Investing in Ohio

Honda said Wednesday it will invest $98 million at its largest auto engine plant for the western Ohio facility to produce components for its new transmission technology.

The engine plant in Anna will make high-tech pulley components for Honda's new continuously variable transmission, or CVT, aimed at improving fuel efficiency. Honda announced $120 million in investments last year for the production of the CVT at the plant in nearby Russells Point.

Honda said the two combined investments for building next-generation powertrain technologies will create 150 new jobs.

"The production of this new CVT technology puts the Buckeye State right in the middle of Honda's global strategy," Hide Iwata, president and CEO of Honda of America Manufacturing Inc., said in a statement.

The Russells Point plant is expected to start making the CVT this summer, with pulley components from Japanese operations. The Anna plant will begin manufacturing those parts next year.

The CVT technology is part of Honda's "Earth Dreams" powertrain technology, which will launch in the U.S. in 2013 Accord models coming out later this year, the company said.

"Our associates have incredible experience and we are counting on them to help us introduce an even higher level of powertrain technology for our customers," Anna plant Manager John Spoltman said in a statement.

The Anna plant employs 2,400 people and annually makes more than 1.1 million engines for two auto productions plants in Marysville and East Liberty, Ohio, and operations in Indiana and Canada.

The Russells Point plant, which has 1,050 workers, makes automatic transmissions and four-wheel-drive assemblies for cars and light trucks. Its third assembly line is under construction as part of the previously announced investments, which include an expansion for aluminum casting operations to support the production of the new transmission.

Overall, Honda has about 13,500 Ohio employees in manufacturing, support, research and development and other operations. It has announced more than $500 million in investments at four Ohio plants since late 2010, the company said.

Canadian Acura/Honda Sales in January 2012, Civic up 333%, Fit up 178%

Fit sales went up 178% in January 2012, contributing to Honda's 140% overall increase last month

The 2012 Civic more than tripled its sales numbers in January 2012, up 333%

Combined January sales of 9,168 units by the Honda and Acura divisions represented a 127% increase over last year's sales. The Honda Automobile Division reported January sales of 8,451 units, up 144% from last year, led by strong January sales of Honda Civic (up 333%), Honda Fit (up 178%) and Honda CR-V (up 127%). The Acura Division reported January sales of 717 units, up 25% over last year, bolstered by a 155% monthly increase in sales of Acura TL.

"The exceptional Honda sales numbers for January are due in large part to sold orders of Civic from the latter part of 2011 that we were able to deliver in January due to the recent ramp-up of production, " said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc. "However, we saw a strong increase of more than 127 per cent of CR-V sales in January, led by the highly anticipated all-new 2012 CR-V that went on sale at the beginning of January. We thank all of our Canadian customers for being so patient with us through the final months of last year during the supply disruption caused by Japan's earthquake and tsunami and the Thailand flood situation.

"We are proud to report that the new CR-V is now in full production at our assembly plant in Alliston, Ontario. It joins Civic, Canada's number one-selling passenger car, which is also produced at our Ontario plant. Combined together, the Canadian-built CR-V and Civic represent about 70 per cent of Honda sales in Canada."

American Acura/Honda Sales for January 2012, Civic up 50%, CR-V is the best-selling SUV in America!

CR-V sales are through the roof, this is USA's best-selling SUV

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today reported January 2012 monthly new-vehicle sales of 83,009, an increase of 8.8 percent over January 2011. The Honda Division posted January 2012 sales of 74,628, an increase of 9.3 percent year-over-year. 

In its first full month of sales, the all-new Honda CR-V set a January record with sales of 18,960, up 16.0 percent over last year's record-setting total of 16,339. The Civic also continued to build momentum with sales of 21,883, up an impressive 49.5 percent compared to January 2011. The Accord posted January sales of 13,659, up 1.5 percent from the same period last year. Honda's Ridgeline pickup posted its second consecutive month of double-digit sales growth, up 45.6 percent year-over-year to 1,245 units. 

"Honda's return to full strength on the manufacturing front is already beginning to pay dividends on the sales floor," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. "On top of kicking off 2012 with record January sales for the new CR-V, it's gratifying to see how many Civics we can sell when we actually have Civics to sell. It's great to see customers embrace this great vehicle now that our dealers have enough cars on their lots." 

The Acura Division's January sales totaled 8,381, up 5.3 percent compared to January 2011, with two models registering strong sales increases. Sales of the TL sedan reached 2,283, up 43.4 percent from the same period last year, while TSX sales totaled 2,266, a year-over-year increase of 16.7 percent. 

2011 Honda Japan Production Down 20%

Japan's Honda Motor, the country's third-biggest carmaker, suffered a 20 percent plunge in its global production last year, it said Friday.

Honda made 2.91 million vehicles not including motorbikes in 2011, it said, down 20.2 percent as auto manufacturers struggled with natural disasters, a rising yen and the European economic slowdown.

The figures came as Japan's major car firms announced their annual production for 2011.

Toyota, which had already confirmed earlier this week it had lost its position as the world's biggest carmaker, said it produced 7.86 million vehicles, down 8.2 percent.

Nissan, 44.3 percent owned by French partner Renault, was the only leading Japanese carmaker to increase annual global production despite supply chain disruption from the country's earthquake disaster and floods in Thailand.

It produced 4.63 million units, up 14.3 percent from a year ago, while global sales hit a record 4.67 million vehicles, it said.

Mitsubishi Motors, the nation's fourth largest automaker, produced 1.14 million vehicles, a 2.8 percent drop.

A 28-Million Dollar Inspiration

Following a disappointing 2011 in sales, Honda is looking for inspiration to boost brand strategy and consumers by investing in a 28 million euro campaign promoting the new Civic UK. 

The ad is called the Great Unknown and it centers on a spark of inspiration at a Honda factory. The spark passes through a series of adventures before revealing the new Civic UK hatchback. The activity launches in 2 days and will be supported by a trio of interactive experiences including Follow Happy, a game that tracks the thought process of Honda engineers. 

Honda designed this campaign to look upon the unknown with optimism and helping to improve Honda's overall brand image across Europe. Looking at Honda's 20.5% decline in 2011 sales in Europe, it definitely needs some optimism to look ahead. 

A Bright Light

The 2013 Accord is expected to be a key model for Honda's success in 2012-2013

Honda's President Takanobu Ito forecasts that business results at Japan's third biggest carmaker will climb to the highest they have ever been in at least 5 years, lead by the sales of the Accord and Civic models in North America. The 2013 Accord, 2013 Civic and CR-V will help Honda increase US sales by 24% to 1.43 million units in 2012. According to Ito, business results in the year ending March 2013 will recover to the levels achieved before the massive slump caused by the failure of the Lehman Brothers. Sales will climb to above 4 million cars for the first time. Ito also says that Honda's North American sales will lead the recovery. 

Honda's stock in Tokyo has steadily gained up to 15% this year already, the best performance of the top 3 automakers in Japan. Compared to last year's 27%, Honda is making steady strides. Adding to this, Honda's operating income will double to $7.6 billion dollars in the next fiscal year after shrinking 52% since the collapse of the Lehman Brothers. 

Although Honda is in a good position to recapture lost market share, it should be noted that they are not the only one in this position. Hyundai, albeit strong, has seen production shortages due to their plants working at full capacity and that issue will be addressed while GM and Ford have steadily increased their market share this year. 

Ito expects China to be a forerunner in aiding Honda's sales. Honda is expecting a 20% increase in sales to 750 000 units in 2012. Honda is also planning to resume production at its Thailand assembly plants in April.

Locally at home in Japan, Honda is revising strategy so that all the local Japanese factories will focus primarily on building minicars/keicars. The new N-Box keicar has seen 27 000 unit orders in the first month of sales, double Honda's original target. These kei cars will now account for more than 40% of Honda's Japanese sales. Abroad, Honda is planning to boost the portion of vehicles sold in the same region as they are built to as high as 80%. 

2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas

The 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas costs shows the fact that the uncommon alt-fuel car is a relatively low-volume style with extra components, such as unique petrol injectors, consumption and fatigue principles and device chairs. It also has more powerful linking supports and crankshaft, as well as unique aide used to provide the higher pressure rate of the website and octane score of the petrol.

It is outfitted with a customized edition of the 1.8-liter four-cylinder website found in the Civic Sedan. A five-speed automated gearbox is conventional. It also has the Honda ECO Assist system that instructors the car owner on a "more powerful generating style."

Honda is making a major responsibility to marketing the 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas, saying it will increase sales to 200 sellers in 35 declares. Formerly, natural gas-powered Social was a exclusive abnormality on the street. This year's Civic GX was restricted to just four declares — Florida, New You are able to, Ok and Ut.

Honda said the 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas has a 2012 EPA gas mileage "equivalent estimate" of 27 mpg in town generating and 38 mpg on the freeway. In assessment, the Civic HF dividends 29 mpg in town generating and 41 mpg on the freeway, according to the EPA. Honda says the new Social Normal Gas presents a 12.5-percent enhancement in town gas mileage compared to the outbound style.

2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas

The 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas costs shows the fact that the uncommon alt-fuel car is a relatively low-volume style with extra components, such as unique petrol injectors, consumption and fatigue principles and device chairs. It also has more powerful linking supports and crankshaft, as well as unique aide used to provide the higher pressure rate of the website and octane score of the petrol.

It is outfitted with a customized edition of the 1.8-liter four-cylinder website found in the Civic Sedan. A five-speed automated gearbox is conventional. It also has the Honda ECO Assist system that instructors the car owner on a "more powerful generating style."

Honda is making a major responsibility to marketing the 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas, saying it will increase sales to 200 sellers in 35 declares. Formerly, natural gas-powered Social was a exclusive abnormality on the street. This year's Civic GX was restricted to just four declares — Florida, New You are able to, Ok and Ut.

Honda said the 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas has a 2012 EPA gas mileage "equivalent estimate" of 27 mpg in town generating and 38 mpg on the freeway. In assessment, the Civic HF dividends 29 mpg in town generating and 41 mpg on the freeway, according to the EPA. Honda says the new Social Normal Gas presents a 12.5-percent enhancement in town gas mileage compared to the outbound style.

Honda Wins

Honda has received the 2011 Polk Automotive Loyalty Award in the category of Hispanic Market Loyalty to Make. This is the second time Honda has won this prestigious award, last time being 2009. Honda is proud of how strong the brand has resonated with the very important Hispanic market. The quality and value of Honda products continue to display strong loyalty from consumers. The Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards are given to manufacturers that demonstrate an ability to retain owners over repeat buying cycles. 

Better Times Ahead?

Honda is looking to put a year of unprecedented difficulties behind it and boost sales in the United States, its biggest market, by a quarter in 2012, executives said on Monday.

Japan's No. 3 automaker suffered big disruptions to its supply chain both from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami at home and the historic floods in Thailand, leading to a plunge in production, sales and inventory in many markets.

In the United States, its sales fell 6.8 percent in a market that grew by 10 percent, as its North American production returned to normal only last month.

"We had a major handicap last year, but this year we're hoping to build up inventory to healthy levels in the first quarter and run full-speed at the latest from April," Honda North America President Tetsuo Iwamura told a small group of reporters at the Detroit auto show.

Honda is targeting a 25 percent jump to 1.43 million vehicles in U.S. sales this year, including a 46 percent rise for the struggling Acura brand to 180,000 vehicles.

Honda was also battered by poor reviews for the new Civic rolled out last year, with the influential Consumer Reports magazine ranking it second from the bottom among the small sedans that it rated.

Still, as production slowly returned in the final months of last year, Civic sales recovered in tandem, placing it back at the top of the compact sedan segment in the last quarter, Chief Executive Takanobu Ito said.

"A lot has been said about the Civic, but (the final quarter's performance) demonstrated to us the strength of our relationship with customers and the brand that we've built over the years," Ito told reporters in Detroit. "Of course, we need to polish our cars more, whether it's the Accord or the Civic."

Honda's Accord will be fully remodelled with the automaker's new generation of fuel-efficient powertrains later this year.

Honda Struggles in India

The face-lifted 2012 Honda City, note the gas cap placement

Honda Siel Cars of India continues to face production problems and sluggish sales following a disruption of components supply to the Thailand production facility. The Thailand floods earlier in 2011 has hit Honda Siel Cars of India hard, creating severe sales shortages and severe production constraints. However, Honda has said that deliveries and production of the revamped 2012 Honda City will begin at the end of this month.

Honda Siel Cars of India has had a bleak month in December 2011, compared to the 5000+ sales made in the same month in 2010, 2011 reported a little over 1000 sales.

Honda's Promise

Many readers may know that Honda has taken quite a beating lately on its new vehicle introductions, ranging from the CR-Z, to the Insight and more recently, the 2012 Civic. Honda's president, Takanobu Ito wants to change that and is doing so by explaining the faults of the past and how he's going to change these faults.

In an interview with The Nikkei, Ito explains that Honda's previous product planning method was made up of 6 regional operations responsible for their own region. Whenever Honda as a whole developed a product for the global market, they listened to every one of the 6 regional operation supervisor. This created problems wherein Honda watered down vehicle characteristics to increase the mass-market appeal. Ito admits that when you harmonize all the different opinions from the 6 regional operations, you end up with a safe and boring car.

Under Ito's reign, he changed the system by appointing three corporate officers to supervise the development of luxury, midsize and compact vehicles. He asked these officers to create more competitive vehicles and increase communication between product planning and regional operations. He says that the fruits of his achievements will be shown to the world beginning next fiscal year.

Ito says that those fruits include cars that will be both environmentally friendly and safe along with cars that are highly distinctive. Sporty driving characteristics will be incorporated into the DNA of every Honda vehicle.

In an effort to move away from Honda's dim present, Ito's plans are the light on the horizon.

Lighter = Better?

Honda Motor Co plans to adopt new design and assembly methods to make its vehicles lighter, the Nikkei business daily reported.

Some of Honda's new manufacturing methods involve welding outer panels to the frame, rather than assembling the ceiling, side and other panels, to reduce the use of bolts and reinforcing materials, the Japanese newspaper said.

Honda plans to spend tens of billions of yen to revamp production lines in Japan and overseas, using the new methods on small vehicles initially, then on all models within several years, the Nikkei said.

The automaker has begun steps to scale back on materials, parts and processing steps for producing its minivehicle, the N Box, which was launched last Friday, the daily said.

Honda modified one of the two production lines that assemble the N Box at its Suzuka plant in Mie Prefecture, the Nikkei said. The move will help make the N Box 10 percent lighter and lower manufacturing costs, the paper added.

By making lighter and cheaper automobiles, the carmaker aims to fast track its advance into emerging markets, which is one of its top priorities, the newspaper said.

2012 Honda Ridgeline

Expecting to improve client interest in its exclusive decryption of the light-duty four-door AWD collection method, the recently produced 2012 Honda Ridgeline increases the light restyle gotten by the complete line with a few choice changes of its own.

Based on the entry-level Ridgeline RT, the new 2012 Honda Ridgeline functions a electrical outage treatment on its exclusive honeycomb grill place and encompass, dark-colored headlight/taillight enclosures, foglamps and dark-colored 19-inch aluminum tires in place of the RT's 18-inch precious metal tires. Within, the 2012 Honda Ridgeline contributes a leather-wrapped multi-function rim additional music knowledge port, back solitude cup and all climate ground pads.

Like its RT, RTS and RTL friends, the new 2012 Honda Ridgeline is installed with the same 3.5-liter VTEC V6 powerplant that makes 250 power and 247 lb-ft of twisting. It's supported by a five-speed automated indication that's joined with a Honda's Diverse Torque Control 4-wheel travel (VTM-4) all-wheel travel system. On account of friction-reduction initiatives in the powerplant, the Ridgeline's EPA freeway gas mileage report has increased from 20 to 21 mpg.

2012 Honda Ridgeline

Expecting to improve client interest in its exclusive decryption of the light-duty four-door AWD collection method, the recently produced 2012 Honda Ridgeline increases the light restyle gotten by the complete line with a few choice changes of its own.

Based on the entry-level Ridgeline RT, the new 2012 Honda Ridgeline functions a electrical outage treatment on its exclusive honeycomb grill place and encompass, dark-colored headlight/taillight enclosures, foglamps and dark-colored 19-inch aluminum tires in place of the RT's 18-inch precious metal tires. Within, the 2012 Honda Ridgeline contributes a leather-wrapped multi-function rim additional music knowledge port, back solitude cup and all climate ground pads.

Like its RT, RTS and RTL friends, the new 2012 Honda Ridgeline is installed with the same 3.5-liter VTEC V6 powerplant that makes 250 power and 247 lb-ft of twisting. It's supported by a five-speed automated indication that's joined with a Honda's Diverse Torque Control 4-wheel travel (VTM-4) all-wheel travel system. On account of friction-reduction initiatives in the powerplant, the Ridgeline's EPA freeway gas mileage report has increased from 20 to 21 mpg.

Honda Tops at IIHS

The list of winners of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick award is longer than ever this year, with vehicles in nearly every size category the Institute evaluates earning accolades. From minicars to sedans to pickups, consumers have a record number of choices among 2012 models.

In all, 69 cars, 38 SUVs, 5 minivans, and 3 pickups earn Top Safety Pick. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on ratings in Institute evaluations. The ratings, which cover all 4 of the most common kinds of crashes, help shoppers pick vehicles that offer the highest levels of crash protection. Because the federal government now requires all 2012 and later passenger vehicles to have electronic stability control to help drivers avoid loss-of-control crashes, ESC no longer is a requirement to win as it was in prior years.

The winners' circle includes 18 new recipients for 2012, while 97 models that previously qualified for the 2011 award carry over to 2012.

"For the second year running a record number of models qualify," says Institute president Adrian Lund. "It's tough to win, and we commend auto manufacturers for making safety a top priority."

That commitment to protecting people in crashes is evident in the fast pace of design improvements automakers have made during the past year. Initially 66 vehicles qualified for last year's award as less-than-perfect rollover ratings held back many contenders. Later the number climbed to 100 as manufacturers redesigned roofs to make them stronger or introduced new models to win. The Institute's rolling test schedule allows for recognition of additional winners throughout the year, so many 2012 models qualified for a 2011 Top Safety Pick.

Again this year every major automaker has at least one winner. Subaru remains the only manufacturer with the distinction of earning awards for every model it builds. Subaru picks up 5 awards, including one for the redesigned Impreza, a small car.

Toyota/Lexus/Scion has 15 winners for 2012, more than any other auto manufacturer. General Motors is next in line with 14, followed by Volkswagen/Audi with 13, and Ford/Lincoln and Honda/Acura with 12 awards apiece.

Honda improves: Ten of the 18 new additions are Honda/Acura models, including the midsize Accord sedan, which hasn't earned Top Safety Pick since the Institute toughened criteria to win the 2010 award by adding a test to assess roof strength in a rollover crash.

Vehicles rated good for rollover protection have roofs more than twice as strong as the current federal standard requires. The Institute estimates that such roofs reduce the risk of serious and fatal injury in single-vehicle rollovers by about 50 percent compared with roofs meeting the minimum requirement. A new federal standard for roof strength will phase in beginning with 2013 models.

Roofs on the 2009 Honda CR-V and 2010 Pilot scored marginal ratings in prior Institute tests, while earlier models of the Accord, CR-Z, Fit, and Insight rated acceptable. Now all of these 2012 models earn good ratings and Top Safety Pick.

"Honda/Acura deserves credit for most-improved status," Lund says. "The automaker buckled down and upgraded roofs on 10 models that missed winning last year because of rollover protection. Now, the automaker has winners in the minicar, small car, midsize car, small SUV, midsize SUV, minivan, and large pickup categories."

Another midsize sedan, the Toyota Camry, earns its first-ever Top Safety Pick. Last year, the Camry missed the mark because of a marginal rating for seat/head restraints. The Toyota Yaris also earns its first Top Safety Pick award. Toyota upgraded the roof and seat/head restraints of the 4-door hatchback model to win. Good ratings secure the Yaris a spot alongside 3 other minicars, the Fiat 500, Ford Fiesta, and Honda Fit, as 2012 winners.

"It's great to see the Accord and Camry, 2 of the top-selling midsize cars in the U.S. market, join the Top Safety Pick ranks this year," Lund says. "The Accord previously won the 2009 award but has been missing from the list since then."

With fuel efficiency and reduced emissions on many buyers' wish lists, the winners' circle includes more green choices. Toyota's all-new Prius v is among them. Roomier than the original, the v hybrid brings to 15 the number of winners available as hybrids. The plug-in electric Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf, winners in 2011, also earn this year's award.

For drivers who need to haul loads, the Ford F-150, Honda Ridgeline, and Toyota Tundra are good choices in the large pickup category. Small pickups continue to be shut out. None the Institute has evaluated qualify for the award.

"When we launched Top Safety Pick in 2005, consumers had 11 models to pick from. Six years later, finding a winner that fits most budgets and lifestyles is easy," Lund says. "It's a testament to the commitment automakers have made to going above and beyond minimum safety standards."

About the award: The Institute awarded the first Top Safety Pick to 2006 models and then raised the bar the next year by requiring good rear test results and ESC as either standard or optional equipment. In 2010, the Institute toughened criteria by adding a requirement that all qualifiers must earn a good rating for performance in a roof strength test to assess protection in a rollover crash.

The Institute groups winners according to vehicle type and size. Lund advises consumers to keep in mind that size and weight influence crashworthiness. Larger, heavier vehicles generally afford better occupant protection in serious crashes than smaller, lighter ones. Even with a Top Safety Pick, a small car isn't as crashworthy as a bigger one.

How vehicles are evaluated: The Institute's frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash tests. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a 50th percentile male Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.

Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on 2 instrumented SID-IIs dummies representing a 5th percentile woman, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle's structural performance during the impact.

In the roof strength test, a metal plate is pushed against 1 side of a roof at a displacement rate of 0.2 inch per second. To earn a good rating for rollover protection, the roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle's weight before reaching 5 inches of crush. This is called a strength-to-weight ratio.

Rear crash protection is rated according to a 2-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry - the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average-size man.

Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can't be positioned to protect many people.

The Honda/Acura winners for 2012 are the Honda Fit, CR-V, Insight, Accord, CR-V, Pilot, Ridgeline and Acura's TL built after September 2011, TSX, MDX.

Honda Battles TrueCar

Honda is embroiled over a fight between its dealers and prices being displayed over at TrueCar.com. Honda has told dealers that it will not give them allowances for advertising if they continue to advertise vehicles below invoice on TrueCar.com, an internet auto sales service. Honda thinks that disclosing the cut-rate prices is damaging the brand and is making dealers compete with one another for buyers rather than with other automakers. What the deal with TrueCar is, is that the prices at which dealers are willing to sell cars at, are disclosed to all the visitors on the site. TrueCar is owned by several of the US' largest auto shopping services.

Honda's part of the issue is that it wants to protect its brand image and support pricing. Honda's attempt to withdraw its dealers from participating in this website extends to Acura dealerships. Advertising allowances that may be cut can allocate up to $600 a vehicle.

Industry analysts say Honda's decision may backfire as Honda shoppers that access the website will notice that there are no longer any Honda vehicles on the website and they will simply move to other brands / dealerships who are advertising their cars on the site, including Honda's competitors, Toyota and Nissan.

Earth Dreams, Honda's Next-Gen Engines

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the outline for a revolutionary next-generation technology called “Earth Dreams Technology.” 

“Earth Dreams Technology” is a next generation set of technological advancements which greatly enhance both driving performance and fuel efficiency at a high level, using as its base advanced environmental technologies to pursue the joy of driving unique to Honda. It is a series of measures in which efficiency of internal combustion components including engine, and transmission, as well as electric-powered motor technology, is further improved. 

Through its implementation first in the mini-vehicle N BOX and gradually onto other vehicle models, Honda aims to achieve top-of-industry fuel efficiency for every category within three years, while simultaneously setting a timeline of 2020 to reduce by 30% CO2 emissions for all products sold worldwide, relative to emission figures for 2000. 

Inspiration of the “Earth Dreams Technology” name: 
”Earth Dreams Technology” is an expression for a set of technologies which takes into account both our need to protect the environment and our desire to provide a joy of driving. 

■Key features of “Earth Dreams Technology” 
1. A gasoline engine which realizes top level driving performance and fuel efficiency. 
2. A compact diesel engine which realizes the world’s lightest body, top-of-class acceleration performance and fuel efficiency. 
3. CVT which combines at a high level the fun of driving and fuel efficiency. 
4. A two-motor hybrid system which realizes top-of-industry efficiency. 5. A high-efficiency, high output electric SH-AWD hybrid system which combines superior driving and environmental performance. 
6. A compact, high efficiency electric powertrain for EVs. 

■Summary of key features 
1. Gasoline engine which achieves top-of-industry driving performance and fuel efficiency 
-By enhancing Honda’s original VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control System 
-By gradually renewing the engine starting with the mini-vehicle N BOX, Honda aims to utilize this technology to achieve top-of-industry output and fuel efficiency in every vehicle class within three years. 
-A wide range of engine classes including the 660cc, 1.3L, 1.5L, 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.4L, and 3.5L classes will feature the technology. 

【660cc class engine】 
・Employs DOHC and VTC (Variable Timing Control) to improve intake efficiency. 
Further, the compact combustion chamber realizes high thermal efficiency. 
・By shortening the bore pitch compared to the present engine models and reducing the thickness of the cylinder block and camshaft, engine weight is reduced by 15% and 
fuel efficiency is improved by 10%. 

【1.3 to 1.5L class engine】 
・Employs VTC, direct injection technology and the Atkinson cycle using the DOHC, VTEC technologies as the base. 
・Extensive friction reduction measures are implemented. 

【1.8 to 2.0L class engine】 ・Employs direct injection technology and the Atkinson cycle using the DOHC, VTEC technologies as the base. Further, implementation of VTC and high-capacity EGR to both the intake and exhaust ports realizes significantly reduced friction. ・For the 2.0L class hybrid vehicle engines, use of an electric water pump eliminates the need for a belt in the auxiliary device and contributes to a reduction in friction. The electric VTC system realizes optimal control during engine operation.
・Based on the DOHC and VTEC technologies, it employs VTC and direct injection technology and implements extensive friction reduction measures. 
・Standalone engine features 5% improvements in fuel efficiency and output as well as a 10% improvement in maximum torque. 

【3.5L class engine】 
・Employs new valve train mechanisms and direct injection technology in the SOHC, VTEC, VCM systems to improve by over 10% of fuel efficiency and 5% of output, relative to the present standalone engine model. 

2. A world’s lightest diesel engine which realizes top-of-class acceleration performance and fuel efficiency. 
・Through optimizing engine rigidity and combustion pressure, an aluminum open deck for the cylinder block was enabled in this top-of-industry lightweight 1.6L class diesel engine. 
・By downsizing from the present 2.2L engine and extensively reducing mechanical friction in each section, a friction level equivalent to present gasoline engine models was achieved. 
・Optimized thermal management system thanks to improvements in the cooling system reduces CO2 output by over 15%. 
・Employment of a compact, high-efficiency turbocharger and weight reduction in the reciprocating sliding section realizes a sporty and nimble ride.

3. CVT which combines at a high level the fun of driving and fuel efficiency. 
・Three CVT structures for mini, compact, and mid-size vehicle classes are newly developed to be adopted for a variety of engine models. ・Reinforced belt is used to realize a structure for which a wide ratio range can be set. 
・Implementation of analysis technology over the contact behavior between the belt and pulley, and a high-precision hydraulic control system allows for continual optimization of hydraulic pressure to the pulley under a variety of driving conditions, contributing to improved fuel efficiency. 
・Use of an electronic oil pump to realize an idle stop system with high response contributes significantly to improved usability and fuel efficiency. 
・”G-Design Shift”, a new coordinated control system for shift transmission, throttle, and hydraulic control responds quickly to driver demands and realizes an exhilarating, sporty drive with superior acceleration. ・In the mini-vehicle class a control mechanism and innovations in axle placement to reduce the engine size lengthwise, while a reduction in parts by simplifying the transmission casing structure helps realize a lightweight and compact body. 
・For the compact and mid-size classes, in addition to the reductions in size and weight, transmission efficiency was greatly improved by expanding the ratio range to achieve fuel efficiency improvements of 5% and 10% compared to the conventional CVT and comparable 5ATs, respectively. 

4. A two-motor hybrid system which realizes top-of-industry efficiency. 
・A two-motor hybrid system featuring top-of-industry efficiency enhancing driving performance and reduced CO2 emissions has been newly developed. 
・Special lithium-ion battery and charger is employed to enable mounting on plug-in hybrid vehicles. ・Mid-sized vehicles equipped with this system are scheduled to begin production, starting with the plug-in hybrid model in 2012 and the hybrid model in 2013. 
・Three driving modes allowing for optimal efficiency for various driving environments were developed; an “EV driving mode” for urban environments, a “hybrid driving mode” using electricity generated by the motor, and a “engine-connected driving mode” where the engine and tires are mechanically connected during high-speed cruising. 
・Combination with a high-output 120kW motor allows for superior environmental performance and driving enjoyment. 

5. A high-efficiency, high output electric SH-AWD hybrid system which combines superior driving and environmental performance. 
・A new hybrid system, electric SH-AWD, was developed for large-sized vehicles. By combining a 3.5L, V6 engine with this hybrid system, acceleration equivalent to V8 engines, as well as fuel efficiency equal or superior to in-line 4-cylinder engines were realized. 
・An electric 4WD system with independent 20kW+ motors on both sides for the rear wheels combines a 7-speed dual clutch transmission system with a built-in 30kW+ high-efficiency motor with the engine. 
・By mounting a high-performance lithium-ion battery and optimally controlling the front and rear motors, a new hybrid system with high fuel efficiency and output was realized. 
・By mounting two independent motors in the rear and employing a newly developed bilateral torque adjustable control system, incredibly tight “on-the-rail” cornering is realized, providing a stable ride for all daily driving environments. 

6. A compact, high efficiency electric powertrain for EVs. 
・Thanks to the high efficiency coaxial motor, low-friction gearbox and electric servo brake system, the system realizes the highest electrical consumption capabilities in the world, meeting the required AC consumption rate of 29kWh/100mile(116MPGe) as set forth by the United States. 
・A traveling distance of 123 miles(LA-4mode: unadjusted) or 210km(JC08 mode) was achieved thanks to the mounting of a high capacity lithium-ion battery. 
・When using the 240V U.S. electric source, a full charge takes less than 3 hours. (From the time a low-charge signal is lit till full charge) 
・By offering three driving modes (SPORT, NORMAL, ECON), the driver can freely select from a number of options to meet the needs of various driving styles such as power-saving or sporty drive 

American Acura/Honda Sales for November 2011

Honda Division posted November sales of 74,016, a decrease of 9.9 percent versus November 2010. The Pilot continued its momentum with sales of 10,487, up 32.6 percent. The Civic was the top-selling Honda model for November with sales of 17,133, a decrease of 0.7 percent compared to last year. The CR-V posted sales of 16,426, a decrease of 13.7. The Accord posted sales of 14,355 a decrease of 17.9 percent.

"The impact of the Thailand flooding on our North American production levels continued to be felt in November," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. "We're looking forward to closing the year on a strong note as production recovers and the all-new CR-V goes on sale this month."

Acura Division recorded November sales of 9,909, a decrease of 11.2 percent versus November 2010, and year-to-date sales of 110,170, down 7.1 percent. The MDX was the top-selling Acura model for the month with November sales of 3,308 down 24.2 percent. The TSX posted record November sales of 2,691.

Canadian Acura/Honda Sales in November 2011

Combined November sales of 12,655 units by the Honda and Acura divisions represented a 16 per cent increase over last year's sales.  The Honda Automobile Division reported November sales of 11,112 units, up 18 per cent from last year, led by record November sales of both Honda Civic and CR-V. The Acura Division reported November sales of 1,543 units, up 7 percent over last year.

"November marks the first month since March that Honda Canada has seen a year-over-year sales increase.  Now that we are returning to normal production levels this month at our North American plants, we are looking forward to business as usual," said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc.

"We are extremely pleased that Civic, the number one-selling passenger car in Canada, is now in full production at our plant in Alliston, Ontario and ready for delivery across the country.  We would like to thank all of our Canadian customers for being so patient with us over the past eight months and our Honda associates who have worked tirelessly throughout the supply disruption."