According to reports coming from dealers, Honda will be offering a mid-cycle update to the Honda Civic sedan this fall – just 18 months after the new model was launched. The move signals a rush to improve the Civic in time for the 2013 model year after it received critical reviews from Consumer Reports and The Wall Street Journal.

Check out more news on the Honda Civic.

John Mendel, executive vice president at American Honda Motor Co., has previously said that Honda planned to get a mid-cycle refresh for the Civic sometime in 2013. Even that would been quite quick since most company’s wait three years into a 5-year lifecycle for a mid-cycle change.

Last year, Honda sold 221,235 units of the Civic, far below its traditional 300,000+ rate. However, in January 2012, Honda topped the segment selling 21,883 units of the Civic.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoNews

The pace for U.S. light vehicle sales rose by 11 percent last month and was set by a few major automakers including Chrysler Group, Volkswagen Group and Hyundai/Kia.

All major automakers posted sales gains last month except General Motors, which fell 6 percent from a strong January 2011. The automaker sold a total of 167,962 vehicles with Chevrolet being the main highlight as sales for the brand were up 13 percent.

“Chevrolet drove our performance once again and sales of our fuel-efficient new cars were especially good,” and Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. “The strength that the economy and the auto industry showed in the fourth quarter carried into January, so we believe the year is off to a good start.”

FoMoCo sold a total of 136,710 vehicles in January, a 7 percent increase. Ford as a brand sold 131,589 vehicles in January, making it the best January sales month for the Ford brand since 2008.

Chrysler shined the most out of Detroit automakers with U.S. sales coming in at 101,149, a 44 percent increase compared with sales in January 2011.

Toyota sold a total of 124,540 units – up 7.5 percent. Honda sold 83,009 units a increase of 8.8 percent. Nissan was up 10.4 percent after selling 79,313 units.

Korean’s Hyundai was up 15 percent with total sales coming in at 42,694.

Germany’s Volkswagen Group sales were up 40 percent to 36,681 units. The sales were led by a 48 percent increase for the VW brand and 20 percent increase at at Audi.

- By: Omar Rana

A survey has been conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center that reflects the consumer’s perception of automotive brands, revealing that small car company’s credibility is on the rise in the eye of the public.

The 2012 Car-Brand Perception Survey compiles data based on seven different categories, including quality, value, safety, environmentally friendly/green, performance, technology/innovation, and design/style. Each category gets is own score, which is then totaled for each automaker’s overall brand-perception score. All of the scores are based on consumer option and not industry facts.

Maintaining its lead in consumer brand perception is Toyota, as well as other major brands, with Honda, Ford, BMW, and Chevrolet all at the top of the list. What has changed from previous years is how much these brands are leading over smaller automakers by. Toyota has seen a drop by 17 points from last year, while Honda, Ford and BMW all decreased by over 20 points. Cadillac and Chevrolet’s scores saw the smallest decrease of less then 10 points each.

Taking over the lost points, at least in part, are the electric car companies, which are becoming increasingly popular. Both Tesla and Fisker were added onto the survey this year, and received better scores then some of the more reputable brands.

What is remaining the same from previous years are the outstanding factors consumers are basing vehicle purchases on. In order of importance they are safety, quality, value, performance, environmental friendliness, design/style, and technology and innovation. It seems that the small automakers are beginning to meet consumer needs, and should continue on in this direction.

-  By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Consumer Reports

It seems like automakers will be eating up most of the commercial breaks during Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5th. Acura will be jumping in on the game for the first time to capitalize on more than 100 million viewers.

The campaign is designed to strengthen Acura brand awareness and leverage the brand’s announcement in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show earlier this month, a 60-second commercial featuring the iconic talent of Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno coupled with the highly anticipated NSX supercar concept will air during the third quarter.

Check out original post on the Acura NSX.

“Acura has a specific plan in place across all communication channels to build off of the first round of product news announced at the North American International Auto Show. The response to the ILX, RDX and NSX supercar concept has been extremely positive,” said Susie Rossick, Acura Brand Manager. “Our Super Bowl strategies are simple—build upon the buzz created in Detroit and leverage the excitement for the future return of the legendary NSX to the Acura lineup.”

Check out more news on the Acura NSX.

The commercial is titled ‘Transactions’ and features Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno, in a bid to be the first in line to take delivery on the first NSX.

Production of the Acura NSX will take place in 3 years in Ohio. Over the next year Acura will also introduce the new RDX and ILX compact sedan.

Follow the jump for the commercial.

- By: Omar Rana

A couple of days ago, we saw a teaser of a Super Bowl XLVI commercial featuring Matthew Broderick. Honda today confirmed that the commercial will be promoting the new 2012 Honda CR-V.

“Our primary goal is to support the launch of the all-new CR-V, a pillar vehicle in the Honda lineup, while representing the inherent fun and youthfulness of the Honda brand,” said Tom Peyton, Honda brand manager, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Matthew’s Day off is a parody of the famous movie Ferris Bueller’s Day off. Honda says that the campaign is a integrated part of a new campaign that supports launch of the CR-V.

Check out more news on the Honda CR-V.

“The campaign encourages the active, hip Gen-Y audience transitioning between their carefree twenties and their more focused thirties to conquer their aspirations by completing their own ‘Leap List,’” Honda said in a statement.

Refresher: Power for the 2012 Honda CR-V comes from a 2.4 liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine making 185-hp with a maximum torque of 163 lb-ft. EPA rated fuel-economy comes in at  23/31/26 mpg (city/highway/combined) for the 2WD model and  22/30/25 mpg for the AWD model. Prices start at $22,995.

- By: Omar Rana

Car and Driver loves doing special features. So they’re back with their latest one for the 2012-year: the annual Lightning Lap. The competition is to compare some of the most critically acclaimed cars as of recent.

Taking place at Virginia’s International Raceway, the C/D team will compare a series of cars organized in various price classes and see who’s the fastest. The diversity includes and are not limited to the latest Volkswagen Jetta GLI, the Corvette ZR1, and for the first time, SUVs like the BMW X5 M and the hot new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8.

It really needs no explanation. And to make things more interesting, they even provided a video!

Check it out after the jump.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER

The model will start at $27,655 for the Crosstour EX, up to $32,805 for the top-of-the-line Crosstour EX-L Navi, which comes standard with leather interior.

Power is available in both the current 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 which makes 271hp and the new four-cylinder 2.4-liter i-VTEC that makes 192hp. The inline four gets slightly better gas mileage, with 3 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway more then the V6, putting it at 21 mpg/city and 29 mpg/highway.

- By: Alexandra Koken

So there’s an interesting new teaser out that features Matthew Broderick and some have speculated that it could be for a new sequel to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. However, according to an exclusive on Jalopnik, the teaser is actually for Honda.

Apparently, sources at Honda told Jalopnik that the teaser is for Honda’s Super Bowl ad spot. And considering that the annual contest is just around the corner with companies like Audi, Kia, Chevrolet and Lexus out with teasers already, it makes sense to safely assume that.

Check out the teaser after the jump.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Jalopnik

Honda has just recently achieved a new milestone. In 1999, the brand jumped on the hybrid-electric bandwagon and after 12 years of selling hybrids, Honda surpassed the 800,000 sales mark for total worldwide sales.

The first ever hybrid sold by the brand was the Insight, which was first launched in the Japanese domestic market. Since then, they introduced a series of other hybrid automobiles with just as much success. Though Toyota still leads with a total of 1 million Prii’ after last April.

When the original Insight was released, it delivered a very impressive 82.3 mpg, which Honda claims was the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered model of its time.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CarScoop

Honda delivered its first 2013 Fit EV electric-cars to the city of Torrance today – the move is one of the first major steps in the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program. The Honda Fit EV will go on sale to the retail market with customers in California and Oregon this summer.

The delivery was celebrated with the presentation of the key to Torrance Mayor Frank Scotto by Steve Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda.

“This is an exciting day as we take another important step toward Honda’s comprehensive vision for reducing CO2 emissions while at the same time advancing our relationship with the city of Torrance,” said Steve Center. “Honda has a long history with electric vehicles starting with the introduction of our first battery-electric car, the EV Plus, nearly 15 years ago. With Honda’s extensive experience and the real-world feedback from the city of Torrance, we will be even more prepared for the further customer adoption of electric vehicles.”

Refresher: The Honda Fit EV is powered by a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 92 kilowatt coaxial electric motor, the Honda Fit EV produces 123hp and has an estimated driving range of 123 miles on one charge. Additionally, using a 240-volt charer, the Fit EV can recharge complete in as little as three hours. Prices for the 2013 Honda Fit EV start at just $36,625 with an estimated lease price of $399 a month.

- By: Omar Rana

Interested, perhaps distracted by the sucess of the Nissan Quashai compact crossover, Honda wants to jump in the game with a shrunken CR-V, which temporarily will be known as the Civic SUV until Honda publish a name for it.

Initially, the concept drew me some worry, thinking there might be some Mercedes-esque micro niching going on, perhaps pulling sales away from the CR-V, but in reality, it evokes thoughts of the kludgy looking and now sought after Civic 4WD Wagon.

This will be an interesting car to follow given that there aren’t strictly speaking, similar small and inexpensive four wheel drive cars on the market: no four wheel drive Focus, Cruze, Corolla etc. Except for maybe the Suzuki SX4.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Source: AutoExpress

Set to launch with the introduction of the all-new ninth-generation Accord later this fall, this new Accord Coupe Concept dons some even sexier sheetmetal than ever before. Sure, the eighth-generation facelifted coupe that I hop around in is a very attractive automobile that completely lies to rest the typical anonymous looks of the Accord from yesteryear. But I think this one looks even better.

“Marking the 30th anniversary of U.S. production, this new ninth-generation Accord will raise the bar again through a tour de force of new Honda powertrain and safety technologies, geared to ensure that Honda and the Accord continue to lead in fuel economy, safety and fun-to-drive performance,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.

While most manufacturers in this segment have been resorting to smaller powerplants for the more fuel-conscious buyers and times, Honda said that they will be maintaining the option for a 3.5L V6 while the base engine continues to be an updated 2.4L four-banger good for 181-hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. New for the first time ever in an Accord is the option for a six-speed manual for the four-cylinder while the V6 also gets a new six-speed automatic—another first for the Accord.

Also new for the first time in the Accord is the option for a plug-in hybrid powertrain on the sedan only. Combined with a 2.0L i-VTEC Atkinson-cycle four-banger and a 120 kW electric motor mated to a six kW/hr lithium-ion battery, the Accord Plug-In Hybrid can travel up to 10-15 miles in city driving on a full charge with a top-speed of 100 km/hr or 62 mph. Transferring the power to the front wheels an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission or E-CVT.

Full details on pricing and availability have yet to be announced, but being projected for a 2013 model year launch in the fall of 2012, we could expect pricing to be announced closer to that time as well.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By: Chris Chin

At the 2012 Detroit Auto Show tomorrow, Acura will display a new NSX Concept. While we’ve heard previous reports of what could be powering the new model, latest reports suggest that the NSX will return as a 400-hp four-wheel-drive hybrid that will compete with the likes of the Audi R8.

Power for the model will come from a 3.5 liter V6 engine driving one axle and pair of electric-motors driving the other. With output of more than 400-hp, 0 to 62 mph should take around 5 seconds.

We’ll have more details from the Detroit show tomorrow. Stay tuned.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoExpress

A $10,000 lawsuit has been filed against Honda Motor Co. by a Los Angeles woman who claims her Civic Hybrid doesn’t meet its gas mileage outlook.

The claim was filed on Tuesday in American Honda headquarters city of Torrance, CA small claims court by 46 year old Heather Peters. Peters claims that the 50 mpg that her 2006 hybrid used to get has been reduced to 30 mpg, and sites battery deterioration as the cause. The former lawyer is looking to be reimbursed for additional fuel costs and the difference in purchase price between the hybrid and petrol Civic models.

While several class-action suits are being filed on behalf of Honda hybrid owners for the same reason, Peters decided the $200 cash payout and $500 – $1,000 towards a new Honda the suits are offering wasn’t satisfactory.

Click here for more news on the Honda Civic.

Prior to Peters filing her lawsuit, she notified Honda in a letter of her intentions if she received no response from the automaker. After several attempts and no response, she proceeded to file, although according to Honda, no contact had been made until late November.

In addition to her suit, Peters also started a website, dontsettlewithhonda.org to encourage people in her situation do act as she has.

The case will be ruled by Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Douglas Carnahan this week.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoNews

Honda has notified its dealers not to sell some cars until they complete a recall to fix an air bag defect, which has been linked to 18 injuries and two deaths. The problem lies within the driver side air bag, which can deploy with a lot of force and send metal shards into the driver.

Under U.S. federal regulations, Honda must stop its dealers from selling the car before the recall is carried out. However, there are no such requirement for used cars.  The recalls cover 2001-2002 Honda Accord models, 2001-2003 Civic and Odyssey models, 2002-2003 CR-V, 2003 Pilot, 2002-2003 Acura TL and the 2003 Acura CL.

In a letter to its dealers, Honda and Acura showrooms were told that “Some vehicles affected by this campaign may be in your used vehicle inventory. These vehicles must be repaired before they are sold.”

Executive director of the Center for Auto Safety Clarence Ditlow says that Honda should also tell its customers not to drive these vehicles until they are fixed.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: NYT

Following the massive flood in Thailand, Honda decided to scrap more than 1,000 damaged cars. Several models were destroyed today including the Brio, Jazz, City, Civic, Accord, CR-V and Freed (if some of those don’t sound familiar it’s because they are only sold in China).

According to Pitak Pruittisarikorn, executive vice-president of Honda Automobile, the move was taken to regain public confidence. Honda will also prevent the re-use of all destroyed parts.

Check it all out in the video after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

According to a report by Japan’s Nikkei business daily, Honda plans to adopt a new design and production method that will make its vehicles a little lighter while increasing fuel-economy.

The reports suggest some of the methods will including welding outer panels to the frame which will in turn reduce the use of nuts and bolts and reinforcing materials.

The Japanese automaker plans to spend tens of billions of yen to revamp its lineup in Japan and other areas around the world. The company has already started scaling back on materials, parts and processing steps for producing a new compact car in Japan known as the N Box.

Over the next two years, Honda plans to introduce a revamped 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engine along with a light diesel engine.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoNews

Recently, angsty consumers and of course ‘the internet’ have not been kind to the new and perhaps uninspired Honda Civic; there is some hope though as Consumer Reports has just awarded the sportier Civic Si the “recommended” designation.

The news comes from a comparo between the Si and the VW Jetta GLI; though many feel that the GLI is no longer the sedan version of the spicy Golf GTI, it still outscored Honda’s offering in the test.

“The Civic Si has a great powertrain, but it needs a better car wrapped around it,” said David Champion, sr. director of Consumer Reports Automotive Test Center.

This may sum it up for most individuals looking to buy a normal Civic. CR cited simple ergonomic gambles Honda took when reinventing the previously successful Civic: the stereo is controlled by a single knob, which CR said is “tedious”. They also said that despite all of the glass, good head and knee room, there is not enough space for the driver’s right leg, thanks to a swollen center console. On a positive note, the Si gets 29 miles to the gallon, and according to CR, the engine is relaxed for everyday driving, offering excellent low end torque and exciting power at high revs.

It is important to point out that the GLI is not recommended by Consumer Reports just yet as it has not been out long enough for them to determine reliability.

- By: Sawyer Sutton