Car Review: 2013 Honda Civic refreshed once again

DALLAS, March 11, 2013 — Refreshed for 2013, the new Honda Civic is a competitive option in the world of compact cars this year. It’s a comfortable ride meaning lots of room inside. Even better though is its good gas mileage and high safety scores.

Remember too that the Honda Civic was actually just redesigned last year, so this refresh comes after some criticism that the Honda folks took seriously, such as styling that offers an upgrade with a sporty look and an interior that is more grown up.

Honda fans will also smile at the mechanical changes like a recalibrated suspension and steering and a new body with an impressive addition of frontal impact protection, not to mention the changes in the front-seat side airbags.

The Honda Civic EX-L

Competition for the 2013 Honda Civic is the Ford Focus, Mazda 3 and the Hyundai Elantra and for the Hybrid Civic version, one might look at the Toyota Prius C or the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid.

The 2013 Honda Civic comes in both coupe and sedan versions, and the Civic coupe and sedan have three trims: the LX, EX and the cream of the crop EX-L. On the sedan version, you can also opt for the HF trim, which is more fuel-efficient.

The LX model comes standard with 15-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, power accessories, a one-piece fold-down rear seatback, and cruise control. You also get a number of techy features like the five-inch screen, rearview camera and fun stuff like the Bluetooth phone and audio connect and SMS text messaging functions.

On the HF sedan, the base features are much the same as you get on the LX sedan, but the added features include fuel efficiency, low-rolling-resistance tires and aerodynamic cast-aluminum wheels as well as a rear spoiler.

On the EX model, the added features are 16-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, a sunroof, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks.

On the EX-L, there are the fog lights, heated mirrors, leather upholstery, and heated front seats.

If you opt for what is called the Civic Natural Gas, you get that in one trim only, mirroring the LX features.

For the 2013 Civic Hybrid sedan, there are two trims: the base with the same list of features as the sedan EX Civic options; and the Hybrid that will also give you a forward collision and lane departure warning system. On the high-end “Leather” trim Hybrid add the extras from the EX-L.

Under the hood, it is standard front-wheel-drive on the 2013 Honda Civic with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, giving out 140 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. For the transmission, you can select from a five-speed manual or the five-speed automatic with a note that the HF and EX trims are standard automatic.

2013 Civic Hybrid carries a 1.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine and electric motor with a combo that offers 110 horsepower and 127 pound feet of torque. There is also the continuously variable automatic transmission.

The standard safety features on the this year’s Honda Civic include stability control, antilock brakes with four-wheel discs on the EX, front side and full-length side curtain airbags, the forward collision warning, and lane departure warning systems on the Hybrid.

Inside, expect a dash that offers a five-inch screen that will give you all the information you need in regard to anything audio related as well as a hands-free phone.

Everything inside is easy to maneuver, figure out and use. For folks who are into interior tech equipment this Civic will make you smile since there are plenty of amenities from texting possibilities to Pandora radio.

The sedan has an especially good amount of room in the front seat and even backseat riders won’t complain; plus there is 11.7 cubic feet of space for hauling for the coupe and 12.5 cubic feet in the sedan.

Certainly an easy drive, the 2013 Honda Civic gets a thumbs up for suspension, taking the curves, getting on the highway, and looking good doing it.

Should You Need to Know: Take note that the Honda Civic was redesigned in 2012, but it has had a refresh this year with a long list of standard equipment additions.

Miles Per Gallon: The 2013 Honda Civic EX-L that I drove got 28 miles to the gallon in the city and 29 miles to the gallon on the highway.

Cost: Cost for the 2013 Honda Civic EX-L came in at $24,555.

Source: http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/behind-wheel/2013/mar/11/car-review-2013-honda-civic-refreshed-once-again/

Honda Information

McLaren and Honda getting back together?

The dream team from 1988-1992 could be reunited in 2015…
Between 1988 and 1992, McLarens powered by Honda engines won four Drivers’ titles – three for Ayrton Senna and one for Alain Prost – and the same number of Constructors’ championships.

Now the latest rumour going around the F1 paddock is that Honda could be back in F1 by 2015 and looking to provide engines to the team again.

Speaking to Autopsort magazine recently, McLaren Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh was non-committal about whether Mercedes-Benz would continue to provide the team’s engines beyond the 2014 season.

“We have a contract that covers the next three seasons at the moment and we will certainly go into next year [2014] with Mercedes-Benz,” said Whitmarsh.

“There is nothing to announce at the moment,” he added. “I can’t elaborate any further.”

Mercedes-Benz powered Mika Hakkinen to two titles© DPPI
Whitmarsh’s comments were analysed by Autosport’s F1 Editor Edd Straw, who was unconvinced that the McLaren/Mercedes-Benz partnership would exist beyond 2014.

“That he specifically confirmed next season, but dodged the issue of 2015 is telling,” said Straw.

“While the dotting of the i’s and the crossing of the t’s might be incomplete, both McLaren and Honda plan to renew their partnership on track in 2015,” he added.

Should the rumour turn out to be true, it would bring to an end one of the most established manufacturer/engine supplier relationships in the modern Formula One era.

Following Honda’s withdrawal from the sport at the end of the 1992 season, McLaren languished for several years, using uncompetitive engines from Ford and Peugeot as the Renault-powered cars of Benetton and Williams drove off into the distance.enlarge

McLaren and Mercedes worked together on the SLR© Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz returned to Formula One as an engine supplier in 1995 and were initially used only by McLaren. Four seasons later, the partnership took its first Drivers’ title with Mika Hakkinen, and claimed the Constructors’ title in the same year. Another Drivers’ title followed a year later, with Lewis Hamilton adding a third in 2008.

The relationship has even continued onto the road, with McLaren and Mercedes-Benz having jointly developed the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren road car back in 2003.

But even though McLaren has seen its fair share of success using Mercedes-Benz power, there’s no doubt that a return to Honda engines, and the subsequent evocation of the Senna/Prost era, would make for a great story.

Source: http://www.redbull.com/en/motorsports/f1/stories/1331583536261/mclaren-and-honda-getting-back-together-

Honda Infomation

Honda Says It Met Union Demands on Bonuses

Honda Motor Co. (7267.TO) said Tuesday it had met its labor union’s demands for higher bonuses in full, becoming the first of Japan’s big three auto makers to come to an agreement with workers during the annual wage negotiations.

Honda said it will pay its workers a seasonal bonus equivalent to 5.9 months of wages, or about Y2.13 million ($22,000) in line with the union’s demands, a jump from the five months doled out in the previous year.

Honda said the bonus was to recognize workers’ efforts over the last year, as well as motivate them in the coming year as the competitive landscape remains stiff for Japan’s third-biggest auto maker.

While the weakening yen in recent months has fueled optimism for the export-oriented auto makers, Honda has suffered from sluggish sales demand in Europe and China. It cut its full-year earnings outlook for a second time in January.
Japan’s other major auto makers are due to give their responses to union demands Wednesday.

Source: http://www.foxbusiness.com/news/2013/03/11/honda-says-it-met-union-demands-on-bonuses/

Honda Information

Bel Air Honda offers free fingerprints.

Luke Rybczynski places his tiny ten fingers on a digital scanner and smiles while his mom takes a deep breath. The print is peace of mind kept in a safe, during a time this three year old has no fear.

“He’s one of those kids that is a runner, so it’s like he’s quick to get away from me sometimes. This helps. At least we have a picture and prints on file in case god forbid something would go wrong,” said Tina Rybczynski, who drove from East Baltimore to Fallston for the free fingerprint.

The U.S. Department of Justice reports close to 800,000 children went missing in a single year. Fingerprints can help detectives track them down.
Bel Air Honda brought in “Operation Kidsafe” to take free digital fingerprints.

“If you already have them, they put them in the system. Now if those fingerprints pop up anywhere it’s a lot easier because it’s already in the system,” said Mick Walls, “Operation Kidsafe.”
“Myself and our owner group here believe in helping the community and giving back,” said Ken Hyman, GM, Bel Air Honda.
In just about 30 seconds, a picture is taken and those ten little fingers, each with their unique print, are scanned onto a paper.
“It wasn’t messy fingerprints or anything,” said Kimberly Sands, who brought in her grandchildren.
Susie Rising has three children and wants as much information on them as possible.
“They have more information to find them, their fingerprints or their faces. It can help them with recognizing children faster,” said Rising.
“Operation Kidsafe” says it does not store the pictures or prints. They are only given to parents to keep in case of an emergency.
Bel Air Honda is offering another chance for free fingerprints on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Source: http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/news/region/harford_county/bel-air-honda-offers-free-fingerprints

Honda Information

Honda Recycles Used Rare Earth Metals Into New Batteries

TOKYO, Japan, March 15, 2013 (ENS) – Honda has established the world’s first process to reuse rare earth metals extracted from nickel-metal hydride batteries to make new batteries for hybrid vehicles.

To make the most of these scarce resources, since April 2012 Honda has been extracting an oxide containing rare earth metals from used nickel-metal hydride batteries at a plant belonging to ferroalloy manufacturer Japan Metals and Chemicals Co.

Honda is recycling critical rare earth metals from nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries like this one. (Photo courtesy Spreen Honda)

Now, by applying molten salt electrolysis to this oxide, Honda has succeeded in extracting metallized rare earths that can be used directly as negative-electrode materials in new nickel-metal hydride batteries.

The rare earth metals extracted in this process have a purity of more than 99 percent which is as high as that of ordinary traded, newly mined rare earth metals.

In addition, the new process enables the extraction of as much as 80 percent of rare earth metals contained in a nickel-metal hydride battery.

Under the newly established process, this month Japan Metals and Chemicals will supply the extracted rare earth metals to a battery manufacturer, which will reuse them as negative electrode materials for new nickel-metal hydride batteries.

This first batch of rare earth metals was extracted from nickel-metal hydride batteries collected from 386 Honda hybrid vehicles that were stored before shipment to dealers but were damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011.

As soon as a sufficient volume is secured, Honda will begin recycling rare earth metals extracted from used nickel-metal hydride batteries collected by Honda dealers through battery replacement.

Cars damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake, March 11, 2011 (Photo from the left credit unknown)

Honda dealerships will collect the batteries and the Japan Metals and Chemicals plant will dismantle them to extract rare earths. Honda will then use the extracted material in new hybrid vehicles.

Honda says it will extract rare earth metals not only from nickel-metal hydride batteries but also from other used parts such as hybrid motors and lithium-ion batteries. In addition to batteries, rare earth metals such as neodymium are used in magnets for a wide range of parts from audio speakers to electric starters.

Rare earths is a generic term for 17 elements that enhance heat resistance or increase magnetic forces when mixed with metals. They are indispensable in the production of vehicles, where they are used in motors and magnets.

China accounts for more than 90 percent of the global output of rare earth elements and is the main supplier for Japan. But China imposed sudden restrictions on exports in 2010 and 2011, cutting quantities sent to Japan and then the United States and other Western trading partners, claiming the cutbacks were due to environmental degradation around mining sites.

Japan and other governments are taking action to loosen China’s restrictive export rules. In June 2012, Japan, the United States, the European Union and other countries filed a complaint against China with the World Trade Organization over the rare earth export regulations.

Regardless of how that trade dispute is resolved, Honda said in a statement that the company “will remain committed to reducing the environmental footprint of the mobility society as a whole by developing fuel-efficient vehicles including hybrid vehicles, and also by strengthening networks which lead to the reuse and recycling of Honda products.”

Source: http://ens-newswire.com/2013/03/15/honda-recycles-used-rare-earth-metals-into-new-batteries/

Honda Information

Feds fine Tenn. Honda dealer over recalled motorcycles

Federal regulators announced Friday that the nation’s largest power-sports dealership has been fined $125,000 to settle allegations that for five years it sold hundreds of new motorcycles that had been recalled but not repaired.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s probe of Southern Honda Powersports in Chattanooga, Tenn., was prompted by a USA TODAY investigation last year.

The agency found that the dealer had not inspected or repaired 329 motorcycles sold between 2007 and 2012. The agency and the dealership said they were unaware of any injuries or death involving those vehicles.

“NHTSA expects all manufacturers and dealerships to work together to ensure that recalls are completed before new vehicles are sold to the driving public,” NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said in the announcement.

In agreeing to the settlement, Southern Honda denied that it violated the U.S. Safety Act, which forbids dealers from selling new vehicles under recall without first fixing the problem.

A former Southern Honda marketing consultant, Ernest Vickers III, and nine former Southern Honda employees reported to regulators that hundreds to thousands of new vehicles under federal safety recalls were sold unrepaired from 2004 through 2010, USA TODAY’s Gary Stoller reported in October.

Southern Honda’s owner, Tim Kelly, could not be reached for comment Friday night.

Last year, he told USA TODAY that “some bikes were delivered” before recall work was performed but that customers were notified and their vehicles were repaired. He said he had fired a salesman for selling a vehicle under recall.

“Safety is our first priority,” Kelly said.

At the time, American Honda said in a statement that it “always has complied with all applicable regulations issued by NHTSA and the CPSC (Consumer Protection Safety Commission), including those related to product safety defects and the conduct of safety recalls.”

Vickers also said he had reported to regulators that about 25,000 new motorcycles, ATVs and dirt bikes were assembled unsafely when he worked with the dealership between February 2004 through May 2007, and that the unsafe assembly continued until at least 2010.

The NHTSA announcement did not address those claims.

Kelly told USA TODAY last year that “is no substance” to Vickers’ allegations, and that the alleged assembly problems were “utter balderdash.”

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/03/15/honda-unsafe-motorcycles-chattanooga-dealership-fined/1991801/

Honda Information

Honda showcases Civic Tourer Concept at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show

Honda Civic Tourer Concept

The Honda Civic Tourer Concept is the first step in Honda’s plan to further its European Civic range in 2013. The Honda Civic Tourer will make its debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. This vehicle evolves from the DNA of Honda’s Civic hatchback model. It can becompared to the latter in its cab forward design and sleek cabin style along with a low and a wide stance giving it a sporty feel.

Honda claims the Civic Tourer

Concept to be an ideal vehicle for an active family.

Honda NSX Concept
Seen earlier this year at the Detroit Motor Show, the Honda NSX Concept makes its European debut in Geneva. It is powered by a direct-injected V-6 engine coupled to Honda’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system (part of the Earth Dreams Technology series).

On the outside, it is much the same as the original Concept in style, surfacing, and edgy details. The interior allows the driver outstanding visibility, strong driving position and an intuitive “Simple Sports Interface” minimizing interior clutter and allowing stronger focus on driving.

Source: http://automiddleeast.com/2013/03/11/news/honda-news/honda-showcases-civic-tourer-concept-at-the-2013-geneva-motor-show/

 Honda Information                   Next Evolution Honda NSX Concept – Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system

Honda unveils CB Trigger in India

Honda unveiled a modified version of the CB Dazzler, the CB Trigger in India. It borrows it’s design elements from the Dazzler and also bears resemblance to Yamaha’s SZ series. At the front, there is a bikini fairing with a cowl resting on top. Honda has added a sculpted fuel tank with fake air scoops, similar to the one on the Dazzler . The meter console has the usual fare – speedo, odo, tachometer, clock and fuel gauge with an amber backlit theme.

Honda has finished the cycle parts and engine of the Trigger in black as also the 6-spoke alloy wheels. The taillight is a stepped LED unit. The CB Trigger is powered by the same 149.1cc carburetted air-cooled engine from the Unicorn and erstwhile Dazzler. It makes 14PS of power and 12.5

Nm of torque and is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Honda claims that the Trigger will deliver a fuel efficiency of 60kmpl and have a realistic top speed of 103kmph. There are disc brakes both at the front and rear and customers can opt for Honda’s CBS system as well.

Prices for the CB Trigger haven’t been announced yet, however knowing Honda’s premium pricing policy, we expect the motorcycle to be priced around the Rs 78,000 mark. Honda will launch the Trigger in April and deliveries will start in May this year.

Source: http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/wheels/honda-unveils-cb-triggerindia_836638.html

Honda Information

Honda Introduces Rare Metal Extraction Program

Talk about recycling and reinventing! Three hundred eight-six Honda hybrid vehicles stored for sale were made unusable by the March 2011 earthquake that led to a devastating tsunami. But all was not lost. The rare metal from nickel-metal hydride batteries could be extracted and put to new use.

Extracting rare metals from the earth involves mining and the environmental impact the process entails. But reusing them can help curb demand by companies that need them. Japanese automaker Honda is spearheading a process to reuse rare earth metals extracted from nickel metal hydride batteries for new ones in a bid to preserve precious and finite resources.

The initiative has been put in place at the plant of Japan Metals & Chemicals (JMC), where Honda has been extracting an oxide containing rare earth metals from used nickel-metal hydride batteries. Honda has succeeded in extracting metalized rare earth that can be used directly as negative-electrode materials for those batteries.

The good news is that the rare earth metals extracted in this process have a purity of more than 99%, which is as high as that of ordinary traded, newly mined rare earth metals. In addition, the new process enables the extraction of as much as above 80% of rare earth metals contained in nickel-metal hydride battery.

Starting early March, the extracted rare earth metals are being supplied from JMC to a battery manufacturer, which will reuse them as negative-electrode materials for nickel-metal hydride batteries for hybrid vehicles. This first batch came from the vehicles rendered useless by the earthquake.

The plans go further. As soon as a sufficient volume is secured, Honda said it will begin applying the same process and recycle rare earth metals extracted from used nickel-metal hydride batteries collected by Honda dealers through battery replacement.

Honda said it will try to extract rare earth metals not only from nickel-metal hydride batteries but also from various used parts to increase the volume of material being recycled.

Source: http://www.justmeans.com/Honda-Introduces-Rare-Metal-Extraction-Program/58297.html

Honda Information

Honda Odyssey Engine Now Sold to Minivan Owners at UsedEngines.co

The UsedEngines.co company is now selling its Honda Odyssey engine directly to the public in an effort to help reduce pricing compared with dealerships. The engines can now be researched and price quotes are distributed online. More details can be read …more