The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Honda

  • Honda to recall 69,000 SUV

    Honda Motor Co Ltd will recall 69,090 UR-V sport utility vehicles in China, market regulators has said.

    The recall was due to a cold-climate engine problem.

    The UR-V is produced and sold in China, the world’s biggest auto market, by Honda’s joint venture with the Dongfeng Motor Group.

    As many as 18,907 vehicle recalls are linked to problems caused by an unusual amount of uncombusted petrol collecting in the engine’s lubricant oil pan, the Defective Product Administration Center of State Administration of Market Regulation said.

    The issue in some cases caused a strong odour of gasoline inside the car and in other cases, the car’s check-engine light came on, Honda said.

    The company said the problem does not affect the engine’s performance and there have been no reports of accidents.

    Honda recalled 96,900 SUV Avancier vehicles last Monday. The same issue also prompted the recall of 130,000 of its popular CR-V SUV models and 294,500 Civic cars from China this year.

  • Honda unveils 2019 City

    The new Honda City comes with low-gravity, wide stance and trend-setting styling with outstanding spaces. It has been upgraded to be a “four-door sedan with the best value” to catch consumers’ attention and open new horizons for the urban sedan.

    Considering the Honda philosophy of “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum,” the 2019 City retains the agility of the 1.5L even as the Up-Class concept was adopted to create a super-sized interior approaching that of medium sedans.

    The new arrival builds on its predecessor’s exceptional safety, excellent dynamics, high fuel efficiency, cool design, comfortable spaces, advanced technology and practical equipment.

    The City boasts of a restyled front fascia with the new Honeycomb Grille, giving it a bold and aggressive look. The external styling embraces a new design philosophy of “Low centre of gravity, wide stance” for a sportier and more innovative look. Sleek lines on both sides of the body lend a unique look to the City.

    In addition to the front exterior changes, the rear bumper now redesigned to give a premium feel. The rear taillights enhance the car’s visibility and stance, making its contour distinct from the crowd.

    Other exterior features include Chrome Front Grille, Halogen Headlights, Power Door Mirrors and Shark Fin Antenna.

    The City delivers cleverly generated interior space that exceeds its class by further evolving Honda’s “man maximum machine minimum” concept, which aims at maximising the space available for people and minimising the space required for mechanical components. While maintaining compact dimensions and realising longer wheelbase, efficient use of space have been made for both driver and occupants to create a spacious interior cabin with widest front seat space and rear seat space beyond its class.

    The artistry in the 2019 City creates thoughtful interiors, with a new interior colour of black; it contains a grand cabin space, extensive legroom, rear a/c ducts and an ergonomically designed cockpit that will delight all users.

    The car measures 4455 mm in length (20mm more than the outgoing model), 1695 mm in width (same as outgoing model), 1485 mm in height (10 mm more than the outgoing model) and 2600 mm as the wheelbase (extended by an additional 50 mm over outgoing model).

    It is powered by an improved 1.5L 4 Cylinder SOHC i-VTEC Petrol engine designed to offer the best balance of engine performance and fuel economy. It is designed to deliver outstanding fuel economy at a maximum power of 118 hp @ 6600 rpm followed by a maximum torque of 145 N-m @ 4600 rpm. The engine is supported with the new generation Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) with a fuel consumption of 20KM per litre.

     

  • Ford, Honda recall 1.5 million vehicles

    Two automakers are adding more than one million vehicles to the growing Takata air bag inflator recall.

    Honda Motor Corporation is recalling 772,000 additional Honda and Acura vehicles in the United States (US) for defective front passenger seat air bag inflators made by Japanese supplier Takata Corporation. Ford is recalling more than 816,000 vehicles in North America.

    Honda’s vehicles, announced in a recall last week, are part of an expanded recall of 1.29 million vehicles, including some recalled earlier. No recalls related to the U.S. one are being announced in other regions yet, Tokyo-based Honda said.

    Takata is at the centre of a massive recall of inflators that can explode in a crash, injuring people by sending metal shrapnel into the passenger compartments.

    Among the models recalled are the 2005-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2006-2011 Honda Civic, 2007-2012 Honda Fit and 2010-2012 Honda Insight.

    The recall also covers the 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2010-2012 Honda Crosstour, 2005-2011 Honda CR-V, 2005-2011 Honda Element, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity, 2005-2012 Honda Pilot and 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline.

    Ford’s latest call back covers the 2005-2009 and 2012 Mustang and the 2006-2009 and 2012 Ford Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr and Lincoln MKZ. Also included are the 2007-2009 Ford Ranger and Edge, the 2007-2009 Lincoln MKX, the 2006-2009 Mercury Milan and the 2005 and 2006 Ford GT.

    Ford said it’s not aware of any injuries involving this batch of vehicles.

    Takata uses the chemical ammonium nitrate to cause a small explosion designed to inflate the air bags in a crash. As many as 16 people have been killed worldwide and about 180 have been injured.

    More than 100 million vehicles involving 17 automakers have been recalled worldwide, including 69 million in the U.S. alone, underscoring the scale of the crisis. Because of the scope of the recalls, the replacements are going to take years.

  • Ford, Honda recall 1.5 million vehicles

    Ford, Honda recall 1.5 million vehicles

    Two automakers are adding more than one million vehicles to the growing Takata air bag inflator recall.
    Honda Motor Corporation is recalling 772,000 additional Honda and Acura vehicles in the United States (US) for defective front passenger seat air bag inflators made by Japanese supplier Takata Corporation. Ford is recalling more than 816,000 vehicles in North America.
    Honda’s vehicles, announced in a recall last week, are part of an expanded recall of 1.29 million vehicles, including some recalled earlier. No recalls related to the U.S. one are being announced in other regions yet, Tokyo-based Honda said.
    Takata is at the centre of a massive recall of inflators that can explode in a crash, injuring people by sending metal shrapnel into the passenger compartments.
    Among the models recalled are the 2005-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2006-2011 Honda Civic, 2007-2012 Honda Fit and 2010-2012 Honda Insight.
    The recall also covers the 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2010-2012 Honda Crosstour, 2005-2011 Honda CR-V, 2005-2011 Honda Element, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity, 2005-2012 Honda Pilot and 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline.
    Ford’s latest call back covers the 2005-2009 and 2012 Mustang and the 2006-2009 and 2012 Ford Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr and Lincoln MKZ. Also included are the 2007-2009 Ford Ranger and Edge, the 2007-2009 Lincoln MKX, the 2006-2009 Mercury Milan and the 2005 and 2006 Ford GT.
    Ford said it’s not aware of any injuries involving this batch of vehicles.
    Takata uses the chemical ammonium nitrate to cause a small explosion designed to inflate the air bags in a crash. As many as 16 people have been killed worldwide and about 180 have been injured.
    More than 100 million vehicles involving 17 automakers have been recalled worldwide, including 69 million in the U.S. alone, underscoring the scale of the crisis. Because of the scope of the recalls, the replacements are going to take years.

  • Honda recalls 640,000 Odyssey

    Honda recalls 640,000 Odyssey

    Honda has announced it is recalling more than 640,000 Odyssey vehicle models due to two separate issues with seat locking.

    According to a statement from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the first issue affects vehicles that are 2011-2016 models manufactured between August 17, 2010 and October 1, 2015.

    Outboard seats in the recalled vehicles reportedly have a release lever problem which could cause the seats to move unexpectedly.

    Honda plans to install a bracket and spring to the outboard seats for free.

    The second issue deals with model year 2016 Odyssey vehicles that were made between September 23 and October 24.

    Affected vehicles have issues with the second row centre seat – an adjuster may get stuck in the unlocked position.

    Honda plans to replace the adjustment bar.

    Both recalls are set to begin on January 23.

  • Honda recalls 784,000 vehicles over faulty Takata air bags

    Honda recalls 784,000 vehicles over faulty Takata air bags

    Honda Motor Corporation said it was recalling around 784,000 vehicles in Japan, part of an expanded recall for potentially deadly Takata Corporation airbags.

    Honda said in Tokyo it was recalling models, including its Odyssey minivan, Fit subcompact model and Civic sedan with production dates ranging between 2003 and 2009 to replace passenger-side air bags.

    Facing ballooning recall costs and lawsuits over its faulty airbags, Takata is seeking financial backers.

    Private equity firm KKR & Co. and Chinese auto supplier Ningbo Joyson Electronic Corporation have expressed interest in investing.

    Automakers are ramping up recalls after the auto parts maker, under pressure from the United States (US) government, agreed last month to declare more of its airbags as defective in the U.S.

    Takata’s airbag inflators can explode with excessive force in hot, humid conditions, and have been linked to more than 100 injuries and 13 deaths, mainly in the U.S.

    More than 100 million vehicles have been recalled worldwide over faulty Takata airbags.

    Honda’s recall is part of a push by Japanese authorities to make sure that Takata air bags without a drying agent are off the road by March 2019.

    Separately, Nissan Motor Co recalled some 230,000 Note mini multi-purpose vehicles in Japan over a potential fault with its engine bracket mount.

  • Honda links two deaths in Malaysia to Takata airbags

    Honda links two deaths in Malaysia to Takata airbags

    Honda Motor Corporation said two fatal crashes in Malaysia involved ruptured airbag inflators made by Takata Corp., bringing the global number of deaths linked to the defective devices to 13 as the U.S. ordered the Japanese supplier to widen the scale of its recalls.

    The two crashes took place on April 16 and May 1 in Malaysia’s Sabah and Kedah states, respectively, and involved ruptured driver-side airbag inflators made by Takata, according to the Honda statement dated May 4.

    Both vehicles were included in recalls announced by Malaysia requiring replacement of the front airbag, the automaker said.

    “Honda Malaysia is working with the local authorities to get the database of current owners of these cars and communicate with them on the recall,” Jordhatt Johan, a spokesman for Honda Malaysia, said.

    While the official cause of death hasn’t been determined in the latest two cases, the crashes add to the first known death in Malaysia in 2014 linked to Takata-made airbags. In the first case, an eight-and-a-half-months pregnant driver died after a collision set off the airbag, which ruptured and fired a one-inch-wide shard of metal into her neck.

    A researcher hired by a coalition of automakers said in February that moisture seeping into Takata’s inflators was determined to be the reason that the airbags may rupture.

    U.S. regulators last Wednesday ordered the company to replace as many as 40 million additional airbags in the U.S., more than double what has already been announced.

  • Honda Cars, India reports profit after six years

    Honda Cars, India reports profit after six years

    The last time Honda booked a profit was in 2007-08, when it recorded a net profit, according to the company’s filings with the Registrar of Companies.

    After being in loss for six years in a row, Honda cars India booked a profit in 2014-15, mainly on the back of a 61 per cent jump in revenues.

    In 2013-14, Honda had recorded a net loss.

    The growth for the Japanese car-maker came from improved sales with the company’s second manufacturing plant going on stream during the year as well as its foray in to the diesel segment in India. Honda cars booked a growth of 40.7 per cent in its volume of domestic sale of passenger vehicles, taking its market share to 7.26 per cent in 2014-15 from 5.36 per cent in the previous year. In the same period, the overall passenger vehicle industry saw a modest growth of 3.9 per cent over the previous year.

    The company enjoyed a market share of over four per cent in the passenger vehicle market in India at the end of the year 2007-08. However, with the higher demand arising in the following years for diesel cars, Honda’s market share fell sharply to around two per cent at the end of 2011-12.

    The year also witnessed Honda’s entry into the multi-purpose vehicle segment in India with the launch of its mid-size stylish seven-seater Honda Mobilio. The Honda City which was launched in January 2014 also received good demand with over 1,00,000 sales in the 15 months by the end of March 2015.

    “India emerged as the fourth largest market for Honda globally during 2014-15 and holds great potential for future growth as well,” the company’s directors report said.

    In 2014-15, Honda has further expanded its presence in the market with its re-launch of premium hatchback Jazz in July this year. The year is also expected to have the launches of the B-RV, a compact SUV based on an extended Brio platform as well as the new generation Civic and Accord.

  • Unveiling redesigned Honda Pilot

    Unveiling redesigned Honda Pilot

    Despite being more spacious and functional than most of its competitors, the Pilot is actually smaller and lighter than other crossovers. This relatively low weight combines with a stiffer structure to make the 2016 Honda Pilot impressive, controlled and less cumbersome, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    The redesigned 2016 Honda Pilot has a new styling that more closely matches the smaller CR-V.

    Big and blocky on the outside but underneath just a roomy, family-friendly crossover, the previous-generation Honda Pilot, perhaps, tried a little too hard to look like something it wasn’t. This time around, the fully redesigned 2016 Honda Pilot has a more traditional crossover appearance. It’s probably a more honest approach, and it’s backed up by new improvements that have made this third-generation Pilot a better choice for a three-row large crossover than ever before.

    Honda focused much of its attention to the Pilot’s interior, which is more modern, more refined and easier to see out of. The Pilot was always roomy and versatile, but extra leg and headroom in the third row, in particular, makes it friendlier for passengers of all sizes. There are also more bins and cup-holders for personal items. Up front, a new eight-inch touchscreen interface brings the Pilot up to date in terms of technology features and controls. The screen, standard on all but the base LX, gives the Pilot’s dash a clean look, though it’s not intuitive or responsive to use as some other touchscreen systems.

    The rest of the cabin benefits from improved, softer materials and additional acoustic materials that quell noise. Honda also adds a top-of-the-line Elite model this year that is loaded with such features as a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs and a heated steering wheel. Even if you don’t get the Elite, though, Honda is offering a new collection of safety features (available on all but the base LX) that includes forward collision mitigation and lane departure prevention.

    The ride and handling are also improved thanks to a stiffer structure made with more high-strength steel and a weight reduction of about 250 pounds. The smooth ride is worthy of a luxury car, and although handling still isn’t sporty, it’s controlled and the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system provides impressive traction around corners (not to mention snow, mud or sand). The reduced weight also teams with a pair of new transmissions and 30 extra horsepower to raise fuel economy and provide more willing thrust.

    As a result of the 2016 changes, the Honda Pilot is now one of the best large crossovers. However, there are several strong choices. The Toyota Highlander has been top-rated choice with strengths that closely mirror those of the well-rounded Pilot. If space is major concern, the Chevrolet Traverse can’t be beat. The wagon-like Ford Flex is equal parts stylish and versatile, while the Hyundai Santa Fe stands out for its value. Each are worth a look, and while we will need more time with the new Pilot to declare it a class leader, its well-rounded attributes (not to mention Honda’s reputation for reliability and high resale values) make it seem like a pretty good place to start when searching for a large family SUV.

     

    Body Styles

    The Pilot is a three-row crossover SUV. It is offered in LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and the new Elite trim levels. All seat eight people with the exception of the Elite, which has second-row captain’s chairs that reduce capacity to seven.

    The new Pilot has a new trim level, the Elite. It comes packed with every feature as standard.

    Standard features of the LX model include 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, active noise cancellation, and a 60/40-split folding third-row seat. Electronic features include a seven-speaker sound system, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB port.

    The EX model adds automatic headlights, fog lights, LED running lights, heated mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, the Honda Lane Watch blind-spot camera, three-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power adjustable driver seat (with two-way power lumbar), the eight-inch touchscreen interface, HondaLink smartphone-enabled features and an upgraded seven-speaker sound system with two additional higher powered USB ports, satellite radio and Pandora Internet radio control. Also included is the Intelligent Traction Management system that adds a Snow mode for the front-drive version and Snow/Sand/Mud modes with AWD.

    The EX-L gets a sunroof, a power tailgate, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, one-touch sliding second-row seats, a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, heated front seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

    The top-of-the-line Elite model further adds 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, automatic high-beam headlight control, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross traffic alerts (replaces LaneWatch), automatic windshield wipers, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs (reduces maximum seating to seven people), a heated steering wheel and HD radio.

     

    Powertrains

    Every 2016 Honda Pilot comes with a 3.5-liter V6 good for 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. LX, EX, and EX-L models are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring and Elite get a nine-speed automatic with steering wheel shift paddles and an automatic stop/start system.

    Front-wheel drive is standard. The optional all-wheel-drive system not only sends power front and back, but also between the left and right wheels for improved handling. On EX trims levels and above there are also Snow, Mud and Sand settings that maximize the effectiveness of various vehicle systems in low-traction scenarios.

    Honda says it expects estimated fuel economy ratings to be 22 mpg combined (19 city/27 highway) with front-drive and the six-speed. They are 23 combined (20 city/27 highway) with front-drive and the nine-speed. Opting for all-wheel drive lowers each estimate by 1 mpg.

    When properly equipped, front-drive models can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while AWD models can pull 5,000 pounds.

     

    Safety

    Standard safety features of the 2016 Honda Pilot include antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and a rearview camera. The Honda LaneWatch blind-spot camera is standard on the EX, EX-L and Touring, while the Elite gets a blind-spot warning system with rear cross traffic alerts. The Touring and Elite also come with front and rear parking sensors. Available for EX and EX-L and standard on Touring and Elite is the Honda Sensing package that includes forward collision warning, a forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking, road departure intervention, and lane departure warning and intervention systems.

     

    Interior Design and Special Features

    The 2016 Honda Pilot has the most versatile interior this side of a minivan. There is a multitude of handy bins and twice as many cupholders as seats, while the maximum cargo capacity of 83.9 cubic feet is competitive with most competitors. Importantly, the area behind the third row benefits from a removable floor panel that frees up a useful amount of storage space when all seats are in use.

    A special feature for the Pilot are second-row seats that tilt and slide forward with the push of a button (standard EX-L and above). It’s handy since it reduces the strength and effort needed to move the seat, but the resulting pass through area is still on the small side of the segment. Many competitors still make it easier to climb into the third row, but once back there, those in the Pilot should find more room than most. Two adults of most sizes or three kids will find generous headroom and decent legroom.

    The 2016 Honda Pilot’s second-row seat slides forward for entry to the third-row seat. Access is still a little tight, though.

  • Honda to recall 13,700 units motorbikes

    Honda to recall 13,700 units motorbikes

    The Indian two-wheeler unit of Japanese auto maker, Honda Motor Corporation at the weekend, said it will recall the CBR 150R and 250R motorbikes manufactured between July 2014 and June 2015.

    Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd did not disclose the total number of units that would be recalled, but someone directly involved in the matter, who declined to be named, said the company was recalling about 13,700 units. It is part of a global recall by Honda.

    The recall is a precautionary measure to check and replace the starter relay switch if it is defective.

    “It is suspected, sealant may have been applied incorrectly during assembly of the starter relay switch (which is a globally sourced part). This can increase resistance across main fuse, potentially interrupting the motorcycle’s battery voltage to the electrical system,” the company said in a statement.

    An interruption of the electrical system battery voltage could cause the engine not to start or stall while riding, and in extreme cases, the increased resistance in the main fuse could cause the starter relay to catch fire, the company said.

    It added that no such incident had been reported for vehicles manufactured in India.

    The concerned part will be replaced free of charge in the identified units irrespective of the warranty status of the vehicle across Honda’s India network.