honda Archives | Page 5 of 13

Honda resuming production at Japanese plants

Filed under: Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Honda

Honda logo

Honda has announced it will resume production at its Japanese plants effective April 11. Though the factories are ready to be up and running at full capacity again, Honda is keeping production levels at 50 percent due to a shaky parts supply.

The company says production at its U.S. facilities will have to slow in the coming weeks because of this parts issue. The reductions at American plants are scheduled to last until April 15, but may go on longer depending on when supplies come back on line. Honda says it’s working with suppliers who haven’t resumed production and is seeking new sources of critical parts in hopes of resuming full production soon.

Honda’s UK factory is yet to see slowdowns as a result of the earthquake in Japan, but it will likely face cutbacks if things don’t turn around soon.

[Source: Honda | Image: Drew Phillips/AOL]

Continue reading Honda resuming production at Japanese plants

Honda resuming production at Japanese plants originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Honda resuming production at Japanese plants”

Report: Honda issues second recall for 2011 Odyssey minivan

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Honda

2011 Honda Odyssey minivan

2011 Honda Odyssey – Click above for high-res image gallery

The past couple weeks haven’t been kind to the 2011 Honda Odyssey. Two weeks ago, Honda issued a recall for 33,000 minivans for faulty windshield wipers, and now a second recall has been issued for faulty front driver and passenger windows that can come off track, rendering the window inoperative. This new recall covers 2,800 vehicles, which at least shows that Honda caught this problem before it became too widespread.

Honda filed the recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, adding that a supplier used a faulty primer fluid when making the glass. If the glass isn’t replaced, NHTSA says on its website that “the window may shatter into the passenger cabin causing a risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.”

To remedy this problem, dealers will replace the affected window glass free of charge. The recall will be officially announced on or before April 15. Hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release.

Gallery: 2011 Honda Odyssey: Review

2011 Honda Odyssey

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Report: Honda issues second recall for 2011 Odyssey minivan

Report: Honda issues second recall for 2011 Odyssey minivan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Report: Honda issues second recall for 2011 Odyssey minivan”

Report: More details on Honda’s hotter CR-Z come to the fore

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

2011 Honda CR-Z

2011 Honda CR-Z – Click above for high-res image gallery

To hear Autocar tell it, Honda has confirmed that it’s working on a faster version of its disappointing CR-Z hybrid. Having suffered the slings and arrows of enthusiast who thought they were getting another CRX, Honda has said they will have a quicker version of the car out when the next-generation IMA hybrid system arrives.

They’re keeping mum about what engine the augmented CR-Z will rock, but speculation is that the new model will put down about 160 hp between its gas and electric powerplants. Honda R&D chief Tomohiko Kawanabe says the company is leaning away from a turbo engine because a naturally aspirated set up will work better with the hybrid drive.

Kawanabe also indicates Honda won’t let the power increase take away from the current car’s fuel efficiency and C02 production numbers, so expect most of the new power to come from an improved electric motor.

The as-yet unnamed sportier CR-Z is still at least a year away, which makes sense, as the new hybrid system isn’t expected on our shores until 2012, when it’s due in the new Civic. Watch for updates as details emerge.

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z: Review

[Source: Autocar]

Report: More details on Honda’s hotter CR-Z come to the fore originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Report: More details on Honda’s hotter CR-Z come to the fore”

2011 Honda Civic recalled over fuel tank valve issue

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Honda

2011 honda civic

2011 Honda Civic – Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda has released notice of a recall for its 2011 Civic compact. The issue stems from a malignant fuel pump, which may have modules inside that became damaged during production. So far, no accidents or injuries have been reported as a result of the faulty fuel pumps. However, the damaged unit could cause fuel to leak onto the emissions canister in the event of a roll-over crash, potentially turning a bad accident into a fiery tragedy.

This recall comes on the heels of another Honda issue, which involves 2006-2007 Civic Hybrid models. This new voluntary recall affects 18,056 vehicles, and Honda plans to begin notifying owners beginning in mid-April. Peek beyond the jump for the official press verbiage with all the details.

Gallery: 2011 Honda Civic

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading 2011 Honda Civic recalled over fuel tank valve issue

2011 Honda Civic recalled over fuel tank valve issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “2011 Honda Civic recalled over fuel tank valve issue”

Honda Performance Development unveils new ARX-01e LMP1 racer

Filed under: Motorsports, Acura, Honda, Racing

Highcroft HPD ARX-01e

Highcroft HPD ARX-01e – Click above for high-res image gallery

After four years of dominating the LMP2 class in the American Le Mans Series, Highcroft Racing is stepping up the big leagues this year, and this is the car with which they aim to do it.

The new ARX-01e uses the same basic chassis and engine as the LMP2 car on which it’s based, but features a heavily revised aerodynamics package for a significantly different form. The 3.4-liter V8 engine now also benefits from a larger air restrictor for more power.

Developed by Wirth Research, the ARX-01e ditches last year’s Acura branding for Honda Racing Development (HPD). And with former sponsor Tequila Patron stepping up to title-sponsor the ALMS series as a whole, Highcroft’s ARX-01e is being used by Michelin to promote its latest performance street tires.

The car recently underwent its first shakedown at Sebring, which it’s set to take on later this week at the famous 12-hour race. Check out the high-resolution images in the gallery below for a closer look and the details in the press release after the jump for more.

Gallery: Highcroft HPD ARX-01e

[Source: Highcroft Racing]

Continue reading Honda Performance Development unveils new ARX-01e LMP1 racer

Honda Performance Development unveils new ARX-01e LMP1 racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Honda Performance Development unveils new ARX-01e LMP1 racer”

Honda shutters motorcycle production in wake of earthquake, commits to recovery

Filed under: Etc., Japan, Motorcycle

Honda Motorcycles Honda has announced that it will temporarily suspend operations at both its Hamamatsu and Kumamato facilities this week. Both plants are responsible for producing the company’s stable of motorcycles. The Hamamatsu plant, which builds the CBR600RR and CBR1000RR, has closed its doors today, March 14, while the Kumamato factory will be shuttered tomorrow. The latter facility is responsible for the Goldwing.

Both plants were far from the worst areas of earthquake and tsunami damage, but with massive power and parts shortages and a huge human toll, there’s little sense in operating the plants at this time. The Kumamato facility is set to reopen on March 20th, but so far there’s no word on when operations at Hamamatsu will resume.

Honda has committed to helping with the Japanese recovery effort by donating $3.9 million, 1,000 generators and 5,000 fuel canisters. Hit the jump for a look at the company’s release on the disaster.

[Sources: Hell For Leather – sub. req, Visordown, Honda]

Continue reading Honda shutters motorcycle production in wake of earthquake, commits to recovery

Honda shutters motorcycle production in wake of earthquake, commits to recovery originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Honda shutters motorcycle production in wake of earthquake, commits to recovery”

IIHS awards Top Safety Pick to 2011 Honda Odyssey, GM Lambda CUVs

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Safety, Crossover, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Honda

2011 Honda Odyssey IIHS roof test, Top Safety Pick

IIHS roof test on 2011 Honda Odyssey – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has announced that the 2011 Honda Odyssey, Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia have all been named Top Safety Picks, the organization’s highest honor.

The Odyssey is the second minivan to earn the award since IIHS added roof strength requirements to its criteria for earning the Top Safety Pick designation, the other being the Toyota Sienna. Since the Honda minivan had already been tested and rated Good for front, side and rear crash protection, only the roof strength measurement was required this time around.

Similarly, the GMC Acadia was only tested for roof strength as it had already passed the previous crash-testing regimen. The Odyssey’s roof withstood a force more than five times the minivan’s weight; the Acadia managed four times its weight. To put this in context, a vehicle’s roof must be able to withstand 1.5 times its weight to pass the more lenient federal testing standards.

Because the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave share their architecture with the tested GMC Acadia, those vehicles were also awarded Top Safety Picks. See the photos of the roof testing below and the press release after the break.

Gallery: IIHS roof test on 2011 Honda Odyssey and GMC Acadia

IIHS roof test on 2011 GMC Acadia IIHS roof test on 2011 Honda Odyssey

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading IIHS awards Top Safety Pick to 2011 Honda Odyssey, GM Lambda CUVs

IIHS awards Top Safety Pick to 2011 Honda Odyssey, GM Lambda CUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Mar 2011 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “IIHS awards Top Safety Pick to 2011 Honda Odyssey, GM Lambda CUVs”

Report: Honda also on the lookout for spider menace

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Safety, Honda

It looks like Mazda isn’t the only automaker getting cozy with spiders. According to the Los Angeles Times, Honda has discovered that some of its vehicles may be plagued by the same arachnid infestation that caused 52,000 Mazda6 sedans to recently be recalled. Those vehicles were discovered to have spider web blockages in their fuel evaporation systems, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration feared that a fuel leak could result. Honda has discovered that the same species of yellow sac spider that sets up residence in those vehicles is also more than happy to call certain 2008-2009 Accord models home as well.

Honda has not seen fit to issue a recall for the problem, though the automaker has sent out a Technical Service Bulletin to its dealers. Service technicians will be on the lookout for any blockage and address the issue as necessary.

At this point, it’s still unclear as to why this particular species of spider finds the evap systems to be a suitable environment, and there’s no information on which regions of the country have had the most instances of infestation. Either way, we won’t be surprised if Honda is the last automaker to have its Spidey Sense atingle.

[Source: Los Angeles Times |

Report: Honda also on the lookout for spider menace originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Report: Honda also on the lookout for spider menace”

Geneva 2011: Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept is a Korean Honda Ridgeline

Filed under: Concept Cars, Truck, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Diesel, South Korea

Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept - Geneva reveal

Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ssangyong, the other other South Korean automaker, has cranked out a “concept” SUV/pickup for the overseas markets. Please, hold your applause until the end. In reality, the SUT-1 Concept is actually a near-future production model for Ssangyong, and only a concept because they’ve dubbed it one.

As shown here, the SUT-1 draws power from a 153-horsepower 2.0-liter diesel four-banger sporting 265 pound feet of torque. Buyers in the European and Asian markets where this vehicle will be sold will have the choice between a manual or automatic transmission.

Unfortunately, truck fans, Ssangyong won’t be gracing us with the SUT-1’s presence. That’s a bummer, because we still believe there’s promise in the idea of a small pickup – particularly with a diesel. Besides, this one looks a good bit better than the aging Honda Ridgeline, no?

Gallery: Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept: Geneva 2011

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept is a Korean Honda Ridgeline

Geneva 2011: Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept is a Korean Honda Ridgeline originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Geneva 2011: Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept is a Korean Honda Ridgeline”

Report: Honda slashes board size to speed decision making

Filed under: Etc., Honda

In a move similar to one recently made by Toyota, Honda has announced a plan to reduce the size of its Board of Directors. Downsizing from 20 to 12 board members will allow Honda to streamline its decision making process.

Pending approval at Honda’s upcoming shareholder’s meeting, the changes will be made official in June. Among those being removed from the board is American Honda Motor Company President Tetsuo Iwamura. He will retain his stateside presidential role and his additional position of Senior Managing Director with Honda HQ in Japan. [Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Report: Honda slashes board size to speed decision making originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Report: Honda slashes board size to speed decision making”