Honda CEO disappointed by Crosstour sales, vows to make it successful

In a roundtable with reporters at an event related to the Tokyo Motor Show, Tetsuo Iwamura, President and CEO of American Honda, told us that he's been surprised by the Crosstour crossover's slow sales:

"In the case of the Crosstour, I'm really disappointed because that's a nice car, [with] very beautiful styling, and it gives very good driving performance as well as packaging. But yet, we went a bit too far."

The five-door CUV has been struggling since it went on sale as a 2010 model. Through November, Honda has sold just 16,679 units this year – down nearly 36 percent from the 25,927 units tallied by this point in 2010. Honda had initially projected annual sales of 40,000 units.

Iwamura confided that, in retrospect, launching the CUV branded as the Accord Crosstour was probably a "misstep," so the company subsequently shortened its moniker to Crosstour in order to give the vehicle more of a standalone identity. In our 2009 First Drive article, we praised the Crosstour's solid driving dynamics but criticized it for awkward styling, poor packaging and visibility, a short options list and premium pricing.

In our discussion with Iwamura, we noted that while Honda continues to enjoy solid sales numbers for its longtime mainstream offerings like the Accord, CR-V and Odyssey, newer models – particularly niche offerings – have had a tougher time finding buyers (see: CR-Z, Insight, Ridgeline). Iwamura expressed that Honda is actually "quite satisfied" with sales of most of its vehicle lines, maintaining that he sees nothing systematic within Honda that has prevented the company from generating new hit models. Further, Iwamura vowed to continue development of its niche players.

In the case of the Crosstour, Iwamura pledged, "With further refinement of styling and performance, it will be a very good success, a leading model."

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/05/hondas-iwamura-disappointed-by-crosstour-sales-vows-to-make-it/

All-new Honda CR-V coming this Fall

Honda looks to be hanging its recovery hopes on the U.S. light truck market. According to Automotive News, North America was the only market to see sales growth for the company during the last quarter. The six-percent jump was fostered largely by the Odyssey and the CR-V, and Honda hopes to be able to keep up that momentum with a new version of the popular CUV. Reportedly set to debut by fall of this year, the 2012 CR-V will be a complete generational model change, though the company hasn't revealed too many details about the new vehicle just yet.

Globally, Honda has seen its sales fall off by around seven percent, with operating profit declining by 29 percent. The company hopes that focusing on light trucks will help boost the company's total U.S. volume to 1.28 million vehicles by the end of its fiscal year.

News of the next-generation CR-V goes a long way toward explaining why the 2010 and 2011 models received such skimpy updates. Engineers managed to pull another 14 horsepower from the engine and designers slapped on a slightly adjusted grille, but otherwise the vehicle has stuck pretty close to its 2009 recipe. Keep your ear to the ground for more information on the next-gen crossover.

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/07/report-all-new-honda-cr-v-coming-next-fall/

(Honda CrossTour) Crossover raises Honda profile

The tall-wagon crossover segment is starting to get crowded....

2010 Honda Accord CrossTour

2010 Acura ZDX

BMW ActiveHybrid X6

Toyota Venza

Based on Accord chassis, Ohio-built vehicle to arrive soon

Honda is joining the growing list of manufacturers introducing sport-utility vehicles that look like sedans or sport coupes, which, remembering a certain American Motors vehicle of the 1980s, isn't an entirely new concept.

The crossover sedan from Honda, called the Accord Crosstour, arrives this fall and will be built on the chassis of the Accord sedan. The vehicle will be built at the East Liberty, Ohio, assembly plant.

A similar sedan-crossover model was introduced last fall by Toyota as the Venza, and a higher-end model with the same design arrives later this year from Acura, Honda's luxury brand. That vehicle is the ZDX, which essentially is an upscale version of the Crosstour.

BMW introduced the similar X6 crossover sedan for 2008, which has the same design concept but a much higher price - ranging into the mid-$60,000s.

Honda's Crosstour looks a lot like a four-door hatchback version of the Accord, but it also bears some resemblance to the AMC Eagle of the mid-1980s, which some say was the first crossover utility vehicle (defined as a cross between a car and an SUV).

I tested one of the AMC Eagles in 1985 and thought it was a pretty decent vehicle until I got it stuck up to its frame in the sand outside of Phoenix. It had tricked me into thinking that with its fourwheel drive, the Eagle could take on the desert just like a Jeep CJ.

But I forgot about the need for large tires and low-range gearing, neither of which was offered on the Eagle.

Likewise, the crossover sedans we're seeing on the market today aren't sandrunners, even when they're equipped with all-wheel drive.

Honda hasn't said yet whether the Crosstour will be offered with all-wheel drive, but early reports hint that it will be available. Even if it is, the system won't have the traditional low-range gearing of true off-road vehicles, and it certainly won't be capable of serious trail riding.

It will have both a higher profile and more ground clearance than the typical sedan, in keeping with its crossover utility vehicle design. Standard will be front-wheel drive.

"Our concept is to broaden the appeal of the Accord lineup by leveraging traditional Accord strengths of fun-to-drive performance and handling while also adapting to dramatic shifts in the light-truck marketplace," American Honda Motor Co. Vice President said Erik Berkman, American Honda Motor Co. vice president.

The roofline curves down to the rear bumper, unlike the boxy rear ends of traditional SUVs and most crossovers.

Despite the steeply raked roof, the Crosstour will have ample cargo space that can handle larger items that wouldn't fit in a sedan's trunk. The rear liftgate allows for easy loading of bulky items. The middle seat will have a fold-down design to expand the cargo area.

The driving position, higher than that of the typical sedan, is one of the features giving the Crosstour the feel of a utility vehicle.

"We know SUV buyers like the commanding view of the road that comes with a high eye-point, and (they) like the comforts of ... an SUV," Berkman said.

"This vehicle meets the needs of buyers looking for those attributes, yet (who) at the same time want an image that is different from a conventional SUV."

No prices have been announced yet, but the Crosstour will be positioned as the top of the Accord line when it goes on sale later this year, Honda said.

That should mean that the base price will be about $30,000, as prices for the 2010 Accord range from $20,905 to $31,155 (plus $710 freight).

Specifications and other details of the Crosstour have not been released, including what engine and transmission choices will be offered.

But the vehicle probably will be available with the same engines used in the Accord sedan. Those include a 190-horsepower, 2.4-liter fourcylinder and a 271-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6, which also is the engine offered in the Pilot, a crossover utility vehicle based on the Accord. Because the recent spikes in gasoline prices spurred consumer interest in the four-cylinder engines, Honda would be remiss not to offer a four in the Crosstour.

Although Honda offers five- and six-speed manual transmissions in the Accord, I would expect the Crosstour to be available only with an automatic.

Honda offers a five-speed automatic in the 2010 Accord, which probably will be the same transmission used in the Crosstour.

But Honda could take the 3.7-liter engine of the Acura ZDX, along with its new six-speed automatic transmission, and use those in the Crosstour. That engine also is used in the Acura MDX, which is a fancy version of the Pilot.

Both of these Acura models are based on the Accord chassis, as well.

The 3.7-liter engine turns out 300 horsepower and 270 foot-pounds of torque.

No fuel-economy ratings have been announced yet for the Crosstour. But the Accord with the four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission is rated at 21 mpg city/31 highway, while the V-6 model is rated at 19 city/29 highway.

The Pilot, with the V-6 engine and automatic transmission, has ratings of 17 city/23 highway when equipped with front-wheel drive and 16 city/22 highway with all-wheel drive.

Acura's new ZDX has ratings of 16 city/22 highway and comes only with allwheel drive.

Source;

http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2009/09/26/cars.html?sid=101

Honda to make crossover vehicle at Ohio plant

EAST LIBERTY, Ohio
The Honda Motor Co. says a plant in western Ohio will be the production site for the automaker's new crossover utility vehicle.
Honda of America President Hidenobu Iwata (hee-DUH'-no-boo i-WAH'-tuh) said Thursday that the Honda Accord Crosstour will be built at the East Liberty plant that now produces the CR-V and the Element.
The Crosstour is a tallish, five-passenger wagon-like SUV based on a mid-size sedan. It goes into production this fall. Honda officials would not say how many will be manufactured.
Production is not expected to result in any new jobs at the plant that employs about 2,400.
The engines will be supplied by Honda's engine plant near Anna and the transmissions from the automaker's plant near Russells Point.

Source;
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9AL583G0.htm

Acura Press Release: 2010 Acura ZDX

New 2010 Acura ZDX Four-Door Sports Coupe Delivers Style, Performance, Luxury and Refinement

The all-new 2010 Acura ZDX four-door sports coupe will arrive this winter at Acura dealerships with dramatic styling, outstanding performance and the latest in advanced technology. The segment bending ZDX features stunning coupe-like styling with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility. Staying true to the prototype model that debuted at the 2009 New York International Auto Show in April, the production ZDX will feature the key design highlights of a panoramic glass roof, hidden rear door handles and bold fender flares.

"The ZDX is like nothing you have ever seen before from Acura," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "It combines the best attributes of a coupe, a sedan and a sport utility – all wrapped in a beautifully sculpted package – that will attract an entirely new luxury customer to the Acura brand."

Designed, developed and manufactured entirely in North America, the ZDX breaks new ground for Acura in many ways. The ZDX is the first vehicle to be styled from start to finish in the new, dedicated Acura Design Studio in Torrance, CA, allowing exterior and interior designers to work closely together throughout the entire design process. Staying true to the original sketch from Acura's first female designer, Michelle Christensen, the ZDX features sensuous curves, deeply sculpted shoulders and strong character lines.

Inside, the ZDX exhibits the highest levels of refinement and sophistication ever offered from Acura. Every ZDX interior will feature Acura's first hand-stitched leather dashboard, door panels and sculpted center console. The rich leather appointments give the ZDX a warm and inviting feeling while creating an intimate cockpit for the driver and front passenger. The cabin is well lit thanks to extensive use of LED lighting along with the light from the unique moonroof that is an integral design aspect of the longest glass roof in the industry. The panoramic glass roof has dual automatic sunshades that open and closes at the touch of a button.

The luxurious cockpit gives way to generous cabin that provides comfortable seating for up to 5-passengers. The ZDX's flexible utility allows it to be a perfect weekend getaway vehicle, allowing for 26.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row seats and a total of 55.8 cubic feet when the seats are folded flat. The cargo area can also be expanded to accommodate longer objects (such as golf bags) by removing side panels in the cargo-compartment sidewalls. As an added bonus, there is an integrated under-floor storage area which provides 2.2 cubic-feet of secure space.

The all-new ZDX not only boasts head-turning style but also outstanding performance. The 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 all-aluminum engine generates 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque for immediate acceleration response, outstanding low- and mid-range torque and superior high-rpm power. The all-new 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters gives the ZDX excellent acceleration while also enhancing fuel economy. EPA estimated city/highway fuel mileage of 16/22 mpg* and a large 21-gallon fuel capacity allow for the ZDX to have a long cruising range. Plus, the ZDX complies with the latest EPA TIER 2 – BIN 5 and
CARB LEV II ULEV emissions standards.

Standard on the ZDX is Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system. SH-AWD® expands the ZDX's appeal by providing outstanding handling as well as excellent all-season capability. Standard on the ZDX are 19x8.5-inch 7-spoke aluminum alloy wheels- the largest standard wheel in the Acura lineup.

Adding to the dynamic capabilities of the ZDX is the available Integrated Dynamics System (IDS), which tailors the fully independent suspension's Active Damper System and speed-sensitive steering together to suit the driver's preference for a more comfortable or a more sporting ride – all available for easy change at the turn of a dial. Comfort mode prioritizes road isolation and reduced passenger fatigue, while Sport mode favors crisp handling response, heightened vehicle body control and maximum traction.

Befitting its "sports coupe" design, the 2010 ZDX is longer, lower, wider and has a significantly wider track than its primary market competitors. The ZDX rides on a 108.3-inch wheelbase with an overall length of 192.4 inches, it has an overall width of 85.6 inches with a 67.7-inch track front and rear, and it stands 62.8 inches tall. These dimensions allow the ZDX to offer a driving character that is as confident as its appearance is dramatic.

When the ZDX goes on sale this winter, customers will have the choice of three distinct trim levels: ZDX, ZDX with Technology Package and the ZDX with Advance Package. Like all Acura models, the ZDX will come generously equipped. The panoramic glass roof with moveable sunshades, hand-stitched leather interior, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connectivity, power tailgate and a high powered audio system with CD player, AM/FM radio, XM® Satellite Radio and USB audio connectivity with iPod® integration are all standard features.

The ZDX with Technology Package adds several key features including an Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, an Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system and a new multi-view rear camera. The Advance Package boasts additional customer enhancing technologies like a blind spot information system, a Collision Mitigating Braking System™ (CMBS™) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).When the ZDX goes on-sale, it will bring a new level of prestige to the Acura lineup. The ZDX will be positioned and priced between the MDX luxury SUV and the RL luxury performance sedan. ZDX pricing and additional details will be released at a later date.

PowertrainThe all-new ZDX is equipped with a new generation of the 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine that continues Acura's longstanding mission to provide V-8 level horsepower and torque with the size and fuel efficiency of a V-6. The all-aluminum engine develops 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque for immediate acceleration response, outstanding low- and mid-range torque and exciting high-rpm power.

Helping broaden the powerband while simultaneously improving fuel efficiency of the latest 3.7L V-6 is a new 2-rocker arm design VTEC® (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system applied to the intake valves. In addition, special high-lift camshaft specs during VTEC® operation, a dual-stage induction system and an electronic Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system team to improve engine performance.

Performance and fuel economy are further enhanced by the ZDX's all-new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission that is designed to satisfy the most discerning enthusiast drivers. EPA estimated city/highway fuel mileage of 16/22 mpg* and a large 21-gallon fuel capacity allow for the ZDX to have a long cruising range. Plus, the ZDX complies with the latest EPA TIER 2 – BIN 5 and CARB LEV II ULEV emissions standards.

Standard on the ZDX is Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system, which is tuned for real-world driving conditions and has been performance proven on Germany's famed Nürburgring road course. Setting new standards for power delivery and handling response, SH-AWD® actively varies the torque distribution first between front and rear axles, and then between the left and right rear wheels, to maximize available traction under most driving situations. This "torque vectoring" operates automatically and seamlessly, and allows SH-AWD® to overdrive the outside rear wheel up to 1.7-percent faster than the front wheels- thus creating a "yaw moment" that allows the ZDX to better rotate around a corner while minimizing vehicle understeer.

Chassis The ZDX chassis was tuned to provide an ideal balance of handling precision, road isolation and damping. In front, MacPherson struts team with coil-over springs and forged-aluminum lower control arms for precise handling with generous wheel travel, while hydro-compliance suspension bushings and a front subframe that "floats" on rubber mounts provide superb road and engine isolation. The ZDX's multi-link rear suspension mounts on a separate steel subframe and employs aluminum uprights for reduced unsprung weight; the coil springs, dampers and anti-roll bar are tuned for optimum ride and handling.

Included with the available Advance Package, the new Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) tailors the ZDX's fully independent suspension's Active Damper System and speed-sensitive steering to suit the driver's preference for a more comfortable or a more sporting ride – available at the touch of a switch. Comfort mode prioritizes road isolation and reduced passenger fatigue, while Sport mode favors crisp handling response, heightened vehicle body control and maximum traction.

The heart of the ZDX's Active Damper System is its electronically-controlled Magneto-Rheological shock absorbers, which can individually adjust from minimum to maximum damping force in as little as five milliseconds (0.005 sec.). Along with the active dampers, the speed-sensitive hydraulic steering assist is automatically adjusted according to the driver's choice of Comfort or Sport modes: lighter steering effort is generated in the Comfort mode, while firmer effort results when in Sport mode.

Body The exterior design goal for the ZDX was to merge the emotional appeal of a sports coupe with excellent all-season ability and good ground clearance to allow for moderate off-highway use. The unique design of the wide rear fenders and aerodynamic cabin give the ZDX a decisive and powerful appearance, while the panoramic glass roof provides occupants with a breathtaking view of the world around them.

The unique moonroof design teams with the surrounding glass structure to make for the longest glass roof in the automotive market- stretching from the leading edge of the windshield to the trailing edge of the tailgate glass. In the front section of the glass roof is the moonroof that tilts and slides up and back along the outside of the roof. This opening design helps to preserve maximum interior headroom while also retaining the dramatic and personal "sports coupe" design of the cabin greenhouse. A fixed glass panel over the rear seat area further brightens the cabin. Dual motorized sunshades cover both the front and rear glass panels should the ZDX occupants choose to reduce sunlight entering the interior, while a mesh fabric pop-up air deflector achieves a new standard for wind-noise performance when compared to a traditional blade-type wind deflector.

Cargo Opening the power-actuated tailgate reveals an impressively detailed rear cargo area that offers a total of 26.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Lined with premium loop-style carpet, the rear cargo area also offers a cleverly hidden 2.2 cubic-feet cargo bin positioned under the floor. Hidden behind removable side panels are additional storage areas in the cargo-compartment sidewalls. Like the under-floor access panel, the removable side panels have satin-metal release handles, and can be stored in the under-floor cargo bin to generate a wide load space designed to accommodate up to four golf bags. With the second-row seats folded, the ZDX offers a fully carpeted near-flat load floor and a total of 55.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

InteriorCombining premium materials with a new standard of attention-to-detail and craftsmanship, the ZDX interior takes its place as the ultimate expression of Acura interior design. Following the "2+Freedom" design concept, the ZDX interior emphasizes the needs of the driver and passenger, while also offering the loading freedom to easily accommodate a weekend golfing trip or a piece of bulky cargo. For occasional use, the ZDX's second-row seats can comfortably accommodate two full-size adults, or three passengers for shorter rides.

New manufacturing processes allow top-grade leather to precisely follow complex, flowing shapes on the instrument panel, center console and door panels. LED interior lighting and a striking center instrument panel that blacks out when not in use give the ZDX a clean, technical feel.

Standard ZDX interior features include leather seating surfaces, a supportive 10-way adjustable power driver seat and an 8-way adjustable power passenger seat. Also standard is the panoramic glass roof, power tailgate and a dual-zone, dual-mode automatic climate control system with automatic humidity control and rear seat vents. Additional standard equipment includes a powerful 8-speaker audio system with 6-disc CD changer, AM/FM tuner, XM® Radio, Bluetooth® Audio, USB port connectivity (for items such as iPod®, iPhone®, or removable USB mass storage devices) and AUX jack interface (for portable MP3 music players).
The ZDX auto day/night rearview mirror includes an integrated rear view camera display, while Tech and Advance models display camera information on the navigation system's full VGA color display.

Advanced Technology An available Technology Package increases both connectivity and comfort. The package starts with a Keyless Access System with push-button start, luxurious full-grain Perforated Milano Premium Leather for the seating surfaces and an Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™. The system has an 8-inch full VGA high-resolution color display, uses navigation data stored on a built-in 60 GB hard disk drive (HDD) for impressively quick operation and includes AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™ along with the AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with weather radar image maps. For the ultimate in connectivity, the AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System allows direct communication between the ZDX and Acura, including the ability to make automated appointments for vehicle service.

The Technology Package also features Acura's renowned Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system with a 435-watt Digital Sound Processor amplifier, a 10-speaker surround sound array and a built-in 15-gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD) media storage system that allows the ZDX owner to download and store about 3,500 up to songs†for later playback. The Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system offers DVD-Audio (with 500-times higher resolution than traditional CD audio), DTS™, CD, AM/FM tuner, XM® Radio, Bluetooth® Audio, plus USB and AUX jack connectivity.

The available Advance Package includes everything in the Technology Package, and adds premium brushed tricot headliner material, ventilated front seats, a sport steering wheel and additional LED ambient lighting. The Advance Package also includes Acura's Collision Mitigating Braking System™ (CMBS™), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), a blind spot information system and the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) that controls the Active Damper System and speed-sensitive steering.

Safety Acura's acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and a comprehensive array of active and passive safety features help the 2010 ZDX offer a high level of passenger safety. The ACE™ body structure more evenly distributes collision forces throughout the vehicle and also helps maintain the integrity of the passenger cabin in the event of a severe frontal collision.

Passive safety features include a dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), dual-chamber side airbags with a passenger side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), front seats with active head restraints, knee bolsters for front occupants, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor and front seatbelts with an automatic tensioning system with integrated load limiters.

Numerous standard "active safety" features that help the ZDX driver minimize the risk of collision include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) along with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

An additional active safety feature included in the available Advance Package is the Collision Mitigating Braking System™ (CMBS™) which helps the driver reduce the likelihood of a collision by alerting the driver to potential collision situations and activating the brakes if the system determines a collision likely is unavoidable.

Although the ZDX has not yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as of press time, Acura internal testing projects the ZDX to achieve top ratings in NHTSA** frontal and side impact testing, as well as earn GOOD ratings from the IIHS.

Along with every other new Acura, the 2010 ZDX is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000 miles powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Acura Total Luxury Care (TLC), which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance, concierge service and trip routing.

AcuraAcura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The 2010 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV, the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and the all-new ZDX four-door sports coupe.For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For additional media information, please go to www.acuranews.com.

*Based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
**Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). Model tested with standard side-impact air bags (SABs).

Source;

http://www.acura.com/PressReleaseArticle.aspx?year=2009&id=5125

TOV Rumours: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour CUV

Crosstour We've heard whispers of this product for so long it seems that it's been under development forever. We don't have any confirmation on the name yet, but Honda recently registered the Crosstour name, so at the moment it makes the most sense. A flurry of spyshots of a cleverly disguised test mule for this vehicle provided plenty of fodder for internet discussions over the past year or so, but we're still waiting to catch a glimpse of how it will look in production sheetmetal. So far, those spy photos have eluded us. We don't know a lot about this vehicle but there is at least some consistency in the rumors that we've been hearing. First of all, it will be based upon the Accord platform. It will be larger than a CR-V, yet smaller than the Pilot, and priced accordingly (one source tells us it will be equipped to match the Venza for the most part, yet it will undercut it in price). Drivetrains are expected to also be borrowed from the Accord, which would most likely mean you'll get your choice of 4-cyl or 6-cylinder power. Since it will supposedly be equipped to take on the Venza, our guess is that the Crosstour will also offer VTM-4. We've heard a tentative launch date of November, 2009, but we're also told that it could be moved up slightly or even pushed back to early 2010; the decision will be based upon Honda's inventory levels and the overall state of the economy as those dates get closer.
Summary: Honda's long-rumored Accord-based crossover will finally be reaching showrooms soon.
Watch For: Spyshots of camo'd test vehicles to begin surfacing soon.
Available: Oct/Nov '09 OR early 2010

Source;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=828861

Honda's Next Crossover Vehicle Expected to Land in Showrooms of North America Late September 2009

Just a short while ago Brenda Priddy & Co. caught the above car being tested in the 'wild' with some enough camo (see tape over the fenders and what not) to disguise the cosmetic appearance but not enough camo to disguise the fact that Honda is working on a new crossover, this one looking a lot like a station wagon.

I can confirm that as of now Honda Canada is brining this vehicle to Canada's (and I would imagine USA's) showrooms for purchase.

Not much else is known about the vehicle, although there is heavy speculation that the CUV would come with either Honda's Realtime 4WD or VTM-4X4. I imagine that there could be 2X engine choices as well, 4 and 6 cylinders.

This vehicle does make sense in the fact that Toyota has brought about their own 'wagon' to be released in the North American market called the Venza, pictured below.

Here are a couple of links from previous posts on the matter;

http://thehondaportal.blogspot.com/2008/11/car-driver-2010-accord-cuv-pics-from.html

http://thehondaportal.blogspot.com/2008/11/tov-brenda-priddy-new-honda-accord.html

Source;

Honda Canada