Subaru Hybrid For 2014 To Echo Honda, GM Mild-Hybrid Approach

Beyond the obvious Toyota, if any other make were to build hybrid cars, you might expect it to be Subaru.

The small Japanese company's cars are revered for durability and standard all-wheel drive, and their drivers are often assumed to be on the liberal side of center.

Subaru owners tend to cluster in mountainous enclaves of progressive politics, and data show their owners skew more Democratic than almost any other brand.

Now, at last, Subaru's hybrid plans are coming clear.

First hybrid in 2013
The company will launch its first hybrid vehicle in Japan within two years. That car will be a model of the Subaru Legacy mid-size sedan, most likely for the 2014 model year.

But according to a Subaru of America executive who briefed GreenCarReports on condition of anonymity, while development of the hybrid-electric drive technology is largely done, the company is still debating which vehicle will debut the hybrid system for the U.S. market.

Candidates include the popular Forester compact crossover utility vehicle, the equally popular Outback mid-size crossover, and perhaps the Legacy sedan as well.

Subaru could choose to put the system in its lowest-mileage vehicles (the larger Legacy and Outback), or increase the mileage of a more fuel efficient vehicle (the Impreza sedan or hatchback) to give the company a gas-mileage champion halo car.

Already the new 2012 Subaru Impreza will get 36 mpg on the highway, a substantial improvement over the 2011 model that gives it the highest gas mileage of any all-wheel drive car.

Mild hybrid a la Honda
The Subaru hybrid system, previewed in the Subaru B5 TPH Concept of 2005 and, at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, in the Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept, is a mild hybrid system very similar to Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) setup.

The General Motors eAssist system is conceptually similar, although the electric motor replaces the alternator rather than sitting between engine and transmission.

In the latest Subaru concept, a 10-kilowatt (13-horsepower) electric motor is sandwiched between a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four engine and the company's Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT).

A lithium-ion battery pack, derived from the one used in the now-discontinued Japanese-market Stella EV electric minicar, provides power to the motor, which also recharges the battery during regenerative braking.

But unlike full hybrid systems like those used by Toyota, Ford, Hyundai, and others, the hybrid system is not powerful enough to propel the car on electricity alone.

Instead, it restarts the engine when the car begins to move away from a stop, and it contributes torque to supplement engine power, reducing the load on the engine and hence the fuel it consumes.

Toyota tech? Not so much
Since 2005, when Toyota purchased the share of Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru's parent company) previously owned by General Motors, industry analysts had assumed that the small company would adopt Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system--as Nissan did for its 2008-2011 Altima Hybrid, and Mazda plans to do.

But Subaru is a stubbornly independent company with a strong engineering culture. Aside from Porsche, it's the sole company offering horizontally opposed engines, which are smaller and give vehicles a lower center of gravity than inline engines.

Fitting Toyota's hybrid to a pancake engine might have posed its own challenges, but Subaru's engineers developed their hybrid system internally, along with the lithium-ion battery pack. And so the Subaru hybrid that will launch as a 2014 model will be a mild hybrid--a technology that Toyota doesn't offer.

The two companies are presently cooperating on a two-door sports coupe known as the FT-86. It will be sold as a Scion in the U.S., and the Subaru version--the brand's first rear-wheel drive car for the U.S. in almost 20 years--will be called the BRZ.

Source;
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1066695_subaru-hybrid-for-2014-to-echo-honda-gm-mild-hybrid-approach

Honda Jazz EV Concept electric car debuts

There was talk about this vehicle coming to north america instead of getting the Honda FIT hybrid, not sure whether or not that's still the plan....
While most other manufacturers participating in the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show, were busy trying to steal the show with their new models sporting glitzy designs and displaying promising concepts, Japanese auto giant Honda seemed to focus on the greener side of things by exhibiting various plug-in hybrid and electric-vehicle concepts, including the yet-to-be-named Jazz-based Honda EV concept.

The EV Concept will be powered by a lithium-ion battery and a high-density coaxial motor which is claimed to hit a top speed of 145 kph while helping to achieve an estimated driving range of 160 kilometres per charge. Aiding efficiency would be a 3-mode electric drive system lifted straight from the Honda CR-Z hybrid, which allows the driver to select between Econ, Normal and Sport modes thereby optimising the vehicle dynamics for optimal efficiency or best performance.

Another highlight of the EV concept is a connectivity system which allows the driver to monitor the vehicle’s state of charge, initiate charging and even turn on the air conditioning system using a personal computer, mobile phone or an interactive remote from Honda. Recharging the battery takes less than 6 hours when using a 240-volt outlet. Other features include a Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System with capability to locate public charging stations, LED headlamps and tail lamps, aerodynamic bumpers and eco-friendly bio-fabric on-seating surfaces.

In a land where even simple hybrids have turned out to be epic failures, a sophisticated EV stands no chance. But we do know that the EV concept will be a Jazz on batteries when it finally reaches production stage in no more than a year.

Source;
http://www.drivearabia.com/news/2011/09/29/honda-ev-concept-honda-jazz-electric-debuts/

2012 Honda CR-V ready to drive in November

By Hawke Fracassa of Torque News
Honda has invited the auto press in Detroit to road test the all-new 2012 Honda CR-V sport-utility vehicle on Nov. 10 at the Baronette Renaissance Novi Hotel. Reporters from TorqueNews.com and others will be given an exclusive briefing and an opportunity to drive the 2012 model.

The Honda CR-V has consistently been the top-selling SUV in America. More than 140,000 CR-Vs have been sold in 2011.

Now completely transformed and heading into its fourth generation, the 2012 Honda CR-V is moving toward a more sophisticated direction with refreshed styling, improved fuel economy, innovative technology and even greater value for the money, Honda believes.

Honda wants auto critics to see for themselves "how Honda has made the benchmark for packaging and user-friendly design in the small SUV segment even better."

Members of the 2012 CR-V R&D team and American Honda product planning executives will be at the briefing in the northwest Detroit suburb to explain the CR-V development story and provide insight into Honda's sales and marketing plans.

Driving begins for the first group of reporter drivers at 10 a.m. and the second wave will be on the streets of Novi near the hotel in Oakland County at 2:30 p.m. Reporters who go to the event will not be able to share their impressions with readers until Nov. 16 because of an embargo asked for by Honda.

The all-new 2012 CR-V will have a new look inside and out, a more fuel-efficient engine and will be lighter.

Honda's big sell is the CR'V's solid track record. From 2007-10 the CR-V was the best-selling SUV in America.

The current CR-V continues to sell at a record pace and quality of one of the reasons. The 2011 CR-V was among the highest-ranked vehicles in its segment for initial quality in J.D. Power & Associates' 2011 Initial Quality Study and has been sold globally in more than 160 countries in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

It is assembled in Ohio at the East Liberty Auto Plant of Honda of America Manufacturing Inc. The plant earned a Silver Award for outstanding quality in the quality study.

The 2012 model will be in showrooms by Christmas after making its official debut in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. A concept model (pictured) made its world debut at the Orange County Internarional Auto Show in California.

Source;
http://www.torquenews.com/1063/restyled-2012-honda-cr-v-ready-drive-november

S. Korean Electronics Giant LG to Invest $7 Billion in

Interesting....
SustainableBusiness.com News

South Korea's electronics giant LG announced it will invest $6.83 billion in green business sectors by 2015.

The conglomerate says the investments - in electric vehicle batteries, LED lighting, solar PV and water treatment technologies - will generate $8.4 billion in revenue, while creating 10,000 green jobs around the world. It will also boost business for about 660 small and midsized enterprises in its supply chain.

About a third of the investment will be in lithium batteries for electric vehicles (by 2013). It's also planning to get into the solar polysilicon business by 2014.

Its LG Chem division says its goal is to be the world's top lithium battery manufacturer, taking a 25% share by 2015. It currently supplies Li batteries for GM's Chevy Volt and Opel Ampera. And it's working with GM on electric vehicle development.

LG Innotek, which makes LEDs, is looking for a 10% global market share. Its vertical manufacturing process makes all the components including chips, modules and packaging. Its flagship company, LG Electronics, will expand solar manufacturing from its current level of 300 megawatts (MW) to 1,000 megawatts by 2014. There too, they expect to be the global leader by 2015. They entered the US solar market in 2010.

In water treatment, LG recently acquired specialist Daewoo ENTEC, allowing it to offer a "total water treatment solution." Through the LG-Hitachi joint venture, the two compaies will collaborate on developing new technologies and services for the huge water treatment market, valued at over $430 billion a year.

"With the market expected to grow at an annual rate of five per cent due to increased pollution and the effects of climate change, we see the water treatment business as a crucial component of LG's future success," says Young-ha, Lee, CEO of LG Electronics Home Appliance Company.

Last year, LG announced it would invest $17.8 billion in green product development to lower greenhouse gas emissions 40% from 2009 levels by 2020.Its competitor, Samsung, is also invest heavily in green with $5 billion in investments by 2013.

South Korea has set an emissions reduction target of 30% by 2020. At the beginning of the worldwide recession, the country was widely praised for allocating about 80% of its stimulus spending toward green-oriented projects.

Source;
http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/22947

OnStar Reverses Position, Won't Track You if You Cancel Service

By Matt Peckham

OnStar's crying uncle after the media (and presumably customer) hoopla over its plans to track former subscribers. That's terrific news—I called the plan creepy, because it was.

OnStar just announced that it was changing course, stating it was "reversing its proposed Terms and Conditions policy changes," and that it would "not keep a data connection to customers' vehicles after the OnStar service is canceled."

MORE: Creepy: OnStar Will Track You Whether You're Subscribed or Not

The satellite based tracking service had planned, beginning this December, to collect speed, location and related customer data from users whether they discontinued service or not—unless, that is, customers specifically contacted OnStar to sever the latent, secondary connection.

OnStar recently emailed its customers to let them know of their plans to begin collecting the data, ostensibly to mine and sell to third parties, but it seems that between the media's negative reaction and the presumed customer backlash, OnStar changed its mind.

“We realize that our proposed amendments did not satisfy our subscribers," said OnStar president Linda Marshall in a statement. "This is why we are leaving the decision in our customers' hands. We listened, we responded and we hope to maintain the trust of our more than 6 million customers."

Marshall says that if OnStar decides to pursue post-cancellation data collection in the future, it would be opt-in only, and even then, OnStar says it would work with customers to determine how the data was used. Marshall lists two ways the data might benefit former customers, including providing updates about natural disasters or recalls that impact their vehicles (though she doesn't mention any of the less desirable things OnStar might use the data for, including monitoring driving behavior or general location-based activity).

If you're a current OnStar subscriber, however, your data's still being mined, like it or not.
According to the company's terms of service, subsection 33 (titled "YOUR PRIVACY"):

The information we may get from your Car includes things such as: data about its operation; data about your use of the OnStar Services; the location of your Car; data about accidents involving your Car, including safety belt usage; and information about your use of the Car and its features. We may also approximate the speed of your Car based on GPS data to support a limited number of OnStarServices, such as Stolen Vehicle Assistance services, as further described in our Privacy Statement. We may collect information from your Car on a periodic or regular basis.

In any event, OnStar's quick reaction and unambiguous reversal for customers who want to snap their subscription link clean and free gets my thumbs up. The only thing that'd top this would be more detailed disclosure of what else, beyond providing basic services and legal compliance, the company's actually doing with the data its mining from current subscribers.

Source;
http://techland.time.com/2011/09/28/onstar-reverses-position-wont-track-you-if-you-cancel-service/

What could the next Acura CSX look like?

Theophilus Chin has a good rendition....


Source;
http://www.theophiluschin.com/?p=3587

Daydream believers

Honda's Dream Factory has put together a list of 'cultural engineers' - people who embody the Honda philosophy of pushing forward and venturing into the unknown. Photograph: Katelyn Downs Photography/Getty Images/Flickr RF

Set up in honour of the philosophies of the Honda founder, Soichiro Honda, the Dream Factory is all about ­inspiration.

"Mr Honda's beliefs run right through the company that he ­created," explains Steve Kirk, ­Honda's communications manager, and part of the team behind the Dream Factory. "For example, Mr Honda believed that success is 99% failure; in other words, he wanted the people who worked for him to keep trying, not to fear getting something wrong because they would get in trouble with the ­management, but to feel free to dream dreams and try the ­impossible. He said: 'We only have one future, and it will be made of dreams if we have the courage to challenge convention.'"

The Dream Factory is a logical extension of that philosophy, searching out "cultural engineers" who embody the Honda philosophy of pushing forward and venturing into the unknown. "We wanted people who were leaders, who were ­inspirational to others, who also ­celebrate the power of dreams," says Kirk.

Honda put together a panel to search out possible candidates for the Dream Factory, and then brought them all together last spring.

"That was when the fireworks went off. It was really extraordinary to see all these innovators come together and immediately start ­connecting, start thinking of ways in which their work might intersect." For Kirk and his team, the real power of the Dream Factory began with that moment.

The Cultural Engineers
Dr Kevin Fong has been taking science by the scruff of the neck since setting up the Space Medicine module at University College London, aged just 28. Now working as an anaesthetist, Fong brings the wonders of modern technology to a wider audience through TV and radio, recently presenting programmes about NASA, the frontiers of heart surgery and life in the universe.

Benedict Radcliffe loves to turn familiar objects such as cars or trainers inside out so that viewers are not quite sure what they are looking at. Working in collaboration with artists and designers including Ron Arad and Patrick Cox, he recently created a series of bikes that quite literally reinvented the wheel. Agents of Change is a global collective of artists with a graffiti background who produce work based as much on materials and situation as on some artistic masterplan. Innovative techniques and cutting-edge ideas mean their work stays true to its roots.

Mark Stevenson wanted to know "what next?" In search of an answer, he travelled the world and spoke to transhumanists (who plan to live forever), toured a space plane, discovered nanotechnology and had a few thoughts on climate change, overpopulation and resource crisis along the way. The result is his book An Optimist's Tour of the Future.

Chris Wheeler loves making a loud noise – and as artistic director of the Heritage Orchestra (HO), working with conductor Jules Buckley, he's spent the past seven years doing just that. Half band, half orchestra, the HO plays cutting-edge, experimental gigs, but always with a focus on entertainment.

David Hieatt founder of ethical clothing company Howies, wants to put people's ideas together, so he has started by putting people together. The Do Lectures started in 2008, and since then have brought a cocktail of chefs, designers, fishermen, inventors, ecologists, osteopaths, builders and more to Cardigan in Wales for four days of talking, eating and listening. It's an annual event in the US now too; people seem to want to talk.

Kevin Harman likes to create art out of what some might call chaos. He rearranges skips, breaks windows, steals doormats and is often right on the edge of what is acceptable. For him, that's the whole point: how else do you force people to think and look at their own actions without pushing them outside their comfort zone?

Katy Dawe & Oliver Hemsley had been friends for many years, but when Oliver was confined to a wheelchair after an unprovoked and vicious stabbing, they began to work together on Art Against Knives. It's morphed from a one-off show – with work donated by Tracey Emin, Cordelia Parker and many others – to a much longer-term project aiming to engage with young people in troubled areas.

Fabien Riggall aims to bring independent cinema to as many people as possible. He created Future Shorts, a worldwide network for short films which showcases wonderful, brain-addling stuff from countries as far afield as Finland, Romania and Paraguay. His latest project, the Next Generation, is a unique multi-country film festival; viewers will be watching in Austria and Australia, Iceland and Indonesia, Poland and the Philippines, the UK and the USA.

Simon Berry had an extraordinary idea. He knew that Coca-Cola can be bought almost anywhere in the world, and he also knew that in some countries in Africa 20% of children die before reaching the age of five. So why not tap into Coca-Cola's distribution network to deliver vital medicines? Years of work have nearly brought this plan to fruition; Berry continues to push.

VOTE FOR ANOTHER CULTURAL ENGINEER
Honda is on the lookout for another cultural engineer to join its Dream Factory and we are giving you the opportunity to vote for that person from a shortlist of five. Once chosen, all of the engineers will be invited to two Guardian hack days on 19 and 20 November to exchange ideas with the Guardian team. Vote and you could win £250 in Amazon vouchers, plus tickets to the event to see these innovators in action.

Source;
http://www.guardian.co.uk/honda-dream-factory/honda-cultural-engineers-changing-the-world?newsfeed=true

2012 Honda City (not for North America)

Honda is ready to bring out their new Honda City into India just in time for the festive season. The car with some additional features and marked changes to its interior and exterior is bound to rake up some enthusiasm among car enthusiasts. According to the latest video released, one can surmise that Honda City will have a lot of changes to talk about.

On the exterior one would notice a shining chrome grill as against the dull grey available in older models. Headlights are the same but tail lights are brand new. New alloy wheels are also added to the new Honda City.

2012 Honda City interior is well designed and as per details revealed in the video we could make out a blue white backlit unit with an ECO meter. Its higher end model would sport a sunroof while the C Class would have a CD player. Prices are not yet revealed but there should not be any major price hikes at least for the lower end models. Since the top end variant has some exciting features it would only be fair to expect some price revisions in that category.

Source;
http://www.rushlane.com/2012-honda-city-photos-and-video-1221068.html

2012 Honda CRV Caught Testing in Europe

We've already brought pictures of prototypes, the concept version and more importantly, the official design patents of the upcoming 2012 Honda CR-V, but our persistent spy photographers just caught up with another test model of the compact SUV in Europe.

While it's only a matter of weeks before we see the final production model in North America as it is due to be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show before hitting showroom floors by the end of the year, European consumers will have to wait another year for the new CR-V to arrive in dealerships.

The European-flavored 2012 CR-V will feature the same styling as the North American version but will be offered with a larger variety of four-cylinder engines including an all-important turbo diesel.

Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/09/spied-honda-continues-testing-european.html

2012 Honda CR-V Concept Makes World Debut

Concept version of upcoming production model reveals dynamic, new look
09/22/2011 - ANAHEIM, Calif.
The 2012 Honda CR-V Concept made its public debut at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim, Calif., today, and introduced the styling direction for the all-new, fourth-generation CR-V. The 2012 CR-V is set to go on sale in the United States by the end of the year and will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

"The 2012 CR-V Concept strongly hints at the more dynamic and refined look of the upcoming model," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "As the best-selling SUV in each of the past four years, the 2012 CR-V promises to build on its highly successful formula with even more style, innovative features and higher fuel economy."

The CR-V Concept embraces a distinctive and bold styling direction for the top-selling1 SUV in the United States. Compared to the current-generation CR-V, the concept model takes on a more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The front bumper's smooth-flowing lines are highlighted by a horizontal three-bar grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability with a generous approach angle, while the lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly with the fascia for improved aerodynamics.

The CR-V's signature vertical rear taillights remain for 2012 with a more three-dimensional style that wraps further into the design of the vehicle. The CR-V Concept's large 5-spoke machined alloy wheels and bold fender flares emphasize the vehicle's dynamic presence and capability.

The all-new 2012 CR-V will improve upon the current model in a variety of ways, and will feature a more fuel-efficient engine and reduced body weight. In addition to all-new exterior styling, the 2012 CR-V will have an all-new interior with a more accommodating and spacious design.

Currently in the fifth year of its model cycle, the CR-V continues to sell at a record pace. The 2011 CR-V was among the highest-ranked vehicles in its segment for initial quality in J.D. Power & Associates' 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS), where it finished second to the Honda Element in the compact SUV segment. The CR-V is sold globally in more than 160 countries throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. In the U.S., CR-V is manufactured in Ohio at the East Liberty Auto Plant of Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., using domestic and globally sourced parts. The East Liberty Auto Plant earned a Silver Award for outstanding quality in the recently released J.D. Power 2011 Initial Quality Study. The 2012 CR-V Concept will be at the Orange County International Auto Show from September 22 to 25 in the Honda display.

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda Future Vehicles (for consumers): automobiles.honda.com/future-cars
Honda on YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda on Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda

1The CR-V is the best-selling SUV in the United States by calendar year from 2007 thru 2010.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/2012-honda-cr-v-concept-makes-world-debut

Rumor: Acura RSX sedan to be based on Civic platform for 2014

Acura is in dire need of a revamp. As of recent, their cars haven’t exactly been something to write home about and I see this as one of their few chances to step their game back up. So to kick things off, word is that Acura has just confirmed that they will be building an RSX sedan for 2014.

Rumor has it that the small sedan will be based on the 2012 Honda Civic platform, but will be far from identical. Additionally, to separate it more from its lesser roots, the RSX sedan will be more of a “true luxury model” and will be slightly larger in size.

Once the RSX sedan comes about, that would make the brand have three front-wheel drive cars that are very similar to each other. As a result, the TSX may be dropped when the RSX comes around.

More concrete details should pop up as we get closer to 2014.
- By: Chris Chin

Source;
http://www.egmcartech.com/2011/09/22/2014-acura-rsx-to-be-based-on-civic-platform/

Songify This: Reality Hits You Hard Bro

Ah, it's friday morning, thought I'd pass something along to brighten what I hope is an already sunny day for ya....

2012 Honda CRV Concept Video

Honda Odyssey 2012 Campaign Experiment

The minds at Raging Artists are typically tasked with producing unique marketing spots for a variety of companies. The crew recently applied their creative minds to the world of minivans, and designed a spot they feel helps put the people mover in a light that appeals to the fathers of the world.

A dad is given orders to take the kids to school, and the family's Honda Odyssey to the car wash. Honda didn't commission the piece, but the Odyssey is clearly the star of this show. It's used to shuttle the father through a variety of tasks, only two of which were actually part of his original wife-mandated marching orders.

Click past the jump to watch the spot. Once you do, sound off in the comments and tell us if you think this is what minivan commercials are missing, or if something more along the lines of Toyota's Swagger Wagon spots are more appropriate.

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/20/raging-artists-create-a-manly-minivan-commercial/#continued

OnStar Discloses that it Will Track Customers Without a Plan

Wow, you've got to be kidding me, GM = Big Brother now?!?

by Mark Hackman

OnStar has begun notifying customers that it may continue to collect and use information about the vehicle even if the customer terminates his or her subscription.

In a privacy notice that will take effect this December, OnStar said that it would collect data as long as a data connection was active, including such details as the location and speed of the vehicle, as well as such fine-grained details as the odometer readings and tire pressure.

The privacy statement lists it as being effective as of Dec. 2011, although the statement also notes that the changes were made to the January 2011 privacy statement.

In the privacy notification, OnStar said that it will share the information it collects with credit card processors and data management companies, as well as roadside assistance providers, emergency services providers, law enforcement, and wireless and satellite service providers.

The data collection can be halted, however; OnStar must deactivate the data connection. "Unless the Data Connection to your Vehicle is deactivated, data about your Vehicle will continue to be collected even if you do not have a Plan," the privacy policy states. "It is important that you convey this to other drivers, occupants, or subsequent owners of your Vehicle. You may deactivate the Data Connection to your Vehicle at any time by contacting an OnStar Advisor."

What data does OnStar collect? The company provides a detailed list:
OnStar collects basic contact information, billing information with credit-card information, and details of the car, such as the make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN);
vehicle information, including diagnostic trouble codes, oil life, tire pressure, and fuel economy, as well as when your fuel was last refilled;

crash information, including the direction of the crash, whether air bags were deployed, and whether the driver and passenger were wearing their seat belts;

anonymized location information, such as the location and speed of the car, via the installed GPS.
In the latter case, OnStar begins by saying that it only collects the GPS location of the vehicle in case of a crash, or lost vehicle. But it also adds that it may collect the information "when needed by us or our Service Providers for our quality, research or troubleshooting purposes" or simply "for any purpose, at any time, provided that following collection of such location and speed information identifiable to your Vehicle, it is shared only on an anonymized basis."

OnStar also collects information on the details of calls made by the associated Hands-Free Calling service.

In July, OnStar launched the OnStar FMV, an aftermarket rear-view mirror with the OnStar service built in. In July, OnStar also added the capability to track their own cars with a beta service. Ford, which competes against OnStar with its Sync service, also recently announced the capability to allow users to call its customer service centers from within the vehicle to inquire about business addresses and phone numbers.

Whether or not OnStar really anonymizes the data is irrelevant, according to Jonathan Zdziarski, a senior forensic scientist at Via Forensics who wrote about the change in the policy.

"This is too shady, especially for a company that you're supposed to trust your family to," he wrote. "My vehicle's location is my life, it's where I go on a daily basis. It's private. It's mine. I shouldn't have to have a company like OnStar steal my personal and private life just to purchase an emergency response service. Taking my private life and selling it to third party advertisers, law enforcement, and God knows who else is morally inept. Shame on you, OnStar. You disgust me."

OnStar also noted that customers with concerns can email its privacy manager at privacymanager@onstar.com, or call the company at (877) 299-1372.

OnStar representatives could not be reached for comment after hours.

Source;
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2393378,00.asp#fbid=8G2XIIvcyWG

2012 Honda CRV Design Leaks Out

Well, can't really tell from these photo's whether or not there's a 3rd row, although with the 2nd row window placement you could certainly make a case for there being one. Sounds like Honda is going with 2 different engine choices, the 2.4L and a new 2.5L, and that there will be a DVD model.

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/2012-honda-cr-v-final-design-leaks-out/

Honda opens first UK hydrogen filling station

Awesome!
Honda has opened the first open access refuelling site for hydrogen powered vehicles at it’s manufacturing facility in Swindon. It’s open to anyone developing or using hydrogen powered vehicles, and will fill to 350 and 700 bar, the two standard filling pressures adopted by major manufacturers.

The aim behind the site is to encourage the development of hydrogen powered vehicles, including Honda’s own FCX Clarity. Hydrogen powered vehicles offer the same benefits as electric vehicles but with the advantages of improved range and no slow recharge time.

Thomas Brachmann, Head of Electrical Powertrain R&D at Honda, commented: “Hydrogen fuel cell technology is the ultimate transport solution; meeting environmental demands but also delivering the range and performance that customers expect.

“The cooperation on this project between vehicle manufacturers like Honda, infrastructure providers like BOC and the public sector can be a blueprint for future development.”

Source;
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/green-motoring/2011-09/honda-opens-first-uk-hydrogen-filling-station/

SEMA Preview: Fox Marketing Working on Monster 2012 Honda Civic Coupe with More than 500HP

Even though we are still wrapping up the goods from the 64th International Auto Show in Frankfurt, we are keeping an eye on upcoming automotive events such as the 2011 Specialty Equipment Marketing Association, more commonly referred to as SEMA, that will take place in Las Vegas from November 1 to 4.

One of the project cars currently being developed for the largest aftermarket gathering in the world is a highly modified 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe from Fox Marketing.

The crew over at Fox is preparing an outrageous tune that will see the Japanese carmaker's latest Civic Coupe gaining a turbocharged engine producing north of 500-horsepower.

The car will also feature an upgraded chassis and extensive exterior modifications.

You can get a sneak preview of what Fox Marketing is working on in the gallery below.

Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/09/sema-preview-fox-marketing-working-on.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Carscoop+%28CARSCOOP%29

Sales sputter, but Honda committed to Ridgeline pickup

Last week it was reported that Honda was going to retire the Ridgeline, well, looks like those reports may have been false, let's hope so....
LINCOLN, Alabama -- Ridgeline pickups will continue to roll off the assembly line at Honda's Alabama factory, the automaker says, despite reports that the low-selling model has reached the end of the road.

In August, the Ridgeline went back into production in Lincoln, following a five-month hiatus brought on by a parts shortage that forced Honda to limit output on a wide range of models.
But even though it's back, questions persist. Introduced in 2005, the Ridgeline's annual sales peaked in 2006 and have fallen every year since then.

There's been plenty of speculation about the pickup's demise, and a recent report from Automotive News says that will happen in 2013.

Honda, however, disputes the report.

"The Ridgeline's not going anywhere," said Honda spokesman Chuck Schifsky. "There is no plan currently underway or any plan in the works to kill the Ridgeline."

At the moment, Schifsky said, the Ridgeline plays a key role for Honda buyers and Honda dealers.

"We feel it's important to have a pickup truck in the lineup," he said. "We made a significant investment of time and money to move it into the Alabama plant, so that should speak to our commitment to the vehicle."

Production of the Ridgeline moved from Canada to Alabama in 2009, a shift that helped Honda build more of the popular Civic sedan in Canada.

It also kept the 4,000-worker Lincoln plant busy, as demand for the facility's key products -- the Odyssey minivan and Pilot SUV -- had waned in a global sales slump.

But the Ridgeline has struggled to find a wide audience, despite gaining industry accolades for design and quality. In the latest nod, it topped the midsize pickup category in this year's J.D. Power and Associates U.S. Initial Quality Survey.

"It's a clever vehicle because it straddles that line between being a passenger car and a utility vehicle," said Michael Jordan, executive editor for Edmunds.com. "It's a vehicle for people who drive cars but need the utility of a truck."

But that combo also can be a liability.

For one thing, it's viewed by some as a "city boys' truck," Jordan said, noting its car-like attributes, including four doors, five-passenger seating and other styling cues.

Pricing also can be an issue.

"Even though a fully-optioned pickup can be a $40,000 proposition, a stripped-down one can be $25,000 or $28,000," Jordan said.

The 2011 Ridgeline starts at $29,150.

During its introduction year of 2005, sales of the Ridgeline totaled 42,593. The next year, sales topped 50,000, the highest they have ever been.

In 2007, sales slid to 42,795, and they continue to drop. In 2010, sales totaled 16,142, and through the first eight months of this year, sales trail last year by 49 percent.

Part of the problem this year has been a radical depletion of inventory. Last spring's earthquake in Japan damaged Honda supplier operations, creating a parts shortage and forcing the automaker to curb vehicle output across North America.

But while production of the Odyssey and Pilot were scaled back in Lincoln, Ridgeline was halted completely.

In mid-March, the plant stopped building the pickup, which was due to be transferred from Assembly Line 1 to Assembly Line 2 as part of a previously scheduled shift. But the completion of the transfer was delayed because of the parts supply issue, so no market-ready Ridgelines were built until production was restarted on Aug. 17.

The plant has now returned to full steam, including Odyssey and Pilot production.

The 2012 Ridgeline is scheduled to go on sale in November. As for upcoming design changes, including speculation that the Ridgeline could morph into a smaller pickup, Honda usually doesn't talk about future products.

"The fact that we're saying it's going to be around is an important statement," Schifsky said. "Where it goes in terms of marketing, sales and redesign, we'll have to wait and see."

Whatever the future holds for the Ridgeline, the Lincoln plant has a bright future, Jordan said.

"Clearly that platform can be adapted to other utility-style platforms," he said.

The plant has demonstrated its flexibility in recent years. Along with the Ridgeline, production of the Honda Accord was brought in during the industry sales slump.

Accord production ceased there last year, but the Acura MDX, an SUV made under Honda's luxury brand, is scheduled to arrive in Lincoln in 2013.

Jordan said the Ridgeline has always been a niche model, not a mass-market pickup such as the Ford F-150, the best-selling vehicle in the U.S.

"It's a funny vehicle. All the people who criticize it either really want a truck or a car, so they don't want a Ridgeline to begin with," he said.

But the Ridgeline does have an ardent group of followers.

"The problem is, there's just not enough of them," he said.

Source;
http://blog.al.com/businessnews/2011/09/sales_sputter_but_honda_commit.html

India Auto News: Honda CR-V and Mitsubishi Outlander facing tough times- Here is why

I always find it interesting how different parts of the world have such different market demands and sometimes seeing what is available elsewhere leaves me wanting (diesel CRV!)....
The next big launch of the year will the 2012 Honda CR-V. The SUV that will also debut in India and is what most Honda fans in the country will be waiting with bated breath. Honda has already revealed the car although, just a single picture has been released by the auto maker, most of the exterior details a clearly visible. It is still not clear though if the car would seat seven or five. Anyway, the hot news of the day came in the form of engine specifications that were leaked ahead of the SUVs official unveiling.

Mitsubishi Outlander and Honda CR-V

The new Honda CR-V will get next generation engines which Honda term as K24 and K25. The K24 engine is a 2.4 litre 16 valve DOHC petrol that puts out 175 bhp of maximum power and 170 lb-ft of torque. That leaves us with the K25 which most of you might have guessed is a 2.5 litre 16 valve DOHC with 201 bhp @ 6000 rpm and 177 lb-ft pr torque. Both engines will be coupled to a 5-speed automatic gearbox.

That is all about the technical tit-bits. Of course, the Indian version of the 2012 Honda CR-V is expected to get a diesel engine. There is also a buzz going about the toys that will be offered inside the new car. The new SUV could get a rear seat entertainment package along with a DVD player. Now, what all would make it into the Indian version isn’t actually clear. One thing that the new Honda CR-V could benefit with apart from a diesel engine is seating for seven.

The Honda CR-V will rival the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Captiva and the recently launched Renault Koleos among others. A seven seat configuration will give it an advantage over its rivals. A diesel engine was always missed on the CR-V and now we could get one given the popularity of oil burners among Indians. Until now, apart from the popular Honda, the two other SUVs that came with a petrol engine were the Mitsubishi Outlander and the BMW X1.

Now, sales of petrol cars has slumped in recent times. In fact, neither Mitsubishi nor Honda is clocking descent volumes of the their products. Mitsubishi sold just 32 units of the Outlander last month while Honda sold just 26 units. Compare these figures with their diesel powered rivals and the picture becomes clear. The biggest player in this segment, Toyota has been doing extremely well with the Fortuner. The company sold close to 900 units of the Fortuner in the month of August.

The only factor to blame for the dismal sales of the CR-V and the Outlander is the absence of a diesel engine. This might change with the 2012 Honda CR-V coming by. A 2.2 litre i-CTDI engine seems to be the most probable. The 4-cylinder diesel engine puts out 140 bhp and 251 lb-ft of torque. With Honda introducing a diesel CR-V, Mitsubishi will have get its act together quickly before the CR-V runs away with its market share.

At present, a 2.4 litre 170 bhp petrol engine powers the Mitsubishi Outlander. A petrol SUV, in the current scenario isn’t viable even for those who can afford to own one. 80 percent of the sales of the more expensive BMW X1 consists of the diesel sDrive20d version. This shows that even the people who can afford a premium crossover like the BMW X1 are feeling the pinch of the petrol price hike.

Coming back to the 2012 Honda CR-V, some reports suggest that the new SUV might get seven seats given the larger proportions of the car. If this is true then, the CR-V does stand a fair chance to take on the might of the Toyota Fortuner which has been selling like hot cakes. The new CR-V is expected to make its international debut at the Los Angeles motor in December.

Source;
http://www.indiancarsbikes.in/cars/2012-honda-crv-engine-specifications-leaked-49035/#more-49035

Next Gen Toyota Supra underway!

Lexus plans super LFA Tokyo Edition, new Supra underway
By Tim Pollard

Lexus will launch an LFA Tokyo Motor Show Edition at this autumn's 2011 Japanese show, CAR has discovered - and we can expect a brace of additional new Toyota/Lexus performance cars in the coming years, including a likely Supra replacement.

The Lexus LFA Tokyo edition will bring an M3-esque exposed carbon roof and (still hydraulically adjustable) carbon rear spoiler. Presumably this just means the weave is exposed, as the LFA is already made from carbonfibre.

CAR understands the LFA Tokyo will cost about €40k more than a 'regular' Lexus LFA.
What else is planned for the Lexus LFA?

A spider roadster was planned and its carbonfibre construction meant the open-top LFA was nearly as rigid as the coupe. But our sources in Japan have confirmed the roadster LFA has been canned owing to the economic uncertainty in markets around the world.

And what's this about new performance cars from Toyota/Lexus?

Toyota is working on two other performance cars separate from the FT-86 and LFA projects.
Information is sketchy at this point, but CAR understands one is a front-wheel drive car (possibly a go-faster CT200h) and one is a potential successor to the Supra.

Officially, a Supra replacement is denied. But we hear a skunkworks, unofficial project is underway to replace the RWD coupe and some insiders predict a 2014 launch.

It also sounds like future fast Toyota/Lexus models will switch from high-revving naturally aspirated engines - as in the LFA, ISF and FT-86 - to smaller, turbocharged engines. Interesting times at Toyota, as it attempts to play catch-up after a decade away from the performance heartland.

Source;
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-new-cars/Search-Results/Spyshots/Lexus-to-launch-super-LFA-Tokyo-Edition-plus-new-Supra-underway/

Minor Facelift to the 2012 Honda City Spyshot

Looks like it gets the Civic front end. This car is basically a FIT sedan, available only across seas.

Source;
http://jokeforblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/honda-city-restyling-spy.html

Honda eyeing first Russian car plant - Nikkei

TOKYO Sat Sep 17, 2011 11:20pm EDT

(Reuters) - Honda Motor (7267.T) plans to set up its first assembly plant in Russia, the Nikkei business daily reported on Sunday, as Japan's No.3 automaker looks to lift its competitiveness in the fast-growing auto market.

The company is looking to invest several billion yen (tens of millions of dollars) to produce 30,000 to 50,000 cars annually, the Nikkei said, adding Honda has submitted the plans to the Russian government and had started talks with officials.

Honda is consulting officials on the location of the assembly plant, which will use components imported from its global facilities, and the Russian Far East is seen as one candidate, the Nikkei said.

A Honda spokesman declined to comment on the report.

General Motors (GM.N), Renault (RENA.PA), and a host of other top players have already announced plans to ramp up production in Russia in exchange for lower import tariffs for parts.
Honda, which sold about 18,000 cars in Russia last year, has been selling its cars with tariffs of about 50 percent, making them more expensive than automobiles produced by rivals locally.
Russia's vehicles market is expected to double sales to about 4 million units a year by mid-decade.

(Reporting by James Topham)

Source;
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/15/us-usa-campaign-palin-idUSTRE78E77B20110915

Daimler Faces New German Probe in Accident

By CHRISTOPH RAUWALD

Daimler AG and Chief Executive Dieter Zetsche were Friday facing a new probe into the death of a company engineer on a test track last year, but Daimler said it expects the company and CEO to be cleared.

A Daimler spokeswoman said the investigation by a German public prosecutors office was "a pure formality." In Germany, a prosecutor is obliged to look at any allegations of serious wrongdoing. A German media report said the new probe was at the request of the dead engineer's family.

"We firmly expect Mr. Zetsche to be cleared from these allegations," the Daimler spokeswoman said. The public prosecutor's office wasn't immediately available for comment.

In July, a separate probe by another prosecutors' office into the same accident ended with a German district court and public prosecutors finding the company and Mr. Zetsche not guilty of any wrongdoing. Instead it found that a driver of one of the vehicles in the accident was solely responsible, a Daimler spokeswoman said.

The Daimler engineer had been sitting in a second vehicle involved in the crash. Mr. Zetsche himself was not involved in the accident but was being probed because he is the CEO of the company.

Source;

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903927204576574672468850748.html

2012 Honda Civic Hatchback on the Road

Vtec.net: Automotive News Supplier Chart reveals 2012 CR-V Engine Specs?

Interesting, a 2.5L engine, will this help in the towing dept? Torque isn't up that much (177). Can't wait, I really like what they are doing to this CRV....
Automotive News often publishes graphics highlighting the various suppliers for new models, and they've published one of these for the upcoming 2012 CR-V.

This graphic happens to contain a little bit of info concerning the specifications of the 2012 CR-V, of particular interest is a new engine designation "New-K25". Horsepower for this 2.5L iteration of the venerable K-series engine family is listed at 201hp@6000rpm, with 177lb-ft of torque. This tends to confirms rumors that had been floating around for awhile concerning a 2.5L fitment in the 2012 CR-V.

There is also a "K24" listed, spec'd at 175hp and 170lb-ft. The info on this chart also suggests that the 2012 CR-V will launch with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Also, while we're talking about the 2012 CR-V, it's been reported in our forums that the new model will offer a RES (Rear Entertainment System) option. Presumably, this will be a DVD-based system like all current Honda and Acura RES setups. The 2012 CR-V is expected to reach dealerships in the November/December 2011 timeframe.

Engines
2.4L 16v dohc I4
Program: K24
Horsepower: 175@5,500
Torque: 170 lbs. ft.

2.5L 16v dohc L4
Program: New-K25
Horsepower: 201@6,000
Torque: 177 lbs. ft.
Transmission Platform/Program: M-5AT-1
Design: A5
Plant: Russells Point, Ohio
Manufacturer: Honda
Source: IHS Automotive

Source;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=1002394

Autoblog: ILVTOFU: Tennessee woman denied to display her love of tofu

I had a good laugh over just the headline and pic....

By Jeremy Korzeniewski
Tofu – some love it, some hate it. For those who don't know, tofu originated in China and is a staple in many Asian dishes. It's made by pressing coagulating soy milk into block-shaped forms, and it's high in protein and low in calories and fat. Hence, it's standard fare for many vegetarians.

Sounds pretty good, huh? A PETA employee named Whitney Calk from Tennessee is apparently a big fan of the bean curd, and she says she wanted to proclaim her love of tofu on her license plate. Unfortunately, the State of Tennessee decided that I-LV-TOFU looked eerily similar to I-LV-TO-FU...

Look closely at the two possible spellings and it's easy to see why the authorities decided to lay down the law. In fact, Tennessee points out that it's not the only state to ban that plate – it's also verboten in Colorado, Florida and Virginia.

For its part, PETA has issued a press release asking Tennessee to reconsider. Cynics might argue that the whole shebang was merely an attempt to generate press for the animal rights organization, which may certainly be the case. And if so, it seems to be working: you can check out PETA's press release after the break.

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/ilvtofu-tennessee-woman-denied-to-display-her-love-of-tofu/

Honda replaces Mr. Opportunity with 'Seinfeld' actor

Mr. Opportunity should stop knocking. Honda’s found a new (and human) spokesman.

The animated character was known for his appearances in the automaker’s commercials for clearance events –- and for irritating legions of consumers with his blandness.

The “I Hate Mr. Opportunity!” Facebook page is filled with distaste for his “carefully ironed khaki trousers” and his similarity to “your high school geometry teacher.” The group’s description says: “Every time his commercials air, his personality grates on us, like the proverbial pebble in our collective shoe.”

Last year, one of Mr. Opportunity’s ads was voted the third worst in the country by visitors to the Consumerist blog, behind spots from Staples and Quiznos.

But lately, those viewers have noticed Mr. Opportunity’s absence from television screens and radio waves. Former "Seinfeld" actor Patrick Warburton is in his place on-air, calling himself an "all-out-multimedia-Honda-knowledge-dropping-tour-de-force.”

Warburton even takes a shot at Mr. Opportunity: “This year, they sent a man in to do a cartoon man’s job.”

The character’s demise stems from the ripple effect of the Japanese earthquake earlier this year on the supply chain and summer promotional campaigns, according to Honda’s ad agency RPA, via the Consumerist. Still, both RPA and Honda say Mr. Opportunity may not be gone for good.

Source

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2011/09/honda-replaces-mr-opportunity-with-seinfeld-actor.html

Honda FCX Clarity heads Glasgow hydrogen conference

Fresh from its appearance at Ecovelocity last week, the FCX Clarity is now making a star appearance in Scotland, appearing at the World Hydrogen Technologies Conference in Glasgow.

One of only a handful of series production hydrogen fuel cars in the world, the Honda-made car became the very first such car to enter production back in 2008. Currently available on a limited lease programme in the US and Japan, the car will now appear in Glasgow between September 14 and 18th, as the conference explores the future of a hydrogen economy.

Welcoming more than 150 leading hydrogen experts from around the world, the conference’s major theme this year is ‘Renewables to Hydrogen’ exploring the opportunities to create a clean, sustainable hydrogen economy from the many forms of available renewable energy. This is particularly relevant to Scotland and to the UK, given the substantial wind, wave and tidal resources available.

The conference was opened by Fergus Ewing, Scotland’s Minister of Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, (pictured) who fully endorsed the drive to renewable energy and cleaner fuels.

The Honda FCX Clarity works like an electric car with hydrogen creating the electric on-board through a ‘fuel cell stack’. The stack creates electricity from a reaction between hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen. This reaction produces only one emission; pure water which comes out of the tailpipe in the form of vapour. If hydrogen can be produced for commercial use from clean sources such as wind power then cars such as the Honda FCX Clarity can truly become zero harmful emissions.

Hydrogen cars depend on a hydrogen refuelling infrastructure however, currently absent in the UK. In response to this, Honda, in cooperation with BOC and Forward Swindon- are launching the UK’s first public hydrogen refuelling station, just off the M4, at Honda’s Swindon car plant, on September 20.

Source;
http://www.thegreencarwebsite.co.uk/blog/index.php/2011/09/15/honda-fcx-clarity-heads-glasgow-hydrogen-conference/

Report: Honda confirms ‘new NSX’ in the works

With so many renditions to choose from....
Honda is reviving the NSX with an all new version of the sportscar icon, revealed by president and CEO Takanodu Ito.

Part of what Ito is setting out to enhance is the power-to-weight ratio, as he comments “I spent part of my early career at Honda developing the NSX, and specifically the aluminum body…I really enjoyed that experience, and learned much, so it is my wish that Honda engineers have the experience of developing a sportscar like the NSX in the future. Within Honda, our engineers are already looking at developing such a car.”

Previous plans for a 2010 release of the NSX were up cancelled due to economic decline back in 2008. Since then, Honda has decided to enhance the sport aspect of the brand, but in a manner more conducive to the economic climate.

Ito says “Our recent efforts have been focused on fuel efficiency, and that perhaps gives the impression Honda is behind with pushing the brand image of sportiness, but let me assure you that is not the case…We will address that impression with our new generation of cars.”
- By: Alexandra Koken

Source;
http://www.egmcartech.com/2011/09/13/honda-confirms-new-nsx-supercar/