Honda

Honda sets goal to achieve “top-of-industry fuel efficiency in every segment within 3 years”

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:03:43 GMT

Honda sets goal to achieve “top-of-industry fuel efficiency in every segment within 3 years”

Regardless of what we may think of Honda's current styling direction or the excitement level of its latest models, we have the utmost respect for the automaker's engineering talent. So, when Honda sets itself a goal to achieve "top-of-industry fuel efficiency in every vehicle class within three years", it catches our attention.

Honda's so-called Earth Dreams Technology will encompass everything from gasoline and diesel engines to transmissions (including a CVT that will supposedly be both fun to drive and highly fuel efficient) and, of course, hybrids and fully electric vehicles.

Acura will get knee-deep in the efficiency game as well, as parent company Honda is also promising a hybrid SH-AWD system that will feature two 20kW electric motors that will independently drive their own wheels along with a 30kW electric motor to assist the 3.5-liter V6 engine and seven-speed gearbox (more on this soon).

Of course, Honda will have some stiff competition in hitting top efficiency scores in every category, as both Hyundai and Ford have made similar overtures over the last few years. That said, all it takes is one look at the comprehensively outlined plan in the press release after the break to realize the seriousness with which Honda is making this pledge.

PRESS RELESE

Honda Announces Revolutionary Next-generation "Earth Dreams Technology"

-New plan calls for top-of-industry fuel efficiency in every vehicle class within 3 years-

TOKYO, Japan, November 30, 2011 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the outline for a revolutionary next-generation technology for automobiles 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 Cooper-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*1, top-of-class*1 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*1.
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) technology to thoroughly improve thermal efficiency and minimize friction, a combination of high output and fuel efficiency was achieved. Further, a new engine series employing a new structure for higher expandability was developed.

By gradually renewing the engine starting with the Mini Cooper-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%*3 and fuel efficiency is improved by 10%*3.
[ 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 (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) 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 VTC system allows fuel-efficient driving in various driving styles.

[ 2.4L class engine ]
Based on the DOHC and VTEC technologies, it employs VTC and direct injection technology and implements extensive friction reduction measures.
Standalone engine features 5%*3 improvements in fuel efficiency and output as well as a 10%*3 improvement in maximum torque compared to the previous engine.

[ 3.5L class engine ]
Employs new valve train mechanisms and direct injection technology in the SOHC, VTEC, VMC systems to improve by over 10%*3 of fuel efficiency and 5%*3 of output, relative to the present standalone engine model.

2. A compact diesel engine which realizes the world's lightest body*1, top-of-class*1 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 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%*3.

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 Cooper, 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 Cooper-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%*3 and 10%*3 compared to the conventional CVT and comparable 5ATs, respectively.

4. A two-motor hybrid system which realizes top-of-industry efficiency*1.

A two-motor hybrid system featuring top-of-industry efficiency*1 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 top-of-industry efficiency*1 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 cornering just like driving "on-the-rail" is realized. With this mechanism, Honda strives to provide a stable ride for various 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 capability in the world*1, meeting the required AC consumption rate of 29kWh/100mile(116MPGe) as set forth by the United States.

A traveling distance of 123 miles*2(LA-4mode: unadjusted) or 210km*2(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.

*1
Honda internal research (as of November 30, 2011)
*2
Honda calculations
*3
Compared to Honda products

RECALL: Honda expands airbag recall to additional 833,000 vehicles

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Tue, 03 May 2011 14:03:31 GMT

RECALL: Honda expands airbag recall to additional 833,000 vehicles

LOS ANGELES (Bloomberg) -- Honda Motor Co. said it will again expand a U.S. recall of Honda and Acura brand models to fix flawed airbag components.

The company will inspect model year 2001 to 2003 vehicles that may have had the original driver's airbag module replaced with a flawed service part, Honda said today in an e-mailed statement.

As a result, the recall now includes an additional 833,000 vehicles, the carmaker said. Honda "determined that a number of affected service part air bags were installed in these vehicles in the process of a collision repair or other vehicle service," according to the statement.

"Owners of all potentially affected vehicles are being notified because Honda has not been able to determine which specific vehicles received one of those parts."

The faulty airbag inflators are at risk of deploying too forcefully and causing the inflator's casing to rupture, potentially leading to injuries or fatalities for vehicle occupants, the company said.

Customer notification is to begin late this month. Vehicles covered by the action include some 2001 and 2002 Accord and Civic cars; 2002 Odyssey minivans; 2002 and 2003 CR-V sport-utility vehicles; and some 2002 and 2003 Acura 3.2 TL sedans and 2003 Acura 3.2 CL coupes, the company said.

Honda last year recalled 437,763 Honda and Acura models to inspect for faulty airbag modules at risk of deploying too forcefully.

The company has said airbag systems were supplied by Japan's Takata Corp. Honda's U.S. unit is based in Torrance, Calif.

Honda is working on a hybrid Goldwing

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:32:58 GMT

Honda is working on a hybrid Goldwing

It looks as if Honda may be toying with the notion of bringing hybrid technology to the motorcycle world. According to Motorbiker, the Japanese manufacturer filed a patent for a hybrid bike complete with a detailed drawing of the machine. The interesting part is that the line sketch fits pretty well with the profile of the company's Goldwing; a bike that's built for sucking up mile after mile of comfortable interstate cruising. As Motorbike points out, most hybrids are happiest off of the highway, which makes the big cruiser an odd platform choice for a battery pack.

We would have thought that the company's CBR250R would have been a more fitting bike to bestow the glory of electric motivation upon, but that's just us. The small commuter is built to spend time in stop and go traffic and field quick runs about town, which would be perfect for the fuel-economy optimizing attributes of a hybrid. Of course, all of those battery packs have to fit somewhere and a Goldwing has plenty of space on board. Head over to Motorbiker to check out the patent drawing and the full patent for yourself.

Source: [ Motorbiker, Autoblog ]

Click here to read the Honda Hybrid patent

Honda profits plunge 38 percent – on earthquake, low demand

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:05:04 GMT

Honda profits plunge 38 percent – on earthquake, low demand

TOKYO (Bloomberg) -- Honda Motor Co. reported a quarterly profit that missed analysts' estimates, after Japan vehicle sales dropped and last month's record earthquake disrupted output.

The automaker said net income plunged 38 percent to 44.5 billion yen ($545 million) for the fiscal fourth quarter that ended March 31, lower than the 93.8 billion yen average of analysts' estimates compiled by Bloomberg. Sales fell 2.9 percent to 2.2 trillion yen.

Honda and rival Japanese carmakers are working to restore full operations after last month's earthquake and tsunami damaged parts factories and power plants, causing shortages of components and electricity. Honda said earlier this week it expects its global output to return to normal levels by the end of the year.

"Even if production comes back, sales may not," said Yuuki Sakurai, president at Fukoku Capital Management Inc. in Tokyo. "May sales, June sales may be close to zero as the companies won't have much to sell."

Honda declined to provide a full-year earnings forecast citing the impact of the natural disaster on production.

North America sales up

Honda's global vehicle sales dropped 1.6 percent to 860,000 in the three months ended March 31. The drop was led by a 22 percent decline in Japan. Sales in North America rose 7.9 percent to 356,000 and in Asia, excluding Japan, deliveries rose 0.4 percent to 238,000.

The automaker's March output in Japan plunged 63 percent to 34,754 vehicles, it said earlier this week. A government subsidy program for car purchases boosted sales a year earlier. The company's output of cars and parts in Japan will remain at 50 percent of regular capacity until the end of June.

"We are in the situation where our supply is short when demand for cars is increasing globally," said Fumihiko Ike, Honda's managing director.

Honda said the earthquake cost the company 45.7 billion yen in the year ended March. For the full year, net income almost doubled to 534 billion yen, while sales gained 4.2 percent to 8.94 trillion yen, the company said.

Toyota losing output

Toyota Motor Corp. also estimates production will remain below normal levels until November or December. The company may lose output of 300,000 vehicles in Japan and 100,000 overseas through the end of April due to quake-related shutdowns, Executive Vice President Atsushi Niimi said last week.

The company is unlikely to meet its full-year global production target of 7.7 million vehicles, he said.

About 150 parts, mostly materials such as rubber and plastics, are still in critically short supply, Toyota's President Akio Toyoda said April 22. The carmaker will report fourth-quarter earnings on May 11.

Japan's automakers also face possible blackouts after the natural disasters reduced the nation's power-generating capacity by 8 percent. The carmakers are considering electricity-saving options such as shutting plants and offices for two days a week and shifting work to weekends to conserve power.

China operations

The natural disaster has had little impact on Honda's operations in China, the world's biggest auto market, where no production halts are planned until the end of May at the earliest, Seiji Kuraishi, the company's president for China, said at the Shanghai auto show last week.

Honda hasn't revised its full-year China sales forecast of 730,000 vehicles, Kuraishi said. Even if parts shortages reduce the supply of vehicles, it can be made up for in the second half of the year, he said. The carmaker boosted output in China 12 percent last month to 73,032 vehicles.

Japanese automakers have lost half a million units since quake

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 21:57:14 GMT

Japanese automakers have lost half a million units since quake

According to Automotive News, Japanese automakers have seen their production drop by over 500,000 units since the March 11 earthquake struck the island nation. In the month since the disaster, the country's seven largest automakers lost around 516,000 units of production due to damage to production facilities and supplier delays. Toyota has been the hardest hit, with a loss of 260,000 units as of April 8. The automaker has a total of 18 domestic manufacturing facilities, and while two of those are back online, the remainder won't open their doors until at least April 18. Even then, the plants may shut down again after April 27.

Honda, Suzuki, Subaru, Nissan, Mazda and Mitsubishi are all operating on some level, though production is an on-again, off-again affair. As an example, Nissan has managed to re-open all five of its Japanese facilities, though production has been scaled back to half-pace for the time being. There's no word as to when full production will ramp up once again.

Source: [ Automotive news , autoblog.com ]

Honda resumes operations at Japanese plants

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:32:55 GMT

Honda resume operations at Japanese plants

Honda has announced it will resume production at its Japanese plants effective April 11. Though the factories are ready to be up and running at full capacity again, Honda is keeping production levels at 50 percent due to a shaky parts supply.

The company says production at its U.S. facilities will have to slow in the coming weeks because of this parts issue. The reductions at American plants are scheduled to last until April 15, but may go on longer depending on when supplies come back on line. Honda says it's working with suppliers who haven't resumed production and is seeking new sources of critical parts in hopes of resuming full production soon.
Honda's UK factory is yet to see slowdowns as a result of the earthquake in Japan, but it will likely face cutbacks if things don't turn around soon.

Press Release

Production to resume at Honda's Japanese car production plants

Honda would like to express its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of the earthquake in Japan, and our sincere hopes for the earliest possible relief and recovery of the affected areas.
To follow is an update on the impact of the major earthquake on Honda's operations.

Japan Operations
Honda will resume production of finished automobiles at Sayama and Suzuka Factories on Monday, 11 April 2011. This means all Honda production plants in Japan will be operational from that date.
Honda will also resume production and shipment of component parts for use in production in regions outside of Japan on Monday, 4 April, 2011.
However, as the parts supply situation remains unstable; production of component parts and vehicles at Honda plants will resume at approximately 50% of the original production plan. Honda will continue to carefully monitor the situation and manage its operations accordingly.

North American Operations
On March 30, as a result of interruptions in parts supplies from Japan in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami, Honda implemented a strategy of temporary adjustments that will reduce daily production levels at its U.S. and Canadian auto plants. Today, Honda announced that these temporary levels of reduced production will continue to 15 April. However, given the uncertainty of the parts supply situation, Honda anticipates additional production disruptions after that date. Honda is making every effort to keep plants operating without extensive interruptions.
The vast majority of Honda's parts and materials are sourced in North America. However, for global efficiency, a few critical parts continue to be supplied from Japan. Most of Honda's Japan-based parts suppliers have resumed production. Honda is working with the few suppliers that have yet to resume production to re-establish their operations, while also evaluating additional sources for some parts in the supply chain. Teams throughout North America and global Honda continue to work diligently to overcome these temporary parts flow issues. Honda remains committed to doing what it can to minimize the impact on Honda associates, dealers and customers.
Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) Operations
As a result of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, along with Honda Motor's announcement of limited production in all its Japan based plants, Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd (HUM) has been continually assessing the impact of parts sourcing from Japan on the production plan for Swindon. Although there is no immediate impact, it is likely that the situation will have some temporary effect to production going forward.
HUM is expected to continue with normal production in the short term, however, we will continue to assess and confirm parts sourcing for production on a daily basis.
Honda appreciates everyone's understanding during these challenging times.

Buying frenzy on Japanese made Automobiles, Toyota Prius & Honda Fit

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 22:24:39 GMT

Buying frenzy on Japanese made Automobiles, Toyota Prius & Honda Fit

Americans have begun snapping up Toyota Prius, Honda Fit and other fuel-efficient models made only in Japan almost the way shoppers denude bread and milk shelves in a supermarket when a storm is predicted.

The intensity first spurred by rising gas prices has been amplified by predicted shortages of many models as the Japanese auto industry remains disrupted by the March 11 earthquake and its aftermath.

“We've gone from 60 (Priuses) in stock to 16” over the last two months, says Buzz Rodland at Rodland Toyota in Everett, Wash. A dozen are coming, “but we are told they are going to dwindle” quickly after that.

Indicating the shortages may not be brief, Honda has told dealers it’s not taking orders for any vehicles made in Japan in May. March and April orders already were delayed.

Topsham, Maine, dealer Adam Lee says the only Priuses left that dealers can get their hands on in New England tend to be the fully equipped, costlier models, which could have the effect of pushing up prices even more if buyers get past their usual resistance to the higher-price versions.

In what now seems like a stroke of genius, he says, the family’s Toyota store bought 15 used Priuses at a wholesale auction, then went back and got 15 more — at higher prices. Wholesale prices on used Priuses are up about $1,500 just in the last month, he says.

Toyota, Honda and others say they hope to resume production this week, but that could be unrealistic.

“From all the things we're gathering, including memos from Japanese companies … the potential impact of the tragedy is a bigger deal” than they are portraying, says Jesse Toprak, analyst at auto researcher TrueCar.com.

Prices of Prius and Fit, both iconic for fuel-conscious buyers and both made only in Japan, inched up immediately after the disaster, according to daily data tracked by TrueCar.com. The average price paid for a Prius in the U.S. rose $135, or 0.5%, the first four days after the March 11 quake, to $25,629. Fit was up $21, or 0.1%, to an average $17,246.

Other high-mileage cars made for the U.S. market only in Japan include the Toyota Yaris; Honda Insight, CR-Z and Civic hybrids; Mazda3; and Nissan Leaf electric car.

People seeking to quit leases early and get into new cars before there’s a shortage could be in luck. Brian Allan, general manager at Galpin dealerships in Los Angeles, says many dealers want off-lease cars for used car lots because the recession cut the number of trade-ins. When the leases were written in the worst of the recession, wary lenders assigned artificially low after-lease values. Now the cars are worth more than forecast, giving the Lease Specials holder equity toward a new car and the dealer a potentially profitable used car.

Allan says he’s telling Lease Specials customers, “‘You’re in a position to trade out early, skip your last four payments and get into a new car.’”

Source: [ USAToday ]

Honda Recalls over 167,000 Acura TSX sports sedans

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 03 May 2010 15:13:12 GMT

Honda Recalls over 167,000 Acura TSX sports sedans

Honda Motor Co. is recalling about 167,000 Acura TSX sports sedans in the U.S. to replace a power-steering hose that could deteriorate and lead to smoke or fire.

The recall affects the 2004-2008 models of the vehicle with 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engines, sold in the U.S.

The repair involves the installation of a new power-steering hose, o-ring gasket and fluid, at no cost to the vehicle owner. Owners affected by the recall will be notified starting at the end of May.

A statement from Honda Canada said the Acura recall notice doesn't pertain to any TSX units sold in Canada.

A press release on Acura's Web site said the power-steering hose in the recalled models could prematurely deteriorate due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, which may cause fluid to leak on a hot exhaust component. It said it has received notice of one such incident resulting in a fire.

The recall comes just two weeks after Honda recalled about 1,850 Acura ZDX vehicles for a potential air-bag problem.

This most recent recall brings the Tokyo-based auto maker's total to nearly 1.2 million in the U.S. since January for problems ranging from airbags that might not deploy and brakes that don't respond well when they are depressed to electric window switches that can catch fire when they get wet.

Honda's recalls still pale in comparison to those made by Toyota Motor Corp., which has recalled more than eight million vehicles worldwide this year to address unintended acceleration problems and a cadre of other concerns.