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Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Honda could halve its US lineup without crimping its sales much [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/honda-could-halve-its-us-lineup-without-crimping-its-sales-much/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/honda-could-halve-its-us-lineup-without-crimping-its-sales-much/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/honda-could-halve-its-us-lineup-without-crimping-its-sales-much/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Honda

Taking a detailed look at the Honda lineup in the US, it isn't hard to see the strength of some models and the weaknesses of others. A recent report on Autoline Daily points out that its five core models - the Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot - make up a full 93 percent of Honda's sales in the US. Through April, Honda has sold 419,798 vehicles, and 389,474 of them were from these core models; not to mention the fact that the Accord was the top-selling car in the US last month.

This means that Honda could technically cut six of its 11 models and only lose about 5,000 sales per month. Of course, this is just some data crunching and there is no reason to believe that Honda is planning to kill off any of its models in the near future. In fact, it seems to be committed to the Ridgeline, while Japanese-made models that may actually lose money for Honda still fill unique voids. Scroll down for the video report - fast-forward to the 1:43 mark for the Honda info.

Continue reading Honda could halve its US lineup without crimping its sales much [w/video]

Honda could halve its US lineup without crimping its sales much [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 May 2013 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hondahonda accordhonda civichonda cr-vhonda cr-zhonda crosstourhonda fcx clarityhonda fithonda insighthonda odysseyhonda pilothonda ridgelinehonda salesSat, 18 May 2013 15:13:00 EST

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20574189 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/hondacrz2011---01opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/hondacrz2011---01opt.jpg <![CDATA[Honda returning to F1 as McLaren partner]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/honda-returning-to-f1-as-mclaren-partner/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/honda-returning-to-f1-as-mclaren-partner/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/honda-returning-to-f1-as-mclaren-partner/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Honda, McLaren

Honda and McLaren announce new F1 efforts by showing three race cars throughout history

McLaren Honda team formation - executives shaking hands

Honda must really love Formula One racing, as evidenced by today's announcement that the Japanese automaker is returning to the world's most popular motorsport for the fifth time in its history. Honda has entered into a team partnership with McLaren to develop and manufacture power systems - the engine and energy recovery system - for the 2015 F1 season. McLaren will be in charge of chassis development and running the day-to-day operations of this newly formed team, which will be called McLaren Honda.

Honda says its decision to reenter F1 racing had to do with new regulations for the 2014 season that require cars to be powered by a 1.6-liter direct-injection turbocharged V6 engine paired with an energy recovery system. Apparently the chance to develop this particular powertrain for F1 racing was too enticing for Honda to pass up, which suggests it has bigger plans for the knowledge learned while developing these systems beyond just winning races.

As mentioned, this is Honda's fifth foray into F1 racing, the first being back in 1964 when it participated as its own team through 1968. Its longest stint came from 1983-1992 as an engine supplier, during which time it partnered with many teams, including McLaren, and won six Constructor Championships. Honda then returned from 2000-2005 as an engine supplier for British American Racing (BAR) before buying that team outright and running it as Honda Racing from 2006-2008. Then the global economic crisis hit. Honda's return to the sport will surely be welcomed by fans as its partnership with McLaren should produce a formidable team. It's a strong signal that the company has returned to health after a few tumultuous years, and hopefully its rediscovered motorsports mojo will help yield more passionately engineered street cars.

Continue reading Honda returning to F1 as McLaren partner

Honda returning to F1 as McLaren partner originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1formula onehondahonda engine suppliermclarenmclaren hondaThu, 16 May 2013 09:57:00 EST

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20571998 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mclaren-honda-announcement-03-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mclaren-honda-announcement-03-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Honda Grom motorcycle is a 125cc-shot of awesome [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2014-honda-grom-motorcycle-is-a-125cc-shot-of-awesome-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2014-honda-grom-motorcycle-is-a-125cc-shot-of-awesome-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2014-honda-grom-motorcycle-is-a-125cc-shot-of-awesome-w-video/#commentsFiled under: Budget, Videos, Honda, Motorcycle

My very first turn at the handlebars of a motorcycle came courtesy of an MSF Honda CB125. Despite the fact that it wore a very stern sticker on the tank warning all who rode that it was for instructional purposes only and not for legal sale, I wanted nothing more than to ride it past the cones of my license test and straight home. There was just something about the lightweight, low-power machine that just felt right. Now Honda is giving American buyers the chance to take home something similar. Meet the Grom. Yes, it's basically a sexed-up scooter, but that's fine by me.

There's a fuel-injected 125cc single pushing the fat-tired bike around, and a four-speed gearbox handles shifting duty.The smallish 12-inch wheels give the Grom a bit of a goofball appearance, but the handsome bodywork and gold forks help offset the look. Something tells me this joker is more fun than should be legal. Check out a fun video of the bike in action by scrolling down, and while you're there, you'll find a full press release on all of the new Honda powersports models, including the Grom. You can also head over to the Honda consumer site for more information. The bike will land in showrooms this August with an MSRP of $2,999.

Continue reading 2014 Honda Grom motorcycle is a 125cc-shot of awesome [w/video]

2014 Honda Grom motorcycle is a 125cc-shot of awesome [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>125cc2014 honda gromhondahonda gromhonda grom 125hondagrom125motorcyclevideoWed, 15 May 2013 18:29:00 EST

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20568567 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-honda-grom-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-honda-grom-628.jpg <![CDATA[Acura NSX to be built in Ohio in 2015]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/acura-nsx-built-ohio/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/acura-nsx-built-ohio/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/acura-nsx-built-ohio/#commentsFiled under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Acura

Acura NSX Concept - live at Detroit Auto Show

Honda today confirmed that the forthcoming Acura NSX hybrid supercar will be built at a brand-new facility in Ohio. This will be the company's third plant in Ohio, and will come as the result of a $70 million investment. Honda first hinted that NSX production would be coming to Ohio when the original concept car was revealed at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

Honda's new facility, called the Performance Manufacturing Center, will encompass a 184,000-square foot space inside of the automaker's former North American Logistics building and will employ 100 associates. As you might expect, the Performance Manufacturing Center is located just a few miles from Honda's American-based R&D facility, as well as the Marysville auto plant, where production of the 2014 Accord Hybrid will kick off this fall.

"The location of this facility is in the midst of one of the greatest collections of engineering and production talent in the world. So it makes sense that we will renew the dream and build this high-tech, supercar in Marysville, Ohio," said Hidenobu Iwata, president and CEO of Honda of America, in a press release.

Production of the Acura NSX will begin sometime in 2015. We have already seen the hybrid hero several times in conceptual form, with the latest reveal at this year's Detroit Auto Show giving us a glimpse at the car's interior.

Scroll down for the full details in Honda's press release.

Continue reading Acura NSX to be built in Ohio in 2015

Acura NSX to be built in Ohio in 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015 acura nsx2016 acura nsxacuraacura nsxhondahonda performance manufacturing centerohioTue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 EST

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20567995 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-acura-nsx-concept-detroit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-acura-nsx-concept-detroit.jpg <![CDATA[Scion FR-S pitted against oldtimers RX-8 and S2000]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/scion-fr-s-pitted-against-mazda-rx-8-honda-s2000/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/scion-fr-s-pitted-against-mazda-rx-8-honda-s2000/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/scion-fr-s-pitted-against-mazda-rx-8-honda-s2000/#commentsFiled under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Honda, Mazda, Scion

Scion FR-S vs Mazda RX-8 vs Honda S2000

There are very few vehicles available today that compare directly with the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ twins. A case could be made for the Mazda MX-5 Miata, and possibly even six-cylinder versions of American coupes like the Ford Mustang. Pretty much everything else is either too expensive or is powered by the wrong set of wheels.

The boys from EverydayDriver on YouTube decided the only fair way to judge the inherent qualities of the Toyobaru twins was to pit them against two standard-bearers of years past: The Honda S2000 and Mazda RX-8. Neither of these cars is an exact matchup, with the Honda boasting a convertible top and the RX-8 offering more practicality via a rear seat and two reverse-opening doors for easier access. What they do offer, however, are similar performance stats and proven reputations for excellent handling.

None of this talk answers the real question, though: Which one wins the comparison test? Scroll down to watch the video, and be prepared for something of a surprise conclusion.

Continue reading Scion FR-S pitted against oldtimers RX-8 and S2000

Scion FR-S pitted against oldtimers RX-8 and S2000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-shondahonda s2000mazdamazda rx-8scionscion fr-svideoTue, 07 May 2013 19:59:00 EST

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20559441 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/frs-rx8-s2000_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/frs-rx8-s2000.png <![CDATA[Honda invests $470 million for new transmission plant in Mexico]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/honda-invests-470-million-for-new-transmission-plant-in-mexico/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/honda-invests-470-million-for-new-transmission-plant-in-mexico/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/honda-invests-470-million-for-new-transmission-plant-in-mexico/#commentsFiled under: Plants/Manufacturing, Honda

Honda has announced that it has made an initial investment of $470 million to build a brand new transmission plant in Celaya, Mexico. For those keeping track, this is the same city that will also house Honda's new automobile manufacturing facility, which will begin production of the Fit compact beginning in the spring of 2014.

This new transmission plant is expected to come online in the second half of 2015, with an annual production capacity of 350,000 units, though that number is expected to double in the years following the plant's opening. With a 700,000-unit production capacity, Honda says a full 1,500 new associates will be hired at the Mexican plant.

Honda will specifically use this new transmission plant for the production of CVTs for automobiles built in Mexico, as well as for cars produced in facilities around the world. It stands to reason, then, that since the next-generation Honda Fit will be built right around the corner from these new CVTs, the small hatchback - which is expected to grow into a full family of vehicles - could be fitted with continuously variable units in the future.

Scroll down for Honda's full press release.

Continue reading Honda invests $470 million for new transmission plant in Mexico

Honda invests $470 million for new transmission plant in Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceyalacontinuously variable transmissioncvthondamexicotransmission plantFri, 03 May 2013 18:29:00 EST

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20557405 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/11-2013-honda-civic-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/11-2013-honda-civic-review.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Honda Fit Sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/2013-honda-fit-sport-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/2013-honda-fit-sport-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/2013-honda-fit-sport-review/#commentsFiled under: Budget, Hatchback, Honda, New Car Reviews

Revisiting The Runabout Of Record

2013 Honda Fit Sport

The current Honda Fit has been around the block a few times. The subcompact hatch has soldiered on without significant revision since its first update for US customers in 2009, and while Honda is on the verge of launching a third generation, we thought we'd take the time to see how the runabout stacks up against the new wave of small, efficient and plucky five-doors now on the American market. Those include old standbys like the Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris, as well as relative newcomers like the Chevrolet Sonic and Ford Fiesta.

Those machines may have all covered ground on the Fit, but Honda's wee machine holds a pleasant surprise for those buyers still willing to give the car the time of day. While the rest of the Japanese automaker's lineup has succumbed to dreaded model bloat, the Fit has remained true to the spirit of Honda that we remember from our vagabond youths. This may very well still be the closest genetic ancestor to the Civic models of old.

Outside, the Fit Sport continues to wear its "I'm the meanest June Bug" looks with pride. The oversized, wedge-shaped headlamps and aggressive lower fascia help lend the design plenty of attitude up front, and our tester's 16-inch alloy wheels keep this Honda from looking like it was the cheapest thing on the lot. Still, with a massive windscreen, tall greenhouse and short wheelbase, the Fit Sport can't help but look over-inflated, but that's a criticism we could levy at nearly every other product in this segment as well.

Continue reading 2013 Honda Fit Sport

2013 Honda Fit Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 honda fitfeaturedhondahonda fitreviewreviewsMon, 29 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST

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20550916 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-honda-fit-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-honda-fit-review.jpg <![CDATA[Honda recalls 2012-13 Fit Sport models over stability control issue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/honda-recalls-2012-13-fit-sport-models-over-stability-control-is/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/honda-recalls-2012-13-fit-sport-models-over-stability-control-is/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/honda-recalls-2012-13-fit-sport-models-over-stability-control-is/#commentsFiled under: Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Honda, Canada

Honda is recalling 43,782 examples of the 2012 and 2013 Fit Sport in the US and close to 2,000 more in Canada. During federal compliance testing it was discovered that the software for the Vehicle Stability Assist allows an excessive tilt angle before applying the brakes to prevent a crash. The issue only affects Fit Sports equipped with a certain kind of tire.

Honda will notify owners in mid-May, at which time owners can take their cars to dealers to have the stability control software updated free of charge. There's a press release from Honda below with more details.

Continue reading Honda recalls 2012-13 Fit Sport models over stability control issue

Honda recalls 2012-13 Fit Sport models over stability control issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hondahonda fithonda fit recallhonda fit sportNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsarecallstability controlMon, 29 Apr 2013 08:44:00 EST

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20550795 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2012-honda-fit-sport_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2012-honda-fit-sport.jpg <![CDATA[Honda signs on as Pikes Peak sponsor, race participant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/honda-signs-on-as-pikes-peak-sponsor-race-participant/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/honda-signs-on-as-pikes-peak-sponsor-race-participant/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/honda-signs-on-as-pikes-peak-sponsor-race-participant/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Coupe, Sedan, Hatchback, Acura, Honda, Motorcycle, Racing

Honda plans to storm the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 30, entering ten cars in nine classes at the race to the sky, and signing on as a corporate sponsor. Part of the company's return to grassroots racing - if that's what you can call factory-backed efforts - the banners of Honda R&D and Honda North America will fly on these entries: a first-gen Acura NSX, an Acura TL SH-AWD, Honda CR-Z, Honda Fit EV, one CRF450R and two CRF250R motorcycles, a CBR1000RR motorcycle and a TRX450 ATV.

One more entry, details of which are to be announced later, will be driven by IndyCar pilot Simon Pagenaud of Schmidt Hamilton HP Motorsports. LoveFab (pictured above during practice last year) will be there with its new, NSX-based Enviate, but as a privateer entry.

Honda's been to the mountain before, with high-powered gear in 2012 and record-setting EVs in 1994 and 1999, but it's never made noise like this. Have a read of the press release below for more info.

Continue reading Honda signs on as Pikes Peak sponsor, race participant

Honda signs on as Pikes Peak sponsor, race participant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura nsxacura tlcbr1000rrcrf250rcrf450rhondahonda cr-zhonda fit evpikes peakPikes Peak International Hill ClimbSat, 27 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST

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20548784 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/honda-pikes-peak-sponsor_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/honda-pikes-peak-sponsor.jpg <![CDATA[Honda boss says Chinese drivers don't want green cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/honda-boss-says-chinese-drivers-dont-want-green-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/honda-boss-says-chinese-drivers-dont-want-green-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/honda-boss-says-chinese-drivers-dont-want-green-cars/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Hybrid, China, Honda, Shanghai Motor Show

Honda Concept M minivan for 2013 Shanghai Motor Show

According to The Wall Street Journal, Honda CEO Takanobu Ito believes that China's nascent car-buying demographic isn't all that interested in hybrid cars - at least not yet. The emissions story doesn't resonate with them, and certainly not for the higher purchase premium such models usually carry. What they really want, Ito believes, is reliable, affordable cars that fit their needs. When it comes to Honda sales, the numbers would appear to jibe with his thoughts: Honda sold 598,577 vehicles in China last year through its two joint ventures, yet just 542 of them were hybrids - not even a tenth of a percent. However, Toyota sold 840,500 cars in China last year, and two percent of that total, 17,300 units, were hybrids, which is closer to the still-piddling three-percent ratio of sales that Toyota posted in the US last year.

Honda offers the Insight, Fit Hybrid and CR-Z in China and plans to make components for its Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system there from next year, the hope being it will reduce the cost of hybrid cars for local buyers. That was one part of the plan Honda laid out last year to popularize its IMA system in China. Other initiatives include the introduction of a new hybrid system for mid-sized and large vehicles and a plug-in hybrid. Among the four new vehicles Honda showed during this weekend's press day for the Shanghai Motor Show (including the Concept M minivan pictured above) there was not a single hybrid among them.

Honda boss says Chinese drivers don't want green cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachina hybridshondahonda hybridhybridtakanobu itoWed, 24 Apr 2013 10:16:00 EST

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20547653 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/honda-concept-m_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/honda-concept-m.jpg <![CDATA[Honda concept dials M for minivan [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/honda-concept-m-shanghai-2013-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/honda-concept-m-shanghai-2013-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/honda-concept-m-shanghai-2013-video/#commentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, China, Honda, Shanghai Motor Show

Honda Concept M

Yes, it looks a bit, uh, toothy, but what you see here is a concept that previews a brand new small MPV specifically designed for the Chinese market. Called the Concept M, the swoopy Honda was designed in Japan and the automaker is currently aiming to launch a production version in China sometime in 2014.

Honda hasn't released many details about its small van concept, simply saying that it "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." Doesn't sound too bad to us.

Have a glance at the Concept M in the gallery above (full disclosure: we don't have live shots of this one), and take a look below for the official press blast direct from the MPV's Shanghai debut, as well as a promotional video showing the new concept from all angles. Oh, and be sure to turn your volume down before pushing the play button.

Continue reading Honda concept dials M for minivan [w/video]

Honda concept dials M for minivan [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 18:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 shanghai motor showhondahonda concept mshanghaishanghai motor showSat, 20 Apr 2013 18:12:00 EST

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20546243 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/001-honda-concept-m628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/001-honda-concept-m628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Honda recalling 204k CR-V, Odyssey, Acura RDX models over rollaway risk]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/honda-recalling-204k-cr-v-odyssey-acura-rdx-models-over-rollaw/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/honda-recalling-204k-cr-v-odyssey-acura-rdx-models-over-rollaw/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/honda-recalling-204k-cr-v-odyssey-acura-rdx-models-over-rollaw/#commentsFiled under: Minivan/Van, Recalls, Crossover, Acura, Honda

2012 Honda CR-V

Honda has announced a recall over a possible rollaway risk that affects 204,169 crossover and minivan models. The specific vehicles in question are the 2012-13 Honda CR-V and Odyssey, as well as the 2013 Acura RDX.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal." In other words, these vehicles could unintentionally roll away.

NHTSA states that this scenario may only happen during sub-freezing temperatures, but notes that this means the vehicles fail to conform with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114: Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention. Honda will notify owners of the problem, and dealerships will install an updated interlocking mechanism free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin on May 13. Scroll down for the full details from the NHTSA report.

Continue reading Honda recalling 204k CR-V, Odyssey, Acura RDX models over rollaway risk

Honda recalling 204k CR-V, Odyssey, Acura RDX models over rollaway risk originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20545757 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/cr-v628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/cr-v628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Acura built just 91 examples of the ILX last month, here's why]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/acura-built-just-91-examples-of-the-ilx-last-month-heres-why/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/acura-built-just-91-examples-of-the-ilx-last-month-heres-why/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/acura-built-just-91-examples-of-the-ilx-last-month-heres-why/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Acura

2013 Acura ILX

The short life of the Acura ILX has been vexed by one glaringly odd standard equipment choice, mediocre reviews, getting outsold by its competition as it posted slower-than-projected sales and a pledge by Honda to upgrade its supposedly upgraded offering. Therefore, when Automotive News reports that just 91 of the Civic-based Acura sedans were manufactured last month - after a string of production months in double-digits - it would be easy to press the button for the alarm bells.

But that would be hasty, because it is actually the 2013 Honda Civic that is crimping the production pipeline of the ILX. The vastly higher sales numbers of the Honda meant that all three North American plants that produce it needed to crank up output to satisfy dealer inventory needs, including the Greenburg, Indiana plant that makes both the Civic and the ILX. As the classic guns-vs-butter Economy 101 lesson taught us - in which making more of one necessarily means making less of the other - well, the Civic is the gun.

Honda prepared for this eventuality by cranking out the Acuras while it got ready for Civic production. The ILX has held steady at about 500 units shy of company projections every month, and the current inventory represents about 90 days worth of sales. That makes Greenburg's ostensibly low numbers in line with the realities of the ILX, and the situation probably won't change much as Acura gets ready for the improved 2014 ILX.

Acura built just 91 examples of the ILX last month, here's why originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 acura ilxacuraacura ilxgreenburghondahonda civicindianaThu, 18 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST

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20543114 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/01-2013-acura-ilx-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/01-2013-acura-ilx-review-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #329]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/autoblog-podcast-329/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/autoblog-podcast-329/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/autoblog-podcast-329/#commentsFiled under: Podcasts, Ford, Honda, Maserati, Toyota

Subcompact sales, Ford 1.5-liter EcoBoost, Toyota Corolla vs. Ford Focus, Maserati Ghibli

Episode #329 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth and Zach Bowman talk about the slump in subcompact sales, the upcoming 1.5-liter Ford EcoBoost engine for the Fusion, the Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus best-seller debate, and the Maserati Ghibli. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. You can follow along after the jump with our Q&A. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #329:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
2013 Honda CR-V

Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman

Runtime: 01:24:02

Get the podcast
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #329

Autoblog Podcast #329 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcastecoboostfeaturedfordford f-150 svt raptorford focushondahonda cr-vmaseratimaserati ghiblipodcasttoyotatoyota corollaTue, 16 Apr 2013 16:44:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #329Autoblog.com01:24:02

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20542336 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota, Honda, Mazda and Nissan recall 3.4 million vehicles for faulty airbags]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/toyota-honda-nissan-mazda-recall-3-4-million-for-faulty-airbags/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/toyota-honda-nissan-mazda-recall-3-4-million-for-faulty-airbags/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/toyota-honda-nissan-mazda-recall-3-4-million-for-faulty-airbags/#commentsFiled under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota

Most vehicle recalls that take place these days are a result of some problem that happens during the manufacturing process by the automaker, but as we see here, parts suppliers can also factor in to problematic safety issues. Automotive News is reporting that a total of 3.4 million vehicles produced by Japanese automakers between 2000 and 2004 are being recalled globally due to faulty airbags produced by an outside supplier, Takata Corp.

According to the report, vehicles from Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Mazda are being recalled because of passenger front airbags that do not inflate properly. Globally, Toyota is said to be recalling around 1.73 million cars including 510,000 in the US composed of Toyota Corolla, Matrix, Sequoia and Tundra as well as the Lexus SC430 for the 2001 through 2003 model years; this is the second time this year the 2003 Corolla and Matrix have been recalled for an airbag problem. Honda is recalling 1.14 million models, Nissan another 480,000 and Mazda 45,463. The article says that Takata supplied faulty airbags to non-Japanese automakers, but it did not specify which ones.

Honda and Toyota have released information on their own websites about the recall, while Nissan and Mazda have not yet commented. Read official press releases from Honda and Toyota, below, and look for updates as we have word from the others.

Continue reading Toyota, Honda, Mazda and Nissan recall 3.4 million vehicles for faulty airbags

Toyota, Honda, Mazda and Nissan recall 3.4 million vehicles for faulty airbags originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hondahonda recalllexus sc430mazdamazda recallnissannissan recallrecalltakata corptoyotatoyota corollatoyota matrixtoyota recallToyota Sequoiatoyota tundraThu, 11 Apr 2013 09:15:00 EST

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20537342 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/001-2003-2006-toyota-corolla628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/001-2003-2006-toyota-corolla628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Honda Civic Tourer caught testing ahead of 2014 launch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/honda-civic-tourer-caught-testing-ahead-of-2014-launch/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/honda-civic-tourer-caught-testing-ahead-of-2014-launch/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/honda-civic-tourer-caught-testing-ahead-of-2014-launch/#commentsFiled under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Europe, Honda

Honda Civic Tourer spy shots - front three-quarter view, camouflaged

Honda showed off its Civic Tourer concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and at that time, we were told that a production version would be coming to market in the very near future. Obviously, the sleek lines of the concept car will be dumbed down slightly for consumers, but that doesn't mean the Civic wagon will be a bland machine. The Euro-spec Civic's angular front end looks like it will blend nicely with the rakish rump that we saw on the concept.

Our sources suggest that not only will the Civic Tourer be a class-leader in terms of cargo capacity, but it will likely be a pretty engaging car from behind the wheel, as well. Honda is hoping that the Tourer will account for roughly 20 percent of all European Civic sales after it goes on sale.

Expect to see the production car debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, with the first customers taking delivery in early 2014. In the meantime, have a look at the camouflaged swoopy wagon from all angles in our gallery above.

Honda Civic Tourer caught testing ahead of 2014 launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frankfurtfrankfurt 2013frankfurt motor showhondahonda civichonda civic tourerhonda civic wagonspy photosspy picsspy shotsMon, 08 Apr 2013 14:16:00 EST

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20533591 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/001-honda-civic-tourer-spy-shots628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/001-honda-civic-tourer-spy-shots628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Honda and Acura render their future visions for Shanghai]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/honda-and-acura-render-their-future-visions-for-shanghai/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/honda-and-acura-render-their-future-visions-for-shanghai/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/honda-and-acura-render-their-future-visions-for-shanghai/#commentsFiled under: Concept Cars, China, Crossover, Acura, Honda, Shanghai Motor Show, Design/Style

Acura concept rendering for Shanghai Motor Show 2013

Honda concept rendering for Shanghai Motor Show 2013

With the Shanghai Motor Show coming up later this month, Honda has released a couple of teaser sketches for two concept vehicles that will be making global debuts. Aside from the renderings, there is no information about either the Honda or Acura concept vehicles, but we can tell that both are some sort of utility vehicle, be they of crossover or people-mover variety.

The text for both images indicates that both concepts show future products that will be launched in China, but there is no mention as to what other markets the automaker has planned for these vehicles. In addition to these two concepts, the NSX Concept and 2014 RLX from Acura will make their Chinese debuts, and Honda says it "will display models substantially identical to the mass-production version of the Concept C and Concept S." The Concept C is will be a "middle-class" sedan built for China, and the Concept S, an MPV that will primarily serve China as well.

Continue reading Honda and Acura render their future visions for Shanghai

Honda and Acura render their future visions for Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura concept carhondahonda concept carshanghaishanghai 2013shanghai motor showMon, 08 Apr 2013 13:31:00 EST

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20533677 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/acura-concept-sketch-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/acura-concept-sketch-628.jpg <![CDATA[Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/automotive-april-fools-joke-roundup-w-videos/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/automotive-april-fools-joke-roundup-w-videos/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/automotive-april-fools-joke-roundup-w-videos/#commentsFiled under: Etc., BMW, Honda, Mini, Subaru, Volvo, Humor

Happy April, everyone. And we all know what this first day of the month means: April Fools' Day. Today is a national holiday for pranksters with the Internet acting as a serious enabler, and it's always fun to see what kind of vivid imaginations exist out there in the automotive world. The abundance of fake news gets a little old as the day rolls on, but we did manage to get in a few chuckles thanks to a handful of major automakers and automotive news outlets that got into the pranking spirit this year

Some of our favorites this year includes Subaru showing what happens when you combine a bunch of rumors, a Corvette some may have already thought was a joke or Honda providing some in-car innovation circa the late 1980s. Honestly, we're still waiting for official confirmation from Mitsubishi that the recently introduced 2014 Mirage is an elaborate April Fools' joke using a failed design intended for the 1995 Geo Metro. We dug up as much "official" OEM foolishness we could find, as well as some of our other favorites, and posted them all below.

Continue reading Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/videos]

Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april foolsApril Fools Daybmwhondaministage 3 motorsportssubaruthink geekvolvoMon, 01 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST

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http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/01/automotive-april-fools-joke-roundup-w-videos/20524725/article-detail.xml

20524725 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hondahair_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hondahair.jpg <![CDATA[KBB 2013 Brand Image Awards has some obvious and oddball winners]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/30/kbb-2013-brand-image-awards-has-some-obvious-and-oddball-winners/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/30/kbb-2013-brand-image-awards-has-some-obvious-and-oddball-winners/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/30/kbb-2013-brand-image-awards-has-some-obvious-and-oddball-winners/#commentsFiled under: Etc., BMW, Buick, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Porsche, Toyota

2013 Honda Civic Sedan - front three-quarter view

The sixth edition of the Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards have crowned a wide range of winners - in a couple of cases the recipient of the laurels might say more about KBB users than they do about the actual winner. Compiled from the responses of more than 12,000 shoppers on KBB.com over the past year, there are 13 categories broken into non-luxury, luxury and truck segments "representing the combined wisdom of the American car-buying public."

The award categories have been revamped this year, with some dropping off, some new ones appearing and at least one other given a new term. What isn't surprising is that Honda won Most Trusted Brand for the second year running, Best Value Brand for the third year in a row and took Best Overall Brand, which wasn't on last year's list of awards.

On our own shores, in the non-luxury categories Chrysler got Most Refined Brand and Buick took Best Value Luxury Brand. Neither one of those marques won anything in last year's Brand Image Awards, while Cadillac, which won Best Interior Design Brand and Best Comfort Brand last year - those awards disappeared this year - went home without a single accolade.

Winners that made us go "Hmmm..." are Toyota for Best Overall Truck Brand and Mini for Best Performance Brand in the non-luxury segment. Last year's truck award was for the Most Rugged Truck Brand and was won by Ford; the switch to "overall" takes things in a completely different direction for KBB users, it seems. And Mini dominating non-luxury performance is something we'd like to hold some focus groups to find out more about.

Check out the press release below for all the winners and the details.

Continue reading KBB 2013 Brand Image Awards has some obvious and oddball winners

KBB 2013 Brand Image Awards has some obvious and oddball winners originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Mar 2013 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardsbmwbrand image awardsbuickchryslerfordhondakelley blue bookkelley blue book brand image awardsmercedesminiporschetoyotaSat, 30 Mar 2013 08:58:00 EST

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http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/30/kbb-2013-brand-image-awards-has-some-obvious-and-oddball-winners/20518508/article-detail.xml

20518508 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/kbbimageawards_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/kbbimageawards.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Honda Odyssey sucks it up for our editor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/2014-honda-odyssey-vacuum-video-new-york/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/2014-honda-odyssey-vacuum-video-new-york/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/2014-honda-odyssey-vacuum-video-new-york/#commentsFiled under: New York Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Etc., Technology, Videos, Honda

Autoblog editor Michael Harley tries out the 2014 Honda Odyssey's new in-car vacuum - video screencap

When we heard that the 2014 Honda Odyssey would be getting the world's first in-car vacuum, we had to check this thing out for ourselves. Called HondaVAC, this tidy little sucker was co-developed with Shop-Vac, and it's actually pretty neat. It comes standard on Odyssey's top-trim Touring Elite model and can be fitted with a wide range of attachments all housed in the cargo area. Honda notes that the vacuum hose is long enough to reach surfaces in every part of the Odyssey's cabin, and that it will even run for a full eight minutes after the vehicle is turned off.

Good thing, then, that Honda chose to show off the new 2014 Odyssey here at the New York Auto Show, as Autoblog west coast editor Michael Harley clumsily managed to spill some snacks all over the cargo area (we tried to convince him to give himself a hickey, but he declined on grounds that his wife might not let him attend any more auto shows). Take a look at the video below to see just how well the new minivan cleans up.

Continue reading 2014 Honda Odyssey sucks it up for our editor

2014 Honda Odyssey sucks it up for our editor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 new york auto show2014 honda odysseyhondahonda odysseyhonda vacuumhondavacin-car vacuumnew yorknew york auto showshop-vacvideoThu, 28 Mar 2013 13:01:00 EST

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