Post-quake Honda says it now has lots of Fits, Insights for dealers

Honda offered a terrific sign this week that it is finally getting back on its feet in the U.S. after the March earthquake and tsunami that drastically slashed production.

It is now telling dealers that they can resume ordering two of the most in-demand models -- the small Honda Fit and the hybrid Insight, Automotive News reports.

The two models, both made in Japan, have been among the most in-demand as gas rose to an average of nearly $4 a gallon. The Fit is the smallest car that Honda sells in the U.S. and comes recommended by Consumer Reports. The Insight is the brand's underrated hybrid, a competitor to Toyota's Prius.

"Honda's manufacturing operations in Japan are returning to nearly normalized levels by the end of summer," said John Mendel, executive vice president of Honda's U.S. sales operation in a memo to Honda dealers. Adding back Fit and Insight "represents a major improvement from the recovery timetable we provided you last month."

Honda stopped orders on the models after the earthquake. Honda didn't incur major damange to its factories in Japan, but it has been badly impacted by the shortage of parts that has hampered other automakers, including those in the U.S.

In fact, Mendel is downright bullish. Noting that other models like the Pilot SUV, Odyssey minivan and CR-V small crossover are coming back to normal production levels, he implored dealers, "it is imperative that you keep your foot on the sales pedal."

It won't be easy: Sales fell 22% in May compared with a year ago, the News notes.

Source;
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/06/post-quake-honda-says-now-lots-of-fits-insights-for-dealers/1

Honda Insight Facelift?

Makes sense to me, they gotta do something....
"Back in December, it was reported that the facelifted Honda Insight will be launched in 2011 (earlier post), while a completely new model is expected to be introduced in February 2013 (earlier post). Mag-X has now published this photo showing the facelifted Insight, which shows also the name "Insight Prestige". "

Source;

http://jp-cardesigncorner.blogspot.com/2011/03/facelifted-honda-insight-coming-in-june.html

Honda improves the specification and settings of its Insight hybrid

This is confirmed for the UK market, I'd imagine we'll get the same treatment here in North America....
Honda announced today that it has improved the specification and settings of its Insight hybrid helped by customer feedback. The changes include a new suspension adjusted to improve ride comfort and NVH levels as well as high-spec interior with leather and Sat nav.

Honda also announced a new, top-of-the-range, EX model, featuring black leather upholstery and DVD Sat Nav and hands-free telephone equipment. According to Honda, the Insight also received a number of chassis changes such as adjustments for the recoil rate of the springs, changes for the rear camber angles as well as V-shape rear suspension brace and adjusting mounts. Honda has added rear parking sensors to ES-model Insights and above, and has changed some trim to smarten the interior. Inside we find new colours for the dashboard and seats. Chrome rings for the air vents and doors have been given a silver garnish feature. There are also two new paint options for Insight customers, with the introduction of Dynamic Blue Pearl and Carnelian Red Pearl. Pricing starts at £16,325 for the SE model, but with Honda’s current Affordable Driving consumer offer, the hybrid is available at £14,995 OTR until the end of September. The most expensive Insight EX starts at £20,215 OTR.

Source;
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/honda-improves-the-specification-and-settings-of-its-insight-hybrid/#more-9375

Honda outlines its green car future

It’s the time of year when most of us take stock of what’s gone before and evaluate our futures - and Japanese car maker Honda is no exception.

Its CEO Takeo Fukui has outlined the steps that Honda is taking in the short-term to tackle the global financial crisis while also addressing the company’s long term green car commitments.

According to Fukui, Honda will concentrate its efforts on the development of fuel efficient cars more than ever. He has outlined hybrid models of both small cars and motorcycles as the key to achieving this goal. Honda believes that hybrid technology is the most realistic path to carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction at this moment and will be focusing its energies on hybrids in an effort to achieve mass market penetration.

In particular, the eagerly anticipated Honda Insight, which will debut at January’s Detroit show, has been strongly emphasised while the company will also consider applying hybrid technology to medium and large-size vehicles.

To support the sale of hybrid models, the company will strengthen its manufacturing system. Production of the hybrid motor for the IMA system has already begun for the first time at the Suzuka Factory and motor capacity will be increased to 250,000 units annually. Honda will also establish a production system and determine the capabilities needed for a further increase in demand for hybrid cars.

In addition, Honda will focus on accelerating product development of small cars to fulfil strong demand from customers, particularly in emerging countries. A new small car will be positioned in the class below the Fit and be introduced in the next two-three years.

Honda will also remain committed to advancing its global production system with a central focus on Japan and in creating fuel-efficient products. According to Fukui, Honda is developing a battery powered electric motorcycle to be introduced to the market in around two years.

Source;
http://www.thegreencarwebsite.co.uk/blog/index.php/2008/12/22/honda-outlines-its-green-car-future/