Ultimele articole din presa straina referitoare la Honda

tokyodream · 08-04-10, 09:28

Exciting Designs Fuel New Car Interest

SEE ALSO: New Car Buyers Guide

ATLANTA, April 7 -- During the month of March, the Chevrolet Camaro once again became the most-viewed new vehicle on AutoTrader.com. Meanwhile, Hyundai's new Sonata midsize sedan was the most-viewed new vehicle in its class for the first time ever, surpassing competitors that include Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima.
Other big gains in new vehicles came from a pair of compact crossovers. The new Chevrolet Equinox was up 186% in views year-over-year, making it the most-viewed new vehicle in its class and the 8th most-viewed new vehicle overall. The new Kia Sorento, a direct competitor of the Equinox, saw views increase 268% year-over-year, making it the 2nd most-viewed compact crossover, and 20th overall among all vehicles.
"As the Camaro, Equinox, Sorento and Sonata all prove, hot new designs still are capable of drawing shopper attention on-line and in showrooms," said AutoTrader.com President and CEO Chip Perry. "With most major automakers planning lots of new product to roll out during the course of 2010, consumers will have a lot to be excited about at their local dealership this year."
Average asking prices for new vehicles continued to creep up, a sign of better management of production in relation to demand than what was seen in 2009. These increases, though, were offset by manufacturer incentives which helped drive shoppers to dealers, resulting in the best month for new vehicle sales so far in 2010.
Economic Recovery Continues to Fuel Demand for Full-size Trucks
Used full-size trucks continued to see increased activity on AutoTrader.com last month. These increases were led by the used Dodge Ram 2500 and the used Ford F-250, which both saw views rise about 20% from March of 2009. The used Chevrolet Silverado 2500 also gained big, up 18% compared to March of last year.
"This improvement we have seen in views for work trucks is a good harbinger of improvements to the economy at large," said Perry. "These vehicles' popularity is a direct reflection of rebounding activity in the business and industrial segments, which in turn points towards increased spending among general consumers. We expect this trend to soon be reflected in increased activity not just for work trucks, but also popular family vehicles such as midsize sedans and crossovers."
While searches for Certified Pre-Owned vehicles were down slightly year-over-year, much of this is still the result of depleted inventories in the sector. The reduced inventory of CPO vehicles continued to push average asking prices higher, especially among trucks, SUVs and crossovers both foreign and domestic. For example, the average asking price for a Certified GMC Sierra 1500 pick-up rose 15% to $24,541, while the average asking price for a Honda Pilot crossover rose 14% to $24,668.
"Manufacturers and dealers spent a lot of time and money explaining to consumers the benefits of CPO vehicles," said Perry. "And just as consumers were responding, leasing, a key supply avenue for CPO vehicles, dried up with the credit crunch. With leasing beginning to see new signs of life, the supply of CPO vehicles should improve over time and many consumers will again give this segment a look."
Record Traffic
In March, AutoTrader.com logged 16.5 million unique monthly visitors, the highest traffic the company had ever experienced, beating the previous record from March 2009 by almost a half-million unique visitors. Heavy marketing of autos and auto incentives coupled with the recovering economy helped raise consumer interest in making a new or used vehicle purchase, driving them on-line to research and compare models in their efforts to find the perfect car at the right price. AutoTrader.com's own extensive marketing efforts, including strong presence on networks including MTV, VH1 and Lifetime and displays at the United States' largest auto shows over the past few months helped lead those shoppers to AutoTrader.com in record numbers.
Future Trends
"With the U.S. auto show season coming to a close with the New York International Auto Show this month and manufacturers getting ready to put into showrooms a variety of new vehicles, it will be interesting to see what cars become popular on our site and in sales over the next eight to 10 months," said Perry.
A major trend this auto show season has been small, stylish and fuel-efficient cars like the new Ford Fiesta, the new Mazda 2, the new Chevy Cruze and the new Fiat-Chrysler 500. These cars are aimed squarely at the segment of consumers who say they want cars that are fuel efficient, great to look at and fun to drive, three things that have not normally gone together on U.S. roads.
"As a result of gas prices starting to creep up a bit and people more than ever aware of the environment, we will be keeping an eye on how these new small cars fare in the market when they do become available in dealer showrooms," said Perry.
About AutoTrader.com
AutoTrader.com, created in 1997 and headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., is the Internet's leading auto classifieds marketplace and consumer information website. AutoTrader.com aggregates in a single location millions of new cars, used cars and certified pre-owned cars from thousands of auto dealers and private owners. The site attracts about 15 million unique monthly visitors. Through innovative merchandising functionality such as multiple photos, videos, detailed descriptions and comprehensive research and compare tools, AutoTrader.com unites new and used car buyers and sellers online to improving the way people research, locate and advertise vehicles. AutoTrader.com is a majority-owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. The venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers is also an investor. For more information, please visit www.autotrader.com.

TABELE =>

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...07/472251.html

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Honda Agrees to Settle Class-Action Suit on Premature Brake Wear

Honda will settle a class-action suit, filed last September, pertaining to premature brake wear on its current-generation Honda Accord and Acura TSX models.

The suit claims that the rear brake pads on its 2008-09 Accord and 2009 Acura TSX, along with a small number of 2010 models, have an unjustifiably short lifespan of just 15,000 to 20,000 miles. Honda reportedly refused to cover the issue under its new car warranty and, in all, 750,000 total vehicles may be affected. Around 350 owner complaints were filed on the NHTSA Web site.

To remedy the problem, Honda will install redesigned rear brake pads and make adjustments to the braking system. Whether the issue is with the brake pads or brake-force distribution, we can only speculate for now. The suit alleges the premature wear is due to the new brake system that includes rear discs and an electronic brake-distribution system, which became standard equipment on the 2008 Accord and 2009 TSX. As is the case with many settlements, the currently proposed outline says that Honda denies there is a defect and that both parties are acting in good faith.

The settlement terms are currently under review in California and preliminary approval is scheduled for May with the final verdict to come later this year.

The current proposal terms include:

Owners who had rear brake work done prior to settlement approval will receive reimbursement of up to half the cost of the job, up to $125. To be eligible, owners must have replaced the worn pads with pads of the same type and multiple claims may be filed.
Owners will receive a one-time payment of up to $150 to have new, redesigned brake pads installed.
Honda to pay $2 million in legal fees and expenses for the plaintiff party.

For a blast from the past, check out the verdict on our former long-term 2008 Accord EX-L V-6. This exact brake issue made its way to the surface at just under 15,000 miles.

Source: Wall Street Journal

http://wot.motortrend.com/6663384/re...ear/index.html

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Loaded Compact Sedans: Alternatives to Moderately Equipped Midsizers

http://www.motortrend.com/features/c...ans/index.html

articol de 7 pagini

2010 Honda Civic EX-L with NAVI :

Years after the Honda Civic became Motor Trend's 2006 Car of the Year, it remains at the top of the sales charts. That's because the Civic sedan still offers class-competitive dynamics. "When cornering," said Associate Editor Allyson Harwood in a comparison test with a 2008 Civic, "a little steering input went a long way -- that took some getting used to."

Civic sedans continue to offer excellent fuel economy at 25/36 mpg city/highway with a five-speed automatic transmission and a 140-horsepower four-cylinder engine. It's definitely not the swiftest ride in our price range -- the aforementioned 2008 model takes 9.4 seconds to reach 60 mph -- but consider that a $24,515 Civic has a satellite-linked navigation system and heated leather seats. A four-cylinder Accord with a navigation system and heated leather seats runs a minimum of $29,540.

Selected features in a $24,515 Civic sedan: Satellite-linked navigation system with voice recognition, Bluetooth, satellite radio, leather seats, heated front seats

Strengths: Honda's reputation for reliability; was Motor Trend's Car of the Year for a reason

Weaknesses: One of the least-powerful engines in its class; interior is sufficient but on the small side: the EPA classifies the Civic sedan as a subcompact

Bottom Line: The priciest of this bunch, but arguably worth it.

tokyodream · 09-04-10, 06:42

Honda upcoming small car will come early than expect

Honda upcoming small car will come early than expect

Honda Siel Cars India Limited showcased its upcoming small car model concept at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010 earlier this year in January. The car was announced to be launched in the Indian market by early 2011. Honda has also started working on the model and a production ready model is nearly ready. Honda recently showcased the model at the Bangkok International Motor Show.

reandering and more infomation here :
http://autoten.com/2010/03/16/2011-h...2cv-rendering/

Honda is contemplating its options to launch the car by end of this year instead of its planned schedule of sometime in early 2011. �The marketing teams are stepping on the gas now,� a firm official close to the development said on condition of anonymity. �No stone is being left unturned to ensure that the car enters the domestic market soon.�
Originally scheduled for a launch in late 2011, the launch of the Toyota Etios Hatchback in late 2010
The small car, to be priced under $10,000 (Rs 4.5-5 lakh), comes last in a list of newly announced hatchbacks that are being rolled out. Ford and Volkswagen have already introduced Figo and Polo, respectively, this year. General Motors too has brought in its second small car, Beat.

All these models have seen decent sales since their launch. While the recently launched Figo and Polo have received around 10,000 bookings and 5,000 bookings, respectively, nearly 13,000 Chevrolet Beats have driven out of showrooms since its January launch.

Nissan is expected to roll out its compact, Micra, in June this year, with an estimated price tag of Rs 4 lakh. Said Michael Boneham, president and MD of Ford India, �We have all reasons to believe that India�s small car segment will keep witnessing double-digit growth.�

As for Honda, it first premiered the 2CV at the Auto Expo earlier this year.(http://autoten.com/2010/01/05/honda-...-codename-2cv/) Tatsuya Natsume, director of marketing had told Financial Chronicle at the expo that the company expects to sell the small car in volumes on a par with its bread and butter model Honda City. Its small car, developed primarily for India and other emerging nations, will have 80 per cent localised content and will be first rolled out from its Greater Noida facility. It will also be manufactured in Thailand.
The Honda Jazz has been a sluggish performer in India since its launch in June last year, owing to its steep price tag of Rs 6,98,000 in comparison to rival models.
HSCI has aggressive marketing plans for the launch of its small car. �We aim to increase our dealerships to 150 by 2011 end,� Sen said.

Admin

http://autoten.com/2010/04/08/honda-...y-than-expect/

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Premii pentru CIVIC, ACCORD si CR-V 2010 :

http://automobiles.honda.com/civic-coupe/reviews.aspx

http://automobiles.honda.com/accord-sedan/reviews.aspx

http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-v/reviews.aspx

tokyodream · 11-04-10, 11:51

http://www.4wheelsnews.com/top-acura...ero-financing/

Top Acura dealers announce �Triple Zero� financing

If you�ve ever thought about getting an Acura, you may want to take a peek at a financing offer launched jointly by three top Acura dealers. Acura cars are reputed to have one of the safest and best-valued luxury cars.
Three of the five largest dealerships in the US � Rallye Acura of Roslyn, Paragon Acura of Woodside, and Acura of Westchester � would want customers to extend a hand to customers with the �Triple Zero� program. In a release, Brian Benstock, General Manager of Paragon Auto Group, said that the group would want to welcome customers to the �world of Acura� with a plan that lets them pay $0 down payment, $0 security deposit, and $0 first month�s payment on the 2010 Acura TL and 2010 Acura TSX 4 Cylinder models. These models were awarded the NHTSA 5-star crash safety rating, as well as the Top Safety Picks from the IIHS. �Looking at the value, the safety, the luxury and the pure fun of driving an Acura,� says Brian Benstock, General Manager of Paragon Auto Group, which holds the unique distinction of being the #1 Certified Pre-Owned Honda and Acura Retailer in the world, �it�s clear that what for other car brands would seem like a huge risk is for us just a way of extending a hand to our customers. We want to welcome them to the world of Acura.�

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Breaking: Acura considering a small car below the TSX

Dealers have doubts about Acura ever reaching Tier 1 luxury status after officials reported a sales plunge and a decision to cancel rear-drive V-8 vehicles.
At the make meeting, Acura officials tried to talk dealers into agreeing that the new plan, which is reliant on hybrids, would succeed. Dealers would have to wait at least a year for the hybrids to arrive. While they wait, Acura is giving dealers more incentives and higher marketing funds in order to drive traffic. Jim Smail, president of Smail Auto Group in Greensburg, Pa., expressed his eagerness for Acura to start a sales event in April that will run through July. Continued after the jump!

Each region will have lease and loan incentives that will be tailored for them. Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura division, revealed that in a move rarely made by the carmaker, the sales event will be promoted as such in advertising, instead of as product ads with a sales tag at the end. Conrad revealed however that the incentive plan has yet to be determined.
Along with retail-driven spots, Acura will continue to support a brand advertising campaign, which was launched last year. There will be 11 commercials coming: four will be for the entire brand while seven will concentrate on product attributes. These commercials will feature a high-tech, r&d setting to draw attention to its innovations.
Smail said that Acura is also helping regional dealer advertising associations with additional funds. In October, 19 associations had been formed by Acura dealers. Since then, that number has risen to 24. After the make meeting, Smail said that all dealers would benefit from these commercials because one single dealer on its own won�t be able to afford a broadcast TV ad for a lease or APR deal.
Another strategy that dealers were also pleased about is Acura�s recent rollout of �below the line� dealer incentives. These incentives can raise up to $400 per car for dealers if Acura�s guidelines for training, Internet marketing, customer service and certified pre-owned programs are met.
Conrad confirmed that Acura is considering a small car below the TSX sedan. The vehicle not only would compete against the BMW 1-Series, Audi A3 and Volvo C30.

[via autonews - sub. required]

http://www.4wheelsnews.com/breaking-...below-the-tsx/

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Honda working on Accord hybrid: report

Twin electric motors and lithium-ion battery

So why do Toyota, with its Camry Hybrid, Nissan, with its Altima Hybrid, Chevrolet, with its Malibu Hybrid, and Ford, with its Fusion Hybrid, offer midsize HEVs and Honda, the one that started it all with the initial Insight (the first production hybrid sold into North America), not have anything to offer hybrid buyers in the mid- to full-size segment?
To be fair, the Japanese automaker tried with its Honda Accord Hybrid, but like every HEV but its Civic Hybrid, got it completely wrong for any significant market success. Rather than focus on fuel economy, that car proved electric assist can be utilized to enhance performance. It�s a formula that could have been successful if applied to its Acura TL, which rides on the Accord architecture and competes with the Lexus GS 450h, a car that enjoys some success despite the same performance-first principles, but with the more frugal Honda brand name, ultimately proved disastrous, leaving the midsize hybrid market open to all of its competitors.
Rather than bow out for good, Honda appears ready to retackle the midsize hybrid segment, according to Japan�s Nikkei daily newspaper. That publication is saying that Honda is developing its Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system to work with its midsize architecture, so it only makes sense that an Accord HEV is on the way.
The report adds that the new Honda drivetrain will use two pancake electric motors, the like the one used in the new Insight and Civic Hybrid, but more powerful, and electricity will be stored in a new Lithium-ion battery pack.
Honda may also want to reconsider its HEV naming strategy too, as Integrated Motor Assist doesn�t reflect the new hybrid system�s capability of running solely on electric power.
The Japanese newspaper targets 2011 as the start date with an HEV minivan as part of its midsize hybrid strategy. Before then we can expect the production version of the sporty new CR-Z Hybrid.

� Copyright (c) Driving

http://www.canada.com/cars/story.html?id=2163996

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Acura has tire wear woes

By Brian Turner, The Ottawa Citizen April 9, 2010

I own a 1994 Acura TL purchased new. It has experienced significant tire wear problems. Except for the original Bridgestone tires (which lasted approximately 35,000 kilometres), every subsequent set wore so badly that they lasted no more than 10,000 km.
The tires started cupping (or feathering) and excessively wearing on the inside edge after a few thousand kilometres. The alignment was checked and was within tolerances. Tire manufacturer Cooper blamed the alignment, and the Acura dealer blamed the tires. The issue was settled by Cooper replacing the tires with ones with a different tread pattern. Again, the cupping and wear on the inside was visible, however not as profoundly as with the previous set. That set lasted approximately 20,000 km.
It's time to replace the tires again. What are the possible problems? The car now has 119,000 km on it.
Irek
The tech team at Import Car Centre's service department at 825 Campbell Ave. in Ottawa has more than one Acura fan on staff and was happy to lend a hand. The general consensus from these import experts is that a recheck of the entire suspension and steering system is in order with specific attention paid to the front upper ball joints and rear upper control arms.
Unless a tech takes the time to unload the suspension, it's impossible to detect any play in these components, which will lead to an inaccurate camber or vertical tire angle setting and uneven tire wear.
Keep in mind that right out of the box new, the TL's (or Vigor as it was known before 1996) sport suspension was not for the faint of heart or weak of rubber. A soft compound tire wouldn't last very long on a TL with perfect suspension, much less one approaching 17 years old.
The cupping marks are usually associated with a weak or seizing strut, shock, or control arm. Any of these will leave the tire to absorb more than its fair share of road bumps.
It's quite conceivable your Acura's suspension is getting stiffer with age rather than softer. Someone needs to inspect and check each and every suspension part.
Regarding tire choice, while Cooper is a fine brand for the average consumer and vehicle, and it has models for just about every application, there are better choices. As with most things, you get what you pay for.
Michelin has the Primacy MXV4 in your Acura's size and Pirelli has the P6 all-season and, to round off my top three choices, BF Goodrich makes the G-Force Sport.
Talk to your tire retailer about harder rubber compounds and models specifically designed for firmer suspension vehicles.
And, to avoid any future blame games, have the same shop complete everything from the initial suspension inspection to any repairs, as well as the alignment and the tire installation.
It's imperative for a tech to get the whole picture when delving into a problem like this and taking your vehicle to several different shops won't give you the best results.
Send questions to Troubleshooter, Ottawa Citizen, 1101 Baxter Rd., Ottawa, K2C 3M4. Fax: 613-726-1198. E-mail:
driving@thecitizen.canwest.com. Specify your vehicle's model, engine and odometer reading, and provide your full name, municipality and daytime phone number. We are unable to provide individual replies.

� Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/...650/story.html

tokyodream · 14-04-10, 14:23

March 2010 Car Sale Report In United Kingdom,France And Italy

March 2010 Car Sale Report In United Kingdom

1. Ford 62.075
2. Vauxhall 43.119
3. VW 29.209
4. Peugeot 21.288
5. Renault 20.919
6. Audi 19.136
7. Toyota 18.033
8. BMW 16.478
9. Hyundai 15.241
10. Nissan 14.780
11. Honda 14.076
12. Mercedes 13.943
13. Citro?n 13.025
14. Kia 12.277
15. Fiat 10.709
16. Land Rover 10.514
17. Mazda 10.384
18. MINI 7.919
19. Volvo 7.683
20. Skoda 6.754
21. SEAT 6.386
22. Suzuki 5.430
23. Jaguar 3.054
24. Chevrolet 2.729
25. Mitsubishi 2.254
26. Smart 1.474
27. Lexus 1.372
28. Afa Romeo 1.364
29. Saab 1.158
30. Subaru 1.090
31. Porsche 930
32. Jeep 558
33. Abarth 287
34. Chrysler 259
35. Aston Martin 230
36. Bentley 175
37. Dodge 169
38. Perodua 163
39. Proton 153
40. SsangYong 102
41. Lotus 63
42. MG 52
43. Daihatsu 51
44. Cadillac 14
45. Infiniti 6
46. Daimler 2
47. Corvette 1
48. Hummer 1
49. Otros 294

top 10 Model Car Sale Report In United Kingdom of March 2010

1. Ford Fiesta 23.681
2. Ford Focus 17.989
3. Vauxhall Astra 15.326
4. Vauxhall Corsa 15.088
5. VW Golf 9.976
6. Peugeot 207 8.926
7. Renault Clio 8.641
8. BMW MINI 7.919
9. VW Polo 7.580
10. Renault M?gane 6.247

March 2010 Car Sale Report In France

1. Renault 53.195
2. Peugeot 43.160
3. Citro?n 35.073
4. Dacia 16.624
5. Ford 14.608
6. VW 14.534
7. Opel 9.157
8. Fiat 9.064
9. Toyota 6.378
10. Audi 5.143
11. Nissan 4.951
12. BMW 4.226
13. Mercedes 4.017
14. SEAT 3.494
15. Kia 2.148
16. Suzuki 2.094
17. Chevrolet 1.993
18. Skoda 1.786
19. Hyundai 1.745
20. Mazda 1.683
21. MINI 1.601
22. Honda 1.489
23. Volvo 1.029
24. Alfa Romeo 991
25. Smart 608
26. Lancia 404
27. Mitsubishi 195
28. Land Rover 194
29. Porsche 157
30. Lexus 156
31. Chrysler 135
32. Jeep 103
33. Jaguar 102
34. Dodge 97
35. Subaru 95
36. Daihatsu 82
37. Saab 62
38. SsangYong 45
39. Ferrari 40
40. Lotus 28

March 2010 Car Sale Report In Italy

1. Fiat 64.192
2. Ford 32.052
3. Opel 15.803
4. Citro?n 15.671
5. VW 15.453
6. Renault 14.802
7. Peugeot 14.210
8. Lancia 11.668
9. Toyota 7.909
10. Audi 5.998
11. BMW 5.479
12. Nissan 5.300
13. Mercedes 5.279
14. Hyundai 5.138
15. Alfa Romeo 4.715
16. Chevrolet 4.297
17. Suzuki 3.335
18. Kia 2.977
19. Smart 2.954
20. Dacia 2.895
21. Volvo 2.272
22. Honda 1.843
23. Skoda 1.779
24. SEAT 1.731
25. MINI 1.493
26. Mazda 1.387
27. DR Motor 1.320
28. Land Rover 1.180
29. Daihatsu 814
30. Subaru 714
31. Jeep 516
32. Mitsubishi 474
33. Dodge 471
34. Porsche 346
35. TATA 323
36. Chrysler 180
37. Jaguar 172
38. SsangYong 163
39. Lexus 115
40. Ferrari 61
41. Maserati 55
42. Saab 46
43. Lada 8
44. Lamborghini 4
45. Otros 100

March 2010 Top 10 model In Italy

1. Fiat Punto Evo/Grande Punto/Punto 21.396
2. Ford Fiesta 19.546
3. Fiat Panda 17.086
4. Citro?n C3 10.728
5. Fiat 500 9.525
6. Renault Clio 7.491
7. Opel Corsa 6.873
8. VW Golf 6.448
9. Lancia Y 5.908
10. VW Polo 5.517

http://autoten.com/2010/04/14/march-...nce-and-italy/

tokyodream · 15-04-10, 07:57

Honda Malaysia achieves monthly record sales in March

March must be a very lucky month for the auto industry. Not only did Perodua achieve its best ever monthly figures, now Honda Malaysia has announced that the 4,041 units it sold in that month is the highest ever in the company�s history. March was the biggest contributor to Honda Malaysia�s first quarter sales of 10,025 units, and they are looking good to meet the annual target of 40,000 units, especially when a new model will join the range next week.
The B-segment City was responsible for 43% of the total sales, with more than 4,000 units sold. Honda Malaysia would be happy to maintain City sales at this level with fresh rivals in this price segment � besides the C-segment Kia Forte, buyers can opt for superminis like the Mazda 2 and soon to be launched Ford Fiesta.

The just facelifted CR-V has done well too � 556 units have been sold while 1,600 of bookings are in line. The Accord and Civic respectively contributed 19% and 18% to the total sales, while CBUs models Jazz and Stream stood at 6%.
It�s no longer a secret now that the new model is the Freed, which is described by Honda as a �compact premium MPV�. The seven-seater based on the Jazz/City platform will be launched on 22 April. Click here for a �plant tour� of PT Honda Prospect Motor Indonesia, where our Freed will roll out from. Watch this space for the launch report.

http://paultan.org/2010/04/15/honda-...ales-in-march/

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Netherlands,Sweden,Brazil Car Sale Report In March 2010

Netherlands Car Sale Report In March 2010

1. Ford 4.653
2. Opel 4.175
3. Toyota 4.005
4. VW 3.615
5. Peugeot 3.581
6. Renault 3.132
7. Citro?n 2.342
8. Fiat 2.304
9. Hyundai 2.067
10. Audi 1.698
11. Kia 1.323
12. BMW 1.182
13. Skoda 1.135
14. Suzuki 1.117
15. Nissan 1.055
16. Volvo 1.005
17. Mazda 943
18. Chevrolet 892
19. Mercedes 848
20. SEAT 799
21. Honda 619
22. Mitsubishi 573
23. Dacia 352
24. Daihatsu 273
25. MINI 222
26. Alfa romeo 210
27. Smart 119
28. Subaru 93
29. Lexus 83
30. Land Rover 78

TOP 10 Model in Netherlands

1. Toyota Aygo 1.421
2. Ford Fiesta 1.401
3. Ford Ka 1.400
4. Opel Corsa 1.352
5. Peugeot 107 1.254
6. Toyota Prius 1.193
7. VW Golf 1.173
8. Fiat 500 1.012
9. Opel Astra 998
10. Citro?n C1 910

Sweden car Sale Report In March 2010

1. Volvo 4.830
2. VW 3.195
3. Toyota 2.461
4. Ford 1.679
5. BMW 1.304
6. Audi 1.250
7. Skoda 1.102
8. Kia 1.057
9. Hyundai 1.045
10. Renault 1.011

11. Mercedes 976
12. Peugeot 823
13. Citro?n 583
14. Nissan 565
15. Mazda 489
16. Subaru 457
17. Opel 402
18. Saab 388
19. Mitsubishi 367
20. Honda 359
21. SEAT 237
22. Suzuki 204
23. Fiat 201
24. Dacia 131
25. Chevrolet 94
26. Lexus 86
27. MINI 63
28. Land Rover 51
29. Jeep 50
30. Chrysler 48
31. Porsche 31
32. Dodge 26
33. Jaguar 23
34. Smart 16
35. Alfa Romeo 10
36. Iveco 6
37. Bentley 1

TOP 10 Model in Sweden of March 2010

1. Volvo V70 2.312
2. VW Golf 1.146
3. VW Passat 1.050
4. Volvo V50 970
5. Toyota Avensis 655
6. Kia Cee�d 648
7. Volvo XC60 587
8. Ford Focus 585
9. Audi A4 564
10. Renault Clio 508

Brazil Car Sale Report In Febuary 2010

1. Fiat 48.702
2. VW 43.176
3. GM 42.326
4. Ford 23.398
5. Renault 9.331
6. Honda 8.143
7. Hyundai 7.160
8. Toyota 6.262
9. Peugeot 6.018
10. Citro?n 4.862
11. Kia 2.993
12. Mitsubishi 2.964
13. Nissan 2.078
14. Mercedes 805
15. BMW 454
16. Land Rover 389
17. Suzuki 270
18. HAFEI 197
19. Volvo 194
20. Audi 188
21. IVECO 182
22. Subaru 160
23. Chery 128
24. SsangYong 123
25. Dodge 112
26. Troller 94
27. MINI 88
28. Smart 78
29. Chrysler 77
30. Porsche 62
31. Effa 53
32. Mahindra 39
33. Jeep 6
34. Alfa Romeo 1
35. Jaguar 1

TOP 20 in Brazil in febuary 2010

1. VW Gol 17.986
2. Fiat Uno 10.681
3. Fiat Palio 10.671
4. Fiat Siena 9.145
5. Chevrolet Celta 8.920
6. VW Fox 8.229
7. Fiat Strada 7.564
8. Ford Ka 7.372
9. Chevrolet Corsa Sed?n 6.669
10. Ford Fiesta 6.028
11. VW Voyage 5.462
12. Chevrolet Agile 5.205
13. Chevrolet Prisma 4.551
14. Renault Sandero 4.339
15. Toyota Corolla 3.718
16. Honda Fit 3.619
17. VW Saveiro 3.451
18. Ford Fiesta Sed?n 3.177
19. Chevrolet Montana 3.080
20. Ford EcoSport 3.062

http://autoten.com/2010/04/15/nether...in-march-2010/

tokyodream · 16-04-10, 07:57

2010 Honda Civic Si Customized by Paramore Up for Grabs

Published Apr 15, 2010

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Just the Facts:
2010 Honda Civic Si customized by the band Paramore will be the centerpiece of this year's Honda Civic Tour.

The car is valued at $44,424, twice the price of a base Civic Si.

One-of-a-kind Civic Si gets a matte orange, maroon and "slightly blonde" exterior featuring "waves reminiscent of lead singer Hayley Williams' flowing hair."

LOS ANGELES � Honda is giving away a striking $44,424 2010 Honda Civic Si customized by the band Paramore as part of this year's Honda Civic Tour.
The base 2010 Honda Civic Si starts at $22,765, including a $710 destination charge.
The one-of-a-kind Civic Si gets a matte orange, maroon and "slightly blonde" exterior featuring "waves reminiscent of lead singer Hayley Williams' flowing hair," said Honda in a statement touting the new sweepstakes. The car also wears an airbrushed Paramore logo surrounded by butterfly wings and lyrics from Paramore's new album Brand New Eyes.
Other details include 18-inch custom powder-coated matte black Lace wheels by Konig Wheels, Toyota Tires Proxes 4 tires, a Honda Factory Performance sport muffler, a lower front spoiler, larger side skirts, a lower rear spoiler and red LED taillights. The Civic Si was lowered 2 inches by KW Suspension/ST Suspension.
The cabin gets a wrapped steering wheel, shifter and e-brake handles "evoking Hayley's microphone stand and a collection of buttons on the sun visor much like those in Hayley's own car," said Honda.
Civic followers can enter to win the Honda by visiting the Honda Civic Tour Web site starting today. The grand prize winner also gets a $930 customized Speciale Fixed LTD Drop bicycle by Masi Bikes. The contest ends on October 31.
The Civic Tour kicks off on July 23 in Raleigh, North Carolina, with visits to 31 U.S. cities on tap. The 2010 tour features the headliner Paramore, as well as Tegan and Sara, New Found Glory and the Sri Lankan/Swedish group Kadawatha.
Inside Line says: Feeling lucky? Here's your chance to get your hands on a hot Honda Civic Si � with a bike thrown in to boot. � Anita Lienert, Correspondent

http://www.insideline.com/honda/civi...for-grabs.html

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Holy hybrid comparo! Fusion, Insight, Prius face off

The Hybrid Challenge used the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, Ford Fusion.

Photograph by: Bill Petro, National Post, CNS

Kingston, Ont.: Few will argue Toyota is the benchmark automaker for driving green. Its hybrid system is a technology the rest of the industry has been chasing for more than a decade. For much of that period, Toyota�s status as the green leader has been largely unchallenged. True, the Jetsons-style, two-seater Insight from Honda did give hybrid buyers an early option, but Toyota�s Prius was the clear choice for most. In fact, the company has sold more than a million of these gas sippers.
More recently, however, hybrid choices have grown, with several automakers going green, either developing their own systems or buying the technology from Toyota. There�s no doubt the competition has heated up and consumers now have an array of hybrid models from compact sedans to luxury SUVs and trucks to consider. The prime segment, however, is family sedans, and this is why I�m looking at a trio of 2010 contenders � the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Honda Insight and Toyota Prius.

Toyota Prius: Not typically a company that gets caught looking, Toyota has responded to the increased hybrid competition with an all-new Prius, which has just hit the streets. This third-generation model moves the industry standard to a new level by delivering more room, more power, better fuel efficiency, plus innovative new features to attract buyers.
Visually, the new Prius has been restyled while still retaining the exterior design so familiar to consumers. The roof�s hump has been shifted rearward, creating more rear-seat headroom in the cabin. In fact, the interior is roomier overall, resolving a common complaint about the previous generation.
The car�s exterior has been shaped and moulded to slip through the air and its 0.25 drag co-efficient is the best of any mass-produced vehicle in the world. That aerodynamic slipperiness also helps minimize wind noise at highway speeds.
The gas/electric Hybrid Synergy Drive system has been reworked, with a new, larger 1.8-litre four-cylinder combining with the electric motor to produce 134 net horsepower � a 22% increase over last year�s model. It�s also 7% more fuel efficient than previous models, with a city rating of 3.7 litres per 100 kilometres and 4.0 L/100 km on the highway. That makes it the most fuel efficient of this trio.
Pricing starts at $27,500 for the base Prius, with four option packages that can boost the final sticker price to $36,565. One of the upgrades includes a solar-panel roof that powers a fan to discharge hot air while the car is parked, reducing the load on the air conditioner once the car is started.

Honda Insight: The Insight has also started from a clean slate � an all-new product that in many ways mimics the Prius, at least the 2009 iteration.
However, its overall size is smaller than the Prius, with an interior volume is 85 cubic feet, compared with the Prius at 93.7.
The Insight uses a less complex Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system.
Unlike the Prius and Fusion, the electric motor, positioned in line between the 1.3L gas engine and transmission, �assists� during acceleration and highway cruising, and its capacity to operate exclusively on electric power is more limited. However, it does feature cylinder deactivation during deceleration, and the gas engine stops when the car is stationary. Its fuel consumption rating is 4.8 L/100 km in city driving, 4.5 on the highway.
The Insight�s big advantage is affordability. It�s the least expensive hybrid on the market, with a starting price of $23,900 for the base LX edition, $3,600 below the Prius. An upgraded premium model, the EX, lists at $27,500 and includes a navigation system with voice recognition.
It�s also more fun to drive, with steering that has more feedback than the Prius�s and its handling characteristics have a more sporty flair. It cannot, however, match the Prius�s seamless transition between gas and electric modes � the noticeable shudder when the Insight�s gas engine stops and starts can become annoying.

Ford Fusion Hybrid: The Fusion is Ford�s response to the Japanese challenge, developing its own full-hybrid powertrain and then tucking it inside its popular mid-sized sedan. The company prefers to compare its Fusion Hybrid to Toyota�s other mid-sized sedan entry, the Camry Hybrid, which actually outsells the Prius in Canada. (In the first four months of sales this year, the Camry claimed 22% of the national hybrid market share while Prius was second with 18%.)
The Fusion Hybrid is the largest of this trio with an interior volume of 100.3 cu. ft. It also has the most horsepower (191) and is a bit more thirsty than the Prius, consuming 4.6 L/100 km in the city and 5.4 L/100 km on the highway.
Like the Prius�s engine, the Fusion�s 2.5L four-cylinder is set up to operate on the more efficient Atkinson cycle. As with the other two hybrids, it delivers its power to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The Fusion Hybrid�s ride and handling are comparable to its gas-powered siblings � quiet, comfortable and stable.
Pricing starts at $31,999, with an array of upgrades available, including leather seat trim ($1,225), voice-activated navigation system ($2,100) and Sony audio system ($400).

Bottom line: Choosing which hybrid best suits your needs depends on your priorities. If you are intent on making a statement, such as letting your neighbours know you�re a cool, tech-savvy person who cares about the environment and wants the world to know it, then the Prius or Insight are the only options. Both are distinct, conveying a message that you dare to be different. If, however, you simply want a conventional-looking sedan with plenty of room, but still want to save money at the pump while doing your part for the environment, go for the Fusion.

cdear@sympatico.ca

� Copyright (c) Driving

http://www.canada.com/cars/story.html?id=1731885

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March 2010 United State Car Sale Report

March 2010 United State Car Sale Report

1. Toyota 163.100
2. Ford 159.009
3. Chevrolet 132.889
4. Honda 96.540
5. Nissan 85.526
6. Hyundai 47.002
7. Kia 30.522
8. Dodge 29.506
9. GMC 27.389
10. Jeep 24.393
11. Subaru 23.785
12. Mazda 23.193
13. VW 22.148
14. Lexus 20.219
15. Mercedes 20.031
16. Chrysler 19.780
17. RAM 18.944
18. BMW 18.060
19. Buick 12.954
20. Acura 11.722
21. Cadillac 11.639
22. Mercury 10.486
23. Infiniti 9.942
24. Lincoln 8.693
25. Audi 8.589
26. Mitsubishi 5.434
27. Volvo 5.237
28. MINI 3.610
29. Scion 3.511
30. Saturn 2.737
31. Land Rover 2.726
32. Suzuki 2.246
33. Porsche 1.905
34. Jaguar 983
35. Smart 677

Top 10 model of United State in March 2010

1. Ford F-Series 42.514
2. Toyota Camry 36.251
3. Chevrolet Silverado 29.886
4. Toyota Corolla/Matrix 29.623
5. Honda Accord 26.533
6. Toyota RAV4 25.781
7. Nissan Altima 24.649
8. Ford Fusion 22.773
9. Honda Civic 22.463
10. Ford Focus 19.500

http://autoten.com/2010/04/16/march-...r-sale-report/

tokyodream · 18-04-10, 08:24

completari azi

Honda to discontinue the FD2R Civic Type R?

Japanese press site 47News claims that Honda will be announcing the discontinuation of the Honda Civic Type R FD2R on the 19th of April 2010, which is basically this Monday. The report was published on the 15th, a good two weeks after April Fool�s day so it�s definitely not a joke, but then again we�re not discounting that it could be some pretty wild speculation.
According to the report, the reason for discontinuing the product is a sluggish market for high performance gas-guzzling cars. Honda is taking the whole green thing very seriously and perhaps a little too far � the end of the FD2R will mean the European Civic Type R (which sits on a different platform and is built in the UK) will be the last of the Type Rs.
And that�s just assuming that Honda will be leaving the Euro Type R alone while it pulls the plug on the FD2R. But I think the FN Type R will soldier on � this would explain why there was news in August last year that the FN Type R would be exported to Japan. Anyway if this is true, the sedan will follow the Integra and the NSX�s demise along with their F1 project. And Honda will be left with the 122 horsepower CR-Z as its �sportiest� car.
Source � thanks to Kent Lim for the pointer!

http://paultan.org/2010/04/18/honda-...-civic-type-r/

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Honda's Fit a good fit !

2010 Honda Fit

Fit is go!

That's the advertising slogan for the Honda Fit, which can be explained only by Honda's desire to pay slogan writers as little as possible. Fit is go! I mean, what did they turn down?
It certainly hasn't hurt Fit sales, which remain a comparative bright spot in the Honda lineup. The functional, high-waisted styling seems to work, when it didn't quite on the Suzuki Aerio. Inside, there's so much glass that you feel like you're in a rolling aquarium. It's roomy, airy and, for such a small car, accommodating.
The 2010 Fit is only slightly different from the 2009 model, because that year's Fit was substantially restyled. Honda originally issued the Japanese-built Fit a passport to counter new competition � the Nissan Versa and the a.inline_topic:hover { background-color: #EAEAEA;}Toyota Yaris. Last year's redesign added four inches in length and a half-inch in width to the Fit.
The 2010 Fit comes in two flavors: the base model and the Sport. The Sport is sporty mostly in name, because all Fits are available with just one engine � a 1.5-liter, 117-horsepower four-cylinder � and a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Fit Sport adds several features to the base Fit, such as bigger Bridgestone tires and alloy wheels, fog lights, cruise control, a USB port, a security system, and a re-tuned suspension. Either Fit model comes with a 160-watt sound system, but the Sport has six speakers instead of four. Also, the Sport's automatic transmission has steering-wheel-mounted paddles that allow you to shift manually.
Base price on a Fit is $14,900, which gets you a lot for the money. Our Fit Sport with the automatic transmission started at $17,260, and with the optional navigation system and $710 in shipping, total cost was $19,820. That may sound like a lot extra for the nav system, but Honda also adds electronic stability control and traction control. At nearly $20,000, this Fit seems like less a bargain, since it is well into Civic, and even Insight hybrid, territory.
That said, the little Fit is fun to drive, a hallmark of most all Hondas. Steering is precise, braking feel is linear, handling is better than you would think. The ride is choppy on rough pavement, fine everywhere else. The little engine is willing, and even with the automatic transmission, EPA-rated fuel mileage is 27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, on regular gas.
Inside, there's plenty of headroom front and rear, but legroom in the back seat is modest. That rear seat is versatile in the multiple ways it folds up or down, and when it's down, there's a cavernous, 57.3 cubic feet of cargo room.
The entry-level market is full of good cars, and while the Fit is more expensive than most, feature for feature, it's hard to top � especially that base model.
��

2010 HONDA FIT

Base price: $14,900.
Price as tested: $19,820.
EPA rating: 27 miles per gallon city driving, 33 mpg highway.
Details: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive with a 1.5-liter, 117-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a five-speed automatic transmission.

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/apr/...t/?partner=RSS

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As gas prices rise, buyers are asking more questions

http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dl...ID=20104170350

Toyota Motor Corp.'s marketers believe a typical buyer for the Prius hybrid is �looking for good ideas and ways to spread them� in order to have a positive influence, said David Lee, a Toyota product specialist in Torrance.

�They're thinking of their family, their community and the future,� Lee said.
Other demographic information that Toyota's marketers have collected about Prius buyers:
56 percent have college degrees.46 percent are men.

Their mean age is 39.

Their median income is $70,000 to $75,000.

Whether it's a Prius, Chevrolet Volt, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Honda Insight, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Volkswagen Jetta or other makes and models of �green� cars, consumers increasingly are asking questions and finding reasons to shop and buy at dealer showrooms.
One major impetus has been rising gas prices, sales managers at Coachella Valley dealerships said.
�I noticed when our gas was very expensive last time, we sold a ton,� said George Korman, sales manager at Unicars Honda in Indio.
�The sales are good anyway, but they're even better when the price goes up to $4 (a gallon or more). We couldn't keep 'em on the ground.�
Toyota's Prius and Yaris sales also �went through the roof� when gasoline prices spiked, Lee said. Toyota's Corolla model temporarily outsold its No. 1 selling Camry.
Unicars Honda had to set up waiting lists when gas prices reached all-time highs.
Honda's Insight hybrid gets about 40 miles per gallon in the city and 43 on the highway, company officials said. Likewise, Honda's Civic hybrid sedan gets 45 miles per gallon on the highway.
�Sometimes, the factory helped us get more than we were allocated,� Korman said.
Honda's Civic GX, which runs on compressed natural gas, has consistently been named the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy's �Greenest Vehicle.�
Honda's new hybrid sports car � the CR-Z � got 10,000-plus purchase orders after it was recently introduced in Japan.

That was well ahead of the 1,000 vehicles Honda had expected, officials said in a news release.

Honda plans to introduce the sporty CR-Z in the U.S. and Europe after June.
Irvine-based carmaker Fisker has taken orders for its Karma, a gasoline-electric hybrid sports car that can travel 50 miles on its battery power alone and costs about $87,900, according to a company news release.

Fuel economy

While fuel economy is one reason to buy green, consumers say they also have come to appreciate the latest hybrid technology, safety enhancements and tax incentives or simply want to do their part to be eco-friendly.
�Hybrids aren't just for eco-geeks anymore,� said Indio resident Carl Wagner, who admits to mistakenly trying to restart his first Toyota Prius because it was sometimes so quiet.
Wagner, 55, now owns a third-generation Prius, so he is no longer tricked by the hybrid's ways.
He and other owners understand that when the power of the motor is not required to move the Prius, the motor can shut off, save energy or be used to generate electricity stored in batteries.
In March, Toyota sold nearly 12,000 Prius hybrids nationwide, well ahead of last year's tally, Lee said.
At least part of the lure is that the newest Prius is more powerful with a 134-horsepower engine, 50 miles per gallon fuel economy, and costs starting about $22,400.
�We're hoping to sell 100,000 (nationwide), and so far we're tracking pretty well,� said Lee, noting that about 25,000 Prius hybrids sold the first year the model was introduced in the United States.
�To me, that speaks volumes that (the Prius) is well accepted. Nowadays, you see more of a blend of people not only wanting to be environmentally conscious, but also folks who use the vehicle for its efficiency and its utility.�
There was a time when Prius buyers had to sign up, but now Toyota has about a 62-day supply, Lee said.
Toyota also features the Camry Hybrid, the Highlander and other hybrid models.
The Ford Fusion, which won Motor Trend's Car of the Year award, features a gasoline version and a hybrid version, both of which have been �very popular,� said Scott Simmers, general manager at Palm Springs Motors in Cathedral City.

Nationwide, Ford Fusion set an all-time monthly record in March with 22,773 sales, up 79 percent from a year ago, Ford officials said.

Up-front costs for hybrid vehicles can be several thousand dollars more, so the savings in gasoline costs may not necessarily pencil out, said Bob Siino, Internet and fleet manager for Fiesta Ford Lincoln Mercury in Indio.
�You can buy a lot of gas for $5,000 or $6,000,� Siino said.
It's difficult to generalize, Siino said, but more shoppers appear to be environmentally conscious.

Buyers also factor in styling, handling, comfort, performance, reliability, standard features, warranties, financing options and sales incentives, area sales managers said.

Mike Cota, assistant manager at Paradise Volkswagen in Indio, said customers typically educate themselves about Volkswagen �TDI Clean Diesel� models that include Jetta, Jetta SportsWagon, Golf and Toureg.
�We sell them left and right,� Cota said. �The trouble can be finding the color you like.�

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

Civic Type R Sedan Production Ends in August. Special 'Type-R Euro' Model Continues.

Date: April 18, 2010 23:42
Submitted by: Jeff
Source: Honda Japan Press Release
Credibility Rating: Not Specified

With simultaneous press releases, Honda has announced the death of the FD2 Civic Type R (major sad face here - the FD2 Civic Type R is a superb machine), and a new special Limited Edition of the FN2 Civic Type R in Japan. Neither are available in the USA. You can read each of the press releases below.

Honda to Complete Production of 4-Door Civic Type R

TOKYO, Japan, April 19, 2010 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced it will discontinue production of the 4-door Civic Type R at the end of August, 2010. A purist's sports car featuring precisely tuned vehicle dynamics, the Civic Type R creates a unity between car and driver for exceptional driving pleasure. The first-generation model launched in 1997 and was produced at Suzuka Factory. The second-generation model following in 2001, was produced at Honda of the U.K. Manufacturing Ltd.* For the current, third-generation Civic Type R that was released in 2007, the production has returned to Suzuka Factory.

Type R models are specially tuned to take full advantage of the potential of the base model and provide a racing car-like driving feel. First offered on the NSX in 1992, the Type R range was added to the Integra in 1995 and to the Civic in 1997.

* Established in 1985 in Swindon, Wiltshire, U.K.

Honda to Release Limited Edition 3-Door 2010 Civic Type R Euro in Japan in Fall of 2010

TOKYO, Japan, April 19, 2010 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced it will begin sales of a limited edition of the Civic Type R Euro, in Japan this fall. It will feature an updated exterior design for the 2010 model year. Produced in Europe, the premium 3-door sports car will build on the original styling and refined performance of its well-received predecessors.

Thanks to its combination of sophisticated design, outstanding performance and practical utility, the 2009 Civic Type R Euro has been a hit, exceeding sales of 1,850 units*1 in Japan since its release in November of last year. The Civic Type R Euro has been especially well-received by buyers in their thirties to forties, who value a sports car as part of an upscale lifestyle.

Designed for fun and exciting driving, both on and off the track, the Civic Type R Euro offers vehicle dynamics tested in a wide variety of European environments. It will continue to be produced by Honda of the U.K. Manufacturing Ltd.*2 in Swindon, United Kingdom.

*1 As of March 31, 2010. Source: Japan Automobile Dealers Association.
*2 Established in Swindon, Wiltshire, U.K., in 1985.

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=893815

tokyodream · 19-04-10, 13:03

It�s official: FD2 Civic Type R to be discontinued after August, Japan to get 2010 spec UK-built hatchback

The impending demise of the FD2 Civic Type R is confirmed; Honda has announced that it will discontinue production of that manic machine after August 2010. However, Honda is out to sooth broken hearted Japanese enthusiasts with the 2010 model year Civic Type R Euro, which comes with mild exterior revisions and a �limited edition� tag.
The sharply styled three-door hatchback rolls off from Honda�s Swindon plant in the UK, which is the only factory in the world to build the car. The first FN Type R units boarded ships from Southampton in October 2009 to make the long trip to Japan. Since it went on sale in November last year, Honda has shifted over 1,850 units.
The company says that the CTR Euro has been �especially well-received by buyers in their thirties to forties, who value a sports car as part of an upscale lifestyle.� We can only presume that the buyer profile for the FD2R is younger and more �hardcore�, which can also be used to describe its uncompromising ride quality.
While similar in basic concept (howling high revving i-VTEC engine, slick six-speed manual, super grip), the European Civic Type R is not the car we know with a different skin. The 2.0-litre engine makes 198 bhp/193 Nm, less than the FD2R�s 221 bhp/215 Nm and the rear suspension is a torsion beam as opposed to double wishbones.
Local FD2R owners might want to hang on to their cars, which will very soon be �collector�s items�. The hatchback would be very expensive for Honda Malaysia to import, so this should be the last we�ll see of official Type Rs in Malaysia. It was fun while it lasted.

http://paultan.org/2010/04/19/its-of...ilt-hatchback/

octi_b · 19-04-10, 14:26

O zi trista

... S-a dus dracu' si putina admiratie ramasa pentru ei.

tokyodream · 19-04-10, 14:53

Spy Photos: 2011 Honda Odyssey Caught Testing in the Desert

Remember the Honda Odyssey concept shown in Chicago awhile back? Well, here's the production version all wrapped in camouflage. A couple prototypes were caught resting in this lovely parking lot at Buffalo Bill's casino about an hour outside Las Vegas.
As you can see, not much changes from the concept. Those headlights look a little more conventional and the wheels are worthy of pavement duty, but everything else looks untouched.
Honda didn't mention any drivetrain details when it showed the Odyssey concept and these prototypes don't really give any hints. Given the size of this van, however, a V6 is almost guaranteed. Honda didn't mention some mileage targets that suggest a fuel sipper model, but there's no evidence of that here.
Expect to see the finished 2011 Honda Odyssey in dealers by the end of this year.

2010 Chicago Auto Show: Honda Odyssey Concept

http://blogs.insideline.com/straight...he-desert.html

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se pare ca mi-a scapat anul trecut

Rumors about Honda Acura coupe release in 2010

Honda Acura Coupe

Apparently information about a new Honda Acura coupe just got on the open market. Germany in Auto Motor und Sport and Japan in Holiday wrote about the possibility that Acura is in the early staging of creating a new car that would slip in the category now known as �four door coupes�. It seems the car will be built on the forthcoming ZDX crossover�s architecture and will result in a combination between the TSX and the TL. The new Acura version will be a few inches longer than the TSX, wider, lower and with a longer wheelbase than the sedan.

Even if a V8 and a FR layout has been rumored, the most likely situation will be a car equipped with a 3.7 liter V6 engine paired up with Acura�s SH-AWD and Motion Adaptive EPS. The first glimpses of this latter-day CL will be seen at next year�s Detroit Auto Show and the car will probably go out on the U.S. market at the end of 2010.

http://www.mibz.com/965-rumors-about...e-in-2010.html

tokyodream · 20-04-10, 07:49

Honda and Civic stay on top in March sales

Richmond Hill, Ontario � The Honda Civic and Ford F-Series stayed at the top of the Canadian sales charts in March, according to industry analyst Dennis DesRosiers.
�After a radical change in the market like we saw the last two years, we would expect some radical trends to develop this year and next, and the automotive markets are not disappointing us,� DesRosiers said. He reported that subcompact car sales are down 9.8 per cent in January to March �in an energy-starved high-cost market,� while pickup trucks are up 34.6 per cent, and sports cars are the fastest-growing segment in the market this year.
The top ten best-selling cars in Canada in March were, in order, the Honda Civic, Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Accent, Toyota Matrix, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Volkswagen Golf, and Nissan Sentra.
Year-to-date to the end of March, the top ten in order were the Honda Civic, Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Accent, Toyota Matrix, Toyota Yaris, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Ford Fusion.
The top ten best-selling trucks in March were, in order, the Ford F-Series, Dodge Caravan, Dodge Ram, Ford Escape, GMC Sierra, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Ford Ranger
Year-to-date to the end of March, the top ten in order were the Ford F-Series, Dodge Caravan, Dodge Ram, GMC Sierra, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Silverado, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Ranger, and Toyota RAV4.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/2010/0...arch-sales.htm

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Cars Not Ready for iPad

I had only been in the 2010 Acura MDX for only a day, but one of the first things I wanted to do was check out if my iPad worked with the car�s entertainment system. Acura has updated the navigation and stereo system for the 2010 MDX (also in the new ZDX), and the screen is much sharper than anything Honda or Acura has produced in the past, and I would now say it�s on par with every other manufacturer.

However, the iPad did not work despite its built-in iPod app. The setup is similar to the iPhone, which works flawlessly with the MDX. In fact, you can control your iPhone or iPod content via voice commands in a very similar fashion to Ford�s Sync system.

Sync is also not compatible with the iPad via USB, but the Bluetooth streaming music option does work with the iPad. Acura has the same Bluetooth music capability, but I could not get the iPad itself to find the car�s Bluetooth signal.

Honda spokesman Chuck Schifsky said the company is evaluating the iPad but hasn�t even decided whether to upgrade its systems to accommodate it. Ford, too, says it is evaluating future iPad connectivity.

I was very impressed with the MDX system overall, and the lack of iPad integration is not a surprise.

Many automakers think Bluetooth streaming is a legitimate alternative to USB connections. So it�s likely if they offer it, they�re not going to rush to push out iPad updates, which while usually are just a software upgrade, they still require some amount of time and expense for the automaker.

If you�ve tried to connect your iPad through your car�s USB system, let us know in the comments below.

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2...cking+Tires%29

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Survey Shows Hybrids Have Good Reliability

April 19, 2010

If you believe that a survey of 1.4 million people has meaning, then you might be inclined to say that hybrid vehicles are reliable � maybe even more reliable than gasoline-burning cars.
That�s a strong statement, I know. Those who�ve popped the hood on a hybrid know how complex they are. But if you thumb through Consumer Reports� 2010 auto issue, you�ll find some pretty startling conclusions about vehicles such as the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid, among others. And those conclusions come from the best source of all � the owners.

First, though, a word about the survey: Every year, Consumer Reports magazine sends out automotive questionnaires to its readers. This year, they received 1.4 million responses in return (though not all were from hybrid owners). The returned surveys contain information about all of a vehicle�s sub-systems � engine, transmission, electrical, suspension, brakes, exhaust, paint and body integrity, among others. After collating the responses, Consumer Reports awards ratings, which are depicted by red and black dots. Highest ratings are solid red; lowest are solid black.
This year�s hybrids are rife with red dots. The 2009 Prius, for example, has solid red dots in all 17 categories. The 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid sports solid red in 14 of the 17. Same for the Ford Escape Hybrid.

�The reliability ratings of hybrids tended to be a little better than the ratings of conventional vehicles,� said Jake Fisher, a senior automotive engineer for the Consumers Union. �Perhaps it�s because there�s a lot of attention being paid to these vehicles, or perhaps it�s because more engineering resources are going into them. Either way, though, their reliability has been good.�
For many engineers, it�s surprising that a relatively young, complex technology would do so well. After all, complexity and reliability seldom go hand in hand. But Fisher says it shouldn�t be so surprising. �It�s not rocket science,� he told us. �The batteries are not new. Electric motors are an old technology. And gasoline engines are well understood.�

Admittedly, a sampling of the 2009 model year isn�t necessarily a tell-all. Many vehicles don�t start to reveal their problems until they�re a few years old. But the Prius� reliability ratings, which go back to the 2001 model year, are essentially a canvas of solid red dots. The Civic�s and Escape�s multi-year ratings aren�t quite as good, but they�re still better than average.
So what�s the secret? Fisher believes the answer is straightforward.
�Just buying a hybrid doesn�t mean you�re buying a more reliable car,� he said. �A lot of people have looked at it holistically and said, �Gee, look at the Prius; hybrid cars must be better.� But the manufacturers that are producing the best hybrids � Toyota, Honda and Ford � also happen to be producing the most reliable vehicles of all types. It just happens that the most reliable auto makers developed the first hybrids.�

http://www.designnews.com/blog/Capta...eliability.php

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Honda to Release Refreshed 2011MY Civic Type R Euro in Japan this Fall

Seeing that the limited edition 2009 Civic Type R Euro hot hatch has been well received in Japan, exceeding sales of 1,850 units since its release in November of last year, Honda has decided to offer its domestic buyers a second run of its hot hatch.

The Japanese automaker said that it will soon reveal a 2010 model year version of the Civic Type R Euro with an "updated exterior design", without getting into any specific details.

As with '09 model, the revised Civic Type R Euro will be produced in Europe at the firm's manufacturing plant in Swindon, UK, with sales in Japan scheduled to start this fall. Once again, the three-door hatchback will be offered in a limited number of units.

The current model year Civic Type R Euro is powered by a rev-happy 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four with 201 HP at 7,800 rpm and 142 lb-ft of torque at 5,600 rpm.

*Photo: 2009 Honda Civic Type R Euro

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/04...0my-civic.html

primus · 20-04-10, 10:11

ar fi trebuit sa faca schimb. JDM CTR pentru europa si Euro CTR pentru JP

JDM-u cred ca ar fi fost primit destul de entuziast prin EU

tokyodream · 20-04-10, 13:25

Honda M�sia to halt production, sale of 4-door Civic Type R

PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd will end sales of the four-door Civic Type R at the end of August 2010 following a similar announcement from Honda Motor Co Ltd, Japan.

Honda Malaysia managing director and CEO Toru Takahashi said production of the model would be discontinued following an evaluation based on environmental performance being the new method of calculating emissions as well as current market demand.

�We are proud that the Civic Type R has fulfilled its mission of providing the joy of driving and joy of ownership to its many customers in Malaysia.

�However, having evaluated the model based on environmental performance, which is the new method of calculating emissions in JC08 mode, as well as current market demands, we believe that the time has come for us to discontinue production of the 4-Door Civic Type R,� he said in a statement on April 19.

The company said, going forward, it remained committed to performance cars and that the company had raised its benchmark higher to meet demands of performance and environmental responsibility.

Honda Malaysia said Malaysia was the only country outside Japan to sell the model, which was introduced in the market here in August 2007. It added that since its introduction, close to 12,000 units had been sold in both Japan and Malaysia, with 234 units sold in the latter up to March 2010.

Honda Malaysia said customers would still be able to place orders for the car at authorised dealers. The four-door Civic Type R is priced at RM199,800 on the road, with insurance.

http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/index...4222&Itemid=79

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Honda to cease Civic Type R four-door production

2007 Honda Civic Type R (JA) 19.04.2010

Honda says it will stop production of the Civic Type R four-door model at the end of August 2010. The car was being manufactured at the company's Suzuka factory in Japan. Its predecessor had come off Honda's Swindon, Wiltshire, UK, production line.
Unlike its three-door hatchback sibling with 150 kW (201 bhp/ 204 PS), the four-door Type R's 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine was injected with extra power for a rating of 168 kW (225 bhp / 228 PS). Drive goes to the front wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission.
The Type R badge is worn by Honda's performance models and was first offered with the legendary NSX back in 1992. The first Civic Type R appeared in 1997.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/11004192...oor-production

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Hero Honda 4th quarter net zooms 49% on record sales

New Delhi: Riding on record sales, the country�s largest two-wheeler maker Hero Honda on Monday reported a 48.9% jump in its net profit at Rs 598.8 crore for the quarter ending March 31. During the period the company�s revenue increased by 20.2% to Rs 4,122.32 crore compared to the corresponding quarter of last year.
The company declared a final dividend of 1,500% equalling Rs 30 per share on each share of Rs 2.
However, going ahead the company is likely to face bumps in the form of higher interest rates, inflation and rising commodity prices like steel, aluminium and tyres, which could put pressure on margins. �These factors will play a crucial role in the industry growth and profitability in the days to come,� Hero Honda managing director and chief executive Pawan Munjal said in a statement.
Acknowledging that maintaining the current levels of profit margins in the coming quarters would be a big challenge, CFO Ravi Sud, however, ruled out any price raises in the near future, saying it had managed rising commodity costs through favourable contract negotiations with raw material suppliers.
Hero Honda aims to sell 5 million two-wheelers in the current fiscal, which is up 8.7% from the 4.6 million it sold last year. However, analysts peg this as a conservative target and expect it to exceed that with double-digit growth.

The company plans a capital expenditure of Rs 300 crore this fiscal, including Rs 130 crore to raise capacity to 5.7 million from the current 5.4 million, by August or September.
For the full year (April-March, 2010) Hero Honda�s net profit was up 74.1% at Rs 2,231.83 crore, while total revenue at Rs 15,860.51 crore was 28.1%.
This is for the ninth successive year that the world�s largest two-wheeler maker recorded the highest ever-revenue, operating income and earnings per share.
The Ebidta margin for the quarter grew to 17.2%. For the year the company recorded an Ebidta margin of 17.4% from 14.1% in the previous fiscal.
During the January-March period, Hero Honda sold 11,86,536 units, up 18.9% from the same period in the previous fiscal. On an annual basis, the company's total sales increased by 23.6% to 46,00,130 units. With this the company crossed the mark of cumulative sale of over 30 million units.
Though the company announced its results after the market closing hours, its shares fell 1.18% to Rs 1,896.90 on a day when the main index fell 1.08%. Its shares...

http://www.financialexpress.com/news...-sales/608503/

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Hero Honda net surges 74%

NEW DELHI: Hero Honda on Monday reported a 49% growth in net profit for the fourth quarter of last fiscal, riding on higher sales and robust demand.

The company said net profit in the quarter ended March 31 this year stood at Rs 599 crore against Rs 402 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. Sales of the company have been going strong and grew 19% in the quarter at 11.86 lakh units. Net sales revenue for the company stood at Rs 4093 crore, up 20% from Rs 3412 crore in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008-09.

The company's operating profit margin, or earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation expressed as a percentage of sales, was 17.2% in the quarter. Hero Honda will pay a final dividend of Rs 30 a share.

In 2009-10, the company's net was up 74% at Rs 2232 crore against Rs 1282 crore in fiscal 2008-09. Net sales revenue in the previous fiscal was at Rs 15,758 crore, a growth of 28% over Rs 12,319 crore in 2008-09. The company sold a little over 46 lakh units last fiscal at a growth of 24%.

Senior officials of the company said they expected sales to cross 50 lakh units in the current fiscal. It has two plants in Haryana and one in Uttarakhand with a production capacity of 54 lakh units. It is now considering to set up a new plant to add further capacity. Expecting demand to stay strong in the coming years, particularly from rural areas, it has said it is considering a new plant that can make 2000 units daily.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/B...ow/5833610.cms

tokyodream · 21-04-10, 08:08

completari azi

Japanese Ministry of Economy wants hybrids, electric vehicles to account for 50% of new car sales by 2020

2010 Honda Insight � Click above for high-res image gallery

If a certain type of car struggles to gain a foothold in the market, what can be done? Let's use the hybrid as an example. Say you want hybrids to become a sales success, but it's just not happening. What are your options? You could ditch them because buyers don't want hybrids. Or you could offer up huge incentives to drive up sales for a brief time while losing money. Or the government could step in with mandates, credits and all types of different actions to almost force people to buy them.

Over in Japan, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) issued new goals for hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) domestic sales and the numbers are quite ridiculous. The METI wants these advanced vehicles to account for 50 percent of all new car sales by 2020 and that's no joke. Many industry experts don't believe that even 20 percent is obtainable by that time, so why set such an outrageous goal? Because METI is certain that its policies can help get the job done. How, you might ask? The group will spend whatever it takes, and plans to dish out some dough � starting with a $135.3 million payout for charging stations countrywide this year alone � in additional incentive programs, more on charging networks, and by coercing domestic makers to pursue advanced vehicles and promote the technology nationwide.

Guess which automaker is thrilled to hear this news about spending? Yep, you got it, Toyota. It will take METI to the bank on this one. The world's largest hybrid producer will reap a lot of rewards from the drive towards getting half of the market to be hybrids and EVs. For now, we're gonna call METI out on this one and say that 50 percent just ain't gonna happen by 2020.

[Source: Automotive News � sub. req.]

http://green.autoblog.com/2010/04/20...trics-to-acco/

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Schnitzer invests in Burleson Honda outlet

The founder of Park Place Dealerships of Dallas, one of the top luxury car chains in the U.S., is investing in a Honda dealership in Burleson that opens next year.
Ken Schnitzer, chairman of Park Place � which includes Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Porsche, Maserati, Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Volvo dealerships � will be a minority partner in Honda of Burleson.
The dealership broke ground Tuesday on a 67,000-square-foot facility on 11 acres at Interstate 35W and Burleson Boulevard south of Fort Worth. It will not be affiliated with Park Place Dealerships.
The majority partner will be Henry Coffeen, president of Coffeen Management Co., a consulting firm that helps dealers set up programs like extended warranties, disability insurance and paintless dent repair to boost their profits. Coffeen, who will manage Honda of Burleson, also has experience running car dealerships.
Schnitzer said he has been interested for a while in trying to acquire a Honda dealership and might consider other opportunities "with quality mainstream dealerships like Honda."
"We're not counting on Honda clientele to support our other franchises," said Schnitzer, whose most recent project was a new facility for a Lexus dealership he bought in Southern California. "But Honda is a wonderful brand. It is known for reliability, fuel efficiency and high resale values."
He acknowledged that the partnership with Coffeen will give him a chance to learn more about Honda retailing. Honda dealerships typically generate good profits, although � unlike Schnitzer's highly regarded stores � they generally don't enjoy solid reputations for customer service. "We think we'll be able to offer our clients a first-rate customer experience," he said of the dealership, which plans to employ 65 people.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont...1.3db0ef3.html

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Pics Aplenty: Honda releases boatload of new CR-Z shots... in Europe

2011 Euro-Spec Honda CR-Z � Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda has officially flooded the interwebs with a wave of photos of the Euro-
spec CR-Z Hybrid. Surprisingly enough, our cousins across The Pond will be able to get their hatchback hybrid as a 2+2 like their JDM counterparts, meaning the car will have two small back seats just for children, briefcases or other cargo. When not in use, the rear thrones fold down to make room for your most recent Ikea purchase.

Other than those rear seats, the car doesn't appear to differ significantly from the version we'll see Stateside. Power still comes from a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a small electric motor with around 122 horses combined and 124 lb-ft of torque.

The European CR-Z will also feature the same three-mode efficiency system we're likely to see in our version. Drivers will be able to choose between Sport, Normal and Economy modes, all accessible via the push of a button. Each will offer different levels of electric motor assist and will also monkey around with the electric power-steering to provide a different driving feel depending on the mode. Hit the jump for the full press release, and wade through the massive gallery of high-res images below.

[Source: Honda]

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/p...z-shots-in-eu/

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Can Honda Bring Corporate-Style Jet Travel to the Masses?

Private jet travel is convenient, luxurious and, of course, very expensive. The HondaJet represents an effort at changing that, by using technology and design to bring costs down and allow private-jet travel at costs that approach commercial ticket prices

By Glenn Harlan Reynolds

So my column for the magazine in a couple of months is on new approaches to air travel. In the course of writing it, I spent a day with the pilots, engineers and designers of an aircraft that's meant to bring about just that sort of new approach: the HondaJet, a fast, comparatively cheap five-passenger Very Light Jet that Honda hopes will not only appeal to the usual run of corporate-jet purchasers, but that will also promote an entirely new way of flying, one that's capable of bridging the gap between cheap-but-unreliable commercial jet travel and swanky-but-expensive corporate jet travel. What I saw makes me think that the Honda folks just may be onto something.

The HondaJet is the brainchild of Honda Aircraft president and CEO Michimasa Fujino. Fujino told me that his first job in the United States was in Mississippi, back in the 1980s, and that he found that wherever he traveled by air�even elsewhere in Mississippi�he usually wound up having to change planes in Atlanta. This seemed wasteful of time and fuel, and made travel iffier, since it created the risk of a missed connection. To Fujino, the hub-and-spoke system makes sense for a country like Japan, where Tokyo is at the center of everything, but much less sense for a country as big as the United States, where important places are widely distributed. For this, point-to-point travel is much better.

This is no secret, of course, to the people who travel by private jet now. But private jet travel is very expensive, which is why it is the domain of CEOs, celebrities and the like. The HondaJet represents an effort at changing all of that, by using technology and design to bring costs down and allow private-jet travel at costs that approach commercial ticket prices. (Fully loaded, Fujino says, the cost per seat on the HondaJet should be roughly comparable to a first-class commercial ticket). To keep costs down, the Honda folks have put a lot of thought into ways to make the plane as small and inexpensive as possible, without sacrificing comfort or speed.

This approach shows up in a lot of different places. To save weight (and hence fuel) the HondaJet's fuselage is all-composite construction. (I held some of the components in my hand�they were very stiff, but felt almost weightless.) The plane's engines are mounted, unusually enough, above rather than below the wings. This location change accomplishes two things: It allows the wings to be lowered, opening up more cabin space, and it means that the engines are directly above the landing gear, reducing wing loading on touchdown. (The over-the-wing placement also means that the wings baffle sound in flight, making things quieter on the ground). The HF-120 engines themselves are a new, lightweight, fuel-efficient design being codeveloped with General Electric.

Honda is also saving development money by taking advantage of modern computer power. Fujino notes that it's possible to do serious design work on a laptop nowadays, where not long ago it took an expensive engineering workstation. And Honda is making heavy use of simulations, with a sophisticated whole-aircraft simulator that allows real parts to be swapped in and tested against virtual parts and vice versa, allowing many stages of refinement before parts ever reach the test-flight stage. (When I flew the simulator, I noticed an antenna hanging over the plane: Turns out it transmits simulated GPS data to a real GPS receiver on the simulator, furthering Honda's goal of keeping things within the simulation as real as possible.)

The interior is also carefully contrived to provide space and comfort in as little room as possible. What Fujino says is that perceptions of luxury vary with time�the longer you're in a plane, the more uncomfortable a given set of accommodations will seem. (Even Air Force One, I've heard, feels cramped after a while). The HondaJet's relatively high speed (420 knots/485 mph) means that trips will tend to be short, so the cabin was optimized for comfort over a 2- to 3-hour period. I think it works. I'm a big guy�6 feet 3 inches and over 200 pounds�but I was comfortable in the cabin and seats. The built-in lavatory (the Honda folks were very proud that it has a real door, not simply an accordion door as in some small jets) was a bit tight for me, but adequate, and the lavatory ceiling features two skylights that provide a more spacious feel. Overall, the interior reminds me of an upscale Audi; when I mentioned that, the chief interior designer, Chris Osborne, told me that they had tried for a more Euro-style interior. I think they succeeded. The cargo compartment is surprisingly large too. The design manages to get a lot out of a little, without being too obvious about it. Overall, the HondaJet has a sleekness and a friendly, pleasing personality that reminds me of an iPhone, or some other cleverly designed bit of consumer hardware. You just want to like it.

A high degree of automation shows up in the airplane's glass-cockpit approach to controls; the HondaJet is designed to be easy enough to fly that it can get by with a single pilot, also cutting costs. How easy is it to fly? Well, I managed to take off and land, in the simulator, without wrecking it, though I had a few pointers from Honda's chief test pilot, Warren Gould. Still, anything that I can manage is, by definition, user-friendly.

What about the environment, though? Won't all these small jets zipping around be worse for emissions than a few big ones? The answer seems to be no. Based on fuel consumption, speed and range, the HondaJet seems to be just about exactly as efficient per seat-mile as the ubiquitous Canadair CRJ-200 regional jet. But that probably understates things, because if I were flying from Knoxville to, say, Washington, D.C., I'd be traveling a straight-line distance of 353 nautical miles, while if I took a commercial flight, I'd probably be going by way of Atlanta for a distance of 605 nautical miles. (I'd also have a travel time of about an hour on the HondaJet, rather than something like 4 hours traveling via Atlanta.) So while the precise environmental impact of replacing hub-and-spoke commercial travel with direct-flight travel on the HondaJet is open to dispute, it seems unlikely that there will be much impact. There's also a national-security angle: Crashing a 757, or even a Canadair regional jet, into a building would do a lot more damage than crashing a HondaJet into one. It's hard to weigh the importance of this factor, but it's certainly worth noting.

Overall, I found the HondaJet very appealing, and if I had in the neighborhood of $4 million to drop on an airplane I'd be sorely tempted. But since I don't�Popular Mechanics doesn't pay quite that well, and neither does my day job at the university�the real question is whether people who do have the money will shell out. That, obviously, depends. Honda hopes that the plane will sell not only to the usual run of jet customers, but to air-taxi services, and, in fact, Fujino, who makes a point of calling the HondaJet an Advanced Light Jet rather than a Very Light Jet, tells me that they expect this to be a case of the product driving the market. Although other efforts to build an on-demand air-taxi market at low cost have stalled with the current economic downturn, those efforts faced financial and technological problems that Honda expects to avoid, and by the time the HondaJets are rolling off the line at full speed, there's a good chance that the economy will have recovered. So the air-taxi model�where you got to a website, enter your destination, and have a small jet swoop down to pick you up, possibly at a small business airport rather than a big one where parking and security hassles are greater�may well have a chance.

I certainly would like to see something like that happen. I fly coach myself; I'll occasionally spring for an upgrade to first class when the airline offers me a deal, but when I do take the upgrade I'm usually underwhelmed. To me, the problem with air travel as it exists now isn't a lack of free drinks, but a lack of convenient scheduling, and the risk of delays caused by missed connections. (Ironically enough, a trip to Greensboro, N.C., was nearly scrubbed by problems in Atlanta en route). Free drinks are nice, I guess, but when your flight is canceled or delayed, the front part of the plane is just as inconvenienced as the back part of the plane. I'd be much more willing to pay first-class fare for a shorter flight that was more likely to get me there on time.

Are there enough people out there who feel the way I do? Honda thinks there are. Speaking selfishly, I hope they're right.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/tech...ick=main_sr%20

tokyodream · 21-04-10, 20:26

Honda Freed set to launch tomorrow � report soon!

Lightly covered Honda Freeds (likely for protection against stone chips and scratches more than anything else) have been spotted on trailers along the highways this whole week, leading up to the launch of the Freed tomorrow morning after of which we�ll be able to tell you all about the car including the finalized prices. The Freed is a B-segment MPV based on the City and Jazz platform and it even uses a similiar 1.5 liter SOHC i-VTEC engine, though power is down 2 PS compared to the City.
Don�t expect the Freed to be an affordable alternative to the Grand Livina though � the positioning is supposed to be �premium� with its dual automatic sliding doors and whatnot. Pricing is expected to breach RM100k significantly for the sole 1.5 liter model while the most expensive 1.8L Grand Livina remains comfortably under it at its RM97,300 price point.
Hat tip to Yoon Sam Choo and Saiful Haziq for the shots!

http://paultan.org/2010/04/21/honda-...w-report-soon/

Ultimele articole din presa straina referitoare la Honda

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