Fit-based crossover? Honda could be eyeing new variant

TOKYO -- Honda has a few tricks up its sleeve for the next-generation Fit due next year.

Honda already has said the Fit will pioneer a new regional r&d strategy -- in which global nameplates will break from a one-size-fits-all approach and be developed and built locally.

But Honda apparently is planning a new Fit-based crossover to help it sell more than 1 million vehicles off the new platform, according to Japan's Nikkei business daily.

Those crossovers will mainly target the U.S. and European markets, and global volume could reach 400,000 units, the report says.

If true, look for a U.S. version to be made at the new Mexican plant Honda plans to open in 2014. That factory is already slated to make the Fit hatchback.

Worldwide, Honda makes about 800,000 vehicles based on the Fit platform, including the Fit hatch and its sedan-styled City sibling, the Nikkei notes.

Adding a crossover could push it over the 1 million mark.

The redesigned Fit is expected in the United States next year.

The car is already small by U.S. standards, but could a pint-sized crossover version catch on Stateside? To match demand for utility hauling, it might need more oomph under the hood.

The Japan market already gets a tall-wagon variant of the Fit, called the Freed. That model even comes in an eight-seat version, but that kind of load can put a strain on its 1.5-liter engine.

Source;

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120716/BLOG06/120719880/1499/fit-based-crossover-honda-could-be-eyeing-new-variant

Carscoop: Honda Launches New N Box + in Japan

Honda has presented the second model of its new mini-vehicle N Series named the N BOX + (N BOX plus) in Japan. The new model is essentially a more practical version of the N Box tall city car with added functionality in the cargo area.
 
In particular, the Plus model introduces the so-called "Universal Bridge" system that includes a retractable aluminum slope to make it easier to load and unload heavy items on wheels such as a small motorbike. When not in use, the aluminum board can be neatly tucked away under the boot. 
 
Another bespoke feature of the N BOX + is the "Multi-space System" that introduces three different sized boards that allow for a wide variety of arrangements including several cargo modes and a bed mode. 
 
Like the regular N Box, the Plus model is offered with a 660cc three-cylinder petrol engine in naturally aspirated and turbocharged flavors linked to a CVT and front- or all-wheel drive versions. 
 
Prices in Japan start at 1,350,000 Yen (US$16,900 / €13,500) with Honda offering the N Box + in three distinct models with visible styling differences including the Base, 2-Tone Color Style and Custom.

Source (with more pix and specs);
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/07/honda-launches-new-n-box-with-more.html

Retro-styled Honda city car leaked

Several leaked computer-generated patent images have revealed Honda’s upcoming retro-styled city car. Considered a kei car in its home country of Japan, it will not be sold in Europe or in the United States.

The images show that the yet-unnamed city car is heavily inspired by both the N600 of the 1970s and the N Concept 4 that was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. Unlike the tiny N600 it will have four doors.

The car’s exact dimensions are not currently available but Japan’s laws on kei cars give a very good idea of what to expect. The retro-styled Honda will be no more than 133 inches long and 58 inches wide, dimensions that are perfectly adapted to the crowded streets of Japans.

The leaked images do not show the car’s interior but it is expected to be bare-bones at best.
Under the hood will be a 660cc VTEC four-cylinder engine that will churn out approximately 64 horsepower, the maximum allowed for a kei car. It will send power to the front set of wheels.

Honda is expected to release a full set of details about the retro-styled city car before the end of the year. It will make its global debut in its home country and later be exported to several neighboring countries.

Source;
http://www.leftlanenews.com/retro-styled-honda-city-car-leaked.html

A new Japanese commercial from Honda's corporate division attempts to show the passionate and innovative side of the company by displaying several products from its past, mainly focusing on cars but also including motorcycles and even agricultural machinery.

For those of us that need English Subtitles, press the 'CC' button on the lower right tray.

A new Japanese commercial from Honda's corporate division attempts to show the passionate and innovative side of the company by displaying several products from its past, mainly focusing on cars but also including motorcycles and even agricultural machinery. 

Source;

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/04/honda-dreams-its-future-through-its.html

Honda to Reuse Rare Earth Metals Contained in Used Parts

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and the Japan Metals & Chemicals Co., Ltd. today jointly announced the establishment of the world's first process to extract rare earth metals from various used parts in Honda products. This is an actual mass-production process at a recycling plant, not an experimental process. Honda will pursue the recycling of precious resources by utilising the newly established process for the recycling of rare earth metals.

As part of this effort, before the end of this month, Honda and Japan Metals & Chemicals will begin extracting rare earth metals from used nickel-metal hydride batteries collected from Honda hybrid vehicles at Honda dealers inside and outside of Japan. The new operation will be the first in the world to extract rare earth metals as part of a mass-production process at a recycling plant.

Honda had been applying a heat treatment to used nickel-metal hydride batteries and recycling nickel-containing scrap as a raw material of stainless steel. However, the successful stabilisation of the extraction process at the plant of Japan Metals & Chemicals Co., Ltd. made possible the extraction of rare earth metals in a mass-production process with purity as high as that of newly mined and refined metals.

The newly established process enables the extraction of as much as above 80% of rare earth metals contained in used nickel-metal hydride batteries. Honda will strive to reuse extracted rare earth metals not only for nickel-metal hydride batteries, but also for a wide range of Honda products. Moreover, Honda will further expand the recycling of rare earth metals in the future as the newly established process enables the extraction of rare earth metals from a variety of used parts in addition to nickel-metal hydride batteries.

Giving consideration to the recycling of resources used for its products, Honda has long been committed to the 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) approach. For instance, Honda was the first Japanese automaker to begin sales of recycled parts and to collect/recycle oil filters and replaced bumpers. Honda will continue strengthening its network which links to the reuse and recycling of resources.

Source;

http://www.hondanews.eu/en/news/index.pmode/modul,detail,0,2226-DEFAULT,21,text,1/index.pmode

Japan's Version of the 2014 Honda Odyssey (Codename 2NM) rendering

For those of us in North America that are unfamiliar with the JDM Odyssey, it is a very different van than over here, it continues to use a 4cyl (like what we had from 1995-1997) and is much smaller than what we have here.... (This Mazda5 small)....
The current Odyssey is a midsize minivan produce by Honda since 1993.Now the car are devide in to 2 version.

An international version and North American version.The NA is a bigger size and bigger engine target for family transportation.

Now, The fourth generation RL5 Odyssey is produce in Lincoln, Alabama, since 2010 and replacement is not expect until the next fews year.

While the Japanese version which smaller, have low floor,low roof with more sporty styling is arrived since 2008. It now produce in Japan and China.

It’s not a good fortune that the car is not selling as much as Honda’s expectation in Japan as the sell volume is just about a half of the expect figure.

While the sale in China is recover its reputation as it have accepable sale at 30,404 unit and rank as 9th best selling people carrier in 2011.

The new Honda Odyssey is now under develope.

The new car expect to have 4800 mm long X 1800 mm wide X 1680 mm high which consider very similar to the current model.

The new Odyssey will powered by smaller 4 cylinder 2 liter petrol engine pair with electric motor (IMA system).

Fuel economy in JC08 mode is 20 km./liter.

The car information is very few right now but we have computer generate image from the Mag-x for your viewing pleasure.The confirmed sale start date at september 2013.

Source;
http://autointrends.com/2012/04/03/2014-honda-odyssey-codename-2nm-rendering/

Honda plants to resume full production

Honda Motor's plants in Japan and North America are set to resume full production following disruption to parts caused by floods in Thailand.

Honda said full production in Japan at the Suzuka and Saitama factories will resume from 5 December while output at its six plants in the US and Canada will return to normal levels from tomorrow (1 December).

Production for January onwards will be decided while monitoring the situation.Honda said all water at the production facilities in Thailand had been removed and clean-up operations began today.

It said the outlook for resumption of production will continue to be carefully examined upon confirming the state of damage to the plant.

Honda said details of the estimated amount of loss and damage from the flood being assessed.

But it adds: "Should any material impact on the company's financial results for the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2012 be anticipated, the company will make a further announcement in a prompt manner."

Source;
http://www.stockmarketwire.com/article/4267293/Honda-plants-to-resume-full-production.html

Honda to Begin Sales of N BOX, First Model of New Mini-vehicle N Series

TOKYO, Japan, November 30, 2011 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced it will begin sales of the N BOX, the first model of the new mini-vehicle N Series, on December 16, 2011. Honda created the N Series with a passion to create the best and new vehicle for Japan, and a newly-designed platform and powertrain were adopted for the N Series models.

Honda, which has great experience in producing minivans, developed the N BOX with the goal of creating a "mini-minivan," condensing the attractiveness and values of a minivan into a mini-vehicle. Featuring an innovative platform, the N BOX realizes spaciousness, comfort and economic efficiency beyond the concept of a mini-vehicle.

Through the combination of the new platform, the center-tank layout, and the newly-developed powertrain, the N BOX features one of the largest cabin spaces*1 among all mini-vehicles in the market. This new platform embodies Honda's M/M (man maximum/machine minimum)*2 concept, the origin of Honda's automobile design. The center-tank layout is Honda's unique packaging technology, first adopted for the Fit, which innovated the concept of a "small car.

"The newly-developed engine and transmission enabled the N BOX to realize both dynamic driving and excellent fuel economy. With the adoption of the idle stop mechanism, which has been adapted from hybrid vehicles, the N BOX realized top level fuel economy in its class*3.

Customers can choose from several types and packages to accommodate their preferences. In addition to the base grade, which offers the spaciousness and sense of security suitable for a family with children, N BOX Custom is offered for customers who seek a vehicle with strong individuality and a sense of presence.
*1
Honda internal research, after the current mini-vehicle standards were applied (as of November 30, 2011)
*2
Honda's "man maximum, machine minimum" concept is a basic approach to Honda car design calling for maximizing the space available for people and minimizing the space required for mechanical components
*3
Honda internal research, "super-height" class (as of November 30, 2011)

Key Features of N BOXComfortable cabin space beyond the concept of a mini-vehicle:
・One of the largest cabin spaces among all mini-vehicles in the market was realized through the combination of the long cabin length, shortest engine room length among all mini-vehicles*4 and the low-floor design made possible with the center-tank layout.
*4 Honda internal research (as of November 30, 2011)

Ease-of-use beyond customers' expectations:
・An easy-to-operate and versatile seating arrangement was realized by maximizing the benefit of the center-tank layout. With a low floor and large opening the tailgate offers excellent convenience for loading luggage.Sense of security and visibility beyond the mini-vehicle category:
・In addition to realizing the same eye height as a minivan, installation of mirrors which help eliminate blind spots around the left-front wheel, left-rear wheel, and lower rear made it easier to pull up closer to an object on the side or to park.New powertrain realizing both top class fuel economy and excellent output performance:
・The newly-developed DOHC engine and the newly-developed CVT (continuously variable transmission) with high power efficiency realize both driving performance which enables the driver to enjoy a stress-free experience during everyday urban driving and long-distance travel as well as the class-leading fuel economy of 22.2km/L*5.
・N BOX Custom adopts a high performance turbo charger, which is combined with the newly-developed DOHC engine to generate maximum torque from a low-speed range of 2,600rpm and realize powerful acceleration.
*5 N BOX and N BOX Custom FWD vehicles (excluding turbo model) measured in JC08 mode (Testing by Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism)

Newly-designed body which pursues a lightweight body and high efficiency:
・A highly efficient frame was realized by reviewing every step of the manufacturing processes. The adoption of the most advanced production technologies, such as the world's first tailored blank and hot stamping of molded trim, to help increase the tensile strength and reduced the weight by approximately 10%*6.
・Conventional welding methods were reviewed and an inner frame was adopted for the first time in Japan, which resulted in the reduction of the number of parts and significantly increasing binding rate.
*6 Honda internal research, compared to the previous models

Newly-designed chassis that realized a sense of security and excellent fuel economy:
・Compared to conventional Honda mini-vehicles, N BOX's stability during driving was improved due to the long wheelbase. In addition, newly-designed suspensions significantly improved driving and riding comfort.High safety performance and enhanced safety features:
・Class-leading omni-directional collision safety performance was realized with the newly-designed engine and new load distribution structure.
・VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) system is standard equipment on all types.
・HSA (Hill Start Assist) that temporarily prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an upward incline, is installed as standard equipment on all types.
・Driver-side i-SRS airbag system (with continuously staged inflation) and SRS airbag system for front passenger are standard equipment on all types.
・Combined with the front seat i-side airbag system, the side curtain airbag system which helps mitigate head impact in a side collision will be available on select model types.
・The impact-mitigating headrests in the front seats which are designed to help mitigate the likelihood of a neck injury in the event of collision, and the interior which protects occupants' heads from impact are adopted.Environmental performance:
・All types are certified by Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as complying with the 2005 - 75% emissions standard and comply with the 2010 + 25% fuel economy standard.
・More than 90 percent of the entire vehicle is recyclable*7.
*7 Calculated based on the "Definition of and Guideline for Calculating the Percentage of Recyclable Materials in New Automobiles" (Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc., 1998)

Source;
http://www.hondanews.info/news/en/auto/4111130eng-nbox

Honda Launches 2012 CR-V Crossover in Japan, gets 2.0L and 2.4L Engines

Japanese buyers will be the first to receive the all-new fourth-generation CR-V, as Honda announced today that the 2012 CR-V would go on sale at dealerships across the country on December 2, approximately two week ahead of its U.S. launch that's slated for December 15 and almost a year before it reaches European showrooms next fall.

The new CR-V, which we first saw at the Los Angeles Auto Show earlier this month, will be offered in Japan in two flavors, the 20G and the 24G.

The base, front-wheel drive only 20G comes with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine producing 150HP at 6,200rpm and 191Nm of peak torque at 4,300 rpm, linked to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

It returns a fuel economy of 14.4km/L (33.9 mpg US or 6.9lt/100km) on Japan's JC08 cycle and 15.4km/L (35.2 mpg US or 6.5 lt/100km) on the 10-15 driving cycle.

The 24G is available only with all-wheel drive and the larger 2.4-liter gasoline unit rated at 190HP at 7,000 rpm and 222Nm at 4,400 rpm, matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. Honda says that the 24G has a fuel efficiency of 11.6km/L (27.3 mpg US or 8.6 lt/100km) on the JC08 test cycle and 12.2km/L (28.7 mpg US or 8.2 lt/100km) on the 10-15.

The 2012 CR-V 20G come with a sticker price of 2,480,000 Yen (about US$31,900) while the all-wheel drive 24G costs 2,750,000 Yen (approx. US$35,350).

Honda said that it expects to sell around 18,000 CR-Vs annually in Japan.

Source;

http://www.carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/11/honda-launches-2012-cr-v-crossover-in.html

Honda Targets Sales in Japan With Hybrid Freed, New Minivan

Oct. 27 (Bloomberg) -- Honda Motor Co., Japan’s third- largest carmaker, will start selling a hybrid version of its Freed minivan tomorrow as it seeks to boost sales among domestic consumers looking for more fuel-efficient cars.

The hybrid Freed will start from 2.18 million yen ($28,700), according to a statement by the Tokyo-based company today. The new gas-electric version has a fuel-economy rating of 24 kilometers per liter, compared with 17 kilometers per liter for the conventional gasoline model, according to Honda.

“With the new Freed, we hope to attract the increasing number of ‘downsizers’ in the Japanese market,” Sho Minekawa, a managing officer at Honda, said today at a press conference in Tokyo. “We expect to get half of our sales from hybrid models by the end of March next year.”

The company aims to sell 10,000 units of the Freed hybrid minivan a month, Minekawa said. Honda will begin selling a revamped Insight hybrid starting Nov. 11 from 1.9 million yen and a new minicar from mid-December called the “N Box.”

Honda shares rose 2.75 percent to 2,393 yen at the close of trading in Tokyo. The stock has slid 26 percent this year, compared with a 15 percent drop for the broader Topix index.

--Editors: Chua Kong Ho, Frank Longid

Source;
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-10-27/honda-targets-sales-in-japan-with-hybrid-freed-new-minivan.html

Honda Insight with 1.5 liter IMA system to debut soon?

Check out the Honda Insight section on Honda Japan’s website and you’ll be greeted by the teaser image above, which seems to indicate that an Insight with a larger 1.5 liter i-VTEC IMA engine will be available soon. So far, most Honda hybrids including the Honda Insight sold here in Malaysia use the 1.3 liter system, while the 1.5 liter system is reserved for the sporty Honda CR-Z.

A larger more powerful system in the Insight would certainly be welcome for those looking for a little more fun in their green motoring, but do not want to go for the 3-door body of the CR-Z. With the hybrid tax exemptions just recently extended by the Malaysian government, perhaps Honda Malaysia can introduce this 1.5 liter variant of the Honda Insight as well? I’m sure there’s a market!

Source;
http://paultan.org/2011/10/11/honda-insight-with-1-5-liter-ima-system-to-debut-soon/

Honda to cut exports from Japan

Honda plans to reduce exports from Japan to as little as 10% of domestic production as the strong yen erodes earnings from overseas shipments.

Honda aims to sell 80% to 90% of Japan-made vehicles in its home market, spokeswoman Tomoko Uchida said. Last year, the carmaker shipped 310,254 vehicles, or 34% of its Japanese production, overseas.

Japanese carmakers including Honda, Toyota and Nissan are moving more production out of Japan to counter the effect of the strong yen. Honda plans to maintain domestic production of about 1 million vehicles a year, Uchida said, reiterating a previous statement by the company.

Source;
http://www.freep.com/article/20111006/BUSINESS01/110060539/Honda-cut-exports-from-Japan

Honda Japan Only; Honda Mobilio Feature

In 2008 Car and Driver had a nice article about 10 Japanese vehicles that we'll never see here in North America....

Imagine driving a CVT-equipped tall Civic wagon and you've pretty well nailed the Mobilio experience. Its 2800 pounds are apparently enough to overwhelm its 89 horses. What this handsome shoe box wants is Honda's 2.4-liter four, as found in our CR-V and Element. In Japan, however, fuel costs $3.50 per gallon.



Although the Mobilio is nearly seven inches shorter than an Element, it features three rows of seats that fold faster than Balkan gymnasts. Honda swears seven adults will fit. More like four grownups and two gravy dunkers. This vanette is most notable for a cockpit as beautifully finished as any American Acura's—a warm and harmonious blend of velour, pebbled vinyl, brushed aluminum, and fake wood.



The Mobilio is every bit as refined as the Nissan Cube—with which it directly competes—although not as sporty. At $13,900, though, it's a three-base steal.



MANUFACTURER: Honda Motor Company

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 5-door wagon

PRICE(Japan): $13,900

ENGINE TYPES: DOHC 8-valve 4-in-line, aluminum block and head, Honda PGM-FI engine-control system with port fuel injection

Displacement: 91 cu in, 1497cc Power (SAE net): 89 bhp @ 5600 rpm Torque (SAE net): 97 lb-ft @ 2700 rpm

TRANSMISSIONS: continuously variable automatic

DIMENSIONS:Wheelbase: 67.9 in Length: 159.6 in Curb weight: 2800 lb



Source;

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/03q3/ten_japanese_cars_you_can_t_have-feature/honda_mobilio_page_8

Honda says studying shift overseas to avoid yen effect

* Working under assumption of 80 yen to dollar over next 3 years

* Exports from Japan unsustainable at current dollar-yen rate -CFO

* Discussion of shifting output to continue until last minute -CFO

* Not optimistic that yen will weaken -CFO

* Honda move could put pressure on Toyota, Nissan (Adds details)

By Chang-Ran Kim, Asia autos correspondent



TOKYO, Aug 9 (Reuters) - Honda Motor Co is studying possible production bases overseas to replace export-bound car production in Japan that has been battered by a strong yen, a top executive said on Tuesday.

Japanese auto executives have repeatedly warned that the yen had strengthened beyond what domestic exporters could cope with, but Honda Chief Financial Officer Fumihiko Ike's comment was the first indication so far that any concrete steps are being considered to reduce output in Japan.

"We currently have a three-year plan under which we are assuming a rate of 80 yen to the dollar," Ike told a small group of reporters at Honda's headquarters in Tokyo.

"And under that assumption, the discussion to look for an alternative production base is inevitable."

Ike tempered his comments by stressing that jobs in Japan needed to be protected, and that the discussion would continue right up to the point when the board makes a formal decision, taking into account exchange rates at that time.

But he said he was not necessarily optimistic that the yen would weaken, and that Honda was bracing itself for further appreciation towards 70 yen to the dollar after Japan's solo intervention last week did little to stem the dollar's fall. The U.S. currency was fetching around 77.00 yen on Tuesday.

"Protecting Japanese manufacturing and building cars here is becoming more and more difficult," Ike said. "We can keep the technology here, but if we were to build cars in Japan, they may be good (quality) products but they would be too expensive. And an expensive product is not necessarily a good product."

EXPORT EXPOSURE

Among Japan's top automakers, third-ranked Honda is the least exposed to excessive domestic production, exporting just 30 percent of its Japan-made cars last year. Toyota Motor Corp exported 53 percent, while Nissan Motor Co shipped 59 percent.

All three automakers have a basic strategy of creating a natural hedge against currency swings by producing as many cars as they can where they are sold. But for smaller markets where demand is insufficient to build a factory, production has been concentrated in Japan.

"At these exchange rates we lose competitiveness on these exports, and that leads to a fall in sales, triggering a vicious cycle," Ike said. "And when that happens, the natural consequence is for that production (in Japan) to disappear."

Ike said Honda had already gone down that path with motorcycles, expanding production in India, Vietnam and Indonesia. Honda imports many motorcycles into Japan from Thailand and China.

If Honda takes a similar step with cars, it could put pressure on rivals Toyota and Nissan to do the same and lead to a hollowing out of Japanese manufacturing, one of the main drivers of the country's economy.

Toyota and Nissan have been more vocal than Honda about protecting domestic production, with Toyota pledging 3 million vehicles a year of output in Japan and Nissan pledging 1 million.

Nissan said this week it plans to boost its sales in the shrinking Japanese market to keep the 1 million annual production target as it shifts more export-bound output overseas.

"Car makers are trying hard to cut costs to absorb the currency impact, but there's a limit to the speed and scope of what they can achieve," said Credit Suisse auto analyst Issei Takahashi.

"Even if they build a lot in Japan, if they lose money by doing so they won't be able to protect jobs. I think it's inevitable that some production shifts overseas." (Editing by Edmund Klamann)

Source;

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/09/honda-idUSL3E7J922O20110809

Honda's new Home Power Generation

The New Honda: Cars, Bikes and …. Home Power Generation

Posted by Stephen On Friday, July 15th, 2011

The idea of what they are calling “co-generation” doe not get as much publicity as the latest Honda bike or car launch, but on July 14th Honda’s Yamada made it clear that company leaders want to see electricity co-generation technology products become a third pillar for Honda’s business, on par with their car and bike retail divisions.

So the first thing you are probably wondering is, well, what on earth is this “co-generation” thing they are talking about anyway? Well, to put it in a nutshell, it refers to domestic electricity generation using a combination of a gas engine and solar panels. Interest has focused on this type of technology in the wake of the earthquake that left so many homes without power, as well as the on-going crisis at the Fukushima nuclear reactor and Prime Minister Kan’s recent call for a nuclear-free Japan. Analysts are expecting this market to boom.

Now, while it is true that Toyota also has other seemingly-unrelated businesses, such as home builder Toyota Home, within its corporate group, Toyota’s primary focus is quite clearly on producing automobiles. So for Honda to be considering such a radical change of corporate strategy as putting this new business on par with their automobile and bike businesses is a very bold move.

So why do it? From Honda’s point of view, this technology also neatly dovetails with their future plans for alternatively powered vehicles. After all, if fuel cells and batteries in EVs or plug-in hybrids require a power source. What better than if you could generate your own power at home for both your household appliances and your vehicles? And once a system is in place to sell power back to the grid, it will give businesses and private individuals a way of participating in the energy generation business and thus paying down the cost of their investment and their own power usage quicker.

Source;

http://integrityexports.com/2011/07/15/new-honda-cars-bikes-and-home-power-generation/

MotorTrend: First Drive: Honda Fit Shuttle Hybrid

Not for our market....yet?....
Super-Sized Honda Is a Better Fit for Families
July 21, 2011
By Peter Lyon
Photography by Holiday Auto Magazine

Like much of Japan's industry, Honda's operations were massively disrupted after the March earthquake and tsunami, and new model launches were delayed. The super-sized Fit's debut was knocked back three months, and production temporarily relocated from the earthquake-damaged Saitama plant near Tokyo to Honda's Suzuka plant some 250 miles to the west. Now that things are back on track, we had a chance to take the Shuttle for a spin.

Based on the current model Fit's platform, with its superb center tank layout and low, flat floor, the Fit Shuttle is basically a Fit with a bigger, heavier body. It also inherits the 1.3-liter hybrid and 1.5-liter gas engines. In Japan at least, all models come with Honda's continuously variable transmission.

Some 20 inches longer than the current Fit, roughly 0.6 inches taller, and 154 pounds heavier, the Fit Shuttle employs the bolder, more substantial-looking nose from the U.S.-spec Fit. As you'd expect, the new Shuttle offers more head and legroom, and significantly more luggage space. While the increased space is its main reason for existence, the new Shuttle also delivers a better interior with higher-quality materials and trim, especially in the area of dashboard plastics. Honda is targeting customers downsizing from sedans, but still looking for acceptable ride quality and better quality and comfort levels than most small minivans. On those points the Shuttle delivers.


It delivers on the road, too, thanks to its proven hybrid IMA 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine, which generates 88 hp at 5800 rpm and 88 lb-ft of torque at 4500, while the electric motor produces 13 hp. Surprisingly, Honda engineers have managed to achieve mpg numbers that should match or beat the U.S.-spec Insight's roughly 40/43 city/highway (the same as its smaller, lighter Fit brother) by employing strategic aerodynamic revisions and friction reduction measures. These modifications make the Shuttle feel adequate but not quick, with a 0-60 mph time in the 10-second range. One aspect that impressed was the Shuttle's newfound quietness. Specially developed pile carpet, including synthetic inserts into the wheel wells and underbody, has significantly lowered the amount of noise and vibration reaching the cabin. You can hardly hear the engine laboring when pushed, or the CVT revving high to get the car up to speed.

Since the Shuttle went on sale last month in Japan, some 80 percent of customers have opted for the hybrid, which makes a lot of sense considering the post-earthquake mood here and the desire to save energy after the ensuing power cuts. However, Honda also offers a 1.5-liter gasoline model that delivers 117 hp and 106 lb-ft. For those looking for a Fit that has the get-up-and-go to propel five adults and their luggage, we'd recommend gas-powered Shuttle. That's not to say the hybrid doesn't cut the mustard. It does -- just not as well. The 1.5 jumps from 0-60 mph in around 8.5 seconds and delivers strong torque from as low as 2000 rpm. This for us was the pick of the crop, and it still delivers roughly 30 mpg combined.


On the road, the Shuttle has the Fit's sporty feel and handy road manners, combined with a more stable level of ride comfort. Its steering response is not quite as direct as the base Fit, but it still delivers good weight and channels ample feedback to the driver. Our only real gripe with the car was with its air conditioner, which periodically turned the compressor off to save fuel, then blowed hot air whenever it flicked into fuel efficiency mode at idle.

One Honda source we talked with suggested the Shuttle is being considered for export by mid-2012, with the U.S. as a long shot. A more likely scenario, however, would be for Honda to wait until the next-generation Fit lineup rolls out in 3-4 years before deciding on any U.S.-market launch. "We cannot send a soon-to-be-obsolete Fit, even if it's a bigger, more practical car," the Honda official told us. Stay tuned.

Source;
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/1107_honda_fit_shuttle_hybrid_firist_drive/index.html

Honda: Operating profit forecast not conservative

TOKYO: Honda Motor Co's annual operating profit forecast is not conservative given yen strength and rising raw materials prices, the automaker's chief financial officer said on Tuesday.

"I don't think assuming 80 yen to the dollar is conservative at all," Fumihiko Ike told a small group of reporters. "The same goes for raw material prices," he said.

Japan's No.3 automaker this month forecast a worse-than-expected 65 per cent fall in annual operating profit to 200 billion yen ($2.49 billion) for the year to March 2012 and projected a 6 per cent drop in global car sales to 3.3 million vehicles.

Many analysts consider its guidance overly conservative.

Source;
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international-business/honda-operating-profit-forecast-not-conservative/articleshow/9021763.cms

Honda rakes up 7,000 orders for Fit Shuttle, Fit Shuttle Hybrid

Earlier this week, Honda unveiled the new Fit Shuttle and Fit Shuttle Hybrid. The Honda Fit Shuttle and the Honda Fit Shuttle Hybrid are both offered in 2wD and 4WD with prices starting at at ¥1,610,000 for the Fit Shuttle and ¥1,810,000 for the Fit Shuttle Hybrid.

So far, Honda has raked up 7,000 orders for the new model with 90 percent of the pre-order sales coming in for the Honda Fit Shuttle Hybrid.

Will this encourage Honda to bring the Fit Shuttle lineup to the United States? It just might.

Refresher: The Honda Fit Shuttle is powered by a 1.5L i-VTEC gasoline unit allowing it to average an estimated fuel-economy of 44 mpg using Japan’s 10·15 testing mode. The Honda Fit Shuttle Hybrid is powered by a 1.3L i-VTEC engine mated to the company’s IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid system. It returns an estimated fuel-economy of 59 mpg.

Source;
http://www.egmcartech.com/2011/06/18/honda-rakes-up-7000-orders-for-fit-shuttle-fit-shuttle-hybrid/

2012 Honda FIT Shuttle Late Honda car debut turns into hot event

Not for us in North America.... yet....
Honda headquarters is sweltering, executives are without ties and reporters are fanning themselves in a scene illustrative of the nation's struggle to conserve electricity since March 11, when the massive earthquake and tsunami sent the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant into meltdown.

The scene unfolded as Honda Motor Co. launched the Fit Shuttle station wagon, including hybrid versions, for the domestic market Thursday — three months later than planned — another sign of the disaster's widespread impact.

The quake and tsunami destroyed Honda's parts suppliers, dealers and design facility in the Tohoku region.

Still, President Takanobu Ito was relieved the company had come this far.

"It was a real tough three months for us," he told reporters, wearing a casual beige jacket and no tie instead of his usual dark suits.

Cool Biz, the annual practice of allowing less formal attire to be worn in the office during the summer, is finally being embraced in a big way in the name of saving power. Now dubbed Super Cool Biz, some employees are even being encouraged to wear Aloha shirts and shorts.

Although no Honda executives were seen in shorts and their shirts were relatively staid, the nuclear crisis hung like a cloud over the event.

Tokyo-based Honda's invitation to the product launch — one of the first since March 11 — had warned that thermostats will be set at 28 degrees and that executives would be dressed in Cool Biz attire.

In addition to the Fukushima No. 1 crisis, which is expected to take years to resolve, another power plant was shut down months later over safety fears, causing the government to pressure companies and consumers to cut back on power use.

Automakers, a pillar of the economy, are under great pressure to cut power use 15 percent.
Autoworkers are producing cars on weekends and will instead take Thursdays and Fridays off for the next three months starting in July to reduce the load on power companies and avoid blackouts during peak demand periods.

Honda has said vehicle production in Japan will return to predisaster levels by the end of this month, and global production in August or September.

All orders for the Fit Shuttle will be delivered in two months' time, said Sho Minekawa, the executive in charge of Japan sales. There are no plans to offer the model overseas so far.

"We are finally able to introduce this product," he said. "We apologize to all those who have been waiting."

The Fit Shuttle, which comes as a hybrid (starting at ¥1.81 million) and with a gasoline engine (starting at ¥1.61 million), delivers the same mileage as the smaller Fit hatchback, according to Honda.

The hybrid version delivers 30 km per liter, or about 70 mpg, under Japanese test conditions, it said.

Honda is expecting its profit for the fiscal year through next March to plunge 63.5 percent to ¥195 billion from the previous year because of parts shortages and other disaster woes.

The maker of the Civic sedan and Odyssey minivan was battered by the cost of fixing damaged property and equipment, higher raw material costs, the strong yen and research expenses related to future products, such as environmental technology. Honda's global vehicle sales for the current fiscal year are projected to drop 6 percent on year to 3.3 million vehicles.

Honda to hire 1,000 temps
Kyodo
Honda Motor Co. will hire about 1,000 term employees at domestic plants, including in Saitama and Mie prefectures, during the second half of fiscal 2011 to cope with increased production expected from October to March, company sources said Thursday.

Honda is taking the measure because production is recovering from the March 11 catastrophe more quickly than anticipated and is expected to return to near normal by late June, they said.

The automaker will therefore withdraw its earlier plan set in April to gradually reduce the approximately 600 term employees at the plant in Saitama to zero by the end of September.

Honda will renew contracts of term employees if they want to do so, even for those whose employment contracts have already expired, they said.

Source;
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20110617a1.html

UPDATE: Honda Pres: Yen Remains Big Concern As Seeks To Restore Ops

By Yoshio Takahashi
Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

TOKYO (Dow Jones)--Honda Motor Co.'s (7267.TO) chief executive voiced concern about the yen's strength Thursday, noting its current position could offset the Japanese auto maker's attempt to recover after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

"My feeling is that (the business) situation is tough, especially foreign exchange. I hope that the (unfavorable yen level) will change," Takanobu Ito, president and chief executive of the car maker, said at a press conference for the launch of the auto maker's Fit Shuttle hybrid wagon.

Earlier this week Honda said that it expects its net profit for the current fiscal year through March to drop 63% on the back of the yen's strength and reduced output resulting from a parts shortage in the wake of the disaster.

Honda expects a scarcity of some key parts from suppliers stricken by the disaster to reduce its global sales by 6% to 3.3 million vehicles this fiscal year.

In a bid to push sales during harsh times, Honda rolled out the Fit Shuttle hybrid wagon in Japan three month behind the initial schedule due to the earthquake.

The new hybrid with a starting price of Y1.81 million was developed based on its Fit company hybrid and can run 30 kilometers on a liter of gasoline.

This price is lower than the lowest price of the Prius Alpha minivan hybrid launched last month by Toyota of Y2.35 million.

Toyota's new hybrid was also introduced in Japan with a delay due to the disaster.

Honda said it has received orders for 7,000 Fit Shuttle hybrids, well above the model's monthly sales target of 4,000 units.

But Toyota sees much stronger demand for its newest hybrid, saying Tuesday that it has received 52,000 orders in Japan for the new minivan version of the Prius hybrid one month after its launch. The number far outstrips the company's 3,000 monthly sales target for the Prius Alpha.

Source;
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110616-702125.html