Honda and Toyota Mass Recall

TWO Japanese automotive giant Honda and Toyota have announced the withdrawal of its production of vehicles for repair associated with the potential damage that can harm their vehicles.

Beginning with the Toyota some time ago who did recall 3.8 million vehicles around the world who became the largest recall in history, just because of the carpet that are considered dangerous.

The reason, in certain circumstances, this carpet has the potential to cause the gas pedal stuck to the floor. Although trivial solution is memorable only by replacing the carpet, but it involves millions of vehicles, and Toyota is making quite dizzy because apart from that, they were forced to suspend production bebrapa vehicle models.

Toyota models that had a recall (including Lexus) are:

- Produkis Camry 2007-2010
- Avalon Production 2005-2010
- Prius production 2004-2009
- Tacoma production 2005-2010
- Tundra production 2007-2010
- Lexus ES 350 production 2007-2010
- Lexus IS350 IS 250 and the 2006-2010 production

After Toyota, Honda also malakukan the same thing against 646,000 units of Fit, Jazz and the City in the whole world. Although not as much of Toyota's recall, but the defects that occur in peroduksi Honda products is much more complex.

Defects occur in Honda products in the power window switches, can cause a fire. Because error in product design these components, making it very easy to take in water that lead to short-circuit.

Honda to recall after a report that states there is an existing 3-related cases this damage. Two occurred in the United States and another place in South Africa. Even in South Africa is reported to have resulted in the death of a child seoarng.

Honda CR-Z Is Too Greesy as Hybrid

Honda released a production version of the CR-Z hybrid them. His figure is almost identical to the concept presented at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. This vehicle will be launched in Japan with a 1.5-liter engine i-VTEC-powered 112bhp at 6.000rpm combined with electric motors powered 10kW (13.4 bhp).

Gasoline engine can produce maximum torque of 145Nm at 4.800rpm, while the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system it 7.000rpm contribute to 77Nm. After that energy channeled into the transmission 6-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission model. Parties Honda CR-Z claims he Acceleration 0-100 km / h within 9.7 seconds.

As hybrid vehicles, which is important in the CR-Z is the fuel consumption. According to Honda, this hybrid to record their latest figures 13.1 km / liter in the city and 15.6 km / liter on the highway.

This is a number that is far from good in the other vehicle hybrid status, especially compared to the Toyota Prius that can carve performance 25.6 km / liter. Honda CR-Z is only superior in the matter of speed.

Vehicle length dimension 4.080mm, 1.740mm wide and 1.395mm are high, offers three driving modes, driving Eco, Normal and Sport driving driving. To distinguish what mode was used, the driver can feel and see the different colors that illuminate the instrument cluster that can be changed according to the driving mode.

In the Japanese market later, Honda CR-Z will be offered in two options namely caste 'Alpha' and 'Beta', but did not mention what features distinguish between the two.

Honda Present Concept Small Car in India

New Small Honda presented its Concept at the Delhi Auto Expo as a preview before the launch of the production version which will be held in India in 2011. With a selling price of no more than Rp100 million, a small family vehicle five passengers was developed specifically for India and other emerging markets.

"Honda will try to bring a small car with a competitive price in the entry-level hatchback segment," said Honda Executive Vice President Koichi Kondo.

In order to be cheap, this Japanese car manufacturer will secure local production and supply of components in India. New Small Concept Honda will compete with Maruti Suzuki and Volkswagen with new models from Toyota and Nissan.

In a market that has been dominated by Maruti Suzuki brand, Honda Market currently placing itself as a premium brand in India. Of the 58,285 cars sold in India in 2009, Honda held the market share of 2.9 percent.

Honda CR-Z Released in Japan Next Month

Hot hatch Honda CR-Z hybrid has been shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in the form of a nearly 100% resemble the production version, while the leaks that have been circulating leaflets have shown LIKE about the model will go on sale in Japan earlier this year.

So it is with its promotional video that has been circulating on the Internet that does not show radical differences in what ever seen. In the video, just shows what kind of vehicle performance blend of gasoline and electric engines while flying on the highway.

Video also shows that most basic form of a cabin on the concept has not changed, but the details such as air vents, trim the center and the placement of the buttons little changed on production cars.

Honda CR-Z in 2011 will be launched in Japan in February will use 4-cylinder gasoline engine-powered 1.5-liter with 114hp at 6.000rpm maximum torque of 145Nm at 4.800rpm combined with an electric motor powered by 13.5 hp reach 77Nm torque force that began in 1.000rpm

CR-Z will also offer a manual transmission 6-speed with the traditional three-pedal as standard variants, as well as the first production version of its hybrid variant. As an optional facility, will be available CVT automatic transmission.

Volume Production of The European Jazz Starts at Honda In Swindon

The first European built Jazz was driven off the production line at Honda's factory in Swindon (UK), providing a boost to production volume and underlining the company's long term commitment to its European operation.

The 5-door family supermini is one of Honda's most successful cars in Europe, with over 70,000 sold in the region every year. As Honda has a policy of building its most popular cars in the markets in which they are sold, production of Jazz for European customers is shifting from Japan to the UK.

In the current financial year (to end March, 2010) Honda of the UK Manufacturing in Swindon (HUM) will build 20,000 units of Jazz. 75 per cent of these will be for the UK market, with the other 25 per cent planned for export to 55 countries across mainland Europe and other regions, including South Africa. The addition of Jazz brings the planned total production level for the Swindon plant in this financial year to 100,600 - still well below the plant's full capacity. Volumes are expected to increase next year due to the new three model production line-up.

The start of Jazz production comes just 12 months after the decision to make a third model at the Wiltshire manufacturing facility.

The demand for cars like the Jazz is increasing as car buyers look to downsize from big, gas-guzzling models into small, fuel efficient, but practical vehicles. Furthermore, various governments' incentives across Europe have given Jazz sales a significant boost resulting in increased in demand.

"We see this third model as a wonderful opportunity in the current climate and we're extremely proud to be building the Jazz here in Swindon," said David Hodgetts, Director at HUM. "The car is incredibly popular with customers, and it has won countless awards for quality and reliability. Shifting production to the UK is a real vote of confidence in all our Associates here in Swindon, and recognition of the high standards which we have been able to achieve at the plant."

Honda Wins 2009 Grove Medal for FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Technology

September 22, 2009 - At Grove Fuel Cell Symposium, Honda received the prestigious Grove Medal in recognition of the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle. The FCX Clarity is a practical car with room for four people and luggage and it is ready for use on the road. Significantly, it has 2-3 times better fuel economy than its petrol equivalent and 1.5 times that of a petrol-electric hybrid. In addition to this excellent fuel economy the FCX Clarity produces no harmful gases, its only emission is water.

Kawaguchi reveives medal from Deputy Mayor of London, Mr Kit Malthouse and Chairman of Grove, Mr Lars Sjunnesson

The award was accepted by Yuji Kawaguchi, Managing Director of Honda R&D Ltd. On accepting the award he commented; "We are honored to accept this medal. At Honda we believe that the automobile holds the potential for limitless dreams and excitement in the future. The FCX Clarity represents the beginning of that future. We hope you will continue to look to Honda with anticipation and we will continue to strive to become a company that society wants to exist. "

Honda was chosen for the award by the Grove Symposium Steering Committee. Each individual Committee member proposes one or more possible candidates for the Medal. They must write a supporting case detailing the scientific breakthrough and innovation of the particular development and its importance for the fuel cell industry. They also consider other developments or breakthroughs carried out by the individual or company and their ongoing commitment to fuel cells.

The candidates are then discussed in turn in the following Committee meeting and a vote is taken. A clear majority is required to award the medal. Honda's FCX Clarity scored very highly in all categories.

The Grove Committee made the following comments regarding Honda's achievement: "Honda's commitment to fuel cells has been evident for a long time. The FCX Clarity shows not only scientific breakthrough but also styling that has captured the public imagination, and Honda's move to small-scale automated production marks a watershed in the introduction of fuel cell vehicles. The Grove Committee was unanimous in its choice and is delighted to present this year's medal to Honda."

Honda Begins Production and Sales of City in Brazil

SÃO PAULO, Brazil, July 24, 2009 - Honda Automoveis do Brasil Ltda. (HAB), Honda’s automobile production and sales subsidiary in Brazil, began sales of the City FFV (Fuel Flexible Vehicle) in Brazil. The production of the model is underway at HAB’s plant. The company is planning to begin export of this model to Mexico and other countries of South America starting from September 2009. Left:City FFV LX Right:City FFV EXL City became the third model produced by HAB locally in Brazil following Civic and Fit whose production began in 1997 and 2003, respectively. The price of the City FFV starts from R$56,210 (approximately 2.75 million yen at an exchange rate of R$1=49 yen), and the company plans to sell 17,000 units in 2009. The City FFV was developed based on the third-generation City, which is currently being sold in Thailand and other countries, adapting some specifications to accommodate specific needs in the Brazilian market. The design of the City is based on the total pursuit of a vehicle with road presence within a compact, yet dynamic form. In addition, class-leading* interior space was achieved to create a cabin that surrounds the occupants with an open and secure feeling. The City is equipped with a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine, which is further advanced in every direction including engine output, fuel economy and environmental performance. Furthermore, with its advanced safety and environmental performance, the City offers values in every area at a high level, setting a new benchmark in the subcompact sedan category. Honda City was first introduced in Thailand in 1996. Cumulative sales of the City now exceed 1.2 million units in over 45 countries around the world. *1.5-liter subcompact sedan category [ About City FFV ] Engine Drive Transmission Size (length × width × height) Sales Price (R$) 1.5-liter i-VTEC FF 5AT, 5MT 4,400×1,695×1,480 56,210~71,095 *Exchange rate: R$1=approximately 49 yen [ About Honda Automoveis do Brasil Ltda. ] Establishment May 1996 Business Production and sales of automobiles and repair parts Capitalization Ratio 100% Honda South America Ltda. (A wholly owned subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.) Capital Investment R$882.78 million Representative Sho Minekawa, President

Honda Opens European Training Center

Erlensee, Germany, December 11, 2009 - Honda opens European training center in Erlensee, Hesse. With a total investment of approximately 15 million euros, Honda is making a clear commitment to its operations in Germany, even in these difficult times. Sales associates as well as the service personnel of Honda partners for all product ranges throughout continental Europe will be trained at the new Honda Academy. Honda's strengths in customer satisfaction and service will continue to be built upon with targeted training courses. The Honda Academy Shigeru Takagi, responsible for Honda's European operations as President of Honda Motor Europe Ltd. stated: "The Academy is not just for learning about our latest products and technologies. We have to listen to and respect each customer's individual concerns and to establish a good relationship with them, built on trust. The Academy's mission is to help every associate at Honda to learn how to serve each individual customer better." During the opening ceremony, Volker Lange, President of the Association of International Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, also commended the initiative of the Honda Academy in his speech, stating: "Honda is setting another standard today! In times of financial and economic crisis and a continued falling motor vehicle market, strictly following the maxim of improving customer satisfaction, the creation of the Honda Academy and this large investment here in Germany deserves admiration and respect." 14 permanent staff members will be employed on the 53,000 square metre premises in Erlensee, located near Hanau in the state of Hesse. Practical training using Honda's entire product range will take place on a 15,000 square metre dynamic area. A total of 264 participants per day will be able to undergo training at the new Honda Academy. Facts about the Honda Academy Erlensee Ground breaking: March 23, 2009 Build time: 9 months Size of premises: 53,000 sqm Dynamic area: 10,000 sqm paved, 5,000 sqm unpaved Buildings: total area 7,000 sqm Number of training rooms: 6 for business training, 6 for technical training Number of workshops: 3, fully flexible to arrange Max. capacity of buildings: 264 trainees per day (12 training rooms at 12 persons, plus 120 persons in plenary hall) Capacity of dynamic area: 60-200 trainees per day, depending on programme Empoyees: Currently 14 permanent, additional contractors on demand Investment: about 15 million Euro Use of alternative energy: Photo voltaic-system with Honda Soltec modules, 80 kWh output

Toyota Head to Head with Honda

As the world's largest car manufacturer and a pioneer in hybrid technology, Toyota obviously jolted when his rival, Honda, hybrid sports car launched, CR-Z.

The presence of the first sports car of this hybrid technology immediately got the attention of the world. This clearly threatens kedigdayaan hybrid Toyota as the king of the world.

For that, the Japanese giant is preparing kupe model that will be included in the family Prius. This car is targeted to fight head to head with the CR-Z.

Not only that, Toyota also wanted to grab the attention of the world through brand-new MPV model of hybrid technology to anticipate the arrival of Honda Skydeck.

Toyota deserves hot because Skydeck has invited clicking sound impressed in his appearance at the Tokyo Motor Show which opened last week. Not just the design style that ciamik, seabrek advanced features and functionality should be thumbs up.

Nothing wrong if Toyota should be wary, because stretching Honda in hybrid technology was considered biased sebelh eyes. Although impressed cool calm, but the manufacturer of the car bearing the H is known pretty good at gathering the preferred model of the market.

As an illustration, Toyota seems to be transplanting hybrid engine 1.8-liter VVT-I for this kupe Lexus, which can give off energy 134bhp.

With a more aerodynamic body weight plus lightweight, hybrid cars are capable of racing from 0-100km/jam in 10.4 seconds, and reaches a peak speed of nearly 200 km / hour.

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