The Least and Most Polluting Cars of 2009

Top 20 Least Polluting Vehicles of 2009
20th place (tie): Saturn Astra, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Pontiac G5, Nissan Versa
A 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 year.

18th place (tie): Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Versa, Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe
Measuring in at 3,456 kg/year of CO2 are the Ford Focus manual, Hyundai Elantra automatic, Nissan Versa manual, and Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix models equipped with the 1.8-litre engine with automatic.

18th place (tie): Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD
The Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD is the only SUV of this Top 20, releasing 3,456 kg/year.

17th place: Pontiac Wave, Chevrolet Aveo, Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix, Honda Civic
Several cars produce 3,408 kg/year: the Chevrolet Aveo and the Aveo5 with an automatic transmission (and their cousins, the Pontiac G3 and Suzuki Swift+), the Honda Civic with a manual transmission as well as the 1.8-liter Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe with a manual transmission.

16th place: Nissan Sentra (2.0L, CVT)
Sitting all alone in 16th place is the Nissan Sentra with a CVT automatic transmission, releasing 3,386 kg of CO2 per year.

15th place (tie): Mini Cooper, Clubman, Convertible, Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Aveo, Saturn Aura Hybrid
Many cars produce 3,312 kg/year: the Chevrolet Aveo and the Aveo5 with a manual transmission (and, of course, the Pontiac G3 and Suzuki Swift+), the Hyundai Accent with a manual transmission, the non-turbocharged Mini with an automatic transmission (Cooper, Clubman or Convertible) as well as the Saturn Aura Hybrid.

15th place (tie): Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Like the Saturn Aura, the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid produces 3,312 kg/year of CO2.

14th place (tie): Chevrolet Cobalt XFE, Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, Mini Cooper S, Clubman S, Convertible S
Checking in at 3,264 kg/year of CO2 are the Chevrolet Cobalt XFE (and the Pontiac G5 XFE), the Kia Rio with an automatic transmission, the Hyundai Accent (automatic), the MINI Cooper S (Coupe, Clubman or Convertible) with a manual transmission as well as all the John Cooper Works.

13th place: Volkswagen Jetta TDI Clean Diesel (DSG)
With the new clean diesel technology and a double-clutch transmission, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Clean Diesel produces 3,240 kg of CO2 per year.

12th place (tie): Kia Rio (manual)
The Kia Rio equipped with a manual transmission does better than the comparable Hyundai Accent with 3,216 kg of CO2 per year.

12th place (tie): Toyota Corolla (non-XRS, manual)
The Toyota Corolla with a 1.8-liter engine and a manual transmission produces 3,216 kg of CO2 per year.

11th place (tie): The clean diesel Volkswagen Jetta TDI
The clean diesel Volkswagen Jetta TDI Clean Diesel with a manual transmission releases 3,186 kg of CO2 per year, the same as the wagon version.

10th place: Toyota Corolla (non-XRS, automatic)
The Toyota Corolla with an automatic transmission fares better than the manual version at 3,168 kg/year.

9th place (tie): Honda Fit (manual)
The Honda Fit with a manual transmission releases 3,120 kg of CO2 per year.

9th place (tie): Honda Civic (manual)
Although equipped with a bigger engine than the automatic-transmission Fit, the Honda Civic with a manual transmission produces about the same amount of CO2, with 3,120 kg/year.

8th place (tie): Honda Fit (automatic)
The Honda Fit with an automatic transmission produces 3,072 kg of CO2 per year.

8th place (tie): Toyota Yaris (automatic)
The Toyota Yaris with an automatic transmission posts the same performance as the Fit, with 3,072 kg/year.

7th place (tie): All 1.6-liter Minis – Cooper Clubman and Convertible
With a manual transmission produce 3,024 kg/year.

7th place (tie): Toyota Yaris (manual)
The Toyota Yaris with a manual transmission releases just over 3 tons of CO2 per year, with 3,024 kg.

6th place: Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD
Without the all-wheel-drive system, the Ford Escape Hybrid produces just under 3 tons of CO2 – 2,928 kg/year to be exact.

5th place: Nissan Altima Hybrid
One of the sportiest driving hybrids around, the Nissan Altima Hybrid checks in at 2,784 kg/year.

4th place: Toyota Camry Hybrid
The Toyota Camry Hybrid tops the large sedans category, with 2,736 kg of CO2 each year. But watch out for competition from the new Ford Fusion Hybrid which will arrive in showrooms later this spring …

3rd place: Smart Fortwo
Despite its small size, the Smart fortwo and the convertible version produce 2,592 kg per year. Surely, you’d think that this car could do better!

2nd place: Honda Civic Hybrid
The Honda Civic Hybrid may not have the look of a green car but it produces just 2,160 kg/year.

1st place: Toyota Prius
This was to be expected. The most fuel-efficient car in the country is also the least polluting vehicle, with 1,968 kg of CO2 per year. And that’s not all. The next-generation Prius is more fuel efficient; it seems as if Toyota will hold on to its first place position in this category.

Source;
http://en.autos.sympatico.msn.ca/showpage/LeastPolluting2009.aspx

Source for the MOST POLLUTING CARS OF 2009
http://en.autos.sympatico.msn.ca/showpage/MostPolluting2009.aspx

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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 with The Mice center and Orion nebula next to R2D2/C3PO. Next to that is Han Solo Frozen in carbinite with a stunning Toxic Green Yoda congering up the realistic blue fire and light saber. AWESOME!! The hood features X-Wing Fighter, Millenium Falcon, Imperial & Corellian Fighters and Death Star plus much more. We used House of Kolors Auto Finishing products, basecoat and candy colors to produce and create this truly fabulas art work over original factory paint. This is a one of a kind Custom Painted car. The paint is smooth and super shinny. Many hours have been spent buffung and polishing this car. Painted Aug. of 2008, John and myself worked over 200 hours from preping, creating, producing and finishing this stunning professional paint job in just 4 weeks in August, showing it Laybor Day Weekend. We have shown this car several times and took home the Best Graphics Award at Harps Lake, Wisconsin Laybor Day weekend. Sure to win more. We have gotten a huge responce and great comments. The Custom Paint extends under the hood, door jams and rocker panels. This car was professionally cleaned and prepaired prior to paint. Front end and doors were disasembled so all edges and undersides were cleared. Sales tax, Licence and pick-up is resposability of winner. We will work with winner to secure a pleasent sale and delivery. Your satisfaction is our goal. Car offered as is. This paint has held up to driving condition. Any extra work is possable but possably at additional cost. The interier has been kept clean but not new. This car preforms very well, its comfertable a pleasure to drive with good gas econamy and a head turner. Good Luck and May the Force Be With You.

The FORCE will be Strong as you drive this very comfotable and gas economical car."

Source (with more pics);
http://jalopnik.com/tag/chevy-cobalt/?id=5160916

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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 during holidays. Read our past coverage of the 2009 Honda City linked below.

Source;
http://paultan.org/archives/2009/02/27/honda-malaysia-scores-highest-monthly-sales-ever-thanks-to-new-2009-honda-city/

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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 will allow for research using a large-scale experimental facility that will enable more accurate evaluations.

Source;
http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/02/26/honda-plans-bioethanol-research-plant.htm

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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 to Mazda at 73, followed by Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Volkswagen and BMW, all tied at 72 points.

The editors said that while the top four overall scores belong to Japanese automakers, a Japanese nameplate is no guarantee that every car in a model range will be a reliable and good performer, citing that the Honda Element and Toyota Yaris scored too low in testing to be recommended. Conversely, despite overall scores of 63 points for Ford and 57 for General Motors, new models such as the Ford Flex, Ford F-150, Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac CTS have done well in testing, and rank near the top of their classes in ratings.

The overall score for each automaker is based on the average of its vehicles’ overall scores in Consumer Reports’ road tests, and their average predicted reliability ratings from its annual auto survey. Manufacturers received a report card only if five or more of its vehicles were tested.

Of the three class leaders, Toyota regained lost ground after last year’s report, when the Camry V6, Tundra V8 4WD and Lexus GS AWD fell below average in reliability. All three have improved to “average” this year. Of the Asian automakers, Subaru, Nissan, Mazda and Hyundai improved their overall scores, and Nissan and Hyundai also improved their reliability rating. Of the four, Hyundai showed the most improvement, increasing its overall score from 66 to 70; the new Genesis also topped the upscale sedan ratings.

European automakers have lagged in reliability, but with notable improvements with several models from Audi, BMW, Saab, Volkswagen, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes showed the most significant improvement, and reliability was greatly improved across most of its lineup, with 67 per cent of tested vehicles now recommended, compared with none in the prior year.
All three Detroit automakers continued to be at the back of the class, although General Motors and Ford improved their overall scores. Chrysler had the lowest overall test score, with no vehicles recommended.

The magazine said there was some positive news for the domestic automakers, with latest models from GM now ranking among the best in testing, and the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook, Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Corvette and Chevrolet Malibu all scoring well. Some Ford models now rival competition from Honda and Toyota in reliability, and the Dodge Ram is now very competitive with other full-size trucks. Less than a quarter of recommended vehicles are from U.S. companies, a result of inconsistent reliability and performance, while about half are Japanese.

“While Japanese automakers continue to set the standard for the industry in terms of real-world performance and reliability, many domestic, European and Korean manufacturers are narrowing the gap by building better and more reliable cars,” said David Champion, senior director of automotive testing. “While some automakers are still dragged down by old product investments, we expect the race for the front of the class to become even more competitive, which may lead to some excellent values for consumers in the near future.”

Source;
http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/02/26/honda-builds-best-vehicles-consumer-reports.htm

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Rest in Peace Nick Laping

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

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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 come to expect from the world's largest automaker. European automakers managed to get a shout out for offering unmatched performance, comfort and safety along with incremental increases in overall vehicle reliability.

American automakers got their own separate report cards, which you can see by clicking here. Of the Detroit-based manufacturers, Ford came out victorious with its Flex and F-150 earning top ratings and many of the rest of its models scoring well. General Motors managed to sneak eight vehicles on the Recommended list: the new Pontiac G8, Cadillac CTS and Chevy Malibu, along with the Corvette and each of the Lambda-based CUVs. Chrysler pulled up the rear again this year among all automakers without a single vehicle earning a positive score from CR.

Source;

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/honda-tops-consumer-reports-2009-automaker-report-cards-again/

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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 required)

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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 writer
Last Updated: February 26, 2009: 9:51 AM ET

NEW 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 in cash the company has said it needs to continue operations.

Since receiving the first installment of that loan, GM (GM, Fortune 500) has gotten another $9.4 billion in federal assistance. The company asked for an additional $16.6 billion in the turnaround plan it submitted to the Treasury Department last week. GM disclosed Thursday it will need this at least $9 billion of that money in 2009 to weather the current downturn.

The company is expecting to burn through another $14 billion in cash this year, with most of it taking place in the first quarter as the company struggles to deal with weak demand and significant overhead costs.

GM chief financial officer Ray Young said the company's request for more loans was made with that weak outlook in mind.

"We're not forecasting any heroic recovery for the industry in '09," he told investors.
The company also said it anticipates its outside auditors will issue a statement on whether the company is a "going concern." The statement could be important not only to investors but to federal officials who are determining whether the company is viable in the long-term.

If the government determines GM is not viable, it would demand immediate repayment of the company's loans.

The auditor's statement will be included in GM's year-end results filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. GM disclosed Thursday it had filed for a two-week extension to submit that report.

The company also disclosed that its hourly and salaried pension plans are currently underfunded, on a combined basis, by about $12.4 billion. But GM said it does not anticipate needing to make a further contribution to those funds over the next three years.

GM facing challenges around the globe

As bad as GM's results were, it could have been worse. The company posted a $533 million gain because of the fact that GMAC, the finance unit in which it held a 49% stake during the quarter, got its bond holders to agree to swap debt for equity. GMAC become a bank holding company as a result of the debt swap, which significantly reduced GM's stake in the unit.

Excluding special items, GM lost $5.9 billion, or $9.65 a share, in the quarter. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters had forecast a loss of $7.39 a share, compared to a profit of 8 cents a share on that basis a year ago.

The operating losses were particularly pronounced in GM's core North American market. It lost $3.5 billion before taxes in the quarter, up from a $1.3 billion loss in North America a year earlier.

Revenue in the North American unit plunged about 32% to $19.3 billion. GM's market share also slid 1.7 percentage points to 21%.

But GM, which now sells more than half its vehicles outside of North America, is facing challenges around the globe.

Losses more than quadrupled in Europe, and the company lost money in its Asia-Pacific and Latin America-Africa-Middle East units. GM posted profits in those two regions a year ago.
Overall revenue at GM plunged 34% to $30.8 billion, significantly worse than the Thomson-Reuters forecast of $35.1 billion.

For the full year, GM reported a net loss of $30.9 billion. The automaker has posted net losses of $82 billion over the past four years as its U.S. sales and market share plunged and it closed plants and slashed staff in an unsuccessful effort to stem losses.

Shares of GM fell about 8% in early morning trading Thursday.

Separately, GM rival Ford Motor (F, Fortune 500) filed its own year-end financial statement with the SEC Thursday. Its filing included an "unqualified" statement from the company's outside auditor that "there is no substantial doubt" about Ford's ability to continue as a going concern.

Because it arranged for billions of dollars of asset-backed loans and lines of bank credit years ago before the current credit crunch, Ford is in a much better cash position than GM and privately held Chrysler LLC.

Ford has yet to need federal loans but it has asked the government for a $9 billion line of credit in case the economy deteriorates further.

First Published: February 26, 2009: 7:19 AM ET

Source;
http://money.cnn.com/2009/02/26/news/companies/gm_results/?postversion=2009022607

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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 are used in applications including mountain-top communication stations, charging batteries in unmanned lighthouses on the Norwegian coastline, and servicing heavy industrial equipment with the roughest abuse imaginable. "As a recognized Honda OEM partner, you can be assured that clean and reliable DC power supply will be there when you need it," says ALTEN President Will Huggett.

Unlike an AC generator paired with a slow plug-in charger, ALTEN Battery Chargers are a fast and highly efficient way of charging 12, 24 and 48-volt battery configurations. They can deliver up to 120 Amps per hour of run time consuming 0.4 gallons of fuel to achieve a 90% bulk charge on a 500 Amp/ Hour bank of batteries in 2 hours. Compared to a 3500W AC Generator, running at full throttle, paired with a 40 Amp plug- in charger, this same charging scenario would take 6 hours and consume 1.2 gallons of fuel. As a result ALTEN's portable battery chargers save fuel (67% savings), save time (four hours), lower emissions and increase reliability.

ALTEN, a Pacific Northwest company, offers a range of portable DC powered battery charger products for the Heavy Industrial, Off-Road, Marine, Security, and Emergency markets.
For more information and to see a high-resolution video demonstration of ALTEN battery chargers visit: http://www.altenbatterychargers.com

About ALTEN Battery Chargers Inc.
ALTEN Battery Chargers, based in the Pacific Northwest, was founded on the principal of solving the energy problems that matter. ALTEN brings ideas and technology to the North American market that help make better use of existing resources today in order to meet the growing demand for energy tomorrow. Focused on DC power and storage ALTEN's technology complements and offers reliable and redundant power for industrial battery applications, remote access power applications and micro generation platforms including solar photovoltaic, small wind and other renewable power generation installations. http://www.altenbatterychargers.com

Source;
http://sev.prnewswire.com/auto/20090224/AQTU04624022009-1.html

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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 contested grands prix as a standalone manufacturer in 1963-1968 and 2005-2008, but achieved its greatest success as a F1 engine supplier in the 80s and 90s.

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/9090224.031/a-requiem---honda-admit-future-f1-return-possible

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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 get our chance behind the wheel soon. See more details from Honda after the jump.

Source;
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/02/24/u-s-hybrid-price-war-preview-insight-takes-lowest-hybrid-price/

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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 group of reporters at a test-drive event in Tokyo.

"We will have to increase production plans," he said. But he stopped short of saying how much it could expand output given possible supply limits for hybrid components.

Customers in Japan will have to wait at least one month for an Insight if they ordered one today, he said.
Honda is positioning the Insight as its fifth "global car" alongside the Civic, Accord, Fit and CR-V cars, which collectively make up about two-thirds of its car sales.

Kobayashi said half of the Insight sales so far were to customers switching from other brands, including premium import brands and Toyota's hybrid leader, the Prius. The Insight starts at 1.89 million yen ($19,980) in Japan.

"What's unique about the Insight is that we're attracting a broad range of drivers, from (660cc) minivehicles to sedans to minivans," Kobayashi said.

While cautioning that the Japanese car market remained tough -- total vehicle sales in January fell 20 percent from the year before -- Kobayashi said Honda aimed to sell as many cars in the business year from April as the 570,000 to 580,000 units he expected it to sell in the 12 months to March 31.

Toyota is due to launch its third-generation Prius in May, pricing it slightly higher than the current version, which starts at 2.3 million yen in Japan. Local media have reported widely that Toyota would take the unusual step of selling the current model at a discount alongside the new version to compete with Honda's Insight.

A Toyota spokeswoman said the company had made no such decision yet. ($1=94.59 Yen) (Reporting by Chang-Ran Kim; Editing by Hugh Lawson)

Source;
http://uk.reuters.com/article/rbssConsumerGoodsAndRetailNews/idUKT37087520090224?sp=true

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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, Europe and Japan, is undergoing a series of production slow downs that cost approximately 1,000 contract workers their positions with the company, while permanent production associates are on rotating non-production days every Friday through February, and through the traditional March Break. The cuts started in December prior to Christmas.

The automaker's cuts will be acccounted for in this current fiscal year, which ends March 31.

Source;
http://www.madhunt.com/sasamotonewpreshcm.html

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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://www.4wheelsnews.com/upcoming-toyota-supra-canceled-due-to-the-financial-crisis/

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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/27

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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 Board of Directors after the company's annual shareholders' meeting, scheduled for late June 2009.

Ito joined Honda in 1978, and began his career in its automobile research and development operations, principally as an engineer in the area of chassis design. Ito was in charge of developing the all-aluminum uni-body frame structure for the mid-engine NSX sports car that went on sale in 1990, a world's first for a production vehicle of any volume. Ito also took on responsibilities as the person-in-charge of developing a series of compact sedans for the Japanese market in the early 1990's.

From April 1998 to March 2000, Ito was stationed in the U.S. as Executive Vice President of Honda R&D Americas, Inc., where he became actively involved in the development of the Acura brand's first sport-utility vehicle, the MDX (which went on sale in the U.S. in October 2000).

In June 2000, Ito was appointed to the Board of Directors of Honda Motor, simultaneously gaining promotion to Managing Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. (Honda R&D). He subsequently became President and Director of Honda R&D in June 2003. Ito also took on a role in the area of manufacturing as General Manager of Honda's Suzuka Factory in April 2005.

In April 2007, Ito became Honda Motor's Chief Operating Officer of Automobile Operations and a Senior Managing Director from June of the same year.

From April 2009, he will again assume the top position of President and Director of Honda R&D, a position he will continue to hold concurrently after the successful appointment as President & CEO of Honda Motor expected in late June 2009.

Takeo Fukui has served as Honda Motor's President & CEO since assuming the position in June 2003. During the six years of Fukui's leadership, Honda was able to actively evolve its global manufacturing structure, notably the establishment of a U.S. automobile plant in Indiana and the decision to set up two manufacturing facilities - the Yorii and Ogawa plants - in Saitama, Japan.

Furthermore, Fukui enabled the company to make forays into new business areas, including the establishment of both the jet engine and aircraft businesses, and making a full-scale entry into the solar cell business with Honda's original next-generation solar cell. Also under Fukui's leadership, the company continued to demonstrate its leadership in reducing CO2 emissions through both technology and product innovations. Honda's firm commitment to reduce CO2 output on a global scale was underlined in 2006, when it announced company-wide reduction targets for CO2 emitted from its product lineups as well as from its production lines. The realization of the all-new Insight as an affordable product was an outcome of Fukui's strong guidance, based on the belief that hybrid vehicles must become accessible to more people if the technology is to contribute to reductions in CO2 output.

Fukui joined Honda as an engineer in 1969, and became a member of the project team that developed the Honda CVCC (Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion) engine. Fukui also has extensive experience in the company's motorcycle development and racing operations. In 1988, he became a member of the Honda Motor Board of Directors, subsequently assuming responsibilities as General Manager of the Suzuka Factory, President of Honda of America Mfg., Inc., President and Director of Honda R&D, and most recently, President & CEO of Honda Motor, a title he has held since June 2003.

Source;

http://world.honda.com/news/2009/c090223New-President-CEO/

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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/DepreciationRatings

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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, chiller systems, motors, metering, heating, compressed air and air conditioning to reduce the use of electricity and natural gas. The Marysville plant produces the Honda Accord sedan and coupe, and Acura TL and RDX, while the East Liberty plant produces the Honda CR-V and Element.

Honda’s plant in Alabama, which produces the Odyssey, Pilot and Ridgeline, also earned the energy Star award. Initiatives include monitoring the use of equipment between shifts, during lunch and breaks, and on weekends, which helped reduce electricity use on the paint line by 10 million kilowatt hours, the equivalent of about 15 million pounds of CO2.

Both plants are implementing a unique “intelligent paint booth” technology that reduces energy consumption and related CO2 emissions from painting operations by as much as 25 per cent. Developed by Honda in Ohio and Ohio State University, the system uses a predictive control mechanism to keep temperature and humidity within specifications in the paint booth, even as weather conditions change.

Source;
http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/02/19/honda-wins-energy-star-awards-from-epa.htm

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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.html

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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 industry," he said.

The United States is the single-biggest and traditionally most profitable market for Japan's top three automakers, Toyota Motor Corp, Honda Motor Co and Nissan Motor Co.

Aoki, also chairman of Honda, said the U.S. market appeared headed for a weaker year than the sales of 12.5 million vehicles he had forecast for 2009 at the end of last year.

"We are still anticipating an improvement in the latter half of the year driven by economic stimulus steps under the new Obama administration, and we hope total demand will come in just below 12 million units."

Most industry forecasts are lower, with 11.5 million at the higher end. The U.S. market totalled 13.2 million vehicles in 2008, down 18 percent from 2007.

Many governments have announced various forms of aid to the struggling auto industry, which has been hit by a simultaneous slide in demand globally. Among them, France has pledged loans of 3 billion euros ($3.77 billion) each to its two local carmakers while Britain has said it would guarantee up to 2.3 billion pounds ($3.28 billion) of loans to the industry.

Japan has been conspicuously absent from that growing list. Aoki said the auto lobby has made no request for specific aid even as many members brace for their worst annual financial results in years.
"The auto industry requires a lot of capital for research and development of advanced safety and environmental technologies, but basically it's up to each company to raise funds in the market or use its own cash reserves," Aoki said.

"But right now market conditions are tough and abnormal, and we only hope that the government will take steps to bring the market closer to normal levels," he said.

Responding to such concerns, the Bank of Japan on Thursday extended its commercial paper buying scheme and pledged to boost supply of low-cost funds as it battles a credit crunch that is pushing the world's second-biggest economy deeper into recession. ($1=.7949 Euro; $1=.7007 Pound) (Editing by Michael Watson)

Source;
http://uk.reuters.com/article/governmentFilingsNews/idUKT867220090219?sp=true

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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.htm

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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 Mateja
February 19, 2009

Roger 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 realized its potential.

There are those who would attribute that to a lack of love—too few models updated too infrequently.

Saturn also may have suffered from the fact that Smith served as GM chairman when the automaker's market share fell to 30 percent from 40 percent, opening the door wider to Toyota and Honda with their small cars first and leading to their successful luxury divisions.

Smith retired in mid-1990 before the first Saturn came out. No small wonder that GM now plans to sell or fold the division by 2011, ironically after it finally has a strong product mix.

Thank Bob Lutz, who joined GM in 2001, for Saturn's lineup: a high-mileage compact Astra, a nifty Sky roadster, the Outlook crossover with the crucial three rows of seats, the Vue sport-utility vehicle in gas or hybrid flavors, and the Aura sedan, which beat out the Toyota Camry for 2006 North American Car of the Year.

When Lutz announced plans this month to retire at year-end, he said he wanted the division to live long and prosper. But he told Automotive News, a trade publication, that he held out little hope.

"We spent a huge bundle of money in giving Saturn an absolutely no-excuses product lineup top to bottom, [but] the sales just never materialized," he said of a division whose sales slipped nearly 22 percent last year, to about 188,000 units.

Even Lutz professes to be stumped by why Saturn hasn't done well, but he says it's obvious why it no longer has a future with GM.

"We don't have the time or the resources to take 10 years to figure it out and turn it around," he said.

The ailing automaker, which has received $13.4 billion in government loans and is seeking $16.6 billion more, plans to phase out Saturn unless a deal is reached to spin off its distribution network.

With a franchise agreement that sets dealers up as an independent distribution network, it will be easier and cheaper to drop Saturn than the $1 billion it cost GM to kill Oldsmobile in 2004.

There's still talk that the franchise agreement would make the distribution network attractive to a buyer.

"With the rest of the world in a precarious economic state, unless someone from China takes a look, no one is going to be standing in line," said Joe Phillippi, principal of AutoTrends. Jim Hossack, vice president of AutoPacific, is even more realistic.

"Saturn gets its engines, transmission and body stampings from GM, and is so intertwined with GM it couldn't be sold because no one would buy it. Either it gets spun off or it dies of old age like Plymouth did at Chrysler.

"Old age at 18? Well, yes, especially when your only cheerleader is retiring."

Source;
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/autocorner/chi-thu-saturn-mateja-0219-feb19,0,4757890,print.column

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

After 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 Lakhs

Fiat Grand Punto Exteriors:

Fiat Grand Punto Interiors:

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

Toyota 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 Interiors:

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