Monday, October 7, 2013
2013 Honda Fit: Car Stories
Source: cars.chicagotribune.com | Date: Oct 04, 2013 | Author: Deborah Siegel | Go to clip...
2013 Honda Fit: Car Stories
We hear from automakers, industry experts and auto writers all the time. In Car Stories, we want
to hear from the people that matter most to the auto industry: The drivers. Just like every house
has its own smell, every car has its own story.Writer Deb Siegel strays from the Car Stories form
to deliver this story on how she was able to replace her 1993 Toyota Corolla, which had reliably
taken her family around from newborns until they were college students.
I drove my Toyota Corolla for over 20 years. I got it when my son was two, I was pregnant with my
daughter, and I wasn't sure the old Tercel handed down from my mom would carry us through the
winter. I did not want to be breaking down with a two-year-old and a giant belly.
My kids grew up riding in that car, from the graham-cracker-crumbs-in-the-carseat days, to the
teen learning-to-drive years (which, in the case of my son, meant numerous bruises and
contusions visited upon the poor Corolla), to my daughter's first solo drive to her camp counselor
job two states away. But once again, the time came when I began to fear a winter breakdown. The
kids were off in college, but I needed to get to my downtown job five days a week by 9 AM.
I started doing my research. I am, if you want to put it nicely, frugal. I loved the Corolla and would
not accept any car with less than the very top predicted reliability (I spent a lot of time checking
out those little red circles in Consumer Reports); I wanted another 20-year car. I was interested in
a little more capacity for carrying stuff than the Corolla had, but I like to drive (and park) a small
car, and good gas mileage has always been important to me, even when it was not trendy. (My
husband has a minivan - almost 200,000 miles on the old Sienna - for hauling lumber or long trips
with lots of passengers and gear.)
I researched many cars, and test-drove the Prius C, the Toyota Matrix, and the Honda Fit. There
were other small cars that I liked the look of that had great mileage, but if they were not at the
pinnacle of reliability or were strongly dissed by Consumer Reports, they fell off my list.
I ended up choosing the 2013 Honda Fit. The amount of cargo this little vehicle can hold is
amazing. The back seats fold down flat to create a large surface, or the seat bottoms fold up to
create a tall area. The front passenger seat can be reclined all the way to carry long items (I know
of someone who carries her kayak in her Fit), and the car has a lot of headroom for cargo or
humans. I am short, but my 6'3" hubby was surprised at how much headroom he had - lots better
than the old Corolla where the top of his head had polished a spot on the ceiling. And even though
this car looks tiny on the outside, it feels spacious inside.
The Fit springs out of a stop. It is definitely more spritely than my old car, and much spunkier than
the Prius C. The mileage is not as great as the Prius, but the get-up-and-go, the capacity, the
significantly lower price, and the cushier interior, swayed me. I liked the Matrix a lot, but it didn't
give me enough to justify the extra cost and lower MPG.
And one more reason for my choice: a car is a sculpture. I like the look of the base model Fit. The
curvy bean shape appeals to me. I am not a big fan of the little hat brim ("roofline spoiler") on the
back or the extra skirt ("side underbody spoilers") around the bottom of the Sport model. The only
option that I would have liked from the Sport model was the wheels, having had bad experiences
with repeatedly stolen hubcaps on my old Corolla.
I purchased one add-on when I got the Fit. Knowing I would miss the security of leaving items out
of sight in the trunk of my car, I bought the cargo cover, which hides whatever is stashed behind
the back seats.
I have been putting off this write-up because I wanted to be able to say more about my MPG and
how the Fit behaves at higher speeds, but though I've had my Fit for almost a month now, all the
driving I've done has been in rush hour on the Ike - really bad rush hours at that - the kind with
way more stopping than going, and crawling rather than rolling. The Fit has a constant MPG
readout, which I've been having a lot of fun watching. So far, my rush-hour mileage is averaging
about 29.3 - not so bad considering I am mostly sitting still listening to NPR. I look forward to
taking the little bean out for a run, but it hasn't happened yet. The U.S. Department of Energy
website gives a highway mileage of 35 for the automatic transmission.
And though my kids were despondent that I'd sold their childhood friend, the Corolla has gone on
to her next job, and the Marge figurine that graced her dashboard has taken up residence in the
new car, continuing to protect us as we battle though daily traffic.
Find your Honda Fit at Michael Hohl Honda in Carson City. We are your Northern Nevada Honda Dealer.
The new four-door Accord is the first sedan with an EPA 50 mile-per-gallon rating for city driving.
The new four-door Accord is the first sedan with an EPA 50 mile-per-gallon rating for city driving.
By Doron Levin
FORTUNE -- Honda's new Accord hybrid, appearing in dealer showrooms this month, will grab the attention of shoppers motivated by a desire to save money on gasoline. The new four-door powered by a gas-electric system is the first sedan with an EPA 50 mile-per-gallon rating for city driving.
It's also the first Honda (HMC) hybrid built in the U.S. and the Japanese automaker's latest salvo in its vigorous competition with Toyota (TM), whose Prius models have dominated the hybrid segment. The new Accord features "full" hybrid technology, with an electric motor and gasoline-powered engine that can drive the vehicle independently or in tandem.
Honda's "mild" hybrid technology in previous models "wasn't able to generate Prius-type fuel economy numbers," said Bill Visnic, an analyst for Edmunds.com. "I predict Honda is indeed going to chip away at the Prius with what is an extremely compelling hybrid play with the 2014 Accord Hybrid."
Honda and Toyota introduced their first hybrid models in the late 1990s. Honda's Insight mild hybrid didn't sell strongly. Toyota's full hybrid Prius, by contrast, was wildly popular and over subsequent generations and variations became one of the automaker's top sellers worldwide. U.S. automakers, especially General Motors (GM), were skeptical about hybrids; they developed their own once the success of Prius was impossible to ignore.
"Honda put in all we had," Koji Ninomiya, chief engineer for the Accord Hybrid, said to reporters. "We did our best, and we ended up at 50 mpg." The city-highway combined rating is 47 mpg, identical to the combined rating for the Ford (F) Fusion hybrid.
Honda engineers have been working on the new system for about a decade, considering all sorts of approaches and combinations of electric motors, batteries, regenerative braking, and internal combustion engines.
Honda's hybrid has two electric motors, one gas engine, and can run in three modes: electric-only; a combination of motor and gas-engine, in which the engine charges the battery that keeps an electric motor driving the wheels; and a gas-engine only mode.
The new system uses an Atkinson cycle gasoline engine, which optimizes efficiency at the expense of power by adjusting valve openings. Also in use is a regenerative braking system that sends power to a lithium-ion battery the moment the driver's foot is lifted from the accelerator -- as opposed to the typical regenerative system that starts when the brake is applied.
Due to the space occupied by the battery behind the rear seat, the Accord hybrid's trunk will offer 12.7 cubic feet of space, versus 15.8 cubic feet in the conventional model.
Starting at just under $30,000, the Accord's fancier versions will cost up to $35,000 or more, depending on optional equipment. The Prius, which is a smaller vehicle, starts at about $25,000.
Honda once dominated the automotive market when it came to fuel efficiency and steadily was supplanted by Toyota and others that made competitive strides and closed the gap. One of Toyota's marketing innovations was to come up with a unique name for its hybrid -- Prius -- while other manufacturers simply have added "hybrid" to whatever model it's powering.
The Accord's phenomenally loyal owner base is likely to pay attention to Honda's new approach to hybrid, especially if fuel prices spike. At the moment, they've moderated a bit to $3.49.9 a gallon at the end of September, from $3.62.3 a month earlier.
But the trend of gasoline prices remains upward -- a reality no one likes but one that Honda engineers have addressed forthrightly with the newest Accord.
Find your 2014 Honda Accord at Michael Hohl Honda in Carson City, near Reno NV.
Scott Dixon Beats the Heat in Houston!
Dixon Beats the Heat in Houston
Scott Dixon thrust himself back into the thick of the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series Driver’s Championship battle, and Honda claimed the lead in the fight for the Manufacturers’ Championship with a dominant performance Saturday in Houston, Texas, as Dixon took his fourth and Honda’s ninth win of the season in the first of two 90-lap races on the Reliant Center temporary street circuit.
On a very hot and humid afternoon, Dixon spent the opening third of today’s 90-lap contest stalking early leader Will Power, then claimed the lead with a quicker service by his Target Chip Ganassi Racing crew and faster “out-lap” during the first round of pit stops. Dixon and Power continued to lead the field during the middle race segment, but Dixon was able to seize a big advantage when his second stop took place just before one of seven caution flags to wave today.
On the final restart, on Lap 77, Dixon rocketed away from second-place Simona de Silvestro, opening up a lead of more than 2.5 seconds in the opening lap. Dixon continued to pull away in the closing laps, as de Silvestro became embroiled in a battle for second place with the Honda-powered cars of Justin Wilson and Simon Pagenaud. But yet another yellow, with just three laps remaining, froze the field to the checkers.
Dixon’s win is a series-high fourth of the season, and closed him to within eight points of championship leader Helio Castroneves, with two races remaining in the season.
The late-race yellow ended Wilson’s chances of finishing second, but the Dale Coyne Racing driver still posted his fourth podium finish of the season. Pagenaud also kept his championship hopes alive with a fourth-place finish for Schmidt Hamilton Racing. He goes into tomorrow’s 90-lap race third in the championship, 50 points behind Castroneves with 104 points still in play.
Takuma Sato, who started on the pole for the Houston-based A.J. Foyt Racing team, led the first seven laps before a cut tire forced an early pit stop and ended his chances at victory. After a crash in practice Friday, Josef Newgarden battled his way through the field to finish fifth for Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing, his second consecutive top-five result this season. The Rahal Letterman Lanigan duo of James Jakes and Graham Rahal finished sixth and seventh, respectively, as Honda drivers and teams claimed seven of the top eight finishing positions.
Honda Fastest Seat in Sports winner Morris Feigel from Edmond, Oklahoma, led the field prior to the green flag in the two-seat Honda IndyCar driven by two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Arie Luyendyk.For more information on how you can receive the ride of a lifetime in the Fastest Seat in Sports sweepstakes, go to www.shophonda.com.
Today’s race was the first of a double header weekend in Houston. Sunday’s 90-lap contest, the 18th and penultimate round in the 2013 season, starts at 1:30 p.m. EDT, with live television coverage on the NBC Sports Network.
- Scott Dixon
(Chip Ganassi Racing)
- Scott Dixon
(Chip Ganassi Racing)
On the final restart, on Lap 77, Dixon rocketed away from second-place Simona de Silvestro, opening up a lead of more than 2.5 seconds in the opening lap. Dixon continued to pull away in the closing laps, as de Silvestro became embroiled in a battle for second place with the Honda-powered cars of Justin Wilson and Simon Pagenaud. But yet another yellow, with just three laps remaining, froze the field to the checkers.
Dixon’s win is a series-high fourth of the season, and closed him to within eight points of championship leader Helio Castroneves, with two races remaining in the season.
The late-race yellow ended Wilson’s chances of finishing second, but the Dale Coyne Racing driver still posted his fourth podium finish of the season. Pagenaud also kept his championship hopes alive with a fourth-place finish for Schmidt Hamilton Racing. He goes into tomorrow’s 90-lap race third in the championship, 50 points behind Castroneves with 104 points still in play.
Takuma Sato, who started on the pole for the Houston-based A.J. Foyt Racing team, led the first seven laps before a cut tire forced an early pit stop and ended his chances at victory. After a crash in practice Friday, Josef Newgarden battled his way through the field to finish fifth for Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing, his second consecutive top-five result this season. The Rahal Letterman Lanigan duo of James Jakes and Graham Rahal finished sixth and seventh, respectively, as Honda drivers and teams claimed seven of the top eight finishing positions.
Honda Fastest Seat in Sports winner Morris Feigel from Edmond, Oklahoma, led the field prior to the green flag in the two-seat Honda IndyCar driven by two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Arie Luyendyk.For more information on how you can receive the ride of a lifetime in the Fastest Seat in Sports sweepstakes, go to www.shophonda.com.
Today’s race was the first of a double header weekend in Houston. Sunday’s 90-lap contest, the 18th and penultimate round in the 2013 season, starts at 1:30 p.m. EDT, with live television coverage on the NBC Sports Network.
- Scott Dixon
(Chip Ganassi Racing)
- Takuma Sato
(A.J. Foyt Racing)
- Scott Dixon (#9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda Dallara) started 3rd, finished 1st, his 4th IndyCar victory of 2013; Honda’s series-leading 9th race win of the season:
- “The car was fantastic, as you could see on the first stint [run until the first pit stop]. I struggled for a bit mid-race, but then we were able to pick it up again at the finish, just when we needed it. You know in racing, you've got to have some luck, and to be honest, today I was lucky on the restarts. We didn't get ‘collected' [hit]. But you've got to keep pushing, and that's what we did today, all the time. I pushed hard on the last restart against Marco [Andretti] and ‘TK' [Tony Kanaan]. It was an awesome job for the entire team. They've been fantastic all weekend, and I guess it's good for the championship, too!”
- Justin Wilson (#19 Boy Scouts of America Dale Coyne Racing Honda Dallara) started 14th, finished 3rd:
- “The car was great early in the race and we started to move up, but then I felt a tire going down and we had to pit a bit early. After that, I had to conserve fuel [to make the finish], but I was pushing the whole way. Hopefully, we can qualify stronger tomorrow and put ourselves in a position to win”
- Art St. Cyr (President, Honda Performance Development) on today’s race:
- "Today’s result illustrates
the total commitment by everyone at HPD to winning the 2013 IndyCar Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ championships, and we moved one giant step closer to both of those goals today. It’s gratifying to see that same commitment from the Chip Ganassi Racing organization, and all of our teams. Congratulations to Scott [Dixon] on his series-leading fourth victory this year, and to Simon [Pagenaud] for his fourth-place result, as both remain in the thick of the championship fight. Honda swept both previous double header weekends this year [Detroit and Toronto] and our goal now is to finish the sweep tomorrow.”
- Takuma Sato (A.J. Foyt Racing)
| Rank | Driver (Team) |
|---|---|
1
|
Scott Dixon (Chip Ganassi Racing)
|
2
|
Simona de Silvestro (KV Racing Technology)
|
3
|
Justin Wilson (Dale Coyne Racing)
|
4
|
Simon Pagenaud (Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports)
|
5
|
Josef Newgarden (Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing)
|
6
|
James Jakes (Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing)
|
7
|
Graham Rahal (Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing)
|
8
|
Sebastien Bourdais (Dragon Racing)
|
9
|
E.J. Viso (Andretti Autosport)
|
10
|
Luca Filippi (Barracuda Racing/Bryan Herta)
|
11
|
Charlie Kimball (Chip Ganassi Racing)
|
15
|
Dario Franchitti (Chip Ganassi Racing)
|
16
|
Mike Conway (Dale Coyne Racing)
|
17
|
Takuma Sato (A.J. Foyt Racing)
|
22
|
Tristan Vautier (Schmidt Peterson Motorsports)
|
Honda Sets All-Time Monthly Production Record for Automobile Production in USA
Honda Sets All-Time Monthly Production Record for Automobile Production in USA
September 25, 2013 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced a summary of automobile production, Japan domestic sales, and export results for the month of August 2013.
Production in Japan for the month of August 2013 experienced a year-on-year decrease for the ninth consecutive month (since December 2012).
Production in regions outside of Japan experienced a year-on-year decrease for the first time in 19 months (since January 2012).
Production in North America experienced a year-on-year increase for the second consecutive month, setting record high production for the month of August. This includes all-time monthly record for production in USA.
Worldwide production experienced a year-on-year decrease for the fourth consecutive month (since May 2013).
Honda’s automobile sales in the Japanese market for the month of August 2013 experienced a year-on-year increase for the first time in eight months (since December 2012).
New vehicle registrations experienced a year-on-year decrease for the 13th consecutive month (since August 2012).
Sales of mini-vehicles experienced a year-on-year increase for the 20th consecutive month (since January 2012).
<Vehicle registrations - excluding mini-vehicles>
Fit was the industry’s sixth best-selling car among new vehicle registrations for the month of August 2013 with sales of 6,193 units. Freed was the industry’s seventh best-selling car with sales of 5,782 units. Step WGN was the industry’s 10th best-selling car with sales of 4,384 units.
<Mini-vehicles - under 660cc>
N BOX was the industry’s top-selling car in the mini-vehicle category for the month of August 2013 with sales of 17,995 units. N-ONE was the industry’s ninth best-selling car with sales of 7,036 units.
Total exports from Japan in August 2013 experienced a year-on-year increase for the first time in 14 months (since June 2012).
Worldwide Production
| August 2013 | Year-to-Date Total (Jan. - Aug. 2013) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Units | vs.'12 | Units | vs.'12 | ||
| Japan | 62,129 | -10.6% | 479,212 | -35.7% | |
| Outside of Japan | 260,817 | -0.8% | 2,253,663 | +7.6% | |
| Worldwide Total | 322,946 | -2.8% | 2,732,875 | -3.8% | |
Production Outside of Japan
| August 2013 | Year-to-Date Total (Jan. - Aug. 2013) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Units | vs.'12 | Units | vs.'12 | ||
| North America | 161,038*1 | +8.2% | 1,202,601 | +4.6% | |
| (USA) | 121,208*2 | +12.2% | 881,355 | +6.2% | |
| Europe | 5,752 | -22.0% | 89,003 | -17.0% | |
| Asia | 79,013 | -11.7% | 853,266 | +17.3% | |
| (China) | 41,021 | -17.8% | 446,290 | -5.0% | |
| Others | 15,014 | -13.2% | 108,793 | -1.2% | |
| Overseas Total | 260,817 | -0.8% | 2,253,663 | +7.6% | |
*1 Record high for the month of August
*2 Record high for any month
*2 Record high for any month
Production in regions outside of Japan experienced a year-on-year decrease for the first time in 19 months (since January 2012).
Production in North America experienced a year-on-year increase for the second consecutive month, setting record high production for the month of August. This includes all-time monthly record for production in USA.
Worldwide production experienced a year-on-year decrease for the fourth consecutive month (since May 2013).
Sales in the Japanese Market
| Vehicle type | August 2013 | Year-to-Date Total (Jan. - Aug. 2013) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Units | vs.'12 | Units | vs.'12 | ||
| Registrations | 18,978 | -22.1% | 198,774 | -41.4% | |
| Mini-Vehicles | 28,581 | +23.9% | 274,204 | +28.3% | |
| Honda Brand Total | 47,559 | +0.2% | 472,978 | -14.5% | |
New vehicle registrations experienced a year-on-year decrease for the 13th consecutive month (since August 2012).
Sales of mini-vehicles experienced a year-on-year increase for the 20th consecutive month (since January 2012).
<Vehicle registrations - excluding mini-vehicles>
Fit was the industry’s sixth best-selling car among new vehicle registrations for the month of August 2013 with sales of 6,193 units. Freed was the industry’s seventh best-selling car with sales of 5,782 units. Step WGN was the industry’s 10th best-selling car with sales of 4,384 units.
<Mini-vehicles - under 660cc>
N BOX was the industry’s top-selling car in the mini-vehicle category for the month of August 2013 with sales of 17,995 units. N-ONE was the industry’s ninth best-selling car with sales of 7,036 units.
Exports from Japan
| August 2013 | Year-to-Date Total (Jan. - Aug. 2013) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Units | vs.'12 | Units | vs.'12 | ||
| North America | 8,247 | +4.0% | 64,286 | -37.8% | |
| (USA) | 8,183 | +4.5% | 62,966 | -37.8% | |
| Europe | 782 | +76.1% | 4,176 | -72.9% | |
| Asia | 307 | -80.7% | 5,949 | -77.7% | |
| Others | 1,693 | +105.5% | 12,542 | -55.4% | |
| Total | 11,029 | +2.2% | 86,953 | -49.9% | |
Monday, September 30, 2013
About Michael Hohl Honda in Carson City, near Reno NV. Your Northern Nevada Honda Dealer.
About Michael Hohl Honda
Michael Hohl Honda has proudly been serving the Northern Nevada area since 1984. We are a family owned, third generation dealership. We carry a complete lineup of Honda vehicles and services for our customers in the Reno, South Lake Tahoe, Sparks, Fallon, Fernley, and Carson City, Nevada area. Our lot has a large inventory of all-new Honda cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as a wide selection of quality pre-owned Hondas for sale or lease. We have the all-new Honda Accord, CR-V, CR-Z, Civic, Civic Hybrid, Crosstour, Fit, Odyssey, Pilot, and Ridgeline. We invite you to browse our entire inventory online, or contact us to schedule a test drive or to learn more about any of our vehicles. Our sales staff has many years of experience and will offer you friendly and courteous customer service. Their goal is to give you a positive and unique shopping experience.Michael Hohl Honda also offers our customers exceptional Honda repair and maintenance in our Service Department. With our Factory Trained and Certified Technicians we can help you keep your Honda running in top condition for years to come. Our Parts Department also carries a wide selection of Genuine Honda Parts and Accessories to help enhance the performance and styling of your Honda. Our friendly Parts Specialists will be happy to help you find just the right part for your specific Honda vehicle. And if you're in need of a new Honda car loan or lease, our financial experts work to offer you the best rates for you and your family.
We encourage you to visit our dealership located at 2800 S. Carson St., Carson City, NV 89701 and experience our great customer service for yourself. It is our goal to make your experience at our dealership a memorable and simple one and we will always offer you our services in an honest and straight forward manner. We look forward to your visit at Michael Hohl Honda today!
http://www.michaelhohlhonda.com/about-michael-hohl-honda.htm
Honda Releases "3D-View"
Honda Releases "3D-View," Interactive Web Content Using CG to Reproduce Ayrton Senna's Fastest Lap at Suzuka Circuit
TOKYO, Japan, September 27, 2013 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today released the 3D-View, new interactive web content that enables users to experience the engine sound and driving trajectory reproduced into 3-dimensional computer graphics (CG) based on data recorded of Ayrton Senna driving the McLaren-Honda MP4/5 in the FIA*1 Formula One (F1) World Championship at Suzuka Circuit in 1989. Honda developed this content as part of the "dots"*2 project through which Honda studies how people enjoy relationships with automobiles, and the content was posted within the "dots lab by internavi" section of the Internavi website. (URL: http://www.honda.co.jp/internavi-dots/dots-lab/senna1989/)
The 3D-View reproduces the engine sound based on the analysis of actual data, including accelerator control, engine speed and vehicle speed, that was recorded when Ayrton Senna marked a then lap record at Suzuka Circuit during qualifying for the 1989 F1 Japan Grand Prix. Moreover, data of his driving trajectory was given new life through 3-dimensional CG expressive technologies, enabling users to enjoy it while changing from various points of view.
The 3D-View was created as part of Honda's "Ayrton Senna 1989" project*3, through which Honda has already released a movie titled "Ayrton Senna 1989" that reproduces Senna's then fastest lap at Suzuka Circuit using sound and light, as well as an iPhone*4 app called "Sound of Honda" that enables users to enjoy driving with the sound of the McLaren-Honda MP4/5 by synchronizing it with their own car.
- Image of the 3D-View
- Image of the 3D-View
The 3D-View was created as part of Honda's "Ayrton Senna 1989" project*3, through which Honda has already released a movie titled "Ayrton Senna 1989" that reproduces Senna's then fastest lap at Suzuka Circuit using sound and light, as well as an iPhone*4 app called "Sound of Honda" that enables users to enjoy driving with the sound of the McLaren-Honda MP4/5 by synchronizing it with their own car.
- *1
- FIA is an abbreviation for the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile.
- *2
- The "dots" stands for "design our transportation story." Through the dots project, Honda strives to provide useful services to more users by combining information collected through the Honda Internavi system and various real-time information made available in society.
- *3
- Honda's project to create new experiences through precise reproduction of driving data recorded during the qualifying for the 1989 F1 Japan Grand Prix when Ayrton Senna marked the lap record of Suzuka Circuit at that time.
- *4
- iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Honda Compact SUV Concept Model "URBAN SUV CONCEPT"
All-New Honda Compact SUV Concept Model "URBAN SUV CONCEPT," Makes World Debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show
DETROIT, Michigan, U.S.A., January 14, 2013 - Honda today exhibited the world premiere of an all-new compact SUV concept model, the "URBAN SUV CONCEPT," at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan (Press days: January 14-15 / Public days: January 19-27).
The URBAN SUV CONCEPT is a concept vehicle for a global model. This model features sporty and dynamic design unique to an SUV, while also offering a spacious cabin realized by the Honda-original center-tank layout with high functionality. The exterior design was developed featuring the sharp and sporty character lines of a coupe while maintaining the dynamism of a crossover model to express an emotional and sensual design.
The all-new compact SUV model based on this concept will go on sale in Japan by the end of 2013, followed by sequential introductions in other countries around the world. In North America, Honda plans to begin production of the compact SUV at the new plant in Mexico, which will become operational in spring 2014, and begin sales in the U.S. before the end of 2014.
Featuring Earth Dreams Technology, Honda's next generation powertrain series that greatly enhances both driving performance and fuel efficiency at a high level, the all-new compact SUV will be available with three types of powertrains - gasoline, hybrid and diesel - evolving a product lineup which accommodates the unique characteristics of each region on a global basis.
Honda plans to sell more than 1.5 million units annually of the three "Global Compact Series" models, namely the Fit, the City and the all-new compact SUV, which utilize the Honda-original center-tank layout, by the end of 2016. Starting with the Global Compact Series, Honda will pursue a transformation of its global operations to promptly respond to the needs of customers around the world and evolve models with the best specifications for each region at affordable prices.
- URBAN SUV CONCEPT
The all-new compact SUV model based on this concept will go on sale in Japan by the end of 2013, followed by sequential introductions in other countries around the world. In North America, Honda plans to begin production of the compact SUV at the new plant in Mexico, which will become operational in spring 2014, and begin sales in the U.S. before the end of 2014.
Featuring Earth Dreams Technology, Honda's next generation powertrain series that greatly enhances both driving performance and fuel efficiency at a high level, the all-new compact SUV will be available with three types of powertrains - gasoline, hybrid and diesel - evolving a product lineup which accommodates the unique characteristics of each region on a global basis.
Honda plans to sell more than 1.5 million units annually of the three "Global Compact Series" models, namely the Fit, the City and the all-new compact SUV, which utilize the Honda-original center-tank layout, by the end of 2016. Starting with the Global Compact Series, Honda will pursue a transformation of its global operations to promptly respond to the needs of customers around the world and evolve models with the best specifications for each region at affordable prices.
Honda Exhibits World Premiere of the "Concept M"
Honda Exhibits World Premiere of the "Concept M" a New-Value MPV Concept Model at Auto Shanghai 2013
SHANGHAI, China, April 20, 2013 - Honda today exhibited the world premiere of the Concept M, a concept model of a mass-production vehicle to go on sale next year, at Auto Shanghai 2013 (the 15th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, press day: April 20, public days: April 23 - 29).
The Concept M is a concept vehicle for the MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) segment developed mainly for Chinese market. Currently, commercial vehicles account for the majority of the MPV market in China. To such an MPV market, Honda will introduce 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 space made possible by Honda's packaging technologies, and the fun of driving. The Concept M was designed by the design studio at the Automobile R&D Center of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in Japan. Honda is making progress in the development of a mass-production vehicle based on this concept model aiming for market introduction next year.
Honda introduced the CRIDER, a mass-production vehicle based on the Concept C (a concept model for a middle-class sedan developed for the Chinese market), which was introduced at the Beijing Motor Show last year. Developed under a design concept based on an image of a dragon, the CRIDER features top-class vehicle size*, an energetic exterior design and dynamic performance that exceeds other vehicles in its class. The CRIDER is a middle-class sedan developed for Chinese customers mainly by Honda's Chinese associates.
The CRIDER is scheduled to go on sale from Guangqi Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. in June of this year.
Honda introduced the JADE, a mass-production vehicle based on the Concept S (a global concept model for a new-value passenger mover developed primarily for the Chinese market to go on sale first in China), which was also introduced at the Beijing Motor Show last year. Featuring an innovative design developed based on an image of jade stone with a beautiful exterior look and noble sense of quality within, the JADE will satisfy diverse customer needs from everyday use to holiday driving. The JADE was designed to match the tastes of Chinese customers born in 1980s who are energetic and known for pursuing their dreams.
The JADE is scheduled to go on sale from Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. in September of this year.
Honda announced a minor model change of Li Nian S1, an original brand vehicle of Guangqi Honda. The Li Nian S1 has been well received by a large number of Chinese customers ever since its market introduction in April 2011 as the first mass-production model of Li Nian (Everus), the first original brand of an automobile joint venture company in China. Featuring renewed exterior and interior designs and Honda's advanced technologies, the new Li Nian S1 will go on sale in May of this year. Guangqi Honda will strive to further increase sales of this vehicle by focusing more on customers in inland areas of China.
"Honda will continue proposing automobiles that offer new value to our customers in China. At the same time, Honda, Guangqi Honda and Dongfeng Honda will work closely together to further localize the development, procurement and production of Honda products in China. Honda's role in the continuously growing Chinese automobile market is represented by our brand slogan, '
.' We believe that our role is to initiate actions to create new things and carve out a new and fun future together with our customers."
Introducing the "Concept M" new-value MPV concept model
The Concept M is a concept vehicle for the MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) segment developed mainly for Chinese market. Currently, commercial vehicles account for the majority of the MPV market in China. To such an MPV market, Honda will introduce 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 space made possible by Honda's packaging technologies, and the fun of driving. The Concept M was designed by the design studio at the Automobile R&D Center of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in Japan. Honda is making progress in the development of a mass-production vehicle based on this concept model aiming for market introduction next year.
- Concept M
Introducing a new model "CRIDER" (Chinese name: 
)
Honda introduced the CRIDER, a mass-production vehicle based on the Concept C (a concept model for a middle-class sedan developed for the Chinese market), which was introduced at the Beijing Motor Show last year. Developed under a design concept based on an image of a dragon, the CRIDER features top-class vehicle size*, an energetic exterior design and dynamic performance that exceeds other vehicles in its class. The CRIDER is a middle-class sedan developed for Chinese customers mainly by Honda's Chinese associates.The CRIDER is scheduled to go on sale from Guangqi Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. in June of this year.
- *
- Based on the Honda internal research (as of April 2013)
- CRIDER
Introducing a new model "JADE" (Chinese name: 
)
Honda introduced the JADE, a mass-production vehicle based on the Concept S (a global concept model for a new-value passenger mover developed primarily for the Chinese market to go on sale first in China), which was also introduced at the Beijing Motor Show last year. Featuring an innovative design developed based on an image of jade stone with a beautiful exterior look and noble sense of quality within, the JADE will satisfy diverse customer needs from everyday use to holiday driving. The JADE was designed to match the tastes of Chinese customers born in 1980s who are energetic and known for pursuing their dreams.The JADE is scheduled to go on sale from Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. in September of this year.
- JADE
Announcing new "Li Nian S1", original brand vehicle in China
Honda announced a minor model change of Li Nian S1, an original brand vehicle of Guangqi Honda. The Li Nian S1 has been well received by a large number of Chinese customers ever since its market introduction in April 2011 as the first mass-production model of Li Nian (Everus), the first original brand of an automobile joint venture company in China. Featuring renewed exterior and interior designs and Honda's advanced technologies, the new Li Nian S1 will go on sale in May of this year. Guangqi Honda will strive to further increase sales of this vehicle by focusing more on customers in inland areas of China.
Comment by Seiji Kuraishi, president of Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd.
"Honda will continue proposing automobiles that offer new value to our customers in China. At the same time, Honda, Guangqi Honda and Dongfeng Honda will work closely together to further localize the development, procurement and production of Honda products in China. Honda's role in the continuously growing Chinese automobile market is represented by our brand slogan, '.' We believe that our role is to initiate actions to create new things and carve out a new and fun future together with our customers."Honda to Become First Automaker in Brazil to Undertake Wind Power Generation
Honda to Become First Automaker in Brazil to Undertake Wind Power Generation -Generating Renewable Energy to Cover Entire Electricity Needs for Local Automobile Production-
SÃO PAULO, Brazil, April 25, 2013 - Honda Automoveis do Brasil Ltda. (HAB), the Honda automobile production and sales subsidiary in Brazil, today announced plans to invest in wind power generation to be more proactive in using renewable energy to minimize the environmental footprint of its business activities. HAB will be the first automobile manufacturer in Brazil to invest in wind power generation.
With a goal to begin the operation in September 2014, Honda will build a wind farm in the city of Xangri-lá in Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state in Brazil (approximately 1,000 km south of HAB's automobile production plant in Sumaré, São Paulo). Equipped with nine wind power turbine units, the wind farm is expected to generate approximately 85,000 MWh of electricity per year, equivalent to HAB's annual electricity needs for automobile production. By generating renewable energy to cover the entire electricity needs of the plant, HAB is expecting to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately more than 2,200 t annually. The total investment in this wind farm is expected to be approximately 100 million Brazilian reais (approximately 4.6 billion yen*).
In order to evolve wind power generation business in Brazil, HAB established a new subsidiary, Honda Energy do Brasil Ltda., specialized in wind power generation business. Honda Energy do Brasil Ltda. will be responsible for the management and operation of all areas related to Honda's wind power generation business in Brazil.
Honda has set a target to reduce CO2 emissions from its global products by 30 percent by the end of 2020 compared to year 2000 levels. Striving to attain this goal, Honda has been strengthening its initiatives on a global basis to reduce CO2 emissions from all business activities, including production and the supply chain.
With a goal to begin the operation in September 2014, Honda will build a wind farm in the city of Xangri-lá in Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state in Brazil (approximately 1,000 km south of HAB's automobile production plant in Sumaré, São Paulo). Equipped with nine wind power turbine units, the wind farm is expected to generate approximately 85,000 MWh of electricity per year, equivalent to HAB's annual electricity needs for automobile production. By generating renewable energy to cover the entire electricity needs of the plant, HAB is expecting to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately more than 2,200 t annually. The total investment in this wind farm is expected to be approximately 100 million Brazilian reais (approximately 4.6 billion yen*).
In order to evolve wind power generation business in Brazil, HAB established a new subsidiary, Honda Energy do Brasil Ltda., specialized in wind power generation business. Honda Energy do Brasil Ltda. will be responsible for the management and operation of all areas related to Honda's wind power generation business in Brazil.
About Honda Energy do Brasil Ltda.
| Establishment: | March 21, 2013 |
| Capital Investment: | 1,000 reais (approximately 46,000 yen*) |
| Capitalization Ratio: | 99.99% Honda Automoveis do Brasil Ltda. 0.01% Others |
| Representative: | Carlos Eigi, President |
| Number of wind turbines: | 9 units (1 unit: maximum output of 3MW) |
| Generation capacity: | Maximum output of 27MW (9 units total) |
Comment by Carlos Eigi, president of Honda Energy do Brasil Ltda.
"Ever since Honda began local production in Brazil in 1976, Honda has been cooperating with the local community and striving to minimize the environmental footprint of our production activities. Wind power generation has proven to be very effective in reducing CO2 emissions. Through the utilization of renewable energy, Honda will continue to be proactive in pursuing environmental conservation activities in Brazil."Honda has set a target to reduce CO2 emissions from its global products by 30 percent by the end of 2020 compared to year 2000 levels. Striving to attain this goal, Honda has been strengthening its initiatives on a global basis to reduce CO2 emissions from all business activities, including production and the supply chain.
- *
- Calculated based on the exchange rate of 1 Brazilian real = 46 yen
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Honda to Build New 2014 Accord Hybrid in U.S.
Honda to Build New 2014 Accord Hybrid in U.S.
Auto Plant in Marysville Will Expand, Add 50 Jobs
MARYSVILLE, Ohio, U.S.A., January 10, 2013 - Honda of America Mfg., Inc. announced today that it will invest $23 million and hire approximately 50 new associates at its Marysville, Ohio auto plant to add production of the new two-motor Accord Hybrid Sedan, scheduled to go on sale nationwide this fall.
In another step toward bringing hybrid production to the U.S., this will be the third hybrid model built by Honda in America*1 and the first in Ohio. Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC in Greensburg, Ind. was the first Honda plant in North America to build a hybrid vehicle, and currently produces both the Civic Hybrid and Acura ILX Hybrid models.
The Marysville Auto Plant is undergoing an expansion of 95,000-square-feet to house assembly processes and logistics specifically for production of the Accord Hybrid. The project includes lengthening the main assembly line to accommodate the unique hybrid production processes, and adding space for related parts receiving and sub-assembly operations. The project also will increase overall efficiency of the plant's parts logistics operations.
"With more than 30 years of continuously building eight generations of the Honda Accord close to our customers, our team now is using its experience and flexibility to add this sophisticated Accord Hybrid model," said Jeff Tomko, plant manager of the Marysville Auto Plant. "At the same time, we are continuing with our commitment to manufacture new models in Ohio, along with the resulting growth in jobs."
One of four efficient powertrains for the Accord lineup, the new Accord Hybrid Sedan joins the 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid Sedan in incorporating Honda's first two-motor hybrid system. Both the Accord Plug-In and Accord Hybrid team a new Earth Dreams™ Technology 2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine with a powerful 124-kilowatt (KW) traction electric motor that can function as an electric continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) and a 105-KW electric motor for power generation.
All of the conventional, gasoline-powered 2013 Accords now on sale in the United States are equipped with a new Earth Dreams Technology powertrain, either a direct-injected 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V6 engine equipped with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). Manufactured at Honda's automobile engine plant in Anna, Ohio, both of these new and efficient engines were named to Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 2013.
In the last three years, Honda has announced investments at its Ohio manufacturing facilities exceeding $800 million. They include projects to establish on-site parts consolidation centers, renovate auto assembly and painting operations, and major investments at the Anna Engine Plant, as well as its transmission plant in Russells Point, to manufacture continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).
Recently, the transmission plant started a second phase of projects to expand CVT production. This new investment of $90 million includes an additional assembly line, and new aluminum die casting and machining operations. Investments at that the transmission plant in recent years now total $235 million.
In addition to manufacturing, Ohio is the center for vehicle engineering in North America. At its expansive R&D center in Raymond, Ohio, Honda's largest R&D center outside Japan, more than 1,300 associates are engaged in "complete product creation" of all-new products for Honda and Acura customers.
Among all its operations, Honda employs more than 13,500 Ohioans.
In another step toward bringing hybrid production to the U.S., this will be the third hybrid model built by Honda in America*1 and the first in Ohio. Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC in Greensburg, Ind. was the first Honda plant in North America to build a hybrid vehicle, and currently produces both the Civic Hybrid and Acura ILX Hybrid models.
The Marysville Auto Plant is undergoing an expansion of 95,000-square-feet to house assembly processes and logistics specifically for production of the Accord Hybrid. The project includes lengthening the main assembly line to accommodate the unique hybrid production processes, and adding space for related parts receiving and sub-assembly operations. The project also will increase overall efficiency of the plant's parts logistics operations.
"With more than 30 years of continuously building eight generations of the Honda Accord close to our customers, our team now is using its experience and flexibility to add this sophisticated Accord Hybrid model," said Jeff Tomko, plant manager of the Marysville Auto Plant. "At the same time, we are continuing with our commitment to manufacture new models in Ohio, along with the resulting growth in jobs."
One of four efficient powertrains for the Accord lineup, the new Accord Hybrid Sedan joins the 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid Sedan in incorporating Honda's first two-motor hybrid system. Both the Accord Plug-In and Accord Hybrid team a new Earth Dreams™ Technology 2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine with a powerful 124-kilowatt (KW) traction electric motor that can function as an electric continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) and a 105-KW electric motor for power generation.
All of the conventional, gasoline-powered 2013 Accords now on sale in the United States are equipped with a new Earth Dreams Technology powertrain, either a direct-injected 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V6 engine equipped with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). Manufactured at Honda's automobile engine plant in Anna, Ohio, both of these new and efficient engines were named to Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 2013.
In the last three years, Honda has announced investments at its Ohio manufacturing facilities exceeding $800 million. They include projects to establish on-site parts consolidation centers, renovate auto assembly and painting operations, and major investments at the Anna Engine Plant, as well as its transmission plant in Russells Point, to manufacture continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).
Recently, the transmission plant started a second phase of projects to expand CVT production. This new investment of $90 million includes an additional assembly line, and new aluminum die casting and machining operations. Investments at that the transmission plant in recent years now total $235 million.
Honda in Ohio
Honda operates four manufacturing plants in Ohio, including auto plants in Marysville and East Liberty with the capacity to manufacture nearly 700,000 cars and light trucks per year. Its engine plant in Anna supplies engines and components to most of Honda's auto plants in North America, with production exceeding a million engines per year. And the transmission plant in Russells Point manufactures more than one million automatic transmissions per year, including the CVTs, for Honda's North American auto plants.In addition to manufacturing, Ohio is the center for vehicle engineering in North America. At its expansive R&D center in Raymond, Ohio, Honda's largest R&D center outside Japan, more than 1,300 associates are engaged in "complete product creation" of all-new products for Honda and Acura customers.
Among all its operations, Honda employs more than 13,500 Ohioans.
- *Honda vehicles and components built in America use domestic and globally sourced parts.
- +Michael Hohl Honda
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