a success.”

The new Honda City had already been declared the Car of the Year by some of the leading automobile magazines in their individual capacity winning 6 awards including 2 ‘Car of the Year’ awards. The new Honda City was adjudged the ‘Car of the Year’ by Business Standard Motoring and Zig Wheels. The car also won ‘Viewers’ Choice’ awards by UTVi – Autocar Awards and CNBC TV18 Overdrive Awards.

[gociu75]

Honda Motor Co have announced that chief executive officer Takeo Fukui will step down in June, to be replaced by senior managing director Takanobu Ito in a widely expected move amid a global crisis in the auto industry.


Fukui, 64, will complete six years at the helm and become an executive adviser to Japan's number two automaker as it, like the rest of the industry, faces a frozen credit market that has sent sales skidding.

Ito, 55, is currently in charge of automobile operations, having followed a career track that many saw as leading to the top post. Like Fukui, he previously headed Honda R&D Co, the carmaker's research arm.

"Honda is at its core a fun company, where we hope customers buy cars with the same enjoyment we have in making them," Ito said. "I want to raise motivation so that we have fun again."

Among other achievements, Ito, an easy-going and outspoken engineer, is credited for developing the world's first mass-produced all-aluminium-body car, the NSX sports car, which went on sale in 1990.

He joined the automaker in 1978, coaxed by company officials who told him that someday Honda might make planes, which were Ito's passion.

Ito takes the reins from Fukui, a motor racing fan who announced in December that the firm would pull out of Formula One racing, at a critical time.

Automakers everywhere are grappling with plunging sales and Honda will be fighting an uphill battle against losses in the new business year from April, as a strong yen adds to the pain when profits are repatriated.

"It's precisely because times are so tough that I thought we should overcome these times under a young leader," said Fukui.

The Japanese currency traded around 93 per dollar on Monday. It hit a 13-year high near 87 per dollar in January.

Thanks to its more cautious and measured business approach, Honda is still expecting to stay in the black for the year to March 31, unlike rivals Toyota Motor Corp and Nissan Motor Co.

With sales crumbling in the main markets of the United States, Europe and Japan, Fukui reluctantly pulled out of Formula One racing to channel the funds instead to the development of a new generation of cars.

No serious buyer has emerged for the team, said Fukui, adding that he wanted to avoid folding the team, which employs 500 to 600 people.

Honda Formula One team bosses turned down an offer from Bernie Ecclestone to help with a planned management buy-out, the sport's commercial supremo was quoted as saying on Sunday.

British entrepreneur Richard Branson also told BBC radio on Saturday that he loved Formula One and could step in to rescue the Honda team if certain conditions were met.

Honda Formula One finished ninth overall last season, even after Honda put up about $300 million of its own money into it.

Fukui also resisted building a car factory in Russia when most rivals took the plunge when sales there were soaring last year. Car sales in Russia have since reversed, falling by double-digits in the past few months.

Honda's shares extended losses after the news, trading down 4.9 percent, before closing down 3.8 percent at 2,160 yen.
Reuters

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Honda Racing a fost salvata de la inchidere...?

Honda Racing a fost salvata de la inchidere de managerii team-ului japonez, potrivit informatiilor prezentate de site-ul RealHondaF1.com.
A fost salvata Honda Racing? zoom

Site-ul fanilor echipei Honda sustine, citand surse apropiate situatiei, ca echipa japoneza a fost in cele din urma salvata de la inchidere.

Sursa citata mentioneaza ca echipa a fost preluata de un grup de manageri ai team-ului. Cea mai interesanta noutate este insa ca CEO-ul Nick Fry a fost indepartat de la conducere, alaturi de un alt membru marcant al echipei.

In plus, Honda a renuntat la echipa de teste si la staff-ul ce se ocupa de motoare, lucru firesc luand in calcul interzicerea testelor din timpul sezonului si preconizatul parteneriat tehnic cu Mercedes. De asemenea, se anticipeaza ca Bruno Senna va fi noul coechipier al lui Jenson Button.

[citeste tot articolul...] (http://www.hondacivic.ro/honda-racing-a-fost-salvata-de-managerii-team-ului-japonez/)

[tokyodream]

Baietii au avut sedinta LUNGAAAAAAA azi, l-au schimbat pe Fukui, au salvat echipa, etc........
oare ce mai urmeaza ???

[ticker]

Sa speram ca reluarea NSX-ului :D

[razvan p.]

doamne ai ascultat!


nu va bucurati!nasul meu imi spune ca nenea asta lasa ceva urat mirositor in urma!honda a avut cel mai rusinos comportament din lumea auto!bietul soichiro honda s-a rasucit in mormant iar lui fukui i-as sugera un sepuku!il ajut eu cu lovitura de gratie!pana in iunie i-au ceva cursuri de sabie,dar promit sa o stirbesc....:D

[tokyodream]

Am facut KENDO, daca vrei lectii gratuite , da un telefon :)

[beholder]

Revista Consumer Reports a publicat rezultateale unui studiu pentru a determina cele mai bune masini ale anului 2009. Criteriile de notare au fost: rezultatele testelor de drum, fiabilitatea si siguranta pasagerilor.

Se pare ca masinile japoneze au acaparat aproape toate pozitiile.

Honda Accord a castigat batalia pentru cea mai buna din clasa “Family sedan”. Honda Civic a fost desemnata ce-a mai fiabila masina rulata.

Vezi clasamentele.. (http://www.hondacivic.ro/revista-consumer-reports-a-ales-masinile-anului-2009/)

[tokyodream]

All-wheel drive brings TL alive:

In 2007, Acura released the performance-oriented Type-S version of its mid-level luxury sedan, the TL.



In 2007, Acura released the performance-oriented Type-S version of its mid-level luxury sedan, the TL.
Already considered one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive sedans of all time, the TL was made even better by the Type-S treatment. The only problem was that it remained a front-wheel-drive sedan, surrounded by rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive competitors. As great as it was, some consumers simply couldn't accept a sports sedan that's pulled, rather than pushed.

So have you figured out what the most important addition to the redesigned, 2009 TL is?
You guessed it: all-wheel drive. More accurately, Acura's ultra-sophisticated Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which can split torque individually to all four wheels to maximize traction (most systems vary torque between front and back only). Beyond improving handling in harsh conditions, SH-AWD augments the TL's performance in dry weather by pushing power to the outermost rear wheel for quicker turns. And yes, it really works.
The base TL still rates as the best front-wheel-drive sports sedan on the market, while the TL SH-AWD instantly becomes one of the top all-wheel-drive sports sedans in its price range. Of course, none of this should come as a surprise. The previous TL set the bar for the current crop of luxury sports sedans when it was introduced in 2003, and remained an attractive and pleasing option right up until it was replaced by the current model.
So what might throw off the TL now? In a word, styling. Acura has taken a decidedly aggressive turn with its exterior-design work, introducing sharp lines and hard edges into vehicles such as the TSX, MDX and RDX. Some people will love the bold new styling language, while others might prefer the kinder, gentler Acuras of just a few years ago. Do you prefer your luxury sedan to stand out from the crowd or blend in with the surroundings? Or is styling a moot point now that SH-AWD is on the TL's long list of features?
It's a shame that it took so long for Acura to introduce all-wheel drive to the TL, but the wait has certainly been worthwhile. Now if only the TSX had it as well . . .

Design:

The TL's distinctive styling manages to be sharp-edged and smooth at the same time, which is quite a feat. The overall profile and shape is clean and elegant, offset by the hard edges found in the creases running the length of the body, the angular trunk and the shield-like front grille.
That front grille might be the most polarizing part of the TL's design. As a styling element on its own, the heavily chromed grille looks fantastic. The problem is that it might be a bit too over-the-top for people who prefer their Acuras to be more understated.
Like its predecessor, the 2009 TL is a technological wonder stuffed with buttons and switches, and the attractive cabin is designed to highlight the many controls while tying in nicely with the sharp-dressed exterior.
These days we expect great build quality out of any car over $20,000, so a luxury sedan costing twice that amount should be stellar. The TL lives up to these expectations with great interior materials and a solid feel that starts when you jump in and close the door.

Performance:

Front-wheel-drive TLs come with a 3.5-litre V-6 generating 280 h.p. and 254 foot-pounds of torque, while those equipped with SH-AWD get a larger 3.7-litre V-6 with 305 h.p. and 273 foot-pounds of torque. A five-speed automatic with paddle shifters is standard equipment, and a six-speed manual will become available later this year.
At first glance there doesn't seem to be much point to the larger, 3.7-litre engine, which offers minimal power gain while consuming slightly more gas. However, some of that lost fuel efficiency is due to the extra weight of the SH-AWD system, which is offset by the additional torque.
The base TL is confident and easy to handle on the road, but you can tell it's a front-wheel-drive car. In contrast, the all-wheel-drive TL powers through corners with absolute control, regardless of speed or road conditions. Steering offers just the right amount of feedback for spirited driving.
Cars with superb handling often have stiff suspensions, but the TL soaks up bumps and potholes. It strikes a perfect balance between performance and comfort.

Environment:

There are a ton of buttons and switches on the TL's dashboard and steering wheel, but usability doesn't suffer too much as the buttons are large and come in a variety of shapes. The well-shaded LCD screen is located nice and high where the driver can always see it, and a large control dial is placed conveniently ahead of the shifter, within easy reach. I prefer to use touch panel LCDs, though, versus the conventional method of using buttons and dials to manage the navigation.
The automatic shifter is slightly odd in that it pivots, rather than sliding through the gate. That shouldn't be enough to deter a potential buyer, but makes selecting gears a bit more difficult than it should be.
The front bucket seats are exceptionally supportive and comfortable, and drivers of all shapes and sizes can find a comfortable position in the power-adjustable driver's seat, which offers excellent lumbar support.
In-cabin storage is reasonable -- the pop-out tray in the front armrest is a nice touch -- and the long, deep trunk provides tons of cargo space. However, the high lip over the bumper can make it a bit difficult to get heavy luggage into the trunk.

Features:

The TL starts at $39,990, adding $4,500 for SH-AWD (with the 3.7-litre V-6) and $3,500 for the Technology Package.

Standard equipment includes ABS, traction control, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, automatic Xenon headlights, fog lamps, sunroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, tilt/telescopic steering, six-disc CD/MP3/WMA stereo, Bluetooth, power-adjustable and heated front seats, power windows and locks, tire-pressure monitoring system and front/side/side-curtain airbags.
The Technology Package adds a GPS navigation system, rearview camera, keyless starter system, premium ten-speaker stereo system with hard-disk storage and a GPS-linked, solar-sensing climate-control system.
Fuel efficiency for the 3.5-litre engine (and front-wheel drive) is rated at 11.6 litres/100 kilometres in the city and 7.5 l/100 km on the highway, while the 3.7-litre, all-wheel-drive TL consumes 12.3 l/100 km and 8.1 l/100 km, respectively.

Thumbs up:
Awesome SH-AWD system; great overall performance; lengthy features list.

Thumbs down:
Styling that may be too over-the-top; hard-to-use shifter. Busy interior.

The bottom line:
Everything we always wanted from an Acura TL, and more.

Competitors:

Audi A4 3.2

Redesigned for 2009, Audi's $38,300 A4 sedan comes with a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four pushing 211 h.p. and 258 foot-pounds of torque, or a 3.2-litre V-6 with 265 h.p. and 243 foot-pounds of torque.
It wasn't too long ago that if you wanted an all-wheel-drive luxury sedan, you went to your nearest Audi dealer. The German automaker still produces some of the finest all-weather vehicles, thanks to its fantastic quattro all-wheel-drive technology.

Infiniti G37

The $37,990 G37 gets an impressive 328 h.p. and 269 foot-pounds of torque out of its 3.7-litre V-6, and comes with a six-speed manual or a new seven-speed automatic transmission.
Updated for 2009 with the 3.7-litre engine and seven-speed automatic, the G37 is available with rear- or all-wheel drive, and provides the stiffest competition for the TL.

Lexus IS 350

A rear-wheel-drive IS 250 starts at $32,350, equipped with a 2.5-litre V-6 generating 204 h.p. and 185 foot-pounds of torque. However, anyone considering the TL is more likely to look at the all-wheel drive model, which pushes the price up to $38,500.
A 3.5-litre V-6 producing 306 h.p. and 277 foot-pounds of torque is available in the IS 350, but only comes with rear-wheel drive. And for those wanting even more power there's the high-performance IS F, equipped with a 5.0-litre V-8 good for 416 h.p. and 371 foot-pounds of torque.

[tokyodream]

Acura TL is a strong entry with all-wheel drive: A short stint review !

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20090226/CARREVIEWS/902269983 (http://www.autoweek.com/article/20090226/CARREVIEWS/902269983)

OUR TAKE: If you overlook the hideous face Acura plastered onto the front of the new TL, you are left with a really strong luxury midsize sedan.
There is solidity everywhere you look in the TL, from the impeccable engine and transmission combination and the well-built interior. The engine is quiet with a strong linear power delivery that gets things up to speed quickly, and the five-speed automatic is a slick unit with fast and almost unnoticeable shifts. We do wonder, though, why Acura didn't opt for a six-speed that probably could have squeezed another mpg or two on the EPA ratings.
As we learned from our dearly departed long-term MDX, SH-AWD is just the ticket to have in snowstorms. Significant accumulations just didn't faze the all-wheel-drive TL. When the road crews finally plowed and salted the roads, it was a comfortable cruiser that stays firmly planted when dancing around corners, while the brakes offer a firm pedal and good bite. We would like slightly quicker steering response, though.
Complain about the explosion of buttons in the interior, but some think it's the lesser of two evils when compared with a touch screen or iDrive-like system. The interior is like a shrunken version of the dash from the MDX, and that's a good thing because it looks great. The comfortable seats are shaped like the MDX's that we raved about.
With a base price of $43,000, the Acura also offers a decent value. BMW's 528i xDrive comes with a $5,000 premium over the TL SH-AWD with a less-powerful engine. For a BMW with a comparable engine, you're looking at a $10,000 price difference. You give up the German pedigree and will lose some in the handling department, but we're sure many would be willing to forego such things for $10K.

We're eagerly waiting for the announced six-speed manual to come this fall--and hopefully a Type S version. To read more visit the AutoWeek Car Reviews for new cars, trucks, SUVs, vans and crossovers (http://www.autoweek.com/section/CARREVIEWS) section.


This article was last updated on: 02/27/09, 10:50 et

================================================== ===============

Honda to Introduce Civic 5-Door to Australia !

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/02/27/452075.html

TULLAMARINE, Australia – February 27, 2009: Honda’s British-built five-door Civichttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/02/27/452075.html#) hatchback is to be launched in Australia. The stylish Civic Si model is a luxuriously appointed five-door hatchback that will expand the Civic line up to six models, four sedans and two hatchbacks.
At first glance the Civic Sihttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/02/27/452075.html#) has the appearance of a three-door hatch thanks to the clever placement of its rear door handles in the C-pillar, giving it an elegant sporty appearance.
Added to this are the futuristic translucent grille, rocket-shaped front door handles and vast glass area giving the Civic hatch a striking look, guaranteed to stand out.
Inside the Civic Si is lavishly appointed with sumptuous leather seats, dual zone climate-controlled air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors and a tilt-telescopic steering column for a comfortable driving position. And for the sporty touch, a push-button starter, just like the Civic Type R.
The Civic Si features a powerful and economical 1.8 litre SOHC i-VTEC engine that is Euro 4 compliant, runs on 91 RON fuel and sips as little as 5.7L/100km*.
Coupled to the 103kW, 174 Nm engine is a choice of either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission, the automatic also receives Grade-Logic control.
Driving enjoyment is enhanced with MacPherson strut front and Torsion Beam rear suspension and electric power steeringhttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/02/27/452075.html#).
The Civic Si provides customers with new levels of elegance and refinement, rarely seen in a small hatchback and compliments the sporty Civic Type R hot-hatch introduced into the Australian market in 2007.
When Honda Australia launched the 8th generation Civic sedan range in 2006, it announced it would add a hatchback. In June 2007 it delivered this promise at 8,200rpm, with the arrival of the most driver-focused Civic, the Type R hot-hatch.
The five-door Civic Si will appeal to those wanting driving enjoyment, flexibility and every luxury in an ultra-stylish package.
The Honda Civic Si is due to be launched in Australia in April 2009 and prices will be announced at the time of launch.

KEY FEATURES:

- A powerful and economical 1.8 litre SOHC i-VTEC Euro 4 compliant engine, 91 RON fuel and Drive-By-Wire.
- A choice of either a 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control
- Four wheel disc brakes with four-channel ABS, EBD and Brake-Assist
- Electric Power Steering
- Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure
- Front, side and full length curtain airbags
- Vehicles Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control
- MacPherson strut front & torsion beam rear suspension for superior packaging and ride comfort.
- Built in Swindon, UK

[beholder]

Honda Civic cel mai bine vandut model in Canada (http://www.hondacivic.ro/honda-civic-cel-mai-bine-vandut-model-in-canada/)

Modelele compacte si subcompacte domina topul celor mai bine vandute modele in Canada:

1. Honda Civic
2. Toyota Corolla
3. Mazda 3
4. Toyota Yaris
5. Chevy Cobalt
6. Hyundai Accent
7.Pontiac G5
8. Ford Focus
9.Toyota Matrix
10. Nissan Versa

http://auto.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090226.whEntry0226/GAStory/specialGlobeAuto/home

[KMR]

Asta a fost postul tau cu nr.666

[beholder]

Consumer Reports nominalizeaza cele mai fiabile masini (http://www.hondacivic.ro/consumer-reports-nominalizeaza-cele-mai-fiabile-masini-de-pe-piata-americana/)

Small Cars: Honda Civic, Toyota Echo, Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe, Mazda 3, Mazda Protege, Subaru Impreza

Family Cars: Honda Accord, Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Toyota Camry (except ‘08 V6), Subaru Outback (6-cyl.), Nissan Altima

Minivans: Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey

Small SUVs: Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander

Midsized and large SUVs: Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota 4Runner, Infiniti FX35, Acura MDX, Infiniti QX4, Lexus GX, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Tribeca, Nissan Xterra (’05 - ‘08), Toyota Sequoia

Printre automobilele cele mai prost cotate (“Used Cars to Avoid” si “Worst of the Worst,”) se regasesc modele produse de: Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Mazda, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Porsche, Saturn, Volkswagen, and Volvo

citeste tot articolul... (http://www.autospies.com/news/Consumer-Reports-Names-Most-And-Least-Reliable-Used-Cars-On-The-Market-41486/)

[tokyodream]

Edmunds.com Warns Car-Shoppers about “Best Value” Claims; Notes Honda Civic is Best Automotive Value !


http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/edmundscom-warns-car-shoppers-about-ldquobest,733678.shtml (http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/edmundscom-warns-car-shoppers-about-ldquobest,733678.shtml)

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - (Business Wire) A recently released list of best new-car values could lead cost-conscious shoppers astray, according to Edmunds.com (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=Edmunds.com&index=1), the premier online resource for automotive information.


Last week, Consumer Reports announced its “first ever best new-car value list” and named the 2009 Toyota Prius Touring (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Fto yota%2Fprius%2F101042877%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Toyota+Prius+Touring&index=2) “the best overall value among 300 cars…because of its comparatively low owner-cost estimate of $26,250 over five years—and a relatively high road-test score of 80 points out of 100.” The magazine noted “its excellent fuel economy of 42 mpg overall and solid resale value help give it a low owner cost.”

“Anyone truly concerned about their household expenses should ask some questions about any methodology that finds a premium hybrid vehicle to be an excellent value, especially when gas prices are so low,” warns Edmunds.com CEO Jeremy Anwyl. “It makes sense that value is top of mind for many car buyers; for consumers seeking the absolute best new car value, the 2009 Honda Civic (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fhonda%2Fcivic%2 F2009%2Findex.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Honda+Civic&index=3) is the best choice, not the Prius.”

Edmunds.com, whose extensive data department has been projecting comprehensive five-year vehicle ownership costs since 2002, has determined that the Prius Touring actually ranks 41st in terms of ownership costs. The industry-leading Honda Civic will cost $8,042 less than the Prius over five years of ownership.

“Edmunds.com’s True Cost to Own (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fapps%2Fcto%2FCT OintroController&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=True+Cost+to+Own&index=4)® calculator incorporates projected average depreciation, financing, taxes, fees, insurance premiums, fuel costs, maintenance and repairs for each model,” explains Edmunds.com’s Vice President of Data and Content Operations Jane Liu, Ph.D. “Our extensive analysis also includes regional variances in such costs so site visitors can obtain customized ownership costs.”

Edmunds.com provides itemized vehicle ownership cost (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fapps%2Fcto%2FCT OintroController&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=vehicle+ownership+cost&index=5) information for model years 2003 through 2009 free for all to access at http://www.edmunds.com/apps/cto/CTOintroController (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fapps%2Fcto%2FCT OintroController&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fapps%2Fcto%2 FCTOintroController&index=6).

CONTINUARE =>

[tokyodream]

Here are the industry leaders by segment for the 2009 model year:


Compact Sedans with Lowest Five-Year Ownership Costs:

2009 Honda Civic DX-VP (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Fho nda%2Fcivic%2F101061078%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Honda+Civic+DX-VP&index=7) ($29,037)
2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 LS (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Fch evrolet%2Faveo%2F101018237%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Chevrolet+Aveo5+LS&index=8) ($29,587)2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Fni ssan%2Fversa%2F101020468%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Nissan+Versa+1.8+S&index=9) ($30,987)

Midsize Sedans with Lowest Five-Year Ownership Costs:
2009 Honda Accord LX (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Fho nda%2Faccord%2F101047618%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Honda+Accord+LX&index=10) ($36,027)
2009 Toyota Camry Base (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Fto yota%2Fcamry%2F100975555%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Toyota+Camry+Base&index=11) ($36,784)
2009 Nissan Altima 2.5 (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Fni ssan%2Faltima%2F101047050%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Nissan+Altima+2.5&index=12) ($37,011)

Minivans with Lowest Five-Year Ownership Costs:
2009 Mazda MAZDA5 Sport (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Fma zda%2Fmazda5%2F101033300%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Mazda+MAZDA5+Sport&index=13) ($35,863)
2009 Honda Odyssey LX (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Fho nda%2Fodyssey%2F101064475%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Honda+Odyssey+LX&index=14) ($40,906)
2009 Toyota Sienna CE 8-Passenger (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Fto yota%2Fsienna%2F101038462%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Toyota+Sienna+CE+8-Passenger&index=15) ($43,003)

Compact SUVs with Lowest Five-Year Ownership Costs:
2009 Jeep Patriot Sport (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Fje ep%2Fpatriot%2F101061073%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Jeep+Patriot+Sport&index=16) ($35,077)
2009 Honda CR-V LX (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Fho nda%2Fcrv%2F101077136%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Honda+CR-V+LX&index=17) ($35,593)
2009 Honda Element LX (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Fho nda%2Felement%2F101120557%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Honda+Element+LX&index=18) ($36,317)

Midsize SUVs with Lowest Five-Year Ownership Costs:

2009 Nissan Rogue S (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Fni ssan%2Frogue%2F101042932%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Nissan+Rogue+S&index=19) ($37,254)
2009 Toyota RAV4 Base (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Fto yota%2Frav4%2F101042865%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Toyota+RAV4+Base&index=20) ($39,582)
2009 Saturn VUE XE (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Fsa turn%2Fvue%2F101042818%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Saturn+VUE+XE&index=21) ($39,582)
Wagons with Lowest Five-Year Ownership Costs:

2009 Scion xB (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Fsc ion%2Fxb%2F100996739%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Scion+xB&index=22) ($33,085)
2009 Dodge Caliber SXT (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Fdo dge%2Fcaliber%2F101060635%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Dodge+Caliber+SXT&index=23) ($36,003)
2009 Chevrolet HHR LS (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Fch evrolet%2Fhhr%2F101020465%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Chevrolet+HHR+LS&index=24) ($36,278)
Trucks with Lowest Five-Year Ownership Costs:

2009 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Fto yota%2Ftacoma%2F101020842%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Toyota+Tacoma+PreRunner&index=25) ($37,295)
2009 Mazda B-Series B2300 (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Fma zda%2Fbseriestruck%2F101060419%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Mazda+B-Series+B2300&index=26) ($38,602)
2009 Ford Ranger XL (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fnew%2F2009%2Ffo rd%2Franger%2F101119967%2Fprices.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=2009+Ford+Ranger+XL&index=27) ($38,854)
About Edmunds Inc. (http://www.edmunds.com/help/about/index.html (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fhelp%2Fabout%2F index.html&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Fhelp%2Fabout %2Findex.html&index=28))

Edmunds Inc. publishes four Web sites that empower, engage and educate automotive consumers, enthusiasts and insiders. Edmunds.com (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2F&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=Edmunds.com&index=29), the premier online resource for automotive consumer information, launched in 1995 as the first automotive information Web site. Its most popular feature, the Edmunds.com True Market Value®, (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com%2Ftmv%2Findex.htm l&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=True+Market+Value%C2%AE%2C&index=30) is relied upon by millions of people seeking current transaction prices for new and used vehicles. Edmunds.com was named "Best Car Research Site" by Forbes ASAP, has been selected by consumers as the "Most Useful Web Site" according to every J.D. Power and Associates New Autoshopper.com Study(SM), was ranked first in the Survey of Car-Shopping Web Sites by The Wall Street Journal and was rated "#1" in Keynote's study of third-party automotive Web sites. Inside Line (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insideline.com%2F&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=Inside+Line&index=31) launched in 2005 and is the most-read automotive enthusiast Web site. CarSpace (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.carspace.com%2F&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=CarSpace&index=32) launched in 2006 and is an automotive social networking Web site and home to the oldest and most established automotive community. AutoObserver.com (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autoobserver.com%2F&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=AutoObserver.com&index=33) launched in 2008 and provides insightful automotive industry commentary and analysis. Edmunds Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and maintains a satellite office in suburban Detroit.


Edmunds.com Corporate Communications
Jeannine Fallon/Chintan Talati
Media Hotline: 310-309-4900
pr@edmunds.com (pr@edmunds.com)
www.edmunds.com (http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edmunds.com&esheet=5907022&lan=en_US&anchor=www.edmunds.com&index=34)

[tokyodream]

Honda’s Acura MDX celebrates record month
Best ever sales in February !


http://www.simcoe.com/allistonherald/article/129930 (http://www.simcoe.com/allistonherald/article/129930)

Honda's Acura MDX model, which is made in Alliston, celebrated its best-ever February sales, despite an overall drop in Honda Canada's sales during the same period.

Overall 990 Acura models were sold, down 31 per cent over last year. But of the 990 Acura models sold, 429 of them were Acura MDXs, representing nearly half of the total Acuras sold last month.
Last month, Honda's sales were down 42 per cent from February 2008 sales. Honda Canada Inc. reported sales of 7,041 units by its Honda and Acura divisions in February, which is a 42 per cent decrease over February 2008.
The Honda Automobile Division sales were down 43 per cent, with 6,051 units sold.
Aside from the MDX, the Alliston Honda of Canada Mfg. plants assemble the Honda Civic sedan and coupe and the Acura CSX.
The declining sales figures are having an impact on local Honda workers.
In December, Honda announced it intended to cut production at the two plants by 37,000 units by the end of March, the company's fiscal year end, by having non-production days. Earlier this year Honda also cancelled the afternoon shift at its Plant 2 facility and all Friday shifts at both plants, along with not renewing many of its contracts.
Canadian Pacific Railway has also reduced its services to the Honda plant. Rail services in Alliston have been scaled back, and local CP Rail workers affected are being redeployed in southern Ontario. Simcoe Parts Service, the just-in-time supplier to the Alliston Honda plant, has also scaled back shifts.

[tokyodream]

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?sid=axSaLYl.Yot0&pid=20601087 (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?sid=axSaLYl.Yot0&pid=20601087)

Honda, Mazda May Apply for Japanese Government Loans (Update1) !

March 4 (Bloomberg) -- Honda Motor Co. (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/quote?ticker=7237%3AJT), suffering from a 38 percent plunge in U.S. auto sales in February, may ask to borrow money from Japan’s government to lend to U.S. car buyers.
The amount of the loans and timing of the request to the state-owned Japan Bank for International Cooperation haven’t yet been determined, spokeswoman Akemi Ando (http://search.bloomberg.com/search?q=Akemi+Ando&site=wnews&client=wnews&proxystylesheet=wnews&output=xml_no_dtd&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&filter=p&getfields=wnnis&sort=date:D:S:d1) said by phone today. Mazda Motor (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/quote?ticker=7261%3AJT) Corp. is also considering a request for government loans, spokesman Toyota Tanaka said today.
Honda and Mazda would follow Toyota Motor Corp. (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/quote?ticker=7203%3AJT), Japan’s biggest carmaker, in seeking loans from the government as the global recession hammers auto demand. U.S. auto sales in February slid to the lowest rate since December 1981, led by a 53 percent plunge for General Motors Corp.
“Things look pretty grim at present,” said Edwin Merner (http://search.bloomberg.com/search?q=Edwin+Merner&site=wnews&client=wnews&proxystylesheet=wnews&output=xml_no_dtd&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&filter=p&getfields=wnnis&sort=date:D:S:d1), president of Atlantis Investment Research Corp. in Tokyo, which manages $3.1 billion. “By the end of the year, the year-on-year figures should start improving unless the world economy gets much worse.”
Among Honda’s models, only its Fit small car and Acura TSX sport sedan, posted U.S. sales gains last month. The company may request at least 10 billion yen ($102 million) from the government, the Nikkei newspaper said today, without citing sources.
Mazda
Mazda, the Japanese carmaker partially owned by Ford Motor Co., increasingly needs the funds, mainly in the U.S. and Europe, Tanaka said in a phone interview. No details have been decided regarding a request for government funding, he said.
The carmaker’s U.S. sales slid 30 percent in February to 16,401 vehicles.
Japan will use some of its foreign-exchange reserves to lend to the state-owned bank that gives financing to Japanese companies operating abroad, Japanese Finance Minister Kaoru Yosano (http://search.bloomberg.com/search?q=Kaoru%0AYosano&site=wnews&client=wnews&proxystylesheet=wnews&output=xml_no_dtd&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&filter=p&getfields=wnnis&sort=date:D:S:d1) said yesterday. The ministry may lend about $5 billion to the bank this month, he said.
Honda has 986 billion yen (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/quote?ticker=7267%3AJP) in bonds coming due this year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Toyota’s financial unit may ask for 200 billion yen in loans, public broadcaster NHK reported yesterday, without citing anyone.

Honda fell 3.5 percent to close at 2,205 yen on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Mazda rose 5.1 percent to 124 yen.

To contact the reporter on this story: Makiko Kitamura (http://search.bloomberg.com/search?q=Makiko+Kitamura&site=wnews&client=wnews&proxystylesheet=wnews&output=xml_no_dtd&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&filter=p&getfields=wnnis&sort=date:D:S:d1) in Tokyo at mkitamura1@bloomberg.net (mkitamura1@bloomberg.net).
Last Updated: March 4, 2009 04:40 EST

[tokyodream]

03/05/09 - Willett Honda South Earns Honda President’s Award !

http://www.businessleader.com/index.aspx?page=ui.readstories&id=27669 (http://www.businessleader.com/index.aspx?page=ui.readstories&id=27669)

MORROW, GA - Willett Honda South, Inc., located in Morrow, Ga., is the recipient of American Honda Motor Company’s 2008 Honda President’s Award. The award is presented to top ranking Honda dealerships across the country and recognizes excellence in all areas of operation – customer service, sales, training, and facility operation. This is the first time Willett Honda South has earned this major award.

More than 1,000 Honda automobile dealerships participate in the President’s Award program annually. Each year, award objectives are established to inspire dealerships to achieve even higher levels of customer satisfaction. This year, 157 dealerships achieved these objectives and ranked to merit Honda’s highest honor. Willett Honda South, Inc. was one of only 10 dealerships nationwide to earn a perfect score in the evaluation process.

Willett Honda South will be honored for its achievement at an award presentation during the 2010 Honda New Model Introduction Meeting in Las Vegas this April. To learn more about Willett Honda South visit www.willetthonda.com.

About Willett Honda South: Willett Honda South (www.willetthonda.com), located in Morrow, Ga., is one of the premier leaders in the automotive industry and is currently ranked among the top 150 Honda dealers in the U.S. in terms of sales volume. An independently owned dealership, Willett Honda’s inventory consists of 400 new and 125 used vehicles including the Honda Pilot, Accord and Civic. In addition, the dealership offers a comprehensive parts and service department. The company’s 90 employees share a common desire to provide the best opportunities to its customers, surrounding communities, and manufacturer.
================================================== ============

Honda, Mazda and Nissan mull seeking government aid !

http://www.domainb.com/industry/Automobiles/general/20090304_honda_mazda.html (http://www.domainb.com/industry/Automobiles/general/20090304_honda_mazda.html)

As the recession continues to hammer the global car market, three major Japanese auto makers – Honda, Mazda and Nissan – are mulling asking the government for loans to prop up their US customers. They would join the world's largest carmaker, Toyota, which has already requested the Japanese government to help it through the credit crunch.

"Due to current economic conditions, we are considering using public funds in addition to our usual sources of funding," a Honda spokeswoman said. The funding would come from the state-backed Japan Bank for International Cooperation, but the companies refused to specify how much they were asking for.

Toyota, through a wholly-owned financial subsidiary, is asking for about 200 billion yen ($3.17 billion), according to Japanese media. The carmaker has said it is seeking aid but has not officially confirmed the amount.

Nissan's spokesman Mitsuru Yonekawa said, "We are not in a situation where we desperately need funds, but as the opportunity has presented itself, we believe we should make the best use of whatever funding is available.''

While Mazda spokespersons acknowledged that they were considering asking for a bailout, they too refused to specify details. Mazda, whose US sales plunged 30 per cent in February to 16,401 vehiclesis, is partly owned by Ford Motor Corp.
The three companies would follow Toyota Motor Corp, Japan's biggest carmaker, in seeking loans from the government as the global recession hammers auto demand. The Japanese carmakers depend heavily on exports, and US auto sales in February slid to their lowest rate since December 1981.

Japan's Nikkei newspaper said today that among Honda's models, only its Fit small car and Acura TSX sports sedan posted gains in US sales last month. The company may request at least 10 billion yen ($102 million) from the government, the newspaper said.

Domestic sales plummet :

Sales of new vehicles in Japan fell by almost a third in February as consumers continued to shun big, expensive items, new figures reveal.

Sales of new cars, buses and trucks during the month were down 32.4 per cent year-on-year, at 218,212 units. This was the seventh consecutive monthly fall in auto sales.

All major carmakers suffered high double-digit declines, with sales at Toyota, excluding its luxury Lexus brand, dropping by 32 per cent. Sales at its Lexus division fell by 63 per cent. Honda was less badly affected, but still saw sales fall sharply by 21 per cent.

While releasing the figures, Kentaro Nakata of the Japan Automobile Dealers Association said, "Auto demand remains depressed and it is very difficult to predict an upturn in the market right now."

Nissan's sales fell by 35.2 per cent to 40,694, while Mazda sold 11,312 units, a year-on-year drop of 40.5 per cent from February 2008.

Suzuki Motors suffered the least, with its sales down 16.1 per cent.

[tokyodream]

Latest Type R - red-hot hottest hatch from Honda !

http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=4877842&fSectionId=751&fSetId=381 (http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=4877842&fSectionId=751&fSetId=381)

http://vne-resource.iol.co.za/30/picdb/article0/f/a/120735 (http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=1828&fPicId=120735)

WHITE MIGHT: Honda's new Type R Championship Edition is based on the existing Type R but can be identified by its unique Championship White paint job. IMAGES: Motorpics

Honda's hottest hatchback, the highly desirable and thoroughly entertaining Civic Type R, has just gained a new sibling that turns red-hot to white-hot - literally!

Based on the existing Type R - which is still offered in the traditional Milano Red and Nighthawk Black paint finishes only – the new derivative is known as the Type R Championship Edition, thanks to its unique, Championship White paint job.

Celebrating Honda's extensive track record of international motorsport successes, the Type R Championship Edition is a winner in own right, Honda says, thanks to its raft of special features
'The Type R Championship Edition is a winner in own right'
.

Chief among these is the fitting of a standard limited-slip differential that not only underscores the considerable performance potential of the Type R but also but allows the driver to attack corners with even greater confidence.

Other standard features unique to the Championship Edition version include both an iPod USB connector and a mini-jack auxiliary audio input for non-Apple devices.

Together, they ensure that owners of this special Type R can conveniently enjoy their own music collections.

Also offered by the Championship Edition Civic Type R are several exclusive convenience features. These include an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a tyre deflation warning system, rear-mounted park distance control, and impact-sensing door locks.

"The Type R Championship Edition does not replace the existing Type R
It doesn't replace the current Type R - it's an addition for the fan club
. Instead, it's aimed at extending the high-revving hatchback's fan club with an even more comprehensive package of meaningful features, including items such as park distance control and a limited-slip differential," says Graham Eagle, general manager of sales and marketing at Honda South Africa.

For dyed-in-the-wool motoring enthusiasts, the Championship Edition's limited-slip diff will be the most telling improvement over the standard version. Usually the preserve of racing and rallying machines, the so-called LS diff improves traction by limiting wheel spin when cornering hard, at high speed.

The result is a sharper, more resolute turn-in action, linked to an almost uncanny ability to carry speed through corners without losing grip and falling prey to potentially terminal understeer.

SPECIAL FOR MUSIC FANS:

The remainder of the mechanical package remains identical to that of the standard Civic Type R. A free-revving two-litre i-VTEC engine delivers 148kW and 193Nm to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.

Like the standard Type R, the Championship Edition sprints from standstill to 100km/h in only 6.6sec and has a top speed of 235km/h. Combined-cycle fuel consumption comes to 9.3 litres/100 km, while the CO2 emissions rating is 219g/km.

Music fans will be particularly pleased about the inclusion of both an iPod USB interface and an analogue stereo auxiliary audio connection in the Type R Championship Edition.

Usually an added-cost extra in similarly positioned rivals, the two connections allow the seamless interface of personal music collections on iPods and other MP3 players with the Type R’s integrated sound system.

Enhanced convenience and safety is provided by the new auto-dimming rear-view mirror, which prevents traffic approaching from behind from blinding the driver by automatically dimming the mirror. Also new are rear parking sensors to assist the driver when reversing.

FLAT-TYRE WARNING:

Safety is also at the core of two additional systems introduced exclusively on the Type R Championship Edition.

A tyre-deflation warning system has been included and impact sensors have been fitted to all door locks.

"The Honda Civic Type R is a performance icon with a particularly loyal following," Eagle said. "The changes incorporated into the new Championship Edition enhance its performance legacy, while adding a substantial list of meaningful convenience and safety features.

"Perhaps most telling of all, we have been able to introduce the Championship Edition at a relatively small premium, compared to the standard version, which ensures that value remains a key component of the Type R package," he concluded.

The Honda Civic Type R Championship Edition has a recommended retail price of R299 900 and is available from Honda dealers countrywide. The standard Civic Type R’s current recommended retail price is R290 900.

http://vne-resource.iol.co.za/30/picdb/article2/6/3/120736 (http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=1828&fPicId=120736)

'SCREAM' AGAIN: The Honda Type R Championship Edition has the same 'Scream' mask lookalike steering-wheel as before and the bare-metal pedals add to the sporty ambience.


http://vne-resource.iol.co.za/30/picdb/article2/b/3/120737 (http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=1828&fPicId=120737)

TUNED UP, TONED DOWN: Less gaudy, but just as fast. Honda's Type R Championship Edition still tells its story with a big tail aerofoil.

[zagado26]

Articol n-am dar o poza interesanta cu Honda am gasit :D

[tokyodream]

Best new car values: It’s more than dollars and cents !

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2009/03/understanding-best-new-car-values.html?EXTKEY=I72RSC0 (http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2009/03/understanding-best-new-car-values.html?EXTKEY=I72RSC0)

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/.a/6a00d83451e0d569e201127920f03928a4-pi[/URL] In last year’s [URL="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/resource-center/2009-annual-auto-issue/2009-april-auto-issue.htm"]April issue (http://blogs.consumerreports.org/.a/6a00d83451e0d569e201127920f03928a4-pi) we introduced our owner-cost estimates, which tell you approximately how much a car will cost you to own during the first five years. The data, which took several years to develop, is based on: depreciation, fuel cost, insurance, interest on financing, maintenance and repairs, and sales tax.
This allows us to predict which models are the least expensive to own (subscribers to ConsumerReports.org can see owner-cost estimates based on three, five, and eight years of ownership).
This is good information, but it is just a piece of the overall puzzle. After all, some of the cars that are the least expensive to own aren’t ones that we would recommend you buy. For instance, the five least expensive small cars in last year’s issue were the Toyota Yaris (manual), Chevrolet Aveo (manual), Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris (auto), and Chevrolet Aveo (auto). Of those, only the Honda Fit meets our requirements for being recommended. The Aveo, for instance, is one of the lowest rated cars in its class.
So, in this year’s Consumer Reports annual auto issue (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/resource-center/2009-annual-auto-issue/2009-april-auto-issue.htm), we took the next logical step. We wanted to show which models are the best values (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/buying-advice/most-bang-for-the-buck/overview/most-bang-for-the-buck-ov.htm); in other words, which give you the most bang for your buck (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/buying-advice/most-bang-for-the-buck/overview/most-bang-for-the-buck-ov.htm). And for that, owner costs are only part of the picture. In fact, we found that some of the models that are least expensive to own are not good values.
To determine the best values, we looked at three factors:

Our five-year owner cost estimates (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/pricing/what-that-car-really-costs-to-own-4-08/overview/what-that-car-really-costs-to-own-ov.htm)
The overall road-test scores from our comprehensive test program (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/how-we-test/introduction/how-we-test-introduction.htm)
Our predicted-reliability ratings (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/reliability/index.htm).

Our road-test scores, which are based on more than 50 individual tests and evaluations (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/how-we-test/introduction/how-we-test-introduction.htm), reflect whether a car is works well in daily life. And our reliability ratings (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/types/reliability-comparison-index.htm) are based on the problems reported to us on more than 1.4 million vehicles in our latest Annual Auto Survey.
Here’s the formula that we applied to more than 300 vehicles. First, we divided each car’s owner-cost estimate by its overall road-test score to get, what we call, its “bucks per bang” cost; or the cost of each point in its test score. Then, we filtered out any models that don’t have better than an average reliability rating.
Using this formula, the vehicles that rise to the top are good all-around packages that did well in our road tests, have relatively low owner costs, and have very good or excellent reliability records. In other words, they give you the most for your money.
Here are top models in several popular categories:
Best Overall: The Prius Touring came in with the best bucks-per-bang cost thanks to one of the lower owner-cost estimates in the list—$26,250 over five years—and a relatively high road-test score of 80 points out of 100. (The base Prius earned 68 points.) The Prius Touring doesn't have the least expensive sticker price in its class, but its excellent fuel economy of 42 mpg overall and solid resale value help give it a low owner cost that nearly matches the less expensive Honda Civic EX. With a higher overall test score than the Civic, the Prius stands out as the Best Value.

Best Value Small Cars: Honda Civic EX, Honda Fit (base), Hyundai Elantra SE, Toyota Corolla LE, and the Honda Civic Hybrid

Best Value Family Cars: Toyota Prius Touring, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Prius (base), Hyundai Sonata (4-cyl.), and the Honda Accord (4-cyl.)

Best Value Small SUVs: Toyota RAV4 (4-cyl.), Toyota RAV4 (V6), Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander (4-cyl.), and the Nissan Rogue

Best Value Midsized SUVs: Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Nissan Murano, and the Honda Pilot

See the complete list with costs in “Most bang for the buck (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/buying-advice/most-bang-for-the-buck/overview/most-bang-for-the-buck-ov.htm).”


Not all values are valuable:

We have seen Web sites present their own take on value, using different data and criteria. It is clear, that not all values are created equal.
For example, in a recent value-focused press release (http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090302005362&newsLang=en), Edmunds cites “industry leaders” with the “lowest five-year owner costs” that include several models that frankly are not good cars and do not meet our criteria for being Recommended. For instance, the Chevrolet Aveo (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/march-2009/cars/subcompact-cars/overview/subcompact-cars-ov.htm). Like Edmunds, we find the Aveo5 to have much better than average owner costs. But it scored just 31 points out of 100 in our exhaustive testing. (See our Aveo sedan video road test (http://video.consumerreports.org/services/link/bcpid1329233564/bclid1118015109/bctid1556133584).) We found the engine to be rough, the handling clumsy, and the ride jumpy. Further, it returns worse fuel economy than several, more capable cars. And, its predicted reliability is also below average. In total, we don’t think the Aveo5 is a good car, and therefore don’t recommend it as a good value, let alone a Best Value (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/buying-advice/most-bang-for-the-buck/overview/most-bang-for-the-buck-ov.htm). (Learn how Consumer Reports tests cars (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/how-we-test/introduction/how-we-test-introduction.htm).)
Edmunds also cites the Jeep Patriot in their release, a vehicle we likewise consider to have better than average owner costs. And again, cannot Recommend it because of its middling 55 out of 100 point score. The featured Chevrolet HHR also scores a 55, and it too has less than stellar fuel economy for its class and only average reliability. (Read the take from the LA Times (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/uptospeed/2009/03/best-car-value.html).)
There are many ways to rank vehicles, including by owner costs (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/pricing/what-that-car-really-costs-to-own-4-08/overview/what-that-car-really-costs-to-own-ov.htm). We believe our comprehensive approach with Best Values, which takes into account the merit of the car, provides an enlightening view of today’s standout models.
You can create your own list filtered and sorted by the factors that matter most to you by using the Consumer Reports New Car Selector (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/car-selector/select.htm). When you look at someone else’s lists, make sure you understand the criteria. And remember, we present our unbiased findings without fear or favor, as Consumer Reports does not accept advertising and works solely for the consumer.

================================================== =======

[tokyodream]

Geneva 2009: Honda Accord Tourer Type-S (http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-honda-accord-tourer-type-s/)

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-honda-accord-tourer-type-s/ (http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-honda-accord-tourer-type-s/)

The vehicle above represents some of our favorite features in a main-stream car, but we're fully aware that we're in the minority when it comes to drivers in the U.S. market. This is the new European market Honda Accord Tourer Type-S, the same vehicle sold in sedan form in the States as the Acura TSX. The wagon retains the overall size and dynamic characteristics of the four-door while adding a huge dollop of utility when needed, and it's particularly handsome in person. Rumor has it we'll see this body style appear as a new Honda CUV in the U.S. this fall with the high riding Outback treatment.

The wagon is not new to Europe, but the Type-S (also available as a sedan) is. The Type-S Accord gets a 178 hp version of Honda's new iDTEC 2.2L diesel four cylinder with a stiff 280 lb-ft of torque, along with larger 18" wheels and bumper and sill extensions for a more aggressive look.

180 PS i-DTEC Engine for Accord Sedan and Tourer

Alongside the Insight and ASIMO will be the introduction of the new 180PS derivative of the acclaimed Honda i-DTEC diesel engine. This new higher-power variant produces 180 PS at 4000 rpm, a 30 PS increase over the standard i-DTEC engine with the peak power coming at the same rpm. Torque has also increased 30 Nm to 380 Nm at 2000 rpm.
The enhanced engine will be fitted to the Accord in a new Type-S variant. As well as the significant increase in power this new model will gain new lower bumper sections, front chin spoiler, sill extensions, smoke chrome finished grille. The new model will be available in two new paint colours with White Pearl and Basque Red joining the current colour line up.
Complimenting this suite of cosmetic changes will be clear indicator covers to further distinguish the new Type-S model. In addition, this model will be equipped with a new design of 18" alloy wheels, giving the Type-S a more sporting stance.
The new engine retains its 2.2 litre capacity and gains its additional power with a revised turbo-charger housing, enlarged intercooler, stronger con-rods and a revised cylinder head. These modifications release the full potential of the critically acclaimed i-DTEC engine, allowing it to deliver excellent usable performance and good fuel economy.
Performance, fuel economy and emissions data will be available once homologation is completed. The Type-S goes on sale in some European markets from this summer.

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From next year, it will be Honda vs Honda !

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/from-next-year-it-will-be-honda-vs-honda/351400/ (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/from-next-year-it-will-be-honda-vs-honda/351400/)

Honda Motorcycle and Scooters Ltd (HMSI), the fully-owned Honda subsidiary, is now a relatively small player in the motorcycle market, with a 14 per cent share, selling mostly large engine capacity (125cc and 150cc) bikes. It is also content to sell more scooters than mobikes.

This is now set to change. For, HMSI is taking on its own long-time partner in India, Hero Honda (in which Honda has a 26 per cent stake), and in the latter’s key area of dominance, the 100cc mobike market. The Honda company is working on entering the same segment, with a sporty bike, in 2010. It hopes to sell a few lakh of these a year, to begin with. “The 100cc motorcycle that we plan to launch in India will be a totally new offering. It’ll not be a basic version and will be the sporty type,” says Shinji Aoyoma, president & CEO of HMSI.
That’s not all. Aoyoma is also planning to ensure that in the next few years, mobikes make up for half of total sales. This would be a big change from its current mix, where scooters comprise 65 per cent of all sales. And he is clear that he hopes to do so by entering the 100cc bike segment, which is two-thirds of the 5.7 million per year mobike market.
Industry experts and competitors say Honda’s aggressive entry in the segment could give Hero Honda sleepless nights. The latter commands 80 per cent market share in the 100cc segment, far ahead of its nearest competitor, Bajaj Auto. The segment accounts for 60 per cent of its sales.
Says a senior executive of a competing two-wheeler company: “Till now, Hero Honda was not really affected by HMSI as it concentrated on scooters and avoided the 100cc space. But it’s now clear that those days are over and they will clash in the same market intensely.”
The 100cc motorcycle market is currently divided into two basic segments, entry and deluxe. The sales, too, are equally divided. The entry-level motorcycle segment is pegged between Rs 30,000–35,000, while deluxe models are priced at Rs 37,000–45,000. Industry experts say it is in the upper end of this price band that Honda is planning to position its 100cc bike.
At the moment, the two players say they will not be at each other’s throat at all and there is enough scope for everyone. Also, the two companies have a joint committee which knows in advance what the other is planning to launch in the Indian market.
“When a customer buys a motorcycle from the Hero Honda stable, he buys a package, which includes the brand, design, the value-for-money promise, and the largest servicing network in the country. We field six brands in the 100cc segment, where each brand is uniquely positioned without cannibalising the other. The same will happen when Honda enters the segment,” says Anil Dua, senior vice-president, sales & marketing, Hero Honda.
Dua says there is a large untapped market in the 100cc segment as 70 per cent of the urban population and 90 per cent of the rural one have not bought their first motorcycle. “There’s room for everyone,” says Dua.
HMSI notes that the 100cc market has many segments and it will operate in areas where its partners do not. “If you divide the 100cc motorcycle segment into 10, starting from the entry to the deluxe level, there’s potential in every segment. So, our entry into the top end of the motorcycle segment does not mean we are taking on our partner, Hero Honda. We don’t sell our brands based on engine cc classification or pricing. We cater to a particular segment of customers who value the brand Honda,” says NK Rattan, divisional head, sales & marketing, HMSI.

[PanterA]

2009.03.10: All-new Honda Insight Starts Under $20,000; Becomes Most Affordable New Hybrid Available in the U.S. (http://world.honda.com/news/2009/4090310Honda-Insight/)

[tokyodream]

New version Accord from Honda Siel !

http://www.thehindu.com/2009/03/13/stories/2009031355021400.htm (http://www.thehindu.com/2009/03/13/stories/2009031355021400.htm)

http://www.thehindu.com/2009/03/13/images/2009031355021401.jpg
POWER PACKED: President and CEO of Honda Siel Cars India Masahiro Takedagawa launching the Honda Accord V6 at Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday.



NEW DELHI: Honda Siel Cars India on Thursday launched the advanced version of its premium sedan Accord. Powered by 3.5-liter i-VTEC engine, the eighth-generation Accord V6 will come in two variants priced at Rs. 24.80 lakh and Rs. 25.35 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Equipped with advanced safety and luxury features, Accord V6 features an advanced variable cylinder management (VCM) delivering the maximum power of 275 PS during six cylinder operation and also impressive fuel economy.
The engine meets Euro-IV emission levels and is E-10 (10 per cent ethanol and 90 per cent unleaded petrol) compatible.
“We have introduced the Accord V6 which promises an ultimate performance packed driving for our customers who seek more thrill and power. The inclusion of VCM technology in this super performance car is a testimony to our commitment of providing fuel efficient cars in each segment where we are present.
“The ARAI fuel economy figure of 10 km. per litre is very promising for this high performance car,” said Honda Siel Cars India President and CEO Masahiro Takedagawa.
The seventh-generation Accord, with 2.4-litre engine and price starting at around Rs.17-lakh, will also be available in the market.
On the company’s future plans, Mr. Takedagawa said they would launch their premium hatchback Jazz in the Indian market in June-July this year. “The trail production of the car has begun,” he said.
Honda has deferred the completion of Phase II of its Rajasthan plant for two years. “The assembly line was scheduled for completion by the end of 2009, now it would be completed by end of 2011,” Mr. Takedagawa added.








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Honda Accord Hybrid - Road Test And Useful Info (http://www.shaister.com/6954-honda-accord-hybrid-road-test-and-useful-info.php) !

http://www.shaister.com/6954-honda-accord-hybrid-road-test-and-useful-info.php (http://www.shaister.com/6954-honda-accord-hybrid-road-test-and-useful-info.php)

The hybrid that always could have happened finally did. This is a performance car that gets excellent mileage, too.
In the Honda line, this is the best Accord, just as the Civic hybrid is the best Civic. But the Accord pushes the envelope to include 0-to-60 in 6.7 seconds in a comfy five-passenger sedan while, according to the EPA, achieving 30 mpg city, 37 highway. Yes! Consider: The four-cylinder automatic Accord does only 24 city and 34 highway. With today’s technology, only a hybrid could hit all of these marks.
This primo Accord naturally has the highest price, about $30,000 base, Honda says, including automatic, leather, heated seats, AM-FM-satellite radio and six-CD changer, anti-lock brakes, and curtain airbags; the only option is a nav system.
It also has the best performance of any Accord four-door, outrunning the V-6 automatic by 0.3 second to 60 mph and 1 mph in the quarter, to 93 mph in the end zone.
The only sacrifices: You give up 2.8 cubic feet of cargo space (leaving 11.2) to make room for the traction battery and its ventilation system; the rear backrest no longer folds forward for access to the trunk; and the spare tire is replaced by a small air compressor and a can of sealant (Honda pioneered this approach to repairing flats on the original NSX). And, of course, you get whacked by something over three grand on the sticker, too.
From the driver’s seat, you see what you always see in Accords, except for some subtle details in the HVAC controls and Honda’s unique hybrid gauges positioned low in the cluster. The “charge” and “assist” indicators are miniature bar graphs extending horizontally, and a separate battery-level graphic is off by itself to the right. There’s also an indicator labeled “ECO” that often glows green. ECO? Call it the “good news” light celebrating your propulsion on only the three front cylinders.
Except for this small array of unusual graphics in the cluster, there’s little about this car to say it’s a hybrid, or that it’s the best Accord. There’s a small “hybrid” badge on the decklid, less conspicuous than the V-6 emblem below it, a token decklid spoiler, special five-spoke alloy wheels, a different grille color, and tires upsized one notch to 215/60R-16. The eye is hardly grabbed.
Honda is low-profiling this one. We think average folks wouldn’t notice anything about the way it drives, either. Okay, engine off at idle might raise flags, except, “Is it really off? What’s that little noise? There’s a vibration, too.” Until you read the manual, the small green “AUTO STOP” blinking on the cluster is cryptic to the point of huh?
During our summer test motoring, the A/C was always running. The belt-drive compressor (75cc displacement) stops with the engine, but the electric compressor (15cc) maintains cabin coolness and keeps the Accord alive with enough vibration that you could think—in a Lexus anyway—the engine were still idling.
The 2997cc V-6 has a system to deactivate all the valves on the rear bank. It’s programmed to shrink back to three-cylinder operation below 3500 rpm when cruising or coasting, and the others don’t come alive even for mild acceleration. Instead, the electric motor readily and seamlessly kicks in to help. Only at higher revs, or if the battery is down, or if significant acceleration is ordered, will all six cylinders join in. One staffer thought he could feel some rough running on three, but most of us could not. This feature is highly successful, effectively cutting consumption in half when the green glows.
The mechanical layout is typical of Honda hybrids, with a thin wafer of a motor/generator (Honda calls it Integrated Motor Assist) sandwiched between the sideways engine and transmission. The five-speed automatic was shortened by 2.4 inches to allow room between the frame rails for the extra 2.7 inches of the IMA.
For more car review please visit Car (http://www.carfever.blogspot.com/) and Honda (http://www.carfever.blogspot.com/).
Save money on car loans with the help of car finance calculator (http://www.0carfinance.com/car-finance-calculator-are-you-using-it-correctly/).

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[tokyodream]

Honda set for hybrid race !

http://www.ohio.com/business/41133482.html (http://www.ohio.com/business/41133482.html)

Aiming to cut into Toyota's dominance of gasoline-electric auto sales, Honda has set the U.S. base price of its new Insight hybrid car $2,200 below the least expensive version of the top-selling Prius.
The 2010 Insight goes on sale March 24 with a range from $19,800 for the base model LX to $23,100 for the top-end version, Honda said Wednesday.
Prices for the 2009 Prius go from $22,000 for a base model to $27,765 for the Touring version, according to Toyota's Web site.
''Initially, the lower price won't matter too much,'' said Alan Baum, director of automotive forecasting for Planning Edge in Birmingham, Mich. ''They're positioning for the midterm, for when the market improves. They think there's a sweet spot at a lower price point'' than Prius.
Honda, Japan's second-largest automaker, and larger rival Toyota are stepping up competition in fuel-efficient hybrids, even as U.S. sales of all cars and light trucks keep falling from 2008's 16-year low.
Toyota later this year plans to introduce a revamped Prius with higher mileage and more power than the current model and the Insight.
U.S. hybrid sales fell 30 percent in the year's first two months to 31,466, as total auto purchases tumbled 39 percent.
Demand for gasoline-electric models also has weakened as the average gasoline price has slid 40 percent from a year earlier to $1.94 a gallon, according to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Web site.
The Prius accounted for 50 percent of all gasoline-electric models sold in the U.S. in 2008.
Keeping the Insight's starting price less than $20,000 became more difficult as the yen gained 9.5 percent against the dollar in the past six months and commodity prices rose, said Sage Marie, a spokesman for Honda's U.S. unit in Torrance, Calif. The Insight is built in Japan.
Honda wanted to hold down Insight's price to attract young, first-time buyers, Marie said. The car is designated a compact by the U.S., while Prius is called a mid-size hatchback.
Insight and Prius ''will be cross-shopped, but we are seeking a different buyer,'' Marie said.
Honda has said it hopes to sell 100,000 Insights in North America in the model's first 12 months, while Toyota's target is 180,000 units of the new Prius in its first full year.

Honda started selling the Insight in Japan on Feb. 6 and has received about 18,000 orders for the model, more than triple its monthly sales target of 5,000. It was the country's 10th best-selling model in Japan in February, excluding minicars.

The Insight averages 41 miles on a gallon of gasoline in combined city and highway driving, Honda said. The current Prius is rated at 46 mpg by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which estimates that the revamped model will get 50 mpg.
Shares of Honda stock have gained 13 percent so far in 2009.

[tokyodream]

Honda Targets To Sell 6,000 New Civic Units !

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsbusiness.php?id=397423 (http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsbusiness.php?id=397423)

PETALING JAYA, March 19 (Bernama) -- Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd is targeting to sell 6,000 units of its new Honda Civic this year, its chief executive officer and managing director Atsushi Fujimoto said Thursday.

"Sales of the new Honda Civic will contribute to our initial total sales target of 35,000 units of vehicles this year," he told reporters after the launch of new Civic which has undergone a facelift here

The total sales target is a 14 percent increase compared to last year's volume, and will be around nine percent of the total industry volume this year.

"Despite the gloomly economic outlook, Honda Malaysia is still in a good position to achieve our total sales target this year," said Fujimoto.

The company has sold more than 6,500 units of cars for the first two months of this year, up by 50 percent compared to the same period in 2008.

Honda Malaysia also expects to sell 300 units of its Civic Hybrid this year, having already received 50 bookings before the launch.

Fujimoto also said that Honda Malaysia would see a change of management later this year with his transfer to Honda Thailand as managing director. Toru Takahashi will succeed him.

Featuring a redesigned grille and bumper, the new facelifted 8th generation Honda Civic comes with a sportier appearance and better air ventilation.

The 1.8L variant is priced at RM114, 980 (on the road) while the Civic 2.0L and Civic Hybrid will be sold at RM129, 980 each.

-- BERNAMA

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[michaelro2001]

de pe situl Top Gear:
Honda's X6?

Anyone else noticing a hell of a lot of X6 (http://www.topgear.com/uk/bmw/m6)s on the road? BMW’s massive (http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/bmw-concept-5-series-gran-turismo) Sports Activity Coupe Lifestyle Utility Vehicle Thing (or however the hell they designate it) may have been the answer to a question no one asked, but it’s shifting a few units.

And it seems other manufacturers want in on the big coupe-niche pie. Acura – Honda’s luxury brand (think Nissan’s Infiniti or Toyota’s Lexus) has just shown off this shadowy teaser image of its upcoming crossover concept, and it looks damn similar to the X6, with a swoopy, coupe-style roofline, narrow glasshouse and, from what we can see, fat ol’ wheel arches.

The concept is expected to be unveiled at the New York Auto Show later this year, with the production version hitting the streets next year.

Not British streets, mind – Honda has never brought its luxury marque to our shores. It could, hypothetically, find its way over here wearing a Honda badge, but that's unlikely. Do we really need another giant 4x4 coupe? Do we need any at all?

In the meantime, own up. Who’s buying all the damn X6s? We know you’re out there somewhere…
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/acura-crossover-2009-03-17 (http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/acura-crossover-2009-03-17)

[tokyodream]

Draga Mihai, este topic separat ACURA CROOSOVER :)
abia astept sa vad pozele complete............

[tokyodream]

Honda sees increased sales in Malaysia in 2009 !


http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/03/19/business/AS-Malaysia-Honda.php (http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/03/19/business/AS-Malaysia-Honda.php)

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/03/19/business/AS-Malaysia-Honda.php#): Japanese carmaker Honda said Thursday it was confident of increasing sales in Malaysia this year, one of the rare regional markets to buck the downtrend amid the global economic gloom.
Honda Malaysia President Azman Idris said the company hopes to sell 35,000 cars this year in Southeast Asia's largest passenger car market, up about 8 percent from 32,477 units in 2008.

Despite a sharp drop in overall sales in the domestic market in January, Honda managed to increase Malaysian sales to capture a 10 percent market share — more than its 7 percent market share for 2008, he said.

Unlike Honda factories globally which had cut production, output at its Malaysian factory has been ramped up as demand for its four main models — the City, Civic, Accord and the CRV — remained robust, he said.

The mid-sized sedan City remains its best-selling model, accounting for half of its sales.

"Our sales are still strong as banks are still giving credit but we anticipate tough times. Customer satisfaction is the way forward for us to retain customer loyalty," he said after the launch of a new version of the Civic.
The Malaysian Automotive Association forecast domestic sales to drop 12.4 percent to 480,000 units this year from 548,115 units last year.
But Azman said Honda is more conservative and estimated total industry sales at only 400,00 units as the Malaysian economy faces its first possible recession in a decade.
Honda is the second best selling foreign brand in Malaysia, trailing rival Toyota.
Honda's biggest production hub in Southeast Asia is in Thailand, which makes a wider range of cars for exports largely to the region and Australia. But production there has been cut by half to 120,000 units last year and will remain at the same level this year, officials said.

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Luxury large capacity engine cars see price cut in Beijing market !

http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90778/90857/90860/6618491.html

Dealers of luxury auto brands including Mercedes Benz, BMW and Audi have launched promotional sales for their cars with large capacity engines in Beijing.

The financial crisis and the implementation of a new consumer tax in the second half of last year has impeded the sales of imported vehicles with engine capacities of over 3.0-liters. As a result, dealers have had to lower prices to increase sales in order to keep their capital chains from being broken, noted an official at the China Automobile Trading Company (CATC).

Recently, in the Beijing automobile market, Audi Q7s with engine capacities of over 4.0-liters have been discounted 200,000 yuan, vehicle purchase taxes on all BMW X3-Series have been reduced or exempted, and the highest specification BMW X3 3.0i has been priced at 600,000 yuan after discount. The luxury model of the 4.8-liter BMW X5 has been discounted 230,000 yuan, the 2009 model of the Honda Acura MDX has a discount of 100,000 yuan and is now priced at 700,000 yuan, the Mercedes Benz E230 model is offering a maximum discount of 80,000 yuan, and the high-end Mercedes Benz S600L is even offering a price cut of 300,000 yuan.

Since Spring Festival, the market for vehicles with engine capacities of over 3.0-liters has seen a 10 percent fall in the average price, said an expert in auto price monitoring. The fall is mainly due to a rise in the consumer tax rate adopted in the second half of last year. This tax increase led to an increase in the cost of imported vehicles and finally caused the increase in their sales prices after September last year. Prior to Spring Festival, however, most dealers of imported large capacity engine vehicles still sold vehicles that were imported before the raising of the consumer tax rate. In addition, since some dealers had completed their annual sales goals, there were no noticeable declines in prices. After Spring Festival, dealers were faced with pressure for sales from producers, leading to a wave of price reductions for large capacity engine luxury vehicles.

The downturn of market shares since last September has also played a partial role in the wave of price reductions.

Since the adoption of the new consumer tax in September last year, the sales volume for imported vehicles with an engine capacity over 3.0-liters has started to drop, with nearly 10,000 vehicles sold in this market segment in September and 8,500 units in October. The sales volume dropped to 6,000 units in November and stood at 6,300 units in December, according to relevant staff at CATC.

By People's Daily Online

[tokyodream]

IIHS Conducts First Tests for Roof-Strength Standard !

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2009/03/iihs-conducts-first-tests-for-roof-strength-standard.html (http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2009/03/iihs-conducts-first-tests-for-roof-strength-standard.html)

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has launched its new roof-strength rating system, conducting its first batch of tests on small SUVs. Only four of 12 vehicles managed to earn the top rating of Good.
The SUVs rated Good were the Subaru Forester, Honda Element, Jeep Patriot and Volkswagen Tiguan. The Suzuki Grand Vitara, Chevrolet Equinox, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue and Mitsubishi Outlander were rated Acceptable. The Honda CR-V and Ford Escape ranked Marginal, while the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson were the only small SUVs to rate Poor.

The new roof-strength standard is meant to combat rollover deaths, which at more than 10,000 a year account for roughly a quarter of all traffic deaths. To become an IIHS Top Safety Pick, vehicles will now have to withstand four times their own weight before the roof collapses 5 inches. This strength-to-weight ratio is much higher than the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s standard, which mandates that roofs bear 2.5 times the vehicle’s weight.


The four-times figure wasn’t plucked out of thin air: IIHS says this level of strength could lead to a 50% reduction in fatalities during rollovers. IIHS says including this qualification in its list of Top Safety Pick standards should significantly lower the number of cars — 73 today — that earn that status.

Currently, the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Honda Element, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 and VW Tiguan are rated as Top Safety Picks. This test would cull this list of 10 to only the Honda Element, Subaru Forester and VW Tiguan.

Though there’s been much debate between the government and automakers about the cost and necessity of roof-strength standards, this move by IIHS won’t leave companies much choice but to add to roof strength while trying to keep overall vehicle weight down, lest they be outpaced year after year in IIHS testing.
The Institute will next test roof strength of minicars and midsize cars.

http://blogs.cars.com/.a/6a00d83451b3c669e201156e45e930970c-800wi (http://blogs.cars.com/.a/6a00d83451b3c669e201156e45e930970c-pi)

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Slow Moving: Production continues apace, but economy takes a toll as it's doing elsewhere!

http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2009/mar/22/slow-moving/business-nationworld/ (http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2009/mar/22/slow-moving/business-nationworld/)

The Ford and Honda hybrids due out this month are among many models planned for the coming years as automakers try to meet new fuel-efficiency standards and please politicians overseeing the industry's multibillion-dollar bailout.
Unfortunately for the automakers, the Los Angeles Times reports that hybrids are a tough sell these days.
Americans have cut back on buying vehicles of all types as the economy continues to slide, but the slowdown has been particularly hard on hybrids, which use electricity and gasoline as power sources.
They were the industry's darling just last summer, but sales have declined as consumers refuse to pay a premium for a fuel-efficient vehicle now that the average cost of a gallon of gasoline has slipped below $2.
"When gas prices came down, the priority of buying a hybrid fell off quite quickly," said Wes Brown, a partner at Iceology, a market-research company in Los Angeles. "Yet even as consumer interest declined, the manufacturers have continued to pump them out."
In July, Toyota dealers in the United States didn't have enough Prius models in stock to last two days, and many were charging thousands of dollars above the sticker price for the few they had.
"Last year, we had a waiting list of 100 deep. The production couldn't catch up," said Omnia Fowler, the general manager of Modern Toyota on Peters Creek Parkway.
There are now about 30 Priuses sitting on the lot, he said.
"Right when they start producing a lot of them was right when the demand for everything went way down," Fowler said.
An AAA Carolinas spokesman, Brendan Byrnes, said that agents for the club's car-buying service are still selling hybrids, and that the decline in hybrid sales is not far off from the overall drop in vehicle sales.
Fowler said he has seen the same trend. Overall vehicle sales are down about 42 percent from this time last year, and hybrid sales are down about 50 percent. People buy hybrids for more than just gas savings; hybrids have lower emissions and are considered to be more environmentally friendly.
The biggest problem for automobile dealers is that customers are still having trouble getting loans to buy cars, Fowler said. The extra $3,000 to $4,000 cost for a hybrid is even tougher to finance. The cars sell for about $30,000.
"The combination of the gas prices going down has made it where the hybrid isn't as much as price savings," he said.
Last month, only 15,144 hybrids were sold nationwide, down almost two-thirds from last April, when the segment's sales peaked and gas averaged $3.57 a gallon. That's far greater than the drop in industry sales for the period and scarcely a better showing than January, when hybrid sales were at their lowest since early 2005.
Dealers are working much harder -- even with the help of a $500 factory rebate -- to move the hybrids off lots.
This month, Honda is offering $2,000 in cash, financing and leasing incentives to buyers of the formerly sold-out Civic hybrid, and a dealer in northern Michigan is dangling $6,000 cash back to those willing to purchase a Chevy Tahoe hybrid.
Yet automakers feel that they have little choice but to make more hybrids. Although car buyers are losing interest, politicians are pushing the vehicles as key to reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil and limiting the global-warming gases released into the atmosphere.
In January, President Obama called on the industry to "thrive by building the cars of tomorrow" and told leaders to prepare for federal and state regulations that could push average fuel economy above 40 miles per gallon by 2020.
"The automakers are in the situation of needing to pacify politicians that are in the position to bail them out with expensive fuel-efficient cars," said Rebecca Lindland, an auto analyst with IHS Global Insight. "But shouldn't it be more about satisfying the needs of the American consumer?"
Dubbed the Prius-fighter because of its similar looks and performance, the Honda Insight hybrid is set to arrive on dealer lots in the next few weeks. Next year, Honda will make a sporty hybrid coupe. Hyundai and Audi will deliver their first hybrids in 2010, and Toyota has a redesigned Prius and a new Lexus hybrid coming this spring. Toyota said that it would make a subcompact hybrid priced below $20,000 in 2011.
Ford plans to follow its new 41-mile-a-gallon Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids with a battery-powered van in 2010 and a family of hybrids by 2012. Last month, in their request to the Obama administration for $21.6 billion in additional bailout cash, both General Motors and Chrysler announced a hybrid onslaught.
Chrysler promised eight new hybrids or electric vehicles by 2015, and GM, which already sells eight hybrids, said 26 of the 33 cars it sells in 2015 won't run on gas alone, including the Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in hybrid due out next year.
The hybrid flood marks a lasting commitment to a powertrain technology that currently represents about 2 percent of vehicle sales in the United States and, by most accounts, is deeply unprofitable.
Toyota said last year that it was finally making money on the Prius after nearly 10 years producing it, but executives at other automakers concede that they lose money on every hybrid sold.
"If we were making money on the Civic hybrid, we weren't making a lot," a Honda spokesman, Chris Martin, said.

[Smaranda Florin]

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=144926

[tokyodream]

Honda helps Earth Rangers cover new ground !

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2009/27/c5229.html (http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2009/27/c5229.html)

TORONTO, March 27 /CNW/ - Honda Canada Inc. has provided two new 2009
Honda Odyssey minivans to Earth Rangers
(http://www.earthrangers.org/en-us/Home.aspx (http://www.earthrangers.org/en-us/Home.aspx)), a non-profit organization that
empowers kids to improve the health of the planet, so that it can bring its
live shows to new school and community audiences.
Earth Rangers' shows help children make a connection between the impact
humans have on the environment and the importance of making responsible
choices. This year, Earth Rangers plans to double the number of children it
reaches through its live shows to nearly 350,000. By empowering kids to take
small actions to protect the planet, Earth Rangers is fostering the next
generation of environmental stewards.
One of the Honda Odyssey minivans will be used to bring a show team to
the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) when the permanent Earth Rangers Studio opens
there this spring, as part of the Schad Gallery of Biodiversity. Starting in
April, the other van will take Earth Rangers' new, touring, school show, which
is funded for the next two years by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, to
underserved communities across Ontario.
"Honda is proud of its enduring relationship with Earth Rangers," said
Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc. "We are committed
to preserving a global environment that will ensure 'blue skies for our
children,' and Earth Rangers imparts a powerful message on environmental
protection to children and youth."
Peter Kendall, executive director of Earth Rangers, added, "We're excited
to have Honda's ongoing support of our school and community shows. It is
heartening to have a long-time supporter, like Honda, be there for us as we
expand our program to new audiences."
In addition to the minivans, members of the Honda Junior Red Rider Club
donated $7,200 in a special presentation to help Earth Rangers deliver its new
shows at the ROM and across the province.
Honda Canada has supported Earth Rangers since 2004, providing the
non-profit organization with a total of six Odyssey minivans that have enabled
it to increase the number of presentations it delivers. Last year, Earth
Rangers doubled its reach, over the previous year, to be in front of 165,000
children.

About Honda

Honda is among the world's leaders in building fuel-efficient,
low-emission engines, and is the world's largest engine manufacturer for
automobiles, motorcycles, marine and power equipment. With 135 manufacturing
facilities in 28 countries worldwide, Honda now attracts more than 24 million
customers annually. Honda recently celebrated its 40th year of operations in
Canada. In mid-April, it will commemorate another milestone when the
5-millionth vehicle built in Canada by Honda rolls off the assembly lines at
the Honda of Canada Mfg, vehicle assembly facility in Alliston, Ontario.

About Earth Rangers

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that empowers kids to improve
the health of the planet. Building on kids' natural connection to wildlife,
its live shows and children's Web site, EarthRangers.com, motivates hundreds
of thousands of kids each year to make realistic, lifestyle changes. Earth
Rangers lives its values; its building has a Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) Gold designation from the Canada Green Building
Council, and uses 79 per cent less energy than a typical building its size.
Visit EarthRangers.org for more information.

<<
/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available on
the CNW Photo Network and archived at http://photos.newswire.ca (http://photos.newswire.ca/).
Additional archived images are also available on the CNW Photo Archive
website at http://photos.newswire.ca (http://photos.newswire.ca/). Images are free to accredited
members of the media/
>>




For further information: Media inquiries to: Christine Maloney,communications manager, (905) 417-3447 ext. 2291, cmaloney@earthrangers.com (cmaloney@earthrangers.com)http://www.newswire.ca/images/rtphotos/Photo-14638.jpg (http://photos.newswire.ca/cnw-bin/cnw_preview.cgi?id=200903270013_EarthRangers_EN_20 090327_220419.jpg)
Honda Junior Red Riders present Peter Kendall, executive director of Earth Rangers, with a cheque for $7,200 during a special presentation which included Honda Canada providing two additional Honda Odyssey minivans to Earth Rangers for their school outreach programs. The two new Odyssey minivans brings Earth Rangers' Honda Odyssey fleet to six. (CNW Group/Earth Rangers)

[vtin]

http://world.honda.com/news/2009/c090331Brain-Machine-Interface-Technology/

Honda, ATR and Shimadzu Jointly Develop Brain-Machine Interface Technology Enabling Control of a Robot by Human Thought Alone

TOKYO, Japan, March 31, 2009 - Honda Research Institute Japan Co., Ltd. (HRI-JP), a subsidiary of Honda R&D Co., Ltd., Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) and Shimadzu Corporation have collaboratively developed the world’s first*1 Brain Machine Interface (BMI) technology that uses electroencephalography (EEG) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) along with newly developed information extraction technology to enable control of a robot by human thought alone. It does not require any physical movement such as pressing buttons. This technology will be further developed for the application to human-friendly products in the future by integrating it with intelligent technologies and/or robotic technologies.





Brain activity measuring device



During the human thought process, slight electrical current and blood flow change occur in the brain. The most important factor in the development of the BMI technology is the accuracy of measuring and analyzing these changes. The newly developed BMI technology uses EEG, which measures changes in electrical potential on the scalp, and NIRS, which measures changes in cerebral blood flow, with a newly developed information extraction technology which enables statistical processing of the complex information from these two types of sensors. As a result, it became possible to distinguish brain activities with high precision without any physical motion, but just human thought alone.

The BMI technology announced by HRI-JP and ATR in 2006 used a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanner to measure brain activities. The large size and powerful magnetic field generated by the fMRI scanner limited the locations and conditions where it can be used. As the newly developed measuring device uses EEG and NIRS sensors, it can be transported to and used in various locations.

< Test procedures for experiments with the new BMI >
First, EEG and NIRS sensors are placed on the head of the user. Then, one of four pre-determined body part options*2 is provided to the user. The user imagines moving that body part without making any physical movement. Changes in both brain waves and cerebral blood flow triggered by the brain activity are measured simultaneously. The data obtained are analyzed on a real-time basis to distinguish what the user imagined. Upon receiving the result, Honda’s ASIMO humanoid robot makes corresponding movements such as raising its arm or leg. The world’s highest level*3 accuracy rate of more than 90% was achieved in the tests.



*1, 3 According to Honda and ATR in-house research.
*2 For this particular research experiment, the four options were left hand, right hand, tongue and feet. The user creates a mental image of moving the selected body part.


Since 2005, Honda and ATR have been conducting research and development of BMI technology exploring the potential of a new interface which connects people and machines. Honda is looking into the possibility of applying this technology to a people-friendly human interface through integration with other technologies such as artificial intelligence technologies and/or robotics technologies. In May 2006, Honda and ATR successfully developed a BMI technology which utilizes a fMRI scanner and achieved the first success in the world to control a robot hand by decoding brain activities without electrode array implants or special training of the user.

♦ About BMI
While conventional machine-interface uses devices such as switches which need to be operated by a user’s hands or feet, BMI uses brain activity data measured by various devices and enables non-contact control of the machines (such as robots). Invasive BMI, which is widely studied by U.S. and European researchers, requires the surgical implant of electrode arrays, whereas non-invasive BMI uses sensors touching the user’s scalp.

[vtin]

http://www.capital.ro/index.php?section=articol&screen=index&id=118166&rss=1

Honda opreşte producţia în America de Nord si reduce salariile!

Autor: Simona Roşu (http://www.capital.ro/cautare/autor/simona-roşu-378.html)
Publicat: 1 Aprilie 2009

Producatorul auto nipon Honda Motor Co a anuntat ca va reduce productia in America de Nord cu 62.000 de unitati prin inchiderea fabricilor timp de 13 zile, incepand cu luna mai. De asemenea, Honda va reduce si salariile angajatilor.
Cel de-al doilea mare producator japonez, care este la randul sau afectat de scaderea accentuata a vanzarilor pe piata de profil, a anuntat, de asemenea, ca va oferi compensatii celor mai multi dintre cei 32.400 de angajati din SUA si Canada.
Acesta este cel mai mare proces de reducere a costurilor de salarizare realizat de Honda, potrivit purtatorului de cuvat al companiei.
Honda are uzine de asamblare in Indiana, Ohio si Alabama (SUA) cat si in Canada si Mexic.
Honda Motor este singurul producator auto japonez care mizeaza pe profit pentru anul fiscal ce s-a incheiat la 31 martie. Cu toate acestea, compania a anuntat o scadere cu 89% a profitului in cel de-al treilea trimestru al anului fiscal curent, la 20,2 miliarde de yeni (226 milioane de dolari), pe fondul cresterii costurilor si a scaderii vanzarilor pe cele mai importante piete.

Sursa: USA Today

[tokyodream]

Honda Canada reports March sales !

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2009/01/c6401.html (http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2009/01/c6401.html)

TORONTO, April 1 /CNW/ - Honda Canada Inc. reported combined March sales
of 12,570 units by its Honda and Acura divisions, a 23% decrease
year-over-year. The Honda Automobile Division reported March sales of 11,359
units, down 20% from last year. The Acura Division reported March sales of
1,211 units, down 42% over last year.
"Our March results, although down from last year's record results, are
only off by 13 per cent over the last five-year sales average," said Jerry
Chenkin, executive vice president, Honda Canada Inc. "We are encouraged to see
that showroom traffic at our dealerships in March was up over the previous
months, and that consumer confidence is showing a gradual upswing. We are also
pleased to see that the Honda Civic, Canada's top-selling car the past 11
years, saw its sales in March more than doubled over February's results."

Honda Canada, now in its 40th year of operation in Canada, manufactures
the Honda Civic sedan and coupe, and the Acura CSX and MDX at its two plants
in Alliston, Ontario, and produces fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines at its
new engine plant adjacent to its manufacturing facilities. Approximately 91
per cent of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada last month were
produced in North America, with nearly half of those vehicles made here in
Canada.




For further information: Richard Jacobs, (416) 287-4708

================================================== ============

Honda pulls out of Frankfurt to save costs, starts testing FCX in Germany (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/04/02/honda-pulls-out-of-frankfurt-to-save-costs-starts-testing-fcx-i/) !

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/04/02/honda-pulls-out-of-frankfurt-to-save-costs-starts-testing-fcx-i/ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/04/02/honda-pulls-out-of-frankfurt-to-save-costs-starts-testing-fcx-i/)

It's looking like all auto shows are going to be feeling the pinch of a shrinking auto market going forward, including the mighty Frankfurt Show. Honda has joined Nissan in pulling out of this fall's Frankfurt show in order to save money. Earlier this year, Nissan announced that it would only participate in one auto show on each continent with those being Geneva, Tokyo and Los Angeles. Honda hasn't yet made such a sweeping announcement but appears to be taking things one show at a time. It wouldn't be surprising to see a similar move with only one North American Show presence as well. At this year's Detroit show, Honda and Acura occupied floor space but didn't bother with a press conference. Instead, the new Insight was simply revealed on the show floor.

Speaking of the Insight, it goes on sale in Europe on April 18. Elsewhere, Honda will begin testing its FCX Clarity fuel cell car in Germany later this year and will divert other resources to fuel cell and hydrogen development. Honda sees fuel cells as a better long term bet than batteries and plug-in vehicles and intends to pursue that goal.

01.04.2009

Honda's participation in IAA 2009

About Honda's participation in IAA 2009

In response to economic climate, Honda cancels participation in IAA 2009, while strengthening environment and customer focused activities.

* New Fuel Cell research in Europe
* More Hybrid vehicles
* New Honda Academy to strengthen Quality and Customer Service

March 31st 2009 - Honda has announced today that it will not participate in IAA, Internationale Automobil Ausstellung, known as Frankfurt motor show, this year. Due to the unprecedented market downturn, Honda has come to a conclusion that the company will have to skip its participation to the Frankfurt motor show this year.

As seen in the withdrawal from Formula One, Honda is trying to reduce every possible cost in various areas including manufacturing, sales and marketing activities to strengthen its business constitution to overcome the tough climate of today.

Whilst the 4 month shutdown to adjust the inventory balance, Honda's UK car manufacturing facility in Swindon is taking the full advantage of production suspension to refurbish its plants and prepare for smooth introduction of Jazz into Swindon factory planned in autumn this year.

Honda is the world's biggest engine manufacturer with 24 million engine powered products sold in 2008 in the areas of automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment, and is committed to swiftly respond to unprecedented situation in the global scale. While vigorously taking on every possible cost reduction measure, Honda is also focusing on research and production of environmentally responsible products.

The Insight Hybrid will be on sale in Germany from April 18th, the hybrid car has already had more than 18.000 customer orders in Japan just in one month, More than 3 times larger than its monthly target of 5.000 units in Japan. Besides that Honda will bring to market a sporty Hybrid based on the CR-Z Concept in 2010 which will be followed by a Jazz Hybrid.

Moreover, Honda will begin a new research project of Fuel Cell technologies in Germany as from autumn this year. This involves permanent deployment of FCX Clarity in Europe, Honda's sophisticated master piece of hydrogen driven vehicle, which already is on lease sales in the USA and Japan. Honda R&D Europe (Deutschland) GmbH in Offenbach will use the FCX Clarity for long term research of Fuel Cell technology and Hydrogen Energy conformity in European conditions.

Honda will divert the resources for environmentally responsible technology to win the race for Zero Emissions. Furthermore Honda will also realign its forces regarding Service Quality and customer orientation. On March 23rd Germany saw the ground breaking ceremony of the new Honda Academy for Europe at Erlensee near Hanau. This 15 Mil EUR invest is dedicated to train Honda and dealer's staff in a way that they are able to exceed customer's expectations also in the future.

[tokyodream]

Honda Civic is most stolen car on lower mainland, but B.C. auto thieves prefer Ford F-series!*

* se refera la SUA!


http://www.canada.com/news/Honda+Civic+most+stolen+lower+mainland+auto+thieve s+prefer+Ford+series/1453508/story.html (http://www.canada.com/news/Honda+Civic+most+stolen+lower+mainland+auto+thieve s+prefer+Ford+series/1453508/story.html)

Owners of Honda Civics from 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997 and 2000 might want to invest in a decent car alarm - or perhaps a secured garage - as their pride and joy is the prime target of car thieves across the lower mainland.

According to figures released by the Ministry of Public Safety and ICBC Wednesday, the Honda Civic ranks first on the desirability list of thieves, followed by the Chrysler Voyager from 1992-1995, the Honda Accord from 1990-1994, and recent models of the Ford F-Series.

Owners of pre-2000 Jeep Cherokees, Nissan Pathfinders, Acura Integras, Chrysler Neons, Toyota Camrys and Dodge Dakotas will be saddened to see their vehicles make the top ten, but the Ford F-Series (2003-2006) and the 2004 Dodge Dakota rank as the only post-2000 vehicles listed.

The F-Series, which includes the Ford F-150, F-250 and F-350, lands at the top of the table in Southern Interior and North/Central B.C. crime statistics, in both cases just ahead of the late 90's Dodge Ram. Vancouver Island figures for 2008 show the F-Series again topping the list, with the Honda Civic coming in second place.

The list draws heavily from cars released in the early 90's, indicating modern car security systems have had some success in deterring property crime over the past decade.

Auto thefts in B.C. dropped 16 percent between 2007 and 2008, according to figures released as part of Auto Crime Enforcement month. That represents approximately 2,500 less stolen vehicles across the province, according to the Ministry of Public Safety.

Of the top 25 most stolen vehicles in B.C., the oldest makes on the list are all Toyotas: the 1986 Corolla, Camry and 4Runner, though only the Corolla seems to have remained an issue past 1991.


The Top 10 most stolen vehicles in the lower mainland in 2008:

1. Honda Civic 93, 95, 91, 97, 00
2. Chrysler (Dodge/Plymouth) Caravan/Voyager* 95, 94, 92,
3. Honda Accord 90, 92, 91, 93, 94
4. Ford F-Series** 05, 04, 06, 03, 99
5. Jeep Cherokee*** 93, 95, 94, 97, 92
6. Nissan Pathfi nder 95, 93, 92, 91, 94
7. Acura Integra 90, 92, 91, 95, 93
8. Chrysler (Dodge/Plymouth) Neon 98, 95, 96, 97
9. Toyota Camry 90, 89, 88, 87, 86
10. Dodge Dakota 94, 92, 93, 96, 04

* = Includes Grand Caravan/Grand Voyager
** = Includes F150, F250, F350
*** = Includes Grand Cherokee


The Top 25 most stolen vehicles across B.C. in 2008:

1. Ford F-Series* 04, 05, 03, 06, 99
2. Honda Civic 93, 95, 97, 91, 00
3. Chrysler (Dodge/Plymouth) Caravan/Voyager** 95, 94, 92,
4. Honda Accord 90, 92, 91, 93, 94
5. Jeep Cherokee*** 93, 95, 94, 92, 96
6. Nissan Pathfi nder 93, 95, 92, 91, 90
7. Dodge Ram 98, 94, 97, 01, 96
8. Dodge Dakota 96, 05, 94, 06, 04
9. Chrysler (Dodge/Plymouth) Neon 95, 98, 96, 97
10. Acura Integra 90, 92, 91, 95, 93
11. Toyota Camry 90, 88, 89, 86, 87
12. Toyota 4Runner 89, 88, 87, 86, 91
13. GMC Sierra 90, 92, 91, 93, 89
14. Toyota Corolla 05, 90, 03, 86, 04
15. Chevrolet Cavalier 03, 97, 90, 02, 96
16. Ford Explorer 94, 97, 93, 96, 95
17. Mazda B2600 Pick-up 91, 90, 92, 93, 89
18. Oldsmobile Cutlass 89, 90, 92, 93, 91
19. GMC G3500 Series 94, 91, 92, 97, 93
20. Nissan 240 SX 91, 93, 92, 90, 95
21. Dodge Durango 01, 98, 99, 00, 05
22. Ford Taurus 99, 96, 95, 98, 97
23. Volkswagen Golf 94, 96, 95, 97, 90
24. Ford Mustang 94, 88, 90, 95, 00
25. Chrysler Intrepid 97, 00, 94, 93, 98

* = Includes Grand Caravan/Grand Voyager
** = Includes F150, F250, F350
*** = Includes Grand Cherokee


cparry@vancouversun.com
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun
http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.canada.com/news/honda+civic+most+stolen+lower+mainland+auto+thieve s+prefer+ford+series/1453508/1453532.bin (http://javascript<b></b>:setClass('storypage','story_photo_content');)


================================================== ================================================== =====


Acura News:


Acura becomes first automaker to achieve top ratings from NHTSA, IIHS on entire lineup (http://www.leftlanenews.com/acura-becomes-first-automaker-to-achieve-top-ratings-from-nhtsa-iihs-on-entire-lineup.html)!


(http://www.leftlanenews.com/acura-becomes-first-automaker-to-achieve-top-ratings-from-nhtsa-iihs-on-entire-lineup.html)

Volvo (http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo.htm) is probably the marque most associated with vehicle safety, but Acura (http://www.leftlanenews.com/acura.htm) has become the first automaker to achieve top ratings for its entire lineup from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Acura’shttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://www.leftlanenews.com/acura-becomes-first-automaker-to-achieve-top-ratings-from-nhtsa-iihs-on-entire-lineup.html#) latest TL was the model that put Acura over the top, achieving a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. “No other automotive brand has accomplished what Acura has, nor can make the safety claims that Acura can,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of automobile sales. “When consumers think safety, they really should think Acura.”

Acura accredits its top safety picks to its “Safety Through Innovation” program and its Automotive Safety Research Facility in Raymond, Ohio.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/acura-becomes-first-automaker-to-achieve-top-ratings-from-nhtsa-iihs-on-entire-lineup.html

[tokyodream]

Honda cuts the line to fuel-pump maker!

http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_12094881 (http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_12094881)


FuelMaker Corp., an alternative fuel company that Honda Motor Co. has been trying to sell, will be liquidated, according to a report Tuesday by the International Association of Natural Gas Vehicles.
Honda, whose North American headquarters is in Torrance, initially purchased a share of FuelMaker in 2000 to complement promotion of the Honda Civic GX, which runs on compressed natural gas, or CNG. Honda eventually became the company's sole shareholder.
FuelMaker manufactured CNG fuel pumps, including a home- based version known as the Phill.
Honda had tried to sell FuelMaker for $17 million to Clean Energy Fuels, a Seal Beach-based natural gas distributor owned by entrepreneur and conservative activist T. Boone Pickens.
That deal fell through in October.
On Thursday, Honda allowed FuelMaker to enter into receivership, with its assets to be liquidated, according to the natural gas association.
A Honda official who deals with alternative fuel vehicles could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
In a statement, the association said: "Though not a core business of Honda America, (Fuelmaker's liquidation) raises questions about Honda's future commitment to natural gas vehicles in North America, given its enviable record with the Honda Civic GX being named the `greenest vehicle' sold in the US (2009) by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy - the sixth accolade in a row for the car maker." Despite
Advertisement


accolades and media attention, CNG vehicles never caught on with consumers, said Jim Hossack, consulting vice president at AutoPacific in Tustin.

"It's gone from low to near zero," Hossack said of the vehicles' appeal.
A big reason for the drop in interest is relatively low gasoline prices, which are about half of last summer's highs in the $4 range, Hossack said.
Other reasons the technology never lacked consumer interest is the vehicles' limited range, higher price and dearth of fueling stations accessible to the public.
"You'd have to have a distribution system," Hossack said. "How many (public) CNG outlets are there in Southern California? I don't know the answer, but I bet you can count them on the fingers of one hand."
One place CNG vehicles have been successful is in Japan for taxis, Hossack said.
That is because gasoline is as much as $9 a gallon in Japan, and the taxis are refueled each night at a central location, he said.
"But for a normal consumer in the U.S., no, it doesn't work," Hossack said.
muhammed.el-hasan@dailybreeze.com (muhammed.el-hasan@dailybreeze.com)

================================================== ==============

[tokyodream]

Green thinking is having an impact!

http://www.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/lifestyle/motoring-car-news/2009/04/09/green-thinking-is-having-an-impact-81430-23349044/ (http://www.kilmarnockstandard.co.uk/lifestyle/motoring-car-news/2009/04/09/green-thinking-is-having-an-impact-81430-23349044/)

NOT so long ago sustainable vehicles were perceived as more of a spectacle than a serious purchase and green technology was one for the future.
However, the publicity battle that is hotting up between the latest hybrid heavyweights - the new Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight - demonstrates that sustainable vehicles are becoming a credible option for mainstream consumers.
Manufacturers are greening their product ranges and drivers are purchasing in greater numbers than ever before. This is supported by new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) which show that the average emissions of a new car in the UK fell by the biggest margin ever in 2008.
The average model now emits 158g/km which is 4% less than in 2007 and the improvement that the UK is showing is reflected in many other countries around the world.
In the US sales of Toyota's hybrid cars have now passed one million highlighting the rising popularity of vehicles that are perceived to have an ecological benefit. What's more, while it took seven years for Toyota to sell the first 500,000 hybrids in the US, the next 500,000 have been sold in just two.
The drive towards electric has never been stronger, and because of the current worldwide recession, in many ways has never been more relevant. Last years volatile fuel prices combined with the economic downturn have made sustainable vehicles more attractive because of their cost saving potential.
This has helped to accelerate a switch to low-cost, more efficient vehicles, while squeezing demand for the more expensive cars that tend to be higher emitters of CO2.
Other initiatives are also playing a part in educating consumers at the point of purchase. The introduction of voluntary colour-coded new car CO2 labels have clearly contributed to an increase in the awareness of environmental performance of new cars.
The green credentials of new vehicles have never been more important and as a result information on the best performing cars has never been more readily available. Just log onto the 'Act on CO2' website and you can look at a list of the best performing cars by class.
With government investment in manufacturers linked to green performance we will see the technology developing at a more rapid pace than ever before. The result will be greater choice and quality of sustainable vehilces which can only help to grow their popularity.
Mike Waters is director of market insight at Arval, Europe's leading fleet and fuel management company.

================================================== ============

More hybrid options to fit your budget !

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/car_tips&id=6755380 (http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/car_tips&id=6755380)

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Economy- and environmentally-minded drivers have had limited choices when it comes to buying a hybrid car or SUV. Now you have more options to fit your budget.
Almost 10 years ago, a funny-looking new coupe was introduced to Americans. It was the original Honda Insight (http://search.abclocal.go.com/search/results?station=kabc&search=siteSearch&q=Honda+Insight), a hybrid (http://search.abclocal.go.com/search/results?station=kabc&search=siteSearch&q=hybrid) electric vehicle that got amazing fuel economy. However, it had a few limitations.

Honda Insight Hybrid (http://automobiles.honda.com/insight-hybrid/)
Lexus RX Hybrid (http://www.lexus.com/fcv/RXh.html)
Cadillac Escalade Hybrid (http://www.cadillac.com/cadillacjsp/model/landing.jsp?model=hybrid&year)
Honda has created an all-new Insight. It is a much bigger car with four doors and is much more useful than its older version. It also brings new affordability to the hybrid segment.
"People in lower-income segments couldn't really even consider a hybrid as something that they could purchase," said Honda spokesman Chris Martin. "So what the Insight is looking to do is pioneer itself into a whole new demographic of buyers."

Advances in technology allowed Honda (http://search.abclocal.go.com/search/results?station=kabc&search=siteSearch&q=Honda) to keep the price fairly low, around $20,000. And the Insight gets a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 41 miles per gallon.
Nearly everyone who sees the Insight seems to say it resembles a Toyota Prius (http://search.abclocal.go.com/search/results?station=kabc&search=siteSearch&q=Toyota+Prius). Honda says the shape is dictated by aerodynamic efficiency and that it actually mimics the original Insight.
One of the reasons hybrid vehicles have become so accepted by mainstream drivers is because they're like driving any other mainstream vehicle. The only difference is you're just using a lot less gasoline.
Not everyone buys a hybrid for gas mileage. Some just want a greener version of a vehicle that fits their lifestyle. Lexus (http://search.abclocal.go.com/search/results?station=kabc&search=siteSearch&q=Lexus) has introduced a new RX crossover SUV. The upcoming hybrid version improves upon the previous model.
"It offers much better acceleration, smoother acceleration and a more natural driving experience. And at the same time, it gets better fuel economy," said Paul Williamsen, Lexus spokesman.
The Lexus RX (http://search.abclocal.go.com/search/results?station=kabc&search=siteSearch&q=Lexus+RX) hybrid gets 30 miles per gallon combined. The RX is not inexpensive. It is more than $50,000 with all the options. But many luxury buyers still want to use less fuel overall.
If you need even more size and luxury, Cadillac (http://search.abclocal.go.com/search/results?station=kabc&search=siteSearch&q=Cadillac) is offering an Escalade Hybrid (http://search.abclocal.go.com/search/results?station=kabc&search=siteSearch&q=Escalade+Hybrid). The fuel economy improves to 20 miles per gallon, which is much better than the regular Escalade at 14 to 15.
Hybrids have gone from strange oddities to mainstream vehicles and the selection should continue to get better and better as more buyers ask for them.

================================================== ==========

[tokyodream]

Road Test: 2009 Honda Civic Coupe EX-L !


http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/living+with+side+effects+prednisone+past+years/1407895/story.html?id=1473531 (http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/living+with+side+effects+prednisone+past+years/1407895/story.html?id=1473531)

A prominent topic of conversation when it comes to purchasing entry-level or compact cars is that of safety. When looking at a small car, buyers want to know if it is built and equipped to handle those worst-case driving scenarios that end with a bang. I also find that when it comes to choosing between options of heated leather seats or ABS brakes, people opt for the ABS without a second thought. After all, as great as butt warmers are, they're not going to save your butt when it comes to emergencies.
Whether you're behind the wheel of the subcompact Fit or the Pilot SUV, Honda literally has your back when it comes to top-notch safety features. From ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body construction to loads of airbags, every seat is a safe seat. This is no different when it comes to one of the most popular-selling vehicles in Canada, the Civic. And for the 2009 Civic Coupe EX-L, Honda adds Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control to its list of standard features. That's not bad for a car that also comes with heated leather seats, P205/55R16 tires on 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, ABS brakes and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). I guess Honda has your back, butt and brakes, no pun intended!
Even with all its safety features, the Civic probably wouldn't sell well if it didn't offer a smooth ride, great handling and lots of popular goodies including, in the EX-L coupe, a USB device connector (located in the centre console) and a 350-watt premium stereo system with seven speakers and a subwoofer. The blue backlighting and digital speedometer is a bonus in my books too. It's practical and cool at the same time, kind of like most Honda vehicles.

Speaking of practicality, the '09 EX-L coupe comes with either the standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic transmission, linked to a 1.8L, 16-valve, DOHC inline 4 engine. This peppy, reasonably potent mill produces 140 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm. The coupe I took out for this test came with the automatic, but I'd been driving a manual-shift Civic sedan a couple of weeks previously. And for city driving purposes, the coupe's automatic transmission was a lot more practical. Of the two transmissions, if I had to choose one I'd opt for the manual based on personal preference, but would definitely consider an automatic with all the around-town driving I do. Either way, it's a winning choice.
Both drivetrain configurations offer great fuel economy: With the automatic transmission the Civic uses an estimated 8.2L/100km in the city and 5.7L/100km on the highway, and with the manual it uses an estimated 7.4L/100km in the city and 5.4L/100km on the highway. So when it came time to fill up the coupe's tank, it wasn't a daunting experience. In fact, when it cost me under $30 to fuel up for over 300 km of driving, I thought to myself, "Yesss!" It's nice to have to the ability to drive around a lot without paying an arm and leg for it.
Convenience-wise, the Civic Coupe isn't the handiest when it comes to loading people or groceries in or out of the rear seats. Two doors are ideal if you've only got one or two people hopping in and out, but when you add a third, fourth or fifth person it's a little more work. The coupe does, however, offer a generous amount of head and legroom in the rear (especially if you're sitting behind me), making it a comfortable four-passenger vehicle (five people will fit, but it's a little cozy!). Personally, I really like the coupe's sportier look and its nimbleness on the road compared the four-door, but if easy access is what you're after the sedan may be a better fit.
What I wasn't so gung-ho about with the Civic coupe were its power door locks. I don't understand why the Civics' (or any Honda with power locks for that matter) don't automatically unlock when the key is pulled out of the ignition, or at least maybe unlock when the passenger pulls on the door handle. Perhaps it's another safety feature, but it's not the most convenient one. I had several passengers who, while not necessarily complaining about it, commented on its tediousness. But I guess if that's the worst part about this little Honda, it's not doing too badly. And for a coupe, even visibility isn't too bad; granted it's a little harder to judge distances when parallel parking or backing up due to the relatively high trunk, but it's definitely not impossible.
The 2009 Honda Civic EX-L Coupe comes with all the safety bells and whistles along with a few nice added perks. It's nice to know that there are cars available for under $25K that have great safety standards and a nice look too.


Specifications (Honda Civic EX-L Coupe):


Price Range (MSRP): $17,190 - $24,980 CDN
As Tested (MSRP): $24,980
Destination: $1,310
Body Type: two door coupe
Layout: front engine, FWD
Engine: 1.8L, 16-valve DOHC I-4; 140 hp, 128 lb-ft of torque,
Transmission: 5-speed manual (opt. 5-speed auto)
Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD
Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,457 / 1,751 / 1,396 / 2,650 mm (175.5 / 68.9 / 55.0 / 104.3 in)
Curb Weight: 1,230 kg (2,712 lbs)
Tires: 205/55R16
Trunk: 327 L (11.5 cu ft)
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 8.2 / 5.7 L/100 km
Warranty (mo/km): 36 / 60,000 comprehensive; 60 / 100,000 powertrain
Direct competitors: Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Pontiac G5, Saturn Astra, VW Rabbit

Web Site: www.honda.ca (http://www.honda.ca/)

http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/living+with+side+effects+prednisone+past+years/1407895/1473563.bin?size=l

[tokyodream]

Car Thieves Love California !

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/traffic_autos/autos/Auto-Thieves-LoveCalifornia.html (http://www.nbcbayarea.com/traffic_autos/autos/Auto-Thieves-LoveCalifornia.html)

California number one when it comes to vehicles -- for thieves, that is.
For the second year in a row, and the fifth of the last six years, Modesto (http://www.nbcbayarea.com/topics?topic=Modesto) is the top city in the country for vehicle thefts, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (https://www.nicb.org/cps/rde/xchg/nicb/hs.xsl/index.htm), with 829 stolen cars per 100,000 people.
Overall, thefts dropped nationwide from 2007 to 2008 -- but California dominates the list of favorite cities for auto thieves, with 6 of the top 10 spots.
“The good news is, we’re seeing steady progress in reducing the overall theft rate and that means Americans aren’t shelling out as much to cover the cost of stolen vehicles in their insurance premiums." Joe Wehrle, NICB president and chief executive officer said.
"We’ve also seen significant decreases in key areas along the border such as San Diego, where thefts dropped nearly 20 percent."
Vehicle thefts went up in Stockton (http://www.nbcbayarea.com/topics?topic=Stockton) from '07-'08 but in the Bay Area, they decreased. The San Francisco, Oakland (http://www.nbcbayarea.com/topics?topic=Oakland), Fremont area ranked fifth in 2007 and dropped to ninth position for 2008.
The Vallejo/Fairfield area made the top 20 list at 18 and San Jose (http://www.nbcbayarea.com/topics?topic=San+Jose) and Sunnyvale (http://www.nbcbayarea.com/topics?topic=Sunnyvale) area ended up at number 40. The Sacramento area ranked high - at 14th on the list.
The list is:


Modesto, CA
Laredo, TX
Yakima, WA
San Diego/Carlsbad/San Marcos, CA
Bakersfield, CA
Stockton, CA
Las Vegas/Paradise, NV
Albuquerque, NM
San Francisco/Oakland/Fremont, CA
Fresno, CA
The Vallejo/Fairfield area made the top 20 list at 18 and San Jose an Sunnyvale area ended up at number 40. Sacramento area ranked high - at 14th on the list.
Hondas are still a thief favorite, with Accord and Civic ranking one and two on the list.
California is also leading the way for motorcycle thefts.

================================================== ==========

2009 Most Fuel Efficient Cars !

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1645904/2009_most_fuel_efficient_cars.html

For years the most fuel efficient cars have come from overseas. Places like Japan, Germany (http://www.associatedcontent.com/theme/506/germany.html) and China (http://www.associatedcontent.com/topic/3803/china.html) have always led the way in cars that gave better gas mileage. With the up and down gas prices (http://www.associatedcontent.com/topic/6037/gas_prices.html) and the fear that gas might go back up to $4
http://ads.associatedcontent.com/www/delivery/lg.php?category_id=27&content_type=article&content_type_id=1645904&key_page=7911223640917031&key_ad=472209001&site_id=1&ad_pos=2&bannerid=455&campaignid=64&zoneid=2&loc=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.associatedcontent.com%2Fa rticle%2F1645904%2F2009_most_fuel_efficient_cars.h tml&cb=ac7c3ae927



and $5, the demand for cars that are more fuel efficient is going up.

American carmakers are now trying to get their foot in the door of the less fuel using car market. Some in part to get some of the government bailout (http://www.associatedcontent.com/topic/105023/wall_street_bailout.html) money. But is it too little to late? After years of making sub par cars, will people trust them to make a quality fuel efficient car? Will these cars stand up to the European and Japanese (http://www.associatedcontent.com/theme/764/japanese.html) cars?

What are the most fuel efficient cars? Lets find out. We'll look at the cars for 2009.

Standing at the top of list is the Toyota Prius. The Prius gets 45 miles per gallon on the highway and 48 mpg in the city. It only uses 7.4 barrels of gasoline per year

Coming in second is the Honda (http://www.associatedcontent.com/topic/607/honda.html) Civic Hybrid. It gets 40mpg city and 45mpg highway and uses 8.8 barrels of gas a year.

Next comes the Smart Fortwo. Both the convertible and the coupe get 33mpg city and 41mpg highway and they both only use 9.5 barrels of gasoline a year.

Next in line is the Pontiac Solstice, which gets 19mpg city and 28mpg highway and uses 15.6 barrels of gasoline a year.

Then we have the Saturn Sky that also gets 1 9mpg city and 28mpg highway and also uses 15.6 barrels of gasoline a year.

Then there's the MINI Cooper, which gets 28 mpg city and 37mpg highway, but only uses 10.7 barrels of gasoline a year. The automatic version of the gets MINI Cooper 25mpg in the city and 34mpg on the highway.

The Toyota Yaris is next on the list. It also has two versions. The manual version gets 29mpg city and 36mpg highway and uses 11 barrels of gasoline a year. The automatic version gets 29mpg in the city and 35mpg on the highway and uses 10.7 barrels of gasoline a year.

Then we have the Volkswagen Jetta. It gets 31mpg city and 41mpg highway while using 11.6 barrels of gasoline a year.

Moving on we have the Nissan Versa, getting 26mpg in the city and 31mpg on the highway It uses 12.2 barrels of gasoline a year.

Next is the Hyundai Sonata, which gets 22mpg in the city and 32mpg on the highway. It uses 13.7 barrels of gasoline a year.

Then we've got the Honda (http://www.associatedcontent.com/topic/607/honda.html) Accord. It gets 22mpg in the city and 31mpg on the highway. It uses 13.7 barrels of gasoline annually.

Coming up next is the Jetta SportsWagon. It has two versions. The manual transmission gets 30mpg city and 41mpg highway and uses 11.6 barrels of gasoline annually. The automatic gets 29mpg city and 40mpg highway and uses 11.9 barrels of gasoline
http://ads.associatedcontent.com/www/delivery/lg.php?category_id=27&content_type=article&content_type_id=1645904&key_page=7911223640917993&key_ad=1332284225&site_id=1&ad_pos=2&bannerid=455&campaignid=64&zoneid=2&loc=1&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.associatedcontent.com%2Fa rticle%2F1645904%2F2009_most_fuel_efficient_cars_p g2.html%3Fcat%3D27&cb=80461498be


annually.

Next we have the Kia Rondo, which gets 20mpg city and 27mpg highway and uses 15.6 barrels of gasoline a year.

And last we have Saab 9-5 SportCombi. It gets 18mpg city and 27mpg highway and uses 16.3 barrels of gasoline a year.

As you can see there aren't many American made cars on this list. But with the changes the American car makers are suppose to make lets how many of their cars make the most fuel efficient cars list next year.

[tokyodream]

Honda Teams With Google to Manage Used Vehicle Sales Online !

http://wot.motortrend.com/6525210/marketing/honda-teams-with-google-to-manage-used-vehicle-sales-online/index.html (http://wot.motortrend.com/6525210/marketing/honda-teams-with-google-to-manage-used-vehicle-sales-online/index.html)


With the help of Google, Honda and its network of dealers have found a way to stem some of the financial losses in this down economy - with increased sales in certified used cars.

Gwinnett Place Honda in Georgia, one of the country's top volume Honda dealers, sold about 400 new cars a month before the economic crunch. While it hasn't been on pace with those figures in recent times, Gwinnett has seen an uptick in certified used car sales through Google.

"In January and February used cars sales were up tremendously, it's really what's gotten us through this," says Bob Wannamaker, Internet sales manager at Gwinnett. "Over the last six months used cars have been an important part of the market. Customers shopping online for used cars - over the last couple months doubled. We get good quality leads from the Google links."

In 2006, sales in Honda certified used cars declined, so Honda's ad agency RPA launched Honda.com/google in 2007. It's a Google sponsored link, using Google's tools such as maps and database, in addition to telling users which cars are available in neighboring dealers. There is a nightly data feed of real time inventory from dealers across the country that participate in the certified used cars program. Honda saw a record number of sales in used cars after launching the site.

"There was a tremendous amount of online search activity around 'used Honda,' 'used Honda Accord,' so instead of taking people to the manufacturer's Web site where they'd have to find certified used car information, we exposed all of this local inventory right off the bat on the search results page," says Mike Margolin, RPA's interactive marketing director. "We've seen is an incredible increase in leads and great cost efficiency in cost per lead."

According to RPA, there was increased interest in used cars, especially in first quarter of 2009. Clicks to that site are up 22%, while views of vehicle listings are up 30% and leads are up 62% from Q4 of 2008.

Certified used cars are usually fairly new, since the supply comes from people turning in their leased cars. Certification for used cars is a plus for consumers and dealers. "On the consumer side, you get that additional warranty and you know the car has been inspected and refurbished. You get more peace of mind and more confidence in your purchase," says Fern Shlauter, RPA's management supervisor. "For the dealer, it's great because it allows them to add value to the purchase process, it helps them make a little more money off of the vehicle."

According to Google's Insights for Search page, there is a particular spike in used car searches from states that have higher unemployment rates, such a Michigan. Google, which gets revenue from sponsored links, has also seen an interest from dealers who've built marketing campaigns around parts and services recently.

"This savvy campaign is particularly relevant in the current economy, successfully tapping into the rising consumer demand for used cars through Google products available to any marketer," says Davang Shah, Google Auto's head of marketing.

[ANT76]

www.adac.de/Auto_Motorrad/pannenstatistik_maengelforum/pannenstatistik_2008/tab.asp?ComponentID=250016&SourcePageID=250114

cam jos Jazzul si Civicul

[tokyodream]

2009 Honda Accord Road Test Review !


http://www.edmunds.com/honda/accord/2009/testdrive.html (http://www.edmunds.com/honda/accord/2009/testdrive.html)


Vehicle Tested:2009 Honda Accord LX-P 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)Pros:Plenty of interior space, decent fuel economy, tight steering, easy-to-read center console buttons.Cons:Ride quality may be too firm for some, trunk doesn't maximize usable space, excessive road noise.

Large cars often bring larger expectations. When pondering big sedans, you probably think of a car with a huge trunk, cushy ride and handling in the nautical class. Although the EPA has classified the 2009 Honda Accord LX-P sedan as a large vehicle, it retains its midsize handling dynamics and remains a strong competitor in the volume-selling family sedan segment.

On our test car, the "P" in LX-P stands for premium. This $1,000 upgrade over the standard Accord LX nets you 16-inch wheels, a security system, auto up/down driver and passenger windows with illuminated switches, an eight-way power driver seat and a chrome exhaust finisher. With an MSRP of just less than $24,000, the LX-P trim presents a viable alternative for those considering the more luxed-out EX, while also hoping to save a few bucks.

For family sedan shoppers, the 2009 Honda Accord remains a strong, sensible choice. It may not be as sporty as the Nissan Altima (http://www.edmunds.com/nissan/altima/2009/index.html) or the Mazda 6 (http://www.edmunds.com/mazda/mazda6/2009/index.html), but it offers a more satisfying driving experience than its closest competitor, the Toyota Camry (http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/camry/2009/index.html). What the Accord may lack in sportiness, it makes up for in build quality and cabin materials. This improved quality, combined with Honda's well-deserved reputation for reliability, makes the Accord a solid bet in the midsize sedan segment.

Photos
View More Photos (http://www.edmunds.com/honda/accord/2009/testdrive.html#Photos)



http://www.edmunds.com/honda/accord/2009/testdrivemanual.2009accordf34hondaft5001jpg.175.11 0.img.jpg (http://www.edmunds.com/honda/accord/2009/testdrive.html#2009accordf34hondaft5001jpg)Enlarge Photo (http://www.edmunds.com/honda/accord/2009/testdrive.html#2009accordf34hondaft5001jpg)



The Accord sedan's subdued styling places it about midpack for flair in relation to its competitors.
(photo by: Kurt Niebuhr)
http://www.edmunds.com/honda/accord/2009/testdrivemanual.2009accordfinthondaft5001jpg.175.1 10.img.jpg (http://www.edmunds.com/honda/accord/2009/testdrive.html#2009accordfinthondaft5001jpg)Enlarg e Photo (http://www.edmunds.com/honda/accord/2009/testdrive.html#2009accordfinthondaft5001jpg)
Though not terribly flashy, the Accord's interior is spacious, and has a well-designed and functional layout.
(photo by: Kurt Niebuhr)
http://www.edmunds.com/honda/accord/2009/testdrivemanual.2009accordr34hondaft5002jpg.175.11 0.img.jpg (http://www.edmunds.com/honda/accord/2009/testdrive.html#2009accordr34hondaft5002jpg)Enlarge Photo (http://www.edmunds.com/honda/accord/2009/testdrive.html#2009accordr34hondaft5002jpg)
The Accord sedan's most notable exterior design cues are found in the taillights and trunk lid.
(photo by: Kurt Niebuhr)
Performance:


On par with its four-cylinder competitors, the Accord's 2.4-liter engine produces 177 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque. Opting for the EX model will increase the output of the 2.4-liter by 13 hp, but the base engine is sufficient for everyday use. The EPA estimates that the 2009 Honda Accord LX-P will net 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and a combined 24 mpg. During our testing, we averaged 22 mpg in varied conditions.

Though equal in thrust to most of its base-engine foes, the Accord does not fare as well when it comes to stopping. At the test track, the Accord's brakes earned a "poor" rating. According to our testers, the feel of the pedal remained consistent under heavy braking, but yielded an underwhelming 60-0 stopping distance of 137 feet. This is about 12 feet longer than it takes to stop a 2009 Mazda 6. Our testers also noticed a high level of body roll during hard cornering.
Most Accord owners will never drive their cars on a track, however, and in real-world driving conditions, the brakes garnered no undue attention. Around town, the 2.4-liter engine accelerates the Accord smartly, with sufficient power to pass slower vehicles. Steering is tight and accurate, and when pushed, the Accord reveals a capable chassis lurking beneath the body roll. Beyond the fact that you might have to start looking for slightly larger parking spaces, rarely does the Accord give the impression that you are driving such a spacious sedan.

Comfort:

The 2009 Honda Accord's cavernous interior makes it easy to get in and out of the car, and finding a comfortable driving position is also a breeze thanks to a tilt-telescoping steering wheel. An eight-way power-adjustable driver seat is included in the LX-P trim, but our test car did not have lumbar support. Rear passengers will find that they have copious amounts of leg- and headroom. There was also plenty of room to install child safety seats on either side, both forward- and rear-facing.

Since Honda had more interior space to work with, the Accord's seats benefit from a few more inches of hip and shoulder room. Regardless of where you sit, you'll find that the seats are firm and well-bolstered, and the cloth upholstery is soft and comfortable.
The Accord's ride quality is slightly firmer than its competitors' — this, of course, is a common trend with vehicles in the Honda lineup. It's not necessarily a bad thing if you're looking for a sportier feel, but accompanying the firm ride is a moderately high level of road noise. You can hear and feel every change in the pavement or bump on the road. As long as you're not expecting Buick levels of isolation, the Accord's level of involvement can prove quite satisfying from the driver's perspective.

Function :

Some of our editors have found the 2009 Honda Accord's center stack to be "overly cluttered (http://www.edmunds.com/honda/accord/2009/review.html) with identical-looking buttons." This may be the case on the upper trim levels with navigation and heated seats, but on the LX-P, the layout is more straightforward. Each horizontal row of buttons has a different-size arrangement, and most are large and easy to read. The major functions (climate control, stereo volume and tuning) are mapped to uniquely shaped knobs that can be identified easily by touch. The steering wheel also has a set of controls for cruise control and basic stereo functions. However, we found ourselves using the large volume knob on the dash more often than the small buttons on the steering wheel.
The power outlet in the center stack has a strange design quirk. It's covered by a plastic flap that doesn't stay in the up position. This flap needs to be held up with one hand as you manipulate your fingers to remove the cap that covers the socket; only then can you plug in the charger, using your other hand. As a result, plugging in a phone charger takes a bit more dexterity than it should.
The Accord's trunk has a large opening, but the placement of the rear struts causes the usable space in the back of the trunk to narrow like an hourglass. With a maximum cargo capacity of 14 cubic feet, this limitation causes the Accord to have less usable trunk space than its competitors. In our real-world testing, we were able to easily fit a large suitcase and a few golf bags in the trunk. To squeeze in more luggage, you'll need to place smaller bags in first or fold down the one-piece rear seatback.

Design/Fit and Finish:

The Accord's styling can best be described as inoffensive. Its simple and clean design cues don't stand out, and the best angle is from behind, with its trapezoidal-styled taillights and slightly rounded deck lid. To put its increased size into perspective, the 2009 Honda Accord is 5 inches longer and an inch wider than a 2009 Camry.
High-quality materials have been used throughout the Accord's well-built interior. The instrument cluster has a clean layout and the brushed aluminum on the gauges gives the car an upscale look. The buttons on the center stack have a nice, solid feel to them, regardless of how you feel about their placement.

Who Should Buy This Vehicle:

People looking for a spacious, well-equipped and fuel-efficient sedan. The Honda Accord has gotten larger this generation, but the increased size doesn't come at the expense of its driving characteristics. The LX-P trim level adds value to the base-model Accord with some noteworthy additions that bring the equipment list reasonably close to that of an EX.

Others To Consider :

Ford Fusion (http://www.edmunds.com/ford/fusion/2009/index.html), Mazda 6 (http://www.edmunds.com/mazda/mazda6/2009/index.html), Nissan Altima (http://www.edmunds.com/nissan/altima/2009/index.html), Toyota Camry (http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/camry/2009/index.html).

The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.

[tokyodream]

Model Year
2009

Make
Honda


Model
Accord


Style
LX-P 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)


Base Price
$22,705


Price as Tested
$23,375


Options on Test Vehicle
None.


Drive Type
Front-wheel drive


Transmission Type
5-speed automatic


Transmission and Axle Ratio (x:1)
I=3.267; II=1.778; III=1.154; IV=0.870; V: 0.647; R=3.583; Final=4.39


Engine Type
Inline-4


Displacement (cc / cu-in)
2,354cc (144 cu-in)


Block/Head Material
Aluminum/aluminum


Valvetrain
Double overhead camshaft


Compression Ratio
10.5


Redline (rpm)
6,800


Horsepower (hp @ rpm)
177 @ 6,500


Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)
161 @ 4,300


Brake Type (front)
Ventilated disc


Brake Type (rear)
Disc


Steering System
Speed-proportional power steering


Steering Ratio
13.08:1


Suspension Type (front)
Double wishbone


Suspension Type (rear)
Independent, multilink and stabilizer bar


Tire Size (front)
P215/60R16 H


Tire Size (rear)
P215/60R16 H


Tire Brand
Dunlop


Tire Model
SP Sport 7000 A/S


Tire Type
All-season


Wheel Size
16-by-6.5 inches front and rear


Wheel Material (front/rear)
Alloy


Manufacturer Curb Weight (lb)
3,298


Curb Weight As Tested (lb)
3,263


Weight Distribution, F/R (%)
61/39


Recommended Fuel
Regular unleaded


Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5


EPA Fuel Economy (mpg)
21 city/30 highway


Edmunds Observed (mpg)
22


Testing Conditions
Temperature (Fahrenheit)
71.88


Humidity
12%


Elevation (ft)
1,121


Wind
9 South



Performance
0 - 30 (sec)
3.4


0 - 45 (sec)
5.8


0 - 60 (sec)
9.1


0 - 75 (sec)
13.3


1/4 Mile (sec @ mph)
16.6 @ 84.3


0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec)
9.11


30 - 0 (ft)
34


60 - 0 (ft)
137


Braking Rating
Poor


Slalom (mph)
62.1


Skid Pad Leteral acceleration (g)
0.80


Handling Rating
Poor


Db @ Idle
47.3


Db @ Full Throttle
71.4


Db @ 70 mph Cruise
66.0



Tester Comments
Acceleration Comments
No real technique with this little power. Not enough oomph to spin tires...even with stability control off and utilizing brake torque. Overall, engine seems uninterested.


Braking Comments
Remarkably, no read fade but underwhelming (and typically Honda) stopping distance. Pedal remained consistent.


Handling Comments
Slalom: This car needs stability control. Truly wants to go backward with it off. Best (and only good) run required rolling into the throttle for full length of slalom to stabilize chassis. Skid pad: Very low limits. Lots of body roll but remarkably unintrusive stability control during steady-state cornering. Transitions are a different story.



Specifications
Length (in)
194.1


Width (in)
72.7


Height (in)
58.1


Wheelbase (in)
110.2


Front Track (in)
62.6


Rear Track (in)
62.6


Turning Circle (ft)
37.7


Legroom, front (in)
42.5


Legroom, rear (in)
37.2


Headroom, front (in)
41.4


Headroom, rear (in)
38.5


Shoulder Room, front (in)
58.2


Shoulder Room, rear (in)
56.4


Maximum Seating Capacity
5


Cargo Volume (cu-ft)
14.0



Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper
3 years/36,000 miles


Power Train
5 years/60,000 miles


Corrosion
5 years/Unlimited miles


Scheduled Maintenance
Not available



Safety
Front Airbags
Standard


Side Airbags
Standard dual front


Head Airbags
Standard front and rear


Knee Airbags
Not available


Antilock Brakes
4-wheel ABS


Electronic Brake Enhancements
Braking assist, electronic brakeforce distribution


Traction Control
Standard


Stability Control
Standard


Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Tire-pressure monitoring


Emergency Assistance System
Not available


NHTSA Crash Test Driver
5 stars


NHTSA Crash Test Passenger
5 stars


NHTSA Crash Test Side Front
5 stars


NHTSA Crash Test Side Rear
3 stars


NHTSA Rollover
5 stars


IIHS Offset
Good

[razvan p.]

florine,ultimele caracteristici tehnice sunt ale accordului N.A. sau ale celui japonez/european?ca nu mai inteleg valorile de cuplu,putere,etc.

[tokyodream]

E modelul american, nu a incaput articolul intr-un post :(

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Honda takes hybrids in new direction

Carmaker forms venture with GS Yuasa Corp. to manufacture powerful lithium-ion batteries !


http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20090423a4.html

FUKUCHIYAMA, Kyoto Pref. (Kyodo) Back in the early 1970s, Honda (javascript:void(0))http://img.breitbart.com/images/lingo/spot/spacer.gif Motor Co. both impressed and shocked the global auto industry (http://search.japantimes.co.jp/member/member.html?mode=getarticle&file=nb20081208ve.html)http://img.breitbart.com/images/lingo/spot/spacer.gif by becoming the first automaker in the world to develop an engine that complied with stringent U.S. emissions controls at the time.
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/images/photos2009/nb20090423a4a.jpgBattery buddies: Honda (javascript:void(0))http://img.breitbart.com/images/lingo/spot/spacer.gif Motor Co. President Takeo Fukui (right) and GS Yuasa Corp. President Makoto Yoda participate in a groundbreaking ceremony for a lithium-ion battery plant in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Prefecture, on Tuesday. KYODO PHOTO

Nearly 40 years later, Japan's second-largest automaker remains ahead in the green race for fuel-efficient cars, bringing a megahit, low-priced Insight hybrid hatchback into a market pounded by an unprecedented dive in worldwide car sales.
And now, it is ditching its go-alone policy by forming a joint venture with GS Yuasa Corp. to manufacture lithium-ion batteries for gasoline-electric hybrids that are more compact, lightweight and powerful than existing batteries.
The move marks a departure from Honda's earlier focus on clean diesel engines (http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn19980416a9.html)http://img.breitbart.com/images/lingo/spot/spacer.gif for medium-size and larger cars to distinguish itself from Toyota Motor Corp. (javascript:void(0))http://img.breitbart.com/images/lingo/spot/spacer.gif, which became a pioneer of the hybrid technology with the launch of the first-generation Prius in 1997.
"It's true that engines have formed the core of Honda's history in the past 50 to 60 years, but in the new age, electric motor technology will become a crucial pillar," Honda President Takeo Fukui told reporters in Kyoto on Tuesday.
Following a groundbreaking ceremony for the joint venture plant, Fukui indicated Honda may install the lithium-ion batteries that will be produced with GS Yuasa in its second-generation Civic hybrid or a hybrid model of the Fit compact expected to be released after 2010.
According to a recent report by JPMorgan Securities Japan Co. in Tokyo, the global hybrid market is expected to expand from 500,000 units in 2007 to 9.62 million units by 2018 with 10 percent of global auto sales expected to be made up of hybrid cars in 2020.
JPMorgan analysts also expect lithium batteries to become mainstream by mid-2010, replacing nickel-metal hydride batteries that currently power most hybrids, including Toyota's Prius and Honda's Insight.
"Regardless of what may come out in the future, lithium batteries for now are the most advanced among existing technologies," said Yasuaki Iwamoto, an auto analyst at Okasan Securities Co.

"In a sense, it now represents a predetermined course for any automaker" to pursue the advanced battery technology, he said.
While its Insight batteries were supplied by Sanyo Electric Co., Honda has often stood out for its reluctance to go along with other domestic rivals in committing to a single partner in the manufacture of next-generation batteries.
Toyota formed a separate battery venture with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., now Panasonic Corp., back in 1996, while Nissan Motor Co. partnered with NEC Corp. in 2007.

Toyota plans to introduce a lithium-ion battery-powered plug-in hybrid by the end of this year, while Nissan has said it will launch an electric vehicle and a lithium-ion battery-powered hybrid in 2010.
GS Yuasa also has a separate joint venture with Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Mitsubishi Corp. to develop lithium-ion batteries that will be used to power MMC's plug-in electric vehicle to be launched in the summer.
But despite its late partnership with the Kyoto-based battery maker, many analysts say Honda still remains the only formidable threat to industry leader Toyota in terms of the hybrid market.

"The auto industry (http://search.japantimes.co.jp/member/member.html?mode=getarticle&file=nb20081208ve.html)http://img.breitbart.com/images/lingo/spot/spacer.gif is scrambling to promote development of fuel-efficient technology," said Shigeru Matsumura, an auto analyst at SMBC Friend Research Center. "But the only ones now who can make profitable hybrids are Toyota and Honda."
Just as Honda shattered the myth that costly hybrids are for the affluent through the release of the Insight with a sticker price just shy of ¥2 million, both Honda and GS Yuasa are determined to develop affordable lithium-ion batteries partially through aggressive cost cuts in production lines.
Yet, even as Honda follows the general hype over lithium-ion batteries, Fukui made it clear the company is still pouring resources into the development of a fuel-cell-powered vehicle while showing apathy in electric vehicles, a hot product most automakers are eager to roll out in the next few years.

"Toyota has an unparalleled advantage in terms of funds, but in Honda's case, there have been some twists and turns when it comes to the question of where it will allocate its limited resources for the future," Okasan's Iwamoto said.
Even then, Honda has been relatively flexible and swift in redistributing its resources as it sees fit, making a timely shift to next-generation batteries from clean diesel engines (http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn19980416a9.html)http://img.breitbart.com/images/lingo/spot/spacer.gif as they lost their competitive edge amid higher and volatile oil prices.

And so far, it has narrowly managed to stay in the black for most of the just-ended business year, a feat both Toyota and Nissan have failed to achieve as they anticipate deep losses caused by a stronger yen and the recession.

But that agility will become handier with even experts clueless on who will take the dominant position in the race for next-generation batteries and eco-friendly cars, which may well determine the survival of the automakers.

"Lithium-ion batteries are becoming the current trend, but this isn't the answer to everything and things will continue to evolve, said Junichi Yamaki, a Tokyo-based analyst at Moody's Japan K.K. "Nobody knows who the real winner will be."

[tokyodream]

Honda, Toyota make $3,100 profit on each hybrid sold (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/04/28/honda-toyota-make-3-100-profit-on-each-hybrid-sold/) !


http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/04/28/honda-toyota-make-3-100-profit-on-each-hybrid-sold/ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/04/28/honda-toyota-make-3-100-profit-on-each-hybrid-sold/)

The whole Insight/Prius price war (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/04/21/toyota-to-take-on-insight-by-cutting-prius-base-price-to-21-000/) thing has been settled. We know that the cheapest 2010 Toyota Prius (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/04/21/2010-prius-starts-at-21-000-one-with-everything-costs-32-500/) will be $21,750 and the lowest-cost 2010 Honda Insight (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/10/2010-honda-insight-officially-priced-at-19-800/) will be $20,470. Hybrid buyers win because of the competitive price drops, but it turns out that both automakers are also winners. According to the Japanese newspaper Nikkei (via Green Car Congress (http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/04/report-honda-toyota-earning-profits-on-hybrids.html)), each hybrid that Honda and Toyota sell earns the respective company about $3,100 in profit. Of course, Toyota also sells the Lexus hybrids, which bumps up the average, and the numbers are calculated using 2008 sales of the second-generation Prius, but this is still good news for the Japanese automakers. In fact, Green Car Congress (http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/04/report-honda-toyota-earning-profits-on-hybrids.html) says that the companies make as much money on each hybrid as they do on each small, gasoline-engined vehicle they sell. With numbers like that, there's no reason to expect the "hybrid for everyone (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/13/honda-ads-call-insight-the-hybrid-for-everyone-highlight-low/)" (the Insight) and the world's best-selling hybrid (the Prius) to go away any time soon. Wonder what Saturn thinks of all this (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/04/27/gm-ends-saturn-brand-in-restructuring-phev-vue-we-hardly-knew/)?

[tokyodream]

Honda Civic still the benchmark compact !


http://www2.canada.com/travel/honda+civic+still+benchmark+compact/1287792/story.html?id=1287792&p=1 (http://www2.canada.com/travel/honda+civic+still+benchmark+compact/1287792/story.html?id=1287792&p=1)

The 2009 Honda Civic is a far cry from the stubby little hatchback that landed on our shores in 1972. Since then Honda has stayed the course, year after year adding, improving and perfecting the Civic in response to customer needs and the ups and downs of market conditions. It's a business model that Ford, GM and Chrysler have never understood.
For the 10 years between 1997 and 2007, it was the top-selling car in Canada and today, it remains the benchmark for all compacts in North America.
Not only that, it comes in three models -- high-performance Coupe, Family Sedan and Hybrid -- neatly covering the all the bases in the marketplace and appealing to a broad range of individual tastes. Now in its eighth generation, the 2009 Civic is leaner, cleaner, more sophisticated and, with nearly 40 years of development behind it, reliable as a hammer.
http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www2.canada.com/travel/honda+civic+still+benchmark+compact/1287792/1287793.bin?size=l Honda Civic.

Handout

More pictures: < Prev (javascript:void changeImage(-1);) | Next > (javascript:void changeImage(1);)
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Our test car was the Civic EXL Sedan finished in Crystal Black Pearl with Gray Leather Seating. Introduced last year, the latest Civic has a sleeker, more aerodynamic shape that flows in continuous curves from the integrated front bumper, over the steeply raked windshield, before sloping gently back to the rear deck lid. The smoother shape means less wind resistance and optimum fuel efficiency.
The slightly flared fenders and elegant ten-spoke, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels give the Civic a purposeful look while the body-colour outside mirrors and door handles add a touch of understated luxury.
A great handling car starts with a rigid body structure that resists flexing or twisting when negotiating bumps or cornering.
The Civic's ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure takes this a step further by incorporating load bearing substructures to disperse energy away from the cabin in the event of collisions.
Power is provided by a 140-horsepower four-cylinder 1.8-litre, 16-valve, SOHC engine with i-VTEC, Honda's exclusive " i" for intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control.
Without getting too technical, the system provides more efficient combustion for increased performance and fuel economy while lowering emissions, earning the Civic EPA's ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) status. The engine delivers 140 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels via an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission while The Drive-By-Wire Throttle System replaces mechanical parts with electronic impulses for a more immediate and smoother response to the accelerator pedal.
A 5-speed manual transmission is standard but our tester came with the optional 5-speed Automatic with Lock-Up Torque convertor. (The high performance Si Coupe and Sedan come with a 197-horsepower, 2-litre I4 while the Hybrid combines a 1.3-litre I4 with an Electric Motor Assist).
The EXL combines heated (front) leather seating with manual seat controls. Not a usual combination but perfectly acceptable. Getting comfortable behind the wheel is no problem thanks to the tilt/telescoping steering wheel and the 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat (4-way adjusters for the front passenger).

The Civic's two-tier instrument panel features a bold digital speedometer flanked by linear gauges for engine temperature and fuel, positioned in the direct line of sight. At first, I found the digital speedometer a distraction as the large numbers kept changing with the car's speed. But after a while, your peripheral vision accepts it without taking your main attention away from the road.
A more conventional tachometer, redlined at 6,300 rpm, is positioned in the lower tier with a read-out panel for odometer and trip odo, plus transmission mode indicator. I particularly liked the three-spoke steering wheel. It features audio and cruise control buttons plus thumb notches that allow for comfortable (and correct) 3- and 9- o'clock hand positions. The interior, finished in soft shades of grey, uses a pleasing mix of surface textures, highlighted with brushed metal trim to convey a high-tech look.
All the controls are intuitive and easy to reach. An info panel for the clock, trip odo, ambient temperature and audio system tops the centre stack. Simple controls for the speed-sensitive audio system are set below, featuring AM/FM/CD plus MP3/WMA compatibility. Conventional controls for the AC (with air filtration) and heating are positioned below. The multi-functional centre console features two beverage holders, stores up to 20 CDs and serves as an armrest for both front seat occupants.

On the road, the Civic provides a quiet, comfortable ride. With its tall fifth gear, the engine is only turning 2,000 rpm at highway speeds, enabling it to deliver 5.7 L/100 km (50 mpg). The supple suspension smoothes out road irregularities and the power-assisted, variable rack and pinion steering is light and direct with a strong on-centre feel at highway speeds. In stop-and-go city driving, I found it best to select D3.
This allows the transmission to utilize the bottom three gears, leaving fourth and fifth for higher speeds. Power-assisted anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) inspire confidence with short, controlled stops on any surface. New this year is standard VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) with Traction Control that checks wheelspin to maintain directional control on any surface. Occupants are protected with 3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners for all five positions, active front head restraints and the full complement of airbags: dual-stage, dual-threshold front; front seat side (with Occupant Position Detection); and full, side curtain airbags.
The trunk capacity of 340 litres (12 cu.ft.) is almost doubled by folding down the rear seat and easily accommodates two golf bags and weekend luggage. Other amenities include keyless-entry system; power remote/heated outside mirrors; Immobilizer Theft-Deterrent System; power windows with auto up/down driver's side; variable, intermittent wipers; MP3 auxiliary input jack and LATCH tethers for child seats.
"The EXL is a great addition to the Civic line," says Kelvin Frumento of Nanaimo Honda. "We didn't have a model with leather seating before and so it gives people a chance to enjoy a new level of comfort and luxury without giving up Civic's well known affordability and economy."

Alan McPhee is a Canadian automotive journalist and is former editor of Carguide Magazine. His articles appear each week in this space.

BOTTOM LINE:

HONDA CIVIC EXL

(javascript:void window.open('/components/email.aspx?id=1287792&referrer=http://www2.canada.com/travel/honda+civic+still+benchmark+compact/1287792/story.html?id=1287792&p=2&sponsor=', '', 'width=450,height=410,location=no,toolbar=no,menub ar=no,scrollbars=yes,resizable=no'))[URL="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php"]

Type: FWD compact sedan
Engine: 1.8-litre SOHC L4
Horsepower: 140 @ 6300 rpm
Torque: 128 @ 4300 rpm
Fuel economy: 8.2 L/100 km city; 5.7 L/100 km highway
Base price: $24,680
Price as tested: $25,990
(includes PDI and freight)

Vehicle provided by Nanaimo Honda.

[tokyodream]

Acura Announces April Sales Results !

TL Performance Luxury Sedan Monthly Sales Leader for Acura
TORRANCE, Calif., May 1 -- Total Acurahttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/05/01/459080.html#) sales for April were 8,813, down 32.3 percent compared to April 2008, with Acura year-to-date* sales totaling 33,333 units, down 33.4 percent. The all-new TL performance luxury sedan remained as Acura's top selling model in April, a three month sales trend, with TL sales reaching 3,105 units, down 27.6 percent as compared to last year.

The TSX sports sedanhttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/05/01/459080.html#) continues to be a popular choice and was Acura's next best selling sedan in April with 2,429 units sold; TSX total sales for 2009 are 9,684, up 5.7 percent. Acura light truck sales were led by the MDX luxury SUV with 2,337 units sold, while RDX crossover SUV sales tallied 740.

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/05/01/459080.html (http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/05/01/459080.html)

[tokyodream]

Hybrid Sales Up Slightly for April in Otherwise Dreary Market !

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=147407 (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=147407)

SANTA MONICA, California — Hybrid sales in the U.S. rose in April for the fourth consecutive month and posted the highest monthly volume since October 2008. The bump illustrates the influence that novelty and price still have on the market: The all-new 2010 Honda Insight (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=139246) and a heavily incentivized Honda Civic Hybrid (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=135206) largely account for the gain.

Dealers sold 21,735 gas-electric hybrids in April, according to Edmunds.com data, up 1.4 percent from 21,433 in March but down 45.9 percent from April '08 sales of 40,198 — the second best month on record for hybrids.

Toyota's Prius (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=144886), due to be replaced by an all-new, next-generation model by the end of this month and helped by big incentives in some markets, continued to be the top-selling hybrid in the nation, although April sales of 8,385 were down 6 percent from March and off 61.5 percent from a year earlier.

The 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid was second in volume with 3,361 sold in April, up 17.1 percent for the month but down 22.3 percent from April '08.

Toyota's Camry Hybrid (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/ViewModelDetail/make=Toyota/model=Camry%20Hybrid) was the third biggest seller for the month, but sales of 2,198 models actually represented a 14 percent decline from March and a 67 percent plunge from a year earlier.

The 2010 Honda Insight, with a base price of just over $20,000 making it the least-expensive new hybrid, was the fourth best-selling model as sales more than tripled to 2,096 from its introductory month in March.

The total likely would have been higher but not all dealerships were fully stocked.

Inside Line says: A complete list of April sales figures for the current crop of hybrids can be found over at Green Car Advisor (http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2009/05/honda-ford-lead-hybrid-sales-to-slight-april-gain-in-otherwise-dreary-market.html). — John O'Dell, Senior Editor

[primus]

'reliable as a hammer' :D faina fraza, dar stiu ca e si sustinuta de realitate. chiar modelel mai vechi, desi nu erau as aratoase ca ultimul model si tot semanau satisfactie printre clienti.

[travis]

Conform ultimelor "date", Accordul CL7/9 se simte bine.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/?group=class&cat=compact_executive

[razvan p.]

hehehe!stiu eu cati-va cocalari cu 3-ar care ar spune ca indienii conduc honda in uk!bine nu-si dau seama ca se pun astfel in inferioritate singuri.B.M.W.-e masina clasica a cocalarului manelist,capsunar,italian sau a sclavului plecat la munca inafara.de cartier!in proportie de 90%!

[travis]

Asta e, acum piata romaneasca e in formare de ceva timp... Din pacate cei mai slabi de inger sunt si cei mai vehementi. Citeam deunazi pe clubmazda ca Accordul e pt. pensionari... Ce sa-i faci, chestie de gusturi ;)

[tokyodream]

daca va uitati si la celelalte topuri:

CITY CAR : http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/?group=class&cat=city_car (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/?group=class&cat=city_car) - JAZZ locul 4

OFF ROAD: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/?group=class&cat=off_road (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/?group=class&cat=off_road) - CR-V locul 5

SPORT : http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/?group=class&cat=sports (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/?group=class&cat=sports) - S 2000 locul 1

Alte topuri:

http://photos.autoexpress.co.uk/front_website/driverpower/2009/images/dpArchive.gif (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/)

TOP 100 CARS (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/)
TOP MANUFACTURERS (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/?group=manufacturers)
RESULTS BY CLASS (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/?group=class)
RESULTS BY CATEGORY (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/?group=category)


DRIVER POWER HOME (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/)
Performance (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/?group=category&cat=performance) | Build Quality (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/?group=category&cat=build_quality) | Running Costs (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/?group=category&cat=running_costs) | Reliability (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/?group=category&cat=reliability) | Comfort (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/?group=category&cat=comfort) | Practicality (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/?group=category&cat=practicality) | Ease of Driving (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/?group=category&cat=ease_of_driving) | Braking (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/?group=category&cat=braking) | Handling (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/?group=category&cat=handling) | Ride Quality (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_power_2009/archive/?group=category&cat=ride_quality)

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[tokyodream]

Honda, Guangzhou Honda and Dongfeng Honda at the Shanghai Auto Exhibition - An environmentally responsible mobile life


China, April 20, 2009 - Honda, Guangzhou Honda and Dongfeng Honda, as well as a number of models under the luxury Acura brand and other competitive new models, are on display at the Shanghai International Automobile Exhibition. With a theme of “Mobility for the Earth”, the environmentally responsible products show the way to the mobile life of the future with innovative and advanced technologies. Many models powered by new sources of energy, including the fuel cell FCX Clarity and completely new hybrid Insight, are on display for the first time at the exhibition. Guangzhou Honda released the next generation Odyssey, which represents the height of fashion in MPVs, and Dongfeng Honda launched the upgraded Civic Hybrid in step with the international market. The SR-9, an upper-end sports car currently under development, was displayed as well. The outstanding products exemplify Honda’s strength in technology innovation and continuing commitment to environmental responsibility.

http://world.honda.com/news/2009/4090420Shanghai-Auto-Exhibition/image/01_s.jpg (http://world.honda.com/news/2009/4090420Shanghai-Auto-Exhibition/photo/pages/01.html)
http://world.honda.com/motorsports/img/zoom.gif (http://world.honda.com/news/2009/4090420Shanghai-Auto-Exhibition/photo/pages/01.html)
Sports Premium Sedan SR-9 (Exhibition Sample)

The FCX Clarity also makes its debut in Shanghai, being displayed at the exhibition. With the unique V Flow FC Stack, an innovative compact, but powerful fuel cell stack developed by Honda, the FCX Clarity provides a superb driving experience wrapped in fashionable design. Fuel cell vehicles are powered by hydrogen, and electricity, generated by the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, powers the car. The only exhaust emission is water, so it is the ultimate environmentally responsible vehicle.

Hybrid power technology is currently the most viable and effective environmentally responsible technology. Honda has brought the Insight, a completely new hybrid model shown in China for the first time. The IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid power system, created by Honda, uses a petrol engine as the primary power, while the electric motor provides an intelligent assist. The system is compact, effective and lightweight. The new Insight with the IMA system combines excellent environmentally responsible performance and an enjoyable driving experience.

The fourth generation Odyssey, which will begin production by the end of 2009, is also on display at the Shanghai Automobile Exhibition. The all-new ODYSSEY is a multi-purpose vehicle developed by Honda in line with the latest trends in the global MPV market. The vehicle has been developed around the concept of “Dynamic Prestige”. Continuing the high quality tradition of the ODYSSEY brand, this new generation vehicle differs in that it has been designed to be more sedan-like in profile, driving experience and interior configuration. It is also characterized by enhanced safety, environmental responsibility and energy efficiency technologies. These elements make it a mid-high range MPV that boasts many of the advantages of a sedan. It is a new development trend in MPVs, and makes the vehicle more commercial, tasteful and practical, and puts it in a powerful position in the MPV niche.

New ODYSSEY
The new Civic Hybrid, in line with the latest trends in the international market, is being released at the auto exhibition, and will go on sale nationwide in June. The Civic is on display in an elegant cloud white, with a fashionable and dynamic appearance. A fuel consumption test conducted by Tsinghua University showed that the fuel consumption of the Civic Hybrid is 4.7L/100km, 37% better than the conventional Civic EXi AT. The hybrid vehicle’s fuel economy ranks among the world’s best.

New CIVIC HYBRID
Dongfeng Honda is displaying for the first time a new model under development, codenamed the SR-9. The “S” in SR-9 represents Sports Premium Sedan, while the “R” signifies that the car is under research and development, and “9” is the largest digit. The first sports car exhibition prototype aiming at the upper-end market in China, the SR-9 has set a new design concept for upper-end sport cars. With many advanced technologies, the model combines streamlined fashion and a dynamic sporty character. Precise operation, a human-oriented concept, high technology driving, and ample space will make the sports car a leading model for the upper-end market. Mass production is expected to begin in the second half of 2009. It will allow Dongfeng Honda to lead the upper-end sports car industry by exploring a completely new market.

Sports Premium Sedan SR-9 (Exhibition Sample)
Other competitive models, including the Accord, Fit, City, CR-V, and Civic are also at the Shanghai International Automobile Exhibition. Honda devoted special attention to the design of the exhibition stand. The earth, in blue, is the major element, signifying Honda’s wish for the future ---- the harmonious development of a mobile life and the environment. The environmentally responsible products and technologies, as well as the elegant exhibition stand, are sure to make an impression.

http://world.honda.com/news/2009/4090420Shanghai-Auto-Exhibition/ (http://world.honda.com/news/2009/4090420Shanghai-Auto-Exhibition/)


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Honda Aircraft Company Updates HondaJet Program


Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S.A., April 30, 2009 - Honda Aircraft Company, Inc., announced important updates to its HondaJet aviation program including revised first flight and delivery timetables for the company's industry-leading advanced light jet. Ongoing global aerospace industry business challenges have resulted in a delay in receiving critical components for conforming aircraft production, which will result in a new first flight target of January 2010 and projected first customer delivery in the fourth quarter of 2011.

http://world.honda.com/news/2009/c090430Updates-HondaJet-Program/image/01_s.jpg (http://world.honda.com/news/2009/c090430Updates-HondaJet-Program/photo/pages/01.html)
http://world.honda.com/motorsports/img/zoom.gif (http://world.honda.com/news/2009/c090430Updates-HondaJet-Program/photo/pages/01.html)

Honda Aircraft Company is partnering with leading aerospace industry suppliers for the manufacture of major subassemblies utilizing proprietary Honda designs and technologies. Delays in delivering some of these critical components to Honda for conforming aircraft production has required a revision in the first flight target for conforming aircraft to January 2010. As a result, first customer delivery, originally scheduled for late 2010, is projected in the fourth quarter of 2011 following completion of FAA flight-testing certification.

"We have been working very closely with our suppliers over the past year in an effort to minimize the effect of the ongoing worldwide economic instability on HondaJet development," said Michimasa Fujino, Honda Aircraft Company president and CEO. "Unfortunately, we now have no choice but to revise our schedule. We appreciate our customers' continued trust and their understanding of the challenges we are facing to bring to them the most advanced light jet available."

Honda Aircraft Company has progressed with the establishment of its new state-of-the-art world headquarters campus in Greensboro, North Carolina, where the HondaJet is being developed and will be manufactured. The campus complex includes a world headquarters building that incorporates all engineering, sales, support, marketing, and administration functions. The recently completed world R&D center on campus features over four acres under roof and houses the ongoing construction of conforming aircraft. The R&D facility also houses the world delivery center for all HondaJet aircraft.

The HondaJet offers superior performance, greater interior space and cargo capacity, higher levels of standard equipment, and significantly lower fuel consumption than any light jet of its size. At $3.9 million, the HondaJet is also priced for much less than its leading light jet competitor. "We are confident we will deliver to our customers the best-performing and best-valued light jet in the industry," added Fujino.

Ground will be broken this summer on the final phase of campus infrastructure development with construction of the HondaJet production facility. With the completion of the HondaJet production facility, the company's total world headquarters complex will reach 500,000 ft2 under roof on the 83-acre campus.

"We are moving forward confidently with the HondaJet program with the full backing and strength of our parent, Honda Motor Company. Our production facility will incorporate not only production functions, but also world-class flight training facilities. We will deliver to our customers an aircraft of outstanding quality that will be supported with exceptional sales, service and flight training programs," said Fujino.

http://world.honda.com/news/2009/c090430Updates-HondaJet-Program/ (http://world.honda.com/news/2009/c090430Updates-HondaJet-Program/)

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Honda Canada Commemorates Milestone of 5 Millionth Vehicle Made In Canada


TORONTO, Canada, April 28, 2009 - Honda Canada Inc. commemorated the 5 millionth vehicle made in Canada at its Honda of Canada Mfg. vehicle manufacturing facility in Alliston, Ontario. This milestone reflects Honda’s commitment to Canada since it began manufacturing vehicles in the country 23 years ago.

http://world.honda.com/news/2009/c0904285-Millionth-Vehicle-Made-In-Canada/image/01_s.jpg (http://world.honda.com/news/2009/c0904285-Millionth-Vehicle-Made-In-Canada/photo/pages/01.html)
http://world.honda.com/motorsports/img/zoom.gif (http://world.honda.com/news/2009/c0904285-Millionth-Vehicle-Made-In-Canada/photo/pages/01.html)

The 5 millionth vehicle built – a 2009 Honda Civic sedan – was presented by Honda President and CEO, Mr. Manabu Nishimae, to the Province of Ontario in a ceremony held at Queen’s Park. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty received the keys to the new Civic of behalf of the Province of Ontario and, in turn, presented the car to Pamela Fuselli, executive director of Safe Kids Canada.

“This is a significant accomplishment for Honda in Canada,” said Manabu Nishimae, president and chief executive officer of Honda Canada Inc. ”In 1986, we built the first of three factories in Alliston, based on our company’s philosophy to build our products close to our customers. Honda continues to invest its profits back into Canada as we strive to be a company that Canadians will want to exist. We are also committed to the manufacturing of green, safe, fun vehicles. Our donation to the Province, and to Safe Kids Canada is a reflection of this pledge to our Canadian consumers and to consumer safety.”

“We are grateful to Premier McGuinty, the Ontario government and Honda Canada for their support and commitment to keeping children safe on our roads,” said Pamela Fuselli, executive director, Safe Kids Canada. “It is donations like this from our partners and supporters that enable Safe Kids Canada to provide Canadians with practical and reliable solutions to prevent injuries so that our children can be active, healthy and safe.”


http://world.honda.com/news/2009/c0904285-Millionth-Vehicle-Made-In-Canada/ (http://world.honda.com/news/2009/c0904285-Millionth-Vehicle-Made-In-Canada/)

[tokyodream]

Road Test: 2009 Honda Accord EX-L !

http://autos.canada.com/news/story.html?id=1569698 (http://autos.canada.com/news/story.html?id=1569698)

I've had an affinity for the Honda Accord since having one for a company car about ten years ago. For three years all I did was put gas in it and drive it, just like you drive a car you don't own. When I handed the keys back I realized that even with all the abuse that Accord took, it had been completely problem-free and felt just like the day I first took it home. I would have bought one after that, except for the small problem that these cars of outstanding value were UGLY! I realize that such a statement is subjective, but at the very least previous Accords were extremely bland.
http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/autos.canada.com/news/1569701.bin?size=hhl

2009 Honda Accord EX-L. For more images, click the gallery link.


In Honda's defense there was never much incentive to change one of the top selling cars in North America. The Accord did get its first significant beauty makeover in 2003 and then another one last year. The 2008 redesign remains unchanged for 2009 for good reason – it looks good! It's not a head turner, but it has an attractive profile and nice strong stance. The more I look at it, the more I like it.
I give more points for the interior treatment. My EX-L Navi (L for leather, Navi for Navigation) tester has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $33,090 when the $1,200 automatic transmission is included. This is about $8,000 more than the most basic LX model with cloth and five-speed manual transmission. With high quality leather seating and trim, tasteful faux wood accents and an attractive dash it's easy to imagine having spent much more. The centre stack with its large LCD Navigation screen is a thing of beauty, but does have its irritants. The controls for the stereo and climate control are a wash of indistinguishable buttons of similar size and colour. It looks like clutter. I'm not crazy about some of the ergonomics either.
For example, I found it annoying that the fan speed control was way over on the passenger side of the stack. Sure, it has automatic dual climate control, but as the driver I would like to be able to tweak the fan myself without having to unbuckle! The navigation system, however, is quite easy to reach and use. Honda dropped the touch-screen in favour of an intuitive rotary knob. Many functions are also available through voice command, which works surprisingly well. It's addictive, and over time I completely forgot that nerdy feeling I first had when talking to the car. The eight-inch LCD is deeply recessed and is transflective, so it actually gets brighter in sunlight instead of dimmer.
The EX-L package includes a big upgrade to your listening experience too, by taking the base 160-watt AM/FM/MPS/WMA system to 270 watts and providing seven speakers including a subwoofer. It also adds a 6-disc in-dash CD changer and XM satellite radio. I was fairly impressed that even fitted out with the optional Navigation system and Bluetooth wireless phone interface my tester still listed under 35 thousand dollars.
Thanks to Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the stereo system or your conversation with passengers is not competing with road or engine noise. Honda introduced this five years ago. The system emits an opposite signal that cancels out certain noises so the human ear cannot detect them. This is standard in most models with the automatic transmission. I wish I were able to jump into one Accord with ANC and one without to compare, but there's an acoustic engineer in a lab coat somewhere who swears it works and the Accord is quiet for it's price range.
The 2009 Accord is the roomiest Honda ever, thanks to added head, leg and hip room both front and rear. The leather seats are firm and comfortable and look like they come from a much higher end car. My longest drive was two hours, but I felt like I could drive comfortably for many more hours. There is such a solid feel when driving the Accord with it's independent front and rear multi-link double wishbone rear suspension, while the steering is responsive and handling feels much like some pricier European models.
While relatively spacious in the cabin, the Accord's 397-litre (14-cubic foot) trunk is not huge by any stretch. Honda has put up with a lot of criticism for using archaic gooseneck trunk hinges that get in the way of cargo, but obviously not enough to make a change for this year. The rear seat folds down but it's not a 60/40 split. It does feature a lockable pass-through armrest/door, however.
My tester had the middle of the pack 190 horsepower 2.4-litre four cylinder. The base is a 177 horsepower version of that motor. If you're interested in some or all of the aforementioned options that come with the EX-L package then you'll be starting with the 190 horsepower, but you may want to consider stepping up to the 3.5-litre V6. This would set you back an additional four thousand dollars, which is significant, but I found the 190 horsepower only adequate. The more powerful V6 is so efficient, with Honda's Advanced Cylinder Management which puts the engine into six, four or three cylinder modes, that the fuel economy is only marginally worse than the four. On paper the EX-L 2.4L is rated 9.9 L/100 km city and 6.5 L/100 km highway. After 563 kilometres (350 miles) of mostly highway driving I was closer to the city number at 9.5 L/100 km.
On the safety side, the Accord has the usual complement of airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control. While the Accord is in the top-ten of mid size cars in testing by the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the new testing guidelines by the European New Car Assistance Program rated the Accord five stars across the board.
It is still not one of the flashiest cars on the road but the 2009 Honda Accord manages to punch above its weight class in just about every area, just like its predecessors. I bet that old company car still runs like a charm!

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2009 Infiniti G37 Tops Consumer Reports' Upscale Sport Sedan Category !


YONKERS, New York — The 2009 Infiniti G37 (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=135807) came out on top in Consumer Reports' June issue with the best overall rating in the upscale sport sedan category.

The G37 received an "Excellent" overall test score, while its competitors, the redesigned Acura TSX (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=126300), Audi A4 (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/ViewModelDetail/make=Audi/model=A4) and Volkswagen CC (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/ViewModelDetail/make=Volkswagen/model=CC), only obtained a road test score of "Very Good."

Overall, the G37 and TSX are the only vehicles that have performed at a level to be recommended by Consumer Reports. The pricing on the vehicles tested range from $29,675 for the TSX to $37,525 for the A4.

"The Infiniti G37 continues its reign as top in the class. The drivetrain is still the highlight of the car, delivering very strong performance while getting better fuel economy than the previous generation. The G37 is very quick and handling is agile and fun," says David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center.

The Infiniti received the accolade thanks to its new 3.7-liter engine and seven-speed automatic that helps the vehicle get better fuel economy without losing power. Specifically, the car makes 328 horsepower and averages 21 mpg overall with premium fuel. Good braking also combines with a reasonably spacious cabin to help bring the G37 sedan to the top of the category.

Inside Line says: Even with heated competition from Acura, Audi and Volkswagen, Infiniti comes through in the end with the highest overall road test score. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent


http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=147449 (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=147449)

[escobar]

Honda Insight Becomes First Hybrid to Rank as Best-Selling Vehicle in Japan

http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/5/medium/999442335.jpg


Some good news for Honda and for hybrid fans too. The Honda Insight was the number one selling vehicle for the month of April in Japan. According to sales figures from the Japan Automobile Dealers Association, Honda sold 10,481 units of the Insight last month alone. The new Honda Insight was released in February 2009 in Japan. It was the first time ever that a hybrid car held the lead in Japanese monthly sales.
And Honda is doing well overall in Japan, with its Fit being the best-selling vehicle for 2008 and still going strong this year, topping sales for March and coming in second to the Insight for April.
Still, with falling auto sales in the US (including hybrids), a key market for hybrid vehicles, and US gas prices at very consumer-friendly low-levels, it will be a struggle for Honda, or any automaker with a hybrid on the market, to achieve the same thing in the United States. And Europe too will prove to be a challenge, given the market power of diesels in the largest markets there such as German, France and Italy.


http://www.worldcarfans.com/9090511.002/honda-insight-becomes-first-hybrid-to-rank-as-best-selling-vehicle-in-japan (http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/5/medium/999442335.jpg)

[maruta]

O veste foarte bună. :yes:
Să sperăm că va avea acelaşi succes şi în alte părţi.

[tokyodream]

Bianco On Cars: Insight into Prius !

http://www.wehonews.com/z/wehonews/archive/page.php?articleID=3428 (http://www.wehonews.com/z/wehonews/archive/page.php?articleID=3428)

Monday, May 11, 2009 – Cars By Todd Bianco, West Hollywood


West Hollywood, California (Monday, May 11, 2009) – Is anyone else besides me tired of Toyota's Prius? These rolling refrigerators, with all the driving fun of Novocain, are everywhere in LA.

http://www.wehonews.com/z/wehonews/archive/images/2010_Toyota_Prius_production.jpg
2010_Toyota_Prius_production. WeHo News.
Last Saturday, while eating lunch at the oh-so-hip Father's Office burger and beer joint, you couldn't walk one block on Montana Avenue without being nearly run over by a Prius.
In the Whole Foods parking lot, every other car was a Prius or something expensive and German. These things run in electric mode at low speeds so it's hard to hear them creeping up on you except for a low electric buzz.
I'm just sick of the same old hybrid.
Just in time for Earth Day 2009 (April 22), Honda brings us an all new 2010 Insight hybrid. Except you might mistake it for Toyota's iconic Prius because it looks just like the Prius.
Honda's excuse for this styling doppelganger is that aerodynamics, safety and packaging dictate the shape. I don't buy it and neither do most automotive engineers. There is more than one way to cheat the wind!

http://www.wehonews.com/z/wehonews/archive/images/2008-toyota-prius_1.jpg
2008 Toyota Prius. WeHo News.
Honda was first to the (US) hybrid market in 1999 with the odd 2-seat Insight. It never caught on in the general market and died quietly in 2006. However, during the Great Gas Panic of 2008, used Insights were selling for more than their original price. People were desperate for anything with good fuel economy.
Honda thought that the solution to the original Insight “too quirky” problem was to make its best-selling Civic into a hybrid. Unfortunately, the Honda Civic Hybrid, while a great car, suffers from blending in too much.
There are only very subtle styling differences between the ordinary Civic and the hybrid version. It turns out that people who buy hybrids want to trumpet their Green Creds to the world and Toyota hit the jackpot with the 2nd generation Prius when it went on sale in 2004.
The Prius is a stand-alone hybrid car nameplate. Toyota hasn't had nearly as much luck with the hybrid versions of the Camry and Highlander simply because they don't look “green” enough to buyers. It hurt Honda's corporate feelings that otherwise loyal customers bought the Prius over the Civic Hybrid.

| (http://islacantina.com/)
Honda's response was to rush to get a Prius clone to market that got as good fuel economy as the (current) Prius but cost at least $2,000 less. And since Honda was first in the US market with a stand-alone hybrid nameplate, the marketing team dusted off the old Insight badge and slapped it on the company's new Prius fighter.
http://www.wehonews.com/z/wehonews/archive/images/Insight_Exterior11.jpg

So here it is folks. The 2010 Honda Insight uses Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology found in the Civic Hybrid. A 1.3 liter, 98 hp four-cylinder engine is assisted by a 13-hp electric motor/generator.
The battery is still a nickel-metal hydride package, but it's been condensed to the size of a couple of shoe boxes. Fuel economy should be around 41 mpg around town and yes, if you were wondering, that's still not as good as the outgoing 2009 Prius and substantially less than the incoming 2010 Prius.
The Insight isn't fast, but if you're into these hybrids, you don't care that it takes over 10 seconds to get up to highway speed. What is new about the hybrid system is that it can run in all-electric mode up to 30 mph. (I just don't want to be behind you at a stop light while you experiment with how long you can coax the car along on just battery power.)
If you're looking for leather seats – the Prius is your car. If you want a keyless entry system with push button start/stop – again, the Prius is your car. If you want that slick new solar panel on the top of the roof that powers the AC system while your car sits parked in the hot sun – yup, you guessed it, the new Prius is your car.

Honda won't leave you with a stripped car. You do get power windows and automatic climate control standard along with Honda's vast array of safety equipment.
http://www.wehonews.com/z/wehonews/archive/images/Insight_Exterior10.jpg
Insight Exterior. WeHo News.
With the EX model you can get voice-activated navigation, iPod integration and Bluetooth for hands-free phone usage.
For me, the Insight is just another homely wedge-shaped refrigerator targeted to the budget-minded eco-conscious buyer. At least it will drive more like a fun Honda than the near-dead drive of the Prius. The Insight has typical Honda traits like clever packaging, quality materials, solid build and an ergonomic interior design.
The devil will be in the price to MPG ratio. The lower the price for the Insight, the better 40 mpg looks. It also depends on the price of gasoline. Who knows where it will be a year from now?

So if Honda prices the base Insight LX at, say $18,000, buyers get a pretty decent bang for the buck. The top-priced Prius will likely cost $8,000 - $10,000 more than the top-line Insight EX.
You can sure buy lots of gas for that price difference.

[tokyodream]

Top green cars in Canada !


http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=1593771 (http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=1593771)

The most fuel-efficient vehicles in Canada are not necessarily best-sellers in this country.
Part of the reason may be price -- vehicles such as hybrids tend to cost thousands more than non-hybrid vehicles.
Another reason may be that some of the most environmentally friendly cars -- subcompacts such as the Smart fortwo -- are not ideally suited to our often-harsh climate and terrain. Canadians, on average, buy three times as many compact cars (19,697 as of February, 2009, according to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants) as they do subcompacts (6,780 during the same period).
We also buy almost as many light trucks, including pickups, SUVs and vans (a total of 39,444), as we do passenger cars (40,786). And trucks, in general, don't tend to be as fuel efficient as cars by nature of their size.
Perhaps there is some room for improvement if we want to become more green in nature. But that's not to say that Canadians are not heading in the right direction.
In fact, out of the top fuelefficient vehicles for 2009 as chosen by Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency, two are best-sellers in Canada: the Toyota Yaris and Ford Ranger.
Winners are chosen based on testing that simulates 20,000 kilometres a year, broken down as 55% city and 45% highway driving, according to Natural Resources Canada.
If you are interested in becoming a more fuel-efficient driver, check out the winners. From smallest to largest, the following are the top fuelefficient vehicles for the 2009 model year:

TWO-SEATER: SMART FOR TWO

The cute little gasoline-powered runabout has a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine and a five-speed automatic transmission with manual mode.
The Smart fortwo's fuel consumption numbers are impressive at 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 4.8 L/100 km on the highway.
The fortwo uses 1,080 litres of fuel annually at a cost of $1,188.
Pricing for the base Smart fortwo coupe starts at $14,990.

SUBCOMPACT: MINI COOPER/MINI CLUBMAN, TOYOTA YARIS/YARIS HATCHBACK

There are multiple winners in the subcompact category.
The Mini Cooper and Cooper Clubman each feature a 1.6L, four-cylinder engine with a manual six-speed transmission.
Each has a fuel economy of 7.1 L/100 km in the city and 5.3 L/100 km on the highway.
The Mini Cooper and Mini Clubman each use 1,260 litres of fuel annually at a cost of $1,386.
The Mini Cooper starts at $24,800, while the Clubman goes for $26,400.
The Toyota Yaris and Yaris Hatchback each have a 1.5L, four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission.
The Toyotas use 6.9 L/100 km of fuel in the city and 5.5 L/100 km on the highway. Annual cost for fuel is $1,260 for a fuel usage of 1,260 litres.
Pricing for the Yaris sedan starts at $12,965, $12,205 for the three-door hatch and $13,305 for the five-door hatch.

COMPACT: HONDA CIVIC HYBRID

The Honda Civic Hybrid owns the compact category.
It features a 1.3L, four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The Honda's fuel consumption numbers are 4.7 L/100 km in the city and 4.3 L/100 km on the highway.
The annual fuel cost is $900 for 900 litres.
The Honda Civic Hybrid starts at $27,350.

MID-SIZED: TOYOTA PRIUS

The Prius features a 1.5L, four-cylinder engine with a CVT.
Fuel consumption for the hybrid is an impressive 4.0 L/100 km in the city and 4.2 L/100 km on the highway.
The Prius will cost you only $820 a year for 820 litres of fuel.
Pricing for the Prius starts at $27,710.

FULL-SIZED: HONDA ACCORD SEDAN, HYUNDAI SONATA

There are multiple winners here, too.
Honda's second award-winning green car features a 2.4L, four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission.
The sedan uses 9.4 L/100 km of fuel in the city and 6.4 L/100 km on the highway. Its annual fuel cost is $1,600 for 1,600 litres.
Pricing for the Honda Accord Sedan starts at $25,290.
The Hyundai Sonata has a 2.4L, four-cylinder engine with a five-speed automatic transmission with manual mode.
Its fuel consumption rating is listed as 9.5 L/100 km in the city and 6.2 L/100 km on the highway. Its 1,600 litres of fuel a year costs $1,600.
The Hyundai Sonata's base price is $21,995.

STATION WAGON: VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WAGON TDI CLEAN DIESEL

The Jetta wagon with the 2.0L, four-cylinder diesel engine is tops in this category.
Equipped with a manual six-speed transmission, the Jetta Wagon TDI Clean Diesel uses 6.8 L/100 km of fuel in the city and 4.8 L/100 km on the highway.
Its annual fuel cost for 1,180 litres of diesel fuel is $1,180.
The Volkswagen Jetta Wagon TDI Clean Diesel starts at $24,275.

PICKUP TRUCK: FORD RANGER, MAZDA B2300

Two trucks made the grade here.
Ford's Ranger has a 2.3L, four-cylinder engine and a manual five-speed transmission.
It uses a respectable 9.9 L/100 km of fuel in the city and 7.5 L/100 km on the highway.
The Ranger's annual fuel cost is $1,760 for 1,760 litres.
The base price of the Ford Ranger is $14,329.
The Mazda B2300 also features a 2.3L, four-cylinder engine with a manual five-speed transmission.
Its fuel consumption and cost are identical to the Ranger's (9.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.5 L/100 km on the highway, and $1,760 for 1,760 litres).
The Mazda B2300 starts at $15,695.

SPECIAL PURPOSE: FORD ESCAPE HYBRID

The 2.5L, four-cylinder, CVTequipped Ford Escape Hybrid is certainly special with its frugal fuel consumption of 5.8 L/100 km in the city and 6.4 L/100 km on the highway.
Its annual fuel cost is $1,220 for 1,220 litres.
The base price for the Ford Escape Hybrid is $34,899.
According to Natural Resources Canada, special purpose vehicles incorporate SUVs and light-duty trucks based on specific EPA class definitions. Crossover vehicles may or may not be included under the special purpose class depending on platform and features.

MINIVAN: MAZDA5

Touted as the hip alternative to the boxy minivan, the Mazda5 features a 2.3L, four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission.
It uses 9.6 L/100 km of fuel in the city and 7.0 L/100 km on the highway.
It will cost Mazda5 drivers $1,680 to fill up on 1,680 litres of fuel.
The minivan starts at $20,495.

[tokyodream]

Honda Accord 2.2 i-DTEC EX !

EVEN in this day and age, the element of surprise never seems to amaze and, with car makers still continuing to add to the list of 'firsts' appearing in their ranges, the opportunity remains for folk to continue widening their knowledge of the motor world.
My latest experience of this 'first' phenomenon involved a road test of the latest generation of the Honda Accord. It was at the beginning of this year that Honda introduced its first automatic gearbox for a diesel engined car, an eagerly awaited event created to boost further the Accord's appeal in the corporate market.
The new five-speed box has been specifically created to deliver the missing link in Honda's line up and get the very best out of the 2.2-litre i-DTEC 16-valve turbo diesel, whether in Tourer form or the Saloon.
While this latest Honda Accord features quite a generous level of kit at the ES entry level, including electric windows and sound system with CD, the model doesn't get the likes of front fogs, automatic lights and windscreen wipers or Bluetooth Hands Free telephone connection.
While the EX range topper driven here does make a very strong case for stressing what it doesn't include in the manifest as opposed to what it does, the Accord flagship's extensive standard fittings include the likes of automatic climate control dual zone air con, voice recognition sat nav, premium high security audio system with six CD changer, rear view parking camera, electric tilt and slide sunroof, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front seats and door mirrors.
Safety and security features include six airbags, Honda super deadlocks, ISOFIX child seat restraint mechanism and locking wheelnuts. The question of driver safety aids, too, has been well addressed and includes the likes of sharply attentive ABS braking with electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist plus Honda's vehicle stability assist traction control, while the option box also includes a lane change alert system.
Plenty of electric movement with memory to the driver's seat helps to guide drivers pretty painlessly to a comfortable driving position in wrap around seating which should suit most folk.
However, while the dash does look a little on the busy side, which may perhaps take a little getting used to for some, all round vision is very good indeed, thanks to the much slimmed down windscreen pillars.
Within the muscular look of its bold and quite sporty silhouette, the Accord is a generously roomy saloon providing good levels of comfort in all five seats and while the boot is perhaps not the most generous in the sector, the 464 litres available with all seats taken will prove satisfactory for most families.
On the road the 2.2-litre 148bhp turbo diesel paired with the new automatic gearbox proves an ideal combination delivering a refined and very relaxing drive with the 0-62mph mark from a standing start coming in a more than satisfactory 10.3 seconds, as opposed to 9.6 seconds experienced in manual transmission models.
The all new five-speed automatic transmission does its work well delivering swift and smooth gear changes to provide some strong power delivery in quiet and pretty unobtrusive manner while the absence of wind and road noise adds to the quality of performance.
The Accord corners well, with handling proving sharp and positive with body roll nicely under control.
Should spaciousness, easy driving, comfort and refinement be your bag and the family budget will run to it, then the Honda Accord i-DTEC automatic is well worth further consideration.

FAST FACTS:

Honda Accord 2.2 i-DTEC EX 4dr auto
Price: £25,495
Mechanical: 148bhp, 2,199cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-speed automatic gearbox
Max speed: 129mph
0-62mph: 10.3 seconds
Combined mpg: 44.1
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 170g/km
BiK rating: 20%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 90,000 miles

http://www.irvineherald.co.uk/lifestyle/motoring-car-news/2009/05/16/honda-accord-2-2-i-dtec-ex-75485-23641871/ (http://www.irvineherald.co.uk/lifestyle/motoring-car-news/2009/05/16/honda-accord-2-2-i-dtec-ex-75485-23641871/)

[tokyodream]

Honda closes in on Chrysler !

Experts predict Japanese automaker will outbuild bankrupt competitor in North America this year !


http://www.ohio.com/business/44855927.html (http://www.ohio.com/business/44855927.html)

Honda Motor Co., Japan's second-biggest automaker, might build more vehicles than bankrupt Chrysler LLC in North America this year, further weakening Detroit's grip on its home market.
Honda narrowed the gap to 17,011 vehicles at the end of April from 236,645 a year earlier, and with most Chrysler plants currently shut for as long as 60 days, analysts expect the Japanese automaker to overtake its rival.
Honda might also surpass Chrysler in U.S. sales to trail only bankruptcy-threatened General Motors, Toyota and Ford.
''There's a sea change under way,'' said Michael Robinet, an analyst at forecaster CSM Worldwide in Northville, Mich. ''This crisis with Chrysler and GM has acted as an accelerant to the systemic change that was already occurring.''
Toyota passed Chrysler in U.S. sales in 2006 and then Ford in 2007, as Japanese automakers lured customers with more fuel- efficient vehicles. The big three U.S. automakers' market share has plunged to 44.4 percent this year, from more than 70 percent a decade ago, while overall sales have slumped to the lowest volume in about three decades.
Honda, fifth in the U.S. since 1988, has outsold Chrysler this year as of April. Its sales in the country slid 32 percent to 332,014, compared with a 46 percent drop for Chrysler to 323,890. Overall U.S. sales are down 37 percent through the first four months of the year.
''Market share isn't something we target,'' said David Iida, a spokesman for Honda's U.S. unit, based in Torrance, Calif. ''We're very committed to local production, irrespective of what other companies are doing.''

Honda shares have risen 50 percent in Tokyo trading in 2009.

Industrywide, North American car and light-truck production plunged 49 percent through April, with Chrysler leading the declines among major manufacturers, according to Haig Stoddard, an IHS Global Insight analyst. Chrysler's production in the period fell 57 percent to 322,773, based on company figures.
Honda built 305,762 autos at assembly plants in the U.S., Canada and Mexico through last month. That was down 40 percent from a year ago. The maker of Civic and Accord cars has U.S. plants in Ohio, Indiana and Alabama.
Chrysler, hoping to emerge from bankruptcy within 60 days as a new company led by Italian automaker Fiat SpA, halted work at most plants on May 4 while it reorganizes. The company also said it's closing six factories, including a stamping plant in Twinsburg, that won't be part of the Chrysler-Fiat deal.

''Honda and Toyota are
both likely to outbuild Chrysler,'' said John Sousanis, director of industry data for Ward's Automotive Group. ''We have each of them making 1 million vehicles or a bit more in North America this year, and Chrysler building just under 1 million — and that's before Chrysler announced its plan to shut down plants.''
Next year, Japanese, German and South Korean automakers will likely build more than half of the vehicles assembled in the U.S., outstripping local manufacturers for the first time, said CSM's Robinet.

By 2011, Asian and European automakers will have more overall auto-assembly capacity in North America than U.S. competitors, said economist Kim Hill, with the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich.
''The market has matured,'' said Hill. It ''is moving away from the traditional Big Three model to one that's much more international.''


================================================== ========


Honda Begins Production of Civic GX Natural Gas Vehicles at Indiana Plant !


http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/05/honda-gx-20090515.html (http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/05/honda-gx-20090515.html)

Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC (HMIN) began (http://www.hondanews.com/categories/1097/releases/5007) production of the natural gas-powered 2009 Civic GX at its plant in Greensburg, Indiana. The Civic GX was formerly produced at Honda’s East Liberty, Ohio plant and has ten years of proven performance as a natural gas powered vehicle. The Civic GX is the only natural gas vehicle built by a major automaker in the US.
First introduced in 1998, the Civic GX is the cleanest internal combustion vehicle certified by the EPA—90% cleaner than the average gasoline-powered car on the road today. As a result, the GX is certified by the EPA as an Inherently Low Emissions Vehicle (ILEV). It is the only natural gas powered passenger car available for sale in all 50 states, and is eligible for a $4,000 federal tax credit as a qualified alternative fuel vehicle.
It is powered by a 113-hp (84 kW), 1.8-liter, 16-valve, SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine built at Honda’s engine plant in Anna, Ohio, and it is designed with a higher compression ratio—12.5:1—to maximize performance from natural gas fuel. The engine develops 109 lb-ft (148 N·m) of torque at 4,300 rpm, and is coupled with a five speed automatic transmission. It has an average range of more than 220 miles, and has fuel economy of 24 mpg (city) and 36 mpg (highway).
Honda Manufacturing of Indiana began Civic GX production just seven months after starting mass production of the 4-cylinder Honda Civic sedan at its new plant in Greensburg, Indiana. The $550 million plant currently employs approximately 1,000 associates and is designed as a zero waste-to-landfill facility.
Assembling the Civic GX brings flexibility and new capabilities at the plant. HMIN is a comprehensive production facility that includes metal stamping, plastic injection molding, subassembly, and final assembly. Producing the GX on the same assembly line with other vehicles required the addition of unique production processes, including fuel tank sub-assembly and installation, and a fueling center for compressed natural gas.
The Honda Civic sedan being built in Indiana features the fuel-efficient 140-hp, 1.8-liter, 16-valve SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder gasoline engine also produced by Honda associates in Anna, Ohio. As in all new 2009 model Honda and Acura automobiles, the engine meets or exceeds US EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards. The Civic sedan also qualifies as an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) as rated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

================================================== ============

[Smaranda Florin]

O stire de pe TOV:

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=832493


Within the last week or so, there have been rumors concerning a new "4-door coupe" that Honda is said to be working on. Auto Motor und Sport (http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/news/honda-accord-radikaler-im-auftritt-1005326.html) (a German publication) asserted that this vehicle would be a new top level version of the European Accord (also known as the Acura TSX in North America). Auto Motor und Sport claims that the 4-door coupe will feature short front and rear overhangs as well as a coupe-like high beltline. AMuS further contends that base versions of this vehicle will likely be front-wheel-drive and use largely carryover (2.4L ~200hp 4-cylinder) powertrains. They also suggest that a Type-S version featuring a 260hp turbocharged 2.3L 4-cylinder, DSG double clutch transmission, and SH-AWD will be in the offering as well.

Now comes another story, this time from a Japanese outlet. Daniel Garcia Rodgriguez just returned from a quick visit to Japan and while he was there he picked up the latest issue of Holiday Auto magazine and scanned in these images. If you're not familar with the magazine, Holiday Auto is one of Japan's "car scoop" magazines. I'm not real clear on their track record on past scoop stories, but apparently they too have heard of this supposed 4-door coupe, and they have a slightly different take on what it will be. Here is what Daniel was able to decipher from the Japanese text:


Jeff, I got something for you in Japan. Sorry for not having time to work out the text, but from what I understood very quickly, there is not much real information. Here is what I think I got of what seems Honda's answer to the "4door coupe" incipient market according to Hollyday-Auto (June 2009 issue):
- expect it for 2010 (calendar year).
- should sit in between the TL and TSX in terms of size (see the figures on the table).
- should get similar powertrain-transmission combo as the ZDX.
- styling wise, think about a dropped-off ZDX.

Cheers,

Daniel


Holiday Auto lists some dimensional figures comparing this vehicle to the TSX, TL, RL, and forthcoming ZDX.

http://sohc.vtec.net/news_files/832493/table.gif


http://sohc.vtec.net/news_files/832493/4dc_ha-02.jpg

Commentary: With several outlets jumping in on this rumor, it seems that there could be something to it, but if this vehicle is going to be based on the existing FF platform, I'd have to assume that these drawings are probably not very accurate. It's a great look, but for it to be pulled off properly, the front overhang needs to be shorter than just about anything Honda currently sells. This would make a fantastic vehicle to build upon Honda's on-again/off-again FR platform, but don't get your hopes up. Scanning the text of the article, I noticed a few English letters that caught my eye, particularly 'FR' and 'V8' along with 'SH-AWD'. Daniel assured me that the text of the Holiday Auto article makes mention of those things as items that Honda was working on, and the article makes it clear that Honda decided not to use that platform for this vehicle and instead to make it happen with existing technology. Ah, here we go again...
http://vtec.us.intellitxt.com/SetURLCookie.asp?ipid=2768
http://sohc.vtec.net/news_files/832493/4dc_ha-01.jpg

[tokyodream]

Honda Begins Production of Civic GX Natural Gas Vehicles !

http://www.autointell.com/News-2009/May-2009/May-3/may-20-09-p8.htm (http://www.autointell.com/News-2009/May-2009/May-3/may-20-09-p8.htm)

Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC (HMIN) today began production1 of the environmentally responsible, natural gas-powered Civic GX, at its plant in Greensburg, Indiana. HMIN associate Alonzo Miles of Indianapolis drove the first Civic GX off the line in a special ceremony at the plant.
http://www.autointell.com/News-2009/May-2009/May-3/honda-civic-gx-350.jpg
The Civic GX has received top environmental awards including the American Council for Energy-Efficient Economy's "America's Greenest Car" award for five consecutive years. Honda has a long history of environmental leadership, including the introduction of America's first mass-produced hybrid, the Honda Insight, and the first vehicle to meet California's low emission vehicle standards well in advance of regulatory requirements as well as the first government-certified fuel cell electric vehicle.
The Civic GX is the only natural gas vehicle built by a major automaker in the U.S. First introduced in 1998, the Civic GX is the cleanest internal combustion vehicle certified by the EPA – 90% cleaner than the average gasoline-powered car on the road today.

As a result, the GX is certified by the EPA as an Inherently Low Emissions Vehicle (ILEV). It is the only natural gas powered passenger car available for sale in all 50 states, and is eligible for a $4,000 federal tax credit as a qualified alternative fuel vehicle.
It is powered by a 113-hp, 1.8-Liter, 16-valve, SOHC i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine built at Honda's engine plant in Anna, Ohio, and it is designed with a higher compression ratio to maximize performance from natural gas fuel. The Civic GX was formerly produced at Honda's East Liberty, Ohio plant and has ten years of proven performance as a natural gas powered vehicle.

It has an average range of more than 220 miles, and has outstanding fuel economy at 24 MPG (city) and 36 MPG (highway).
Honda Manufacturing of Indiana began Civic GX production just seven months after starting mass production of the fuel-efficient, 4-cylinder Honda Civic sedan at its new plant in Greensburg, Indiana. The $550 million plant currently employs approximately 1,000 associates and is designed as a zero waste-to-landfill facility.
Assembling the Civic GX brings flexibility and new capabilities at the plant. HMIN is a comprehensive production facility that includes metal stamping, plastic injection molding, subassembly, and final assembly. Producing the GX on the same assembly line with other vehicles required the addition of unique production processes, including fuel tank sub-assembly and installation, and a fueling center for compressed natural gas.
"We are excited about producing the environmentally responsible Civic GX, the latest production milestone in our short history here in Indiana," said HMIN president Yuzo Uenohara. "We applaud the efforts of our Indiana associates who are dedicated to building the very best Honda products for all of our North American customers, with customer satisfaction as our top goal."
The Honda Civic sedan being built in Indiana features the fuel-efficient 140-hp, 1.8-liter, 16-valve SOHC i-VTEC® 4-cylinder gasoline engine also produced by Honda associates in Anna, Ohio. As
(May 13, 2009)

[tokyodream]

Honda clean diesel coming to Canada !


http://www2.canada.com/honda+clean+diesel+coming+canada/1585264/story.html?id=1585264 (http://www2.canada.com/honda+clean+diesel+coming+canada/1585264/story.html?id=1585264)

Pedro Arrais, Times Colonist

Published: Friday, February 08, 2008

Honda has just announced that it will introduce a clean diesel engine into the North American market in 2009. The new i-DTEC diesel technology will first be introduced in Europe later this year in the European model of the Honda (http://driving.canada.com/buy/manufacturer.spy?make=Honda) Accord.
According to inside sources, the 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine will likely first be seen in the new Acura TSX (http://driving.canada.com/buy/manufacturer.spy?make=Acura) sedan (which is similar to the European Accord) in 2009 as a 2010 model.

The TSX is slated to be introduced in Canada this June sporting a gasoline engine at first, with the diesel arriving a year later.
http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www2.canada.com/honda+clean+diesel+coming+canada/1585264/1585265.bin?size=l
Super Clean Tier II Bin 5 diesel engine research vehicle (European Accord) and Takeo Fukui, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.



The new engine will comply with U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards through use of a nitrogen oxide-reducing catalytic converter. According to Honda the new engine will meet these stringent standards without the need for on-board urea to treat the exhaust.

The engine will most likely be used in a Honda-branded product in the future.
"Leave it to Honda to redefine the diesel," says John Graham, sales manager of Acura (http://driving.canada.com/buy/manufacturer.spy?make=Acura) of Victoria. "If anybody can do it, Honda can."
He acknowledges that people rarely ask about diesels at his dealership and most customers wonder when Acura (http://driving.canada.com/buy/manufacturer.spy?make=Acura) will follow Honda in offering gasoline/electric hybrids.
Graham thinks offering diesels in the Acura lineup is the right direction. "It gives customers another choice when they are looking for a fuel-efficient car."
parrais@tc.canwest.com

[hondatu]

Japanese automakers' vehicle output slides further

Global production at Japan’s top automakers continued to decline in April amid few signs of relief for the beleaguered industry.

Toyota Motor Corp, the world’s biggest automaker, reported Thursday its global vehicle production tumbled 46.5% in April from a year ago to 433,979 vehicles. It said sales dropped in Japan and overseas, exports from Japan languished and overseas production declined across nearly all regions.

Like their overseas rivals, Japanese automakers have been hammered by the global slump in auto demand, tightening credit in the key North American market and the strong yen, which erodes overseas profits.

Honda Motor Co, the nation’s No. 2 automaker, fared slightly better because of strong sales of its Insight hybrid and Fit subcompact in Japan, where Honda’s sales rose in April for the first time in six months.

Honda made 231,399 vehicles in April, down 29.7% on year and marking the sixth straight month of on-year decreases that began in November.

Nissan Motor Co, allied with Renault SA of France, saw its production fall across the globe, except for China, and made 183,248 vehicles worldwide in April, down 38.2% from the same month the previous year.

Global production for Mitsubishi Motors Corp. in April totaled 46,289 for the 14th straight monthly decline, marking a 54.3% drop over April last year.

Mazda Motor Corp also reported a drop in global production at 63,307 vehicles, down 43.8% on year.

[tokyodream]

Honda Plant Goes Back Into Production !


http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Honda-Goes-Back-Into-Production-After-Four-Month-Shutdown/Article/200905415292280?lpos=UK_News_Carousel_Region_2&lid=ARTICLE_15292280_Honda_Goes_Back_Into_Producti on_After_Four-Month_Shutdown (http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Honda-Goes-Back-Into-Production-After-Four-Month-Shutdown/Article/200905415292280?lpos=UK_News_Carousel_Region_2&lid=ARTICLE_15292280_Honda_Goes_Back_Into_Producti on_After_Four-Month_Shutdown)

David Crabtree, Midlands correspondent
Honda's Swindon car plant has swung back into production after a four-month shutdown.



http://news.sky.com/sky-news/content/StaticFile/jpg/2009/Jan/Week3/15204918.jpg
Workers on the Honda Civic production line


The stoppage was aimed at riding out the worst effects of the recession which brought a global drop in demand.
Other manufacturers have also had periods of non production, but not on this scale.
Some 1,300 Honda (http://indepth.news.sky.com/InDepth/topic/Honda) jobs have been shed through a voluntary scheme, leaving a workforce of 3,400 hoping for a period of stability.
The workers have agreed to take a 3% drop in salary, while management wages will fall by 5%.
They are temporary pay cuts over ten months, designed to prevent the loss of a further 500 jobs.


These guys have accepted a pay cut; they've taken four months off. If anyone questioned whether the British worker was willing to make sacrifices, this is the perfect example.
Ken Gibson, motor trade expert


Later this year, the Swindon plant will take on production of Honda's best-selling small car, the Jazz, which has previously only been made in Japan and China.
The shutdown period has been used to prepare for the car, which is vitally important for the Swindon operation.
Dave Hodgetts, director of Honda UK Manufacturing, said: "This all shows that we are totally committed to our base in Swindon (http://indepth.news.sky.com/InDepth/topic/Swindon).
"We have production of the Jazz coming soon and we are doing everything we can to maintain our skilled and loyal workforce. The four months have been well used to update, streamline and modernise our capabilities."
The original annual production figure of close on 230,000 cars a year has been revised down to 112,854.

http://news.sky.com/sky-news/content/StaticFile/jpg/2009/Jan/Week3/15204910.jpg Honda's car plant in Swindon


Motoring expert Ken Gibson said:" It is an incredible example of how a British management can work with its workers.
"These guys have accepted a pay cut; they've taken four months off. If anyone questioned whether the British worker was willing to make sacrifices, this is the perfect example."
Honda has a policy of not asking the British Government for loans or bail-outs.
The industry will be hoping the kick-start from the scrappage scheme's £2000 discount will deliver a long term effect.
But Honda's assembly line is being restarted in the face of continued uncertainty.

29 de poze !!!

http://daylife.sky.com/imageserve/0ffZ0EE7TB63J/610x.jpg

[tokyodream]

10 Best Used Cars for Less Than $9,999 !


http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=149246 (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=149246)

Articolul e prea mare, copii ce e legat de Honda/Acura :

1999-2000 Honda Civic Si:

The major challenge when it comes to buying a 1999 or 2000 Honda Civic Si is finding one that hasn't been made worse by lunk-headed modifications. But there are clean, unmolested, sweet-driving Civic Si coupes out there for under $10,000.
While other Civics of this vintage have dropped well below $5,000 in value, the Si Coupe has kept its value up because it's fundamentally a different beast. The big change being, of course, the presence of Honda's famed "B16" 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC four under the hood.
Rated at 160 hp, the B16 doesn't make a lot of torque, but it will rev right up to its 8,000-rpm redline with an astounding eagerness. But beyond the engine swap, the Si also got stiffer springs and shocks, a neatly detailed interior with vastly better seats, and a set of neat 15-inch alloy wheels.
One reason this generation of Civic Si is so cherished is because it was the last generation of Civic to use a double-wishbone front suspension. That suspension design was once one of Honda's signature engineering elements, and many claim none of the Civics equipped with MacPherson struts built since can match the old ones for handling.
If it were our money: We'd hold out for a low-mileage, well-maintained, well-documented, never wrecked, never modified, near pristine Civic Si. Then we'd upgrade the wheels and tires and maybe — maybe — go for freer-flowing intake and exhaust systems.
Online sources: Temple of VTEC (http://www.vtec.net/), HondaClub.com (http://www.hondaclub.com/), ClubSi.com (http://www.clubsi.com/home.shtml)

================================================== ===========

2002-'06 Acura RSX:

The RSX succeeded the Integra back in 2002 when Acura decided to get out of the real name business. But outside North America this car was sold as the Honda Integra, and that's exactly what it is.
Built only as a three-door hatchback coupe, the front-drive RSX was offered in two trim levels: base and Type-S. Both featured Honda's then-new K-Series 2.0-liter four, with the base car's engine making 160 hp, while the Type-S engine was more highly tuned to produce 200 hp (bumped to 210 hp in 2005).
The base RSX could be had with either five-speed manual or automatic transaxles, while the Type-S came solely with a six-speed manual gearbox. Compared to previous Integras, the RSX had a more relaxed, easygoing personality that can be traced to the greater torque production and quieter operation of the new engine and a more isolated ride.
The old Integras were street fighters: eager, roaring beasts with an appetite for competition. That just isn't in the RSX's more robust, low-key personality. And many Integra loyalists will never believe an RSX can handle because it runs MacPherson struts up front instead of the beloved double-wishbones. But the RSX is a well-built, exceptionally solid, small coupe that has always been fun to drive.
If it were our money: The Type-S is the one to go for here; the extra power and 8,000-rpm redline of the VTEC-equipped engine make it vastly more entertaining than the base car. But that would restrict us, almost solely, to 2002 models with higher mileage. Adding a free-flowing exhaust would add some rip-snort to the RSX's personality and, if we could afford it, we'd upgrade to a limited-slip differential to improve cornering.
Online sources: Temple of VTEC (http://www.vtec.net/), Club RSX (http://www.clubrsx.com/), Integra and RSX History (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=116309)

[tokyodream]

BCAA's annual hybrid cost comparison: Several models remain cost competitive, in spite of lower fuel prices and loss of federal rebate !

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2009/02/c2404.html (http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2009/02/c2404.html)

un tabel interesant :)


================================================== =====

Yokohama wins in Redline Time Attack Series !

http://www.moderntiredealer.com/News/Story/2009/06/Yokohama-wins-in-Redline-Time-Attack-Series.aspx

FX Motorsports Development Acura NSX
driver Billy Johnson is on a roll. The Yokohama Tire
Corporation-sponsored racer claimed victory again in the May 30-31
Redline Time Attack Series at Willow Springs International Raceway in
Rosamond, California. Johnson drove the NSX to RWD Unlimited Class and
overall event wins, as well as setting the series record - 1:18:555 - on
ADVAN A005 racing slicks. Johnson also won the special Super Session
event finale, a wheel-to-wheel, five-lap points race featuring the top
running cars.

This was the second Redline Time Attack race Johnson has won this
season. He claimed the season opener in March at Buttonwillow Raceway in
Central California.

Also winning on Yokohama tires for the second time this season was
Jeremy Toye, who piloted the Reese Tuning Mitsubishi Evo to a Street
Class-AWD victory on the new ADVAN Neova AD08s in 1:28.817.

"Thanks to driving skills of Billy and Jeremy, this is shaping up to be
a very successful year for Yokohama in Redline Time Attack," said Mark
Chung, Yokohama director, corporate strategy and planning. "Both drivers
are leading their classes in points and the ADVAN A005 and Neova AD08
are performing extremely well."

The Redline Time Attack, which features purpose-built 600-horsepower
race cars and highly tuned street-legal vehicles, awards points and
names winners based on which driver achieves the fastest lap time during
competition. For details, visit http://www.redlinetimeattack.com/.

http://www.moderntiredealer.com/_Images/news/Johnson-NSX-at-willowspings-5-31.jpg

================================================== ===============

Civics lesson for GM !

Future of beleaguered automaker now in hands of governments
By LISA VAN DUSEN, WASHINGTON BUREAU
Last Updated: 3rd June 2009, 3:12am

http://www.edmontonsun.com/comment/columnists/lisa_vandusen/2009/06/03/9658506-sun.html

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Long ago, when I had the dodgy, post-bedtime Mommyjob of telling jokes to strangers, I opened for a comic's comic named Brian Regan at the DC Improv.
One of my favourite Regan bits was a brilliant routine about taking his car to a mechanic and trying to explain, as an automotive imbecile, exactly what the problem was.
The bit starts out with Regan as the civilian trying to imitate the sound the engine's been making and spirals into a spitting duet of ridiculous mouth noises as the mechanic, playing him like a rube as per the professional cliche, gradually refines the sound into an unintelligible garble of screeches, knocks and pings.
It could be that part of what went wrong with the big U.S. automakers has to do with the fact that taking your car in to be serviced is even more dreaded by women than men and we're buying more cars than we were when General Motors, for instance, could afford not to care.
In the past 30 years, the combination of an increase in double-income, double-career families boosting consumption in general and an increase in single professional women boosting female purchasing power has meant more women are in charge of a decision that, in the halcyon days of Detroit's supremacy, was pretty much the purview of the man of the house.
In a Cadillac showroom in Washington's suburbs yesterday, the day after General Motors filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and President Barack Obama unveiled his administration's restructuring plan for beleaguered automaker, the salesmen, as you might expect, were still sunny.
Showroom
"Well, I can't do anything about it," said one 17-year veteran who wished to remain anonymous. "So except for the warranty information, I've just stopped reading about it."
As we were standing there, the Wall Street Journal was reporting that his bosses would soon be offered money by head office to close their doors.
His daughters both drive Honda Civics.
I drive a Honda Civic -- my second one -- specifically because I don't know how to speak to auto mechanics.
Under the plan Obama unveiled Monday, GM will receive $30 billion in U.S. federal aid, in addition to the $20 billion it has already had.
The $9.5 billion US from the Canadian and Ontario governments will make them, like the U.S. administration, temporary car dealers, which may be the thing that saves the New GM from becoming the old New GM.
At the dealership, marvelling at the hulking, 15-mile-a-gallon dinosaur of a black Cadillac Escalade, I could imagine it looking just like this on display at the Smithsonian one day. It also struck me that women really do look for different things in a car than men do, something most car companies have recognized by re-designing for the growing market of women SUV buyers.
Even Cadillac has been running that ad about how when you turn on your car, you want it to return the favour; a pretty blatant appeal to an overfunctioning, well-heeled female market. But the Cadillacs here still look like Cadillacs.
On Monday night, Kent Kresa, interim GM chairman, told MSNBC's Chris Matthews in a moment of candour that explained an awful lot, that he didn't really know what had happened to America's love affair with American cars. Pressed, he said, "Well, the world developed a lot of very good cars."
Kresa went on to say he "Can't wait to get into a Camaro -- I haven't done that since I was a kid!"

Yes, they're still making those.

lisa.vandusen@sunmedia.ca

[tokyodream]

REVIEW: 2009 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L V6 !

TEST DRIVE: Accord Coupe strikes a sporty pose

http://lfpress.ca/perl-bin/publish.cgi?p=266850&s=wheels (http://lfpress.ca/perl-bin/publish.cgi?p=266850&s=wheels)


The Honda Accord has been one of the most desirable vehicles in North America since its debut in 1976.
http://lfpress.ca/photos/duarte_joe.jpg
Joe Duarte

http://lfpress.ca/photos/266850.jpg
Since its debut in 1976, Accord has grown into a handsome and spacious car, and the coupe is a classy variant. (Sun Media)

It started off basically as a larger Civic hatchback, which had made its impact on our shores during the oil crisis of 1973. At launch, Accord came only as a three-door hatchback, with a four-door sedan added in '79. The hatch hung on through the third generation, giving way to a two-door coupe and five-door wagon in 1990.

Accord really took flight when it started North American production in Marysville, Ohio, in 1982 -- the first Japanese transplant. Over the years, it has also set the platform for the Acura Vigor sedan (a rebadged, upscale Japanese-market Accord) and Honda Odyssey minivan (and by extension of both, the Acura CL, TL and RL, as well as Honda Pilot and Acura MDX). Acura TSX is the Accord the rest of the world gets, which also comes in coupe and wagon versions.

Accord has grown into a handsome and spacious car, and the coupe is a classy variant. As with most coupes, looks are the selling point and family friendliness takes a back seat (but, literally, not much of one). Due to the position of the front seats and the cut of the roof, leg- and headroom are at a premium back there and only the smallest passenger will find any semblance of comfort for any trip longer than half an hour.

Access is also not the easiest, despite the tilt/slide mechanism of the front seats. You have to be careful not to pinch shins or feet when returning the front seat to its intended position.

Trunk access is limited by the shape of the deck and opening, though the rear seat drops in one piece to create space for longer items.

All that said, coupes aren't about what you can carry as much as about the image you portray while carrying whatever you can. On the inside, that image brings leather trim, while on the outside, you get fog lights and a rear spoiler.

The Accord has the swoopy profile to effectively play on Honda's racing heritage, and delivers the sportiness through either a 190 hp 2.4-litre four-cylinder linked to a five-speed manual transmission, or the 271-hp 3.5 V6 found in our EX-L V6 tester.

It comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission that upholds Honda's reputation for what may be the best manual transmissions on the planet. Crisp and intuitive through its entire gear range, it is a pleasure to shift in combination with a smooth clutch that takes up at just the right time to grant effective shifts regardless of driver abuse. Automatics are available, but you really would miss out on the fun in choosing one.

Honda's renowned double wishbone suspension grants a flat stance under all high-speed manoeuvres, while direct steering makes sure the car goes precisely where the driver aims it. Effortless around parking lots, it firms up and grants precise road feel once speeds pick up and the road kinks up. Adding the V6 also adds 18-inch wheels and tires, for a more tenacious grip.

It's no sports car, mind you, so you also get a decently even ride on crumbling city streets. Minor imperfections are relegated to background noise and more intense pothole intrusions are fairly well absorbed.

Though the Honda Accord coupe isn't recommended for a growing family, it does provide the fine styling and decent driving enjoyment of an upscale sporty coupe, at a price of less than $40,000, well under in some iterations.

--- --- ---

Fact file

2009 Honda Accord Coupe :

Trim level: EX-L V6

As tested (before taxes): $35,890

Options: None

Freight: $1,410

MSRP range: $28,190-$37,890

Configuration: Front engine/FWD

Available engines: 3.5-litre V6/ 6-speed manual

Power/torque: 271 hp/251 lb.-ft.

Fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 12.6 city; 7.8 highway

Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 9.3 combined over 1,169 km.

Warranty: 3 yr./60,000 km basic; 5 yr./100,000 km powertrain

Competitors: BMW 325; Hyundai Genesis; Nissan Altima; Pontiac G6; Toyota Solara

Strengths: Drivetrain; looks; affordability

Weaknesses: Rear seat room; cargo versatility

--- --- ---

Report card (out of 5) :

Economy 3.5

Value for $ 4.0

Styling 4.0

Comfort 3.0

Performance 3.5

Overall 4.0



RESEARCH YOUR NEW CAR: autonet.ca/09accordcoupe (http://www.autonet.ca/autos/search/testdrives/2009/05/29/9611306-autonet.html)

E-MAIL: Joe Duarte (joe.duarte@sunmedia.ca)

[tokyodream]

Honda Sets Up 50th Anniversary Homage 1959 Storefront In HQ (http://jalopnik.com/5283702/honda-sets-up-50th-anniversary-homage-1959-storefront-in-hq) !

http://jalopnik.com/5283702/honda-sets-up-50th-anniversary-homage-1959-storefront-in-hq (http://jalopnik.com/5283702/honda-sets-up-50th-anniversary-homage-1959-storefront-in-hq)

By Ray Wert (http://jalopnik.com/people/Ray%20Wert/posts/), 6:45 PM on Mon Jun 8 2009, 6,599 views (Edit post (http://publish.jalopnik.com/ged/5283702), Set to draft (http://jalopnik.com/5283702/honda-sets-up-50th-anniversary-homage-1959-storefront-in-hq#), Slurp (http://jalopnik.com/5283702/honda-sets-up-50th-anniversary-homage-1959-storefront-in-hq#)) Copy this whole post to another site
Slurp cancel (http://jalopnik.com/5283702/honda-sets-up-50th-anniversary-homage-1959-storefront-in-hq#)
http://cache-foo.jalopnik.com/gawker/assets/base.v8/img/progressIndicator_roller.gif

select site advertising consumerist deadspin defamer fleshbot gay fleshbot gawker gizmodo idolator io9 jalopnik jezebel kotaku lifehacker valleywag artists gawkershop





http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/jalopnik/2009/06/Honda-History-Storefront.jpgIn 1959 Honda established itself here in the U.S. selling motorcycles out of a small storefront in LA. Fifty years later, the folks at Honda erected a homage to that first little store in their U.S. headquarters. See it below.
http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/jalopnik/2009/06/Honda-Lobby-Storefront-1.jpg

The display inside the faux storefront includes the following:


- 1975 Civc CVCC: At 40 mpg, the 1975 Civic CVCC topped the EPA's fuel efficiency ratings and was the first car to meet the 1975 U.S. Clean Air Act standards without a catalytic converter. Available as a sedan or three-door hatchback, the Civic sold for $2,150 and garnered the title of "Import Car of the Year" by Road Test magazine.
- 1983 Honda Accord: On November 1, 1982, Honda became the first Japanese auto manufacturer to produce cars in America when a slate-gray four-door 1983 Honda Accord rolled off the assembly line at Honda of America Mfg., Inc.'s Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio.
- The 50th Anniversary Time capsule: It was engineered and manufactured by American Honda's Special Project Department and is to be opened on the 100th anniversary in 2059.
- 1959 Honda 50: One of the first Honda products sold in America, the SuperCub (renamed Honda 50 for the U.S. market) offered customers convenient transportation at a reasonable price ($250).
- 2010 Honda Fury: With chopper styling, the longest wheelbase ever in a production Honda motorcycle and a 1312cc long-stroke Honda V-twin engine, many have deemed the 2010 Fury the most radically styled production Honda motorcycle ever built.
- The Honda T10 engine: known as the "Honda Cuby", was used in the 1960s by American Honda service staff for small engine motorcycle vocational training.
- The portable E40 generator: was one of the first Honda generators sold in the U.S. by Honda's Engine, Generators and Farm (EGF) group.
- The actual first lawnmower produced in the U.S.: at Honda Power Equipment Mfg., Inc. in Swepsonville, N.C. in 1984. The HR-214 Lawnmower features OHV engine technology, electric starter, roto-stop system, and a self-propulsion system.
- Replica of HondaJet: Honda's first-ever commercial aircraft.
But to really flip your wig — here's what the rest of the lobby looks like from the inside of the storefront — just to give you an idea of where Honda's gone in the last fifty years:
http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/jalopnik/2009/06/Honda-Lobby-Storefront-2.jpg
From hometown to space-age.

================================================== ===========

[tokyodream]

http://www2.canada.com/topics/news/national/honda+civic+still+benchmark+compact/1287792/story.html?id=1287792 (http://www2.canada.com/topics/news/national/honda+civic+still+benchmark+compact/1287792/story.html?id=1287792)

Honda Civic still the benchmark compact !


Latest version is leaner, cleaner and more sophisticated

Alan McPhee, Canwest News Service

Published: Monday, February 16, 2009
The 2009 Honda Civic is a far cry from the stubby little hatchback that landed on our shores in 1972. Since then Honda has stayed the course, year after year adding, improving and perfecting the Civic in response to customer needs and the ups and downs of market conditions. It's a business model that Ford, GM and Chrysler have never understood.
For the 10 years between 1997 and 2007, it was the top-selling car in Canada and today, it remains the benchmark for all compacts in North America.
Not only that, it comes in three models -- high-performance Coupe, Family Sedan and Hybrid -- neatly covering the all the bases in the marketplace and appealing to a broad range of individual tastes. Now in its eighth generation, the 2009 Civic is leaner, cleaner, more sophisticated and, with nearly 40 years of development behind it, reliable as a hammer.
http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www2.canada.com/topics/news/national/honda+civic+still+benchmark+compact/1287792/1287793.bin?size=l
Honda Civic.

Handout

More pictures: < Prev (javascript:void changeImage(-1);) | Next > (javascript:void changeImage(1);)
[/URL]



Our test car was the Civic EXL Sedan finished in Crystal Black Pearl with Gray Leather Seating. Introduced last year, the latest Civic has a sleeker, more aerodynamic shape that flows in continuous curves from the integrated front bumper, over the steeply raked windshield, before sloping gently back to the rear deck lid. The smoother shape means less wind resistance and optimum fuel efficiency.
The slightly flared fenders and elegant ten-spoke, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels give the Civic a purposeful look while the body-colour outside mirrors and door handles add a touch of understated luxury.
A great handling car starts with a rigid body structure that resists flexing or twisting when negotiating bumps or cornering.
The Civic's ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure takes this a step further by incorporating load bearing substructures to disperse energy away from the cabin in the event of collisions.
Power is provided by a 140-horsepower four-cylinder 1.8-litre, 16-valve, SOHC engine with i-VTEC, Honda's exclusive " i" for intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control.
Without getting too technical, the system provides more efficient combustion for increased performance and fuel economy while lowering emissions, earning the Civic EPA's ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) status. The engine delivers 140 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels via an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission while The Drive-By-Wire Throttle System replaces mechanical parts with electronic impulses for a more immediate and smoother response to the accelerator pedal.
A 5-speed manual transmission is standard but our tester came with the optional 5-speed Automatic with Lock-Up Torque convertor. (The high performance Si Coupe and Sedan come with a 197-horsepower, 2-litre I4 while the Hybrid combines a 1.3-litre I4 with an Electric Motor Assist).
The EXL combines heated (front) leather seating with manual seat controls. Not a usual combination but perfectly acceptable. Getting comfortable behind the wheel is no problem thanks to the tilt/telescoping steering wheel and the 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat (4-way adjusters for the front passenger).

The Civic's two-tier instrument panel features a bold digital speedometer flanked by linear gauges for engine temperature and fuel, positioned in the direct line of sight. At first, I found the digital speedometer a distraction as the large numbers kept changing with the car's speed. But after a while, your peripheral vision accepts it without taking your main attention away from the road.
A more conventional tachometer, redlined at 6,300 rpm, is positioned in the lower tier with a read-out panel for odometer and trip odo, plus transmission mode indicator. I particularly liked the three-spoke steering wheel. It features audio and cruise control buttons plus thumb notches that allow for comfortable (and correct) 3- and 9- o'clock hand positions. The interior, finished in soft shades of grey, uses a pleasing mix of surface textures, highlighted with brushed metal trim to convey a high-tech look.
All the controls are intuitive and easy to reach. An info panel for the clock, trip odo, ambient temperature and audio system tops the centre stack. Simple controls for the speed-sensitive audio system are set below, featuring AM/FM/CD plus MP3/WMA compatibility. Conventional controls for the AC (with air filtration) and heating are positioned below. The multi-functional centre console features two beverage holders, stores up to 20 CDs and serves as an armrest for both front seat occupants.
(http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;209215191;6744467;l?http://www.tdwaterhouse.ca/30dayfree/index.html?campaignid=tdw30)



On the road, the Civic provides a quiet, comfortable ride. With its tall fifth gear, the engine is only turning 2,000 rpm at highway speeds, enabling it to deliver 5.7 L/100 km (50 mpg). The supple suspension smoothes out road irregularities and the power-assisted, variable rack and pinion steering is light and direct with a strong on-centre feel at highway speeds. In stop-and-go city driving, I found it best to select D3.
This allows the transmission to utilize the bottom three gears, leaving fourth and fifth for higher speeds. Power-assisted anti-lock (ABS) disc brakes with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) inspire confidence with short, controlled stops on any surface. New this year is standard VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) with Traction Control that checks wheelspin to maintain directional control on any surface. Occupants are protected with 3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners for all five positions, active front head restraints and the full complement of airbags: dual-stage, dual-threshold front; front seat side (with Occupant Position Detection); and full, side curtain airbags.
The trunk capacity of 340 litres (12 cu.ft.) is almost doubled by folding down the rear seat and easily accommodates two golf bags and weekend luggage. Other amenities include keyless-entry system; power remote/heated outside mirrors; Immobilizer Theft-Deterrent System; power windows with auto up/down driver's side; variable, intermittent wipers; MP3 auxiliary input jack and LATCH tethers for child seats.
"The EXL is a great addition to the Civic line," says Kelvin Frumento of Nanaimo Honda. "We didn't have a model with leather seating before and so it gives people a chance to enjoy a new level of comfort and luxury without giving up Civic's well known affordability and economy."

Alan McPhee is a Canadian automotive journalist and is former editor of Carguide Magazine. His articles appear each week in this space.

BOTTOM LINE:

HONDA CIVIC EXL
[URL="http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;209215191;6744467;l?http://www.tdwaterhouse.ca/30dayfree/index.html?campaignid=tdw30"]



Type: FWD compact sedan
Engine: 1.8-litre SOHC L4
Horsepower: 140 @ 6300 rpm
Torque: 128 @ 4300 rpm
Fuel economy: 8.2 L/100 km city; 5.7 L/100 km highway
Base price: $24,680
Price as tested: $25,990
(includes PDI and freight)

Vehicle provided by Nanaimo Honda



© Driving License 2009

[tokyodream]

After 50 years in US, Honda faces new challenges !

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2009323625_apushonda50thanniversary.html (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2009323625_apushonda50thanniversary.html)

By DAN STRUMPF (http://search.nwsource.com/search?searchtype=cq&sort=date&from=ST&byline=DAN%20STRUMPF)
AP Auto Writer

NEW YORK — In 1973, the local newspaper in Akron, Ohio, sent a photographer to Rick Case's filling station to take pictures of his signs bearing gas prices. The Middle East oil embargo was in full swing. Gas prices were around 30 cents a gallon and rising fast.
Case also owned the Honda dealership next-door. Before the photographer arrived, he changed the signs to read 99 cents - as high as the displays would go back then.
Case was on to something. A confluence of political and market forces gave Honda Motor Co. its big break in the U.S. in the '70s. Consumers who were suddenly worried about gas prices snapped up fuel-efficient small cars like the Civic that Case and a handful of other Honda dealers were selling. The Japanese automaker has found success by offering Americans affordable, reliable gas-sippers ever since.
"I was really hanging my hat on Honda, and I'm glad I did," said Case, who now owns several Honda and other dealerships in Ohio, Florida and Georgia. "The gas thing really helped get them attention."
But as Honda reaches its 50th anniversary in the U.S. Thursday, new challenges confront the automaker. It will have to mount a stout defense of its turf as gas prices rise again, fuel-economy rules tighten and the market for small cars grows out of the wreckage of the Detroit Three.
"The industry is coming around to where Honda is, where (its) strengths are right now," said Jeff Schuster, executive director of vehicle forecasting for J.D. Power & Associates. "So they face a tougher competitive landscape."
Japanese engineer Soichiro Honda founded Honda Motor Co. in Tokyo just three years after World War II as a manufacturer of small motorcycles. The company established American Honda Motor Co. in 1959, signed up a handful of dealers and began importing small bikes like the Honda 50 to the U.S.
The company's first import car was the two-door N600, which sported a two-cylinder engine and a sticker price of $1,295.
Honda's big break came with the oil embargo, which sent the price of gasoline soaring. Fuel-efficient cars from companies like Honda suddenly looked a lot more appealing to American consumers.
Between 1973 and 1976, sales of the compact Civic more than quadrupled to 132,286, and they continued climbing for another three years. By the end of the decade, Honda had opened its first U.S. plant in Marysville, Ohio, and others sprung up across Ohio, Alabama and Mexico to build products from motorcycles to lawnmowers.
Meanwhile, a relentless focus on quality control "created a contrast with where American cars were going," said Fred Notehelfer, a professor specializing in modern Japanese history at the University of California at Los Angeles. American cars at the time, he said, "were often flashy but falling apart very quickly. ... Japanese cars, especially Hondas, would keep running."
Honda reaped the benefits of a second energy crisis last year, when an oil bubble pushed gas prices above $4 a gallon. As Detroit and its SUV-heavy lineups suffered, Civic sales in the U.S. climbed to a record 339,289.


Honda's overall U.S. sales, however, declined 8 percent as the economy soured. The downturn accelerated and sales kept falling. The company has fought back by slashing production and offering buyouts and sweetened retirement packages to its employees.
The turmoil wracking the auto industry presents a paradox for Honda. On the one hand, Honda has weathered the crisis because it hasn't depended on once-profitable gas-thirsty vehicles as much as its Detroit rivals. On the other hand, its competitors now have little choice but to muscle in on Honda's turf.
Last month, the Obama administration laid out stricter fuel-economy rules for the auto industry, raising fleetwide average efficiency to 35.5 mpg by 2016. That's likely to benefit Honda, which already has a sturdy lineup of fuel-efficient cars like the Fit, the Civic and the Insight hybrid. But it also means it will have to confront new competitors armed with a wider lineup of fuel-efficient cars.
"Everybody is moving kind of at warp speed toward the position to where Honda is right now," J.D. Power's Schuster said.
On Wednesday, Italian automaker Fiat Group SpA sealed a deal to buy the bulk of Chrysler LLC. The Auburn Hills, Mich., company is now poised to introduce new small cars to the U.S. like the two-door Fiat 500, along with vehicles branded under the sporty Alfa Romeo brand.
Chrysler's crosstown rivals have small-car plans, too. General Motors Corp., which is also operating under bankruptcy protection, plans to start building the subcompact Chevrolet Cruze next year and says it will get about 40 miles per gallon. GM will also start selling the Chevrolet Spark minicar in the U.S. in 2011.
Meanwhile, Ford Motor Co. is bringing its popular subcompact Fiesta to the U.S. from Europe next year, and Toyota Motor Corp. is working to bring a new car to the U.S. modeled after its iQ microcar.
Honda also plans of electrify its fleet. The company, which just relaunched its Insight hybrid as a cheaper alternative to the Toyota Prius, plans to sell a hybrid based on its sporty CR-Z concept sometime in 2010. It will also offer a hybrid version of the Fit subcompact and is planning a new version of its Civic hybrid.
John Mendel, executive vice president for sales at American Honda, said the company already competes with small-car makers in Europe and plans to succeed in the U.S. by sticking to its strengths.
"We face those challenges globally now," he said. "That's not to diminish, certainly, the competition we see coming with a stronger, restructured GM or Chrysler or Ford."
---
AP Business Writer Yuri Kageyama in Tokyo contributed to this report.

================================================== ===========

Honda ventures into the compact market !

http://www.indiaenews.com/business/20090610/202680.htm (http://www.indiaenews.com/business/20090610/202680.htm)

From correspondents in Delhi, India, 06:01 PM IST

A day after the Japanese car maker Honda celebrated 50 years of venturing overseas, the company Wednesday launched Jazz, its first compact offering for the Indian market.
'In the 12 years in India, we have had products only in the premium sedan categories. With Jazz, which is one of our most successful offerings globally, we have entered the compact market in India,' said Honda Siel Cars president and chief executive Masahiro Takedagawa at the launch.
About 2.5 million units of Jazz, which is also marketed as Fit in certain markets, is sold in about 130 markets worldwide and comes to India eight years after being first introduced in Japan.
The Indian version comes with a 1.2-litre petrol engine - the same as Honda City - in order to save the 12 percent excise duty that the government imposes on bigger engines.
The attached price tag of Rs.6.98 lakh-Rs.7.33 lakh makes Jazz the second costliest offering in the compact category after the Fiat 500, which at double the price point falls under the luxury segment.
Takedagawa said although the 1.2-litre engine has been introduced to save on excise duty, the company is in constant touch with its dealer network for consumer feedback, and could introduce the more popular 1.5-litre engine in future.
Honda Siel is hoping to cross the 20,000-unit mark per year for the new car, Takedagawa indicated.
The compact car market commands over 75 percent of the overall passenger car sales in India and has more than 20 offerings from about nine manufacturers.
'I will be happy if the Jazz achieves half the sales volume of City this year,' he said. Honda sells roughly 40,000 units of City in India annually.
Apart from the Jazz and City, the company currently has three other models in its line-up including the sports utility vehicle CR-V. It has plants in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)

[tokyodream]

REVIEW: 2009 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L V6
TEST DRIVE: Accord Coupe strikes a sporty pose!


http://lfpress.ca/perl-bin/publish.cgi?p=266850&s=wheels (http://lfpress.ca/perl-bin/publish.cgi?p=266850&s=wheels)


================================================== ===


Honda Insight: Powerhouse Museum's New Green Star !

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/06/11/465225.html

TULLAMARINE, AUSTRALIA – June 11, 2009: The first production hybrid vehicle to be sold in Australia was the first-generation Honda Insight – and it is the newest attraction at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum.
The Honda Insight display is located in the museum’s permanent exhibition ‘EcoLogic: creating a sustainable future’.
The EcoLogic exhibition highlights how our lifestyles and industries can change to avoid damage to ecosystems and provides innovative ways to redirect our economy and society towards sustainability. It also focuses on what Australians can do for the future of the planet and demonstrates how smart ideas and environmental design can make a difference.
The first-generation Honda Insight deserves its place in this exhibition not only because it was the first hybrid vehicle to be sold in Australia; it is the result of over 25 years of research and development by Honda engineers into fuel efficiency and low emissions.
The Honda Insight was launched in Australia in 2001 and was the world’s most fuel efficient petrol powered car at the time. It featured Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) petrol-electric engine that produced 2.8 litres per 100km highway cycle and 3.6 litres per 100km city cycle.
The one litre lean-burn VTEC engine was assisted by an ultra thin DC brushless motor. Honda’s IMA system employed the electric motor to assist as engine load increased. When maximum acceleration was required the electric motor would contribute as much as 10 kilowatts, reducing fuel consumption and boosting acceleration.
The electric motor assist was deactivated when the vehicle was cruising and when the driver accelerated again, IMA instantaneously restarted the electric motor to provide power assistance. Energy released as heat during deceleration was recovered and used to recharge the IMA batteries. The energy was then used for the next motor assist cycle. IMA also helped reduce fuel consumption when the vehicle was stationary by automatically shutting down the engine.
This revolutionary technology was used as the basis for today’s Honda Civic Hybrid, Australia’s most affordable hybrid vehicle.
The second-generation Honda Insight was launched in Japan in February 2009 and became the first hybrid vehicle in Japan’s history to be the biggest selling vehicle in the month of April – an outstanding achievement. It is due to hit Australian shores in late 2010.

Don’t miss the Honda Insight at the Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street Ultimo, Sydney. Admission to the museum is $10 for adults, $5 for children and $25 for the whole family.


================================================== ====

Guangzhou Honda sells 30,296 cars in May, up 9% !

http://autonews.gasgoo.com/auto-news/1010834/Guangzhou-Honda-sells-30-296-cars-in-May--up-9.html

By George Gao From:Gasgoo.comJune 10, 2009

Shanghai, June 10 (Gasgoo.com) Guangzhou Honda sold 30,296 cars in May, up 9.43% year on year (y/y) and up 16.42% month on month, xinhuanet.com reported today.
The joint venture, which makes mid- to high-end sedans of Accord, Odyssey, Fit ands City brands in China's southern city of Guangzhou, said its sales in the first five months this year totaled 128,963 units.
The 8th-generation Accord sold 14,048 units in May, leading the monthly sales of mid- to high-end sedans in the China market since May 2008. The Accord achieved sales of 63,598 units from January to May and is expected to be the best-seller of its kind in the first half of this year.
http://autonews.gasgoo.com/resource/editor/Accord.jpg
The medium-size City model sold 37,705 units in the first five months, with 9,616 units sold in May. An official of Guangzhou Honda said that the City is still in short supply and the company is boosting the output of this car model to meet the growing demand.
Guangzhou Honda expected its car sales to exceed a target of 330,000 units for 2009 following a recovery in China's auto market. The venture sold 306,242 cars in 2008, up 3.7% from a year earlier.

================================================== ==============

[tokyodream]

Ce-ar fi daca?

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-image?image=836060/hfpcivicsitouring_nm.jpg


Neal asks "What If?" again, and imagines a Civic Si Touring Concept
Date: June 08, 2009 09:44
Submitted by: Jeff
Source: TOV Art Director Neal McDaniel
Credibility Rating (http://www.vtec.net/news/credibility-rating): Not Specified

Have you ever wondered how a Civic Si would look as a small sportwagon? In another installment to the "What If?" series of photoshops, Neal shares his vision.

[maruta]

Ce-ar fi daca?

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-image?image=836060/hfpcivicsitouring_nm.jpg (http://www.vtec.net/news/news-image?image=836060/hfpcivicsitouring_nm.jpg)

Neal asks "What If?" again, and imagines a Civic Si Touring Concept
Date: June 08, 2009 09:44
Submitted by: Jeff
Source: TOV Art Director Neal McDaniel
Credibility Rating (http://www.vtec.net/news/credibility-rating): Not Specified

Have you ever wondered how a Civic Si would look as a small sportwagon? In another installment to the "What If?" series of photoshops, Neal shares his vision.

Dacă ar avea spatele de la Accord, poate ar ieşi ceva fain...

http://www.24auto.ro/newsroom/Honda_Skoda_si_Volvo_in_topul_satisfactiei_clienti lor_din_Franta.html (http://www.24auto.ro/newsroom/Honda_Skoda_si_Volvo_in_topul_satisfactiei_clienti lor_din_Franta.html)

Honda, Skoda si Volvo, in topul satisfactiei clientilor din Franta.

Chiar detaşată Honda pe locul I.
Curios este că m-am întors de curând din Franţa, iar automobile Honda erau mai puţine decât Loganuri.
În schimb, Honda stă foarte bine la moto, mai ales la "monştrii" aceia.

[yulasinio]

Hardcore Civic FN2 on the way to UK

Full article ... http://pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=20110 :yes:

[tokyodream]

Best and worst green cars chosen !

By Mike Swain (http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/science/mike_swain) on Jun 17, 09 10:31 AM in Environment (http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/science/environment/)
The best and worst green cars have been picked by the Environmental Transport Association.
(http://www.eta.co.uk/)
The least green car is the monster 200mph eight litre Dodge SRT-10 sports car.
It's a petrolhead's fantasy accelerating from 0 to 60 in less than four seconds but emits the same amount of C02 as would be absorbed by an acre of mature oak trees.
You would need 322 trees to absorb the C02 from driving the Dodge for a year for the average 9,000 miles. And it only does 13 miles to the gallon on an urban cycle.
At a cost of £77,000 there are only an estimated 15 on British roads.
The greenest car is the Honda Insight 1.3 IMA ES.
The Honda, a hybrid rival to the Toyota Prius, costs £16,700 and climbs from 0-62 in 12.5 seconds but does 60 miles to the gallon with a top speed of 113mph
Jeremy Clarkson called it "biblically terrible" after a test drive.

"It's the worst car I've ever considered driving into a tree, on purpose, so I didn't have to drive it any more," he said.
The association, which has 20,000 members, examined more than 1300 models for their green car awards.
Andrew Davis, director of the ETA, said: "The concern is not the Dodge SRT-10's and Lamborghinis because there are not many of them on the road. The concern is that people are continuing to buy cars that are much too big for their real needs.
"The discrepancy between the greenest and the least green cars today is striking but the market is changing and a combination of consumer pressure alongside government leadership will result in an increasing choice of environmentally sound cars."
Diesel cars have been criticised for causing roadside pollution. But diesels do well in the list where they have been fitted with diesel particulate filters which have dramatically improved their emissions.
Many of the worst performing cars on the green list are eligible for the government's car scrappage scheme.
Here's the full list:

Best and worst by category (C02 g/km):

Greenest car overall: HONDA Insight 1.3 IMA ES (101g/km)
Worst(least green) car overall: Dodge SRT-10 (488g/km)

Large Family - best: BMW 3 Series 320d with particulate filter (144g/km)
Large Family - worst : BMW M3 (309g/km)

Supermini - best: TOYOTA Yaris 1.4 D-4-D 6-speed (109g/km)
Supermini - worst: RENAULT Clio Renault Sport 200 (195g/km)

Small Family - best: Honda Insight 1.3 IMA ES (101g/km)
Small Family - worst: VOLKSWAGEN Golf R32 4MOTION (255g/km)

City - best: TOYOTA iQ 1.0 VVT-i (99g/km)
City - worst: FORD Ka, Post 2006 1.6 Duratec Sportka (182g/km)

Sports - best: VAUXHALL Tigra 1.3CDTi 16v (124g/km)
Sports - worst: Dodge SRT-10 (488g/km)

MPV - best: S-Max 1.8 Duratorq TDCi (164g/km)
MPV - worst: MERCEDES R-Class R63 AMG (387g/km)

Small MPV - best: RENAULT Modus 1.5 dCi 86 Quickshift 5 (119g/km)
Small MPV - worst: MERCEDES Viano 3.5 (284g/km)

Executive - best: BMW 5 Series 520d saloon with particulate filter (136g/km)Executive - worst: CADILLAC CTS-V (350g/km)

Off road - best: SUBARU Outback AWD (153g/km)
Off road - worst: CADILLAC Escalade 6.2 V8 (383g/km)

Luxury - best: JAGUAR XJ 2.7L Diesel Saloon (209g/km)
Luxury - worst: Bentley Brooklands Coupé (465g/km).

http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/science/2009/06/best-and-worst-green-cars-chos.html (http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/science/2009/06/best-and-worst-green-cars-chos.html)


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[tokyodream]

Sorting out the best SUVs for families !


http://www.thestarphoenix.com/Cars/Sorting+best+SUVs+families/1701599/story.html (http://www.thestarphoenix.com/Cars/Sorting+best+SUVs+families/1701599/story.html)

Huge choice



By David Booth, Canwest News Service June 17, 2009



Story (http://javascript<b></b>:setClass('storypage','story_content');)
Photos ( 1 ) (http://javascript<b></b>:setClass('storypage','story_photo_content');)
http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.thestarphoenix.com/cars/sorting+best+suvs+families/1701599/1562035.bin (http://javascript<b></b>:setClass('storypage','story_photo_content');)

2009 Honda CRV EX-L.

Photograph by: Handout, Canadian Auto Press







The immense popularity of sport-utility vehicles means that all manner of diverse takes on the SUV format are available: compact sport-cutes, mid-sized, full-sized, unibody frame and ladder and even luxury utes abound.
Whether you’re a soft-roader or a hardcore off-roader, there’s a utility vehicle for every occasion and price range.

Dodge’s Nitro is based on the same platform as the Jeep Liberty and powered by a selection of V6s — either a 210-horsepower, 3.7-litre SOHC V6 or the more powerful 260-hp 4.0L SOHC V6. Three transmissions are offered: a six-speed manual, a four-speed manumatic and a five-speed manumatic. And unlike so many in the price range, the Nitro’s base two-wheel-drive model powers the rear wheels. Prices start at $20,995.

The big Dodge news for 2009, however, has been the Journey, a crossover meant to marry the look of an SUV with the seven-passenger seating capacity of a minivan, all for $19,995. The Journey features two engine/transmission combinations — a 2.4L four-cylinder with a four-speed automatic and a 3.5L V6 mated to a six-speed manumatic. On price alone, the Journey is attractive, and the sport-cute has been one of Chrysler’s stellar performers.

One of the most popular sport-utes in Canada comes from Dodge’s cross-town rival Ford. The Edge offers edgey styling, pardon the pun, and outstanding performance thanks to its 265-hp, 3.5L DOHC Duratec V6 and six-speed automatic transmission.
Not as much in the limelight but still not forgotten is Ford’s Escape, which, for 2009, gets a new 2.5L four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic. The optional 3.0L V6 gains 30 hp and also comes with a six-speed auto. The Hybrid model retains its four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gas engine, but its displacement, too, grows to 2.5 litres. Aerodynamics have also been improved to improve fuel consumption.

Honda’s CR-V is one of Canada’s most popular light trucks. The third-generation CR-V was completely redone in 2007, adding safety enhancements such as Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. Front-wheel drive is standard as is a 166-p, 2.4L four-banger. The CR-V can be outfitted to virtual luxury SUV standards with the EX-L Navi package, which adds a navigation system with bilingual voice recognition and rear-view camera plus a 270-watt AM/FM/six-disc premium audio system with seven speakers.

Hyundai’s strong contingent of sport-cutes starts with the four-cylinder, 2.0L I4 Tucson, which starts at a bargain-basement $21,195. The Tucson is available with an electronic on-demand four-wheel-drive system that routes up to 99% of the power to the front wheels. As road conditions or torque demand change, the system automatically diverts up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels.

Slightly larger and definitely more powerful is Hyundai’s Santa Fe ($25,995) powered by a 2.7L, 185-hp V6 (with a 242-hp V6 optional). Front-wheel drive is standard as is an electronic stability control system that includes traction control and anti-lock brakes. Six air bags are also standard, including side curtain air bags that extend head protection to all three rows of seats.

Truly the most road-oriented and least expensive ($16,395) of Jeep’s extensive sport-ute lineup, the Compass stresses the look and functionality of an SUV with the performance, handling and fuel economy of a small car. The standard engine for all models is a 172-hp, 2.4L four-cylinder coupled with a five-speed manual. Optional on the front-wheel-drive Sport and North Edition versions with continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a smaller, 2.0L four-cylinder engine with superior gas mileage. With virtually the same mechanicals as the Compass, the Patriot offers more butch off-road styling. Standard safety equipment includes side-curtain air bags, electronic roll mitigation and anti-lock brakes.

More rugged than the original, Jeep’s Liberty was completely redesigned in 2008. Though not as single purpose as the Wrangler, the Liberty does offer two J Trail Rated four-wheel-drive systems: Command-Trac and Selec-Trac II. Chassis improvements for 2009 include stiffer rear axle shafts and retuned springs, shocks, anti-roll bars and steering gear valve for improved steering and handling. The Liberty continues to be powered by Chrysler’s ubiquitous 3.7L V6, in this guise sporting 210 hp.

A direct descendent of the Jeep that started it all, the Wrangler Unlimited is a slightly more practical version of the classic off-roader with four doors, roomier rear seats and almost triple the cargo space of the original. However, it retains the Wrangler’s removable full-framed or half doors, exposed hinges, fold-down windshield and removable and convertible tops. The Wrangler continues to be powered by Jeep’s torque-laden 3.8L overhead-valve V6.

One of the relatively new players in the small SUV segment, the Kia Rondo’s powertrain choices include a 2.4L, 175-hp four-cylinder with a four-speed Steptronic manumatic or the available 2.7L V6 with 192 ponies. The front-wheel-drive Rondo features independent front and rear suspensions. Standard front and rear anti-roll bars are calibrated for precise and responsive handling along with the tuned hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering.

Kia’s upmarket SUV is the Sorrento, a more substantial beast of burden with a 3.8L V6 that can tow up to 2,268 kilograms. Sorentos come with standard four-wheel drive and available electronically controlled torque-on-demand puts all that power to good use. Independent suspension smoothes out the ride, while standard electronic stability control, a traction control system and anti-lock brakes deliver the stability, traction and safety demanded by the modern sport-ute buyer.

Arguably the most luxurious of sport-cutes, the $44,900 Land Rover LR2 certainly has the best pedigree. Brand new in 2007, the LR2 delivers outstanding on-road performance as well as class-leading off-road ability, It is powered by a 230-hp., 3.2L in-line 6.

Land Rover’s Terrain Response system is standard, co-ordinating the LR2’s many systems and sensors to offer the optimum drivability in a diverse set of circumstances. Other technologies include a new permanent intelligent AWD system and gradient release control, which improves driver confidence when releasing the brakes on steep and slippery slopes.

The LR2’s list of standard equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter, a cold-climate package that includes a heated windshield, heated windshield washer jets and heated front seats as well as a dual-panel sunroof.
The mechanical twin to the Ford Escape, Mazda’s Tribute ($22,795) was completely redesigned for 2008 with a more aggressive exterior and a more luxurious interior. For 2009, the base engine gets a boost to a 171-hp, 2.5L four-cylinder, while the optional 3.0L V6 gains 30 hp over the 2008 version.

Available in three trim levels — GX, GS and GT — the Tribute also gets a revised, sportier suspension with rear stabilizer bar and a new easy fuel system. An active torque-split all-wheel-drive system is standard on the GT and optional on the GX and GS.

The first Mercedes truly aimed at the lower end of the SUV segment, the Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 is nonetheless powered by a torquey 268-hp., 3.5L V6 and Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.

Being a Mercedes, the GLK boasts a long list of standard equipment including a two-zone automatic climate control system, an adjustable steering column, front seats with electrically adjustable height and backrest angle and manual lumbar support, integrated Bluetooth interface for mobile phones, a microphone for the hands-free system and a central five-inch colour screen.

Mitsubishi’s Outlander was redesigned last year, now longer, taller and wider than the previous version. For 2009, all Outlanders feature redesigned side skirts, heated front seats and a rear cargo cover. The base engine is a 168-hp, 2.4L DOHC four-cylinder, while the upscale LS and XLS models feature a 220-hp, 3.0L SOHC V6 and are equipped with 4WD. XLS models also feature steering wheel-mounted shifter paddles controlled by a centre console-mounted knob.

In 2008, the Nissan Rogue ($24,398) was named the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada’s Best New SUV/CUV under $35,000. The Rogue is offered in S and SL trim, each with a standard 2.5L four-cylinder and Xtronic continuously variable transmission, vehicle dynamic control, traction control and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. All-wheel drive is available on both models and the Rogue’s list of safety equipment includes front seat-mounted air bags and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags.

Named the Best New SUV between $35,000 and $60,000, the Saturn Vue offers two different hybrid options for 2009 including the new 255-hp two-mode Hybrid’s 3.6L V6 with direct injection technology. In addition to the Two-Mode Hybrid version, the Vue is available in XE and XR trims as well as the high-performance Red Line. A four-cylinder hybrid model features the more affordable GM Hybrid system.
The new Subaru Forester ($25,75) is larger for 2009 with significant improvements in safety, technology, comfort and driving dynamics. A new double-wishbone rear suspension replaces the previous strut-type configuration, while the longer wheelbase increases rear-seat legroom.

A 2.5L four-cylinder powers the 2.5X, Touring and Limited versions. A high-performance turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder powers the fully loaded 2.5XT Limited.
Suzuki’s Grand Vitara ($25,995) gets improved performance and is more fuel efficient for 2009 with a new 166-hp, 2.4L four-cylinder or an even more powerful 230-p, 3.2L V6. The Grand Vitara is rated to tow a substantial 1,360 kilograms. It also offers six standard air bags and ESP (V6 models) with two new functions —Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control. Suzuki has also added rear disc brakes with ABS, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist for improved stopping power.

The 2009 RAV4 ($26,500) is available with either a four-cylinder or V6 powertrain, each in three trim levels. It also boasts a new 2.5L four this year that produces 179 hp while still seeking out better fuel economy. A 3.5L V6 paired with a five-speed automatic is optional.

All RAV4s are equipped with vehicle stability control, which enhances cornering stability by using both throttle and brakes to correct oversteer and understeer. Traction control and Toyota’s active torque control 4WD system are also standard.
Volkswagen has finally brought its compact, German-built “small Touareg” — aka the Tiguan — to market this year in both front-drive and 4Motion AWD versions. All Tiguans seat five and are powered by a 200-hp, turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder.
Volkswagen’s 4Motion AWD system distributes engine power optimally between the front and rear wheels. At low speeds, the system changes over automatically to front-wheel drive, while, at higher speeds, the torque distribution is electronically controlled.

Smaller and shorter than the company’s iconic XC70 and lower than the XC90, Volvo’s new XC60 competes in the compact premium crossover segmentwith rivals the Land Rover LR2 and Mercedes GLK. The big news is Volvo’s city safety system — a segment first — which uses electronic sensors to determine if a collision with the vehicle in front is imminent and then applies the brakes automatically to avoid or reduce the impact of the collision. The XC60 is powered by a turbocharged, 281-hp., 3.0L in-line six-cylinder. Volvo’s AWD system with Instant Traction is standard.

dbooth@nationalpost.com




© Copyright (c) Driving

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Crossovers: The decade's vehicle success story!

http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=10557100

By Tom Ripley, Studio One Networks

http://www.drivingtoday.com/worldnow/images/dt_ftpo_214x16.jpg


So just what is a "crossover"? Not only is it among the hottest vehicle types in a decidedly not-so-hot market this year, but it is also essentially a cross between a car and an SUV. More precisely, it is a high-profile vehicle that looks and behaves much like a sport-utility vehicle but is based on a car platform rather than a truck platform. Though nobody talks about the crossover craze the way they did about the SUV craze of the '90s, the new vehicle type has proven to be among the most popular of the decade.

Perhaps the biggest reason for the success of the crossover segment over other segments is that there are just so darn many of them in all shapes and sizes and more are being introduced, seemingly every day. Crossovers are also appealing to a wide range of buyers because they offer much of the versatility of an SUV but the way they ride, handle and offer fuel economy is much more analogous to a sedan. In addition, their taller profile makes them easier to get in and out of than a conventional sedan, and many people like their upright seating.

These days, because of the soft automotive market, another thing people like about them is their affordable prices. Very often, these vehicles are discounted by several thousands of dollars versus MSRP, and they are usually less expensive than equivalent traditional SUVs. The "deals" take a number of forms: a combination of factory-to-customer cash, factory-to-dealer cash and special financing offers. Some great lease deals are also available on crossovers right now.
Sound appealing? Here are some crossovers worthy of your attention:

Honda CR-V:

One of the granddaddies of all crossovers, the small CR-V was originally introduced as an SUV, but it offers all the advantages of the typical crossover in terms of ride, handling and fuel economy. It has grown more sophisticated through the years, but it's still a bargain.

Toyota Venza:

The Venza has moved the crossover even closer to the sedan than many of its brethren, and it virtually eschews any semblance of off-road capability. In the old days, we would have called the highly styled Venza a station wagon.

Buick Enclave:

Luxury, style and quality from an American-based manufacturer? It's all there in the Buick Enclave. This is an easy-riding vehicle that looks great, and it offers a wide variety of luxury amenities.

Acura MDX:

One of the most popular luxury crossovers, the MDX combines a future-look exterior with abundant space and a sport-sedan level of handling and performance. Some might be turned off by its looks, but the technology under the skin is stellar.

Chevrolet Traverse:

Based on the same platform as the Buick Enclave, the Traverse does many of the same things as the Enclave but at a much lower price. It is well-built and a great alternative to pricier crossovers in its size class.

Volvo XC60:

This is touted as the safest Volvo of all time, and that's really saying something. Beyond that, it might also be the best-looking Volvo of all time, with impressive exterior and interior style that transcends the stolid Volvo image.

Porsche Cayenne:

The Cayenne doesn't hold all that many people or that much stuff, it's not all that economical to purchase and its fuel economy is nothing to text home about. But of all the crossovers, it might well be the most fun to drive. And interestingly, it offers serious off-road capabilities in addition to its top-notch on-road abilities.

Driving Today Contributing Editor Tom Ripley writes about the automobile industry and the human condition from his home in Villeperce, France.
Copyright (c) 2009 Studio One Networks. All rights reserved.

[BogdanRR]

J.D. Power and Associates Ranks Honda CR-V and Ridgeline Highest in Segments in IQS

06/22/2009 - TORRANCE, Calif. -
The Honda CR-V, the top-selling CUV in the U.S., and the Honda Ridgeline pickup ranked highest in their respective segments in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study℠ (IQS), American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. Honda's East Liberty, Ohio manufacturing facility, which assembles the Honda CR-V, also received a coveted Gold Plant award, ranking it as the top factory in the Americas.

IQS serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership and captures problems experienced by owners in two distinct categories - quality of design and quality of production (defects and malfunctions). The study ranked nameplates and vehicles based on survey reports of Problems Per Hundred (PP100 studied).

Honda vehicles averaged only 99 PP100, an improvement of 11 PP100 over 2008. The Honda CR-V ranked highest in the Compact Multi Activity Vehicle segment for the third consecutive year, with an IQS rating of 93 PP100, and the Honda Ridgeline truck ranked highest in the Midsize Pickup segment, with an IQS rating of 81 PP100.

[Smaranda Florin]

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=837962

Mag-X breaks out the crystal ball for the 2012 CR-V !

Loyal TOV reader Dan forwarded this July '09 Mag-X piece on the 2012 CR-V. TOV member 'sugaki' was kind enough to provide a translation of it. Thanks go out to both.

In summary, Mag-X says that the basic requirements for the next generation CR-V (production code 2WS) have been settled and Honda is currently focusing on the styling direction for the 4th generation of their compact SUV. Due to the current CR-V's popularity abroad, it is said that the new model will be very similar in size to the current version. The dimensions projected by Mag-X reflect very small increases in length, width and height (4535x1820x1685 mm).

Mag-X mentions that Honda is aiming to improve the CR-V's sales performance from the current pace of around 800 units/month to around 1130 units (an increase of about 40%). Honda originally intended to sell the current model at a rate of roughly 2000 units/month. (Side note: even in our incredibly poor market conditions, the CR-V sold at an average rate of 560 units PER DAY in the USA last month). The targets for the US-market are not mentioned, but supposedly Honda is looking to increase monthly sales in Europe by around 5% (up to 5350 cars/month).

Mag-X asserts that for cost-saving reasons, the next-generation CR-V will be based upon the current platform, and the 2.4L K24A engine will also carry over. A 2.0L version is also being planned for entry level Japanese market FWD-only trims. Mag-X goes on to say that Honda is considering saving the introduction of an advanced engine for a big mid-cycle model change. Additionally, according to the article are no plans for a V6 engine for North America.

According to the article, there are no plans to introduce a diesel CR-V in Japan, but the diesel will continue to be offered in the European market. It is also noted that production of Honda's i-DTEC diesel engines will shift from the Suzuka factory to the new Ogawa factory starting in the fall.

Mag-X says the exterior design should be finalized by November of this year, and the new CR-V is planned to be announced in September of 2011, with a formal introduction taking place in October of 2011 at the Tokyo Motor Show.

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/1601/29414890.png

The image caption is said to read: "'Premium' and 'sporty' are the keywords to the next-gen CR-V design."

[tokyodream]

Top five cars for holding value



Canadian Black Book residuals


http://www.leaderpost.com/Cars/five+cars+holding+value/1698051/story.html (http://www.leaderpost.com/Cars/five+cars+holding+value/1698051/story.html)

Every year, the Canadian Black Book tallies up which cars have the best residual value using data from four-year-old vehicles, for this year's list, using 2005 model-year cars.
All passenger cars and light trucks less than $70,000 are considered, and the residual value is based on the car's ability to retain value from its original manufacturer's suggested retail price.
No, this list isn't a sexy as the Top 5: Most expensive convertibles list, but a car's residual value affects how much it can be sold for in the future and is important to consider when buying a new car. Cars that don't depreciate in value as much ensure a buyer gets the most bang for their buck when it's time to make a trade.
The following are five cars from the CBB's list of 2005 model cars with the best future resale values.
1. Mazda3 With an MSRP in 2005 of about $13,680, the Mazda3 is a crowd favourite for its sporty ride and stylish exterior. Available as a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback, Post Driving Motor Mouth David Booth said in a 2005 review that the Mazda3 "offer[s] more power, more room and more sophistication than its competitors."
2. Mini Cooper Always a top choice from autojournalists young and old, a cute base Mini Cooper in 2005 came with a MSRP of just less than $17,000. The Mini is always praised for its go-kart-like driving dynamics, its stellar fuel efficiency and, of course, its charming good looks.
3. Toyota Corolla Perhaps the most famous for holding its value, in 2005, the Corolla started at $13,780. A somewhat staid but solid choice, the Corolla has earned a reputation for affordability and reliability. In a 2005 review, Post Driving's Graeme Fletcher said the Corolla is "well suited to its role on the road [and] it has enjoyed a long life," adding that the Corolla is the top-selling automotive nameplate of all time for many good reasons.
4. Honda Civic Quoted as being the "gold standard" in its market by a Canwest auto reporter in 2005, the Civic started at an MRSP of $13,260. The Civic is reported to have high quality and reliability comparable the Corolla, but with more style and a sportier disposition.
5. Smart fortwo Starting in 2005 at $16,500, the micro-sized Smart fortwo also holds value well. A bit more quirky than the other offerings on this list, the Smart is a city runabout that sips fuel and is a real head-turner, which can't be said for the much more common Corolla or the Civic.
Other winners of CBB's residual value award for this year include the (2005 model) Dodge Sprinter, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Matrix and Toyota Echo.
© Copyright (c) Driving

[tokyodream]

Daihatsu, Alfa Romeo and Mercedes Top Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study in Germany (http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/06/daihatsu-first-alfa-romeo-and-mercedes.html) !

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/06/daihatsu-first-alfa-romeo-and-mercedes.html (http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/06/daihatsu-first-alfa-romeo-and-mercedes.html)

For the first time since the launch of the study in 2002, Daihatsu has claimed the top spot in J.D. Power and Associates' redesigned 2009 Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study (VOSS) in Germany with a total score of 843 on a 1,000-point scale. The Japanese brand was followed by Alfa Romeo and Mercedes-Benz that tied in second place with 835 points, BMW was third with 834 points and Audi and Toyota that tied in fifth place with 831 points.


On the other side of the scale, Ford (796 points), Opel, Kia and Peugeot that tied with 790 points, Fiat (778 points), Chevrolet (775 points) and Smart (772 points) occupied the last five places in J.D. Power's 2009 German vehicle ownership satisfaction study. The industry average is 814 points.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/SkGZMTh3aBI/AAAAAAAB290/AxAjEGLrXsw/s200/Toyota-Augo.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/SkGZMTh3aBI/AAAAAAAB290/AxAjEGLrXsw/s1600-h/Toyota-Augo.jpg)Model-wise, Daihatsu's Sirion captured the top rank position in the small car category while Toyota received awards for the Aygo city car and the Corolla lower medium car. In the upper medium segment, Renault's Laguna finished first while Mercedes-Benz topped the executive / luxury and sports car segments with the E-Class and CLK Class models respectively.

Also receiving segment-level awards are the Skoda Roomster in the MPV group and the Nissan Qashqai in the SUV category.

J.D. Power and Associates' finding are based on 16,200 online interviews with German vehicle owners after an average of two years of ownership. According to the firm, German owners are asked to provide detailed evaluations on their cars and dealers covering 67 attributes grouped in four measurements of satisfaction including: vehicle appeal (32%) which covers performance, design, comfort and features; vehicle quality and reliability (26%); ownership costs (22%) including fuel consumption, insurance and costs of service/repair; and dealer service satisfaction (20%).
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/SkGaS5Hou8I/AAAAAAAB2-U/BGcMH6Z0liY/s400/JD-5.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/SkGaS5Hou8I/AAAAAAAB2-U/BGcMH6Z0liY/s1600-h/JD-5.jpg)
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/SkGaSrDcFhI/AAAAAAAB2-M/SxbCwh4T0Fo/s400/JD-4.jpg (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/SkGaSrDcFhI/AAAAAAAB2-M/SxbCwh4T0Fo/s1600-h/JD-4.jpg)

[BogdanRR]

Si uite cum usor, dar sigur, coboara Honda in topurile pe care, acum ceva timp, le domina autoritar (in special cele de satisfactie a clientilor). Asa se intampla cand dai cu sutul la valorile care te-au consacrat...mai e putin si te ajunge Dacia. Pacat.

[hondatu]

Foarte putin probabil ca Honda sa fi modificat radical modul de productie sa se ajunga la o calitate nasoala ci mai degraba as zice ca virgula codasii de alta data au recuperat