RECALL ALERT: Foreign Honda Accords Recalled

Honda in Australia is recalling 45 000 of its Accord Euro models over a faulty power steering hose that may start a fire under the bonnet. They were sold between June 2003 and June 2008. The hose may crack due to high temperatures and leak fluid and cause a fire. Honda will be contacting its Australian customers through mail and encourages its owners to visit the dealership if they have the model in concern. There have been reports of leaky hoses around Australia. No fires or serious injuries have been reported. This is the 4th recall battle for Honda in Australia since the year began. Since January, 80 000+ Hondas have been recalled in that country alone. 

Honda Canada's 2012 Accord HFP Coupe (CANADA-ONLY)

Aside from the Acura CSX, Honda does not offer anything different in Canada than it already does in the states. However, Honda's recent introduction of the Accord HFP Coupe at the Vancouver Auto Show is yet another distinguishing between the lineup in the States and in Canada. The enhanced exterior styling comes with a wider and lower appearance, aided by a suspension drop, 19-inch wheels and front/rear/side skirts. A more responsive sport suspension has been fine-tuned and dropped into this beastly coupe and Michelin Primacy MXM4 tires have been added to improve the tire grip. 200 of these babies will be produced and will be priced at $37 890 with the option of a 5-speed auto or a 6-speed manual. Sorry, but black is your only color choice. Better luck next time.

More Info on the 2012 Honda Civic

2 door 2012 Honda Civic Coupe colors include, Crystal Black Pearl, Cool Mist Metallic, Dyno Blue Pearl, Rallye Red, Polished Metal Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Taffeta White and Sunburst Orange Pearl available only on Si Coupes.

4 door 2012 Honda Civic Sedan colors include, Crystal Black Pearl, Cool Mist Metallic, Dyno Blue Pearl, Rallye Red, Urban Titanium Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, Crimson Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Taffeta White and Sunburst Orange Pearl as well as Rallye Red available only on Si Sedans.

5-speed auto on all models, 5-speed manual is an option on DX and LX sedans and is unavailable on EX, EX-L and HF Sedans, and is an option on DX, LX and EX Coupes and is unavailable on EX-L coupes. Si models all receive the standard 6-speed manual. 

BREAKING NEWS: 2012 HONDA CIVIC SPECS

2012 Honda Civic DX Standard Equipment:

1.8 liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder 5-speed manual transmission Eco Assist Available 5-speed automatic transmission Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Side curtain airbags Front-seat side airbags ABS Brake Assist Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) Power Windows LCD segment MID Daytime Running Lights TPMS

  

2012 Honda Civic LX Standard Equiment (over DX):

Color i-MID AM/FM/CD 4-speaker audio system (sedan) AM/FM/CD 6-speaker audio system (Coupe) USB iPod/ iPhone connectivity Auxiliary input jack Steering wheel-mounted audio controls Air Conditioning Floor Mats Remote keyless entry with trunk release 15-inch steel wheels Cruise Control Driver auto-up and down windows Power door locks Body colored exterior mirrors and windows One-piece fold down rear seatback Map Lights

   

2012 Honda Civic EX Standard Equipment (over LX):

Standard 5-speed automatic transmission (Sedan) 6-speaker audio system (Sedan) Premium 7-speaker audio system (Coupe) Bluetooth HandsFreeLink One-touch power moonroof with tilt function 16-inch alloy wheels Rear disc brakes Outside Temp Gauge 60/40 split rear seatback Rear centre armrest with beverage holders Passenger-side rear seatback pocket Available Honda NAVI with voice recognition and FM Traffic

   

2012 Honda Civic EX-L Standard Equipment (over EX):

Leather-trimmed interior Heated front seats Auto-on/ off headlights Leather-wrapped steering wheel Heated exterior mirrors

    

2012 Honda Civic Si Standard Equipment (over EX):

2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine 6-speed manual transmission Limited-slip differential Power Monitor display Sequential Rev-Limit Indicator Sport seats Available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and FM traffic Auto on/off headlights Sport racing pedals Leather-wrapped shift knob Premium 7-speaker audio Integrated spoiler with LED stop lamp Fog lamps 17-inch alloy wheels

   
2012 Honda Civic HF and Hybrid Standard Equipment:

2012 Honda Civic HF Standard Features:

Standard 5-speed automatic transmission Trunk lip spoiler Unique aerodynamic alloy wheels Low rolling-resistance tires Under-body covers Lower ground clearance @ 5mm

   

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid Standard Features:

1.5-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder hybrid engine Continuously variable transmission (CVT) Rear spoiler Automatic climate control Auto-on/ off headlights Bluetooth HandsFreeLink Lithium-ion battery Premium 6-speaker audio 15-inch alloy wheels Available leather seating Available Honda NAVI with voice recognition and FM traffic

2012 Honda Natural Gas (NGV) Standard Features:

Natural gas 1.8-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine Standard 5-speed automatic transmission 15-inch alloy wheels Bluetooth HandsFreeLink Outside temperature gauge USB iPod/iPhone connectivity Steering wheel controls Available Honda NAVI with voice recognition, CNG Filling Station Finder and FM Traffic

Honda Invests in Alabama

Honda is expanding its Alabama factories, investing $94 million and creating 20 new jobs in Lincoln. The County approved the project which is set to be completed by mid-2012. Honda did not pinpoint the reason behind the expansion, however Odyssey and Pilot sales have been rising lately. The work will also include installing new equipment and help increase production capacity and improve vehicle and engine manufacturing flexibility. Honda ensures this expansion is a long-term outlook for the plant.

As a result of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, Honda expects production schedules to be interrupted in Alabama.

The governor of Alabama is pleased that Honda will continue to invest in Alabama and expand, while creating well-paying jobs for Americans.

BREAKING NEWS: Honda's Relentless Recalls Continue ...

Honda is recalling 2 800 of its 2011 Odysseys to repair faulty windows. There is a potential failure with the two front door power windows where the window may come off the track and become inoperative/drop into the door. The window may also shatter into the passenger cabin causing damage. No crashes or injuries have been reported and the recall is expected to begin mid-April. 

JAPAN EARTHQUAKE FALLOUT: Honda Worldwide Plants Now Affected

Honda's Ohio plants will begin to have temporary interruptions on April 4th because of the slowdown and issues related to the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Honda says that there will be shutdowns through its Ohio plants and North American plants happening on occasion throughout the next few weeks because of supply shortage from Japan. Honda does not know how much of the production may be halted, how long this will occur and how many workers will be affected. In past times, Honda has offered employees to report work for non-production duties, take vacation time or take unpaid time. Canadian plant shortages begin on April 1st and Mexico will also experience temporary shortages in its plants beginning the first week of April. Honda continues to look for temporary and immediate solutions to its shortages.

The affected plants are responsible for 80% of Honda and Acura production.

2012 Honda Civic Details

In America, trim levels remain DX, LX, EX, EX-L, Si and HF, here are some notes on the upcoming Si model. There is no trunk lining on the 2012 Civic. ECON button is available on all models as far as I know and that is the same story with Canadian models.

• Si model RATED at 201hp 
• Auto on/off headlamps on Si-model only
• Limited Slip Differential remains on the Si
• 6-speed manual remains an option on the Si

In Canada, here are what potential customers are to expect from the 2012 Civic

• Remember all the trim level mumble jumble lately from the Canadian Civics? From DX-AC to DX-G to SE to Sport to EX-L, now Honda is returning to a simplified lineup similar to the US. DX, LX, EX, EX-L and Si will be the trim levels for the Coupe and Sedan. 
• DX and LX models receive 15" steel wheels and one piece folding seatback
• EX-L and Si models receive XM Satellite Radio
• Bluetooth and Bluetooth Streaming on all models except DX
• Honda's new i-MID, multi-information display on all models except DX, this i-MID will show the radio information, Bluetooth, odomoter, wallpaper, average MPG, distance to empty, exterior temperature gauge, clock, customizable settings, ECON mode availability and warning messages
• Si models receive standard navigation
• Centre armrests are fixed and do not move on all 2012 Civics 

A review from a folk who has sat in the new 2012 Civic down states-side.

"According to that link posted to the Civic launch info page, training at my local dealership (Borman Automotive of Las Cruces) is today, so I swung on by, and what do you know, right on the showfloor was Silver 2012 Civic Ex, with beige interior.

When I pulled out my phone, I realized how Honda is keeping this thing under wraps, they're zapping any phones or cameras that come near it! (Ok, maybe it was because I forgot to charge it last night...) Sorry guys, I dropped the ball on this one, no pics

But I did look it over pretty closely, and gathered some initial impressions. First, it looks good. We all know the design isn't revolutionary or a huge departure, but I think it builds on the looks of the 8th gen Civic and modernizes it well and makes it look sharp. It's not striking, like the 8th was when it was released, but I think the design looks good and should stand the test of time well.

The interior also looks good. It doesn't look any cheaper than the current interior, and the design has less of that hokey spaceship look of the 8th gen. Controls are well placed, in true Honda fashion, and visibility is definitely improved. It's also roomier, which the salesman confirmed. He mentioned how much larger it is, but I forgot what he said.

The salesman and I tried to find the key so I could confirm what the MID does, but it wasn't around. He thought that maybe the trainer had it on her, and she was currently teaching a class. Evidently she's been driving it around the country. Considering, it looks surprisingly pristine. So, the MID is still a mystery. It does show the Honda logo in color when you first get in, and that looked nice, but I couldn't confirm any of its functionality. He did mention you can display photos on it, which is the first I've heard of that. Don't much see the point of that though.

As for the actual feel of the interior, I would say that's where the problems start. The seats don't feel bad, they're pretty comfortable, but lack the bolstering and support of my 8th coupe. They are better than the Fit though. I would say they're one step above the Fit, but two steps below the 8th coupe.

The fabric is not good at all. It reminds me a lot of the fabric in the Fit, maybe a little better. It's soft, but doesn't seem very durable. Again, I would say one better than the Fit, two worse than the 8th coupe.

The armrests are quite bad. Very small. The center console does NOT slide, and is too small to be of any real benefit as an armrest. The door armrest is also quite small, but positioned better than the center console. The padding on both is very thin, and they feel hard and uncomfortable. Definitely a disappointment.

And some details I picked up while looking it over:

The sun visors are the one-piece wrapped-foam design, instead of the plastic units the 8th uses. They look a little down-market, but shouldn't split like nearly all the 8th's have. That's a win.

The taillights have two red bulbs right next to each other on the bottom, with no bulbs around the top. Kind of weird.

The center console holds the USB connector chord and a second power port. Good design choice (although nothing new).

The steering wheel and the buttons on it are nicely placed, and feel pretty good, with maybe the exception of the bluetooth buttons, which are placed a little awkwardly. They push in from the side, which took me a second to figure out. There are three bluetooth buttons: answer, hang up, and voice command.

The wheels, for some reason, looked better and more substantial in person. And of course, the rears are disc brakes.

The interior has a nice mix of hard and soft plastics. Nothing to complain about there.

It looks like the keyhole on the wheel is lit, but I didn't actually see it light so I can't confirm.

The exhaust is of the dinky little downturned variety... boo...

Same driver's side height and tilt adjustment as the 8th gen.

Hand brake location is natural, and I would call it an improvement.

The tach looks nice and bright, and should be easy to read.

The brightness / trip computer knobs are located on the upper sides of the tach. They both push in and turn, and feel nice. Using them while driving might be a little awkward, but not as bad as the reach-through-the-wheel design of the Fit.

The release date is April 20th.

I'll post more info in this thread if I remember it. And feel free to ask questions, but I can't say what the car does when its actually on, unfortunately.

Overall, my impression is that the new Civic will be a better city car than the 8th. Its improved visibility should help in the city, and overall it feels a bit like a cross between the 8th and the Fit. However, I think it will be more uncomfortable on long-distance drives. Unfortunately, this is causing me to look a little more closely at some of the "competition", including the Sonata, Optima (both of which are in a different class, I know) and the Focus."

BREAKING NEWS: Youtube Videos of 2012 Honda Civic

The Startup of the 2012 Civic



ECON Mode of the 2012 Civic



The Exterior of the 2012 Civic



The Trunk Space of the 2012 Civic



Walkaround of the 2012 Civic

Review: 2011 Honda Pilot Touring and 2011 Honda Civic Hybrid

"My description of the Pilot as the SUV of “family and friends” is founded upon Thursday nights, and that’s not as strange as it may sound. A bunch of teens in the hood, including my son, plus several parents including moi, have a Thursday evening season’s ski pass to a local mountain."


For more, visit Auto123's website @ http://www.auto123.com/en/honda/pilot/2011/review?carid=1112301205&artid=128878

"Curiously, Honda Canada is still peddling the 2009 model on their website, but you can order a 2011 model if you (really) want one. At $27,350 before taxes, freight and delivery charges, buying one must be the result of nothing less than a burning desire. Not because it’s a bad car."



For more information, visit Auto123's website @ http://www.auto123.com/en/honda/civic-hybrid/2011/review?carid=1112300212&artid=129178

JAPAN EARTHQUAKE FALLOUT: Overtime at Honda Plants Cancelled

Honda has cancelled an overtime shift in Alliston, Ontario, Canada as well as in its Alabama plant and Japanese plants are set to idle throughout this weekend. Honda's cutbacks are in a direct result from the Japanese earthquake and its fallout, tampering inventory levels as well as ability to restart production. Honda is assessing the situation day by day.

FURTHER DETAILS: Hotter 2012 Honda CR-Z

Some speculation has been revealed on the hotter gasoline-hybrid powered CR-Z. Rumors claim that this model will be powered by a 160hp engine and will continue to use an electric motor. Fuel efficiency will not be dampened as Honda engineers will do their best to extract the most out of this engine. Honda decided not to use a turbo because it would create problems with the hybrid drive. Except an improved hybrid motor. Rumors also claim that the hotter model will debut with a revised hybrid engine to come in 2012. More to come...

JAPAN EARTHQUAKE FALLOUT: Honda Fit Inventory Safe

Honda's inventory in the States for the Civic and Fit are good. Honda's Civic production is fine and supplies are "adequate". Several vehicle plants remain closed through Wednesday. Actual production dates of some of the dealer orders will be delayed for some amount of time.

Honda Fit Shuttle Launch Postponed

The earthquake in Japan has forced Honda to postpone the Fit Shuttle launch. It was originally supposed to launch earlier this month but Honda has now delayed and has not released when the Shuttle will launch. A follow-up announcement is expected in the coming weeks. Suggested Retail Prices in Japan will start at around US $13 900 for the base and around $15 800 for the hybrid.

2012 Acura TL On Sale in Canada!

Acura's recently refreshed and more "diluted" 2012 Acura TL went on sale in Canada this week. Base MSRP prices for the 2012 Acura TL start at $39 490, a Tech upgrade nets you to $42 990, choose SH-AWD and be bumped up to $43 490, a Tech upgrade on a SH-AWD model bumps it up to $46 990 and the top-of-the-line SH-AWD Elite with a Blind Spot Monitoring, 19" wheels, ventilated front seats will push the envelope to $48 490. The 6-speed manual is continues to be available only on SH-AWD models. 

For more information, visit Acura Canada's website @ http://www.acura.ca/tl

Review: 2011 Honda City

Sometimes it does take work to be at home in the city, but Honda's City makes it feel worthwhile. Find the review @ http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/story/2011/03/19/no-sex-in-the-city-here/

Hotter CR-Z in the works

Since its launch, the CR-Z's hybrid powertrain has been both a draw and a gaping disappointment for the sporty car. It certainly ain't weak, but it ain't fast either. Heeding on the heels of its critics, Honda has confirmed the development of a more sporty powertrain for the CR-Z. However, and this continues to be a deal-breaker for many, it will be a sporty HYBRID powertrain. Honda's R&D head admits that the CR-Z does not hold to the performance standards some of its customers expect. He also stated that a high-compression gasoline engine would fit best with the electric-propulsion component from the hybrid motor. The next-generation car will supposedly be on par with fuel efficiency, or at least Honda is trying to do so. 

A one-off CR-Z developed by Mugen is said to improve the horsepower and handling of the vehicle, it will be shown later this year. 

JAPAN EARTHQUAKE FALLOUT: Honda Suspending U.S. Orders

Honda's Insight is one of a few models Honda builds in Japan and exports to the U.S.

Honda is now suspending orders for Japan-built models from its U.S. dealers after halting production following the earthquake last Friday. Honda dealers in the U.S. usually order vehicles 6 weeks in advance so this suspension will affect models to be built in May for sale in the states. Honda is unsure when production plans will resume to full capacity. Honda's exports from Japan to the U.S. include the Honda Fit, Insight and Civic Hybrid as well as the Acura RL and TSX. Honda's factory closures continue until at least March 23rd.

RECALL ALERT UPDATE: 2011 Honda Odyssey

2 908 2011 Honda Odysseys in Canada are also affected in this recall involving the windshield wipers. Honda will be more adamant in replacing the wipers in these models because of Canada's snowy climate.

RECALL ALERT: 2011 Honda Odyssey

Next thing you know, the Honda Odyssey is being recalled. And it's the new one. 33 241 all-new Odysseys need to have the windshield wiper linkage rod replaced. The linkage could bend if the wipers freeze under snow or ice and stick to the glass and it would gluck up the wipers. No injuries have resulted from this problem. Honda will be issuing recall notices to all affected owners later this month. 

PR: Honda Brio Launch

Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (HATC), Honda's automobile production and sales subsidiary in Thailand, unveiled its highly-anticipated Honda BRIO which makes its world premiere debut. The latest innovation from Honda is expected to raise the bar and set a new standard for eco-cars in terms of design, packaging, cabin comfort and fuel-efficiency in Thailand. The starting price will be 399,900 baht, with an annual sales plan of 40,000 units. (1 baht = approximately 2.7 yen)

Honda BRIO is being developed with Honda’s advanced technologies, while further advancing Honda’s “man maximum, machine minimum” concept*1. Being developed as a commuter car which is easy-to-use even in urban areas, the Honda BRIO adopts an easy-to-handle compact body while ensuring sufficient cabin space achieved through highly efficient packaging. With this vehicle, Honda thoroughly pursued the creation of an advanced exterior form, which is compact while asserting a strong presence.

The BRIO is equipped with Honda’s 1.2-liter 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine delivering 90 horsepower. This i-VTEC engine combines stress-free driving throughout the rpm range with outstanding fuel economy of 5 liters/100km*2. Its fuel economy-enhancing technologies and nimble performance makes the compact car enjoyable and fun to drive. Emissions from the Brio meets the stringent Euro 4 emission standards.

BRIO features Honda’s safety technologies including dual SRS front airbags, disc brakes, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) which prevents wheel locking and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) which enhances braking performance. (available in all versions).

Incorporating Honda’s G-Force Control (G-CON) technology, the BRIO’s high-performance body features several outstanding elements that enhance its design, driving performance, ride comfort and collision safety performance.  Its high performance body satisfies safety standards for both front and side impacts as specified by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)’s regulations 94 and 95, respectively.

Atsushi Fujimoto, President of Honda Automobile (Thailand), said, “It brings Honda great pride to unveil the first BRIO in the world, manufactured, assembled and marketed here in Thailand. The BRIO will meet the driving and lifestyle needs of people who are looking for a stylish and compact, yet spacious and fuel-efficient car that carries a brand that they can trust for its advanced and safety technologies.”

Honda Brio Launched in Thailand

Honda took its covers off the new Brio, a small city car designed for Asian markets. Honda's Brio uses a 1.2 i-VTEC from the Jazz and makes 90hp and does 47mpg average. A 5-speed manual or CTV is offered. The Thailand version offers two front airbags, disc brakes with ABS and EBD. India will be getting a slightly altereed version of the Brio. 40 000 units of the Brio are expected to be on Thailand streets by 2012 with a starting price of 9400, $13 180 US.

BREAKING NEWS: Civic Recalls Extend to Canada; Involving the CSX

Honda's recall on 2011 Civics due to faulty fuel pump modules have been extended to Canada, involving 3 636 2011 Civics as well as 9 2011 Acura CSX models. Honda is inspecting and could replace the fuel pump modules in these vehicles. 

JAPAN EARTHQUAKE FALLOUT: Honda Canada Safe

Honda Canada is saying that most of its cars and parts done in Canada are safe for the meanwhile. 96% of the parts and total products are made in North America and there are no current disruptions to supply from the remaining 4% from Japan. An increase in consumer demand seen lately could affect Canadian supply.

JAPAN EARTHQUAKE FALLOUT: Honda's Ohio Plant OK For Now

Honda's plants in Ohio can continue its operations for one month. However, if the situation continues, Honda will re-evaluate after mid-April. Production has been suspended from 5 Japanese plants since Monday and a 6th one has been put on suspension today. This is due to Honda's decision to ease up on power supply. The parts in transit from Japan are currently stored in North America so Honda has a valuable month's supply on these parts. There are no plans to cease North American operations and Honda has a comfortable 73-day supply of vehicles. Japanese suppliers, however, will be a problem for Honda as it is still attempting to contact its 100+ suppliers. Honda will be matching donations to the Red Cross from its American employees.

RECALL ALERT: 2011 Honda Civic

Honda is recalling 18 056 Civics in the U.S. to inspect and replace the fuel pump module. The module which is located inside the gas tank may have a damaged valve that could leak fuel in a rollover. The recall notices will be coming out in about a month's time.

Honda and Water

Many new Honda vehicles produced in North America could soon carry a little piece of Anniston with them and possibly help keep local water costs down at the same time. 


Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln is working out a deal to purchase water from the Anniston Water Works and Sewer Board for use in the painting of all its vehicles. The deal could mean as much as $300,000 more a year in revenue for the water department. Officials of the water department say the proposed deal could help keep their costs down for the foreseeable future.


The $1.4 billion Honda plant employs approximately 4,000 people and is the sole production source of the Odyssey minivan, the Pilot sport utility vehicle and the Ridgeline pickup truck. "The water will be used in our manufacturing process, mostly in our paint department," said Mark Morrison, spokesman for Honda Manufacturing.


Morrison said Honda's current water supplier, the city of Lincoln, has been unable to supply the facility with water pure enough for its painting process.


"Anniston will be able to provide us with surface water, which is better quality," Morrison said. "Lincoln is providing ground water, which has too many minerals."


Jim Miller, general manager for Anniston Water Works, said the city's water source, Coldwater Springs, is referred to as surface water since it is influenced by rainwater from time to time. He said the spring is much deeper than typical well water, meaning it does not have the higher chemical and mineral content. Miller said having another large water customer should help keep department costs and customer water bills from rising too fast.


"It helps reduce the amount of increase (customers) will see," Miller said. "There will not be a drop in water bills though."


Miller said once both parties are ready, the water department will supply approximately 1 million gallons of water per day to Honda, making it one of the department's largest customers. The department's top two customers are the Anniston Army Depot and the Cleburne County Water Authority. Both use approximately 1 million gallons of water per day and supply Anniston Water Works about $300,000 each in annual revenue.
The water department has been searching for additional revenue sources since the recession began in 2008, hoping to lower the impact of cost increases to customers.


"We're working on ways to lessen the impact of upgrades," Miller said. "More industrial revenue will keep costs from going up too fast."


Miller said a contract between the department and Honda could be signed in a matter of days. However, that does not mean the department will immediately start supplying water to the plant, he added.


"It'll be a little while -- there is a good bit of construction that has to take place," Miller said.
Miller said the water department would have to construct about 13 miles of large-diameter pipeline -- a project that could take between 14 and 18 months. However, the department will not bear all the cost.


"It will be a combination of sources for cost -- Honda, the water works and maybe some grant funds," Miller said.


But even with another large customer like Honda, the city's water supply should not be significantly impacted.


"We've got a surplus of water," Miller said. "Fifteen years ago, the water board had a surplus set aside to market outside the service area and we've been doing that."

JAPAN EARTHQUAKE FALLOUT: Honda Suspending Activity in Mexico

A result of the Japan earthquake fiasco, one of Honda's factories in Jalisco, Mexico is set to suspend half of its workforce as inventories are running. The CR-V is produced at the plant and the suspension will affect 1 100 of the factory's employees. Parts and supplies have either shut down or are very slow to come in following the March 11th earthquake + tsunami in Japan.

Trip to Indian Wells

This weekend, I made my way out to the Indian Wells Tennis Center to watch some the world's best play. That meant clocking in ~280 miles roundtrip on the Genesis. As usual, the trip was comfortable and pleasant. Because the whole daylight savings, we were running a bit late. Let's just say I'm glad the CHP officers must have also felt the effects of the lost hour and decided not to show up on their sunday morning shifts.  Yes, the ride is firm, but the car just seems to settle in as speeds increase and the trip was quick, quiet, and comfortable. The XM/iPod combo kept us entertained and my recently acquired tinted windows (30%) and power rear window shade kept things cool even with the desert sun beating down. Despite the somewhat hilly terrain and the... um... motivated driving, the trip computer was also showing 25 mpg average. All in all, the drive was pretty enjoyable and well worth it to watch some of the favorite players all day long.

Honda Damages

All of Honda's plants will also stay closed through at least Sunday, March 20, losing some 16,600 units – including 2,500 Fit, Insight, and Acura RL models bound for the U.S.

The scope of the effect of the quake and tsunami has yet to be tallied on Japan's car industry, as automakers are still trying to figure out the status of their supply chain. AN reports that Honda alone has 113 suppliers located in quake zones, and they have not yet been able to reach 44 of them.

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China Wage Conflicts for Honda

Honda's Guangdong plant workers in China on strike in May 2010 following contract and wage disputes.

A Honda parts supplier and Nanhai Honda (a division of Honda in China) have agreed upon a pay raise of one third in the plant. We reported earlier in 2010 that walkouts were going on in the plant, disrupting the operation and the supply for local Honda cars. Honda agreed to raise their monthly wage from 1029 yuan to 1530 yuan, which is about $155 US to $230 US and giving them a 2200 yuan summer bonus. The monthly pay of an assembly line worker in Southern China is now more than 2400 yuan according to Honda. 111 representatives from the plant's 1800 workers took part in the vote. Honda says it is pleased with the agreement.

JAPAN EARTHQUAKE FALLOUT: Honda Suspending Activity

Honda's Tochigi Factory prior to the March 12th earthquake

Honda is suspending all work at four of its five plants in Japan on Monday after the devastating Japan earthquake that hit earlier yesterday. The earthquake + tsunami damaged parts of Northern and Eastern parts of Japan, where some of Honda's plants lie. Honda will be suspending operations at Tochigi, Sayama, Hamamatsu and Suzuka. Its motorcycle plant in Kumamoto, which has been left untouched by the earthquake will continue operations. Honda has not said how long the suspension will last. Funeral arrangements will be offered for the one member of the Tochigi Factory that died on Friday after a wall collapsed in the cafeteria. Auto shipments from factories in Japan will be delayed indefinitely. Honda's auto plants in the States and Canada are not facing any fallout from this temporary suspension and turn of events in Japan. However, consumers that have bought a vehicle that comes from Japan, primarily the Honda Fit, Honda Insight and Honda Civic Hybrid will face delays. Output and exports have been halted as well. More to come...

JAPAN EARTHQUAKE FALLOUT: Japan Earthquake Halts Honda

At this point in time, we understand that one person has been killed and 30 workers injured after a wall collapsed in Honda's R&D facility in the Tochigo prefecture in Northern Japan. Production was also disrupted at two plants but one of them has restarted production. The Sayama plant which produces several Honda and Acura models including the Civic Hybrid and certain CR-Vs continues to be closed at this hour. As far as we know, some Honda ready-to-be-transported-to-dealership models are damaged and no word on Honda's full brunt of the damages.

More Info on Honda Plug-In Hybrid

It is believed that Honda is targetting only a 15-mile emissions-free range for its upcoming plug-in hybrid set to debut on the next Accord. What is known about this system is that it is a big lea-forward from the current mild-hybrid, IMA system. This allows the hybrid to operate on both electric-only and gasoline-only modes and a combined gas+electric mode. The electric only mode will reach as far as 15 miles claimed by Honda. The engine is a 4-cylinder and the battery pack is lithium-ion. More information to come in the coming months.

2011 Honda Odyssey Roof Strength

Honda's 2011 Odyssey has earned the Top Safety Pick from IIHS after picking up a Good rating from its roof strength test. The Odyssey also rated Good for frontal offset as well as side-impact crash tests. To receive a Good rating in the Roof Strength Test, a car must withstand a force of more than 4x its own weight before the roof sustains 5-inches of crushing. The EX model weighed 4398 pounds and withstood more than 22666 pounds of force, approximately 5.12x its own weight. 

Your Take: Honda Accord Crosstour vs. Acura TSX Sports Wagon

Honda has two similarly sized wagons, an AWD-optioned Honda Crosstour and a luxurious Acura TSX. The Crosstour drives very nice and handles extremely well, thanks to its transmission revisions and its 273hp engine. Now the Acura TSX certainly looks better and does have slightly more room. Pricing-wise, the Crosstour is very expensive and the TSX Wagon is priced well. And Honda is set to introduce a lower-cost 4-cylinder Crosstour priced at around $27 000 US. So which one would you choose? The Crosstour from Honda or the TSX Wagon from Acura?