What would you like to see on the next Honda Pilot?

This is one of the concept drawings that Honda released a little while ago of a SUV that will be shown in China.

Well, I'll start off with what I would expect to see....

-New Earthdreams 3.5L engine with a slight horsepower increase up from 250 now, I'd expect around 260 or 265, horsepower hasn't been an issue with the 2013's.

-Increased fuel economy through the use of the Earthdreams, but also an increase in the use of High Tensile Steel (stronger, lighter, and safer).

-I expect the addition of Honda's new Lane Watch blindspot camera System.

-I expect the addition of Honda's new Forward Collision System.

-I expect the addition of Honda's new Lane Departure Warning System.

-I expect a slight increase of interior volume via the use of more High Tensile Steel (thinner, stronger).

-I expect to see Push Button Start.

-I expect to see Heated 2nd Row seats on ALL leather models.

-I would like to see....
-Heated Steering Wheel on Touring/EX-L models.

-A diesel engine option (I know this won't happen).

-Air Conditioned front Seats on the Touring model.

-2nd and 3rd row USB connector on EX and up models.

-A larger Harddrive for music/ etc.

-A better DVD system, something that a USB stick could be plugged directly into on top of the DVD.

-Magic Seat 2nd row, on top of being able to fold the seats flat but also fold up like the Ridgeline and the FIT/Jazz.

Post your ideas in the comments section, and let's see what comes up, who knows, maybe Honda's listening....

2014 Hyundai Elantra Mid Model Change Spied

Hmmm, let's see, Heated front seats - check!; Heated rear seats - check!; Heated steering wheel - check!; How about heated door handles? What about heated foot rest? I'd like a heated shifter.... what else can we heat?

The automobile spies have captured a heavily disguised Hyundai Elantra prototype undergoing testing on public roads in South Korea.

Revised to compete with the recently revised Honda Civic and the upcoming next-generation Toyota Corolla, Hyundai is giving the Elantra a subtle styling makeover to help keep it competitive with its big-selling Japanese rivals.

Underneath the heavy camouflage of this pre-production Elantra 4-door sedan is the new front fascia featuring a slightly updated hexagonal signature grille and revised headlights (with LED daytime running lights).

The front bumper appears to be slightly more aggressive too, while the car may also gain a set of restyled alloy-wheels.

Visual tweaks continue back at rear where you can notice a redesigned tailpipe along with revised bumper and new taillamps.

Turbo engine’s possible!
Under the hood, the revised Hyundai Elantra will likely gain a 1,6L T-GDI turbo engine, which is already available in the 2014 Kia Forte.

The highly-potent 1,6L GDI turbocharged unit generates 201-horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque.
Latest rumors also suggest that Hyundai might offer the 2014 Elantra facelift with a 2,0L GDI four-cylinder engine. The 173-horsepower engine is already available in a 2014 Kia Forte sedan (built on the same platform as Elantra).

The current 1,8L four-cylinder engine is expected to carry over from the current model.

Release date

The 2014 Elantra is scheduled to be officially unveiled later this year, while sales are expected to commence early next year.

Source;
 http://www.hyundai-blog.com/2014-hyundai-elantra

The Fast & Furious 6 Trailer

 
Thought I'd pass this along, looks like a fun movie....

First look: 2014 Toyota 4Runner

Well, not sure what to think of the front end of this version.... All I know is that I've always liked this truck.

by Derek McNaughton, Postmedia News www.driving.ca

Choosing a country music festival over a major auto show, Toyota revealed Saturday the 2014 4Runner — one the few remaining SUVs built for the off road as much as the urban jungle.

Revealed at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival in Indio, Calif., the new 4Runner gets a prominent new snout, new headlamps, new LED taillamps and some interior upgrades.

No V8 and no new transmission was added, leaving the 4Runner to soldier on with a five-speed automatic and 270-horsepower V6.

Currently in its fifth-generation, the 4Runner keeps its coveted body-on-frame configuration and remains available in three grades: the SR5, Trail and top-of-the-line Limited.

The SR5 and Trail grades feature a color-keyed grille insert and front bumper surrounded by fog lamps set in sharply cut inlays that extend from the headlamps down to the bumper.

The Trail loses its black bumpers and overfenders for coloured ones, and keeps the non-functioning hood scoop.

The Limited gets a chrome-plated grille insert and chrome front bumper that extends to the fog-lamp bezels. A side molding, roof rack and rear bumper are also chrome trimmed.

On all models, the headlamps have changed from halogen to projector beam.

SR5 and Trail grades will ride on 17-inch alloy wheels with a new wheel-design, while the Limited continues to ride on 20-inch alloy wheels, which are now painted black prior to machining to add contrast.

The 2014 4Runner will be available in eight exterior colors that include new additions: Super White; Attitude Black Metallic; Barcelona Red Metallic; and Nautical Blue Metallic. They will join carryover colors that include: Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and Black.

Both the SR5 and Trail grade add standard soft touch door trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather shift knob provide a premium feel and atmosphere.

The SR5 receives a new Optitron instrument panel that houses speedometer, tachometer, voltage, fuel and coolant temperature gauges, plus a multi-information display that offers multiple functions.

New for 2014, the SR5 adds a standard eight-way power driver seat.

The Limited comes standard with a leather-trimmed interior with new ventilated driver and front passenger seats in Sand Beige, Black and a new Redwood color. Front seats are also heated with eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support and four-way power-adjustable passenger seat. Both front seats are now standard with memory settings.

New for 2014 on SR5 and Trail grade 4Runner models is Entune Audio Plus, which includes Toyota's Entune multimedia system, an AM/FM/MP3 CD player with eight speakers, integrated satellite Radio, USB port with iPod connectivity, and Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and music streaming.

Standard on the Limited grade is the new Entune Premium JBL Audio system and seven-inch monitor. The pole antenna has been dropped in favor of a new in-glass antenna.

The 2014 4Runner should begin to arrive in late fall with pricing to be announced closer to the on sale date.

Source;
http://www.driving.ca/research-car/news/First+look+2014+Toyota+4Runner/8306590/story.html

Is this what the Next Gen Acura CL could look like if they ever went back to it?

For those of you who don't know, Acura awhile ago had a 2door Acura TL called the CL (C standing for coupe?).  To my knowledge it didn't light it up the sales numbers and was silently retired in 2003 (running from 1997).  It was a nice car, but pretty bland for my tastes, the 1998-2002 Honda Accord Coupe had much more style in my opinion.  Anyway, I stumbled across this with no source as to where it came from (I'd love to give credit if possible though).  Looks nice.

Carfax hit with $50 million antitrust lawsuit by 120 dealerships

By Arlena Sawyers of www.autonews.com

The owners of 120 auto dealerships have filed a federal lawsuit against Carfax Inc., alleging that the vehicle history reporting company engages in anti-competitive practices and violates antitrust laws.


The suit, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, seeks damages of more than $50 million. It also alleges that Carfax, through exclusive agreements with auto companies and popular classified auto Web sites, is "monopolist in the sale of vehicle history reports."

Larry Gamache, a Carfax spokesman, said the company is "not able to comment" on the suit. Carfax is a unit of R. L. Polk & Co.

In a December Automotive News article, Gamache said Carfax draws customers because it works hard to build its brand and deliver a quality product.

"We have to prove over and over again that the Carfax vehicle history report is the vehicle history report of excellence," he said. "And if we don't do that, our partners are free to choose alternatives."

The article was about how some dealers were angered by Carfax's success as the dominant used-vehicle history reports provider.

More plaintiffs expected

The lawsuit's plaintiffs include dealership owners from California to Vermont. Their attorney, Leonard Bellavia, a partner at Bellavia Blatt Andron & Crossett in Mineola, N.Y., says more plaintiffs are expected.

"I have about 25 or 50 more dealers that have sent paperwork expressing a desire to join the suit," Bellavia says.

The lawsuit alleges that Carfax provides "cash or noncash marketing support" to auto manufacturers and to classified sites Autotrader.com and Cars.com as part of exclusive agreements that shut out its competitors.

The suit also alleges that Carfax charges dealers "a significantly higher price" for its vehicle history reports than other providers charge.

Dealers typically pay $16.95 per report or a flat monthly fee for an unlimited number of reports per dealership location, the suit alleges. "The monthly fee ranges from $899 per dealership location for some dealers to $1,549 per dealership location for other dealers," depending in the number of vehicles in the dealership's inventory, according to the suit.

Exclusive agreements

It alleges that Carfax forces dealers to buy its vehicle history reports as a result of its exclusive agreements with 37 of 40 manufacturer certified pre-owned programs. Virtually all of the agreements require dealers to provide Carfax reports as a condition of participating in the programs, the suit alleges.

Also at issue is that Carfax has exclusive agreements with Cars.com and AutoTrader.com. Those agreements stipulate that dealers who list used vehicles for sale on those sites can only post vehicle history reports from Carfax, according to the suit.

Many companies sell vehicle history reports.

Ten firms are approved on the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, a national data base of vehicle title information to which 41 states contribute, according to the U.S. Department of Justice Web site.

Carfax's main competitor is AutoCheck, owned by Experian Automotive Inc. Carfax and Experian are among the approved vehicle history providers.

Mentioned, but not a focal point of the suit, is the alleged inaccuracy found in some Carfax reports. Bellavia says that is a concern of dealers and can be cured as a byproduct of a "free marketplace."

The lead plaintiff in the suit is Maxon Hyundai-Mazda in Union, N.J. Its dealer principal, Mike Ciasulli, is furious with Carfax but subscribes to the reports as a condition of the Hyundai certified used-vehicle program in which he participates.

ABC News report

His dealership inadvertently took center stage last month in an ABC News "20/20" segment. His salesman, identified as "Rico," was seen on camera providing a clean Carfax report to the TV show's producers posing as potential buyers.

It turned out that one of the vehicles in the "20/20" segment with a clean Carfax report had been in a multicar collision. Ciasulli says that was not reported by Carfax.

Carfax's Gamache, in an on-camera interview, explained that Carfax's Web site and vehicle history reports state that vehicle buyers should also test drive the vehicle they want to buy and have it inspected by a mechanic.

Source; http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130424/RETAIL07/130429941/carfax-hit-with-50-million-antitrust-lawsuit-by-120-dealerships#axzz2RZogaKZQ

AUTOGUIDE: 2013 Toyota Camry vs 2013 Honda Accord

By Mike Schlee, April 23 2013. Photos and Video by Stephen Elmer.

If the thought of a Camry versus Accord comparison test doesn’t get your heart racing, we understand. This is not exactly a battle of thoroughbred horses. Want speed, flair and style? Look elsewhere. What we have here, are two vehicles designed for the masses.

Both the Toyota and Honda mid-size sedans are built for people who aren't particularly interested in driving, but who need an easy to drive car, that is spacious, predictable, efficient and reliable. Built more for peoples’ needs than their wants, think of them as the sensible shoes of the automotive world.

Last year three of the top selling six vehicles in America were mid-size sedans with the Camry third overall and the Accord fourth (The only models above them were trucks). The mid-size sedan segment is huge and these two vehicles represented nearly three-quarters of a million vehicle sales last year in America alone. It goes without saying then that the stakes are high. So which is our pick between these two segment leaders?

NEW, BUT NOT DIFFERENT

All new for 2013, at first glance it may not appear that the Honda Accord has changed much since last year. With evolutionary styling not straying far from the 2012, a closer look is need to reveal subtle changes here and there. The LED daytime running lights, dual LED headlights (standard on our EX-L trimmed Accord) and LED taillights all give the Accord a little exterior flash. The rest of the vehicle lines have been sharpened up to give the Accord a fresh, modern look.

Compare Specs

		vs
Vehicle	2013 Honda Accord	Advantage	2013 Toyota Camry
Engine	2.4 L Inline-4	-	2.5 L Inline-4
Transmission	CVT	-	6-Speed Auto
Horsepower	185 hp	Accord	178 hp
Max. Torque	181 lb-ft	Accord	170 lb-ft
Fuel Economy	27 MPG city / 36 MPG hwy	Accord	25 MPG city / 35 MPG hwy
Observed Fuel Economy	25.3 MPG	Accord	23.5 MPG
Weight	3,365 lbs	Camry	3,245 lbs
Front Legroom	42.5 in.	Accord	41.6 in.
Rear Legroom	38.5 in.	Camry	38.9 in.
Cargo Capacity	15.8 cu-ft	Accord	15.4 cu-ft
Front Headroom	37.6 in.	Camry	37.9 in.
Rear Headroom	37.0 in.	Camry	38.0 in.
Starting Price	$22,470	Accord	$23,030
As Tested Price	$30,785	Camry	$28,520

The Camry received its last significant overhaul just last year. Again, it was a case of evolving the styling cues opposed to reinventing the Camry. This is definitely the most dramatic looking Camry to date, but that is not saying much since the Camry has always been more conservative than a one piece bathing suit. The new Camry does feature some nice design cues like the sideways ‘L’ shaped taillights, chrome fog light bezels and sloping front grill. That said, the Accord looks more upscale on the outside and was voted the more stylish vehicle according to our staff.

Both of our test vehicles came equipped as fully loaded four cylinder models. The 2013 Toyota Camry XLE features a 2.5-liter engine producing 178 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. It sends power to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission and is officially rated by the EPA at 25 MPG city and 35 MPG highway. The Accord features a similar setup by utilizing a slightly smaller 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that develops a peppier 184 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via continuously variable transmission (CVT) and it also offers an edge in the fuel economy department at 27 MPG city and 36 MPG highway.

ENGAGING vs PREDICTABLE

Much has been made about the Accord switching to a CVT from a conventional automatic. The good news is, this is one of the better gear-less units on the market. It is quiet and constantly changing rpm speeds to avoid any of that dreaded CVT drone. Under hard acceleration it will simulate gear changes as well which helps break up the monotonous groaning associated with many CVTs.

Both vehicles offer a sport mode, but only the Toyota features a ‘manual’ mode that allows for driver selectable gearing. Despite a 105 lb. weight advantage, the Camry is not as fast as the Accord in a straight line; a result from slightly more power and the CVT. As well, the Accord achieved better fuel economy during our test period (during the cold winter months) by averaging 25.3 MPG compared to the Camry’s 23.5 MPG average.

Overall, the Accord is the more engaging car to drive of the two. It does excel at throttle response, steering feel and chassis dynamics, but is missing that magical something that makes the Camry feel incredibly easy to drive. The Camry’s ride felt rougher on imperfect pavement and more noise protrudes into the cabin; but that could be due to winter tire choice more than anything else. Overall, the Accord ends up feeling more refined when plodding down the road.

COMFORTABLE vs LUXURIOUS

Inside, the Camry has the upper hand. Although the Accord features a well laid out dashboard design, it cannot match the Camry’s more premium feel. The cross-stitched multi-angled dashboard of the Camry and all the switch gear are crafted out of quality materials.

Both cars feature well thought-out center cluster designs that place all the controls where you would expect them to be. The Camry’s user interface is easier to use, but the Accord’s second infotainment screen, which is dedicated for audio use only, is a nice touch. It is refreshing not having to exit out of various menus just to change the radio station. Speaking of which, the Camry wins the audiophile competition with a nice, bassy sound system.

The Accord was rated as having the better front seats which are wide, squishy and comfortable. Both cars have nearly identical rear seat legroom, but the Accord trumps the Camry’s front seat legroom by roughly an inch with 42.5-inches total. In the trunk it is a similar story with the Accord’s 15.8 cu-ft of cargo space edging out the Camry’s 15.4 cu-ft space.

See Also: 2012 Toyota Camry SE Review

There is a major, albeit curable, downfall in the Accord; the Interface Dial Feedback. If you own a 2013 Accord, best to turn it off. Using a text to speech function it will read out every menu choice and/or radio station selection. If you’re at all quick through the controls it gets so far behind it will freeze the system for 10-15 seconds and lock out any inputs during that time. It is beyond infuriating; how could Honda design such a beautiful gauge cluster, but screw up the text to speech so much?

The base 2013 Honda Accord LX starts at a lower price of $22,470 post-delivery charges thanks to the availability of a 6-speed manual transmission. That under cuts the automatic-only base Toyota Camry L’s post-delivery charge price of $23,030. However, as tested, the Camry becomes the pricing champion with a favourable $28,520 for our loaded up XLE Camry compared to our Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation equipped Accord EX-L which topped out at $30,785.

THE VERDICT

 

Either of these vehicles are a great choice. If refinement, curb appeal and efficiency are important to you, pick the Accord. If a luxurious interior, ease of use and lower MSRP are your top priorities, take the Camry.

However, like with any comparison test, there can only be one winner. Just like the epic sales battle these two vanilla gladiators partake in year after year, it was a very close finish with the edge going to the Accord thanks to better exterior styling, a more comfortable interior and some trick features like the lane watch camera. The fact it's better to drive and more efficient in the real world are just an added bonus.

2013 Honda Accord

LOVE IT Solid driving dynamics Attractive exterior Comfortable interior Fuel efficient

LEAVE IT Interface dial feedback Less premium interior than Camry

2013 Toyota Camry

LOVE IT Easy to operate Luxurious interior Attractive price Well laid out controls

LEAVE IT Bland styling Somewhat rough suspension Not as efficient as Accord Dull to drive

Source;
http://www.autoguide.com/gallery/gallery.php/v/main/comparison/2013ToyotaCamryVS2013HondaAccord/2013-Honda-Accord+_2_.JPG.html

Honda launches Honda Assistance App

Honda has launched its new Honda Assistance App for smartphone users making it easier to contact roadside assistance. 
 
No-one likes getting stuck at the side of the road but this new Honda Assistance App should help Honda owners get assistance quicker.

Whether your car has been involved in a road traffic accident or your car has broken down this app will remove some of the stress with its ease of use. There is no need to search for the right phone number or try to pinpoint an exact location - the Honda Assistance App does all this for you.

The free App is suitable for iPhone, Blackberry and Android operating systems and is available through online app stores now.

Developed in conjunction with the AA motoring organisation, several other features have been incorporated into the App. All are designed to be of benefit to the customer and includes five higlights.

Breakdown and Accident Assistance routes the caller through to Hondacare Assistance.

Honda Happiness Insurance is where customers can request a quote for cover, or retrieve an existing one.
AA Roadwatch keeps you updated with the latest traffic updates and news of delays to their journey.

My Details: where personal information is stored, making it easy for the call handler to contact them.
My Reminders: to alert the customer when their MoT, service, insurance or extended warranty is due.

The new Honda App can be downloaded free of charge from Blackberry 'App World', Apple 'App Store' and Android 'Google Play Store'.

Source;
http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/honda-launches-honda-assistance-app-22073.aspx

Honda Civic SUV Renderings

These renderings are not to be confused with the FIT/Jazz based Urban SUV Concept, this would apparently be based on a Civic, my best guess would be the Euro Civic, but at the end of the day I don't know much more than that.  I don't think that this is related to the Honda Civic Tourer Wagon that is on it's way either.  Only time will tell....

Here is what www.autoexpress.co.uk reported on the subject in January 2013;

Honda has set its sights on emulating the runaway success of the Nissan Qashqai – and our exclusive images reveal the car it will pin its hopes on. The company is keen to boost its profitability in Europe, particularly in the UK, where sales have halved over the last three years. And a new crossover to sit between the Civic and CR-V is seen as key to its chances of doing so.

The as-yet-unnamed car will be based on a tweaked version of the new Civic’s platform, and go on sale next year. Our illustrations show how it’s likely to look. It blends Civic styling cues, such as the flowing wheelarches and narrow headlights, with a front end from the company’s Skydeck MPV concept car, plus additional chunky details like the underbody guard. Inside, it will make use of the Civic’s flip-up rear seats.

Despite the high-riding stance, the crossover will have to be good to drive, and that’s where the Civic underpinnings will help. Fluid-filled bushes and a stiff rear subframe will keep the ride supple and the handling sharp.

As with the Qashqai, the big-selling engines would all be diesels, and Honda’s new 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine will be the main attraction. It produces 118bhp and 300Nm of torque, and should emit around 110g/km of CO2, with economy of 70mpg, thanks to stop-start and an efficient electric power-steering set-up. The more powerful 147bhp 2.2-litre i-DTEC engine will also be offered, alongside a 1.8-litre petrol engine with 138bhp.

A key Honda selling point is hybrid technology and the firm will be looking to introduce next-generation hybrid systems on the newcomer. That could mean an electric motor at the rear, giving the company a four-wheel-drive version. Plus, a plug-in hybrid system is being developed for some of Honda’s larger vehicles, and the Qashqai rival could be one of the first models to get it. A price tag of around £17,000 is likely when the newcomer arrives in showrooms in 2013.

Thanks for the pictures Fredrique!

Honda to stop making Civic in India due to poor sales

Wow, don't get me wrong, I am no expert on the Auto market in India, however from what I can see, the Civic is too big, they appear to prefer smaller cars there, FIT/Jazz, Brio,City....

by Dany Tan of www.paultan.org

Honda will no longer produce Civics in India due to falling sales. The decision to pull the plug on the sedan is backed by dismal sales of just over 50,000 units since its launch in 2006.

Honda India’s marketing and sales boss Jnaneswar Sen told The Hindu’s Business Line that sales of the Civic have been falling steadily over the years with smaller models such as the City eating into figures. The last Civic was sold in March. “We felt there was no point in investing in a segment that was declining over the last three years,” he added.

Honda, which is the fifth largest brand in India, isn’t the only company facing this situation. In the subcontinent, the Civic fights Toyota’s Corolla and Hyundai’s Elantra in what they call the lower D-segment. Sales in this class have dropped 29% to 19,239 units in 2012-13 over the previous year. It’s clear that India prefers smaller cars like the 25.8 km/l Honda Brio Amaze Diesel.

On another note, it has been reported that Honda will launch a new Jazz next year, before a fresh City sedan, SUV, and an MPV from the same platform roll out. The latter should not be confused with a new “Brio MPV” that we expect to see at this year’s Indonesia International Motor Show.

Source;
http://paultan.org/2013/04/23/honda-to-stop-making-civic-in-india-due-to-poor-sales/

Toyota FT-HT Concept Makes World Premiere in Shanghai

With more than 50 vehicles on its stand at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show, Toyota is the most active manufacturer at Asia’s most important automotive event.

Besides production cars, the Japanese company has showcased several concept vehicles, including the weird-looking Fun-Vii, but, if you ask us, there’s only one show-stopper in their lineup, and that’s the FT-HT Yuejia.

Designed specifically for the Chinese market, the FT-HT Yuejia concept sports a rather unique design, although the front fascia is somewhat similar to what we’ve seen on a few production cars as well. Developed to appeal to young Chinese consumers, the FT-HT provides cabin space for six people thanks to its three rows of two individuals seating configuration and, as you already might have guessed, it’s powered by a hybrid powertrain.

Toyota claims a production version will be built in the future, but we have enough reasons to doubt that the FT-HT will be taken to the assembly line in concept form.

Source;
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/stunning-toyota-ft-ht-concept-makes-world-premiere-in-shanghai-58322.html

Honda CEO Ito believes Chinese market not ripe for hybrid cars yet

By  John Hofilena

This year’s Shanghai auto show display spaces were filled with numerous models of hybrid and electric cars – which maybe is a sign that the global auto market is moving in that general direction. It may also be a loud signal to China to consider greener automobile solutions, what with the massive clouds of smog that covered the cities these past few months. But Honda Motor Co. CEO Takanobu Ito believes that the Chinese market might not be quite into hybrid cars yet. 


Of the four new concept and production cars displayed by the Japanese carmaker at the Shanghai auto show on Saturday, none were hybrids or electric. Honda put out three hybrid vehicles available to the Chinese market last year – the CR-Z, Insight and Fit Hybrid – but the automaker revealed that it only sold 542 hybrid units in China in the whole of 2012. “Overall, we have high hopes for hybrid technology. In terms of how important it is to the Chinese market we are slowly releasing products and looking at how they do,” Mr. Ito said in Shanghai on Saturday. “But we think there are still more Chinese consumers who want to simply buy a car that fits their needs rather than buy a hybrid. By needs I mean a good-quality car with an affordable price that doesn’t break down. At present, we think these take higher priority.” The current atmosphere regarding hybrids could eventually change, Ito allowed. He said that the hybrid mentality needs a push from the Chinese government, by incorporating higher fuel-economy standards and the government’s overall backing for a green-car industry. Honda is even making plans to produce hybrid components and parts in the country in 2014.

Ito admitted that hybrid car technology would cost a bit more no matter what, and at this point this is something that Chinese consumers are not yet willing to pay. If, like in Japan, the Chinese government gives incentives and subsidies towards green car purchases, the mentality could start changing in that direction. Ito pledged that Honda will continue to offer hybrid vehicles to the Chinese market, and gradually grow its list of available models more and more, if the Chinese government makes good on enacting policies that would make hybrids the more attractive option for Chinese car buyers.

Source;
http://japandailypress.com/honda-ceo-ito-believes-chinese-market-not-ripe-for-hybrid-cars-yet-2327527

Shanghai 2013: Honda Jade

This is the Honda Jade, the production version of Beijing 2013′s Honda Concept S MPV. This one’s to be sold by Dongfeng Honda, and will hit Chinese showrooms in September.

Honda says the Honda Jade was inspired by its namesake, a jade stone. It explains the green colour of the Auto Shanghai 2013 display car as well, though in reality I’m not sure how many will take up this particular shade at the showrooms.

Like the Honda Crider, the Honda Jade was designed for the Chinese market but unlike the fussy-looking Crider, I can totally imagine the Honda Jade design being used for the next-generation Honda Stream. It looks more ‘global car.’

What do you think of the next generation Honda Stream looking something like this Honda Jade?

Source;
http://paultan.org/2013/04/20/shanghai-2013-honda-jade-is-a-people-mover-for-china/

Honda Concept M introduced at 2013 Auto Shanghai

An MPV for Chinese market

Honda has officially revealed in Shanghai today the Concept M, following an announcement made about two weeks ago.

It represents a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) developed specifically for the local Chinese market. It was designed by the Automobile R&D Center of Honda R&D in Japan and gives us a clue about an upcoming model which will be launched in China soon.

Honda promises to bring a "new-value vehicle that offers the attributes of a passenger car while adding new value through the realization of a comfortable and spacious cabin". It has one of the busiest designs ever seen on an MPV, especially when looking at the front and rear fascias.

Since this is just a concept, we expect the production version to look significantly toned down, but not necessarily in a good way judging by the looks of the Crider which is essentially a production version of the quite appealing Concept C.

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/113042056786/honda-concept-m-introduced-at-2013-auto-shanghai-video

Acura Concept SUV-X arrives in Shanghai

Production model due in three years 

Acura is previewing a new crossover with the Concept SUV-X exhibited at 2013 Auto Shanghai starting today.

The Japanese marque announced at the beginning of the month a new concept for the Chinese auto show and we assumed it was a crossover.

We were right as the Concept SUV-X is a small SUV which was designed specifically for the local market. It represents Acura's first ever concept to be unveiled outside of North America.

It has been confirmed a production version will go on sale in China in approximately three years from now.

The concept is being characterized as offering "emotional and sharp styling and driving performance" along with "environmental performance" and the utility you normally get in an SUV.

Unfortunately, Acura did not release any details about what powers the Concept SUV-X but most likely some form of hybrid tech is included.

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/113042056790/acura-concept-suv-x-arrives-in-shanghai-video

Honda Crider is the production spec Concept C sedan. Images leaked

The Honda Concept C has been making a lot of news since some time. The production spec Concept C, which will cater to the fast developing D+ segment of the Chinsese car market, will make its official debut at the Auto Shanghai 2013 that will begin in a few hours.

The upcoming D+ segment sedan will slot in between the Civic and the Accord in the car maker’s product portfolio and would be the chief rival to the upcoming Hyundai Mingtu aka Sonata Lite.

The production model of the Concept C has been named as the Honda Crider and images of the new car have leaked a few hours before the official debut. Just in case you are wondering what the name could mean, allow yours truly to tell you that it has been derived from the words, “Criteria” and “Dream”.

The new Honda Crider will be built by Guangzhou-Honda joint venture and we won’t be too surprised if the JV soon starts exporting this car to certain markets.

Powering the Crider is a 1.8 litre petrol engine that will come with two transmission options- a 5-speed manual and an automatic gearbox. The car might also get a 2.0 litre engine but more details won’t be available before the official debut.

The new Honda Crider stays quite true to the Concept C and gets a heavily chromed front grill that would probably appeal to Chinese car buyers. The car also has a loud set of headlamps that seems to have got quite an overdose of LEDs. We like the car in profile view, in which the car does seem to have a slight resemblance with some of the other Honda sedans. The car has a swooping roofline which helps in imparting a hint of sportiness to the design. At the rear, the car comes with wrap around tail lights that might not appeal to all.

Overall, we feel that the car looks well proportioned and the design cues from the Concept C are clearly evident. Nothing is yet known about the interiors but stay tuned to this space for more details on the new Honda Crider D+ segment sedan.

Source;

http://motoroids.com/news/honda-crider-is-the-production-spec-concept-c-sedan-images-leaked/