Honda Cars...Back on Track...Some sweet Stuff on the Horizon

There's no question about Honda being a leader in the Global Automotive Market. Next year is going to be a big one in terms of New designs, advances in technology, and the introduction of advanced and refreshing new styling across the board. While the Earthquake set the company back in terms of production, Honda remains at the forefront of that creative/technological curve. The redesigned Civic has trickled into dealership up to now, but inventories will grow swiftly in the weeks ahead. And availability is power in the car industry.

Of the twelve Models that are available globally, the CR-V with be the first to follow the Civic, with a 'new' look and feel this winter. Next to appear will be a redesigned Accord in the spring.

These three models represent 70% of the U.S. Sales, that's huge!

Here's a tidbit of news, rumor has it that Honda has developed a large-car hybrid power train system. This may be introduced as early as next year. So for those that have wondered when our
larger models will be available with a hybrid option....looks like that may be on the horizon.

Here's a summary of what one may expect to see from Honda in the months/years ahead. Let me know if there's anything you've heard, seen or expect.


Fit

• Hybrid version in Europe only. It's only fair, the Fit aka Jazz in Europe was introduced there five years before here in the States.



• Redesign due in the summer of 2013



• Fit EV: this may be the rumored "battery-electric commuter car". Look for it in 2012

Insight

• Face lift next spring.

Civic

• Minor setback in production due to the earthquake



• Natural Gas version in the fall

CR-Z

• The first Hybrid sports car may benefit for a higher-performance edition
  


• A SEMA edition with 200 hp was developed by the Mugen unit last year

Accord

• Redesigned model in the spring, shorter, narrower track, same wheelbase
  


• Back to one 2.4L engine, maybe



• De-emphasis on the V6, still available



• A four cylinder hybrid Accord? Maybe?
  


• A plug-in hybrid by he end of 2012

Accord Crosstour

• A four cylinder edition!
  

FCX Clarity

Hydrogen powered fuel cell technology in The Clarity is in a beta test in Southern California...

Don't look for a production version of this until 2018

CR-V

• Redesigned for introduction in November



• Available with a 201-hp 2.4L engine



• No V-6



• But maybe a Hybrid

Element

• No Element in sight...but something like it, Fall 2012

Pilot

• Minor face lift in the fall



• Followed by a full redesign in 2013
  

Odyssey

• Redesigned and introduced in 2010

Ridgeline

• Fuel economy enhancement for 2012



• Discontinued in 2013



• Maybe replaced with a compact pickup, derived from the CR-V