I like it. Thanks for the tip R. Janz.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Next Gen Honda Accord Conceptualized by Marcin Czajkowski
I like it. Thanks for the tip R. Janz.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
JAPAN: Honda to ship Civic from UK plant to US
 |
| Honda will be hoping that the new Civic Type R can help to reinvigorate the brand and lift flagging European sales |
Honda is planning to export its UK-made Civic to North America to raise the rate of capacity utilisation at its UK manufacturing plant, according to a Nikkei report.
The reported move is part of a multi-pronged strategy to improve Honda's disappointing performance in Europe.
Nikkei noted that the next Jazz (Fit) will not be made at the Swindon (UK) plant and will be imported to Europe from Japan. That sourcing switch will leave Honda with a capacity utilisation hole at its UK plant. Swindon will therefore manufacture a five-door version of the car for the North American market, Nikkei said, with NA shipments planned to start in the middle of 2016. The report said that some 30,000-40,000 annual shipments to North America are targeted.
Honda has exported models to markets beyond Europe - including to Australia and Japan - from its Swindon plant at times in the past.
The Swindon factory can produce 250,000 cars a year on two lines. However one of the lines - with a 100,000-unit annual capacity - is currently idle.
The report added that Honda is also planning to move "most" of its European headquarters staff - who are based in the UK - back to Japan.
Honda in Europe has seen falling sales in recent years as it was hit by delayed product renewals as it sought to save cost in the aftermath of natural disasters in Japan and Thailand.
At the recent Geneva Show, the company outlined plans for a new product offensive including new Civic Type R, the HRV, upcoming Jazz, a fuel cell concept and a new NSX supercar. It is also launching a revised CR-V.
Source;
http://www.just-auto.com/news/honda-to-ship-civic-from-uk-plant-to-us_id156921.aspx
Honda Picks Turbo Over Hybrid For 2018 CR-Z Coupe
While more and more automakers are expanding their hybrid platforms, Honda is going against the grain by taking a hybrid model and transforming it to a gasoline-only car.
Honda has announced that the next generation CR-Z will be running a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Experts are expecting that Honda will use the same 2.0-liter, 280 horsepower VTEC that currently powers the Civic Type-R.
The car will most likely debut in 2017 as a model for the following year.
This will be the first time the CR-Z has been a gas-only car – ever since its debut in 2010, the CR-Z has featured a hybrid platform. The 2015 model (pictured above) is running a 1.5-liter gas engine and electric motor with a combined output of 130 horsepower.
Critics have complained that this powertrain is too weak for a sporty compact. And the coupe’s average 31 mpg is not enough of a fuel savings to justify the car’s watered-down performance.
Sales have been as lackluster as the car: Honda posted less than 3,600 sales in the U.S. last year for the CR-Z.
But Honda is betting that a turbocharged inline-four can get the CR-Z back on the right track.
“The two reasons that forced Honda to phase it out [in Europe and Australia], namely its weak street cred and lack of performance thanks to its ho-hum hybrid power unit, have been addressed.
“The new coupe will be a force to reckon with,” a Honda source told Car and Driver.
While the original CR-Z was based off the Fit, the 2018 CR-Z will be borrowing the platform from the Civic and design elements from the Civic Type-R and the Acura NSX.
When building the next generation of hybrids, carmakers frequently tweak their powertrains for extra power and efficiency. So it’s a bit unusual that, instead of looking for ways to boost its CR-Z hybrid setup, Honda is opting to replace it.
Honda’s recent activities on the racetrack add to the peculiarity of this decision. This year, Honda has returned to Formula One racing with a very high-tech hybrid setup capable of 200+ mph. This power unit – which includes systems to recapture energy from heat and brakes – gives Honda the opportunity to prove the potency of its hybrid technology.
Hopefully, Honda will learn new tricks on the track with this hybrid powertrain to boost the performance of its hybrid streetcars.
Source;
http://www.hybridcars.com/honda-picks-turbo-over-hybrid-for-2018-cr-z-coupe/
Monday, March 16, 2015
Honda Connect allows you to create a mirror like display on your screen
While automakers from around the world are showing off their vehicles at the Geneva Motor Show in Europe, Honda Motor Co Ltd (ADR) (NYSE:HMC) is also presenting its new Civic this month, with Android installed under the name "Honda Connect". The company had announced the offer last year, however, now you are able to actually get hands on it and entertain yourself to the fullest.
The reports state what you will actually receive is a 7-inch display, featuring a grid of icons and Android apps. By this you will be able to connect your phone to the system and use most of the basic apps, even can install apps in it.
Honda Civic’s new entertainment system is completely built on Android, which is powered up with NVIDIA Tegra and has a built-in operating system - the Ice Cream Sandwich - good enough to entertain you while driving.
Although the car is released in 2015, yet it actually feels old, as the device is slow and offers a typical stereo in-car experience. However, Honda Connect allows you to create a mirror like display on your screen, connecting it via HDMI and also features video files to run on it through your iPad via cable output.
Source;
http://www.technewstoday.com/22066-honda-adds-android-to-its-new-civic/
Next-Gen Honda Civic May Get 1.5L Turbo Four as Base Engine
Honda made big news when it announced that it will start building turbo engines in Ohio later this year. (Hurray!) Now, an Automotive News report tells us where some of those engines may be going: the next-generation Civic. (Double hurray!)
The report’s main source is Honda’s global R&D chief Yoshiharu Yamamoto, who said that “downsized turbocharging will be the base, even for Civic.” The engine most likely to see duty in the Civic is a 1.5-liter turbo four of unknown output, which will help the company meet stricter emissions mandates while giving the next-gen Civic performance characteristics that will help the car stand out when it arrives, perhaps as early as later this year.
Interestingly, not all of the Civics will go forced-induction, according to Yamamoto. “Quite a bit will switch over to turbo, but there will still be some naturally aspirated ones remaining,” he said, although he did not specify which engine or engines would remain and which would go.
Unfortunately, Honda was as tight-lipped as ever when we reached out for comment, but the report cites a supplier that says Honda will build as many as 200,000 1.5-liter turbos per year at the Anna, Ohio, plant, which is in the midst of a $340-million upgrade.
Depending on the character and output of the engine, it could go a long way toward restoring the faith of Honda fans in the brand’s ability to build cars that are, you know, interesting—particularly in the U.S. “In America, there aren’t that many companies with turbo models,” Yamamoto said. “The power is very good.” Let’s hope he’s right.
Source;
http://blog.caranddriver.com/next-gen-honda-civic-may-get-1-5l-turbo-four-as-base-engine/
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Car and Driver Magazine: Next Generation Honda CR-Z: 2018 Honda CR-Z: It Might Finally Be What We Wanted All Along
I said from day one that making the CR-Z a Hybrid was a mistake. Now can we please have a proper CR-X replacement? (--and how's that new Prelude coming?!?)
As of this writing, Honda is rapidly approaching its Formula 1 comeback as the power behind McLaren at the Australian Grand Prix, and the brand is also busy readying two of Japan’s most anticipated sports cars, the new NSX and the 2016 Civic Type R. Now comes news from inside Honda's R&D center in Tochigi that the unloved CR-Z hybrid sports coupe will get a new lease on life in the form of an all-new, more performance-oriented model in three years.
Honda’s American arm has been pleading for a gutsy, attractive, and reasonably priced coupe to bolster its brand image, and a source with close ties to the Japanese mothership says the next CR-Z will be the answer. "Remember the CR-Z? It’s due to make a big comeback in 2017," we’re told.
"The two reasons that forced Honda to phase it out [in Europe and Australia], namely its weak street cred and lack of performance thanks to its ho-hum hybrid power unit, have been addressed. The new coupe will be a force to reckon with," insists our source.
The original model was based on a modified version of the Fit platform, but unlike the Fit, with its centrally located fuel tank, the CR-Z’s tank was repositioned at the rear. To keep costs down, the new CR-Z's platform will be borrowed from the next-generation Civic, but with four inches chopped from the wheelbase.
Expected to be marginally bigger than the current CR-Z, the new model will borrow design cues from the new NSX and the Civic Type R. Under the hood will be a detuned version of the Type R's turbocharged, 2.0-liter VTEC four-cylinder pumping out more than 280 horsepower. In fact, it looks as if the CR-Z will be positioned and marketed as a high-performance coupe version of the next-generation U.S. Civic, which means it may be called the Civic CR-Z.
While the U.S. version will be fitted with the 2.0-liter engine, Honda is planning to revisit the hybrid for the Japanese domestic market; that edition will employ a turbocharged 1.5-liter hybrid i-DCD powertrain generating upwards of 200 horsepower and incorporating an eight-speed automatic transmission.
While it’s still some way out, we understand a CR-Z prototype or concept car may surface at the 2017 Detroit show in advance of an on-sale date sometime in early 2018.
Source;
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2018-honda-cr-z-rendered-may-ditch-hybrid-for-new-turbo-news
The two-seater trades weak hybrid power for a potent turbo.
by Peter Lyon of www.caranddriver.comAs of this writing, Honda is rapidly approaching its Formula 1 comeback as the power behind McLaren at the Australian Grand Prix, and the brand is also busy readying two of Japan’s most anticipated sports cars, the new NSX and the 2016 Civic Type R. Now comes news from inside Honda's R&D center in Tochigi that the unloved CR-Z hybrid sports coupe will get a new lease on life in the form of an all-new, more performance-oriented model in three years.
Honda’s American arm has been pleading for a gutsy, attractive, and reasonably priced coupe to bolster its brand image, and a source with close ties to the Japanese mothership says the next CR-Z will be the answer. "Remember the CR-Z? It’s due to make a big comeback in 2017," we’re told.
"The two reasons that forced Honda to phase it out [in Europe and Australia], namely its weak street cred and lack of performance thanks to its ho-hum hybrid power unit, have been addressed. The new coupe will be a force to reckon with," insists our source.
The original model was based on a modified version of the Fit platform, but unlike the Fit, with its centrally located fuel tank, the CR-Z’s tank was repositioned at the rear. To keep costs down, the new CR-Z's platform will be borrowed from the next-generation Civic, but with four inches chopped from the wheelbase.
Expected to be marginally bigger than the current CR-Z, the new model will borrow design cues from the new NSX and the Civic Type R. Under the hood will be a detuned version of the Type R's turbocharged, 2.0-liter VTEC four-cylinder pumping out more than 280 horsepower. In fact, it looks as if the CR-Z will be positioned and marketed as a high-performance coupe version of the next-generation U.S. Civic, which means it may be called the Civic CR-Z.
While the U.S. version will be fitted with the 2.0-liter engine, Honda is planning to revisit the hybrid for the Japanese domestic market; that edition will employ a turbocharged 1.5-liter hybrid i-DCD powertrain generating upwards of 200 horsepower and incorporating an eight-speed automatic transmission.
While it’s still some way out, we understand a CR-Z prototype or concept car may surface at the 2017 Detroit show in advance of an on-sale date sometime in early 2018.
Source;
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2018-honda-cr-z-rendered-may-ditch-hybrid-for-new-turbo-news
New Honda Advertising Campaign Urges Owners to Take Immediate Action to Check for Open Recalls to Replace Takata Airbag Inflators
For those of us in Canada, if you are wanting to see if your vehicle is effected, click here http://www.honda.ca/recalls
"The goals of this campaign are to save lives and prevent injuries," said John Mendel, Executive Vice President of the Automobile Division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Honda hopes that this new consumer information campaign will bolster our existing and continuing efforts to reach our customers and maximize the vehicle repair completion rates associated with recalls to replace Takata airbag inflators. These ads are a strong call to action from our company designed to break through the clutter, grab the attention of customers driving affected vehicles, and urge that they get required repairs as soon as possible," said Mendel.
The consumer information campaign includes a multi-million dollar advertising push that will begin on Monday, March 16. Full-page, color advertisements will appear in more than 120 newspapers, while 30-second radio announcements will air in more than 110 markets. In addition, sponsored, customized Facebook posts that mention the specific vehicle owned by each identified user will appear on owners' timelines, in an additional effort to capture attention and encourage owners to take action. The newspaper and radio advertisements will appear in Spanish or English to match the primary language of each targeted media outlet. Examples are available for download at hondanews.com.
The advertising campaign will prioritize the 11 states and U.S. territories1 that have been identified by Honda as representing the greatest risk to affected owners. These geographic areas expand on the four states and territories (Florida, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico) that the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Takata initially targeted based on the consistent high absolute humidity levels present in those regions. It is believed that high absolute humidity contributes to a greater risk of inflator rupture in certain older-model Takata front airbags. Honda voluntarily expanded the scope of the safety improvement campaign to include vehicles in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas and California, a total of 11 states and territories, in an effort to include other potential areas that experience consistently humid conditions over extended periods of time.
Honda strives for 100 percent vehicle repair completion in every recall and every safety improvement campaign it undertakes. Since initiating the first Takata airbag inflator recall in 2008, Honda has distributed millions of mailed notifications to registered owners in English and Spanish, but many vehicles included in these recalls remain unrepaired. Unfortunately, it is estimated that one-third of all recalled vehicles in the U.S. are never repaired. The problem is more prevalent among older model vehicles.
To help improve owner response rates, Honda has implemented various means of consumer outreach for recall notification and re-notification, including automated phone calls, mailing notices by registered mail and overnight delivery services, enlisting the support of authorized dealers and other measures. In cases where mailed notifications have been returned to Honda as undeliverable, Honda has engaged firms with specialized search skills and access to unique databases to locate registered owners.
Taking Care of our Customers
Honda and Acura owners with any pending recalls should schedule an appointment with their local authorized Honda or Acura dealership. The dealership will replace the part at no charge to the customer. Honda has taken significant actions to accelerate the pace of airbag inflator repairs, including securing agreements with two additional inflator suppliers. As a result, Honda expects replacement part capacity to fully meet demand by later this Spring. However, the current availability of replacement parts, as well as the time required to complete repairs, could lead to delays for individual customers. If a customer affected by the Takata airbag inflator recalls requests alternative transportation until their vehicle can be repaired, including use of a loaner vehicle or rental vehicle, Honda will accommodate their needs at no charge.
Summary of Affected Models (certain specific vehicles only):
Honda continues to urge owners of Honda and Acura vehicles affected by the Takata airbag inflator recalls to get their vehicles repaired at an authorized dealer as soon as possible. Honda owners can check their vehicles' recall status at www.recalls.honda.com or by calling 1-800-999-1009, option 4. Acura owners can check their vehicles' recall status at www.recalls.acura.com or by calling 1-800-382-2238, option 4.
# # #
1Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; bordering states may be included
-
TORRANCE, CA.
- Multi-million dollar print, digital and radio advertising campaign urges Honda and Acura owners to check for open recalls and complete airbag inflator repairs
- Ad campaign expands existing Honda actions to notify owners affected by Takata airbag inflator recalls
- Campaign will prioritize regions deemed the greatest risk
"The goals of this campaign are to save lives and prevent injuries," said John Mendel, Executive Vice President of the Automobile Division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Honda hopes that this new consumer information campaign will bolster our existing and continuing efforts to reach our customers and maximize the vehicle repair completion rates associated with recalls to replace Takata airbag inflators. These ads are a strong call to action from our company designed to break through the clutter, grab the attention of customers driving affected vehicles, and urge that they get required repairs as soon as possible," said Mendel.
The consumer information campaign includes a multi-million dollar advertising push that will begin on Monday, March 16. Full-page, color advertisements will appear in more than 120 newspapers, while 30-second radio announcements will air in more than 110 markets. In addition, sponsored, customized Facebook posts that mention the specific vehicle owned by each identified user will appear on owners' timelines, in an additional effort to capture attention and encourage owners to take action. The newspaper and radio advertisements will appear in Spanish or English to match the primary language of each targeted media outlet. Examples are available for download at hondanews.com.
The advertising campaign will prioritize the 11 states and U.S. territories1 that have been identified by Honda as representing the greatest risk to affected owners. These geographic areas expand on the four states and territories (Florida, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico) that the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Takata initially targeted based on the consistent high absolute humidity levels present in those regions. It is believed that high absolute humidity contributes to a greater risk of inflator rupture in certain older-model Takata front airbags. Honda voluntarily expanded the scope of the safety improvement campaign to include vehicles in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas and California, a total of 11 states and territories, in an effort to include other potential areas that experience consistently humid conditions over extended periods of time.
Honda strives for 100 percent vehicle repair completion in every recall and every safety improvement campaign it undertakes. Since initiating the first Takata airbag inflator recall in 2008, Honda has distributed millions of mailed notifications to registered owners in English and Spanish, but many vehicles included in these recalls remain unrepaired. Unfortunately, it is estimated that one-third of all recalled vehicles in the U.S. are never repaired. The problem is more prevalent among older model vehicles.
To help improve owner response rates, Honda has implemented various means of consumer outreach for recall notification and re-notification, including automated phone calls, mailing notices by registered mail and overnight delivery services, enlisting the support of authorized dealers and other measures. In cases where mailed notifications have been returned to Honda as undeliverable, Honda has engaged firms with specialized search skills and access to unique databases to locate registered owners.
Taking Care of our Customers
Honda and Acura owners with any pending recalls should schedule an appointment with their local authorized Honda or Acura dealership. The dealership will replace the part at no charge to the customer. Honda has taken significant actions to accelerate the pace of airbag inflator repairs, including securing agreements with two additional inflator suppliers. As a result, Honda expects replacement part capacity to fully meet demand by later this Spring. However, the current availability of replacement parts, as well as the time required to complete repairs, could lead to delays for individual customers. If a customer affected by the Takata airbag inflator recalls requests alternative transportation until their vehicle can be repaired, including use of a loaner vehicle or rental vehicle, Honda will accommodate their needs at no charge.
Summary of Affected Models (certain specific vehicles only):
- 2001-2007 Honda Accord
- 2001-2005 Honda Civic
- 2002-2006 Honda CR-V
- 2003-2011 Honda Element
- 2002-2004 Honda Odyssey
- 2003-2007 Honda Pilot
- 2006 Honda Ridgeline
- 2003-2006 Acura MDX
- 2002-2003 Acura TL
- 2003 Acura CL
- 2005 Acura RL
Honda continues to urge owners of Honda and Acura vehicles affected by the Takata airbag inflator recalls to get their vehicles repaired at an authorized dealer as soon as possible. Honda owners can check their vehicles' recall status at www.recalls.honda.com or by calling 1-800-999-1009, option 4. Acura owners can check their vehicles' recall status at www.recalls.acura.com or by calling 1-800-382-2238, option 4.
# # #
1Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; bordering states may be included
Honda starts advertising campaign related to airbag recalls
(Reuters) - Honda Motor Co Ltd's U.S. arm said it launched an advertising campaign urging owners of Honda and Acura vehicles to immediately check for open recalls and take the affected automobiles to authorized dealers for free repair.
The company has set aside hundreds of millions of dollars to cover mass recalls to replace air-bag inflators made by Takata Corp that have been linked to six deaths, all in Honda cars.
"These ads are a strong call to action from our company designed to break through the clutter, grab the attention of customers driving affected vehicles, and urge that they get required repairs as soon as possible," said John Mendel, who leads American Honda Motor's automobile unit.
The consumer information campaign includes a multi-million dollar advertising push that will begin on March 16, Honda said.
(Reporting by Sagarika Jaisinghani in Bengaluru)
Source;
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/12/honda-recall-advertising-idUSL4N0WD5TQ20150312
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