Straightline
Honda
September 4, 2008
As promised, Honda lifted the curtain today on their all-new Prius-fighter hybrid. In doing so Honda resurected the name Insight, which was first applied to their 70 mpg 2-seat hybrid of a few years back.
This concept, like all recent Honda concepts is almost showroom-ready. Also like all Hondas, it is far more attractive (in my eyes) than the corresponding Toyota model that it would compete with.
The Insight will go on sale next spring, and is expected to undercut the Prius by $2K or so, starting at just under $20,000.
Here's Inside Line's take: 2008 Paris Auto Show Preview: Toyota Prius-Fighting Honda Insight Concept
As in July, only Nissan of the Big Six automakers, showed a profit. As compared to August of last year, sales for the auto industry are down roughly 15 percent.
One of the surprises here is that, unlike the rest of the industry, several of Nissan's trucks and SUVs had a really good month. Their formerly slow-selling Frontier midsize pickup broke out with 56-percent leap in August, totaling 9,140 sales. The Xterra SUV showed an incredible 77-percent increase with 8,208 units sold. One thing I'm happy to see is that Subaru continues to surprise with a 14 percent gain over last August. The new Forester had a 73 percent increase over last August!
Here's
AutoObserver's take:
Auto Sales Still Dismal in August - But At Least It Wasn't July
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 4, 2008, 6:51 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Trends
September 3, 2008
Originally planned to debut at the Paris auto show, Honda is now planning on teasing us with some pictures of their new hybrid-specific sedan on September 4. It should be noted, as per recent Honda debuts, that what will be shown will be a close-to-production "concept," and not the finished product. Don't you just loved to be toyed with this way?
Whatever. We'll take it. The actual concept--in 3-D, will be on display at the Paris show.
John Kingston, Honda UK environmental manager, said the new model was critical to Honda's future. "It is a very important car for Honda and our future direction," he said, adding: "This is a car that will change customer perception of hybrids."
Full story here (subscription needed).
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- Posted by: Bob Holland September 3, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Honda, Hybrids, Toyota
August 22, 2008
AutoExpress is stating that the next-generation Civic will borrow styling cues from the recently shown OMS concept. Four comments:
1) It's AutoExpress, a Brit car site, so take that for what it's worth.
2) The Euro-Civic is a very different car from the Civic we get. So these illustrations, if anywhere near true, likely reflect what Europe might get--and not us. Then again, who knows? There is certainly a resurgence of interest in this type of stubby hatchback here in the USA.
3) It makes sense. Why else would Honda show this OMS in at the British Motor Show if they didn't have some ulterior motive?
4) It looks great! If you want to see something like this here, ya gotta pray to the Honda God.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 22, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Future Vehicles, Honda
August 20, 2008
Not much on this other than a couple of links, but it sounds like Subaru may be considering a building a small business jet, something along the lines of the HondaJet.
Mechanical engineer Matthew Saroff is reporting it on his blog. He got the info from Aviation Week (here registration required).
This is not entirely surprising, given Subaru's aeronautical background. I do agree with Saroff that it seems to be a pretty risky endeavor, but I also admit to knowing nothing about that market.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 20, 2008, 5:32 AM
- Categories: Honda, Subaru
August 18, 2008
Some enterprising gent somehow got hold of the yet-to-be-introduced 2009 Honda Civic sedan and coupe brochures, scanned them--and the rest is history.
As you can see, the grille is a bit more aggressive looking. Sedan brochure here, and coupe brochure here.
Here's Inside Line's take: 2009 Honda Civic Gets a Minor Face-Lift, New Trims
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 18, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Future Vehicles, Honda
August 14, 2008
Apparently there is a new "Super" lithium-ion battery on the horizon, and Honda is hot to get there hands on it for their next-generation hybrids.
The new battery will allow the batteries to charge much more quickly. This, in turn, will allow for an increased amount of battery capacity that can be assigned to actually powering the motor. And more power means that the Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system can be employed for larger, heavier vehicles.
Here's Green Car Advisor's take: Honda Awaiting New "Super" Lithium-Ion Battery for Next-Generation Hybrids
In other Honda hybrid news, expect the next versions to be cheaper. Any complaints? Didn't think so.
Here's Inside Line's take: Goal of New Honda Hybrid Is Affordability, 100,000 Yearly Sales and New Honda Hybrid Will Be a Toyota Prius Fighter, Especially on Price
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 14, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Green Tech, Honda, Hybrids
August 6, 2008
Nissan has been relatively quiet when it comes to some eco-tech stuff, at least in comparison to Toyota and Honda, which are Nissan's primary competitors. That's about to change, as they just showed an all-electric car prototype, which is reportedly going on sale here in 2010. The car is FWD and uses lithium-ion batteries and a newly developed 80kW motor and inverter.
Here's
Inside Line's take:
Nissan Previews Its Chevrolet Volt Fighter
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 6, 2008, 10:08 AM
- Categories: Green Tech, Honda, Nissan, Toyota
Honda has tweaked their mid-size/full-size-lite Ridgeline for 2009.
Beside the new front facia and rear bumper, the interior gets massaged as well. Interior enhancements include revised gauges, a new steering wheel design, and improved HVAC, audio, cruise and headlight controls. Also new for 2009 is the addition of Bluetooth HandsFreeLink on the Ridgeline RTL equipped with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, a 115-volt power outlet on the Ridgeline RTL and an MP3/auxiliary input jack on the Ridgeline RTS and above. The '09 Ridgeline also gets active front seat head restraints and daytime running lights.
Finally, the vehicle gets 3 more horsepower (now 250), 2 more foot-pounds of torque (now 247) and revised gear ratios for better acceleration. 18" wheels come with top trim models. Some folks were predicting a V6 diesel might show up, but not this year apparently.
The vehicle goes on sale next month.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 6, 2008, 8:45 AM
- Categories: Honda, Trucks
July 31, 2008
The above cell phone image of a JDM Honda Odyssey was spotted in Palos Verdes, CA recently. The car was wearing "3421" manufacturer license plates, which apparently Honda uses.
So what's going on here? Might Honda be considering bringing over their smaller more wagon-like home-market Odyssey.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 31, 2008, 7:20 AM
- Categories: Honda, Minivans
Good news on the carbon fiber front: There's a news report saying that Toray Industries Inc., Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. will be working as a team to develop a new carbon fiber material for use in auto bodies; the goal being to develop mass-market carbon fiber cars.
The hope is to create mass production technology for the new material by the mid-2010s. If successful, they could save up to 40% lighter than their steel counterparts--and that's huge folks!
Carbon fiber is one-quarter the weight of iron, but is 10 times as strong. High prices have been a major obstacle to the widespread use of carbon fiber in cars, but that's changing as the price of steel continues to rise.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 31, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Car Tech, Honda, Nissan
July 22, 2008
Honda says their eco-friendly OSM, or Open Study Model, (Honda teases with OSM sketch) is merely a concept, exploring new design themes. That's hard to believe as this car looks almost production-ready as is. Many think this hints at what the next S2000 might evolve into, or even at the up-coming CR-Z.
Here's Inside Line's take: 2008 British Auto Show: Eco-Friendly Honda OSM Makes Debut
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 22, 2008, 9:02 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Green Tech, Honda, Sports Cars
July 17, 2008
Honda has a pair of new hybrids that will soon be hitting dealers. The first being an updated version of the existing Civic hybrid, and the second to be a true dedicated Prius-fighter.
From the image above, the Civic appears to be getting a mild facelift. As to whether there are any mechanical upgrades, that's not known at the moment.
Spy Photos: 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid
The as of yet unnamed Prius-fighter (top image) is the one that's sure to get the most attention, as it was designed from day one to be a hybrid--and only a hybrid. It's expected in dealers around the end of 2010. It was also designed to do battle with the incredibly successful Toyota Pruis. Heck, it even looks a bit like a Prius in overall shape.
Spy Photos: 2010 Honda Hybrid Compact Coupe
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 17, 2008, 5:56 AM
- Categories: Honda, Hybrids
July 15, 2008
If you're wondering what the 2009 Honda Ridgeline is going to look like, here's your answer. Caught during hot weather testing in Death Valley, this Ridgeline prototype had so little camouflage that we suspect its official unveil is imminent.
Other than the Pilot front end, we don't expect many changes for the unibody pickup. It will most likely get the same engine upgrades found in the Pilot, so expect a V6 with 250 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic will feed a full-time all-wheel drive system. Expect to see the 2009 Honda Ridgeline at dealers this fall.
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig July 15, 2008, 9:26 AM
- Categories: Future Vehicles, Honda, Spy Photos, Trucks
July 8, 2008
Might this be a hint of the next Honda S2000? No according to Honda spokesman Steve Kirk. Well, then, what about the upcoming CR-Z? Might we see some styling cues from this end up on that model? Don't know, and Honda ain't tellin.'
This OSM (Open Study Model) will be shown at the upcoming London show. So I guess we'll just have to wait until then to learn more.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 8, 2008, 9:22 AM
- Categories: Acura, All Auto Shows, New York Auto Show
July 7, 2008
More evidence of the world-wide popularity of the Korean auto giant Hyundai-Kia, as they passed Honda in global sales in 2007. Hyundai-Kia is now ranked fifth in terms, which is previously the rank Honda held.
The Korean automaker was ranked 11th place in 1999, but moved up to 5th place in 2007 by out-selling rivals such as Honda, Nissan, PSA / Peugeot, Chrysler and Fiat.
Now Hyundai-Kia's global sales for 2007 were 3,961,629, whereas Honda sold 3,831,000 vehicles. Hyundai-Kia has shot up six places in just eight years, according to Automotive News' 2008 Global Data Book.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 7, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Chrysler, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Peugeot, Trends
July 2, 2008
No surprise here: June vehicle sales went head-first into a brick wall. The only survivor of the 'Big 6' automakers is Honda. Some of the smaller brands that focus on smaller vehicles also showed some gains, Subaru, Mazda, VW and Suzuki being several. Check out the grizzly results on
AutoObserver's monthly tally.
June Car Sales: U.S. Buyers Almost Veer Off the Road
Here's
Inside Line's take:
Ford, General Motors and Toyota Show 20 Percent Sales Drop in June and
Honda Shines as Domestic Auto Industry Slumps
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 2, 2008, 5:58 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen
June 24, 2008
AutoObserver lists its "Dead-on-Arrival" new models. Some are already on the market, while others are just a few months out.
So do you agree? I question their listing of the Honda Accord here, as that model is selling quite well—but that could change...
Continue reading...
June 23, 2008
The upcoming hybrid Honda CR-Z 2+2 sport coupe won't have that market to itself for long as Nissan is working on a direct competitor. Not much is known at the moment other than it will be small, FWD and it will be a hybrid. Rumors include a 6-speed DSG, possible Brembo brakes, and the engine will be around 1500cc.
While these images are pure speculation, it's interesting to to note that the grille strongly hints "Infiniti," and not "Nissan." Hmmm...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 23, 2008, 7:36 AM
- Categories: Hatchbacks, Honda, Hybrids, Nissan, Sports Cars
June 20, 2008
Here's something I bet you didn't know: 82 percent of Honda and Acura vehicles are shipped via rail.
The reason behind this is that rail shipment of vehicles is the most environmentally-responsible way to get their vehicles to the dealers, and with Honda being the "green" company that they are, this is the "natural" choice. So Honda has developed a new type of multi-level rail car, called Auto-Max, that can hold up to 22 vehicles, both cars and trucks, with the result being less fuel being used per vehicle during transport. In comparison, a normal rail vehicle carrier can only hold 10 vehicles...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 20, 2008, 7:31 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Honda, Trends
June 18, 2008
Man, this Nürburgring lap record thing has really taken off. Might the word "obsession" be even a better descriptor?
Ever since the Nissan GT-R recently posted a record-breaking time, we've Cadillac, Honda and others going after the 'Ring's brass ring, so to speak... So here's Porsche too trying to cash in here—which makes sense, as they have perhaps the most to gain (or lose) by posting record lap time times there...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 18, 2008, 7:37 AM
- Categories: Cadillac, Honda, Nissan, Porsche, Sports Cars
June 16, 2008
AutoObserver is reporting that the new Honda Hybrid (a.k.a. Prius fighter) may resurrect the name 'Insight.' Not a bad idea if you ask me, as that name is clearly associated as being one of the "greenest" names in all of automotivedom. However, unlike the original 2-seat Insight (pictured), expect this version to be a 5-seat hatchback, and therefore having a much wider appeal.
The vehicle is expected to be shown at the next Detroit auto show in January...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: June 16, 2008, 8:11 AM
- Categories: Honda, Hybrids, Toyota
Great news for fuel cell advocates, as Honda has announced that deliveries of the fuel cell-powered Clarity will begin in July, as well as providing news as to where these cars can be obtained here in the USA.
Film producer Ron Yerxa will take delivery of the first FCX Clarity in July. Other early adopters for Honda's next-generation fuel cell vehicle are author and actress Jamie Lee Curtis and her filmmaker husband Christopher Guest; business owner and car enthusiast Jim Salomon; actress Laura Harris; and Jon Spallino, who was already the world's first retail fuel cell vehicle customer. He had been been leasing a current generation FCX since 2005...
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- Posted by: June 16, 2008, 5:56 AM
- Categories: Car Tech, Green Tech, Honda, Volkswagen
June 9, 2008
Now this is interesting: Honda is racing a Euro-Civic in the 2008 Intercontinental Rally Challenge. The car is racing in a class designed specifically for production 2WD cars with engines no more than 2.0 liters. The car is being campaigned by the Italian team Procar and JAS Motorsport. Reading this you gotta wonder if Honda has bigger plans for rally racing...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 9, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Honda, Motorsports
June 4, 2008
For the first time since 1991, the Ford F-150 has been pushed out of the number one selling slot by the Honda Civic (53,299). In fact the F-150 was also passed by the Toyota Corolla (52,826), Toyota Camry (51,291), and the Honda Accord (43,728). The F-150 came in fifth just 800 shy of the Accord (42,928). This just more evidence that the established order in the auto industry is quickly falling by the wayside...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 4, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Ford, Honda, Toyota, Trends, Trucks
May 31, 2008
Honda of Japan is targeting dog owners by offering dog-friendly accessories for your pooch. The program is called HondaDog.
I did a blog on this a year or two ago, but maybe it's time to revisit this site for those who didn't catch it the first time around. Besides I'm sure they've added some new dog goodies by now...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland May 31, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Honda, Trends
May 29, 2008
Yeah, the Ridgeline is posting a year-to-date loss in sales like other trucks, but not nearly as bad as a number of other trucks are. It seems like the public is taking a closer look at the Ridgeline these days, and is liking what they see; or at least liking it better as compared to what else is being offered out there.
As PickupTrucks.com noted, Honda has just released a new version of the Pilot, which builds upon the previous models strengths. A new Ridgeline is surely in the works as well...
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland May 29, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Honda, Trends, Trucks
May 24, 2008
"You Meet the Nicest People on a Honda."
Many of you may be too young to remember this, but that slogan and the 50cc Honda Cub, together, put Honda on the map here in the USA. The Cub dates back to 1958, and was sold here beginning in the early 1960s if memory serves me correctly. So, yeah, this is where it all began with Honda in the United States.
Much to my surprise, Honda is still selling the Cub in other markets, mostly Asian...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland May 24, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Honda
May 22, 2008
Here are some recent Honda news items that went up on Inside Line:
Priced: 2009 Honda Pilot
Had a chance yesterday to check out the new Pilot. I didn't drive it, but I did examine it pretty throughly.
If I were in the market for a mid-size SUV—and based upon what I discovered in my admittedly brief encounter with the vehicle—the Pilot would likely be my choice, or at least be on my short list.
Why?..
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- Posted by: Bob Holland May 22, 2008, 6:39 AM
- Categories: Green Tech, Honda, Hybrids, SUVs, Sports Cars
May 21, 2008
XM's NavTraffic feature is gaining popularity by leaps abounds. For 2009 it will be offered on more than 40 vehicles. Those automakers include GM, Honda/Acura, Nissan/Infiniti, and Toyota. The upcoming Hyundai Genesis will offer it, and GM is including the feature in 22 new vehicles this year...
Continue reading...
May 17, 2008
Autoblog (via Motorcycle News) is reporting that seven-time F1 champ Michael Schumacher is to race a Honda CBR1000RR superbike this weekend at the IDM International German Motorbike Championship.
The relationship between motorcycle racing and car racing is nothing new. Many former bike racers, John Surtees and Mike Hailwood just to name two, all went on to become great car racers. What's unusual here is we have one of the best car racers ever going on to race a bike, which is the other way around...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland May 17, 2008, 6:51 AM
- Categories: Honda, Motorsports
May 5, 2008
Fresh off her Japanese IndyCar race win, Danica Patrick may be considering a possible run at F1. Back in 2005 Patrick had said:
"Every driver would love to drive a formula one car at some point in their life, so yeah. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a real, proper test.” Late last month she said she was "dead set" on giving it a try at some point.
Nick Fry, chief executive of Honda's F1 team recently stated:
"We haven’t instigated anything, but if Danica wanted to be test driver then we’d be more than happy to talk about it.”
Full story here...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland May 5, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Honda, Motorsports
April 29, 2008
While Honda and others are reaping the benefits from selling loads of smaller cars, the makers of big trucks an SUVs are taking it it on the chin. In it's latest move GM will cutting one shift in all four of their factories that make full-size pickups and SUVs. The cuts will occur at Pontiac, Flint, MI; Janesville, Wis; and Oshawa, Ontario.
States GM North America President Troy Clarke: “With rising fuel prices, a softening economy and a downward trend on current and future market demand for full-sized trucks, a significant adjustment was needed to align our production with market realities.”
Full story here and here...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland April 29, 2008, 7:42 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, General Motors, Honda, SUVs, Toyota, Trends, Trucks