The Least and Most Polluting Cars of 2009

Top 20 Least Polluting Vehicles of 200920th place (tie): Saturn Astra, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Pontiac G5, Nissan VersaA number of cars post a CO2 per year rating of 3,552 kg. The Saturn Astra with a manual transmission, the Ford Focus with an automatic transmission (which should get better with the double-clutch model in 2010), the 2.0-liter Mazda3 with a manual transmission (the only Mazda on the list), the Pontiac G5 with an automatic transmission and the Nissan Versa with an automatic transmission.19th place (tie): Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 (manual)Equipped with a manual transmission, the Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 improve their score to 3,504 kg/year of CO2.19th place (tie): Hyundai Elantra (manual)The Hyundai Elantra with a manual transmission also releases 3,504 kg of CO2 per...

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ebay find: Whoa! A Chevrolet Cobalt 'Star Wars' Edition

Complete with proton torpeedo upgrade!"This Paint features a detailed Star Wars likeneses like the Darth Vader reaching his hand out as if he's congering up the red realistic fire and the Dumbbell nebula. Next to him are the Imperial Walkers & Storm Trooper. Also featured are Photo reproductions of Nebulas and gallixies Etc. Photographed by the Hubble telescope. The Hubble is featured on drivers side over the planet Saturn along with the Horsehead nebula and Helix nebula. Both doors feature spiral galaxies NGC 1300 & M81. Passanger (blue) side features the Eagle and Trifid nebulas along with the NGC 346 emission nebula & Pleiades star cluster NGC 1432 with Boomerang nebula in door jam. Front view features the SN1987a Supernova remnant...

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Honda Malaysia scores highest monthly sales ever thanks to new 2009 Honda City

The Honda City seems to be defying the current financial downturn as it has helped propel Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd achieve its highest monthly sales ever in history, bringing Honda market share up to 10% of the Total Industry Volume, in a market that has shrunk by 17.5% year on year. Honda scored 1,693 units of the Honda City in January 2009, which is nearly 50% of total Honda sales of 3,815 units. The Civic, Accord and CR-V scored sales of 734, 803 and 413 units respectively. Honda dealership traffic has also doubled ever since the City’s launch. Honda Malaysia has bumped up production for the City by 20% to shorten the waiting period and the Pegoh Plant in Malacca is running at full capacity on two 10-hour shifts and even the occasional runtime...

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More Info. on Honda's plan for a bioethanol research plant

Tokyo, Japan - Honda Motor Company has announced that it plans to build a new research facility for bioethanol production technology from non-edible cellulosic material, such as the stems and leaves of plants. The facility will be built in Kazusa Akademia Park in Japan.The new facility of Honda R&D will be a single, 1,050-square-metre building, with construction scheduled to begin in April 2009. The company’s goal is to begin operations in November 2009.Honda has been collaborating on research into bioethanol production technology since 2006 with RITE (Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth) and has been conducting research on the bioethanol conversion process in an experimental plant since April 2007. The new building...

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Honda builds best vehicles: Consumer Reports

Yonkers, New York - Honda has earned class leader status for building the best all-around vehicles for American drivers, according to Consumer Reports. It is the third consecutive year that Honda has been so named.At the opposite end of the annual ranking is Chrysler, which fared worse than last year. The magazine said that the company’s poor-performing products and sinking reliability reports have kept all Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep vehicles off its “Recommended” list.With an overall score of 78 out of 100 points, Honda was followed closely by Subaru at 75, and Toyota at 74, in the overall score. Subaru is the only automaker with every one of its tested vehicles as recommended, although it has a relatively small model lineup.Fourth place went...

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Rest in Peace Nick Laping

All the best to the Laping family, Nick will be sorely miss...

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Honda tops Consumer Reports 2009 Automaker Report Cards... again

In what may be the least surprising news you read all day, Consumer Reports has released its annual 2009 Auto Issue that contains Automaker Report Cards. These report cards compile all of CR's road test data and predicted reliability ratings for all vehicles in its database, and Japanese automakers have again earned top rankings just as they have for as long as we can recall. Honda, Subaru and Toyota came out on top after all the scores were tallied, with every single Subaru model earning a Recommended rating from CR. Honda was the brand that fared the absolute best in predicted reliability, with just its Element small SUV barely failing to make the grade as a Recommended nameplate. Toyota also fared very well in reliability testing, as we've...

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Honda to build biofuel research centre

Honda plans to set up a biofuel R&D unit in Kazusa Akademia Park in Japan's Chiba Prefecture.Source;http://www.automotiveworld.com/WAM/content.asp?contentid=75019(subscription requir...

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GM loses $9.6 billion in last quarter bringing the total to $30.9 Billion for 2008

Embattled automaker reports larger than expected in fourth quarter loss and burns through more than $5 billion in cash; says it needs new loans this year.By Chris Isidore, CNNMoney.com senior writerLast Updated: February 26, 2009: 9:51 AM ETNEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- General Motors posted a $9.6 billion net loss in the fourth quarter, a period in which its sales plunged and it needed a federal bailout to avoid filing for bankruptcy.The company also disclosed that it burned through $6.2 billion in cash during the last three months of the year. The company ended the quarter with cash of $14 billion.If not for the $4 billion federal loan it received in the quarter's closing days, GM's cash level would have fallen below the $11 billion to $14 billion...

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Honda Recognizes Environmentally Responsible Battery Chargers

FERNDALE, Wash., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- ALTEN Battery Chargers Inc. is pleased to announce that it has been recognized as an OEM partner with Honda Inc., as it introduces the first full line of portable DC battery chargers to the North American market. Powered by Honda's environmentally responsible, advanced four-stroke engines, ALTEN's portable battery chargers can save up to four hours (67%) of time and offer up to 67% savings in fuel over conventional battery charging methods.With over 10,000 battery chargers sold around the world, North America now has the opportunity to experience the quickest way to bulk charge batteries.Originally designed for the rugged Australian Outback, by Christie Engineering, ALTEN's portable battery chargers...

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A requiem - Honda admit future F1 return possible

Honda Motor Co.'s incoming chief executive has left the door open to the struggling Japanese manufacturer returning to formula one in the future.Under the stewardship of departing CEO Takeo Fukui and amid the brunt of the global financial crisis, Honda decided to pull out of the sport after the 2008 season, citing the need to "protect its core business activities."But with Takanobu Ito set to take over in June, the future Honda CEO and president insisted that elite motor racing is "very challenging but also fun.""Unfortunately, our company has a slight cold right now. But we would like to cure this cold as quickly as possible and work towards reaching that happiness (of racing)," the 55-year-old explained in a press conference in Tokyo.Honda...

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Autoblog; U.S. hybrid price war preview: Insight takes lowest hybrid price crown in UK

When the new Honda Insight and third-generation Toyota Prius go on sale in the U.S. later this year, there will be a bit of battle to see if the lower-priced Insight can topple the third-generation Prius from the top hybrid spot. Now that pricing for the Insight has been announced, we can see a preview of that match-up brewing in the UK, and Honda is staking it's claim for the "most affordable hybrid" title. The Insight will start at £15,490, and go up from there to £18,390. The entry-level Insight SE CVT will cost £2,380 less than its nearest rival, which is, you guessed it, the second-generation Prius T3 CVT. We can vouch that the Insight is capable of 60+ mpg, too. We'll have to see how many miles we can squeak from the 2010 Prius when we...

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Honda says to raise Insight output as orders climb

TOKYO, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Honda Motor Co plans to produce more of its new Insight hybrid cars from April, having received orders for almost three times its monthly sales target for the gasoline-electric model it launched on Feb. 6 in Japan, a top official said on Tuesday.Honda plans to launch the Insight, its first attempt at a low-cost, high-volume hybrid, in Europe and the United States over the next two months.Japan's No.2 automaker is targeting global sales of 200,000 Insights a year, with half of that in North America and 60,000 in Japan, hoping to rival Toyota Motor Corp as a leader in the hybrid segment."The response has been overwhelming," Hiroshi Kobayashi, deputy chief operating officer for Honda's domestic operations, told a small...

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New president, CEO at Honda Canada

Honda Canada Manufacturing will have a new CEO and President effective April 1.He is Hiroshi Sasamoto, who has been President of Honda Manufacturing of Alabama since April 2007. Mr. Sasamoto is also being promoted to operating officer of Honda Motor Co.During his tenure as president in Lincoln, he oversaw the transfer of production of the Ridgeline pickup truck from Alliston to Alabama. It's the first time Honda shifted model production from one North American plant to another.The move in administration comes amid a series of senior executive changes including Honda Motor Company's president Takeo Fukui, stepping down in Japan, on the heels of the automaker's first quarterly loss in 15 years.HCM, likes its sister plants around North America,...

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No Big Surprise; Toyota Cancels Upcoming Toyota Supra to focus on Hybrids

Toyota Supra remains at the top of high-performance sports cars with the Mark I inline 6-cylinder generating 110 hp (82kW) to the twin-turbocharged Mark IV that comes with 320 hp (239kW). However, beginning 2002, Toyota moved away from the Supra image to the green vision of the Prius.With a move further down the hybrid lane, Toyota North America has canceled its Celica/Supra revival plans. Although at the Detroit Auto Show back in 2007 Toyota’s FT-HS concept seemed to point to an interest in a Supra resurrection, its current interest are more toward the production of hybrids in the US. This move is market-directed more than anything else. Toyota wants to build something they can sell and not just something customers can adore.Source;http:...

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Chrysler Bail Out Game

See how long you can keep Chrysler afloat.Click on the link to play;http://issue.imotormag.co.uk/car-reviews-car-news-car-videos/1H49996f97e7d29012.cde/page...

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Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Announces New President & CEO

Takeo Fukui, the current President & CEO (left) and Takanobu Ito (right) soon to be the seventh President & Chief Executive Officer of Honda Motor effective in late June 2009.I must say as to this news, the new guys name isn't as fun to try and pronounce as the old one.... TOKYO, Japan, February 23, 2009–Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda Motor) announced that Takanobu Ito, currently the company's Senior Managing Director, will become the seventh President & Chief Executive Officer of Honda Motor effective in late June 2009. Takeo Fukui, the current President & CEO, will remain on the board and assume the post of Director and Advisor to Honda Motor. This management succession will occur following the final decision of the Honda Motor...

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2009 Automotive Depreciation Ratings

ALG is the leading source for automotive residual values and analytical data products, as well as consulting services for automotive manufacturers, finance companies, and fleet companies. If you are a consumer or lessee, we also offer tips and tools for vehicle leasing to help you calculate monthly payments, understand residual values, and gain knowledge about the automotive industry in general.Below are the individual rankings, 5 is the best - 1 is the worst.Source;https://www.alg.com/DepreciationRati...

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Honda wins Energy Star awards from EPA

Torrance, California - Honda has received Energy Star awards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its auto plants in Ohio and Alabama. The awards are in recognition of curbing energy use during vehicle assembly.For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008, Honda’s average CO2 emissions per vehicle produced in North America were at their lowest levels since the company began measuring results in 2001. The EPA bases the award points on the amount of energy needed to produce an automobile, and includes factors such as vehicle size and production volume.In Ohio, the plants in Marysville and East Liberty both earned top energy performance scores of 100 points. Honda has focused most of its activities on efficient use of lighting,...

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2010 Acura RDX to get Corporate Grill

Looks like the 2010 Acura RDX is about to get the Corporate Shield. I think it looks a little nicer than the existing one, but all in all, not much needed to change. Not sure how real this pic is but it's a good shop if it isn't.Source;http://www.burlappcars.com/2009/02/2010-acura-rdx.h...

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Detroit 3 health crucial for Japan carmakers-lobby

TOKYO, Feb 19 (Reuters) - A healthy U.S. auto industry is vital for a sound U.S. economy and by extension for Japanese carmakers, a Tokyo-based auto lobby said, giving a tacit nod to the latest request for federal aid from ailing rivals in Detroit.General Motors Corp and Chrysler this week sought nearly $22 billion in additional U.S. government loans on top of the $17.4 billion in loans they have so far received to survive as car sales plummet around the world."The auto industry -- the Big Three -- plays an important role in the U.S. economy," Satoshi Aoki, chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, told a news conference."The latest (aid request) is quite substantial but we hope it will lead to the health of the U.S. auto...

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GM disbands high-performance division

Detroit, Michigan - General Motors has disbanded its High Performance Vehicle Operations unit, according to Automotive News, and said that all high-performance projects are on “indefinite hold.”The unit is based in the company’s technical centre in Detroit. The engineers have been sent to other divisions.The unit created low-volume performance versions of GM vehicles, including the Cadillac V cars, Chevrolet Cobalt SS, HHR SS and a V8-powered Chevrolet Colorado.The company said that if General Motors regains its financial health, the unit could be reinstated.Source; http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/02/18/gm-disbands-high-performance-division....

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Saturn targeted for extinction in GM's plan for survival

Sad times for Saturn dealers, my heart goes out to the families of those working there.Jim MatejaFebruary 19, 2009Roger Smith's dream is officially a nightmare.The General Motors chairman came up with an idea in the mid-'80s to create a division called Saturn to compete directly with Japanese imports by selling small, low-priced, high-mileage cars.The first Saturn, the SL, bowed with a 1991 model.Smith spent $3 billion to develop Saturn. And it did create a halo with no-haggle sales and the flower left on the driver's seat after the car was serviced. It did well early on as evidenced by a 17-day supply of cars at some dealerships in an industry where 60 days is considered normal. It beat expectations by posting a profit by 1993.But Saturn never...

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Fiat Grande Punto Pictures | Fiat Grand Punto Photos | Grande Punto Pics, Images, Price

Fiat Grande Punto Pictures Fiat Grand Punto Photos Grande Punto Pics, Images, PriceAfter the success of Linea, Fiat India is planning to launch its world wide hit small car "Grande Punto". Fiat Grande Punto will compete already crowded small segment like Hyundai i10, Maruti-Suzuki A Star, Chevrolet UVA.Expected Price: Rs. 3 - 4 LakhsFiat Grand Punto Exteriors: Fiat Grand Punto Interiors:...

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New Facelifted Toyota Innova Launched | Priced at 7.66 to 11 Lakhs | Pictures

New Facelifted Toyota Innova Launched | Priced at 7.66 to 11 Lakhs | PicturesToyota finally launched facelifted version of India's most successful Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) model "Innova" on 29th January, 2009 to compete with newly launched Mahindra Xylo. There is not so many changes in new Innova except new front chrome slatted grille, clear headlamps and fog lamps. Front and near bumpers also gets a sporty touch due to which new Innova is longer by 25mm.New Toyota Innova's interior also feclifted with climate control and on steering audio control. Interiors also have fake wood touch and more leg space for the third row passengers.New Toyota Innova Exteriors:New Toyota Innova Interio...

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