Honda Canada has now released its information on the new 2008 Canadian Honda Odyssey.
One major change in trim level is a basic DX model will be introduced for Canadians that want high value, a fuel-efficient V6 engine and standard safety features in a minivan, it will be priced at $31 490. "The award-winning Odyssey is regarded as the benchmark in Canada'sminivan category when it comes to moving the maximum number of people in both comfort and safety," said Jim Miller, executive vice president of Honda CanadaInc. "For 2008, the new DX trim is designed to provide added value for Canadian families without sacrificing safety, fuel efficiency or content."
Other changes are of course the mentioned refresh with new exterior styling, second-gen Variable Cylinder Management, new premium and safety features. New premium features include Bluetooth with HandsFreeLink (standard on Touring), 4-way Power Passenger Seat (Standard on EX-L and Touring), Rearview Mirror with Rearview Camera Display (Standard on EX-L), XM Satellite Radio (Standard on EX-L and Touring), new 17-inch Aluminum Alloy Wheels (Standard on Touring) and Memory-Linked Side Mirrors with Reverse Gear Tilt-Down (Standard on Touring). In the interior, there are colour and texture updates and the addition of premium fabric for the LX and EX models. Also, there is now an additional storage bin in the available 2nd Row PlusOne Seat now standard on all trim levels except for DX, standard MP3/WMA Capability and standard Auxiliary Input Jack.
The Honda Odyssey achieves the highest 5-star crash safety rating by the U.S. federal government for both frontal and side impacts. Active headrestraints, designed to reduce neck injuries in rear collisions, have been added as standard equipment on all Odyssey trims. Odyssey recently earned the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK award for 2008, the highest rating possible from the nonprofit research organization.
Other available premium features include Honda's Satellite-Linked NavigationSystem with bilingual voice recognition, an 8-inch screen and Zagat Survey restaurant guide information, plus a Honda DVD Entertainment System with a 9-inch screen.
There are two engine variations, the 3.5-litre, all-aluminum, SOHC VTEC V-6 engine on the Odyssey DX, LX and EX produces 244 hp and achieves a city/highway fuel economy rating of 13.3/8.5L/100 km, the Odyssey EX-L and Touring models feature a 3.5-litre, all-aluminum,SOHC i-VTEC 241-horsepower V-6 engine with VCM for enhanced fuel efficiency with a city/highway fuel economy rating of 12.4/7.8 L/100 km.
The new second-generation VCM provides the capability to selectivelydeactivate either two or three of the engine's six cylinders during cruising and deceleration (instead of three, exclusively). The Odyssey's new VCM engine expands the cylinder deactivation operating range, which helps toincrease fuel efficiency in a wider variety of driving conditions and speeds.
Finally here are the Honda MSRP for the 2008 Canadian Odyssey
Honda Odyssey DX- $31 490
Honda Odyssey LX- $33 590
Honda Odyssey EX- $36 990
Honda Odyssey EX-L- $40 590
Honda Odyssey EX-L RES- $42 790
Honda Odyssey Touring- $48 890
Japanese Car of the Year
Japan's Car of the Year awards goes to the new, second-gen Honda Fit/Jazz. This model beat out such finalists as the new Nissan Skyline (Infiniti G37) and the new Subaru Impreza. It was chosen by a 60-member panel comprised mainly of automotive journalists. Can you believe Japan's Car of the Year has gone to Honda FIVE TIMES in the last decade!
Currently, the Fit sales are flying off the lot in Japan. At first, Honda expected to sell abuot 12,000 units per month but Honda sold more than 20,000 in the first two weeks that the Fit has been on sale.
Honda Canada's New Marketing Ad
Here are some of the deals that Canadians are getting for their Hondas north of the border in Canada.
Note: All Hondas sold in Canada will apply to have an extra 1% off the GST, allowing Canadians to pay 5% GST before the GST cut to 5% in January 2008.
2008 Honda Civic (Select models)
0.9% Purchase Financing for up to 36 Months
2008 Honda Fit (Select models)
0.9% Purchase Financing for up to 36 Months
2008 Honda Element (Select models)
0.9% Purchase Financing for up to 60 Months
2008 Honda Ridgeline (Select models)
0.9% Purchase Financing for up to 60 Months
2008 Honda Pilot (Select models)
0.9% Purchase Financing for up to 60 Months
2008 Honda CR-V (Select models)
0.9% Purchase Financing for up to 36 Months
2007 Honda Odyssey (Very few models)
0.9% Purchase Financing for up to 60 Months
Lease Rates have also been reduced for all Canadian Honda models.
As you can see, the new 2008 Honda Accord is absent from the 0.9% Purchase Financing, this is because that it is a new vehicle and higher finance/lease rates are expected.
Also depending on the province you live in, you may benefit from increased or decreased finance/lease rates.
Again, depending on where you reside in, shop around all the Honda dealers in your area because some dealers are willing to take up to $4000 off some Hondas and some are not willing to negotiate the pricing at all.
Swindon Produces One Millionth Civic
Honda UK is celebrating a major milestone with the production of the millionth Swindon-built Civic, further underlining Honda's long term confidence in UK manufacturing and Swindon.
Civic production began on September 19, 1994 and in that first year just 6,652 Civics were produced. This year, the plant will produce 138,792 Civic cars. Over the 20 years since it began operations, it has gone from strength to strength. Over the past 12 months, production has been ramped-up from 190,000 to 250,000 cars per year. This is due to increasing demand for the Civic 3-door and 5-door models and the latest CR-V - all built at Swindon, and exported to over 60 countries. Honda has invested £1.38billion in Swindon and now employs 5,000 Associates at the factory. David Hodgetts, Plant Director, said: "We are the only Honda plant in the world manufacturing the Civic 5-door and 3-door models and are extremely proud of the fact there are one million happy customers driving Swindon-built Civics."The millionth Civic is a red Type-R destined for the British market. Ken Keir, Managing Director of Honda (UK) and Senior Vice President of Honda Motor Europe said: "Civic remains the cornerstone of our UK and European success. Customers love its innovative design and build quality, which not only retains a huge loyal customer base, but is key to us winning new sales across Europe."
Civic production began on September 19, 1994 and in that first year just 6,652 Civics were produced. This year, the plant will produce 138,792 Civic cars. Over the 20 years since it began operations, it has gone from strength to strength. Over the past 12 months, production has been ramped-up from 190,000 to 250,000 cars per year. This is due to increasing demand for the Civic 3-door and 5-door models and the latest CR-V - all built at Swindon, and exported to over 60 countries. Honda has invested £1.38billion in Swindon and now employs 5,000 Associates at the factory. David Hodgetts, Plant Director, said: "We are the only Honda plant in the world manufacturing the Civic 5-door and 3-door models and are extremely proud of the fact there are one million happy customers driving Swindon-built Civics."The millionth Civic is a red Type-R destined for the British market. Ken Keir, Managing Director of Honda (UK) and Senior Vice President of Honda Motor Europe said: "Civic remains the cornerstone of our UK and European success. Customers love its innovative design and build quality, which not only retains a huge loyal customer base, but is key to us winning new sales across Europe."
New Argentina Auto Plant
Honda Motors de Argentina S.A., a Honda subsidiary in Argentina, held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of its new auto plant in Campana, Buenos Aires province. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by the guest of honor,Néstor Carlos Kirchner, the president of Argentina, as well as Sho Minekawa, Honda’s chief operating officer for regional operations for South America.
HAR’s new automobile production plant is scheduled to begin operations in the latter half of 2009, with processes to include stamping, welding, painting, and final assembly as well as engine assembly. It will have an annual production capacity of 30,000 units. The total investment related to the establishment of the new plant is expected to be approximately US$100 million. HAR is planning to hire 800 new associates. With continued market growth expected in Argentina, Honda will begin local automobile production to meet expanding market demand. Moreover, the new plant will begin exporting products to other countries in the South America region and play a key role in Honda’s production network in South America along with the Honda auto plant in Brazil.
HAR’s new automobile production plant is scheduled to begin operations in the latter half of 2009, with processes to include stamping, welding, painting, and final assembly as well as engine assembly. It will have an annual production capacity of 30,000 units. The total investment related to the establishment of the new plant is expected to be approximately US$100 million. HAR is planning to hire 800 new associates. With continued market growth expected in Argentina, Honda will begin local automobile production to meet expanding market demand. Moreover, the new plant will begin exporting products to other countries in the South America region and play a key role in Honda’s production network in South America along with the Honda auto plant in Brazil.
All-New Honda FCX Clarity
Honda unveiled the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show, announcing plans to begin limited retail marketing of the vehicle in the US, starting summer 2008.
The FCX Clarity is a next-generation, zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle based on the entirely-new Honda V Flow fuel cell platform, and powered by the highly compact, efficient and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack. Featuring tremendous improvements to driving range, power, weight and efficiency - and boasting a low-slung, dynamic and sophisticated appearance, previously unachievable in a fuel cell vehicle - the FCX Clarity marks the significant progress Honda continues to make in advancing the real-world performance and appeal of the hydrogen-powered fuel cell car.
"The FCX Clarity is a shining symbol of the progress we've made with fuel cell vehicles and of our belief in the promise of this technology," said Tetsuo Iwamura, American Honda president and CEO. "Step by step, with continuous effort, commitment and focus, we are working to overcome obstacles to the mass-market potential of zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell automobiles."
American Honda plans to lease the FCX Clarity to a limited number of retail consumers in Southern California with the first deliveries taking place in summer 2008. Full details of the lease program will be set closer to launch, but current plans call for a three-year lease term with a price of $600 per month, including maintenance and collision insurance. American Honda is also developing a service infrastructure that provides customers with the best balance of convenience and the highest quality of service. When the FCX Clarity requires periodic maintenance, customers will simply schedule a visit with their local Honda dealer. American Honda will transport the vehicle to their fuel cell service facility, located in the greater Los Angeles area, where all required work will be performed. At the completion of the work, the customer will pick up their car from the dealer.
How It Works
The FCX Clarity utilizes Honda's V Flow stack in combination with a new compact and efficient lithium ion battery pack and a single hydrogen storage tank to power the vehicle's electric drive motor. The fuel cell stack operates as the vehicle's main power source. Hydrogen combines with atmospheric oxygen in the fuel cell stack, where chemical energy from the reaction is converted into electric power used to propel the vehicle. Additional energy captured through regenerative braking and deceleration is stored in the lithium ion battery pack, and used to supplement power from the fuel cell, when needed. The vehicle's only emission is water.
Honda V Flow Fuel Cell Platform
The FCX Clarity's revolutionary new V Flow platform packages the ultra-compact, lightweight and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack (65 percent smaller than the previous Honda FC stack) in the vehicle's center tunnel, between the two front seats. Taking advantage of a completely new cell configuration, the vertically-oriented stack achieves an output of 100 kilowatts (kW) (versus 86kW in the current Honda FC stack) with a 50 percent increase in output density by volume (67 percent by mass). Its compact size allows for a more spacious interior and more efficient packaging of other powertrain components, which would otherwise be unattainable in a sleek, low-slung sedan. The FCX Clarity boasts numerous other significant advances in the performance and packaging of Honda fuel cell technology, compared to the current-generation FCX. These include1:
·a 20-percent increase in fuel economy - to the approximate equivalent of 68 mpg2 combined fuel economy (about 2-3 times the fuel economy of a gasoline-powered car, and 1.5 times that of a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle, of comparable size and performance);
·a 30-percent increase in vehicle range - to 270 miles;
·a 25-percent improvement in power-to-weight ratio, in part from an approximate 400-pound reduction in the fuel cell powertrain weight, for superior performance and efficiency despite a substantial increase in overall vehicle size;
·a 45-percent reduction in the size of the fuel cell powertrain - nearly equivalent, in terms of volume, to a modern gas-electric hybrid powertrain;
·an advanced new lithium-ion battery pack that is 40 percent lighter and 50 percent smaller than the current-generation FCX's ultra-capacitor; and
·a single 5,000-psi hydrogen storage tank with 10 percent additional hydrogen capacity than the previous model.
FCX Clarity Design
More than just a fuel cell vehicle - the FCX Clarity speaks to Honda's vision of the future of automobile design and performance freed from the constraints of conventional powertrain technologies. The FCX Clarity's four-door sedan platform features a short-nose body and spacious cabin with comfortable accommodations for four people and their luggage. Major powertrain components - including the electric motor, fuel cell stack, battery pack and hydrogen tank - have been made more compact and are distributed throughout the vehicle to further optimize space, comfort and total vehicle performance.
Advanced Materials and Components
In keeping with its theme as an environmentally-advanced automobile, the FCX Clarity features seat upholstery and door linings made from Honda Bio-Fabric - a newly-developed, plant-based material that offers CO2 reductions as an alternative to traditional interior materials, along with outstanding durability and resistance to wear, stretching, and damage from sunlight. Designed to appeal to forward-thinking customers seeking the ultimate in zero-emissions, alternative-fuel vehicle performance, the FCX Clarity is also equipped with a full compliment of advanced safety, comfort and convenience features, including a state-of-the-art navigation system with hydrogen station locations, backup camera, premium audio, climate-controlled seats and Bluetooth™ connectivity. Other improvements, such as shift-by-wire, electric power steering (EPS), and a newly-designed instrument panel with an easy-to-read hydrogen fuel-consumption display, further improve its customer appeal and ease of operation.
CO2 Emissions
The FCX Clarity's only emission is water. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions come only from the production of hydrogen, which varies by source; however, well-to-wheel CO2 emissions using hydrogen reformed from natural gas - the most widely used method of production today - are less than half that of a conventional gasoline vehicle. With the production of hydrogen from water by electrolysis, CO2 emissions can be further reduced and ultimately approach zero if the electricity used for electrolysis is generated using solar, wind, water or nuclear power. Honda has developed its own solar cells, with half of the CO2 emissions in the production stage compared to conventional crystalline silicon cells; and has begun mass-production and retail sales of this technology in Japan for both commercial and residential use.
Fuel Cell Leadership
Based on its vision of, "Blue Skies for our Children", Honda has worked for forty years at reducing the environmental impact of the automobile, including efforts to reduce emissions, boost fuel efficiency and, now, many industry-leading efforts to advance the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle - a technology and fuel that Honda believes may hold the ultimate promise for a clean and sustainable transportation future. Honda's pioneering achievements in this area include the first EPA and CARB certification of a fuel cell vehicle (2002); the first lease of a fuel cell vehicle (2002); the first fuel cell vehicle to receive an EPA fuel economy rating (2002); the first cold-weather customer (2004); the first and still only individual retail customers (2005, 2007); and the first and still only fuel cell vehicle to be eligible for a federal tax credit.
Japanese Honda Fit
The new, redesigned 2008/2009 Honda Fit/Jazz has received about 20 000 orders, this surpasses the sales target of only 12 000 cars.
Honda is counting on this generation of the Fit to reverse a slide in domestic sales, where its local motorcycles have been eaten up in local share.
Hit by a slump in the overall market, Honda last month lowered its domestic retail sales forecast by 4 percent to 660,000 cars for the business year to the end of March 2008. It expects a rebound to around 700,000 cars next year, with help from the Fit and a beefed-up minivehicle line-up.
Honda is counting on this generation of the Fit to reverse a slide in domestic sales, where its local motorcycles have been eaten up in local share.
Hit by a slump in the overall market, Honda last month lowered its domestic retail sales forecast by 4 percent to 660,000 cars for the business year to the end of March 2008. It expects a rebound to around 700,000 cars next year, with help from the Fit and a beefed-up minivehicle line-up.
Only on The Acura and Honda Blog
Honda Motors has plans to launch the Acura line into Russia as early as 2008.
Including other Honda brands, Honda will aim to sell 100 000 vehicles per year in Russia by 2010, which would be over six times the last year's sales figure (2006).
Honda aims to set up 10 dealerships in Russia, putting one or two in major cities such as Moscow and St.Petersburg.
Honda sells the Acura line in North America, China and Mexico, but is yet to release the line in Japan.
Including other Honda brands, Honda will aim to sell 100 000 vehicles per year in Russia by 2010, which would be over six times the last year's sales figure (2006).
Honda aims to set up 10 dealerships in Russia, putting one or two in major cities such as Moscow and St.Petersburg.
Honda sells the Acura line in North America, China and Mexico, but is yet to release the line in Japan.
Acura Starts to Add Up Incentives on Canadian Models
Acura is also following up on adding incentives for its Canadian lineup, a few weeks after other Canadian manufacturers have lowered prices or jacked up incentives.
Acura Canada is currently offering 0.9% lease for up to 36 months or 0.9% purchase financing for up to 48 months. They will also pay for the extra 1% GST, so Canadians will pay only 5% GST. Some local 2007 models will also be heavily reduced in pricing.
Honda Starts to Add Up Incentives on Canadian Models
Honda is planning to give you back $5500 if you pay cash for a Pilot SUV, $1500 on a Civic Sedan and up to $4000 on select 2007 Accord models. This is just the start of many auto manufacturers lowering their prices or adding up the incentives for Canadians after the Canadian Dollar reached parity two months ago.
"There's also trade-in dollars up to $5,000 on some of the vehicles to try and encourage people to buy Canadian, to buy in Canada," said Honda executive vice president Jim Miller.
October 2007 Sales
American Honda posted record October sales of 114,799 Honda and Acura vehicles, surpassing the previous October 2005 record of 110,895. October sales declined 0.2 percent due to one additional selling day compared to last year. Year-to-date, American Honda sales increased 2.5% to 1,308,319.
Honda Division year-to-date sales increased 4.3% to 1,158,707. Honda Division posted record October sales of 101,913, up 3.4% compared to last year. October records for individual models included the Odyssey with sales of 14,451, up 24.4%, and the Fit, with sales of 4,868, up 67.3% for the month. Sales of the Accord increased 25.8% to 30,936. Sales of the Civic increased 7.3% to 23,809. Honda Division total car sales increased 19.8% to 59,921. "Car sales are gaining momentum and response to the new Accord has been positive," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "Car sales are up for a variety of reasons, but the number one reason is that compelling products with inherent value generate consumer interest."
Acura Division posted sales of 12,886 with a new October record set for the RDX sport utility vehicle. Sales of the RDX increased 9.5% to 1,937. Sales of the MDX sport utility vehicle increased 5.4% to 4,855. Record Acura Division light-truck sales increased 6.5% to 6,792. October sales of the TL luxury performance sedan totaled 3,421; the TSX sports sedan totaled 2,308.
Record October sales of the turbocharged RDX and strong MDX totals pushed Acura light-truck sales to a fifteenth consecutive record breaking month. October RDX sales of 1,937 units, up by 9.5% versus last October, tallied a third consecutive record month while MDX sales continued strong by surpassing October 2006 sales by 426 units. Year-to-date MDX volume reached 47,809 units, up 13.9%. "The sporty RDX continues to impress with its strong sales," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of sales. "The RDX's powerful turbocharged engine, performance-minded SH-AWD and smart design combine to make a vehicle that emphasizes the 'sport' in Sport Utility Vehicle." Total Acura sales for October were 12,886 vehicles while overall year-to-date sales reached 149,612 vehicles, off 9.7% versus last year based on the daily selling rate. October sales of Acura sedans was led by the TL performance luxury sedan selling 3,421 units, followed by the TSX with 2,308 vehicles sold in October-a 0.5 percent increase over last year.
Honda Division year-to-date sales increased 4.3% to 1,158,707. Honda Division posted record October sales of 101,913, up 3.4% compared to last year. October records for individual models included the Odyssey with sales of 14,451, up 24.4%, and the Fit, with sales of 4,868, up 67.3% for the month. Sales of the Accord increased 25.8% to 30,936. Sales of the Civic increased 7.3% to 23,809. Honda Division total car sales increased 19.8% to 59,921. "Car sales are gaining momentum and response to the new Accord has been positive," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "Car sales are up for a variety of reasons, but the number one reason is that compelling products with inherent value generate consumer interest."
Acura Division posted sales of 12,886 with a new October record set for the RDX sport utility vehicle. Sales of the RDX increased 9.5% to 1,937. Sales of the MDX sport utility vehicle increased 5.4% to 4,855. Record Acura Division light-truck sales increased 6.5% to 6,792. October sales of the TL luxury performance sedan totaled 3,421; the TSX sports sedan totaled 2,308.
Record October sales of the turbocharged RDX and strong MDX totals pushed Acura light-truck sales to a fifteenth consecutive record breaking month. October RDX sales of 1,937 units, up by 9.5% versus last October, tallied a third consecutive record month while MDX sales continued strong by surpassing October 2006 sales by 426 units. Year-to-date MDX volume reached 47,809 units, up 13.9%. "The sporty RDX continues to impress with its strong sales," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of sales. "The RDX's powerful turbocharged engine, performance-minded SH-AWD and smart design combine to make a vehicle that emphasizes the 'sport' in Sport Utility Vehicle." Total Acura sales for October were 12,886 vehicles while overall year-to-date sales reached 149,612 vehicles, off 9.7% versus last year based on the daily selling rate. October sales of Acura sedans was led by the TL performance luxury sedan selling 3,421 units, followed by the TSX with 2,308 vehicles sold in October-a 0.5 percent increase over last year.
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