Honda considers more Japanese models for U.S.
Increased demand for smaller and more fuel-efficient models in the U.S. is causing carmakers to reconsider importing vehicles usually reserved for markets where consumers are faced with much steeper fuel prices than their American counterparts. Ford has confirmed plans to bring six new models from its European division and Mercedes-Benz is also looking at importing its next-generation of A and B-Class models to North America for the first time. Honda’s U.S. vice president for corporate planning, Dan...

Honda could boost U.S. car prices in response to climbing materials costs
Earlier this month Toyota announced it would be raising prices across its U.S. line-up, and now it seems Honda may be following suit. The cause is a confluence of factors, with a weak U.S. dollar, high raw materials costs and the global downturn in sales conspiring to make the price rises inevitable. North America may not be alone in feeling the pinch of higher prices, either. Speaking during an interview in Tokyo Honda Chief Operating Officer Yoichi Hojo said that prices in Japan and North America may...

Honda open to F1 test for Danica Patrick
The chief executive of Honda’s F1 team, Nick Fry, has offered to open talks with Danica Patrick about a test drive in the near future. The 26-year-old American said late last month she was “dead set” on eventually joining the grand prix circus, following her recent breakthrough win in the IndyCar series. “We haven’t instigated anything, but if Danica wanted to be test driver then we’d be more than happy to talk about it,” Fry is quoted as saying in the British...

Honda releases Sport Pack for new Accord Euro
Only a month after the official reveal of the new Accord Euro Acura TSX Honda has unveiled a new Sport Pack designed for both the sedan and Tourer wagon models. The new kit includes custom bumpers front and rear, a set of sporty side sills, a blacked-out grille, a discrete bootlid spoiler, integrated fog lights and new 18in alloy wheels. The interior also gets several new appointments including a titanium finish on some of the dash elements and leather trim on the seats, steering wheel and gearstick...

Honda warns drivers of crime hotspots via satnav
Starting this week, Japanese drivers using Honda’s on-board navigation system will receive new alerts advising them when they drive near crime-ridden areas. The system uses information gained from local police to rate districts by risk level and advise drivers about places where cars have recently been stolen, broken into or even damaged. The system is just another technology available providing drivers with extra information through their navigation systems, reports the Associated Press. Microsoft...

Mazda, Mitsubishi and Honda post record 2007 profit
While Ford is being praised for posting its surprise $100 million first quarter profit, its Mazda subsidiary has shocked just as many analysts with a record profit of $1.55 billion for 2007 – up 2% on 2006’s record level. The jump in profit was on the back of a 7% jump in revenues and a 5% increase in sales 1,363,000 units worldwide. The carmaker is so confident that it’s predicting an even better sales result in 2008 despite rising fuel prices, unfavorable exchange rates, and shrinking demand for...

Mazda, Mitsubishi and Honda post record 2007 profit
While Ford is being praised for posting its surprise $100 million first quarter profit, its Mazda subsidiary has shocked just as many analysts with a record profit of $1.55 billion for 2007 – up 2% on 2006’s record level. The jump in profit was on the back of a 7% jump in revenues and a 5% increase in sales 1,363,000 units worldwide. The carmaker is so confident that it’s predicting an even better sales result in 2008 despite rising fuel prices, unfavorable exchange rates, and shrinking demand for...

Update: Honda’s dedicated hybrid to debut at Paris
Update: Inexpensive and fuel-efficiency focused, Honda’s new dedicated Prius fighter will be taking off its wraps at the Paris Motor Show, according to the latest reports. The new car is hoped to give Honda renewed vigor in the struggle against Toyota’s ascendancy to the top of the hybrid ranks, while at the same time boosting the company’s hybrid volume sales to competitive figures. The new dedicated hybrid will be targeted at a lower price-point than the Prius, which should help with...

Video: Honda airs live ad for new Accord Euro
Honda is known for its ambitious advertising projects, such as the recent ‘Cog’ television promotion for its previous Accord Euro sedan, which featured a ‘Rube Goldberg’ machine - a complex device built using different parts from the actual Euro sedan that was used to do the simple task of releasing a lever to lower a completed car from a ramp. Now, the Japanese carmaker has sought to go to further extremes in its latest video promotion, labeled ‘Difficult is worth doing’, which you...

2008 Honda Civic Coupe LX Road Test
I recently went out to lunch with some coworkers at a restaurant I've never It isn't flashy, but the Civic Coupe is a staple that just can't be ignored. been to. As I checked out the menu, a lot of choices looked good, but my palette wasn't feeling all that adventurous. In addition, I've started a new healthy eating regime so the fish and chips were definitely not an option although something deep fried would have been fabulous!. I decided on a field green salad, dressing on the side with some shrimp on...