Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
CarScoop: 2012 Toyota Prius Alpha Hybrid Minivan Scooped?
Hmmm, interesting....
Carscoop reader Nick K. had an opportunity to snag what may very well be the first spy photos of the long-anticipated minivan version of the Prius, rumored to be called the Prius Alpha.
Spotted out in California following a new Lexus CT200h with its logos covered, the camouflaged minivan seen here - said by Nick to be "about the size of a Mazda 5" - appears to be wearing a Prius-esque front fascia and doesn't look to fit anywhere else in the lineup.
As you can see in our photo gallery after the jump, the minivan and the Prius also seem to share a similar design for the windshield, front window line and tail lamps.
If earlier reports from Reuters and Japan's Nikkei daily are correct, the Prius MPV will end up housing three rows of seats with space for up to seven passengers and be powered by in-house developed lithium-ion batteries (which may later be manufactured with help from Panasonic).
As we recently told you, Toyota Executive VP Takeshi Uchiyamada hopes to launch six new hybrids worldwide by 2012 (two Lexi and four Toyotas) on top of its current hybrid offerings. That means the Lexus hybrid family - LS, GS, HS, and RX - will likely gain another crossover of some sort and probably an IS hybrid.
Toyota - currently at three hybrids in the U.S. with the Prius, Camry, and Highlander - will likely get at least one more variant of the Prius, as well as three other models. Speculation on those is up to you all.
By Phil Alex
Source (with more pic's!);
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/09/2012-toyota-prius-alpha-hybrid-minivan.html
Carscoop reader Nick K. had an opportunity to snag what may very well be the first spy photos of the long-anticipated minivan version of the Prius, rumored to be called the Prius Alpha.Spotted out in California following a new Lexus CT200h with its logos covered, the camouflaged minivan seen here - said by Nick to be "about the size of a Mazda 5" - appears to be wearing a Prius-esque front fascia and doesn't look to fit anywhere else in the lineup.
As you can see in our photo gallery after the jump, the minivan and the Prius also seem to share a similar design for the windshield, front window line and tail lamps.
If earlier reports from Reuters and Japan's Nikkei daily are correct, the Prius MPV will end up housing three rows of seats with space for up to seven passengers and be powered by in-house developed lithium-ion batteries (which may later be manufactured with help from Panasonic).
As we recently told you, Toyota Executive VP Takeshi Uchiyamada hopes to launch six new hybrids worldwide by 2012 (two Lexi and four Toyotas) on top of its current hybrid offerings. That means the Lexus hybrid family - LS, GS, HS, and RX - will likely gain another crossover of some sort and probably an IS hybrid.
Toyota - currently at three hybrids in the U.S. with the Prius, Camry, and Highlander - will likely get at least one more variant of the Prius, as well as three other models. Speculation on those is up to you all.
By Phil Alex
Source (with more pic's!);
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/09/2012-toyota-prius-alpha-hybrid-minivan.html
Is the US ready to accept diesel?
By: Glenn Brooks, Monday, September 27, 2010, AutomotiveWorld.com 
"Hybrids are costly and although sales are strong in the US and Japan, globally they are not so successful. Of the 60 million vehicles built a year, just 1% are hybrids."
So said Mazda president and CEO Takashi Yamanouchi at the New York auto show earlier this year. With its sole hybrid model, the Tribute HEV, having recently been withdrawn from the US market due to disappointing sales, Mazda has been brave enough to address a situation many rivals remain in denial over. While no-one doubts the success of the Toyota Prius in both the US and Japan, this car is the sole exception to the global reality of hybrid vehicles being little more than pricey niche models.
Honda, Toyota's main rival in gasoline-electric technology, has tried to emulate the success of the Prius with its CR-Z, Insight and Civic Hybrid models. But with fewer than 5,000 Civic Hybrids and 15,000 Insights sold in the US in the first eight months of 2010, even American Honda would hesitate to label those numbers a good result.
It would be surprising if VW wasn’t planning to build diesel engines at its new Mexican powertrain plant.
Some of the reason why the fizz has gone out of US market hybrid sales is the end of tax credits for most brands. The cars are also typically high-priced and, with the weight of two propulsion systems onboard, are often none-too-economical in the freeway conditions typical of many owners' daily commutes.
Perhaps another, equally unseen factor is also contributing to declining hybrid sales: the US consumer's endless desire for novelty. Once seemingly everyone has a Prius it's time to find The Next Big Thing. Could that be diesel? The received wisdom that Americans dislike compression-ignition cars is outmoded as anyone who takes even a casual look at the recent sales figures for Volkswagen of America.
It is also worth noting the wording of VW's recent statement concerning its forthcoming 330,000/annum 'engine' plant that's due to come on stream in Silao, Mexico in 2013. No doubt the majority of engine production will be gasoline units but with sales of its diesel models rising rapidly in North America and all those TDI engines currently being imported from Europe, it would be surprising indeed if VW wasn't planning to also build diesels at Silao.
Volkswagen may have the diesel segment to itself for the foreseeable future
With 23% of its annual US sales already diesel and plans to lift its overall annual numbers to 800,000 vehicles by 2018, VW could even have much of this market to itself for the foreseeable future: neither General Motors, Ford, Toyota nor any other major player has plans to manufacture passenger car diesel engines in North America.
Until Volkswagen starts building diesel engines in Mexico and/or the US, we just don't know what the true potential for vehicles like the Jetta TDI (presently 25% of the car’s average 11,000 monthly sales in 2010) or Audi A3 TDI (fully 50% of sales in August) might be: much of the exchange rate volatility from imports of European engines is currently passed on to the US consumer in the form of high stickers for such models.
As the prices of diesel cars in the US market fall, as surely they will, so their popularity will grow. In the premium segment, the signs are already unmistakable. BMW, which had not offered a diesel in the US for 24 years, quietly introduced the 335d and X5 xDrive35d in 2009. Despite limited promotion, sales have surged. Lexus, the long time leading premium brand is no doubt already feeling alarmed, saddled as it is with slow-selling hybrids such as the HS 250h and LS 600h but without even one diesel offering: last month, BMW became the US market's number one premium brand.
Source;
http://www.automotiveworld.com/news/environment/83958-is-the-us-ready-to-accept-diesel
"Hybrids are costly and although sales are strong in the US and Japan, globally they are not so successful. Of the 60 million vehicles built a year, just 1% are hybrids."So said Mazda president and CEO Takashi Yamanouchi at the New York auto show earlier this year. With its sole hybrid model, the Tribute HEV, having recently been withdrawn from the US market due to disappointing sales, Mazda has been brave enough to address a situation many rivals remain in denial over. While no-one doubts the success of the Toyota Prius in both the US and Japan, this car is the sole exception to the global reality of hybrid vehicles being little more than pricey niche models.
Honda, Toyota's main rival in gasoline-electric technology, has tried to emulate the success of the Prius with its CR-Z, Insight and Civic Hybrid models. But with fewer than 5,000 Civic Hybrids and 15,000 Insights sold in the US in the first eight months of 2010, even American Honda would hesitate to label those numbers a good result.
It would be surprising if VW wasn’t planning to build diesel engines at its new Mexican powertrain plant.
Some of the reason why the fizz has gone out of US market hybrid sales is the end of tax credits for most brands. The cars are also typically high-priced and, with the weight of two propulsion systems onboard, are often none-too-economical in the freeway conditions typical of many owners' daily commutes.
Perhaps another, equally unseen factor is also contributing to declining hybrid sales: the US consumer's endless desire for novelty. Once seemingly everyone has a Prius it's time to find The Next Big Thing. Could that be diesel? The received wisdom that Americans dislike compression-ignition cars is outmoded as anyone who takes even a casual look at the recent sales figures for Volkswagen of America.
It is also worth noting the wording of VW's recent statement concerning its forthcoming 330,000/annum 'engine' plant that's due to come on stream in Silao, Mexico in 2013. No doubt the majority of engine production will be gasoline units but with sales of its diesel models rising rapidly in North America and all those TDI engines currently being imported from Europe, it would be surprising indeed if VW wasn't planning to also build diesels at Silao.
Volkswagen may have the diesel segment to itself for the foreseeable future
With 23% of its annual US sales already diesel and plans to lift its overall annual numbers to 800,000 vehicles by 2018, VW could even have much of this market to itself for the foreseeable future: neither General Motors, Ford, Toyota nor any other major player has plans to manufacture passenger car diesel engines in North America.
Until Volkswagen starts building diesel engines in Mexico and/or the US, we just don't know what the true potential for vehicles like the Jetta TDI (presently 25% of the car’s average 11,000 monthly sales in 2010) or Audi A3 TDI (fully 50% of sales in August) might be: much of the exchange rate volatility from imports of European engines is currently passed on to the US consumer in the form of high stickers for such models.
As the prices of diesel cars in the US market fall, as surely they will, so their popularity will grow. In the premium segment, the signs are already unmistakable. BMW, which had not offered a diesel in the US for 24 years, quietly introduced the 335d and X5 xDrive35d in 2009. Despite limited promotion, sales have surged. Lexus, the long time leading premium brand is no doubt already feeling alarmed, saddled as it is with slow-selling hybrids such as the HS 250h and LS 600h but without even one diesel offering: last month, BMW became the US market's number one premium brand.
Source;
http://www.automotiveworld.com/news/environment/83958-is-the-us-ready-to-accept-diesel
General Motors to Sell a Diesel Powered Car in North America
I hope that if this car actually comes about that it is a success, then maybe companies like Honda can bring their diesel products over here to North America....
General Motors has confirmed that it will sell a diesel-powered car on U.S. soil in the future. According to Ward’s Auto, the source of the news is none-other than GM Vice Chairman Tom Stephens. The use of a diesel would mark the first time in almost three decades that a diesel car was sold in the U.S., with the last diesels being sold in Cadillac, Buick and Oldsmobile vehicles in the late ’70s and early ’80s.
There’s no additional info on what vehicle could get the new diesel powerplant or even if the diesel engine being considered is new. GM has been offering a diesel version of its Ecotec 4-cylinder in Europe and other markets since 1996. That being said, it would seem easiest to offer a diesel engine in a car like the Buick Regal, which is based off the European Opel Insignia and is already offered with a choice of several diesel powerplants overseas including an upcoming twin-turbo 2.0-liter CDTi Ecotec motor making 190-hp and 300 ft-lbs of torque.
Source;
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/09/general-motors-to-sell-a-diesel-powered-car-in-north-america.html
General Motors has confirmed that it will sell a diesel-powered car on U.S. soil in the future. According to Ward’s Auto, the source of the news is none-other than GM Vice Chairman Tom Stephens. The use of a diesel would mark the first time in almost three decades that a diesel car was sold in the U.S., with the last diesels being sold in Cadillac, Buick and Oldsmobile vehicles in the late ’70s and early ’80s.There’s no additional info on what vehicle could get the new diesel powerplant or even if the diesel engine being considered is new. GM has been offering a diesel version of its Ecotec 4-cylinder in Europe and other markets since 1996. That being said, it would seem easiest to offer a diesel engine in a car like the Buick Regal, which is based off the European Opel Insignia and is already offered with a choice of several diesel powerplants overseas including an upcoming twin-turbo 2.0-liter CDTi Ecotec motor making 190-hp and 300 ft-lbs of torque.
Source;
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/09/general-motors-to-sell-a-diesel-powered-car-in-north-america.html
Monday, September 27, 2010
Next-Gen Acura Legend (RL) a Go
There were reports that development of the next-generation Acura RL was postponed, but Honda president Takanobu Ito has confirmed that it’s all go for Acura’s next full-size luxury car. Many have pointed to the current RL’s V-6 engine as the weak point in the car’s equipment lineup, saying V-8-power and smoothness are necessary to compete in this segment. Therefore, the next RL will feature Honda’s large displacement hybrid powerplant under its hood. Also, as you can see from this drawing, the front grille will look much different than the “shield” design used on today’s Acura cars. That said, don’t be surprised to the “shield” still be used on U.S. cars. As for me, I’ll take this grille, thank you.Source;
http://blog.roadandtrack.com/next-gen-acura-legend-rl-a-go/
Freak Segway accident kills company owner
LONDON - The British millionaire businessman who owns the firm Segway has been found dead at the bottom of a cliff with one of the two-wheeled electric scooters near his body, police said on Monday.Jimi Heselden, 62, who bought the U.S.-based firm, and who was also chairman of Hesco Bastion, was discovered in a river near Leeds, northern England, on Sunday.
The incident, described as a freak accident in the media, was not being treated as suspicious. A Segway was found near his body, a police spokeswoman said. “It is with great sadness that we have to confirm that Jimi Heselden has died in a tragic accident near his home in West Yorkshire,” Hesco Bastion said in a statement.
A family spokesman said speculation about the cause of his death had been deeply upsetting.
“There is absolutely nothing to suggest it was anything other than a tragic accident,” he said in a statement.
Invented by Dean Kamen, the self-balancing Segway scooter was made famous by then U.S. President George W. Bush when he took one for a spin, only to jump off after losing control.
Heselden, a former miner who left school at the age of 15, became a wealthy businessman, donating millions of pounds to charity. This month, he gave 10 million pounds ($16 million) to a community project which helps disadvantaged areas.
He made his fortune with Leeds-based Hesco Bastion, which developed a flat-pack wire mesh “blast wall” container, replacing the traditional sandbags, used by British and coalition troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Media reports said Heselden was one of Britain’s richest men, with a fortune put at 166 million pounds ($260 million).
Source;
http://www.torontosun.com/news/world/2010/09/27/15487901.html
Euro Honda: Honda Jazz Hybrid, Fully Flexible
The world debut of the Jazz Hybrid at the Paris motor show will offer the first opportunity to see that Honda has added IMA hybrid technology to the innovative hatchback while still retaining the flexibility of its unique folding Magic Seats.Importantly in the Jazz Hybrid the integration of the hybrid system into the car has not diminished the interior space, with the boot floor remaining at the same level as the current 1.2 and 1.4 Jazz models. The IMA battery pack and power control unit have been integrated in the area under the boot floor, keeping the normal boot (above floor) area of 300 litres and allowing the Magic Seats to fold in the same manner as non-hybrid versions. This means that the seats still fold entirely flat to provide a surprising large boot space of 831 litres or the seat bases can be folded to sit vertically to accommodate tall items within the car.
The IMA hybrid motor and control system are shared with the Insight and CR-Z hybrids, taking advantage of the proven reliability of this important technology. With almost two decades of development and 10 years of sales behind it, the Honda IMA system has proven itself to be a flexible and dependable technology, with over half a million vehicles on the road benefitting from its combination of low emissions and fuel economy.
The Jazz Hybrid will feature the same 1.3 litre i-VTEC as the Insight hybrid and despite its taller, more flexibility focussed shape, the new car has CO2 emissions of a similar level at 104 g/km* according to internal Honda tests. Like the Insight and Civic Hybrid models, the Jazz Hybrid will be capable of running on the electric motor alone under some medium and low speed conditions and this contributes to a combined fuel consumption figure of just 4.4 l/100km*.
The Jazz hybrid will go on sale in some European markets in the early part of 2011, prices homologated emissions levels and full specifications will be announced in due course.
Source;
http://www.hondanews.eu/en/news/index.pmode/modul,detail,0,1586-DEFAULT,21,text,1/index.pmode
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Road & Track: Honda Contemplates a CR-Z Convertible
September 24, 2010 by Sam MitaniWe have reported about the possibility of an S2000 successor for many months, and now we’re hearing reports that it may indeed happen, but not in the way we previously imagined. Our sources in Tokyo have told us that Honda is putting a priority on adding a sports car in its lineup; the execs feel that a sports car is a necessity to uphold its brand image. While there have been many debates and arguments within the walls of Honda HQ’s Aoyama-based offices buildings about the details of the car, many believe that the best first step may be to use the CR-Z hybrid car’s platform. Despite its front-drive layout, performance will be increased via a stronger engine and lighter weight. If such a car can be created, it would go up against the likes of the Mazda MX-5. After this car is established, then Honda would move on to create a rear-drive high-powered sports car, probably with a hybrid powerplant. We’ll keep you up to date as news develops.
Source (via autoblog);
http://blog.roadandtrack.com/honda-contemplates-a-cr-z-convertible/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Friday, September 24, 2010
2012 Honda Civic Interior Inspired by Honda's Open Concept
Just an observation really, the top photo is of the "Open Concept" in 2008 and the bottom one is of the spyshot from www.vtec.net with Brenda Priddy....
Spyshot Source;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=924038
Spyshot Source;http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=924038
2011 Honda Odyssey debuts
Minivan on display this weekend at Georgian College Auto Show
BARRIE - The 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan will be making its Canadian debut this Friday (Sept. 24) at the 25th annual Georgian College Auto Show in Barrie.
The Odyssey, which is set to go on sale Oct. 22, will be on display at the Honda exhibit Friday from noon until 6 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 25 and 26) it will be on display from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Georgian College’s Barrie campus is located at 1 Georgian Dr. More information is available online at www.georgianc.on.ca.
"The all-new Odyssey is set to once again redefine the minivan segment as the benchmark of minivans," said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc. "Never before has so much space, functionality and comfort been combined with this much style, safety, advanced technology and fuel economy all in a fun-to-drive package.”
This model will feature over 50 new features. One of the notable improvements include a new “three-mode” second row seat design that can expand laterally. This seating design accommodates three passengers with improved comfort and increased legroom. The new tapered cabin allows for better viewing for third row passengers.
A more powerful and efficient 3.5-litre i-VTEC V6 engine features a variable cylinder management system, allowing for better fuel economy. The 2011 Odyssey also has 248 horsepower, an increase of four over last year’s model.
Also debuting this year for the standard model is a five-speed automatic transmission. The touring edition will come equipped with a standard six-speed.
Now in its 41st year of operation in Canada, Honda Canada Inc. has sold more than 3,375,000 Honda and Acura passenger cars and light-duty trucks in Canada. A record high 91 per cent of the Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada in 2009 were produced at the company's assembly plants in North America, up nearly 3 per cent from 2008.
Since 1986, Honda has built more than 5,400,000 cars and trucks at its assembly facilities in Alliston, Ontario. More than half of all vehicles sold in Canada last year were also made in Canada. Prior to 2004, the Odyssey model was built in Alliston.
The 2011 Odyssey will be sold for manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $29,990.
Source;
http://www.simcoe.com/news/article/878026--2011-honda-odyssey-debuts
BARRIE - The 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan will be making its Canadian debut this Friday (Sept. 24) at the 25th annual Georgian College Auto Show in Barrie.The Odyssey, which is set to go on sale Oct. 22, will be on display at the Honda exhibit Friday from noon until 6 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 25 and 26) it will be on display from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Georgian College’s Barrie campus is located at 1 Georgian Dr. More information is available online at www.georgianc.on.ca.
"The all-new Odyssey is set to once again redefine the minivan segment as the benchmark of minivans," said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc. "Never before has so much space, functionality and comfort been combined with this much style, safety, advanced technology and fuel economy all in a fun-to-drive package.”
This model will feature over 50 new features. One of the notable improvements include a new “three-mode” second row seat design that can expand laterally. This seating design accommodates three passengers with improved comfort and increased legroom. The new tapered cabin allows for better viewing for third row passengers.
A more powerful and efficient 3.5-litre i-VTEC V6 engine features a variable cylinder management system, allowing for better fuel economy. The 2011 Odyssey also has 248 horsepower, an increase of four over last year’s model.
Also debuting this year for the standard model is a five-speed automatic transmission. The touring edition will come equipped with a standard six-speed.
Now in its 41st year of operation in Canada, Honda Canada Inc. has sold more than 3,375,000 Honda and Acura passenger cars and light-duty trucks in Canada. A record high 91 per cent of the Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada in 2009 were produced at the company's assembly plants in North America, up nearly 3 per cent from 2008.
Since 1986, Honda has built more than 5,400,000 cars and trucks at its assembly facilities in Alliston, Ontario. More than half of all vehicles sold in Canada last year were also made in Canada. Prior to 2004, the Odyssey model was built in Alliston.
The 2011 Odyssey will be sold for manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $29,990.
Source;
http://www.simcoe.com/news/article/878026--2011-honda-odyssey-debuts
Honda Takes Over Times Square for First-Ever 3-D Launch of All- New 2011 CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe
09/23/2010 - NEW YORKHonda held the first-ever takeover of Times Square in 3-D technology today to support the launch of the all-new CR-Z sport hybrid coupe. Spanning five blocks of Times Square, the event marked the first time 3-D footage was broadcast to the public space. As a part of the takeover, Honda ran 3-D CR-Z commercial footage on the Times Square HD Spectacolor screen (located on Broadway between 46th and 47th Street), displayed several CR-Z's and sponsored a special performance from chart-topping hip-hop trio, N.E.R.D. An estimated 250,000 people attended the CR-Z event in Times Square today.
Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/honda-takes-over-times-square-for-first-ever-3-d-launch-of-all-new-2011-cr-z-sport-hybrid-coupe
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Honda working to address environmental challenges
By Masahiro Takedagawa, For The Calgary HeraldBased on our commitment to innovation and original technology creation, Honda is working to help address the world's environmental challenges, such as global climate change, emissions reduction and energy sustainability.
Honda is taking a comprehensive portfolio approach that involves advanced powertrain and energy technologies for the near and longer terms.
Honda's unique strategy also includes further improvements to gasoline-engine fuel efficiency, including the expanding use of gasoline-electric hybrid technology; the development of viable alternatives to gasoline, including compressed natural gas, non-food-based biofuels, electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered fuel-cell electric cars; and advanced energy production and distribution technologies including solar cells, co-generation systems and more efficient means of producing renewable biofuels.
IMPROVING FUEL EFFICIENCY
Ever since the company was founded, we have focused on meeting the mobility needs of our customers as well as concern for the environment, including leadership in fuel efficiency and emission-reduction technologies.
In the 1960s, Honda reinforced its commitment by establishing its Blue Skies for Our Children philosophy, and has maintained its position as a fuel-efficiency leader.
Honda is committed to further advancements in internal combustion engine efficiency, with a focus on the broad application of technologies such as VTEC and Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), and with the expanded application of pinnacle technologies such as Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system.
-As one of the most affordable hybrids available on the road today, the five-passenger Honda Insight, utilizes an interactive Ecological Drive Assist System to help enhance customers' fuel-efficient driving capabilities.
-Our new two-seat CR-Z sports hybrid expands Honda's line of hybrid vehicles by offering good fuel economy with sporty characteristics.
-Second-generation VCM technology is being used in theAccord V-6 sedan and coupe, Pilot SUV, Accord Crosstour and Odyssey minivan.
-Extensive use of advanced materials that improve fuel economy while allowing engineers to meet other critical targets such as vehicle safety.
REDUCING EMISSIONS
Honda has led all automakers in the introduction of vehicles that meet or exceed increasingly stringent exhaust emissions regulation:
-First gasoline-powered vehicles to meet American LEV, ULEV, SU-LEV, and AT-PZEV certifications.
-For model year 2011, all Honda and Acura vehicles meet or exceed Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards on an individual model basis, without the use of fleet averaging.
-Honda has been a leader in the application of overhead valve four-stroke engines to its power sports and power equipment product lines. All 2008 and newer Honda motorcycles, including competition models, and all Honda power equipment lines use OHV four-stroke engine technology.
FUEL-CELL TECHNOLOGY
Honda has paced the industry in the development and deployment of fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology as well as the refuelling infrastructure that will be required to take it to the mass market.
-Honda introduced the world's first production fuel-cell vehicle, the Honda FCX, in the U.S. and Japan in October 2002.
-Honda's FCX Clarity, the successor to the FCX, was the world's first purpose-built fuel-cell electric vehicle and the first to be manufactured on a dedicated production line.
-The FCX Clarity, with Honda's compact and efficient V Flow fuel-cell stack, achieves performance on par with a four-cylinder, five-passenger, gasoline-powered sedan but with three times the fuel efficiency.
CLEANER-ENERGY RESEARCH
Honda's efforts have gone beyond developing new vehicle technologies.
Honda has also focused its research and development resources on the creation of new sources of cleaner power.
-Solar cells: Honda-developed photovoltaic solar cells significantly reduce the energy and carbon-dioxide emissions in the manufacturing phase. Honda subsidiary Soltec Ltd. began mass production of Honda solar cells at its new Kumamoto, Japan, factory in October 2008. We will also be using these solar cells at our new Honda headquarters in Markham, Ont.
-Flexible fuel: Honda has developed a flexible-fuel system that enables engines to operate on either 100 per cent ethanol or a wide range of ethanol-gasoline fuel mixtures.
-Biofuel: To address the need for more efficient means of producing bio-ethanol in other areas of the world, Honda R&D and the Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE) are researching new technology to produce ethanol from soft-biomass, a renewable resource of plant-derived material.
There are numerous environmental challenges, and there are also numerous potential solutions to meet issues. That is why we have adopted a portfolio approach instead of only focusing on one specific technology.
In the near term, however, we believe optimum benefits will come from further advancements to fuel-efficient gasoline engines as well as gas-electric hybrid technology to help reduce our products' greenhouse gas emissions.
Source;
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Opel Meriva Concept
I understand that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but whoa, this is officially the ugliest prototype i've ever seen....
Source;
http://visions-autos.sport24.com/596288/Design-retour-de-la-Porte-Suicide-et-de-la-porte-Coulissante/
Source;http://visions-autos.sport24.com/596288/Design-retour-de-la-Porte-Suicide-et-de-la-porte-Coulissante/
AMS Terra Brings the Space Invader Theme to Honda's CR-Z Hybrid Coupe
This is AMS's take on the new Honda CR-Z hybrid sports coupe/hatch, and it's called the Terra. The CR-Z, which already looks nice as a cute little sporty hybrid, has been dropped on 19-inch RAYS Versus Torismo Rechente one-off rollers that have been finished in piano black and pearl white.The front of the car gets a new front bumper - with or without a license plate holder- and some "eyeline garnish", while both front and rear fenders have been widened (15 mm and 70 mm, respectively). Also, the side sills get their WIDE on to the tune of 30 mm.
Up above, there's a roof lip and rear hatch spoiler. The rear of the car is where the magic really happens, though: the Terra gets an alien-inspired rear diffuser with twin center exhaust outlets for the sports muffler.
Although the performance of the car hardly requires such aggressive and excessive styling, it's nice to see people at least taking a stab at it.
Interested in taking your sporty hybrid to the next visual level? Expect a full painted kit (including exhaust bezels and the diffuser-mounted tail light) to run well north of $5,000.
By Phil Alex
Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/09/ams-terra-brings-space-invader-theme-to.html
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Honda to overhaul sourcing method for emerging markets push
(Reuters) - Honda Motor Co will overhaul its sourcing strategy by ditching its one-spec-fits-all method on global car models to better compete with Hyundai Motor and others in emerging markets, an executive said on Tuesday.Honda, Japan's No.2 automaker, has until now used a common blueprint for components on cars built and sold globally for efficiency's sake, and to offer consumers around the world the same specifications for those models.
But Masaya Yamashita, head of Honda's purchasing operations, said that strategy was outdated and making some of its cars unnecessarily pricier in China, India and other regions at a time when South Korea's Hyundai and others were boosting sales with cars that were a better fit for local consumers.
"Hyundai has become a very tough competitor for us and they're growing at an incredible pace, along with Chinese and Indian automakers, because they're looking at components from a new angle," Yamashita told Reuters in an interview.
"The stereotype used to be that the cheap prices came from lower quality, but that's no longer the case. We need to operate with a brand new standard for components," he said.
By coming up with several different blueprints on vehicle components, Honda would aim to slash purchasing costs on the next-generation Fit subcompact, one of its best-selling models, by about 20 to 30 percent in emerging markets, Yamashita said. The fully remodeled Fit, expected around 2012 or later, would be the first car to reflect the new sourcing method, he said.
Honda builds the Fit, called Jazz in some markets, in Japan, China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Britain and Brazil, and currently uses the same design and materials for most components in all seven countries.
That means components must meet the highest common denominator for specifications, leading to steep costs, he said.
"For example, if we were designing a cup, we're designing one that could withstand the intense heat in India all the way up to the freezing weather in Canada, and that's a waste."
BROADER SELECTION
Yamashita said automakers were now able to choose from a broader selection of competitive parts makers in many Asian markets thanks to the expansion of Western suppliers, the entry of Hyundai's Korean suppliers and the improved quality of homegrown parts makers in emerging markets.
"Doing business with new suppliers is helpful in giving us fresh ideas for designing parts," Yamashita said. "In the long run, this kind of competition will also be good for Japanese parts makers that we've done most of our work with so far."
Japanese suppliers are already under intense pressure to slash costs, disadvantaged by a strong yen.
Honda has said there was little the automaker could do in the near term to avoid currency-related losses.
But Yamashita said Honda had asked some of its domestic suppliers to shift production of components manufactured and used in Japan to their Asian factories to lower purchasing costs.
"We usually wouldn't do this for the duration of a vehicle's model cycle, which is typically about five years, but we've asked some suppliers to do this," Yamashita said.
"If the dollar continues to trade around 85 yen, it's inevitable that the import ratio of parts will rise."
Source;
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE68K0OT20100921
Car and Driver: 2011 Ford Fiesta vs. 2010 Honda Fit, 2011 Mazda 2 - Comparison Tests
Most drivers in Europe motor around in small, efficient hatchbacks without feeling like failures. But here, in America—the hell with the gas bill—size still matters. On the Continent, the social stigma that’s attached to driving a very small car isn’t as virulent and deprecating as it continues to be for many drivers in the U.S.So Ford is trying, once again, to take the edge off that particular shame with its latest Fiesta—a snazzy-looking, Euro-transplant B-segment subcompact that emphasizes lots of features and high fuel economy. Mazda enters the fray with its 2, first released in Europe in 2007 and, ironically, riding on the same platform as the Fiesta (they share the same 98.0-inch wheelbase). These new releases make Honda’s product planners look like fortune tellers who were right to take a chance on bringing the first-generation Fit here in 2006, then following up in 2009 with the second-generation model.
Because these cars extol the European automotive virtues of snappy handling and fuel efficiency, we decided to test them in the most European-feeling city in North America: Montreal. The city is actually on an island in the vast St. Lawrence River, and the old quarter has cobblestone streets filled with ancient churches, beckoning cafés, and charcuteries. As in Europe, most of the population speaks a language you don’t, although some Montréalais defaulted into English after encountering a few seconds of our blank staring.
The 600-mile trip from Ann Arbor to Montreal is almost as far as a run from Paris to Berlin. Our hot day began with distinct Euro flair at lunch in southern Ontario, where our finicky managing editor was alarmed to see his root beer served without ice. Zut alors! Speaking of refreshment, all three cars come standard with air conditioning, even at their dollar-menu starting prices. The Fiesta begins at $13,995 in four-door trim. If you prefer, as we do, the style of the five-door, the minimum is $15,795. The Mazda and Honda come in one body style only and start at $14,730 and $15,650, respectively. In instant-ramen trim, all three of these cars have anti-lock brakes, power windows and locks, and plenty of airbags.
For our test, though, we rounded up the more “luxurious” versions. The feature-heavy Fiesta SES comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, LED parking lights decked out with chrome, satellite radio, and the Sync infotainment system. Another $795 adds a package with keyless ignition, heated front seats, and extra chrome. As-tested price: $18,770.
Honda also throws 16-inch alloys on the uplevel Fit Sport, in addition to a body kit, chrome exhaust tips, fog lights, cruise control, remote entry, and a rear anti-roll bar. Navigation and stability control (our test car was produced early in the year, before the ability to combine this option with the manual transmission disappeared) cost an extra $1850. Add in dealer-installed rubber floor mats, for $130, and our test car rang up at a rich $19,140.
“Sport” indicates the base Mazda 2 trim. We sampled the grander Touring model, with alloy wheels, fog lights, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a trip computer, and a rear spoiler. All that added up to $16,185, nearly three grand cheaper than the Fit.
After more than 1300 miles of mostly suffering through Ontario’s 401 freeway (think Nebraska), touring Montreal’s environs, and exploring the edge of the wilderness of Quebec, we can report with assurance that none of these diminutive hatches suffers from a Napoleon complex. All three belong at the top of the heap in the subcompact class, and one belongs at the very top
3rd Place: 2011 Ford Fiesta SES
Highs: Rock-solid chassis, quiet on the road, high-class looks.
Lows: Slower than a Mumbai bureaucrat, worst fuel economy here, disconnected shifter, windshield glare.
The Verdict: Getting the bronze medal still means you’re a winner, right?
Here's a link to the full review;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/10q3/2011_ford_fiesta_vs._2010_honda_fit_2011_mazda_2-comparison_tests/2011_ford_fiesta_ses_page_2
2nd Place: 2011 Mazda 2 Touring
Highs: Low curb weight, Miata-style driving fun, value priced.
Lows: Low on features, soft seat cushion, feels cheap over bumps.
The Verdict: A featherweight, but no lightweight.
Here's a link to the full review;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/10q3/2011_ford_fiesta_vs._2010_honda_fit_2011_mazda_2-comparison_tests/2011_mazda_2_touring_page_3
1st Place: 2010 Honda Fit Sport
Highs: Cavernous interior, near-perfect ergonomics, strong engine, goes the farthest on a gallon. Lows: Trucklike braking distance, wind noise, looks that only a mother could appreciate.
The Verdict: Everything we love in a tiny, affordable car.
Here's the link to the full review;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/10q3/2011_ford_fiesta_vs._2010_honda_fit_2011_mazda_2-comparison_tests/2010_honda_fit_sport_page_4
TOV & Priddy: 2012 Civic Sedan Interior Spied!
Here is a link to 2X spyshots of the next gen Honda Civic's interior....
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=924038
Here's what Brenda Priddy's team has to say accompanying the spyshots....
SPIED INSIDE & OUT:
'12 Honda Civic!! Honda engineers had been trying very hard to hide the interior of the 2012 Civic from us, but today we got lucky and can REVEAL the next-gen interior!
Our photos show that the center stack now appears more oriented towards the driver. We can also see the dual-pod setup on the dash has undergone a redesign. Almost all the audio and HVAC controls are new as well as the air vents and the steering wheel.
Originally, the 9th gen Civic was set to debut in the Summer of 2010 as a 2011 model, but once CAFE regulations changed and the auto industry hit hard times in 2009, Honda had to rethink things. Rumors stated Honda originally wanted to make the Civic larger, but as you can see from the photos, the overall size of the 2012 Civic will remain largely unchanged.
While the camouflage is pretty heavy, we can see peeks at a new grille and headlights. The front end looks more upright overall as well. The doors also have some fresh character lines.
The current Civic has a 1.8L 4-cylinder, however, rumors are floating around that the base motor may get bumped to 2.0L. No rumors yet on what might be lurking under the Si's hood.'
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=924038
Here's what Brenda Priddy's team has to say accompanying the spyshots....
SPIED INSIDE & OUT:
'12 Honda Civic!! Honda engineers had been trying very hard to hide the interior of the 2012 Civic from us, but today we got lucky and can REVEAL the next-gen interior!
Our photos show that the center stack now appears more oriented towards the driver. We can also see the dual-pod setup on the dash has undergone a redesign. Almost all the audio and HVAC controls are new as well as the air vents and the steering wheel.
Originally, the 9th gen Civic was set to debut in the Summer of 2010 as a 2011 model, but once CAFE regulations changed and the auto industry hit hard times in 2009, Honda had to rethink things. Rumors stated Honda originally wanted to make the Civic larger, but as you can see from the photos, the overall size of the 2012 Civic will remain largely unchanged.
While the camouflage is pretty heavy, we can see peeks at a new grille and headlights. The front end looks more upright overall as well. The doors also have some fresh character lines.
The current Civic has a 1.8L 4-cylinder, however, rumors are floating around that the base motor may get bumped to 2.0L. No rumors yet on what might be lurking under the Si's hood.'
Monday, September 20, 2010
2012 Honda Civic to be unveiled in Detroit
Honda Canada invited some auto writers to a media roundtable the other night, looking for feedback on what the consumer is thinking.While we emphasized the demand for technology that works as simply as the iPhone and iPad (and connects to them too) as well as more clean diesel engines, the more interesting news of the night was the confirmation the 2012 Honda Civic will be unveiled this fall at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Calling the new car "beautiful" and an evolution rather than revolution like the current model, Jerry Chenkin, Executive Vice President of Honda Canada, said he had driven the new Civic and that it would "set a new standard" for interior excellence. He said the new Civic will have "better numbers" all around, but wouldn't elaborate, saying only that the same body styles currently offered would continue.
The new Civic is a year late after Honda's new president Takanobu Ito took one look at what was to be the 2011 Civic and went "yeck." Chenkin said the car would likely be in showrooms by May 2011 as a 2012 model year car. As much as we tried for more info on the Civic, it wasn't coming, even after we plied Mr. Chenkin with red wine. He did admit under torturous questioning, however, that the 2010 Honda Insight hybrid was an "unmitigated disaster" because it was lacking the quality and value usually found in a Honda. That's frank talk from a car-company executive, but he is absolutely right. When was the last time you saw an Insight?
Source;
http://communities.canada.com/driving/blogs/driving/archive/2010/06/30/2012-honda-civic-to-be-unveiled-in-detroit.aspx
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Jason Priestley stars in Car show for HBO
Okay, those of you that have been following my blog, know that I don't post questionable content, however, I have to make this one exception, there is a new show coming out starring (Canadian) Jason Priestley (yeah, yeah, of the original and much better 90210 fame) playing a sleazy/likeable used car guy and by the trailer it looks like it should be darkly funny (trust me, being in the car biz for the last 8yrs - you'll see a book outta me some day). I am all about supporting 'home-grown' talent and I really hope that Priestley's new show works. I remember when Jason was a hot commodity and he helped The Bare Naked Ladies (via Peach Pit After Dark, - yeah, yeah, I'm shameless), one of my favourite bands get air play, so, here's my part in supporting local (good) talent, I know that I will be watching.
Below is the trailer, BE WARNED, Language and Suggestive Sexual Content.... and a link to the shows website (HBO)....
BTW: September 19, 2010 8:00pm ET/MT is when it starts
Home page;
www.hbocanada.com/callmefitz/
Hey Jay, it sounds like you have a show on your hands, hopefully this helps spread the good word, cheers.
Below is the trailer, BE WARNED, Language and Suggestive Sexual Content.... and a link to the shows website (HBO)....
BTW: September 19, 2010 8:00pm ET/MT is when it starts
Home page;
www.hbocanada.com/callmefitz/
Hey Jay, it sounds like you have a show on your hands, hopefully this helps spread the good word, cheers.
Friday, September 17, 2010
10Best Surprise: The Honda Accord May be an Oldie, But It’s Still a Goodie
We’re spending the week driving 60-plus new cars in order to decide our 2011 10Best list. When that many cars are gathered in one place, many of which we haven’t driven before, there are bound to be some unexpected discoveries. Be sure to check back throughout the week for more 10Best surprises, and look for our annual 10Best issue to hit newsstands on December 7.I’d love to tell you that the shockers at 10Best are the cars I’d most like to write about: the Lotus Evora, the Corvette Grand Sport, the Shelby GT500. For me, however, it’s usually the lesser lights that sneak up from behind to snap the wet towel. In years past, for instance, cars like the Saturn Astra and Suzuki SX4 earned a bonus tour of our 15-mile test route. This year, what most surprised me is the aging Honda Accord, now within roughly a year of a wholesale makeover.
And among the Accord coupes and sedans—fours and sixes, manuals and automatics—it’s the no-options, no-mascara, everyday base EX sedan with do-it-yourself five-speed that leaves me speechless. Its steering is light and willing, its shifter seems to intuitively migrate to the appropriate gear even before your hand summons the motion, and the structure magically manages to feel simultaneously feather-light yet Germanic in its solidity. All of that for an as-tested price of $24,855. What this car is, is dead honest. Here is everything you need for a gratifying driving experience. It’s so rare these days to make a purchase and, on the drive home, say out loud, “Jeez, I think the clerk must’ve undercharged me.” Of this year’s 60-some 10Best candidates, I defy anyone to find better value for money than the base Accord EX. Boring to look at? Maybe. But I had a Kenmore refrigerator that, for 24 happy years, reliably made ice faster than a Russian icebreaker. I loved that plain-Jane appliance—nicknamed it Jane, in fact. Fantastic value is never boring.
Source;
http://blog.caranddriver.com/10best-surprise-the-honda-accord-may-be-an-oldie-but-its-still-a-goodie/
Honda Confirms Next-Gen Civic GX Natural Gas Vehicle
by Brian MoodyIn Translogic episode 6.2 we took a look at one of the cleanest yet most obscure green cars sold in the U.S., the 2011 Honda Civic GX. The GX is just like every other Civic, except that its engine burns compressed natural gas (CNG) rather than gasoline.
Honda confirmed to Translogic that when the company redesigns the Civic for its ninth generation, there will be a Honda Civic GX. Since the GX sells in such small numbers, there was speculation that it might be dropped when Honda undertakes a complete overhaul of the Civic, as it has scheduled for the 2012 model year. But Honda is dedicated to the CNG Civic and says hopes to make it a bigger part of their alt-fuel efforts.
Ever since the car's introduction in 1998, the Civic GX has really been more of a fleet car rather than typical retail car the average shopper would consider. In 2009, Honda sold just 1,757 Civic GX's.
The car's fleet origins mean the interior is a little lackluster. It's no secret, Honda already knows the Civic GX lacks the bells and whistles even sub-compact owners have come to expect. Jessica Fini with American Honda said "Due to customer feedback, the 2012 Honda Civic GX NGV will be more comfortable and offered with desirable options like a navigation system and upgraded stereo." Perhaps the secret of the Civic GX is about to get out.
Honda also confirmed that the 2012 Honda Civic GX will not deviate from the current car's basic formula of being a Honda Civic first and foremost and a NGV second. The Formula seems to be working; the 2010 Civic GX was named "Greenest Vehicle" by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.
But the picture isn't all rosy for the natural gas powered Civic, a lack of public CNG fueling stations could put a damper on Civic GX ownership. For instance, according to cngprices.com, there are just two CNG refueling stations in the Atlanta area and one requires special key-card for access and there's just one CNG station between Miami and Jacksonville. On the other hand, cities like Boston, Denver, New York, Salt Lake City and Tulsa, Oklahoma have many CNG stations. California seems to have the most CNG stations of any other state: San Francisco, Sacramento and Los Angeles combined probably have more re-fueling stations than the entire rest of the country. Even so, some CNG stations in the Los Angeles area are 10-20 miles away from the center of many suburban communities. There is a reward once you find a station, many people are paying the equivalent of $1.07-$2.60 per gallon.
Some Civic GX owners can capitalize on the low price of CNG and skip the infrastructure worries by outfitting their homes with a refueling mechanism that uses the natural gas already piped to most homes. The cost is about $4,600 but you can get a tax credit of $2,000. The company that made the Phill refueling unit was purchased by another company so it's unclear if an individual in every state can still get a natural gas compressor installed at home. Gas Equipment Systems Inc has offices in California and Texas so that's a good place to start
Honda says the Civic GX is the cleanest burning internal combustion engine in the world. But for every advantage with the CNG powered Civic, there seems to be a disadvantage. The Civic GX isn't especially thrilling to drive; with its 1.8 liter engine making just 113 hp, the car feels slower than a regular Civic. A gasoline powered Civic with a 1.8 liter engine makes 140 hp – a difference that's noticeable to the average driver. Also, the Honda Civic GX costs a little more than $25,000. By comparison, a Honda Civic EX with leather and navigation is still about $2,000 less. And the Civic EX cruises to a combined EPA estimate of 29 mpg. The equivalent combined fuel economy estimate for the Civic GX is 28 mpg. Those who buy a new 2010 Honda Civic GX may qualify for a $4,000 tax credit and Californians who buy a new Civic GX will qualify for the states zero emission HOV stickers which means you can use the carpool lane even if you're alone in the car.
In the end, the Honda Civic GX's green credential are rock solid, what's not so clear is if the car makes sense for the average green leaning motorist. Honda already has a Civic Hybrid, Insight Hybrid and the sporty CR-Z Hybrid plus the gasoline powered Honda Fit gets a respectable 36 miles per gallon on the highway. The difference is all of Honda's fuel sippers can be fueled up at the local filling station while the Civic GX can't and that's really the car's Achilles heel.
Source;
More 2011 Honda Odyssey Information for Canada
Trim LevelsLX
The LX trim replaces the entry-level DX trim - adding more content at a lower price point;
Standard Features (All Trims):
-Variable Cylinder Management (VCM)
-9-way Power Driver Seat
-Privacy Tinted Glass
-Battery Management System
-One Mortion 60/40 Split 3rd Row Magic Seat
-VSA-Traction Control w/Brake Assist, ABS, EBD, and 6 Airbags
-Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Other LX Features:
-229-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA Audio System with 5 Speakers
-17" Steel Wheels with Covers
-Projector Headlights
-LATCH Positions 4
-5 Speed Automatic Transmission
-Keyless Entry
-Cruise Control
-Heated Side Door Mirrors
EX/EX-RES (Rear Entertainment System)
The EX and EX-RES are re-introduced and revamped focusing on unmatched Value and Convenience. Cloth with DVD. Price Reduced from 2010 Model.
Adding or Replacing on the LX
-LATCH Positions 5
-Standard, Wide, Pass-thru modes
-Power Sliding Doors w/Slide Door Switch
-17"Alluminum Alloy Wheels
-Auto on/off Headlights
-Bluetooth
-Rearview Camera
-Driver Power Lumbar
-Heated Cloth Seats
-USB Jack
-i-MID (8") with Selector Knob
-Available (RES) 9" DVD with Wireless Headsets, Headphone Jacks, and 115-volt Power Outlet
-8 Passenger Seating
-Tri-Zone Auto Climate Control
-Security System
EX-L
Now Standard with a DVD and a price reduction from 2010.
Adds or Replaces to the EX RES
-Parking Sensors
-Cool Box
-Standard 9" DVD with Wireless Headsets, Headphone Jacks, and 115-volt Power Outlet
-Leather-Trimmed Interior
-Power Tailgate
-Power Sunroof
-Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror
-4-Way Power Passenger Seat
-XM Radio
TOURING
The top of the line Touring adds new luxurious high-tech features never before seen on a Honda. Again, a nice price reduction from 2010!
Adds or replaces over the EX-L:
-6 Speed Automatic Transmission
-18" Aluminum Alloy Wheels
-Blind Spot Indicators (BSI)
-Auto-Leveling HID Headlights
-16.2" Ultrawide DVD RES
-HDMI Input
-650 Watt AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA Premium Sound System with 12 Speakers w/Subwoofer and 5.1 Dolby Digital Sound
-15GB Memory Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Audio Storage
-Honda Satellite Linked Navigation with Voice Recognition, Multi-View Rear Camera with OnScreen Display Guidelines, Wallpaper Function, Song-by-Voice, and illumiated Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls.
-Memory Side Mirrors w/Turn Signals
-Front Fog Lights
-Memory Seat
and more....
Source;
Honda Canada
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Hydrogen Honda arrives in the UK
With all this talk of the Electric Vehicles, it's nice to take a look at what Honda is pursuing....
Richard Scott takes a look at the Honda Clarity
A fuel cell car claimed to be the world's first to come off a production line has come to the UK.
The Honda FCX Clarity uses hydrogen to generate electricity, which then powers the car.
The carmaker sees it as the future of motoring, insisting hydrogen is better than batteries that need to be very heavy to supply enough electricity.
But it is likely to be many years before the infrastructure is in place to make these cars practical.
As such, Honda's hydrogen car could be seen as a brave move; previous models made by other carmakers in the past, often as derivatives of conventinoal models, have not been put into production.
One of the big problems with electric cars is providing enough power to help a car accelerate up to a decent speed, while at the same time having enough capacity for a decent range.
Honda thinks the future development of batteries is limited, and that they will never be able to satisfy motorists wanting to use their cars for longer journeys.
But there is another way to power an electric car - hydrogen.
The car is still electric, in that it has an electric motor which turns the wheels.
The difference is in how the electricity for that motor is generated.
How it works
In cars with batteries, the electricity comes from the national grid, with owners plugging their cars in.
The gas - stored under pressure in a tank behind the rear seats - flows forward to the fuel cell.
In the Clarity, that sits between the front seats.
In the fuel cell a controlled reaction takes place between hydrogen and oxygen from the atmosphere.
That produces two things: water, which is the waste product and comes out of the exhaust, and electricity that is sent to the electric motor at the front of the car.
'Seismic shift'
The big advantage, according to the car maker, is that hydrogen is a much more efficient store of energy than batteries - so the car can be used just the way you would a petrol or diesel version.
The Clarity, for example, has a top speed of 100mph (160km/h) and a range of 270 miles.
"Ever since the car has been around we've been dependent on fossil fuels," says Professor David Bailey from Coventry University Business School.
"What we need to do is to move on to electric power and in the long term, hydrogen.
"This is the seismic shift in terms of technologies under-pinning how we power our cars."
But he has a warning too.
"There's a long way to go yet because it's expensive, because consumers need to be educated, because the infrastructure needs to be put in place."
Poor infrastructure
Hydrogen tanks can be filled much more quickly than batteries can be charged.
But filling up is still one of the things that are holding them back.
Honda's Clarity is in production in Japan, but is only being leased to customers - often government officials and celebrities - in that country and California.
They have the infrastructure in place for drivers to fill up with hydrogen - but in the UK such facilities are not widespread.
At the moment there are only about 10 places across the UK where you could fill up your hydrogen car.
Honda admits it will be many years before a suitable network exists.
Source;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11297952
Richard Scott takes a look at the Honda ClarityA fuel cell car claimed to be the world's first to come off a production line has come to the UK.
The Honda FCX Clarity uses hydrogen to generate electricity, which then powers the car.
The carmaker sees it as the future of motoring, insisting hydrogen is better than batteries that need to be very heavy to supply enough electricity.
But it is likely to be many years before the infrastructure is in place to make these cars practical.
As such, Honda's hydrogen car could be seen as a brave move; previous models made by other carmakers in the past, often as derivatives of conventinoal models, have not been put into production.
One of the big problems with electric cars is providing enough power to help a car accelerate up to a decent speed, while at the same time having enough capacity for a decent range.
Honda thinks the future development of batteries is limited, and that they will never be able to satisfy motorists wanting to use their cars for longer journeys.
But there is another way to power an electric car - hydrogen.
The car is still electric, in that it has an electric motor which turns the wheels.
The difference is in how the electricity for that motor is generated.
How it works
In cars with batteries, the electricity comes from the national grid, with owners plugging their cars in.
The gas - stored under pressure in a tank behind the rear seats - flows forward to the fuel cell.
In the Clarity, that sits between the front seats.
In the fuel cell a controlled reaction takes place between hydrogen and oxygen from the atmosphere.
That produces two things: water, which is the waste product and comes out of the exhaust, and electricity that is sent to the electric motor at the front of the car.
'Seismic shift'
The big advantage, according to the car maker, is that hydrogen is a much more efficient store of energy than batteries - so the car can be used just the way you would a petrol or diesel version.
The Clarity, for example, has a top speed of 100mph (160km/h) and a range of 270 miles.
"Ever since the car has been around we've been dependent on fossil fuels," says Professor David Bailey from Coventry University Business School.
"What we need to do is to move on to electric power and in the long term, hydrogen.
"This is the seismic shift in terms of technologies under-pinning how we power our cars."
But he has a warning too.
"There's a long way to go yet because it's expensive, because consumers need to be educated, because the infrastructure needs to be put in place."
Poor infrastructure
Hydrogen tanks can be filled much more quickly than batteries can be charged.
But filling up is still one of the things that are holding them back.
Honda's Clarity is in production in Japan, but is only being leased to customers - often government officials and celebrities - in that country and California.
They have the infrastructure in place for drivers to fill up with hydrogen - but in the UK such facilities are not widespread.
At the moment there are only about 10 places across the UK where you could fill up your hydrogen car.
Honda admits it will be many years before a suitable network exists.
Source;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11297952
How Fast Can You Really Charge Your Plug-in Car?
Here's a pretty interesting read and puts a little more perspective on why Honda hasn't aggressively pursued this avenue....
By Nick Chambers
Tue Aug 31, 2010 12:28am EDT
We are quickly approaching the launch dates of the Nissan LEAF and Chevrolet Volt-the first two globally-distributed and mass-market plug-in cars the world has ever seen. Beyond those two groundbreaking vehicles, every major automaker has now committed to delivering some sort of plug-in vehicle within the next five years. As the public's attention shifts to the battery-powered drivetrain and its perceived shortcomings, the question of how long it will take to charge the battery has rightly taken center stage.
A standard 3-prong household outlet, also known as "Level 1 charging"A specialized home charging station, also known as "Level 2 charging"A commercial quick charging station, known alternately as both "DC fast charging" and "Level 3 charging."Listening to radio and TV shows, and reading through internet threads devoted to the topic of "How long will it take me to charge my electric car," it is apparent that there is a very big information gap out there when it come to charging times and what you might reasonably expect for your Nissan LEAF or Chevy Volt or Coda Sedan or whatever other electric car come down the pipe.
By Nick ChambersTue Aug 31, 2010 12:28am EDT
We are quickly approaching the launch dates of the Nissan LEAF and Chevrolet Volt-the first two globally-distributed and mass-market plug-in cars the world has ever seen. Beyond those two groundbreaking vehicles, every major automaker has now committed to delivering some sort of plug-in vehicle within the next five years. As the public's attention shifts to the battery-powered drivetrain and its perceived shortcomings, the question of how long it will take to charge the battery has rightly taken center stage.
To this point, much of the conversation regarding plug-in car charging times has revolved around what kind of charging station you use. In the US, as many of us know, there are essentially three types of charging:
A standard 3-prong household outlet, also known as "Level 1 charging"A specialized home charging station, also known as "Level 2 charging"A commercial quick charging station, known alternately as both "DC fast charging" and "Level 3 charging."Listening to radio and TV shows, and reading through internet threads devoted to the topic of "How long will it take me to charge my electric car," it is apparent that there is a very big information gap out there when it come to charging times and what you might reasonably expect for your Nissan LEAF or Chevy Volt or Coda Sedan or whatever other electric car come down the pipe.
For the rest of the article, follow the link below;
We’ll See the New Toyota RAV4 EV Soon
Interesting....I think by borrowing tech from Tesla will help them pass GM's Volt in the race for a viable EV....
By Chuck Squatriglia
They are keeping very, very busy at Toyota, where engineers are frantically developing the RAV4 EV and the brass promise to deliver the plug-in Prius and a slew of new hybrids within two years.
The most tantalizing tidbit was a tweet saying the new RAV4 EV makes its worldwide debut at the Los Angeles auto show in November. Not much else was said — Toyota’s tweeter only had 140 characters to work with, of course, and he or she really needs to work on brevity. But Toyota executive vp Takeshi Uchiyamada said the RAV4 EV will roll into showrooms in 2012, about the same time we’ll see the plug-in Prius.
The timing suggests Toyota has been working frantically on the EV it announced in July. The car is being developed with some help from Tesla Motors, which is providing batteries, motors and other tech to help jump-start the program. Big push aside, don’t look for Toyota to go nuts with electrics. Uchiyamada says cars with cords will comprise but a small part of the fleet.
“Based on the current battery technology, it is not feasible to have all-electric vehicles” for the entire fleet, he said during a presentation in Detroit, according to the Wall Street Journal. “As battery technology gets better, that transition will lead to more pure electronic vehicles. Liquid fuels are still a superior fuel because of their energy density.”
As for the Toyota-Tesla partnership, Uchiyamada told reporters Toyota can be “slow” to innovate and tapping Tesla allows it to work “in a much quicker way” as it makes a prototype electric version of its RAV4 cute-ute (pictured).
The plug-in Prius rolls into North American showrooms in the “May/June 2012 time frame” and the goal is to sell 20,000 of them, Toyota said in another tweet. That’s not a lot in the grand scheme of things — the company sold 356,824 Camrys last year — but it’s twice the number of Chevrolet Volts that GM will build next year.
As if that weren’t enough, said the company also will roll out six new hybrids by 2012. Two will wear the Lexus badge, and they’ll be new models — not hybrid versions of existing vehicles.
Source (pic from Jalopnik);
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/09/rav4-ev-la-auto-show/
By Chuck Squatriglia
They are keeping very, very busy at Toyota, where engineers are frantically developing the RAV4 EV and the brass promise to deliver the plug-in Prius and a slew of new hybrids within two years.
The most tantalizing tidbit was a tweet saying the new RAV4 EV makes its worldwide debut at the Los Angeles auto show in November. Not much else was said — Toyota’s tweeter only had 140 characters to work with, of course, and he or she really needs to work on brevity. But Toyota executive vp Takeshi Uchiyamada said the RAV4 EV will roll into showrooms in 2012, about the same time we’ll see the plug-in Prius.
The timing suggests Toyota has been working frantically on the EV it announced in July. The car is being developed with some help from Tesla Motors, which is providing batteries, motors and other tech to help jump-start the program. Big push aside, don’t look for Toyota to go nuts with electrics. Uchiyamada says cars with cords will comprise but a small part of the fleet.
“Based on the current battery technology, it is not feasible to have all-electric vehicles” for the entire fleet, he said during a presentation in Detroit, according to the Wall Street Journal. “As battery technology gets better, that transition will lead to more pure electronic vehicles. Liquid fuels are still a superior fuel because of their energy density.”
As for the Toyota-Tesla partnership, Uchiyamada told reporters Toyota can be “slow” to innovate and tapping Tesla allows it to work “in a much quicker way” as it makes a prototype electric version of its RAV4 cute-ute (pictured).
The plug-in Prius rolls into North American showrooms in the “May/June 2012 time frame” and the goal is to sell 20,000 of them, Toyota said in another tweet. That’s not a lot in the grand scheme of things — the company sold 356,824 Camrys last year — but it’s twice the number of Chevrolet Volts that GM will build next year.
As if that weren’t enough, said the company also will roll out six new hybrids by 2012. Two will wear the Lexus badge, and they’ll be new models — not hybrid versions of existing vehicles.
Source (pic from Jalopnik);
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/09/rav4-ev-la-auto-show/
Next Gen Honda S2000/S3000 Rendering
Not sure what to think about a Honda logo on the front of a 'Mazda Smile'.... not the prettiest front end renderings that I've seen but the rest of the car looks hot....
Source;
http://www.woodyscarsite.com/2010/09/20-honda-s2000.html
Source;http://www.woodyscarsite.com/2010/09/20-honda-s2000.html
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Credit Rating Initiation: Honda Motor Company
Morningstar is initiating credit coverage of Honda HMC with an issuer rating of A+. Our credit rating focuses on the industrial operations but also considers the relative health of the firm's finance subsidiary. Honda's ratings benefit from its strong liquidity and somewhat more diversified product portfolio relative to some of its peers. The firm's good Business Risk score also encompasses Honda's impressive size and focus on producing vehicles in its end markets rather than relying on exports as some of its rivals do, which allowed it to manage through the recent downturn while generating operating profits. Further, the firm's total debt/earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization was a modest 0.8 times at the end of the most recent fiscal year, when EBITDA hit trough levels. We forecast leverage falling to less than 0.5 times beginning in the current fiscal year based on a strong recovery in the auto market. The good Solvency Score captures the strong balance sheet along with excellent interest coverage, although returns on invested capital remain fairly weak. Honda currently has cash and short-term investments that exceed total industrial company debt outstanding. In part due to this and our forecast for healthy free cash flow generation over our forecast period, Honda generates a good Cash Flow Cushion score. While the company has historically used free cash flow for both dividends and share repurchases, these were significantly curtailed during the past two fiscal years and the firm used its substantial free cash flow in the most recent fiscal year to rebuild its cash coffers. We expect the firm to continue maintaining its conservative financial posture, including modest dividend payments relative to free cash flow, as well as its strategy of slow and steady growth. This should allow the firm to continue to manage through the cyclical and competitive risks facing the auto industry. |
 |
http://torontostar.morningstar.ca/globalhome/industry/news.asp?articleid=351553
2012 Honda Civic Coupe for US market spied
The Return of Sporty StylingOur spies have managed to catch several new images of the US-spec 2012 Honda Civic Coupe.
Undergoing hot weather testing in the American southwest, the coupe features a dramatic roofline (strikingly similar to the Chevrolet Cobalt coupe) and longer rear windows which may have a BMW-like Hofmeister kink. The front end is heavily camouflaged, but it seems to be an evolution of the angular design theme used on the current model. Out back, we can get a glimpse of a trunk-mounted spoiler and clear taillights.
Under the hood, we can expect a new four-cylinder petrol engine and possibly a double-clutch transmission.
The Civic Coupe will be unveiled next year, so stay tuned to WCF for continuing coverage.
Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/110091028335/2012-honda-civic-coupe-for-us-market-spied
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