April « 2010 « Japnanese Used Honda Cars

Summary of CEO Speech at 2010 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition

Monday, April 26th, 2010

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. President & CEO Takanobu Ito, announced the following in his speech at the 2010 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition:

LI NIAN Concept

Last year, Honda’s sales achieved an all-time record of 580,000 units in China, the world’s largest automobile market, being well received by numerous customers in China. Honda will continue its efforts to become the “automaker closest to customers” in China, which fulfills customer needs from their view points, by introducing environmentally-responsible models and through further collaboration with its partners, Guangzhou Automobile and Dongfeng Motor.

1) Honda’s environmental initiatives and introduction of hybrid models
Honda will strive to be the forerunner for environmental and energy technologies, by being committed to further improvement of fuel economy and reduction of CO2 emissions in all of its products: motorcycles, automobiles and power products.

To comply with the increasing fuel economy regulations and consumer environmental awareness in China, Honda will continue to proactively introduce environmentally-responsible models to the market. Two hybrid models produced in Japan, the Insight and CR-Z, will be sold within the Chinese market before the end of 2012, further expanding Honda’s environmentally-responsible lineup. In addition, Acura will introduce its first hybrid model within the next three years.

2) Honda operations in China – ahead of other automakers
In order to create another new market in China, Honda is introducing its premium crossover utility vehicle, the Crosstour, which highly combines the comfort of a luxury sedan and the outstanding utility of an SUV. The Crosstour will be produced by Guangqi Honda with sales to begin by the end of year 2010.

Honda is also exhibiting a concept model of the LI NIAN brand, Guangqi Honda’s proprietary automobile brand. The mass-production model of this concept car will be introduced at the Guangzhou Motor Show, scheduled at the end of this year.

Moreover, Dongfeng Honda will also begin its original brand. This will result in both Guangqi Honda and Dongfeng Honda having their original brands, which will further strengthen the Honda group as a whole.

Source: http://world.honda.com/news/2010/4100423Beijing-Automotive-Exhibition/index.html

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Honda Sets All-Time Fiscal Year Record for Auto Production in Asia and China

Monday, April 26th, 2010

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced a summary of automobile production, Japan domestic market sales, and export results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 (Fiscal Year 2010), as well as for the month of March 2010. Honda set all-time fiscal year records for production in Asia and China.

<Production>
Fiscal Year 2010 (fiscal year ended March 31, 2010)
Production in Japan for the Fiscal Year 2010 experienced a year-on-year decrease for the third consecutive year (since Fiscal Year 2008).

Production in regions outside of Japan experienced a year-on-year decrease for the second consecutive year (since Fiscal Year 2009), although production in Asia and China set all-time fiscal year records.

Worldwide production also experienced a year-on-year decrease for the second consecutive year (since Fiscal Year 2009).

March 2010
Production in Japan for the month of March 2010 experienced a year-on-year increase for the third consecutive month (since January 2010).

Production in regions outside of Japan experienced a year-on-year increase for the fifth consecutive month (since November 2009), including record production in Asia and China for any month.

Worldwide production experienced a year-on-year increase for the fourth consecutive month (since December 2009).

<Japan Domestic Market Sales>
Fiscal Year 2010 (fiscal year ended March 31, 2010)
Total Japan domestic market sales for the Fiscal Year 2010 experienced a year-on-year increase for first time in eight years (since Fiscal Year 2002).

New vehicle registrations experienced a year-on-year increase for the first time in two years (since Fiscal Year 2008).

Sales of mini-vehicles experienced a year-on-year decrease for the third consecutive year (since Fiscal Year 2008).

<Vehicle registrations - excluding mini-vehicles>
Fit was the industry’s second best-selling car among new vehicle registrations for the Fiscal Year 2010, with sales of 173,154 units. Insight was the industry’s sixth best-selling car with sales of 96,616 units. Freed was the industry’s seventh best-selling car with sales of 87,151 units.

<Mini-vehicles - under 660cc>
Life was the industry’s seventh best-selling car among mini-vehicles for the Fiscal Year 2010, with sales of 66,094 units. Zest was the industry’s ninth best-selling car among mini-vehicles, with sales of 41,247 units.

March 2010
Total Japan domestic market sales for the month of March 2010 experienced a year-on-year increase for the ninth consecutive month (since July 2009).

New vehicle registrations in March experienced a year-on-year increase for the 12th consecutive month (since April 2009).

Sales of mini-vehicles in March experienced a year-on-year decrease for the 16th consecutive month (since December 2008).

<Vehicle registrations - excluding mini-vehicles>
Fit was the industry’s second best-selling car among new vehicle registrations for the month of March 2010, with sales of 23,076 units. Step WGN was the industry’s eighth best-selling car with sales of 10,598 units. Freed was the industry’s ninth best-selling car with sales of 10,335 units.

<Mini-vehicles - under 660cc>
Life was the industry’s eighth best-selling car among mini-vehicles for the month of March 2010, with sales of 8,285 units. Zest was the industry’s tenth best-selling car with sales of 5,052 units.

<Exports from Japan>
Fiscal Year 2010 (fiscal year ended March 31, 2010)
Total exports from Japan for the Fiscal Year 2010 experienced a year-on-year decrease for the second consecutive year (since Fiscal Year 2009).

March 2010
Total exports from Japan in March 2010 experienced a year-on-year increase for the first time in 18 months (since September 2008).

Source: http://world.honda.com/news/2010/c100426Automobile-Sales/index.html

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American Honda Supports Green Music Group Challenge

Saturday, April 24th, 2010

Honda Insight will be awarded as Grand Prize in web-based photo challenge

In the tradition of American Honda’s support of the arts and overall environmental leadership, Honda joins the Green Music Group (GMG) as a prize sponsor in the first-ever Green Music Group Challenge. As a part of the sponsorship, a 2010 Honda Insight hybrid will be awarded as the Grand Prize at the conclusion of the 18-week web-based photo contest.

“At Honda, we have long supported environmental and musical initiatives,” said Tom Peyton, senior manager of Honda national advertising. “We hope Honda’s participation in the Green Music Group Challenge will encourage music fans to make small changes in their lives that will add up to a significant positive impact to our environment.”

Starting on April 10th music fans can participate in nine bi-weekly “call to action” environmental challenges issued by Green Music Group artists such as the Dave Matthews Band, Sheryl Crow and Civic Tour alumni band, Maroon 5. For each of the challenges, participants will submit a photo illustrating their completion of the specific eco-minded activity. Each entry will be judged and prizes will be awarded to challenge winners, with all entries being eligible for the Grand Prize drawing of a 2010 Honda Insight hybrid.

“We are excited to once again work with Honda on this effort to enact environmental change,” said Adam Gardner, co-founder of Reverb and guitarist / vocalist of Guster. “Our goal is to reach millions of music fans and empower them to make a difference in their community, one step at a time.”

Source: http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=5421

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HPD Civic Si Finishes Third in Long Beach Debut

Monday, April 19th, 2010

A third-place finish for RealTime Racing’s HPD Civic Si Sunday at Long Beach, California launched the latest effort in the expanding grassroots motorsports program managed by Honda Performance Development (HPD), the North American racing arm of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Driving the RealTime-entered Honda, Nick Wittmer completed the 50-minute race in third, after starting from the pole, in the competitive Touring Class of the SCCA World Challenge Series.

A joint effort by Honda Performance Development and Honda R&D Americas, the HPD Civic Si utilizes a variety of components from HPD’s racing parts line, approved for competition by both the SCCA and Grand-Am’s Continental Tire Challenge. They include HPD-designed brake ducts and camber/caster plates; a lightweight competition wiring harness developed by Honda R&D; a racing fuel cell produced to HPD specifications; and the Honda 2.0-liter K20 Type R race engine.

The HPD Civic Si will also serve as a platform for confirmation of the quality and performance capabilities of HPD-designed racing parts and branded components, available to racers through the Honda Racing Line. HPD will rigorously test parts and components to confirm their performance and reliability, giving other Honda racers the confidence that comes from HPD’s years of success at the top levels of motorsport.

“Today’s result is a great reward for all the thought and effort from our associates in California and Ohio that resulted in the HPD Civic Si,” said Marc Sours, Manager, Production Division, for HPD. “One of the cornerstones of our grassroots motorsports initiative has been to establish a connection between our passenger cars and the racing cars developed from these models by the hundreds of competitors who support Honda through the club and entry-level professional racing ranks.

“We believe the HPD Civic Si and its competition components will demonstrate the competitiveness of HPD’s performance parts, while reinforcing the connection between our racing and passenger cars.”

The white-and-red HPD Civic Si raced by RealTime features HPD’s checkered-flag logo, graphics designed by Honda R&D’s Los Angeles styling studio; and the same Honda Racing/HPD quarter-panel logos required for display by all Honda Racing Line members. The Civic carries number 93, referencing of the founding of Honda Performance Development in 1993.

The HPD Civic Si will be campaigned by RealTime Racing in both SCCA World Challenge and Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge events in 2010. Individual components developed from this program will be available from HPD through the Honda Racing Line.

Launched in July 2009, the Honda Racing Line is a program targeted at licensed participants in sanctioned amateur and entry-level professional racing. The Honda Racing Line was formed to provide its members with a direct connection to Honda Performance Development and its unparalleled record of success at the highest levels of motorsport. Competitors may register for the Honda Racing Line through www.HondaRacingLine.com.

Founded in 1993, and located in Santa Clarita, Calif., HPD is the technical operations center for American Honda’s high-performance racing cars and engines. In addition to its new grassroots motorsports business, HPD is the single engine supplier to the IZOD IndyCar Series and spearheaded Acura’s championship-winning efforts in the 2009 American Le Mans Series.

Source: http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=5419

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Statement by American Honda Motor Company Regarding Acura ZDX Recall

Monday, April 19th, 2010

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today(13.04.2010) announced a recall of approximately 1,850 Acura ZDX vehicles to inspect the dashboard surface material. On affected vehicles, the passenger side airbag of the 2010 ZDX will not deploy properly.

While no incidents have been reported, a manufacturing quality check revealed that some vehicles do not have the necessary laser-cut scoring on the underside of the dashboard surface material. Without proper scoring, the passenger side frontal airbag will not deploy properly. The dashboard inspection is a simple visual check. After dealer inspection, if a ZDX is determined to have a dashboard without the proper scoring, the dashboard will be replaced.

Source: http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=5415

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Auto Industry Ends Year in Positive Note

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

The cumulative production data for April-March 2010 shows production growth of 25.76 percent over same period last year. Passenger vehicles production crossed 2 million and two wheelers production crossed 10 million.

Domestic Sales

Passenger Vehicles segment during April-March 2010 grew at 25.57 percent over same period last year. Passenger Cars grew by 25.10 percent, Utility Vehicles grew by 20.88 percent and Multi Purpose Vehicles grew by 40.94 percent in this period.

The overall Commercial Vehicles segment registered positive growth at 38.31 percent during April-March 2010 as compared to the same period last year. Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles (M&HCVs) registered growth at 33.55 percent; Light Commercial Vehicles grew at 42.67 percent. However, Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicle sales during the period is still lower than 2006-07.

Three Wheelers sales recorded a growth rate of 25.92 percent in April-March 2010. While Passenger Carriers grew by 30.25 percent during April-March 2010, Goods Carriers grew at 11.62 percent.

Two Wheelers registered a growth of 26.00 percent during April-March 2010. Mopeds, Scooters and Motorcycles grew by 30.93 percent, 27.40 percent and 25.88 percent respectively.

Exports

During April-March 2010, overall automobile exports registered a growth rate of 17.90 percent.
Passenger Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles, Three wheelers and two wheelers segment, grew by 32.89 percent, 5.59 percent, 17.03 and 13.54 percent respectively in this period.

Source: http://www.siamindia.com/media/release/ViewMedia.aspx?id=270

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The newly launched Auris 2010

Monday, April 12th, 2010

The Toyota Auris first introduced in 2007 replaced the long-established Corolla hatchback at the heart of the highly competitive C segment. It has built a solid reputation for roominess, comfort, practicality and reliability combined with a secure, economical driving experience.

The newly launched Auris 2010, will continue to appeal to those who prize the peace of mind offered by these core, family hatchback values, achieving greater fuel efficiency, lower CO2 emissions, and with a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. However, the revised model will also attract new customers who appreciate the marked improvements it offers in style and interior quality, its wider choice of Toyota Optimal Drive-efficient powertrains and its more refined driving experience.

From mid 2010, Auris customers will further benefit from the availability of full hybrid technology in a mainstream hatchback, the Auris HSD. The introduction of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive to the range will make the Auris unique within the C segment, it being the first model to offer a choice of petrol, diesel or full hybrid powertrains.

With the performance- and economy-enhancing benefits of Toyota Optimal Drive technology applied to the full engine range, the Toyota Auris 2010 features a three powertrain line-up. This comprehensively caters for every customer requirement.

Toyota Optimal Drive has lowered CO2 emissions throughout the Auris 2010 engine range, with significant cost of ownership benefits. For instance the 1.4 D-4D 90 generates only 118 g/km for the Terra and Aura grades. Improved fuel efficiency in the 1.33 petrol engine makes the same fuel go 17% further compared to the Auris’ previous 1.4 litre unit.

The Auris 2010 features numerous exterior design changes which both establish a stronger Toyota family brand image and reinforce the popular hatchback’s energetic and confident personality. On board, customer feedback has influenced extensive interior improvements in quality, materials, ergonomics, comfort, storage and visual appeal.

Source: http://www.toyota.ie/about/news/story/f6afab1d-dfc1-48b6-a73a-08d6a7c7c550

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Launch of JAMA’s 2010 Spring Road Safety Campaign

Monday, April 12th, 2010

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JAMA) is pleased to announce that its annual spring road safety campaign will be conducted this year from April 6 through May 5. The campaign’s launch date intentionally coincides with that of the Japanese government’s nationwide traffic safety campaign (April 6-15, 2010) carried out by the National Police Agency.

In 2009 road fatalities in Japan totalled 4,914, marking the ninth consecutive annual decline and dropping below 5,000 for the first time since 1952, as well as representing less than one-third the peak total of 16,765 road fatalities recorded in 1970. Road accidents and road injuries also declined, for the fifth consecutive year, to 736,688 and 910,115 respectively. Nevertheless, the loss or disruption of so many lives as a result of road accidents in Japan remains a matter of urgent concern to the government and public at large.

Road safety is also a critical issue for JAMA, which fully supports the Japanese government’s goal of reducing annual road fatalities to fewer than 2,500 by 2018. JAMA’s own initiatives towards that goal include not only vehicle-based measures, such as expanding the installation rates of onboard safety equipment and enhancing vehicle structural safety, but also road user-directed measures, such as public awareness-raising activities and hands-on safe-driving programs. Such measures include its annual road safety campaign, which JAMA conducts in both spring and autumn and which is aimed at all types of road users: drivers, motorcycle riders, passengers, and pedestrians.

Priority Issues Addressed by JAMA’s 2010 Spring Road Safety Campaign

For Passenger Vehicle Users: Seatbelt Use in Rear Seats
The use of rear seatbelts became compulsory in Japan in June 2008. However, seatbelt use by rear-seat passengers in cars driving on regular roads (as opposed to expressways) remains, at 33.5%, far lower than the rates of seatbelt use by drivers (96.6%) and front passengers (90.8%). JAMA’s spring campaign will therefore strongly promote rear seatbelt use, particularly since the accident fatality rate of unbelted backeat passengers is about four times greater than that of backseat passengers who have buckled up.
For Motorcycle Riders: Proper Wearing of Helmets
A total of 886 people died in Japan in 2009 while riding a motorcycle, of which 359 fatalities occurred on mopeds (50cc and under) and 527 on motorcycles (over 50cc). For 33% (117 persons) of the moped fatalities and for 28% (149 persons) of the motorcycle fatalities, a common occurrence was the loss of their helmets on collision impact. With the primary reason behind helmet loss being the improper fastening or non-fastening of helmet chinstraps, JAMA’s spring road safety campaign will therefore urgently appeal to motorcycle and moped riders to always wear their helmets properly fastened.

Source: http://www.jama-english.jp/release/release/2010/100406.html

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First U.S. Demonstration of Honda U3-X Personal Mobility Prototype in New York

Sunday, April 11th, 2010

Honda held the first U.S. demonstration of the company’s U3-X personal mobility prototype, first introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show in October of last year. The three-day debut event will run through April 8 at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square. A second demonstration will be held April 13-15, at the 2010 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress in Detroit, Michigan.

U3-X Personal Mobility Prototype

With U3-X Honda rethinks the concept of personal mobility, providing the rider with freedom of movement in any direction - forward, backward, sideways and diagonally - by simply leaning slightly in the desired direction. The lightweight and compact one-wheeled device also features a foldable seat and retractable footrests. A lithium-ion battery pack provides power for up to one-hour of use and can be recharged by plugging in to a conventional household or office 120-volt power outlet.

Weighing roughly 22 pounds, U3-X uses an advanced Honda proprietary balance-control system which derives from its research into human walking dynamics for the development of the ASIMO bi-pedal humanoid robot. To realize full freedom of movement in all directions, the U3-X also employs the world’s first omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System) which utilizes a series of concentrically mounted wheels - a larger, forward and backward moving inner wheel and a series of smaller sideways moving outer wheels. Diagonal motion is achieved when both forward and sideways moving wheels operate in tandem.

In addition, the compact size and one-wheel-drive design of U3-X was intended to provide user-friendly and pedestrian-friendly operation with low-mounted foot pedals that make it easy for the rider to reach the ground, and a seat height that places the rider at approximately the same eye-level as other people.

As a company that values mobility, Honda began research into robotics in 1986 and walking devices in 1999, culminating in the development of ASIMO, the world’s most advanced bi-pedal humanoid robot. The cumulative study of human walking and balance control has also led to the development of numerous other experimental technologies including the U3-X personal mobility device as well as Honda’s Stride Management Assist and Bodyweight Support Assist walking assist devices — all geared toward further advancing human mobility through technological innovation.

Source: http://world.honda.com/news/2010/c100406U3-X-Prototype-New-York/index.html

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Price revision

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

Due to sharp increase in the input costs and also introduction of BSIV norms in some models, Maruti Suzuki India Limited has decided to pass on part of this cost impact to customers.

Accordingly, the company has revised prices of its models. The approximate price revision on various models (Ex-showroom, Delhi) ranges from Rs. 1,000 on A-star and Ritz, Rs. 2500 on Estilo, Rs 3000 on Omni, Rs. 3,750 on Swift, Rs. 7,000 on DZire and Rs. 9,000 on SX4.

The company also announced the withdrawal of introductory prices for the Eeco. The new prices for the Eeco will be up by approximately Rs. 10,000.

Prices have also been revised on the BS-III compliant cars like Maruti 800 and Omni (LPG) by Rs. 3,000 and Gypsy by Rs 10,000.

The new prices are applicable with immediate effect.

Source: http://www.marutisuzuki.com/Price-revision-April-10.aspx

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Archive for April, 2010

Summary of CEO Speech at 2010 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition

Honda Sets All-Time Fiscal Year Record for Auto Production in Asia and China

American Honda Supports Green Music Group Challenge

HPD Civic Si Finishes Third in Long Beach Debut

Statement by American Honda Motor Company Regarding Acura ZDX Recall

Auto Industry Ends Year in Positive Note

The newly launched Auris 2010

Launch of JAMA’s 2010 Spring Road Safety Campaign

First U.S. Demonstration of Honda U3-X Personal Mobility Prototype in New York

Price revision

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