Posts Tagged → Honda News
Honda Begins Production of 2011 Odyssey Minivan in Alabama
08/31/2010 – LINCOLN, Ala. -
Honda marked the start of production of the all-new, Alabama-built 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan today with an end-of-the-line celebration that included participation by more than 1,200 associates at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA).
The Odyssey minivan has been the top-selling minivan in the U.S. for the past two years and is considered the benchmark vehicle in the minivan class. The completely-redesigned 2011 Honda Odyssey improves on its already award-winning, class-leading design with a more-distinctive style, higher fuel efficiency and greater interior versatility. Improvements to the fourth-generation Odyssey represent a new Honda vision for the “ultimate in family transportation.”
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Popularity: 2% [?]
Honda Jazz Hybrid – Low Emissions and Practicality
August 25, 2010 – The Jazz Hybrid will make its world motor show debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, further demonstrating Honda’s continuing commitment to petrol-electric hybrid technology.
The launch of the latest addition to the practical Jazz line-up will mark the first time a parallel hybrid vehicle has been available to B-segment consumers. The IMA hybrid motor and control system are shared with the Insight and CR-Z hybrids, taking advantage of the proven reliability of this important technology. With almost two decades of development and 10 years of sales behind it, the Honda IMA system has proven itself to be a flexible and dependable technology, with over half a million vehicles on the road benefitting from its combination of low emissions and fuel economy.
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Popularity: 1% [?]
Honda Accord Receives New Styling and Increased Fuel Economy for 2011
EPA fuel economy goes up to 23/34 city/highway mpg (+2/+3) on some models; more features and a new Accord SE Sedan model to debut
06/24/2010 – TORRANCE, Calif. -
Set to go on sale in mid-August, the 2011 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe receive significant updates including improved fuel economy, enhanced exterior and interior styling and the addition of a new leather-equipped Special Edition (SE) trim level. Available as either a sedan or a coupe in 4-cylinder and V-6 variations, the Accord offers a unique balance of style, performance, efficiency and value specific to each individual model.
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Popularity: 2% [?]
Honda to Complete Production of 4-Door Civic Type R
TOKYO, Japan, April 19, 2010 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced it will discontinue production of the 4-door Civic Type R at the end of August, 2010. A purist’s sports car featuring precisely tuned vehicle dynamics, the Civic Type R creates a unity between car and driver for exceptional driving pleasure. The first-generation model launched in 1997 and was produced at Suzuka Factory. The second-generation model following in 2001, was produced at Honda of the U.K. Manufacturing Ltd.* For the current, third-generation Civic Type R that was released in 2007, the production has returned to Suzuka Factory.
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Popularity: 1% [?]
Honda to Release Limited Edition 3-Door 2010 Civic Type R Euro in Japan in Fall of 2010
TOKYO, Japan, April 19, 2010 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced it will begin sales of a limited edition of the Civic Type R Euro, in Japan this fall. It will feature an updated exterior design for the 2010 model year. Produced in Europe, the premium 3-door sports car will build on the original styling and refined performance of its well-received predecessors.
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Popularity: 1% [?]
Honda Plans to Begin Sales of Commercial Use Electric Scooter, EV-neo, in December 2010
TOKYO, Japan April 13, 2010 — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today revealed the latest prototype of the EV-neo electric scooter and announced plans to begin lease sales in Japan in December 2010 to businesses and individual business owners who provide mainly delivery services.
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Popularity: 1% [?]
Honda Reaches 100,000-unit Milestone in Indiana With Production of Civic at HMIN
Associates at Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC (HMIN) today produced the 100,000th Civic in Indiana. HMIN began production* on October 9, 2008.
“This milestone is based on the commitment our Honda associates in Indiana make every day to build products of the highest quality for our customers,” said Rick Schostek, vice president of HMIN. “This is an important achievement for our entire team.”
The Civic was the sixth best selling vehicle in the U.S. in January 2010, and was up 12.1 percent in sales for the month over last year.
Currently, Honda operates one shift with approximately 1,000 associates at the Greensburg plant, producing the popular and fuel-efficient Honda Civic Sedan and Honda Civic GX, the only natural gas vehicle built in America. Engines for the Civic Sedan are built by associates at Honda’s engine plant in nearby Anna, Ohio.
HMIN is Honda’s seventh auto assembly plant in North America and one of 14 major Honda manufacturing facilities in North America, with two more currently under construction in North Carolina.
Popularity: 1% [?]
All-New CR-Z Hybrid Vehicle Introduced in Japan
TOKYO, Japan, February 25, 2010 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that the all-new CR-Z hybrid vehicle will go on sale in Japan on Friday, February 26, 2010. CR-Z combines a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and Honda’s proprietary Integrated Motor Assist™ (IMA®) system, and creates fusion between futuristic and dynamic styling and exhilarating driving, along with outstanding fuel economy of 25 km/l.*1
Based on Honda’s passion to broaden the potential for a hybrid vehicle and enable customers to experience a new kind of excitement with all of their senses, CR-Z was developed offering three core values – Emotional (emotional look and feel), Exciting (make people want to enjoy driving) and Smart (environmentally responsible, useful and liberating). To achieve these three values in all areas of this vehicle, including design, packaging and performance, Honda applied its most advanced technologies.
CR-Z stands for “Compact Renaissance Zero,” which represents Honda’s commitment to go back to the point of origin (zero) to take on the challenge to create a new compact car without being bound by the values of traditional coupes.
*1 Fuel economy of CVT version measured in 10•15 mode
<Futuristic, dynamic and compact design >
The dynamic one-motion wedge form is the heart of the sporty exterior styling.
A futuristic and elegant feel was pursued for the interior design in addition to high functionality which enables the driver to experience the joy of driving.
<Honda’s original hybrid system for fun driving and high fuel economy >
Combining the 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and lightweight, compact IMA enabled CR-Z to achieve the highest level of both fun to drive feel and exceptional fuel economy.
CR-Z is the first model to feature Honda’s three-mode drive system, which enables the driver to choose SPORT, NORMAL or ECON modes depending on the driver’s driving style and/or driving situation such as in the city, on the freeway or on winding roads.
The world’s first 6-speed manual transmission on a hybrid vehicle*2 enhances driving enjoyment. A CVT version features paddle shifters as standard equipment.
<Body and chassis designed for agile and exhilarating driving >
CR-Z’s dedicated suspension, lightweight and highly rigid body, and thorough control of aerodynamics offer responsive and controlled handling.
<Comfortable utility >
With ample luggage area and storage spaces, the CR-Z offers everyday utility for shopping, weekend outings and short vacations.
*2 Based on in-house Honda research
? Key Features of the CR-Z
Exterior Design
· The functional beauty of an automobile and advanced and clean image of a hybrid vehicle were fused into the exterior design of the CR-Z.
· For the front view, the width was emphasized by the large and highly-visible front grill and a design form with extended fenderes.
· For the side view, a one-motion wedge form was adopted to emphasize sportiness and sense of speed. A dedicated aerodynamic-focused design was adopted for door mirrors, outer door handles, and other exterior features.
· For the rear view, sportiness and dynamism were expressed by a design form curving inward from the side windows to the rear fenders, with the large-sized rear diffuser located underneath the bumper.
· The headlights create a clean and precise impression of the vehicle. In the lower portion of the headlights, white LED position lamps extend laterally for a futuristic look.
Interior Design
· With its highly functional and futuristic design, the interior of the CR-Z expresses sportiness and exhilaration suitable for the sporty hybrid.
· A sense of superior quality was pursued for the CR-Z’s interior space through various details including use of metallic thin film accents*3 for the front console box and door handles.
· Functions necessary for driving are clustered on the driver’s side. With the Super 3D Meter in the middle, horizontal bar-shaped meters were positioned on both sides of the central meter ensuring high visibility and creating a futuristic appearance with the crystal-blue illumination.
*3 Standard on CR-Z ?
Packaging
· The “Low (vehicle height), Short (wheelbase), Wide (tread)” package realizes dynamic and sporty styling that offers agile driving and handling.
· The low engine height and specially designed suspension layout allow for a low-slung hood and sporty driving position.
· The highest-curvature windshield among all Honda models and newly designed front pillars combine to offer wide forward visibility.
Powertrain (Hybrid System)
· Idling one of its two intake valves at low speeds, the 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine achieves ample power, outstanding fuel economy and excellent emissions performance at a high level. Supported by the IMA system, the engine achieves acceleration performance equivalent to a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and excellent low-speed torque.
· The dedicated 6-speed manual transmission offers light, smooth shifting for sporty driving, while the available CVT with paddle shifters supports both high fuel economy and sporty driving styles.
Three-Mode Drive System
· Providing unified control of the DBW (Drive-by-Wire), powertrain, transmission, EPS (Electric Power Steering) and air conditioner, Three-Mode Drive System allows for the selection of three distinct driving modes:
SPORT (fun, sporty driving):
For the CR-Z with 6-speed manual transmission, the engine response and motor assist is heightened during SPORT mode. For CVT models, it selects transmission ratios that heighten engine rpms and acceleration response. For both CR-Z versions, this mode also enhances EPS response for a sporty steering feel and enhanced performance on winding roads.
NORMAL (balanced driving and fuel economy):
This mode leverages IMA’s ample torque in the low rpm range to pursue ease of operation for everyday driving. EPS response is similarly balanced, and feels smooth and agile.
ECON (enhanced real-world fuel economy):
This mode reduces throttle response, optimizes motor assist, controls the air conditioning efficiently and lengthens idle stops for maximal fuel economy.
· Providing real-time feedback in NORMAL and ECON drive modes, the ambient meter (speedometer ring) turns from blue to green when the driver engages in more fuel-efficient driving practices. In SPORT mode, the ring glows and remains red for a sportier feel.
· Cruise control is standard on the CR-Z ?. Econ mode offers higher fuel economy cruise control than in NORMAL or SPORT modes by limiting throttle response and open/close frequency.
Chassis
· In the front, MacPherson struts contribute to the CR-Z’s spaciousness, low height and low center of gravity, while the lower arms are made of forged aluminum to reduce weight. In the rear, a compact H-shaped torsion beam suspension allows for the placement of the IPU (Intelligent Power Unit) beneath the cargo area floor. In combination, these elements offer a sporty yet highly stable steering feel.
· The high-output EPS offers quick steering gear ratio of 2.48 turns lock to lock, while the rigidly attached steering gearbox contributes to the direct steering feel.
· The enhanced-design aluminum wheels*4 are a total of 5 kg lighter than those of the Insight,*5 and the tires with their sporty tread pattern contribute to agile driving.
*4 Standard on CR-Z ? ; factory option on CR-Z ?
*5 2009 Insight LS
Body
· Made for agile and exhilarating driving and outstanding fuel economy, the body of the CR-Z is lightweight and highly rigid.
· Newly designed front pillars and door mirrors, an aerodynamic underbody and other specially designed parts allow the CR-Z to offer aerodynamic performance equivalent to the Insight*6 while featuring shorter and wider exterior styling that is usually a disadvantage in terms of aerodynamics.
· High-tensile steel is used effectively throughout the body, and the front pillar inner lower, side sill and middle floor cross member feature high-tensile steel rated 780 MPa or higher. In addition to reducing vehicle weight, high-tensile steel contributes to shock absorbency in the event of a collision.
· The CR-Z is designed throughout to shut out and absorb noise for exceptional quietness while allowing a satisfying acceleration sound in tune with engine rpms to reach the driver.
*6 2009 model
Utility
· Highly sophisticated packaging technologies enable the IPU of the Honda hybrid system to be located beneath the rear cargo area, realizing a cargo area with a length of 770 mm (during rear seat use), maximum width of 990 mm and volume of 214 l.*7
· The one-touch fold-down rear seats are easy to access from the front seats. When they are folded down, the rear cargo area length extends to 1,280 mm and volume expands to 382 l for exceptional utility.
*7 Honda calculations, VDA method; total cargo area (above and below floor) is 233 l
Honda HDD InterNavi System and Linkup Free Service
· Available as a factory option on all CR-Z models, the Honda HDD InterNavi System comes with the new Linkup Free service, the automobile industry’s first*8 free*9 car navigation data service. Any CR-Z owner with an InterNavi Premium Club membership will receive free renewal of this service when registered at an authorized Honda dealer at the time of each vehicle inspection required under Japanese law, for as long as he or she owns the vehicle.*10
*8 Honda research
*9 The factory option navigation equipment uses the PHS data network of WILLCOM, Inc. to transmit InterNavi Club information only; charges for hands-free conversations and data transfer using cellular phones and other telecommunications devices are the responsibility of the customer.
*10 Membership renewal fee is free only when the owner uses an authorized Honda dealer for vehicle inspections and renewal procedure; a renewal fee is required when the procedure is performed at a non-authorized Honda facility.
Environmental Performance
· The CR-Z offers exceptional fuel economy of 25.0 km/l (CVT) and 22.5 km/l (MT) in 10•15 mode; and 22.8 km/l (CVT) and 20.6 km/l (MT) in JC08 mode.
· All models are certified by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as complying with the 2005 – 75% emissions standard.
· All models are certified by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as complying with the 2010 + 25% fuel economy standard.
· All models are eligible for Japan’s new preferential tax scheme for environmentally responsible vehicles (reduced automobile acquisition tax and automobile weight tax) and subsidy for environmentally responsible vehicles, introduced in April 2009.
Safety Performance
· The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure enhances self-protection as well as mitigating damage to other vehicles in the event of a collision.
· Pedestrian-injury mitigation technology helps protect pedestrians from head, leg and other injuries in the event of a collision.
· A driver’s i-SRS airbag system with continuously staged inflation, standard on all types, accommodates a broad range of occupant positions and physiques and potential collision situations.
· Along with the front seat i-side airbag system, the side curtain airbag system helps reduce the risk of head or neck injury in a side impact.*11
· Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), which further improves stability during cornering, is standard equipment on all types.
*11 Factory option on all models except CR-Z ? with 6-speed manual transmission
Popularity: 1% [?]
Honda 3R-C concept World Debut at Geneva International Motor Show 2010
The revolutionary Honda 3R-C concept will make its world debut in Geneva, alongside the EV-N concept which makes its European debut at the show.
Both the three-wheeled 3R-C concept, which envisions a single occupant vehicle for zero emission commuting, and the EV-N urban concept, draw on Honda’s vast working knowledge of vehicles utilising electric motors.
3R-C
This revolutionary three wheeled battery electric vehicle concept shows what a future minimal urban transport vehicle for one person might look like. The battery electric drivetrain is mounted low in the three wheeled chassis, therefore keeping the centre of gravity low and thus improving stability.
The 3R-C has a clear canopy that covers the driver’s seat while it is parked and not in use. When 3R-C vehicle is in motion, the canopy becomes an enveloping wind-shield that provides the pilot, who sits low in the vehicle, with significant protection from the bodywork and doors.
The high sides of the safety shell seat give greater safety to the occupant, reducing the threat from side impacts and improving weather protection. In front of the driver is a lockable boot area, which gives significant secure storage for luggage or other items. The 3R-C’s designers created a flexible cover that surrounds the upper torso to reduce exposure to bad weather and improving comfort.
The 3R-C study was created by European designers working at Honda’s Research and Design facility in Milan.
EV-N
The EV-N concept, which has only previously been shown at the Tokyo Motor Show will make its European debut in Geneva.
The EV-N is a battery electric vehicle study, which evokes the spirit of the diminutive 1967 N360 city car. Honda designers have incorporated Honda’s own solar panels in to the roof of the concept, to charge the car while it is parked. Two of Honda’s U3-X, electric personal mobility devices are attached to the inside of each door. The two-door EV-N concept is envisioned with a Lithium ion battery pack, and small electric motor for predominantly urban use.
FCX Clarity
The two concept vehicles will be displayed alongside Honda’s production fuel cell electric vehicle, the FCX Clarity. The World Green Car winner is being leased by customers in Japan and the US, who are experiencing the range, performance and practicality of this unique zero-emission vehicle. Two of the bespoke hydrogen fuelled vehicles are now permanently stationed in Europe for long-term research purposes. Alongside research work, the pair of FCX Claritys are being demonstrated at events like the COP 15 climate summit in Copenhagen, and the Berlin Climate Conference. The FCX Clarity shows Honda’s continuing commitment to fuel cell electric vehicles as the ultimate zero harmful emission mobility technology.
Popularity: 1% [?]
European Debut of Honda CR-Z at Geneva
The 2010 Geneva International Motor Show will be the world debut of the European specification Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe. The European version features a 2+2 seating layout and an eight LED daytime running light accent under each of the headlamps.
CR-Z customers will be able to enjoy the first car to combine a hybrid system with a 6-speed manual gearbox. By combining an efficient 1.5-litre petrol engine with Honda’s unique IMA parallel hybrid system, the CR-Z can offer lower emissions of all exhaust gasses, while offering an entertaining and engaging driving experience. The flexibility of the IMA parallel hybrid system means that it can be used with a manual gearbox, allowing drivers to exploit the broad spread of torque, while maintaining excellent fuel economy of just 5.0 l/100km.
To maximise driver choice and enhance the day to day drivability of the car, the CR-Z has been fitted with a 3-Mode Drive System. This unique feature allows the driver to choose between three driving modes, which alter the responses of the throttle, steering, idle stop timing, climate control and the level of assistance provided by the IMA system. In developing this new facility, Honda allows the driver to adapt the car’s settings to enjoy their favourite road, maximise economy, or strike a balance between the two.
Sport buttons have become commonplace usually offering a sharper throttle response, but Honda’s 3-Mode Drive System is different. The new system alters the behaviour of the hybrid drivetrain and the power steering assistance as well as the throttle mapping between the three modes.
When the CR-Z driver is away from the town or city and wanting to enjoy their drive more, they can put the car into SPORT mode. This sharpens the throttle response, changes the behaviour of the IMA hybrid system to provide more electric motor assistance, and increases the weight of the electric power steering.
Honda recognises that even the most enthusiastic driver may regularly experience heavy traffic, where maximising fuel economy is more desirable than the perfect line through a corner. In these situations ECON mode can be selected, which prioritises fuel economy in the operation of the drive by wire throttle, ECU, air conditioning and the hybrid system. For those times when spirited driving is not possible or desirable, the Eco Assist function, in conjunction with the ECON mode, allows the driver to enjoy beating their best economy score on the way to work, or in heavy traffic.
At all other times the car can be run in NORM mode, which provides a balance between performance, economy and emissions and suits most driving situations.
The ambient lighting of the speedometer is used in the same way as in the Insight to guide the driver in driving more economically and ecologically. In addition to the Eco Assist function, the CR-Z’s meter lighting is linked to the 3-mode drive system. In NORM mode the speedometer is illuminated blue, with green illumination when the car is being driven in an economical manner. In ECON mode it is also blue (glowing green when driven economically) and it has a green eco flower lit alongside. When the speedometer is illuminated in a red ambient light, this indicates the CR-Z is in SPORT mode.
The CR-Z will go on sale across Europe in the middle of 2010 and prices will be announced at the Geneva motor show.
Honda CR-V
The new CR-V will appear at Geneva for the first time, with revised exterior and interior styling across the range. Diesel versions are fitted with the latest 150 PS i-DTEC engine, which is now available with an automatic gearbox. All grades of CR-V have benefitted from a suite of noise reduction measures and minor suspension revisions to further improve refinement.
Honda Range
Honda’s Geneva motor show stand will also feature the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle plus the current range of Jazz, Insight, Civic, Civic Hybrid and Accord models.
Popularity: 1% [?]