Honda introduced the first-generation Insight, Civic Hybrid and Accord Hybrid equipped with Honda’s original lightweight and compact Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system. More recently, following the introduction of the second-generation Insight in 2009, Honda has introduced a total of six new hybrid models in the last three years to expand the hybrid vehicle lineup and sales. Honda’s annual worldwide hybrid sales for 2011 was approximately 200,000 units (up 30 percent compared to 2010), and Honda’s total hybrid sales during the last three years exceeded 500,000 units. In Japan, the ratio of hybrid vehicles exceeded 45 percent of all new Honda vehicle registrations for the month of December 2011. Cumulative hybrid sales in North America reached 338,872 units as of December 2011.

As of today, Honda sells seven hybrid models in approximately 50 countries around the world. In addition, the market introduction of the ILX, the first Acura brand model equipped with a hybrid system, is scheduled for spring 2012 in North America.

Under the global environmental slogan of “Blue Skies for Our Children,” Honda will continue its efforts to realize the further market penetration of hybrid vehicles to create a low carbon society.

History of Honda’s Hybrid Models

“Ranging from a gas-sipping hybrid to a kick-in-the-pants Si, the Civic lineup provides a variety of fun, fuel-efficient options to satisfy a wide range of customers,” said Michael Accavitti, vice president of marketing operations, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “We are thrilled to receive this award that recognizes the many advantages of the Civic.”

In describing the award-winning Civic, About.com’s Aaron Gold called the 2012 Civic hands-down the most comprehensive compact car on the market. “You can get a sedan or a coupe; a high-fuel-efficiency version; a high-performance version; a leather-lined version; a hybrid version; even an alternative-fuel version that runs on clean natural gas,” Gold said. “And whichever Civic you choose, you’re virtually guaranteed years of trouble-free motoring.”

The award from About.com adds to the 2012 Honda Civic’s growing list of accolades that include being named Green Car of the Year (Civic Natural Gas), capturing Best Resale Value for a Compact Car by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, and earning a 2011 IIHS Top Safety Pick. About.com is one of the largest providers of original content on the web, with over 60 million unique visitors per month in the United States.

The all new 2012 Honda CR-V has finally made it to Valley Honda! We currently have multiple models on our lot with more arriving daily. Come check out this hot new product while they are still in stock! Call 540-886-2357 to schedule a test drive today! Check out www.MyValleyHonda.com to learn more!

“The Car and Driver ‘10Best Cars’ awards document a proud history of great cars in America over the last 30 years,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Honda is honored to again have two of our vehicles included among the best of the best.”

The Fit has been sold in the U.S. since the 2007 model year and is manufactured in Sayama, Japan. The Accord has been sold in the U.S. since the 1976 model year and has been manufactured in Marysville, Ohio since 1982.

Honda Car and Driver “10Best Cars” Award History

Check out these vehicles today!

www.MyValleyHonda.com

At 180kg, Honda says the new diesel is the lightest in its class, which contributes to its low CO2 numbers. The engine’s final CO2 scores will be released closer to launch as it still needs to undergo testing in Europe.

When asked whether he hopes the new powerplant will put pressure on VW, Honda engineer Junji Yamano said through an interpreter: “It is good if they have some sleepless nights because we have had sleepless nights” trying to develop a diesel that can compete against VW’s.

The engine, which will be made at Honda’s factory in Swindon, England, will debut at the Paris auto show in autumn 2012 and appear first in the new ninth-generation Civic in early 2013. The new Civic will debut in Europe in February 2012 with a choice of 1.4- and 1.8-liter gasoline engines and a 2.2-liter diesel unit.

The current Civic offers Europeans only the 2.2-liter unit, which is too large – and heavy – in a segment where most buyers want 1.5- or 1.6-liter turbodiesels.

Alessandro Skerl, head of Honda’s Italian unit, said the new 1.6-liter diesel engine will be crucial in a market such as Italy where the majority of compact car buyers favor diesels. Cars with small diesel engines of 1.6-liter displacement or less account more than 50 percent of compact segment sales. “We expect the 1.6-liter diesel to cover 65 percent of Civic sales,” he said.

Fuel economy goal: No. 1

The 1.6-liter engine is 50kg lighter than the 2.2-liter diesel because it has a smaller displacement as well as aluminum cylinders rather than steel and pistons made of high-strength steel so that their diameter could be reduced, saving weight without sacrificing on performance or endurance.

The new diesel is the first powerplant for Europe from what Honda calls its Earth Dreams Technology lineup.

Sources say this engine likely will be offered in the United States in addition to its European application, however, Honda CEO Takanobu Ito said last week that that the automaker does not have any plans to launch diesels in North America.

Honda officials also said that turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engines will be developed in the future. A source said they should be launched within the next two to three years.

Ito said Honda’s aim for launching its new powertrain lineup is to have “the No. 1 fuel economy in each [vehicle] category within the next three years.”

New transmissions

In addition to the engines, Honda has designed three new continuously variable transmissions, one for mid-sized cars such the Accord, and two for smaller vehicles such as the Civic, Jazz and Japan-market minicars.

While many competitors in Europe are moving toward dual-clutch transmissions, Honda is betting big on CVT because it feels its solutions address key weaknesses in the technology such as lag.Current CVTs have a “rubber band” feeling similar to a slipping clutch under acceleration, but the Honda system has less of a feeling of slippage, said Hideki Wakamatsu, general manager of Honda R&D.

That’s because the Honda belt, which is sourced from German’s Robert Bosch, is thinner and has a proprietary material that resides between the element and the ring of the CVT, Honda said. Also, the engine control software has been remapped so there is less hunting between the engine and CVT for optimal engine revs and transmission ratios during sudden acceleration, Wakamatsu said. He said that Honda’s CVT is designed to use the engine at its most efficient, resulting in fuel economy improvement of 5 percent to 10 percent.

Honda will continue to offer manual transmissions for markets such as Europe. A source added that within the next two years Honda also plans to launch a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and an automatic with either eight or nine speeds. Traditional stepped-gear automatics will be offered for vehicles such as sport sedans and sports cars where more immediate performance impact is needed, Wakamatsu said.

www.myvalleyhonda.com
]]> http://valleyhonda.wordpress.com/2011/12/07/new-civic-diesel-to-arrive-in-europe/feed/ 0 valleyhonda http://valleyhonda.wordpress.com/2011/12/05/the-plug-in-honda-fit/ http://valleyhonda.wordpress.com/2011/12/05/the-plug-in-honda-fit/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:19:47 +0000 Valley Honda http://valleyhonda.wordpress.com/?p=36 ]]>

Fit EV~ Coming to Valley Honda Soon! (Check out the video)

Honda  unveiled the all-new 2013 Fit EV at the Los Angeles Auto Show, announcing plans to begin leasing the 123 city-mile per charge (76 mile range combined adjusted city/highway)¹ battery electric commuter vehicle to its U.S. customers in the summer of 2012. The Fit EV is based on the popular Fit hatchback and is a part of the company’s diverse portfolio of alternative fuel vehicles that includes gasoline-electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell-electric and natural gas-powered models.

“The Fit EV is the next critical step in Honda’s portfolio approach to alternative fueled vehicles,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “There is no other automaker on the planet whose spirit is more deeply invested in the effort to realize a cleaner, more energy-efficient and ultimately more sustainable transportation future than Honda.”

Customers interested in leasing a Fit EV are encouraged to sign up at www.FitEV.Honda.com where they can receive more information and sign up for the opportunity to become a future Fit EV customer.

Fit EV Performance
The Fit EV is designed to meet the needs of an average urban commuter, offering an estimated driving range of 123-miles on a single charge using the US EPA city cycle test methods (Honda anticipates a combined city/highway EV range of 76 miles on the new Fuel Economy labels) 1. The Fit EV will be powered by a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 92 kilowatt coaxial electric motor. The high density electric motor, derived from the motor used in the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, delivers excellent efficiency and power while remaining quiet at high speeds.

Driving range of the Fit EV can be maximized by using several innovative features, including a 3- mode electric drive system, adapted from the CR-Z Sport Hybrid. The system allows the driver to select between Econ, Normal and Sport to instantly and seamlessly change the driving experience to maximize efficiency or improve acceleration. While in Econ mode, practical driving range can increase by as much as 17-percent compared to driving in Normal mode. Acceleration improves significantly when in Sport mode, adding to the Fit EV’s fun to drive nature.

In addition to the 3-mode driving system, the Fit EV includes interactive coaching features designed to assist the driver in maximizing battery performance and driving range. The power meter alerts the driver to optimal driving conditions. Additional energy- saving features includes a highly efficient electric air conditioning system and new regenerative braking system.

The 6.6 kW, onboard 32 amp charger allows for convenient recharging of the Fit EV. With a 240-volt charger, the Fit EV can fully recharge in as little as three hours. At launch timing, Honda will have a preferred Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) charging supplier.

Fit EV Exterior and Interior Styling
The exterior dimensions of the Fit EV are identical to the gasoline-powered Fit with the addition of a higher hip point to accommodate the under floor placement of the 20 kWh battery. When the car launches in summer 2012, it will be available in one exclusive color, Reflection Blue Pearl. EV badges on the rear hatch and decals on the side of the vehicle distinguish the electric vehicle from its gasoline counterpart.

The Fit EV carries a familiar chrome front fascia that is similar to other Honda environmentally-responsible vehicles like the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle and Insight hybrid. The Fit EV is outfitted with distinct five-spoke alloy wheels and an aerodynamic rear spoiler.

In the passenger cabin, the seating surfaces are covered with bio-fabric. The Fit EV features illuminated meters that alert the driver to key vehicle functions including state of charge, battery usage and driving range. The meters change color depending on the driving mode selected (green, white or red).

The Fit EV features a spacious and functional cabin with comfortable seating for up to five passengers. For enhanced versatility, the Fit EV offers multiple seating and cargo-carrying configurations.

Fit EV Telematics and Interactive Remote
To help the driver manage the electric vehicle ownership experience, the Fit EV will have a standard telematics system that allows the driver to stay connected through a smartphone, personal computer or interactive remote. Through the Fit EV smartphone and computer applications, the driver can remotely view the vehicles state of charge, initiate charging and activate the air conditioning and heater, to pre-condition the vehicle while connected to the grid which maximizes battery range on start-up. The mobile application and website also offers the ability to set charging notifications and alerts to optimize charging times based on varying utility rates and provides access to 24-hour roadside assistance. The Fit EV will come equipped with a standard Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ that provides the ability to locate public charging stations and frequently updated traffic information.

The interactive remote allows the driver to monitor the vehicles state of charge and cabin temperature. Additionally, the driver can initiate and terminate charging and remotely turn on the air conditioning using the interactive remote. The interactive remote does not require an internet or mobile connection to operate however the driver must be within 100 feet (30 meters) of the vehicle.

Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program
Honda will test the Fit EV with the City of Torrance, California Google Inc. and Stanford University as a part of the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program. Each program participant will provide Honda with real-world feedback on the Fit EV. Individually, each participant will use the Fit EV to further initiatives such as research into human behavior and various usage like personal, fleet and car-sharing.

Honda Environmental Leadership
In addition to the Fit EV, Honda is a leader in the development of leading-edge technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.

Honda has led the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) rankings of overall vehicle environmental performance since 2000, and a Honda vehicle has topped the list of America’s greenest vehicles, from the America Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), for eleven consecutive years.

In 2006, Honda became the first automaker to announce voluntary CO2 emissions reduction targets for its global fleet of automobile, powersports and power equipment products and its global network of manufacturing plants. Today, the company is striving for even greater reductions in CO2 emissions that contribute to global climate change, while also working to minimize waste, water use and the total environmental footprint of its operations worldwide.

www.myvalleyhonda.com

 Honda AC-X Plug-In Hybrid Honda will debut a next-generation plug-in hybrid vehicle at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show in December 2011. This vehicle will be comfortable and enjoyable during all driving situations including urban and long-distance driving. There are two drive modes to choose from including the engine drive mode for an aggressive drive and an automatic drive mode for relaxed driving. The front and rear aprons (lower bumpers) can be raised or lowered to increase aerodynamic efficiency. On the interior, Honda’s Smart Connect system, (Smart Key) will make its entrance. This Smart Key will not only help start the vehicle but will tell the charge of the car’s battery and is the size of a smartphone. Joysticks are in place of a steering wheel with a panoramic 3D heads-up display spread across the dashboard. More information on this model, next month.

Driving a Honda for a million miles is an extraordinary feat. So how did Joe do it? For starters, he’s read and followed his owner’s manual and maintenance schedule to the letter. He’s also a stickler for fluids, he checked them weekly, switching them seasonally (10W-30 in summer and 5W-30 in winter), and changed them every 5,000 miles. He’s been loyal to the same brand of oil and never let it go below a quart low.