Autoblog

Honda recalling 2007-11 Element, 2012 Ridgeline models

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Honda

Honda has announced a pair of recalls that affect a grand total of 5,233 vehicles here in the United States: 5,216 Element crossovers from the 2007 to 2011 model years, and a whopping 17 Ridgeline pickup trucks from the 2012 model year.

The Element recall only concerns vehicles fitted with the accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. On these vehicles, the wire that powers the trailer turn signals was switched with the wire that controls the actual brake lights, meaning the turn signals will only illuminate when the brakes are on.

As for the Ridgeline, a faulty passenger airbag status indicator may have been installed on vehicles built on April 18 of this year. (How's that for being precise?) This causes the passenger airbag sensor to not properly illuminate, and thus not telling the driver or passengers if the airbag is, in fact, active.

Honda dealers will inspect and repair the recalled vehicles free of charge. Scroll down to read the official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statements for both models.

Continue reading Honda recalling 2007-11 Element, 2012 Ridgeline models

Honda recalling 2007-11 Element, 2012 Ridgeline models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda NA president re-recommits to Ridgeline

Chris Paukert — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Tokyo Motor Show, Honda

Despite consistently slow sales, Honda has executed a slight facelift for the Ridgeline's 2012 model year and begun offering a new low-cost Sport model (pictured) to enhance appeal. But the unibody four-door pickup's sales have been lackluster since its 2006 model year debut, leading to widespread speculation that the Ridgeline would disappear from showrooms altogether. The rumormill eventually built up enough steam that American Honda's Truck Planner, Sage Marie, was compelled to take the unusual step of addressing the gossip head-on last month with an official statement confirming the truck is "here to stay." However, that statement of support didn't shed any light on future developments for the model.

We're here in Japan for the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, and we've had the chance to talk with Tetsu Iwamura, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Honda, about the future of the Ridgeline. According to Iwamura,

"Ridgeline is quite an important model to us. It's the only truck-type of model we have. We're fully aware of the importance of that model and we're trying to make that model grow much more. At this moment, there is no intention to stop the Ridgeline. In order to make Ridgeline much more attractive - in order to enhance Ridgeline - we are studying lots of things at this moment."

When further pressed if Honda remains fully committed to this segment, Iwamura confirmed that the company is indeed in it for the long haul, though he declined to say that that the Ridgeline would get a second-generation model. Still, it sounds like Honda is still expecting to offer something with a bed, and the Ridgeline can't continue to soldier on indefinitely as-is... might the Japanese automaker ponder a radical new direction like the rumored CR-V-based successor?

Honda NA president re-recommits to Ridgeline originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda to boost vehicle and engine production in Alabama

Zach Bowman — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Honda

Honda seems to believe that America's car-buying slump is coming to a close. According to Automotive News, the automaker has announced that it will spend $84 million to grow engine and light truck production at its Lincoln, Alabama assembly plant. The money will be used to help create an additional 100 jobs and should see the facility increase its total output from 300,000 units per year to 340,000 in anticipation of a sales recovery in the States. Automotive News suggests that may be a smart move. Consumer demand for new cars and trucks has grown by around 10 percent through October of this year.

Honda expects that demand to translate into greater Odyssey, Pilot and Ridgeline sales. Each of those models is produced at the Alabama facility, though the Acura RDX may join that mix as part of the new investment.

The Japanese automaker has also said that it will resume its normal production schedule at its North American facilities as its supply line continues to recover from the impact of flooding in Thailand.

Honda to boost vehicle and engine production in Alabama originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda prices 2012 Ridgeline Sport from $29,995*

Chris Paukert — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Honda

We knew Honda's load-lugging curiosity, the Ridgeline pickup, was getting a modest refresh for the 2012 model year, and we even knew there was a new Sport model waiting in the wings. But now we have more details - including pricing.

For 2012, the Ridgeline range starts at $29,250* for the entry-level RT model and zooms all the way to $37,180* for the top-shelf RTL with navigation. The sweet spot, however, might just be the new Sport model shown above. At $29,995* it's only $749 more than the base RT, yet includes such visual niceties as 18-inch alloys (the base RT rolls on 17-inch steelies), blacked-out honeycomb grille and matching light bezels, as well as fog lamps and tinted rear windows. Inside, there's a leather-wrap wheel with audio controls, an aux input on the stereo and floor mats. (*All Ridgeline models are subject to a $810 delivery charge).

Range-wide changes for 2012 include a new front grille and various small aero improvements that help net the genre-straddling pickup a revised fuel economy rating of 15 city and 21 highway, an increase of 1 mpg on the interstate. The rest of the range remains basically unchanged, including the 3.5-liter V6 that offers 250 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque and its trademark in-bed trunk.

Despite consistently slow sales, Honda recently pledged that the Ridgeline still has a future. While we haven't seen or heard anything official out of the Japanese automaker about a successor, it has been rumored that the new-for-2012 CR-V could spawn a light-duty pickup variant at some point down the road, an interesting idea about which we won't hold our breath.

Continue reading Honda prices 2012 Ridgeline Sport from $29,995*

Honda prices 2012 Ridgeline Sport from $29,995* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda reaffirms Ridgeline will stick around

Zach Bowman — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Honda

The Detroit News reports that the Honda Ridgeline isn't going anywhere any time soon. Sage Marie, manager of truck product planning at Honda, has said that the rumors of the vehicle's demise have been greatly exaggerated, and he says that the Ridgeline serves a key role in the company's product line. Marie also said that the truck will continue on into the foreseeable future. That's despite the fact that the model has seen its sales implode over the past few months. According to The Detroit News, Honda only managed to sell 6,500 Ridgeline models through the first nine months of this year.

Last year, the company sold 12,700 units during the same period.

While some of that drop can be attributed to production delays tied to the earthquake and tsunami disasters in Japan earlier this year, it's difficult to discern how much of the blame lies on a tired product or the continued improvement of fuel economy numbers on full-size trucks. Marie confirms that 2012 will see new aesthetic updates added to the Ridgeline along with the addition of the new Sport model pictured above.

Honda reaffirms Ridgeline will stick around originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Honda CR-V to spawn compact pickup?

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Honda, Rumormill

The Honda Ridgeline is dead! Long live the Honda Ridgeline!

Despite a coming refresh for the 2012 model year, Honda has been widely reported as planning to send its unibody Ridgeline down the same road as its Element and S2000 after 2013. Even if that's true, that doesn't necessarily mean the curtain will have completely closed on the automaker's pickup truck offerings. According to AutoWeek, the next-generation Honda CR-V - previewed in the official concept image seen above - could spawn a compact pickup variant. Since the CR-V is itself based on the Civic, in a roundabout way, this could mean that we're looking at a Civic pickup, which is a bit tough to wrap one's head around.

A full-size car-based pickup never really set Honda's sales charts on fire, so maybe a smaller iteration will do the trick, right? We'll believe it when we see it.

In the meantime, Honda has a bunch of other updates planned for the next few years, including the launch of an all-new Accord in 2012. The next Accord will once again be offered with a hybrid variant (which hasn't been offered since 2007), and this gasoline-electric powertrain could also find its way under the hood of the CR-V.

Elsewhere in Honda's portfolio, AW asserts that the slow-selling Crosstour will finally get an entry-level four-cylinder model, and the Pilot will get a complete overhaul in the fall of 2013. Furthermore, rumors of a hotter Mugen-inspired CR-Z are still being mumbled, and a Fit EV city car may arrive as early as 2012.

Next Honda CR-V to spawn compact pickup? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Honda Ridgeline gets a little nip, tuck

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Honda

Honda has already released a few details of what we can expect from its Ridgeline pickup truck for the 2012 model year, but a new series of spy shots from our friends at PickupTrucks.com offers even more clues.

In addition to the already announced Ridgeline Sport (an oxymoron?), the rest of the line will get a revised fascia that more closely mimics the automaker's latest Pilot, with which the Ridgeline shares much of its underpinnings. In place of the somewhat homely grille-within-a-grille sported by the 2011 model, the 2012 Ridgeline will apparently receive a version of the more handsome three-bar face seen on the 2012 Pilot.

We're also told to expect some interior tweaks for Honda's unibody pickup as well as a slight boost in fuel economy, which, for 2011, was rated by the EPA at 15 miles per gallon in the city, 20 on the highway and 17 combined. Considering that the Ridgeline is offered only with a relatively tame V6 engine, it really ought to do better... especially since Ford's base V6 offers 52 more horses and manages 17/23 from the EPA, and it's mounted in a much larger truck.

For the full rundown of spy shots and commentary from PickupTrucks.com, click here.

2012 Honda Ridgeline gets a little nip, tuck originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Honda Pilot to get new gearbox and revised face, Ridgeline adds Sport model

Zach Bowman — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Honda

Honda is giving the company's Pilot a mild refresh for 2012. The SUV will ditch its bulky front fascia for a slightly more restrained nose with a three-bar grille replacing the thick-chrome grin of the 2011 model. In addition, Honda plans to squeeze a little more fuel efficiency out of the SUV with a new transmission, saying it will boast the highest EPA-estimated mileage of any three-row crossover. The old five-speed automatic gearbox has been replaced with six-speed unit for 2012.

Honda is throwing in a few interior updates as well. Buyers will be able to enjoy a slightly massaged cabin, complete with an updated navigation system and stereo to match. Finally, new paint colors and wheel options will round out the changes.

In addition to the revised Pilot, Honda has also added a new Sport model to its familiar Ridgeline for 2012. Above the Ridgeline RT standard features, the Sport will get exclusive black 18-inch alloy wheels, black honeycomb grille, standard fog lights, black headlight and brake light housings, and black mirrors and door handles. The 2012 Ridgeline goes on sale November 2011; the Pilot a few months earlier.

See the brief blurbs from Honda for each model after the break. You can also click on either image for an enlarged view.

Continue reading 2012 Honda Pilot to get new gearbox and revised face, Ridgeline adds Sport model

2012 Honda Pilot to get new gearbox and revised face, Ridgeline adds Sport model originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Honda says it's sticking by Ridgeline

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Honda

2011 Honda Ridgeline - Click above for high-res image gallery

We'll admit it - while it has its virtues, the Honda Ridgeline certainly isn't our first (or second... or third) choice as the best truck currently on sale. Apparently, consumers agree. In fact, Honda only sold 16,142 Ridgelines in 2010, and when you compare that to the fact that General Motors sold 24,642 of the somewhat underwhelming Chevrolet Colorado pickups, the business case for the Ridgeline seems very weak, especially in lieu of the recent death of Honda's other offbeat all-terrain offering, the Element.

According to USA Today, however, the Ridgeline isn't headed for the Great Parking Lot in the Sky just yet. Quite the contrary, actually. American Honda's executive vice president, John Mendel, says the Ridgeline has developed a very strong following over the years, telling USA Today that Honda believes it has "a ways to go on the Ridgeline."

This in mind, we'd expect to see a refreshed version of Honda's truck within the next few years. If Honda is seriously committed to offering the Ridgeline, let's hope the automaker can broaden its appeal to truck shoppers, because if dismal sales numbers continue, Honda may have no choice but to change its tune and reach for the axe.

Gallery: 2011 Honda Ridgeline

[Source: USA Today]

Report: Honda says it's sticking by Ridgeline originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda: Light truck sales outpace industry rebound

Chris Shunk — Thu, 06 May 2010 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Crossover, Honda

Honda Pilot - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda scored a decent U.S. sales month in April, with overall results up by 13 percent. But what has company insiders excited isn't strong Accord or Civic sales. Honda's light trucks, the Pilot, Odyssey, CRV and Ridgeline, were up 33 percent compared to April of 2009. Those vehicles comprise many of the most expensive vehicles in the Honda lineup, and a healthy source of profits.

Automotive News reports that Honda VP John Mendel called light truck sales "spry," adding that truck sales are up for several automakers, signaling that the U.S. sales downturn may be waning. Mendel also points to low inventory as a good sign for Honda, with light trucks sitting at a very low 42 day supply, down five days from March 1st levels. And while you've likely seen Honda's recent ads touting unprecedented incentives, keep in mind that light trucks are still at low incentive levels.

That's undoubtedly good news for Honda and its dealer body, yet Mendel reportedly cautions that dealers shouldn't get too giddy over the numbers. In the short term, though, the Honda VP intimated that some dealers may need to add salespeople as the auto industry continues to improve.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Honda Pilot

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Honda: Light truck sales outpace industry rebound originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 May 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Ridgeline may not return after 2012

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:38:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Honda, Rumormill

2009 Honda Ridgeline - Click above for high-res image gallery

What will become of the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck after the 2011 model year? Honda isn't saying, other than to confirm earlier reports from the Chicago Auto Show that "there would be no significant change to the Ridgeline through the 2011 model year." That said, PickupTrucks.com has apparently heard from reliable sources that Honda's innovative unibody truck won't be renewed for another go 'round after the present model's rapidly approaching expiration date.

It's no secret that the Ridgeline has failed to live up to Honda's lofty sales goals of 50,000 units per year. In 2009, Honda moved just 16,464 total units, which may not be enough to justify the expense of a major remodel. Alternatively, Honda may be taking a wait-and-see approach to the compact pickup truck market - just in case there's a rebound from the current segment-wide sales slump. Stay tuned.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Ridgeline

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Honda Ridgeline may not return after 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scratch that: Next generation Honda Ridgeline not coming in 2011

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Truck, Honda

A little confusion travels quickly. As long ago as last year and as recently as last week's Chicago Auto Show, the bed-happy gents at PickupTrucks.com were told that a new Honda Ridgeline would be arriving sometime in 2011. Now the guys have been told by Honda, "That's not the case." The proper information: "there will be no significant change to the Ridgeline through the 2011 model year."

That leaves the Honda pickup to soldier on through a 50-percent decline in sales and EPA numbers on the wrong side of frugality for at least another two years. And with a five-year-old design. Perhaps Honda wants to see how the truck market (and the auto market in general) does in the near term before it decides what the next Ridgeline should be. Or perhaps the company wants to get its core models in order, like those hybrids, before it makes another play at a small segment. We only have guesses - but there are certainly people out there who'd rather have a new Ridgeline.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Scratch that: Next generation Honda Ridgeline not coming in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Next-Generation Honda Ridgeline coming for 2011 model year

Drew Phillips — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Honda, Rumormill

2009 Honda Ridgeline - Click above for high-res image gallery

The last few years have been unkind to the Honda Ridgeline. Higher fuel prices have made trucks less appealing in general, but at five years old, the Ridgeline is also nearing the end of its lifecycle. Honda's sales of its first-ever truck dipped more than 50 percent compared to 2008, and a revision will be necessary to boost sales over the next few years.

According to PickupTrucks.com, that new model could be coming soon - very soon. The second generation Ridgeline is scheduled to debut for the 2011 model year and will have a host of improvements, including better fuel economy, a more aerodynamic design and less weight. There's no official word on when the 2011 Ridgeline will make its debut, but we shouldn't have too long to wait.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Ridgeline

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Report: Next-Generation Honda Ridgeline coming for 2011 model year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda recalls 2006-2007 Ridgeline because your passenger might have a dangerous kick?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, Honda

Honda is recalling up to 7,600 Ridgeline pickups from the 2006 and 2007 model years over possible HVAC issues. According to Honda and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a harness connector above the passenger-side footwell is susceptible to being kicked by exuberant passengers. The blows can cause the connector terminal to overheat, which in turn can cause all sorts of other issues, like a short-circuit and/or fire.

If you own one of these unibody pickups, your local Honda dealer will remedy the issue free of charge by inspecting the wiring, replacing it if necessary, and fitting a protective cover to deflect the possibility of future passenger kicks. More info on the recall in the notice after the jump.

[Source: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Continue reading Honda recalls 2006-2007 Ridgeline because your passenger might have a dangerous kick?

Honda recalls 2006-2007 Ridgeline because your passenger might have a dangerous kick? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Honda Ridgeline introduced early to internet

John Neff — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Honda

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda Ridgeline

All we have to go on are the images and information posted on Carscoop, but it appears the redesigned 2009 Honda Ridgeline is stepping out a bit early to what may be disinterested public. The Ridgeline for '09 gets Honda's new grille that first appeared on the '09 Pilot CUV, along with a new front bumper, headlights and all that jazz in the rear. The interior, while not all-new, gets major upgrades like a new steering wheel, gauges, and HVAC controls, as well as a Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, satellite navigation, a 115-volt power outlet and requisite jacks for the iPod and other MP3 players. According to Carscoop, Honda has largely left the Ridgeline's 3.5L VTEC V6 the same except for a new camshaft profile and better breathing practices that net a 3 horsepower bump to 250 at 5,700 RPM and a torque increase of 2 lb-ft to 247 at 4,000 RPM. New ratios in the 5-speed automatic transmission are said to take advantage of the new torque and improve acceleration.

We admit that Honda was smart not to dive head first into the full-size truck market in the U.S. like Toyota did with the Tundra, but the Ridgeline with its V6 and unit body has never enjoyed hot sales. It's both terrifically ugly and ill-suited for those super hard core tasks that, while rare, require a real rig. Nevertheless, this is Honda, a brand that really doesn't care what we think about its trucklet and will continue tweaking and perfecting it until we change our minds. Looks like that won't happen in 2009, though we're told to expect it in dealers as early as this September.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Ridgeline

[Source: Carscoop]

2009 Honda Ridgeline introduced early to internet originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Honda Ridgeline unmasked, hide the children

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:36:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Honda

Click above for more high-res shots of the 2009 Honda Ridgeline.

After Honda showed its new schnoz on the redesigned Pilot, we knew what was bound to happen to the Ridgeline. And it's as unfortunate as expected. These newest spy shots show Honda's unibody pickup with a similar nose job as its fully enclosed sibling, complete with an upright grille framing an angular trim piece, and new headlamps. The only other discernable difference on the outside are redesigned taillights, and here's hoping that the interior gets some much needed material love when the new Ridgeline debuts later this year.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2009 Honda Ridgeline

Spy Shots: Honda Ridgeline unmasked, hide the children originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Honda Ridgeline gets Pilot schnoz

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Honda

Surprise! Honda's controversially styled Ridgeline truck is about to get the Pilot's controversial snout. First released for the '06 model year, the unibody truck has not seen any real changes to this point and it's high time for a mid-cycle model refresh. Considering that the Pilot and Ridgeline share plenty in common, it's no shocker that Honda would share styling cues between the two vehicles. Also included in the refresh are some oddly-placed dual front foglights, new tail lights and redesigned bumpers front and rear. Not much seems updated in its profile, but some new 18-inch rims have a nice, chunky look to them.

So far, nobody at Honda is talking regarding powertrain updates for the Ridgeline. As we've reported in the past, though, a new diesel V6 engine of undertermined displacement seems very possible for both the Ridgeline and Pilot. With gas prices continuing to rise, Honda's Ridgeline may continue to be a popular option for those who use their trucks only for occasional hauling or towing and don't mind being seen in one ugly mutha trucka.

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Spy Shots: 2010 Honda Ridgeline gets Pilot schnoz originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda shuffles production so it can make more Civics

Michael Harley — Thu, 29 May 2008 15:25:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Honda

As domestic automobile manufacturers cut production and lay off workers because they were caught off-guard when consumer buying habits switched to more fuel-efficient vehicles, Honda will effortlessly shuffle its production to meet U.S. demand for small cars. Without cutting any jobs in North America, Honda will move assembly of the Honda Pilot SUV and Honda Ridgeline pickup from Alliston, Ontario, to Lincoln, Alabama. This move will allow the Japanese automaker to increase production of the fuel-efficient Honda Civic in its Canadian plant. Later this year, Honda is expected to add another 2,000 jobs as it begins to build Civics in Indiana, as well. That plant will be Honda's seventh in North America. Honda has sold 34,163 units of the Civic in North America through April of this year, which is 8.2% more Civics sold on average per day than in 2007. For comparison's sake, Toyota has sold 32,435 Corollas, Ford has sold 23,850 Foci and Chevy has sold 18,636 Cobalts so far this year.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Honda shuffles production so it can make more Civics originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 May 2008 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda shifts Ridgeline production from Canada to Alabama

Chris Shunk — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, SUV, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Honda

Honda built its state of the art Lincoln, Alabama plant to produce the Odyssey minivan and Pilot SUV, and now it's going to add the Ridgeline unit-body pickup, as well. Cost-wise, it makes a lot of sense to move Ridgeline production from Canada to Alabama, considering all three vehicles share a platform and powertrain. What's tough to understand is how Honda intends to squeeze out an additional 40,000 units from the ultra-efficient plant. The Lincoln plant is already operating 13,000 units beyond peak capacity, with its very strong minivan and SUV selling well around the country.

Lucky for Honda we're not in charge of vehicle production, and we're sure the company's many brilliant engineers know what they're doing. Now, if the Japanese automaker can get some equally talented designers to gussy up the visual train wreck that is the Ridgeline, then they'd definitely need a second manufacturing ~~sight~~ site.

[Source: AL]

Honda shifts Ridgeline production from Canada to Alabama originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda treading in foreign territory: Incentive spending up

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 09:05:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Minivan/Van, SUV, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Honda

When you think about an automaker offering up incentives, Honda normally wouldn't spring to mind. With the ongoing success of the Civic and Honda's inability to keep enough Fits on the lot to keep up with demand, it's obvious that the automaker has been doing well with its core models, but it's some of its outlying offerings that aren't selling like hotcakes.

The SUV and minivan segment has been stagnant as of late, and coupled with an increase in production at Honda's plants, the imbalance is affecting the number of Pilots and Odysseys that are hanging around dealer lots. To combat the lethargic sales, Honda is increasing dealer incentives and lease subsidies on the aforementioned people movers, the Ridgeline and the long-in-the-tooth Accord.

Regardless of the move, Honda isn't throwing money on the hood like other automakers, which makes both corporate bigwigs and Honda owners happy, as residual values won't be hampered by a flood of inexpensive models hitting the market.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Honda treading in foreign territory: Incentive spending up originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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