Which Is The Best Hybrid Car For You?

The envelope is in, and the winner is...? The judges are getting their honoraria's worth with the kind of decision they need to make to come up with in their selection of the best hybrid car there is. But it seems they'd really have a hard time deciding, what with the array of hybrid cars that are now on offer to, competing to be the top car in terms of safety, fuel efficiency, emission, comfort and technological innovations.

The Criteria

In choosing a hybrid car, what considerations will you look at? Of course one will not opt for a hybrid if not for the fuel efficiency, otherwise, any other stylish sedan notwithstanding how much gallons of fuel it consumes will be a candidate for one's choice. So the kind of fuel consumption savings and efficiency will definitely be a prime consideration. Relative to this, the best hybrid car will have to have the lowest, if not zero, emission of toxic waste gases. So this criterion is in.

But how will we choose the best hybrid car then? We can probably start by segregating these hybrids, say separate the coupes and sedans from the SUVs and vans. Then segregate them further by dividing the cars into compacts, mid-sized sedans, and so forth. Segregate the pickups from mid- to full-sized trucks. Separate the vans from the mini-vans. The lists goes and on just as the list of available hybrid cars continues to lengthen.

Then you can probably go to the level of body styles, drivetrains, engine power, transmission size and drive, and a host of performance criteria to look for.

Price may be farther down the list, as hybrid cars will almost surely compensate for the initial higher cost through fuel savings and other economy features.

The Semi-Finalists

Some say the Toyota Prius actually started the race and all, and as such a pioneer deserves a place in the hall of fame of hybrids. The Prius starts at a suggested retail of $22,175, and comes with a savings bonus as an ECO-nomic car of around $2,000. Then there are tax benefits, too, for choosing an environmental-friendly car. EPA estimates come in at 55 miles per gallon for combined city and highway driving, and the AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle) rating.

What about the mid-size sedans, with more room than the Prius? There is the 2007 Hybrid version of Toyota Camry, which starts at around $26,000. Although the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Honda Civic Hybrid are also in the running, the Toyota Camry consistently figures in surveys made of satisfied hybrid users. The Camry Hybrid attains 34 miles to the gallon as far as EPA ratings go.

Let us go now to sport utility vehicles. The Ford Escape Hybrid is great, but price considerations and its full-SUV features make it less popular than the 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid, a more compact contemporary, that's priced reasonably at around $23,000, not to mention the tax benefits it gets for being a "green" SUV. Surveys show that this hybrid is comparable to other same-sized SUVs in terms of fuel efficiency and emission-levels.

Compare the Ford Escape Hybrid now to another Toyota SUV, and you get the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid winning by an edge, if car reviews are to be believed. Reviewers say the performance and efficiency of the Highlander makes it a number one contender for the best large-type SUV of the hybrid kind. At estimated price of $32,500, the EPA ratings of 25 or 26 miles to the gallon for city and highway driving are manageable, if one looks at the long-term fuel savings.

The Verdict?

The title of best hybrid car will always be relative - relative as to the type of considerations the buyer and driver will look for in his hybrid. But with the plethora of hybrids out there, it should not be that much of a problem to find the best one for you.

About the Author

Visit Green-Hybrid-Cars.com for useful information and resources about best hybrid car, hybrid Honda cars and the Lexus SUV hybrid.

Honda - Changing The Wat They Market The Civic

This is another article, in a series of articles, breaking down and critiquing, automotive manufacturers marketing brochures. Point of sale (POS) materials account for millions of dollars a year in the automotive industry. We want to look deep inside these marketing brochures and examine the sales and marketing angles for each particular model.

In this article, we are going to take a closer look at the 2008 Honda Civic. Honda has an 18-page color brochure dedicated to selling its ideas, attempting to readjust the way you look at today's Honda Civic.

When you think Honda Civic, what comes to mind? We think, great gas mileage, dependability, practicality, simply a smart purchase. Those qualities and ideas are still part of the overall Honda Civic DNA, but Honda wants to change the way you think about the Civic. Honda is going after an entirely different market.

"Spontaneity, Intensity, and Fun"...these are not yesterdays advertising keywords associated with the Honda Civic.

Immediately on page 3, Honda asks you to "Go Ahead, Open It Up". Let's see what this baby will do. "Killer Looks", "Next-Big-Thing-Technology", "Burn Up The Pavement", just a few terms I'd not generally attach to the Civic. The folks at Honda are pushing this vehicles driving experience and persona in an attempt to lure in an entirely different demographic.

There is no doubt, the Civic has grown up. The thought of a navigation system in a model lines lower end cars may seem a bit much, but Honda decided to devote an entire page to their version of navigation. Leather interior also earned a complete one page spread, in an attempt to further move away from the traditional Civic market and towards a more bold and aggressive buyer.

"Lots Of Thrust, Little Thirst"...This is a bit closer to the Civic marketing we've all become accustomed to. Gas mileage and a little zip, that's my good old Civic.

Honda went back to its roots in a three page spread exclusively marketing the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid. This is what I expect from Honda in regards to the Civic. The hybrid version of the 2008 Honda Civic makes perfect sense for this model. Ever the practical choice for fuel savings, initial investment savings, and overall automotive cost, the Civic now extends into environmental "Green" savings with the Honda Civic Hybrid. They appeal to your intelligence, "Hybrid: A Smarter Way To Drive". And they appeal to your overall concern of the environment in the classic way Honda always has.

The Honda Civic Si Coupe is the portion of the brochure that you would expect some content relating to power and style and verve. "Obey Your Wilder Side" is a perfect lead in to this trim level of the Civic. The Si has always had a following with the younger, "Generation X" demo, and Honda has done a great job of reinforcing this Civic model again to its segmented audience.

Naming one of its color, Habanero Red Pearl, was another nice touch.

Safety only earned one page of the brochure and there is only one page describing the "DNA" of the Honda Civic.

Honda is making a very conscience effort to expand its market for the Civic. This could be a bit of a risk for a model that has been more successful than anyone at Honda could have ever imagined. I'm sure the likes of the Mazda3 and Nissan Sentra have the marketing department at Honda rethinking the whole Civic thing. But, a niche is a niche is a niche. They are stepping outside the area that has worked so well for them in the past. It will be interesting to see if they expand or decrease their market share for the Civic with this approach.

About the Author
Dan Mercurio is president of Elite Search Engine Marketing specializing automotive marketing and SEO/SEM. Let us show you we can efficiently and affordably administer a quality search engine marketing campaign for you as we have for Honda Jersey City New Jersey.

Hybrid Cars From Honda: Fuel-Efficient And Stylish

Hybrid car technology is continuously advancing with better hybrid vehicles launched into the market each year. Hybrids like the Honda Accord and Honda Civic are proof of Honda's focus in developing fuel-efficient and low-emission cars.

Honda hybrids carry the same power, efficiency and sophistication that the Honda brand is well known for. Honda has ensured that it is well positioned to compete with hybrid leader Toyota in getting a share of the world's increasing demand for hybrid cars.

2007 Honda Civic Hybrid
Honda has come a long way in hybrid technology. The 2003 Honda Civic has been one of the most successful hybrid cars released in the US market. It was modeled after the 1972 Civic sedan, a compact, fuel efficient car that still holds its value compared to majority of the compact sedans offered in the market.

The 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid which offered fuel-savings and low gas emissions was modified into the 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid which allowed a comfortable ride for five passengers. This 2007 Civic hybrid model gets 49 miles per gallon in city-driving, and 51 miles per gallon in highway driving. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 11.65 seconds.

Other features include an independent front strut suspension with an anti-roll bar. It is equipped with independent double wishbone rear suspension, plus gas-pressurized rear and front shocks. It is set with front coil springs and 4-wheel ABS brakes.

The 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid has a more futuristic-feel to its exterior; and doors are more spacious to allow easier car entry and exit. Its wheels are low-rolling resistant; and it comes with an optional voice-activated navigation system, first row LCD monitor, and an XM satellite radio.

2006 Honda Accord Hybrid
The competitively-priced family sedan, Honda Accord, was introduced to the public in 1976. In 2006 small modifications were made to the Accord, such as an enhanced 4-cyclinder and V-6 engine; and a restructured instrument panel. The Accord became one of the more popular of the Honda hybrid cars when it was also sold in a hybrid version.

2007 Honda Accord Hybrid
The 2007 Honda Accord is a certified gas-saving hybrid car with its mix of gasoline and battery-driven engines.

On the outside, it is still a four-door sedan with optimum interior freight volume of 11.2 cubic feet; total exterior length of 191.1 inches and 71.6 exterior body width; and stands at 57.2 inches.

Under the hood, however, it has a 253hp, 3.0-liter V-6 engine with the capacity to run from 0 to 60 in 7.25 seconds. Optional add-ons include a voice-activated air conditioning and navigation systems.

About the Author
Visit Green-Hybrid-Cars.com for useful information and resources about hybrid cars Honda, Lexus SUV hybrid and Chevy Tahoe hybrid.

Honda launching Jazz in India

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2003 Honda Civic Hybrid Car: Affordable And Green

Car makers have come up with an innovation by producing vehicles that can help both the environment and the driver's budget. They have manufactured a certain type of car that can function with more than one power-source option. These are the hybrid cars. And one that offers comfort and style: 2003 Honda Civic hybrid car.

What is a Hybrid Car?

A hybrid car is a one that uses more than one energy source to power the car. A gasoline engine and an electric battery run it. These are what we now know as the Gas Electric Hybrid Cars.

A hybrid car can either be a full hybrid or an assist hybrid type. A full hybrid is a car that can run either with a gasoline engine or through batteries or both, while a gasoline engine primarily runs an assist hybrid and the battery takes charge of the gas engine when gas runs out.

There are three most popular hybrid cars in the market. The first car that had been released was the Japanese-made Toyota Prius in 1997, and then followed by Honda Insight, also a Japanese-made car, which was released to the American and Canadian markets in 1999. A few years later, Honda again released another hybrid car: the Honda Civic hybrid.

Features of the Honda Civic Hybrid

Honda Company developed another option for hybrid car lovers. This model is a bigger and better hybrid car, which is competitive with other previously manufactured hybrid cars.

Physical Structure

The 2003 Honda Civic hybrid looks like the first released Honda hybrid car, the Civic Insight but this has four doors instead of just two. This car has 174.8 inches length, 67.5 inches width and 56.3 inches height. It weighs around 2,700 pounds. It can accommodate a maximum of 5 passengers and can carry weight up to 435 kilos. Its trunk has a volume of 10.1 cubic feet. The body is made from steel.

The car comes out in two colors. These are magnesium metallic and gray.

Interior

2003 Honda Civic Hybrid is neatly structured. All parts are well distributed and located. All the controls are grouped together which makes it easier to manage and control. It also has a storage area that has enough space to fit a wallet or a coin purse found at the center area between the driver and the passenger. In addition, it also has a glass-holder. It is very convenient for placing your beverages.

The gauge meters are colorfully made. It comes with blue color and is easier to read especially during nighttime when light is limited.

The interior has a classic color of black and tan. The seats are covered with a suede-like cloth that is very soft and it also has a new pattern design. The back part has a wide area where passengers can move freely and with ease.

Technology

The Honda Civic hybrid car has a 1.3 liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, with 85 horsepower at 5,700 rpm. It has 47/48 (highway/city) fuel consumption. It has an Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system wherein the gasoline engine stops and the battery works in place of it.

Advantages Of Hybrids Over Conventional Cars

Like other hybrids, this car consumes less gas, which can be seen clearly when the distance of travel is gauged. It likewise produces lesser carbon dioxide to the environment. With the conventional cars, the amount of the carbon dioxide is equal to the fuel that is used. Once the carbon dioxide released is decreased, there will also be lesser chances of pollution, thereby decreasing the factors that can affect global warming.

Since there is lesser consumption of gasoline, your budget for gasoline is considerably less.

Aside from these, the maintenance of the car is not as frequent as a conventional car. Motor and batteries of a hybrid car do not involve any special attention because they do not bring out as much carbon dioxide as the other cars. The brake pads in hybrid cars are not frequently used so it lasts longer as compared to the conventional car's brake pads.

In the US, tax breaks are available to those individuals who use hybrids, such as 2003 Honda Civic hybrid. This is the way for the government to support the car manufacturers and drivers who likewise help clean the environment.

About the Author
Visit Green-Hybrid-Cars.com for useful information and resources about the 2003 Honda Civic hybrid, the Toyota Sienna hybrid and the Saturn hybrid.

Honda's First National Image Campaign features ASIMO

ASIMO, "Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility", is one of Honda's outstanding creations. American Honda Motors is set to feature the popular robot in their first national broadcast corporate image campaign for two years. Such campaign will include a "Power of Dreams" spot, dedicated microsite, as well as print ads.

Asimo was built in Honda's Research & Development Wako Fundamental Technical Research Center in Japan. It is a humanoid walking robot standing at 130 centimeters (4 feet and 5 inches) and weighing 53 kilograms (119 pounds). For those who haven't seen it yet, this robot resembles a small astronaut wearing a backpack. And, currently, there are 46 units of it available worldwide, with each costing less than $1 million for manufacturing and $166,000 per year when hired.

Five years ago, Asimo was introduced to Honda's advertising, Honda's Corporate Advertising Manager Barbara Ponce said. "Using home video brings Asimo into the story but in a real way," she enthused. "The home video brings Honda technology to the customer in a manner that isn't overproduced or contrived. What you see is what you get. It underscores the importance of authenticity to our brand," she continued.

In the image campaign, the "Power of Dreams" is held the primary attraction. It is a 30-second spot which was directed by Phil Joanou under independent RPA Honda lead creatives David Smith and Joe Baratelli. First seen in a window reflection of Honda's prototype FCX hydrogen fuel-cell car, the climax of the spot is a video images featuring Asimo. It will also show Honda jet planes, solar racers, test-track racing and safety researchers in a home video-style movement to The Who's "I Can See for Miles." Its tagline? -- "See what we see".

Since Honda's "Safety for everyone" campaign emerged in October 2005, the launching of the image campaign is the first time of the company to use national advertising corporate image. And, it is part of showing that they are on move. Todd Carey, Vice President, associate creative director at RPA, Santa Monina, California, said that the spot serves as "Honda home movies, as shot by family member. Out desire was to show what Honda is working on, from an engineering standpoint, and the human side as well." In addition, the ad facilities were an emotional connection with Honda engineering, as he said.

Carey said that the campaign actually originated through an "organic process" of multiple interviews with people at Honda. He said, "Through the conversations, we started to hear the same things: No matter who we talk to, no matter what project, there was a shared vision." A conversation with a passionate Honda engineer became an inspiration for them to show the world what Honda is going through and to.

Moreover, Ponce said the "longer-term, philosophical" approach is unique, as it shows the "human engineering" side of the company. And, this Honda's engineering focus is their distinction from the others, definitely more than providing quality auto parts like Honda intermediate pipe to their latest model cars.

About the Author

Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

Honda's Redesigned Honda Accord

All along General Motors (maker of GMC air filter) has been preparing its redesigned Chevrolet Malibu to compete with Toyota's Camry, believing that it's the toughest competitor to beat in the family sedan market. But another competitor has emerged and has made its debut just last Tuesday---the Honda Accord.

A redesigned Honda Accord was unveiled in Novi Michigan, marking the start of a really intense battle royale in the family sedan market. The eighth generation Accord is scheduled to hit dealerships next month. The prices are not yet announced but expected to fall between $20,000 and $30,000.

On the other hand, GM will release its redesigned Malibu in early November. The company however, has not yet made any statement regarding the price.

The 2008 Accord is available in coupe and sedan form with four or six cylinder engines and with manual or automatic transmissions. According to Honda, the 2008 Accord sedan has gained 3 inches and given an additional 3.3 cubic feet of space which qualifies it more as a large rather than a midsize sedan under the federal guidelines.

Meanwhile the new Malibu is still part of GM's effort to gain back the market share lost to Japanese competitors. The new 2008 Malibu was also increased in length by 3 inches and will be offered with four or six cylinder engines, delivering 164hp and 252hp. Fuel consumption is 31miles per gallon and 26 mpg respectively.

Local dealers are also expecting the new Malibu to outperform its predecessor. Mark Calisi, owner of Eagle Chevrolet in Riverhead said, "General Motors has woken up to who its competition is."

Aside from Honda and General Motors other automakers are also improving their entries in the family sedan market such as Ford Motor Co. that boost the horsepower and changed the names of its entries Five Hundred and Montego to Taurus and Sable. Ford believes that the change in names would boost sales.

Chrysler and Nissan have also redesigned their Sebring and Altima sedans in dealerships since November as 2007 models. General Motors' Saturn division since last August of last year has started selling a new midsize sedan, the Aura which replaces the L-Series.

The family sedan market is very important to automakers and accounted for about one in five of 16.5 million new vehicles sold annually. Industry analyst David Healy of Burnham Securities is however, seeing a stagnant sedan market for the coming 2008, and sees growth only somewhere else. He said, "I think the growth area is going to be crossover SUVs and maybe even full size pickups, and SUVs might make a small recovery."

General Manager Richard Lang at Nardy Honda in St. James says that the Accord is his bestselling model and ever since that price of gasoline have increased more and more buyers have chosen to purchase four-cylinder variants.

Honda has been able to sell more than 354,000 Accord sedans and coupes last year making it the second best selling car after Toyota Camry with 448,000 units sold. GM on the other hand was able to sell 163,800 Malibus and 289,000 Impalas last year.

About the Author

Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

The 2008 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe in Detail

Honda lovers will wait for a month to get their first hand on the all-new 2008 Honda Accord model. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. has released the full details and specifications of the vehicle. According to John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc: "The all-new 2008 Honda Accord has become more advanced and refined with a new level of engineering sophistication. As the Honda brand's flagship automobile, the Accord is designed to exceed expectations with premium technology, a more spacious interior and increased power, while retaining the fun-to-drive character and innovative feel that has always distinguished the Accord." The 2008 Honda Accord comes in two body styles: Sedan and Coupe. Both body styles comes with several trim levels including EX, EX-L, LX, and LX-P for Sedan, and EX, EX-L, and LX-S for the Coupe variant. Under the hood, Honda offers a total of four power plants, two 4-cylinder and two V6 engines. These include 2.4-liter Inline 4-cylinder Engine (LX, LX-P Sedan); 2.4-liter Inline 4-cylinder Engine (EX, EX-L Sedan; LX-S, EX, EX-L Coupe); V6 Engine with Automatic Transmission (EX V-6, EX-L V-6 Sedan; EX V-6, EX-L V-6 Coupe); and V6 Engine with Manual Transmission (EX-L V-6 6-Speed Coupe). Honda said the exterior appearance of the 2008 Accord showcases the company's traditional three-box shape enhancing the car's dynamic and sporty characteristic. Other exterior highlights include sleek and long hood, daytime running lights, exhaust finisher, power windows, power locks, power outside mirrors, and 16-inch steel wheels wrapped with P215/60 R 16 tires. For V6-equipped models, additional features include power moonroof, heated outside mirrors, and auto headlights. Inside, the 2008 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe comes with premium quality interior materials, along with the in-car entertainment and information systems. All model trim levels for Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe come with exclusive interior features. Standard features for all 2008 Honda Accord models include MP3/Windows Media Audio (WMA) playback capability and an auxiliary input jack, single-disc CD player and six speakers, and Radio Data System (RDS). For the Accord Sedan EX and Coupe LX-S trim, additional features include a 6-disc in-dash changer with seven speakers including an 8-inch subwoofer (standard on Accord EX Coupe and Sedan EX-L models), and XM Satellite Radio (standard on Accord EX-L model). The voice activated Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with 8-inch screen is an available feature for EX-L models. Occupant safety is an extremely significant factor for all Honda models. The 2008 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe models offer the highest level of occupant protection with the sophisticated safety systems including Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, side curtain airbags, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags (SRS), active front seat head restraints, front seatbelts with an automatic tensioning system, and driver's and front passenger's dual-chamber side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS). These active safety systems are complemented by the vehicles passive safety components like VSA, four-wheel disc anti-lock brake system (ABS), brake assist, and electronic brake distribution (EBD). Getting this vehicle on your garage really makes sense instead of upgrading your GMC Jimmy parts. About the Author Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

Honda's New Hybrid Battles with the Prius

The first ever hybrid car made for the US car market was from the Japanese car maker Honda Motor Corporation. The Honda Insight was first seen in 1999 on the US auto market. But after Toyota revealed the Prius, the Insight made an exit. Toyota Prius has ever since become the consistent number one hybrid car in the auto industry. The presence of the Insight on the US car market was not as impressive as the Toyota Prius. Although Honda Insight also has the same fuel efficient features as the Toyota Prius, the two seats hybrid car soon vanished on the auto industry. Toyota has many buyers because of its quality yet affordable rates. Later, Honda revealed two new breeds of hybrid cars, the Accord and Civic hybrids. However, even if they made it more effective than the Insight, these cars are still not enough to sway the Prius out of the market. The Civic hybrid had a distinctive hybrid features but it failed because of its "performance hybrid" nature that later resulted to scanty fuel efficiency gain as compared to the conventional Accord V6. The news was from the Daily Tech yesterday. Honda tried to bring out the best vehicle to match with the ongoing Toyota Prius but the world famous hybrid car continues to receive more fame because of its real time fuel efficiency. The design as well as the appearance may not be as powerful as the other hybrids out there but Americans recognizes Prius as the best hybrid car in the market. Toyota was able to sell 110,000 units on the first seven months of this year. Honda also gained a few but not enough to compensate for the efforts they made to sell both Civic and Accord Hybrid. But even with the combination of its sale, Toyota Prius still ranks the best seller hybrid car in the US market. Honda Senior Vice President John Mendel said, "The Prius has become synonymous with hybrid; it's the Kleenex of hybrids. We feel Honda should be synonymous with the most fuel-efficient company in America." Honda Motor Corporation is maybe tired of being the second rate which is why they are looking forward on building new hybrid car that could give the Toyota Prius a serious battle. Honda will build the so called "Global Small Hybrid" soon. This new car is a five-passenger car with a price tag of only $22,000 or below and scheduled to hit showrooms this coming 2009. Honda car maker did not mention about the car parts like Honda strut bar, if they are making it available on the new hybrid car. Honda also released that the "Global Small Hybrid" is even better than the Toyota Prius in terms of fuel efficiency. The company has undergone several tests in terms of the Insight so they are pretty sure on what to do this time. However while Honda is doing car that battles up with Prius, Toyota is also planning for more high tech hybrids for the future. By the year 2020, Toyota is also looking forward to meet the highest emission standards set by making more hybrid cars and cleaner diesel cars for the US market. About the Author Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

Honda to showcase "Sports" and "Environment" Themes at the Frankfurt Motor Show

Honda, Japan's second largest seller of autos and producer of Honda bug shield will present at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show one of its exciting creations for this year the Accord Tourer Concept. And on September 11, 2007, the media is invited to join the Honda's Press Day, which will be held in Hall 5 between 13.15 and 13.45.

What makes the Accord Tourer Concept so exciting? First of all it reflects the future design direction of the all-new generation Accord Tourer, which is scheduled to debut in the middle part of 2008. The wider, lower look of the all-new generation Accord Tourer indicates a sportier and more emotional styling approach.

To complement the aesthetically appealing exterior of the Accord Tourer is a range of innovative, low emissions engines and up-to-date chassis technology that will provide the exceptional handling without sacrificing riding comfort.

Honda will also showcase an extensive selection of models from the passenger car range plus a comprehensive lineup of motorcycles and power equipment products. The display of Honda will also showcase the two important themes---Sport and Environment.

The Environment theme as the name suggest will focus on Honda's achievements in terms of environmental technologies such as petrol-electrical vehicles. To represent the Environment theme are Honda's Small Hybrid Sports Concept which were revealed at the Geneva Motor Show. This Concept vehicle displays a unique combination of the latest hybrid technology fused with Honda's fun-to-drive sports car characteristics.

Still part of the Environment theme is Honda's next-generation clean diesel engine, the production Civic Hybrid, and the FCX Concept equipped with its fully-functional fuel cell technology which has previously made its debut at the Gotland Ring Sweden just this year.

For the Sports theme, Honda has prepared its current F1 racing car, the RA107 piloted by Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, Civic Type R, and the Honda S2000 production models. Strong emphasis will also be given to the company's motorsport heritage which will be represented by the automaker's latest F1 car and of course Honda's first race car, the 1967 RA300.

The motorcycle display will showcase Honda's major contribution in competitions such as this year's MotoGP series in which its Repsol Honda RC122V and HM plant Honda CBR1000RR have participated.

The lineup of motorcycles to be displayed at Honda's stand will include the first ever production motorcycle airbag system, which is already available on the new Gold Wing. ASIMO, the humanoid robot will also be there to welcome stand visitors. Also parts of the display are the Honda solar panels and Honda Jet.

About the Author

Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

Honda IAA Frankfurt Preview ]

Honda Motors is poised to present a host of automotive products at the 2007 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany this coming September. The main highlight at the Honda display in Hall 5 is the Accord Tourer Concept, making its world debut at the event. Honda expects that this concept model will stir up the European crowd. According to a Honda press release, "The Accord Tourer Concept will give a strong indication of the design direction of the all-new generation Accord Tourer set to debut in mid-2008 and its wider, lower look signals a more sporty, more emotional styling approach. This will be matched by a range of advanced, low emissions engines and innovative new chassis technology that will deliver exceptional handling without compromising ride comfort." Honda did not yet release the full details of the Accord Tourer Concept. Hopefully, the Japanese automaker will reveal the list of its full features and other technical specs (like Honda sway bar link) of this concept car at the IAA Frankfurt, and release it to the public. In addition, Honda also said that it will showcase two sections at IAA Frankfurt focusing on "Sports" and "Environment." Sports will display Honda's super car and other high performance models, currently used in Honda motor sport teams. These include the Honda RA107 race car competing at the FIA Formula One World Championship (F1). Honda drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello currently drive the RA107 for the 2007 season of F1 GP. Honda will also showcase their very first F1 car, the 1967 RA300. Other vehicle models in "Sports" include the Civic Type R and Honda S2000. Meanwhile, in the "Environment" section, Honda will showcase its development for alternative fuel and environmental friendly powertrain systems. Unveiled at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, Honda's Small Hybrid Sports Concept will once again hit a European stage and present its unique characteristics - that is - advanced hybrid technology combined with sporty and high performance nature. Other models in this section include Honda's next-generation clean diesel engine, Honda Civic Hybrid, and the Honda FCX Concept. Moreover, Honda will extend its product display in IAA Frankfurt with the company's motorcycle model, the Repsol Honda RC212V that currently competes in the 2007 season of MotoGP with riders Dani Pedrosa and 2006 champ Nicky Hayden aboard. The HM Plant Honda CBR1000RR Fireblades is also on display. Honda will also demonstrate the very first airbag for motorcycles. This innovative safety system will be installed in the new Honda Gold Wing model. Finally, the Japanese automaker will also showcase some of its innovative achievements in the past years like the popular robot ASIMO, Honda solar panels, and the high flying HondaJet. Watch out for the IAA Frankfurt to see detailed specs and feats of these models. About the Author Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

Honda Rolls out Honda the 2008 Accord Sedan and Coupe

American Honda Motor Co. Inc. now releases the details, features, and the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of the 2008 model year Sedan and Coupe variants of the Honda Accord. Both model variants are available with several trim level options with exclusive features for each trim level. The 2008 Honda Accord Sedan will roll out in Honda dealers all over the U.S. starting this September 12, while the 2008 Honda Accord Coupe will go on sale in September 20th.

In a recent press release, Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. commented: "The 2008 Honda Accord adds popular features and enhancements while maintaining competitive, value-oriented pricing on every model. A new, innovative design with improved packaging and even more refined performance adds to the Accord's strong foundation of historically high residual values, renowned manufacturing quality and legendary reliability."

Both the 2008 Honda Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe models are available with either 4-cylinder or V6 engine options. The new 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine is capable of pumping out 268 hp and equipped with a new generation of fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology. In addition, this power unit achieves a Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) rating. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated this unit with a fuel economy rating of 19/29 (city/highway) miles per gallon, Accord Sedan.

Meanwhile, the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine has a power output of 190 hp. A choice of a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic transmission completes the powertrain package for the Honda Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe. Customers can also choose the 6-speed manual transmission available exclusively for the 2008 Honda Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe variant.

The 2008 Honda Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe come with various standard features for both model variants. These include the Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure, Electronic Stability Control, side-curtain airbags, dual-chamber front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), active front seat head restraints, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution, and brake assist, MP3/WMA playback capability and an auxiliary input jack, 160 watts single-disc CD player and six speakers, just to name the few. Customers can also personalize the Accord Sedan and Coupe with Weathertech weatherflectors.

Other exclusive features for Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe model trims include six-disc CD changer, 270 watts of total amplification and seven speakers, including an 8-inch subwoofer (Accord EX Coupe and EX-L Sedan), XM Satellite Radio (Accord EX-L), Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and Bluetooth HandsFreeLink (available on EX-L), 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers (2008 Accord Sedan), 17-inch alloy wheels standard (Accord Coupe), and 18-inch alloy wheels for the V6-equipped Honda Accord Coupe models.

The 2008 Honda Accord Sedan will go on sale in dealer showrooms carrying a base MSRP of $20,360 for the 4-cylinder model with 5-speed manual. Accord Sedan with V6 engines and 5-speed automatic transmission carries a base MSRP of $25,960. Meanwhile, the 2008 Honda Accord Coupe 4-cylinder model is priced at $21,860, while the base price for the V6 Coupe model is at $28,310.

About the Author

Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

Honda Motorcycle

Motorcycles were widely used after 1910, especially by the armed forces in World War I. Motorcycles remain popular and the collecting and riding of antique models is just as popular as riding the new versions. Motorcycles continued to grow in popularity for decades, although production for civilians tapered off during World War II. Motorcycles are widely used by the police for traffic patrols. Motorcycles have mostly, but not exclusively, been produced with one to four cylinders, and designers have tried virtually every imaginable layout.

Honda

A Honda Gold Wing motorcycle, for example, needs almost as many parts to complete it as a Honda Civic automobile. Today, the Japanese manufacturers, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha dominate the motorcycle industry, although Harley-Davidson still maintains a high degree of popularity in the United States. On a few, including the Honda Gold Wing and BMWK1200LT, it is not really a reverse gear, but a feature of the starter motor which when reversed, performs the same function. An example of a fairing on a Honda CBR1000F. A Harley-Davidson "cruiser" Russian moped ZiD-50 "Pilot" An Italian standard motor bike A Kawasaki ZX-7RR sport bike A BMW touring motorcycle A Honda motocross bike A dual-purpose Kawasaki Street Choppers: Highly customized motorcycles based on a cruiser-style frame with long rake (longer front forks) and wild paint jobs. When you take a basic rider course with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the motorcycles they provide are Honda 250 Nighthawks, again a basic no-nonsense ride that are considered standard or naked bikes.

Engine

Engines with more cylinders provide more power for the same displacement, and feel smoother to ride. Engines with fewer cylinders are cheaper, lighter, and easier to maintain. Engine sizes range from 50cc to over 1300cc with various cylinder sizes. The motorcycle is "a form of entertainment that can appeal only, one would think, to the most enthusiastic of mechanical eccentrics," Engineering magazine stated in 1901. In 1879, Giuseppe Munigotti of Italy patented the first gas-burning internal combustion four-stroke engine for the new motorcycles, although his invention existed only on paper. Nicolaus Otto and Eugen Langen were developing four-stroke stationary engines, which ran on coal gas supplied from mains. Gottlieb Daimler took the invention further by developing an engine that ran on benzine. Davidson's older brothers, both toolmakers, assisted, as did Ole Evinrude, who later became famous as a designer and producer of outboard motor boat engines. The engine also contains a cylinder barrel, typically made of cast iron or light alloy. The engine is mounted in the painted frame, and various other components are fitted as the motorcycle is sent down the assembly line.

Motorcycles must be leaned in order to turn. Motorcycles from a number of manufacturer snow have electric windshields, which raise and lower the windshield with the push of a button to the optimum height for conditions. Motorcycles are also exempt from toll bridge charges at some crossings, such as the Severn Bridge and Dartford Crossing. Motorcycles have a far higher rate of crippling and fatal accidents per unit distance than automobiles.

About the Author

Peter Stevenson is a successful Webmaster and publisher of www.ExpertsOnMotorcycles.com. He provides more information about Motorcycles and motorcycle issues that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Honda: Tops in Fuel Economy

Honda: The Car That Gives You Optimum Fuel Efficiency

Current info about "hybrid car" is not always the easiest thing to locate. Fortunately, this report includes the latest "hybrid car" info available.

Hybrid cars are considered to be the car of the future. Because of the rising cost of fuel prices, hybrid cars are indeed suitable in today's fuel economy. With hybrid cars, you will be able to cut fuel consumption by half. This means that you can effectively go 60 miles or more in only one gallon of gasoline.

Hybrid cars can give everyone great benefits. You may not know it but hybrid cars can also benefit those people who don't have cars. It can do this by emitting far lower toxic fumes than conventional cars. This will mean that it is environmentally friendly and also makes air healthier and more breathable.

Hybrid car owners also enjoy benefits that the United States government imposed. For example, because it is fuel efficient and emits few volumes of pollutants, the government imposed tax breaks for owners and buyers of hybrid cars. They will also enjoy free parking space and other kinds of benefits if you use a hybrid car.

You have to consider that it is important that people today should conserve fuel, especially when the fuel reserves in the world is only limited. Because of this, the hybrid car is the best answer for conserving fuel and making the fuel reserves all over the world last.

Even if the price of fuel is on a constant rise, hybrid car owners virtually don't feel it.

Today, many car manufacturers are on a campaign to promote hybrid cars as an alternative to save fuel. One of these manufacturers is Honda.

I trust that what you've read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.

In fact, Honda now has a line of hybrid cars available in the market today. The company is now one of the leading companies to produce a fuel efficient hybrid car.

Honda is a well-known name in the car industry. Even before, they produced quality cars with fuel efficient internal combustion engines. Now, Honda is taking it one step further by integrating the hybrid technology in their cars.

One car that Honda developed with hybrid technology is their Honda Civic Hybrid. Although the Civic has been around for quite a while now, this new edition of Civic made by Honda has the hybrid technology integrated. The Honda Civic is already known to be fuel efficient. Now, with the hybrid technology installed, it can allow you to enjoy far greater gas mileage.

The Honda Civic Hybrid is tagged with the Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle rating. This means that it is definitely an environmentally friendly car that everyone can benefit from. The integrated battery pack in the car is designed to take you to the distance. With an 8 year/80,000 mile warranty, you will truly enjoy the Civic Hybrid for years to come.

Another hybrid car that Honda developed is the Honda Accord Hybrid. This four-door sedan is a high end luxury vehicle that will enable you to save a lot of money on fuel consumption. The Honda Accord Hybrid has a 253 horsepower V6 engine to let you satisfy your need for speed. Also, it has an advanced electric motor and battery installed for you to be able to save money on fuel consumption.

Honda is one of the leading manufacturers of hybrid cars. If you want a quality hybrid car, think of Honda as the hybrid car manufacturer of your choice.

There's no doubt that the topic of "hybrid car" can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about "hybrid car", you may find what you're looking for in the next article.

About the Author

The author, Floyd Dorrance is a professional researcher of a variety of articles as well as a car bufff from his teen years. Want an exotic car but feel you can't afford one? How does the price range of $10,000 to $29,000 strike you? Check it out. http://tinyurl.com/3xsean<;b />

What would a completely FR*EE turnkey business do for your financial siuation? http://my-info-hut.info

History Of Honda

Honda is the largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines in the world, with more than 14 million engines built each year; Honda has established a name for itself in the automobile industry. Known for its immensely popular bikes, the Honda CBR is one of the most popular sports bikes in history. However Honda has not just restricted its market to bikes alone, today Honda has an impressive collection of cars, SUVs and trucks to its name, and the Honda Accord is perhaps one of the most popular cars in its class today. This article will discuss the various models of Honda cars and SUVs and their history.

Honda Cars

The first car that established Honda in America and the UK was the Civic, the 1974 Civic was an ideal blend of power and looks, and was an instant success with American and British car owners. The problem with the Civic was that although it was fuel efficient and had looks, it was still not big enough for the average American and British car owner. However, what clinched the deal for the Civic was that they actually modified their engine to meet US emission laws, whereas other cars now required a catalytic converter the Honda Civics' engine was already compliant with American and European emission laws.

By 1976, Honda launched the Accord that was bigger than the Civic and sported a powerful engine, and compared to other mid-sized cars it was far more fuel efficient. Just like the Civic the Honda was an instant success and Honda became the first ever Japanese automobile company to establish a manufacturing plant in the US in the year was 1982. Today nearly 30 years later the Civic and the Accord are one of the most popular cars from the stables of Honda. In addition to the Civic and Accord, Honda also has its own luxury segment cars, and one of the most popular luxury cars is the Honda Acura.

Apart from manufacturing quality cars, Honda has made a name for itself in the market by coming up with innovations like improved VTECH engines, and the first car with 4 wheel drive was also from Honda (the Honda Prelude). Today Honda has a firm hold on the American and UK market, and more and more people are buying Honda cars for their fuel efficiency and environmental friendly emissions.

Honda SUVs

The first ever SUV launched by Honda was the Isuzu built Passport, the Honda passport was not immediately successful but with the introduction of other SUVs like the Acura and CR-V, Honda has now made its presence felt in the SUV market. The biggest advantage that Honda SUVs has over other SUVs is their engine, Honda engines are known for being powerful yet fuel efficient at the same time.

Today Honda has a definite presence in the automobile industry and more and more automobile owners have started buying Honda Cars and SUVs. If you are looking for a car that is powerful yet at the same time fuel efficient, then a look at a catalogue of Honda products is a must.

About the Author

Dan Mercurio is President of http://www.elite-searchenginemarketing.com. We represent Dover Honda in Dover, NH. See our full line of Hondas at http://www.doverhonda.com.

The Amazing World of Harvey Vickery's Yellow Honda S2000

The Amazing World of Harvey Vickery's Yellow Honda S2000 by Harvey Vickery

Riding in my yellow Honda S2000 with my convertible top down is a breath of fresh air. People wave and look admiringly at this Honda sports car remembering back to the time of their youth. Is this a Day in the Life? Is this the Life in the Day? Many ways of looking at the same situation...that is called L-I-F-E at its Best! The rev of the Vtech engine and the feel of the six speed gear box pushes the yellow moment forward into another journey and a winding path of sheer pleasure waiting for the next wave of a hand or a nod of someone dreaming that it was them with the wind blown hair. Memories are lived once again and everyday life has more meaning to each persons smile!

A little about the Author:

Harvey enjoys life and writes encouraging words for those who need it. Driving a Yellow Honda Convertible sports car is a blast and adds to lifes enjoyment.

Harvey Vickery 9440 Burnt Oak Drive Mobile, Al 36695

About the Author

Harvey Vickery enjoys life in his Honda S2000 convertible. Driving it is a pleasure and is time well spent as a hobby. You can check out one of the many projects that Harvey is working on by going to his latest website at http://2bnbiz.com and be sure to Enjoy Life each day!

Harvey Vickery 9440 Burnt Oak Drive Mobile, Al. 36695 http://2bnbiz.com

Honda Racing F1 Team Disappointing Results at the Belgian Grand Prix

Honda's very own Racing F1 Team had a rather disheartening afternoon at the recent Belgian Grand Prix. Rubens Barrichello was able to finish at rank 13th position while Jenson Button was forced to retire at lap 37 of the race.

The demanding seven-kilometer Spa-Francorchamps circuit has proved to be tough course for the RA107 and because of this the team has decided to adopt a one stop strategy to maximize their chance of obtaining a reasonable result.

At the start of the race both of Honda's Racing F1 Team drivers got away well. Jenson was 12th on the grid and was able to manage to maintain his position through the dangerously tight La Source hairpin on the opening lap. Rubens was also having the same luck only that he was at the 17th place.

The drivers fearlessly battled their way up the order at the opening segment of the race taking advantage of the time when rival cars pit early for their two stop strategies. Among the Honda Racing Team's drivers it was only Jenson who pit at the lap 24 obtaining an 11th position for him. He rejoined the race in the 15th place.

Rubens has stayed two laps longer than his other teammates pitting from 12th place at the end of lap 26. He rejoined the race in the 17th position and then drives the remaining of the race competing with Liuzzi.

Then on lap 37 it happened, Jenson slowed two-thirds of the way around the lap lucky for him he made it back to the pits but to his dismay his car has a hydraulic failure which means he has to leave the race. There were no other reported failures on the car's other components such as its Honda thermostat, etc. Fortunately for the Honda Team, Rubens was able to cross the line in 13th position. But still the overall result was quite disappointing for the team.

This week the team will head to Jerez where they will test some aerodynamic updates on the RA107 in preparation for the Japanese Grand Prix scheduled in September 20, 2007.

Here are the comments of the disappointed drivers of Honda Racing F1 Team, Rubens and Jenson on the recent Belgian Grand Prix:

RUBENS BARRICHELLO "This has been a pretty frustrating weekend for us because we have been struggling with the car from start to finish. Today, carrying that amount of fuel for a one-stop strategy, the rears were locking badly and I was fighting the car the whole race. Now we have to look forward to Tuesday, the start of our test in Jerez, where we will test the car in a different configuration - hopefully a better one so we can make some progress in the remaining three races."

JENSON BUTTON "It's always disappointing to retire from a race but it was six laps less pain as the car was so difficult to drive. We expected a tough race this weekend, having tested the revised circuit back in July, so it was no surprise that the car has not been working well here. It was a tough race and the car was changing from huge oversteer to understeer throughout the lap. Then the clutch started slipping, the power steering failed and it was clear we had experienced a hydraulic failure. Disappointing, but we head to Jerez next week with new developments for our home race in Japan and let's hope for better things in Fuji."

About the Author

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

The Honda Accord: a Bolder Style for 2008

Hungry for the top spot, Honda Accord comes decked as a more striking stylish car for 2008. It has come a long way from being 2,020-pound, 162.8-inch-long compact hatchback energized by a 68 horsepower 1.6 L engine when it was born in 1976.

Now the Honda Accord has stepped forward into the large car segment -- turning into a more spacious vehicle with 120 cubic feet interior volume. After selling 725,000 units after its debut, the Honda Accord now joins older rival models, Ford Crown Victoria and Buick Lucerne in the segment.

Honda has given Accord a variety of engine options. It has been far beyond holding into their slogan which once was "We make it simple." These days, it unfolds a more stunning design, catching all eyes in the industry.

More than being contained with premium {a href=" http://www.discounthonparts.com/honda-oxygen-sensor/"title="Honda oxygen sensor"}Honda oxygen sensor, 2008 Accord is armed with a 2.4 L, four-cylinder, 180 horsepower producing engine.

Furthermore, Honda turned the Accord into slick vehicle innovated with variable cylinder management technology. Such technology allows the engine to save fuel through running on three, four or six cylinders, which depends upon varying conditions. This has been a great change of the earlier version of VCM that only shifted between three and six cylinders. The said technology shall not be provided for the sporty V6 two-door coupe model with six-speed manual transmission. But, the big thing remains; the latest design will admit cylinder deactivation in a wider range of driving state. Such boost better gas mileage.

The better look is part of putting in the European pedestrian standards. Such standard is for reducing the impact of road collision to human bodies. It is now a requirement in the community for their goal to minimize pedestrian fatalities. They have raised the hoods to provide extra space above the engine, which basically serves as cushion to a victim's head. It protects the head from hitting the engine.

To stuff-in a concept that will make the new model sleek and racy, Honda stylists opted to enhance the front with blunt grille. That is as Chief engineer Chitoshi Yokota put up their goal to elicit strength and power on the Accord's looks, providing the feeling of safety and security among customers.

The interior attained a more impressive style. It has exclusive use of hard plastics, that, in addition to softer materials in the interior that has been provided.

The 2008 Accord comes available with four- and six-cylinder variety with manual and automatic transmissions that are seemingly quiet and generates efficient power. As a source say, five-speed automatic transmissions are made available for all engine choices. Five-speed manual is set for four-cylinder engine. V6 sedans will not have manual transmission. And, only six-speed manual transmission shall be available for the coupe's top-of-the-line EX-L trim level.

All that being said, Accord is now no longer out shadowed by its rivals, Altima and Camry, in terms of style.

Not until the end of September that we would be able to see the sedan in the market and the coupe by October. Expected price for sedan stands at $25,000 to $38,000 and $27,000 to $39,000 for the coupe.

About the Author

Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

Honda Reveals New Concepts at IAA Frankfurt and More

Honda Motor Europe Ltd., the Japanese automaker's European arm has recently stirred the crowd at the 2007 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany with the display of Accord Tourer Concept. According to a Honda official press release, the premiere of the Accord Tourer Concept at IAA Frankfurt showcase the design characteristics of the all new Accord Tourer production model that is scheduled to hit the European market starting in 2008.

The Honda Accord Tourer Concept presented at IAA Frankfurt features a wider, lower, and sportier look compared to other Honda Accord models. The aggressive and sporty exterior styling of the Honda Accord Tourer Concept is complemented by the car's comfortable and functional interior with spacious cabin. This offers a "strong degree of versatility and practicality," according to the Japanese automaker.

At the heart of this new Honda concept comes a 2.0 or a 2.4-litre two i-VTEC petrol engine. Honda is also planning to include the newly developed 2.2-litre i-DTEC next-generation diesel engine in the powertrain lineup. All engines comply with the EURO 5 emissions standards. Other details of the Honda Accord Tourer Concept will be revealed at the upcoming 2008 Geneva Motor Show when the Japanese automaker unveils the production model for this concept. Probably standard Honda parts like Honda cornering light will be included in the production model.

Meanwhile, Honda Motor Europe Ltd. is also poised to present other production and concept models, as well as new powertrain systems at the IAA Frankfurt. First off is Small Hybrid Sports Concept that was developed at Honda R&D in Offenbach, Germany. This environmental friendly concept model features the advancement of hybrid technology combined with the aggressive driving characteristics of a sports car model. European car fans should expect this new concept to have these features like IMA petrol/electric hybrid powertrain system, two-door sports coupe design, short front and rear overhangs, accentuated arrow-like nose, one-piece glass roof, additional vertical window, good power to weight ratio, and 2,350 mm.

Also on the Honda stand is the Civic Hybrid 24H Race. This model will be on the "Sports" section at IAA Frankfurt and will join the Honda RA107 F1 race car. The Honda "Sports" stand will also feature the other high performance Honda vehicle models and will showcase the company's heritage in motor sports. Other models include the 1967 RA300 race car, and the production models of the Honda Civic Type R and Honda S2000. In addition, Honda will also present the Repsol Honda RC212V 800 cc motorcycle that currently competes in MotoGP.

About the Author

Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

10th Anniversary Edition of the Honda City ZX Offered with Added Features

In line with the ten-year anniversary of the Honda Cars in India, Honda Siel Cars India or HSCI, the leading manufacturer of premium cars in India has launched the 10th Anniversary Edition of the Honda City ZX with the addition of several features.

Here are the details of the new features added in each variants of the 10th Anniversary Edition of the City ZX:

* EXi Onwards - an MP3 CD AM/FM Stereo with 4 speakers were added together with new key design, new design steering, accessory socket, central door lock switch, thicker chrome rings, and white rear lens

* GXi Onwards - front fog lamps, side step garnish, 2 keyless entry remote transmitters, new design combi meter, and new 1-Din MP3 CD AM/FM Stereo with 4 speakers

* VTEC Onwards - superior 2-Din MP3 CD AM/FM Stereo with 4 speakers, premium dark woody panel, truck spoiler as standard dealer fitment. Leather upholstery, ABS or anti-lock braking system, Dual SRS airbags for both driver and front passenger

* VTEC are also offered without the leather upholstery, ABS & SRS Airbags

The City ZX V-TEC with quality Honda water pump is now offered with an extra host of safety and luxury features that include a G-Con body, ABS, SRS Airbags, and plush leather interiors. Likewise, the HSCI has also made several feature additions to City ZX which already an excellent vehicle on its own with combined excellent styling, interior comfort, fuel-efficiency, great performance, and lavish leather interiors.

Aside from the additional features to be equipped on every City there are also two new colors offered.

HSCI has been manufacturing vehicles in India for over a decade already and it has successful established itself as a premium brand in the automobile sector bringing in the latest global models from the Honda stable. The currently available Honda cars in India include the City, Civic, Accord, and CR-V which are all doing extremely well in their respective segments.

All of the Honda cars are E-10 ready or with 10 percent ethanol blended with gasoline. This is anticipation of the guidelines to be set by the Government of India in the near future.

Mr. Masahiro Takedagawa, President and CEO, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. was the speaker on the occasion and said, "We have had a highly successful 10 years in India. Buoyed by the customer response, we are now preparing for the second phase of our growth and will be expanding our production and dealer capacities. As we augment our product portfolio, we will extend our presence into second tier towns and cities.However, as we grow our business, we are committed to aligning our business objectives to the basic humanitarian values that Honda stands for. As a corporate, our future strategy is to focus on three basic principles - Safety, Environment and Energy Conservation."

About the Author

Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

Honda Odyssey: Redesigned for 2008

American Honda Motor Co. Inc. now releases the details, features, and some technical specs of the redesigned Honda Odyssey minivan for the 2008 model year. The vehicle now comes with a new exterior styling and powertrain components that offer excellent fuel economy.

"The Odyssey is the king of the Honda lineup when it comes to moving the maximum number of people in maximum comfort. For 2008, the Odyssey strengthens its styling and functional advantages while adding even more premium features." said Dick Colliver, Executive Vice President of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

The redesigned 2008 Honda Odyssey minivan comes in four available model trim levels: Odyssey LX, Odyssey EX, Odyssey EX-L, and Odyssey Touring. Honda offers two powertrain units for these models.

The 2008 Odyssey LX and Odyssey EX will be equipped with a 3.5-liter all-aluminum SOHC VTEC engine under their hood, capable of pumping out 244 horsepower at 5750 rpm and pulls out 240 lb-ft. amount of peak torque at 5000 rpm. Meanwhile, the Odyssey EX-L and Odyssey Touring models will feature the top of the line 3.5-liter all-aluminum SOHC i-VTEC V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) to provide additional fuel economy. This power unit delivers 241 horsepower at 5700 rpm and prduces 242 lb-ft. amount of torque at 4900 rpm. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated the 3.5-liter engine to have a fuel economy of 16/23 mpg city/highway, while the 3.5-liter V6 engine has a fuel economy of 17/25 mpg2 city / highway.

The 2008 Honda Odyssey's exterior styling focuses on a bolder and aggressive stance, according to the Japanese automaker. Changes on the exterior include a six-sided grille design and front bumper fascia with crisp lines, and Honda corner lens. Wheel and tire combinations for the 2008 Honda Odysseys include 16-inch wheels with all-season 235/65R16 tires for standard for LX, EX and EX-L, and 17-inch alloy wheels and all-season 235/60R17 tires for the Odyssey Touring. In addition, customers can also get the Michelin PAX System run-flat technology wheels and tires measuring 460 mm and 235-710R 460 A, respectively.

On the inside, the 2008 Honda Odyssey comes with a host of functional and comfortable interior, with other information and entertainment in-car systems.

Interior highlights for the model trim levels of the 2008 Honda Odyssey include new colors and textures for the instrument panel, 2nd Row PlusOne Seat, standard MP3/Windows Media Audio (WMA) compatibility, standard auxiliary input jack, One-Motion 60/40 Split 3rd-Row Magic Seat, 3rd-Row Magic Seat, available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and an 8-inch screen, Zagat Survey restaurant guide information, and Honda DVD Entertainment System with a 9-inch screen, rearview camera. Other available interior features include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink (available on Odyssey EX-L and Touring), 4-way power passenger seat, and memory-linked side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down, dual-zone air conditioning, tilt and telescope steering wheel, power windows and door locks, keyless entry and cruise control.

Safety is one of the most significant factors considered by Honda as stated in the company's "Safety for Everyone" program. For the 2008 Honda Odyssey, Honda equipped the vehicle with numerous active and passive safety components. These include new active front seat head restraints, new daytime running lights, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), standard anti-lock brakes with brake assist, advanced dual-stage dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's SRS airbags, front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Protection Detection System (OPDS), and three-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, and three Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat attachment systems. In addition, the 2008 Odyssey is made of Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. With these safety systems, the 2008 Honda Odyssey earned the highest five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

American Honda did not release the availability and manufacturer's suggested retail price of the 2008 Honda Odyssey.

About the Author

Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

Honda Partnership Takes Northwest Tool & Die Co. to 39th Year

There must be some connection between a company's name and its fate. Just take for instance the Northwest Tool & Die Co. which could have been a casualty of Michigan's troubled auto industry if not for Honda Motors.

The story goes this way; it was two years ago when the small tooling shop located just outside of Grand Rapids was getting ready to close down due to the large debt that has accumulated to almost $6.5 million and losing $11 million more money in when its largest customer, the Tower Automotive Inc. had filed its won Chapter 11 case.

Luckily for Northwest Tool it was able to seek out a contract with Honda Motor Co. which eventually saved the tooling shop from closing down and helped it to reach its 39th year. Despite the Northwest Tool's bankruptcy filing, Honda has continued to give the tooling company work.

This continued business from Honda (the maker of Honda fuel tank cap) has enabled the Northwest Tool to finally double its staff to 83 workers and now is expected to reach $16 million this year. Anthony Chopp CEO of Northwest Tool & Die said that they have the biggest influx of new customers on the time that they were on the verge of bankruptcy. But now with all the things happening to their company, CEO Chopp said that they are still very fortunate.

Northwest Tool has been struggling to compete with other tooling companies overseas and 36 percent of Michigan's tool and die shops have already closed down since there are not much business to compete on that, according to the Center for Automotive Research.

Jay Baron President of CAR also said that even the global market is not enough to provide all the tooling shops available. They are only enough to fill half of the automotive tooling capacity. He also added, "There's no argument that our industry here makes great tools want great tools at lower costs. They want local quality at foreign prices. There's the rub." It really helps when an automaker invest on a local tooling shop.

A few years back, Honda Motors has already chosen four North American companies that produces dies and molds for auto parts. These shops handle about 16 percent of Honda's tooling and the automaker is thinking of adding four more to its program by the next two years.

Actually dealing with local tooling companies cost more for Honda as compared to just importing tools from other countries that is according to Tim Meyers, Senior Manager in Honda' North American purchasing division. Luckily for tool companies like Northwest Tool, Honda has this philosophy of buying parts where it produces vehicles so it doesn't have to worry about shipping the tools from overseas or shipping them back in case of defects.

Meyers also added, "We're trying to provide them some business stability so they can go ahead and make the investments to improve their competitiveness."

Likewise, the company is also asking its supplier Challenge Manufacturing to employ Northwest Tool in making dies for its shape parts for the Acura RDX and MDX. And just in case Northwest Tool's didn't make it they have a backup plan that would supply them with their required dyed parts.

About the Author

Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

Honda Racing F1 Team's Welcome Return in Japan

The Honda Racing F1 Team is looking forward to their second home race of the season with the 2007 Japanese Grand Prix at the Fuji International Speedway, Round 15 of the FIA Formula One World Championship. The event will mark the team's welcome return to Japan next week.

The Honda team has always managed to perform well in every Japanese Grand Prix. Button said, "The Japanese Grand Prix is always a very special weekend for the whole Honda Racing F1 Team as it is one of our two home races of the year. I have had fantastic support as a Honda driver at the Honda-owned Suzuka circuit in the past few years and the Japanese fans always create such a special atmosphere over the race weekend."

However, this year would be more challenging as the race moved from its traditional Honda-owned home of Suzuka towards the newly re-opened Fuji International Speedway. Button said, "This year will be a new challenge for both myself and the team as the race returns to the Fuji International Speedway."

While Barrichello said, "I am really looking forward to returning to Japan in my second year with Honda for our home race. The Japanese Grand Prix has always been a favourite of mine and the Suzuka circuit holds some very special memories as I won there from pole position in 2003. My experience last year driving with Honda for the first time was fantastic. The fans are so enthusiastic and really supported us throughout the weekend."

Before moving to Fuji, the Honda Racing F1 Team is planning to stop in Odaiba. They would be attending to the annual Tokyo Motorsports Festival. In the event, Jenson Button and James Rossiter will demonstrate the thrills of Formula One to a crowd of fans through running the RA107 car in the streets of the city. Button said, "On the Monday before the race, I will be taking part in the Tokyo Motorsports Festival once again. This is a fantastic event and I had a great time last year driving our F1 car right in the heart of Tokyo in front of all the Honda fans so I am really looking forward to arriving in Japan this weekend and getting the fun started."

According to Senior Technical Director Shuhei Nakamoto, "This will be the first time that Formula One has visited the new Fuji International Speedway." In relation to that, they opt to give importance with the little time left for them to practice, as he added, "We have limited date on the circuit which makes the practice sessions on Friday and Saturday even more important." While Barrichello said, "This year Formula One is returning to the Fuji International Speedyway for the first time since 1977. I last raced at Fuji in 1991 in Formula 3 but the circuit has been totally modernized since those days. It will be very exciting to race on the new layout and I am sure that the organizers will have done an excellent job with improving the existing circuit."

Nakamoto also said, "The downforce levels required will be very similar to the last race at Spa-Francorchamps so we are prepared for a challenging weekend. Following the three-day test in Jerez this week, we have confirmed our car set-up and earo package for the race. We would like to put on the best possible performance for the Honda fans at our home race in Japan and achieve a satisfactory result," holding on with the belief that their team have enough experience and preparation to get their race car, with sophisticated Honda spoiler, through the redesigned Fuji International Speedway circuit and obtain good results.

"The Fuji circuit is an unknown quantity so I will be studying the circuit layout with our engineers in advance of the race but we will only find out its true characteristics during our track walk on Thursday and the first few laps of practice on Friday. The re-designed circuit is another Herman Tilke special, and after the fantastic job that he did with Istanbul Park, it will be interesting to see how this circuit matches up. There is a long 1.5km start-finish straight which should allow for some overtaking combined with some exciting looking twists and turns," Button said.

Button, together with Barrichello, is expected to give the best performance in the race despite having a quite crucial race this year. He said, "We are the first to admit that Honda have had a tough season this year, however we approach the final races of the season with continued motivation and will not stop pushing to take the maximum possible performance for the thousands of Honda fans who will be cheering us on from the stands." And, Barrichello said, "Our car and performance this year has not been at the level we hoped for at the beginning of the season, however a lot of hard work is still going on back at the factory to improve our situation. We will all keep working very hard right to the end of the season and I hope to see further small improvements in our performance which will help us this season and in 2008."

About the Author

Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

Honda Odyssey Redesigned and Upgraded for 2008

The Honda Odyssey comes freshly upgraded for 2008. Honda placed so much impressive new style and interior features for the model to give it a more distinct and prestigious look as a minivan.

According to Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda, "The Odyssey is the king of the Honda lineup when it comes to moving the maximum number of people in maximum comfort."

"For 2008, the Odyssey strengthens its styling and functional advantages while adding even more premium features," he added.

More than equipped with premium Honda multi rib belt, the 2008 Honda Odyssey is now powered with more fuel-efficient VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) I-VTEC V6 engine. This engine is made capable of deactivating either two or three of the engine's six cylinders upon deceleration or acceleration.

Meanwhile, the interior was also given upgrades, with Honda providing it with notable optional features such as Bluetooth HandsFreeLink (provided available in Odyssey EX-L and Touring), 4-way power passenger seat (standard in Odyssey EX-L and Touring), rearview camera display in the rearview mirror (standard in Odyssey Ex-L) and memory-linked side mirrors with reverse gear tilt down (standard in Odyssey Touring). For wider selection, new colors and trims were also made available.

The 2008 Odyssey has been also provided with interior refinements coming from the Honda 3rd-Row Magic Seat that allows three passengers. No worries about the space though, for the new Odyssey still provides enough at 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space, which is highly desired by customers with families. The 3rd row seat can also be folded completely flat into the floor, providing 91.1 cubic feet of cargo volume without sacrificing the comfort of five passengers. The 2nd row seats can be removed, expanding the cargo volume up to 147.4 cubic feet. That makes a total interior volume of 209.8 cubic feet for both passenger and cargo volume.

Moreover, Honda made safety more significant and has been considered top priority as the federal government considered ranking the Odyssey the highest five-star crash safety rating for both frontal and side impacts. Honda, holding on with a goal that shall provide "Safety for Everyone", equipped all Odyssey models with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) or electronic stability control; standard anti-lock brakes with brake assist; advanced dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's SRS airbags; front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Protection Detection System (OPDS); three-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle. For frontal collision occupant protection, Honda stuffed the Odyssey with Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. Among new features for the 2008 Odyssey were the active front seat head restraints and daytime running lights.

Capturing the family-sized customers, the 2008 Odyssey comes with three Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat attachment systems, of which two are in the outboard second-row seating positions and one in the middle third-row seating position.

Among the standard comfort and convenience features were dual-zone air conditioning (tri-zone automatic climate control on Odyssey EX, EX-L and Touring), tilt and telescope steering wheel, power windows and door locks, keyless entry and cruise control.

As with the optional features, these things were included: Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition, an 8-inch screen, and Zagat Survey guide information, and a Honda DVD Entertainment System with a 9-inch screen. A rearview camera is also present to aid rear visibility on the Odyssey EX-L, which is also equipped with the available navigation system. While the Odyssey EX-L models without the available navigation system provide a rearview camera display thanks to a 2.5-inch monitor embedded in the rearview mirror.

On the technical side, the Odyssey is held available in two engine variations. First, a 3.5 L, all-aluminum SOHC VTEC engine is provided on the Odyssey LX and EX, producing 244 hp at 5750 rpm and 240 lb-ft. of torque at 5000 rpm, respectively. This allows both models to achieve an EPA rated city/highway fuel economy of 16/23 mpg. Second, a 3.5 L, all-aluminum, SOHC I-VTEC V-6 engine with VCM exist on the Odyssey EX-L and Touring models, producing 241 hp at 5700 rpm and 242 lb-ft. of torque at 4900 rpm, to enhance fuel efficiency.

The new Odyssey promises to deliver comfortable and refined ride performance coming from an independent front and rear suspension and a rigid unit body structure. The chassis was additional sustained with power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes and variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. The Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L models were equipped with 16-inch wheels (alloy on EX and EX-L) together with all-season 235/65R16 tires. While, the Odyssey Touring models are found with 17-inch alloy wheels and all-season 245/60R17 tires (standard); Michelin PAX System run-flat technology wheels and tired were made available (460 mm wheels and 235-710R 460A tires).

All premium features provided, the 2008 Honda Odyssey is then much pleasing and impressive as compared to its predecessors, especially when it regards to style, comfort and safety.

About the Author

Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.