Proiecte de viitor / noi planuri pentru HONDA / ACURA

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new HR-V
http://www.chineseautoworld.com/html...808/16794.html
http://www.carblogindia.com/wp-conte...ompact-SUV.jpg


The Honda compact cross-border new car came out in 2014
　　Some time ago, we had reported that a message about Honda considering the introduction of a small SUV, this small SUV will be developed based on the platform of the next-generation Fit. Recently, overseas media disclosed that in 2014, Honda will launch a compact class crossover SUV models to further layout SUV models, the new car will be equipped with the the Honda new generation Earth Dreams power.




　　This compact-level cross-border new car will use the platform for development of the CR-V, but different from the CR-V's relatively traditional SUV shape, it will the main transboundary style exterior design. Therefore, the product features, this Honda brand new SUV will become a the Nissan Qashqai Mitsubishi Jin Hyun direct competitors. Compared to the CR-V Honda this compact-class the transboundary SUV body from exposure renderings lower, plus smooth roofline and hatchback rear styling it playing a coupe-style SUV . But in most parts and interior configuration will be shared with the CR-V, in order to achieve the purpose of controlling costs.




　　Dynamic, Honda's cross-border car is expected to be a comprehensive introduction of Honda's Earth Dreams power technology, this power technology will be applied for the first time this fall, the advent of a new generation of Accord car. Distance using the technology of the new generation engine by shortening the cylinder core and the cylinder block and lightweight gear shaft mitigate cash compared to the models of the engine weight by more than 15%, the fuel economy is improved by 10%. The drive is expected to match the Honda is stepping up research and development of next-generation CVT transmission. The application of these new technologies will make the new car fuel economy to a higher level. 　　It fashion, and development of small-scale cross-border car based on the Fit Honda SUV combination, this cross-border car is expected to debut at some time between 2014 and 2015, in accordance with the statement of the foreign media, mainly the same several Japanese competitors in the cost than Ashkenazi cars have more competitive.

[hondatu Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close hondatu]

Nu chiar.
HR-V a fost construit pe platforma Logo-ului, in pozele de mai sus e clar actualul Civic "suvizat".
Un model care ar putea fi privit lejer ca si urmas al HR-V-ului ar fi acela care va fi prezentat luna viitoare la Detriot, construit pe platforma Jazz-ului.

http://world.honda.com/news/2012/412...ept/index.html

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http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=1117756

Acura to show 2014 MDX Prototype at the 2013 North American International Auto Show

Hot on the heels of the 2014 Acura RLX reveal in Los Angeles, Acura will show a prototype of their upcoming 2014 MDX at the 2013 North American International Auto Show next month in Detroit. We are also anticipating seeing an updated NSX Concept in Detroit as well, but more on that later when we're able to confirm it.

2014 MDX Prototype Press Release follows:

Acura to Debut the All-New 2014 MDX Prototype at the 2013 North American International Auto Show
12/12/2012 - LOS ANGELES, Calif.

Acura announced today that it will unveil a prototype of the next-generation MDX luxury sport utility vehicle during the press days of the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), held in Detroit over January 14-15. Utilizing "Aero Sculpture" design language affecting both form and function, the 2014 MDX Prototype will feature alluring proportions with smooth, arching body lines matched to an efficient architecture.

The press conference will be broadcast live at www.acurawebcast.com.

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Spy Shots: Honda Concept C testing in China

http://www.carnewschina.com/2012/12/...ting-in-china/

New spy shots of the production version of the Honda Concept C testing in China. The Concept C debuted as a concept on the Beijing Auto Show in April, production will start in 2014.The Concept C is a new China-only mid-size sedan that will be positioned under the Honda Accord.

The vehicle will be made in China by the Guangzhou-Honda joint venture that also makes the Honda Accord. The Concept C, or whatever name it gets when it hits the Chinese car market, will also be exported to other Asian markets. Power will come from a new series of small-displacement engines, likely 1.4 and 1.6, probably turbocharged.

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http://wot.motortrend.com/we-hear-fu...#axzz2HSeuKquR

We Hear: Future Honda Civic, Accord, and CR-V May Move to One Platform

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Honda to build hybrid Accord in Ohio:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/...ybrid/1823479/


Honda opens new plastic injection mold machine (slideshow):

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2013/01/honda_opens_new_plastic_inject.html

Spy Shots: new Honda Stream testing in China

http://www.carnewschina.com/2013/01/11/spy-shots-new-honda-stream-testing-in-china/

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http://www.worldcarfans.com/11301175...eal-motor-show

Honda Gear concept introduced at the Montreal Motor Show

Small and stylish

The Montreal Motor Show is mostly ignored by the press, but that hasn't stopped Honda from using the event to introduce the Gear concept.

Inspired by fixed-gear bicycles, the Gear is described as a simple and utilitarian model that is "customizable, connected and full of personality." Speaking of the latter, the concept has a wedge-shaped design which incorporates rounded surfaces and translucent accents. There's also hidden door handles, a rear diffuser and what appears to be a center-mounted four tailpipe exhaust system.

Honda declined to release powertrain details but Dave Marek, Design Director at Honda R&D Americas, said the Gear is "Fun, customizable, connected and affordable. Everything that young, discerning urban buyers would want in a car.”
Source: Honda

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http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/busines...t_16181358.htm

Guangqi Honda to launch new car models

Guangqi Honda Automobile Co Ltd plans to launch three new vehicle models annually from 2013 to 2015, sources close to the company said.

The company this year will launch the ninth generation Honda Accord, Concept C's production model. One of the new Honda models for 2014 will be the new Fit, Fit SUV. A medium-sized SUV and the Fit Hybrid will hit the market in 2015.

Guangqi Honda will release the new Everus this year, and the Everus compact SUV in 2014. Guangqi Honda has two production plants at present, located in China's southern cities of Guangzhou and Zengcheng, Guangdong province. The output capacity of the two plants is 480,000 units.

Guangqi Honda will set up its third plant in Zengcheng to help reach the target of selling 1 million units by 2020. The new plant is expected to be completed in 2014.

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http://www.pr-inside.com/honda-to-build-new-automobile-production-r3576695.htm

Honda to Build New Automobile Production Plant in Thailand and Increase Total Annual Production Capacity in Thailand to 420,000 Units in 2015

Bangkok, Feb 6, 2013 - (JCN Newswire) - Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (HATC), Honda's automobile production and sales subsidiary in Thailand, today announced plans to build a new automobile production plant with an annual production capacity of 120,000 units. The new plant will be located within the property that Honda newly acquired in Prachinburi Province (approximately 120km east of Bangkok).

With an investment of approximately 17.15 billion baht (approximately 44.6 billion yen*), including acquisition of the land and construction of the automobile assembly and engine plant, the new plant is scheduled to become operational in 2015 with initial employment of approximately 1,200 associates (excluding seasonal). HATC will strive to establish a highly efficient production system at the new

plant through various efforts including shortening of production processes and introduction of latest production technologies including new painting and welding equipment. HATC is planning to produce primarily small and sub-compact sized vehicles at the new plant, for which demand is increasing on a global basis.

Furthermore, annual production capacity of HATC's existing plant in Ayutthaya is increased from 240,000 to 280,000 units as of the end of January 2013, through the addition and upgrading of the existing facilities and equipment. HATC is planning to make an additional investment to increase the annual production capacity of the existing plant to 300,000 units in 2014. Combined with the capacity of the new plant, HATC's total annual production capacity will be increased to 420,000 units in 2015.

Envisioning the continuous growth of the small car market in Thailand and exports to ASEAN, Oceania, the Middle & Near East, Africa and Caribbean countries, HATC will increase its production capacity while also enhancing its product lineup.

* Calculated with an exchange rate of 1 baht = 2.6 yen

About Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd.


Established: December 2000
Capital Investment: 5.46 billion baht
Capitalization Ratio: 75.94% Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
13.05% Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
11.01% Others
Representative: Hiroshi Kobayashi/President
Location: Ayutthaya Province, Thailand
Business Areas: Production and sales of automobiles
Production Models: Brio, Brio Amaze, Jazz (known as Fit in Japan),
Jazz Hybrid, City, City CNG, Civic, Accord, CR-V
Production Capacity: 280,000 units per year
Employment: Approximately 4,100 associates (excl. seasonal)
]]>

About Honda





Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (TSE:7267/NYSE:HMC/LSE:HNDA.L) is one of the leading manufacturers of automobiles and power products and the largest manufacture of motorcycles in the world. Honda has always sought to provide genuine satisfaction to people worldwide. The result is more than 120 manufacturing facilities in 30 countries worldwide, producing a wide range of products, including motorcycles, ATVs, generators, marine engines, lawn and garden equipment and automobiles that bring the company into contact with over 19 million customers annually. For more information, please visit world.honda.com.

Contact:corporate_pr@hm.honda.co.jp +81-3-5412-1512

Copyright 2013 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.japancorp.net



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http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/334609/honda-to-build-new-factory-in-thailand

Honda to build new factory in Thailand

Honda Motor Co, Japan's third-largest car-maker, announced it will build another factory in Thailand after 2012 domestic sales set a new record there.

Models present Honda cars at the 29th Thailand Motor Expo. (Photo by Surapol Promsaka na Sakolnakorn)

The Tokyo-based car-maker will invest about 44.6 billion yen (US$476 million) in a new factory with a planned annual production capacity of 120,000 units, the company said in a statement on Wednesday.

Honda plans to begin operations at the plant in 2015 and build models such as the Civic compact and Accord sedan.

Honda's move to add capacity in Thailand comes as the automaker sold a record 171,208 units in the country last year, after recovering from the record flooding in the country that disrupted production in 2011.

Honda stocks rose 3.3%, its biggest gain in more than a month, to close at 3,580 yen on Wednesday. The benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average added 3.8 percent and closed at its highest level since September 2008.

Separately, Suzuki Motor Corp said on Wednesday that it plans to begin production of vehicles in Myanmar in May, after getting permission to set up a subsidiary in that country.

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

http://www.mediapost.com/publication...#axzz2KI2Re2cz

Honda Social Campaign Lets People Meet Innovators

Honda is launching a social media program called the #HondaInnovator Series to offer people more content about the featured inventors in a recent TV spot. The effort, with a presence on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube, is also intended to drive buzz around the 2013 Honda Civic.

The program's hub, at www.hondainnovator.com , allows people to tweet questions to the stars of the spot, which connected Honda's innovative technology and design with inventions, ergonomics, and industrial design and some fairly treacherous activities for which a couple of the inventions were designed.

As part of the social program, people can ask questions of some of the featured folks such as a wing-suiter -- a guy who leaps from cliffs, and mountain peaks with suits designed to allow a certain degree of forward motion -- videos of which are a huge hit on YouTube.

A key component of the program happens this month, wherein Honda will run a series of hour-long tweet chats with the innovators from the TV spot. The events, staggered throughout February, allow people to talk to the wing-suit guy on Feb. 5; the maker of the 4moms Origami Stroller two days later; the pro surfer Shane Dorian -- maker of the Billabong wetsuit -- on the 12th; then the Civic engineers three days later. After that are the inventors of the Waterfall Swing, a swing set that drops a synchronized curtain of water for each rider; and the designer of the laser keyboard, by which a smartphone or other device can project its virtual keyboard onto any surface.

The automaker says that it has also made an "Innovation Playlist" on its YouTube channel. The playlist features a deeper look at technology showcased in the Civic spot. Facebook posts will introduce fans to the “Innovator Series” and related album. Instagram will host behind-the-scenes photos from the Civic TV commercial and an assortment of Civic photos. And Pinterest will feature a “Things Can Be Better” board.

Social news and visuals channel BuzzFeed will run sponsored posts about the creative theme of the broader theme of the Civic campaign around invention and engineering, and the “Innovator Series” program will be supported with promoted tweets, promoted posts on Facebook, YouTube ads and search.

Alicia Jones, social media manager at Honda, tells Marketing Daily that the Civic social plan was being formulated when the Civic TV launched in early January. "Since the TV features cool innovators and inventors, we hoped the TV spots would pique the public’s interest. As anticipated, we received feedback from fans on many of our social channels." She adds that in addition to the three TV spots that launched the campaign in early January, there is integrated print throughout the first half of 2013 and several high-impact Civic media and digital placements planned surrounding the Grammys.

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http://paultan.org/2013/02/08/honda-...-market-share/

Honda Malaysia plans five new models for 2013, targets 64,000 units and 10% market share

Honda Malaysia (HM) hosted a media gathering yesterday night, taking the opportunity to reflect on an encouraging 2012 and share its plans for 2013. Plenty of ambition and plenty in store for us, as you’ll read about.

Last year started slow for Honda, as the carmaker was among the hardest hit by the big flood that swamped Thailand in 2011. Production at Ayutthaya, which was suspended in October 2011, only came back online in March 2012. But Honda bounced back strongly in the second half of the year – of 2012′s total of 34,947 units sold, over 24,000 units were racked up from July to December.

In that period, HM commanded 7.7% share of the Malaysian market, and achieved an all-time monthly sales record of 5,045 units in July, closing the year strongly with close to 4,800 units in December, the company’s third highest monthly sales ever. Honda is also the leader in hybrid sales, and became the first company to locally assemble a hybrid car in Malaysia with the CKD Jazz Hybrid.

Looking forward, HM has set a sales target of 64,000 units and 10% market share for 2013. In the longer term, the company plans to sell 100,000 units annually here by 2017.

“2013 is a year where we strengthen our operations for the transition towards an even more competitive market. We are aggressively building a stronger brand image and maximising all our efforts to improve ourselves for future growth. Honda Malaysia is aligning our focus with Honda’s global strategy and strengthening our sales volume. We will be introducing exciting new models every quarter, including three upcoming CKD models,” said Yoichiro Ueno, MD and CEO of HM.

Which brings us to the exciting part – HM is planning to launch five new cars this year, including three locally-assembled models. The facelifted CR-Z Hybrid is one of the CBU cars, and we’re expecting two of the CKD models to be the new CR-V and new Accord. That’s three, so you can go ahead and fill in the blanks

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http://www.hybridcars.com/small-cuv-...ineup-in-2014/

Small CUV Coming To Honda’s Lineup In 2014

Honda Canada provided a glimpse into Honda’s future North American lineup at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto with the unveiling of the Honda Urban SUV Concept.

Perfect for people with active lifestyles according to Honda, the Urban SUV Concept design provides the basis for a fun-to-drive and fuel-efficient small vehicle with aspirational design, flexible packaging and next-generation connectivity.

“We design vehicles to fit the lives of our customers and, for so many Canadians today, that means having something fun and agile for downtown driving combined with the space and comfort for any road trip to get away from it all,” said Gardner, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Honda Canada. “With this Urban SUV Concept, we have the best of both worlds.”

At just 4,300 mm long (about 230 mm shorter than the Honda CR-V), the Urban SUV Concept is the ideal size for navigating both crowded city streets and winding, open roads. It showcases clean and sophisticated styling, a strong stance and dynamic character lines and includes hidden rear door handles that give the SUV a coupe-like presence.

When it joins the Honda lineup in 2014, the Urban SUV Concept will feature Honda’s fuel-efficient Earth Dreams Technology powertrains and Honda’s configurable Magic Seat setup that, according to Honda, can provide a host of passenger and cargo options, including a fold-flat mode for maximum cargo capacity.

No word yet about the possibility to have hybrid or PHEV versions in the lineup.

The all-new model will also feature next-generation telematics and a modern interior.

Priced and positioned below the CR-V within the Honda light-truck lineup, Honda believes the CUV that will be closely related to the Urban SUV Concept will deliver a tremendous new value equation for consumers in the growing small-SUV segment.

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http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-0...s-by-2020.html

Honda Plans to Quadruple India Two-Wheeler Deliveries by 2020

HONDA MOTOR CO is seeking to quadruple motorbike and scooter sales in India by 2020 and overtake former partner Hero MotoCorp Ltd., as rising incomes in rural areas boost demand for personal transportation.

Honda plans to introduce a two-wheeler model every three months and expand its dealerships to reach about 10 million in sales, or a third of the 30 million-unit market by 2020, according to Tatsuhiro Oyama, senior managing officer in charge of motorcycle operations. The Tokyo-based company’s Indian deliveries rose 40 percent last year to 2.52 million units.


Honda Motor Co. Senior Managing Office Tatsuhiro Oyama. Photographer: Junko Kimura/Bloomberg

“We want to be number one in every market we are in, its unacceptable at the company to not be number one,” Oyama said in an interview in Tokyo on Feb. 12. “When wages go up, motorcycle sales directly get a boost.”

Honda, which ended a 26-year-old joint venture with Hero in 2010, is banking on a lack of public transportation in rural areas to boost demand for motorcycles and scooters among the country of 1.24 billion people. Competition is intensifying as Hero, Bajaj Auto Ltd., and Yamaha Motor Co. roll out new models to attract buyers.

Honda had about 18 percent of the Indian two-wheeler market last year, overtaking Chennai-based TVS Motor Co. to become the country’s third-largest two-wheeler maker, according to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. Hero is India’s biggest motorcycle maker with a 43 percent share of the market.

Strong Demand

“The long-term growth prospects in the two-wheeler industry in India remain intact as there is strong demand due to the low penetration in the market,” said Ashwin Patil, an analyst at LKP Shares & Securities in Mumbai. “Honda has already dethroned TVS and is giving Bajaj and Hero stiff competition.”

Honda has introduced at least seven new models since it parted ways with Hero, which has added four new models. Bajaj, India’s second-largest motorcycle maker has rolled out at least five in the period.

Last May, Honda introduced the 44,657 rupee ($830) 110-cc Dream Yuga motorcycle to compete with Hero’s 42,250 rupee ($785) 100-cc Splendor, which was built using the Japanese company’s technology. Honda plans to add another model this year in the same segment, which makes up about half of the industry, Oyama said.

The company also plans to increase the number of dealerships from the 1,653 it currently has in the country, Oyama said, without giving a target.

New Factory

A new factory in Bangalore, southern India, will open this April, expanding Honda’s total production capacity in the country to 4 million units a year. Depending on demand, an extra line may be added at the factory to boost capacity to 4.6 million units, Oyama said.

Oyama expects sales to grow “by at least 1 million units” with the new factory in the year ending March 2014. Honda will decide on its next factory investment in “about a year and a half’s time,” he said.

Industrywide sales of two-wheelers will probably outpace the auto association’s estimate for 5 percent to 7 percent growth to 14.4 million units for the year ending March 31, he said.

India doesn’t limit the number of new vehicles allowed on the road, which creates greater potential for growth, Oyama said. “Our battleground is right here, and demand for motorcycles will further accelerate.”

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http://www.greencarcongress.com/2013...ar+Congress%29

Honda develops new technology to join steel and aluminum, with first application to outer door panel of mass production vehicles

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has developed a technology to join steel and aluminum and applied it to enable adoption of aluminum for an outer door panel, which has conventionally been made of steel. Honda will adopt this technology first to the North American version of the all-new Acura RLX, which will go on sale in the United States in March 2013, and will expand application sequentially to other models.
To join together the dissimilar metals of steel and aluminum, the simultaneous establishment of several different technologies was required such as technologies to prevent corrosion (electrical corrosion) and thermal deformation caused by the different expansion rates of steel and aluminum.
Honda newly developed three technologies that enabled adoption of aluminum for the outer door panel.

• Technology to join dissimilar materials: adoption of “3D Lock Seam” structure, where the steel panel and aluminum panel are layered and hemmed together twice.
• Technology to prevent electrical corrosion: adoption of highly anticorrosive steel for the inner panel and a new form that assures the complete filling of the gap with adhesive agent.
• Technology to control thermal deformation: adoption of adhesive agent with low elastic modulus and optimized position of the 3D Lock Seam.
  
  
  The advantages of these new technologies include elimination of a spot welding process required to join conventional steel door panels. Moreover, these technologies do not require a dedicated process; as a result, existing production lines can accommodate these new technologies.
  The new technology contributes to the improvement of fuel economy and dynamic performance of the vehicle by reducing door panel weight by approximately 17% compared to the conventional all-steel door panel. In addition, weight reduction at the outer side of the vehicle body enables to concentrate the point of gravity toward the center of the vehicle, contributing to improved stability in vehicle maneuvering.
  Honda has been making a number of efforts to further reduce vehicle weight. In 2012, with the North American version of the all-new 2013 Accord, Honda began mass-production of a front subframe featuring the steel-aluminum hybrid structure that was made possible by the Friction Stir Welding (FSW) technology. (Earlier post.)
  
  

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http://nextbigfuture.com/2013/02/honda-joins-steel-and-aluminum-to.html


Honda Joins Steel and Aluminum to Reduce Car Door Weight by 17%

Honda announced that it has newly developed a technology to join steel and aluminum and applied it to enable adoption of aluminum for an outer door panel, which has conventionally been made of steel. Honda will adopt this technology first to the North American version of the all-new Acura RLX, which will go on sale in the United States in March 2013, and will expand application sequentially to other models.

The new technology contributes to the improvement of fuel economy and dynamic performance of the vehicle by reducing door panel weight by approximately 17% compared to the conventional all-steel door panel. In addition, weight reduction at the outer side of the vehicle body enables to concentrate the point of gravity toward the center of the vehicle, contributing to improved stability in vehicle maneuvering.

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http://www.leftlanenews.com/honda-to...-50-years.html

Honda to open first new factory in Japan in nearly 50 years

Honda has announced that it will invest in its home market and open a new assembly plant in Japan capable of building up to 250,000 new cars annually.

The move comes amid a weakening yen, which could help Japanese automakers build vehicles more profitably for export. For years, the strong Japanese currency has hurt the country's exporters and their ability to make money on vehicles built at home. As a result, Honda and its Japanese rivals have invested heavily in building vehicles outside of Japan and manufacturing at home has taken a nose dive.

But over the last three months, the yen has fallen 12 percent against the U.S. dollar.

Honda will build its new plant in Yorii, a small city located about two hours northwest of Tokyo.

The automaker's decision to open a new plant domestically is a sign that Japan's faltering economy is on the rebound, analysts say.

Not only will Honda directly provide jobs to a city with a particularly weak economy, its suppliers will also open up shop nearby. The Yorii government anticipates that about 3,800 jobs will be added to the city by 2017 when the plant is fully operational.

Honda says that it will build smaller vehicles including its Fit in Yorii, although the plant is unlikely to be tapped for export models. The next-generation North American Fit will be built in Mexico.

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http://e.nikkei.com/e/fr/tnks/Nni20130227D2702F02.htm

Honda To Roll Out Acura In Russia, Middle East

TOKYO (Nikkei)--Honda Motor Co. (7267) will take its luxury Acura brand to such emerging economies as Russia and the Middle East as early as next year, seeking to sell around 10,000 units annually in those markets.
The automaker sold some 178,000 Acura vehicles last year, but sales in the U.S. accounted for nearly 90% of the total. It now seeks to expand the brand's reach to emerging markets to capture demand from affluent consumers.

Acuras are currently sold at around 340 specialty dealerships in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Around 2,000 units a year are sold in China.


The carmaker plans to introduce it to Russia, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as early as 2014, and to Brazil in 2015.


The MDX sport utility vehicle, the best-selling Acura model, is produced in Canada and equipped with a 3.7-liter engine. Another popular model, the TL midsize sedan, is manufactured in North America. The RLX large sedan is expected to be exported from Japan.
Honda plans to enhance the Acura lineup in the future, bringing back the NSX sports car as early as 2015.
Toyota Motor Corp. (7203) sold 477,000 Lexus vehicles in some 70 countries last year, and Nissan Motor Co. (7201) sold 141,000 Infinitis in around 50 nations.


(The Nikkei, Feb. 28 morning edition)

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http://sports.ndtv.com/formula-1/new...ership-in-2015

McLaren-Honda may rekindle partnership in 2015

Honda is in line for a comeback into the sport for the first time since 2008.

London: Formula 1 team McLaren may switch their engine supplier from Mercedes to Honda by 2015.

Honda is in line for a comeback into the sport for the first time since 2008.

According to a BBC report, the Japanese automobile manufacturer will return to the sport considering the radical changes the sport will undergo from next season.

In 2014, the 2.4 litre V8 engines used between 2006 and 2013 will be replaced with 1.6 litre turbocharged V6 engines, which incorporates an energy recovery system into its build. McLaren are first expected to race with Honda engines in 2015, if the deal is not cracked before 2014.

Mercedes has been supplying engines to the Woking-based McLaren since 1995. In the past, the German outfit has not just supplied engines but has also held shares in Mclaren before buying out Brawn GP in 2010.

Both McLaren and Mercedes refused to divulge information to the media vis-a-vis the speculation. McLaren's contract with Mercedes will be up for renewal in 2014.

Honda president Takanobu Ito had admitted last month that the company was "studying" the idea of an F1 return.

If the deal is cracked, then McLaren-Honda will revive an age old successful partnership. Their combination in the late 1980s and early 1990s resulted in four consecutive World Drivers' Championships with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, as well as the corresponding years' constructors' titles.

Honda also dominated the mid-1980s with Williams. If Honda come back, they would become the fourth engine suppliers alongside Mercedes, Renault and Ferrari.

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http://wot.motortrend.com/acura-inve...#axzz2Mk7TgFaF

Acura Investing $1 Billion in Building Brand, Focused on U.S. Market

Being the first product in a market segment can set you up as the standard-bearer to which others are judged, or the case study that others learn from, and avoid your mistakes. Unfortunately, for the Acura brand’s recent history, its predominantly been the latter. Rival Lexus has dominated the luxury market for most of the last decade, and even facing a resurgent BMW and Mercedes-Benz, is consistently in the top four luxury brands.
Acura, on the other hand, suffered under a previous executive that gutted much of the brand’s product development budget in the face of declining sales, canceling many vehicles and projects that would have elevated the brand’s status among consumers. All the while, competitors continued to broaden their product lineups both upward and downward. After a 10-year hiatus, Acura is hoping the revival of its NSX supercar line may be the halo car that will entice new customers back into the brand’s showrooms.
But with modest sales projections of 800 units a year, the NSX alone will not single-handedly catapult Acura to luxury brand sales dominance. The brand is investing in new products with a refreshed RLX flagship to replace the slow-selling RL, a redesigned MDX sport-utility with a next-generation Earth Dreams direct-injected V-6, and a new midsized model to replace the TL, according to a Bloomberg report.
Unlike many other upscale brands focusing their efforts on fast-growing overseas markets such as China and Russia, Acura is focusing primarily on the U.S. as the source of its success. Much of the development, and final assembly of the NSX supercar will take place in Ohio, where most of the company’s manufacturing facilities in the U.S. are located. The U.S. also accounted for the vast majority of the brand’s 2012 sales, with 89 percent of sales. Brand representatives also note that U.S. consumers have $12 trillion in disposable income, far more than the Asian or European markets, making the U.S. still a prime sales market, despite its “mature” status.
With annual sales projections of 800 units per year, the NSX will sell in far fewer numbers than the Porsche 911, which sold 8528 units in 2012, but will be close to other brands’ exotic models, with the Audi R8 selling 802 units in 2013, and the Nissan GT-R selling 1188 units for the year. Starting price for the new NSX is expected to more than $100,000.
Source: Bloomberg

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http://www.carnewschina.com/2013/03/06/honda-to-launch-three-china-only-cars-by-2015/

Honda to launch three China-only Cars by 2015



Honda will introduce three models catering to the China market with partner Dongfeng Motor by 2015 in a bid to regain market share lost after tensions escalated over a Sino-Japanese territorial row.
The new products are part of the automaker’s drive to almost double sales by 2015, and will include a global model to be first introduced in China and two country-specific cars, Chen Binbo, executive vice president of Dongfeng Honda, said in an interview in Wuhan, China.
Honda is betting more China-oriented models will help win back customers in the world’s largest vehicle market, after demand slumped by a record in the quarter ended December as consumers shunned Japanese brands following a dispute between the two countries over ownership of some islands. The backlash sent the market share for Japanese car brands plummeting to about 9 percent in October, or less than half the full-year average in 2011, data from China’s auto association show.
“It will take Japanese carmakers at least three years to recover the market share of about 23, 24 percent during the best times,” Chen said. “To achieve this, all Japanese carmakers should work hard to speed up the introduction of new products and to better understand customers’ needs.”
Honda will also begin to produce and sell the Concept-S, a wagon-like model first unveiled at the 2012 Beijing auto show, in the second half of this year, Chen said.
Japan’s third-largest automaker will also upgrade powertrain systems in China within two to three years to include direct injection technologies and turbochargers, he said. Details will be announced at the Shanghai auto show in April.
Sales Slump
“It’s the right decision to introduce more models that cater to Chinese needs,” Lin Huaibin, an analyst with researcher IHS Automotive in Shanghai. “One of the reasons why Japanese brands have lost ground in recent years is because they have been slower to embrace Chinese tastes.”
Honda deliveries in China fell a record 32 percent in the October-to-December period, based on company statements dating back to 2006, to cap a 3 percent drop in full-year sales.
Japan’s three largest automakers reported their first year- on-year gains last month since September, when rioters in China smashed Japanese-brand cars.
Dongfeng Honda, based in Wuhan in central China’s Hubei province, is the only Japanese joint venture that saw an increase in sales last year, helped by the revamped CR-V, Honda’s best-seller in China, and Civic compacts.
“The CR-V managed to achieve almost the same sales as Tiguan of VW last year even as there was anti-Japanese sentiment among consumers,” Yasuhide Mizuno, Dongfeng Honda’s president, said in a separate interview. “I’m sure the CR-V will regain pole position in the mid-range to high-end SUV category this year.”
Elysion Minivan
Dongfeng Honda is renewing marketing of the Elysion minivan this year, following the anti-Japanese protests that hurt sales soon after its introduction in 2012, Mizuno said.
The automaker began production at its second plant in Wuhan last year and will have a full capacity of 500,000 units by 2015. The joint venture sold 280,000 cars in 2012, 11 percent more than the previous year, and targets to sell 340,000 units in 2013, according to the company.
“There’s a lot of pressure, as we only have three years to almost double our sales,” Chen said.
Honda has another joint venture in China with Guangzhou Automobile.
Via: Bloomberg.

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