Report: Honda to kill Civic Nameplate in Japan

According to media reports, Honda's Civic will cease Japanese sales as soon as the current inventory is gone. This decision is said to be the result of increased demand for minivans and smaller cars, but that doesn't mean the Civic is going anywhere for you and me. Honda will continue to sell the entry-level compact, which is set to be replaced next year, in international markets where demand is still strong.

Honda's Civic has barely been able to stay afloat sales-wise in its domestic market, moving a scant 452 units in October. For now, Civics will continue to be built at Honda's plant in Suzuka, but that could end if the JDM demands more sexy Honda minivans and Kei cars.

At least the JDM Civic is going out with a bang thanks to those 1,500 examples of the Type-R Euro models.

By Phil Alex

Via: Nikkei

2011 Honda Civic Type R Euro Launched in Japan, Limited to 1,500 Units

Honda has introduced a new model year version of its British-built Civic Type R Euro in Japan. The 2011MY batch will be the last of this model series to make its way to Japan as production of the current generation three-door Civic Type R has been terminated in Europe because its 2.0-litre VTEC engine does not meet the Euro V emissions regulations.

The Japanese automaker had imported 1,850 examples of the Civic Type R Euro from Britain in late 2009. This time, Honda will bring a total of 1,500 units of the 2011MY version of its high-revving hot hatch. The only changes over the previous model year are the addition of a new Crystal Black Pearl color, some trim updates such as the different finish of the fuel cap and a new numbered plaque.

In Japan, prices for the 2011MY Civic Type R Euro start from 3,000,000 Yen [including consumption tax] or about US$37,200.

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SPY VIDEO: Is this the New 2012 Honda Civic Sedan?

What is claimed to be the new 2012 Honda Civic Sedan was caught almost naked with very few body parts masked, hot weather testing in the Dubai by Car Magazine Middle East. Having eliminated the possibility that this may be a local version of the Fit/Jazz-based City small sedan, the next step is to see if this is a brand new edition of the Civic saloon or a facelifted model.

And here's where it gets confusing. Although at a first glance it appears that the car seen here is a 2012MY (or 2011MY) facelift with a Honda Insight-esque front and reworked rear end, a closer inspection at the video reveals a slightly different window line (see the rear quarter windows) and unique doors. That said, we're not entirely sure if it's a new model or a heavily redesigned version of the current Civic.

The website also provides a glimpse of the interior which features a newly styled cockpit with an almost old-school-BMW-like driver orientated dashboard design.

Check out the video below and scroll further down to share your thoughts in the comments section.

Source: Car Middle East , Via: WFC

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Paris Show: 2011 Honda Civic gets Minor Updates

Honda presented the 2011 model year version of its UK-built, European-market Civic hatch in Paris this week. The Japanese automaker's Golf rival benefits from some minor updates, mostly limited to the grille, interior fabrics and alloy wheel designs on some models.

More specifically, the Perspex grille is gone on the 5-door hatchback and it has been replaced with the same mesh grille used on the three-door Civics. A new color has also been introduced to the range: Ionized Bronze.

Inside, the base Civic gets seats trimmed in a combination of cloth and alcantara, while the special edition GT gets half leather and Alcantara as standard. The GT model also gets unique 17-inch alloy wheels, further differentiating it from the standard models.

By Tristan Hankins

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10 Most Stolen Cars in the USA: Honda Accord and Civic Top the 2009 List, No Love for the Koreans or Germans

Do you own a car that's likely to be stolen? Maybe, maybe not. Here is the list that the NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau) has compiled concerning the most stolen vehicles in America. Honda's 1994 Accord and 1995 Civic along with Toyota's 1991 Camry occupy the first three places ahead of Ford's 1997 F-150 pickup truck and Dodge's 2004 Ram pickup.

If your car is on the list (scroll down), you should make sure to keep that chunk of metal locked down. As in, put a ring on it and don't let anyone near it.

Most Stolen Vehicles in the US in 2009:

1. 1994 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1991 Toyota Camry
4. 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup
5. 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
6. 2000 Dodge Caravan
7. 1994 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size)
8. 1994 Acura Integra
9. 2002 Ford Explorer
10. 2009 Toyota Corolla

The FBI says car thefts were down 17% in 2009 compared to 2008 (794,616 versus 956,846), which is officially the "largest drop in a six-year decline" and the lowest reported in 21 years. Good news for car owners, and clearly indicative of the fact that car thieves are falling by the wayside (or just not up to snuff on their tech).

Most of the cars listed end to end up in chop shops where the sum of their parts is more valuable than the actual car. More serious thieves (those in syndicates with ties to shipping and international trade) still feel fine stealing newer cars that can be re-VIN'd and distributed overseas, so your Escalade and XJR aren't necessarily safe just yet.

You'll notice the majority of the cars on the list are from the 1990's. It turns out these older cars have become more popular, but many people have yet to figure out why. I'd say it probably comes down to the simple fact that they're easier to steal. Many modern cars have keys that only work with one specific car, while other cars simply can't be started without a chip (found in the key fob) nearby.

Joe Wehrle, NICB president and CEO, says, "Through the end of August this year there were 97,655 vehicles that were listed as stolen and not yet recovered. Of that number, only 38 percent had some kind of insurance coverage. So there are a lot of vehicles out there that are being stolen and the owner is left holding the bag with no car and no money to buy another one." Lesson? If you own a vehicle that's likely to get stolen, insure it accordingly and be safe about it.

Here are some of the NICB's tips on how to make sure your car doesn't get got by some shady individuals:

"Common Sense: Lock your car and take your keys. It's simple enough but many thefts occur because owners make it easy for thieves to steal their cars.

Warning Device: Having and using a visible or audible warning device is another item that can ensure that your car remains where you left it.

Immobilizing Device: Generally speaking, if your vehicle can't be started, it can't be stolen. "Kill" switches, fuel cut-offs and smart keys are among the devices which are extremely effective.

Tracking Device: A tracking device emits a signal to the police or to a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles. Some systems employ "telematics" which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer."

By Phil Alex

Source: NICB

SPIED: 2012 Honda Civic Scooped on Video

Over in Europe, Honda is busy developing a new Civic ahead of its rumored release date either in late 2011 or early 2012. Spy shooters have captured on film a heavily cladded prototype lurking around Honda's offices in Germany.

We're not entirely sure if this here test car is a brand new model or a heavily revised version of the current, European market, five-door Civic, with fresh sheetmetal, but either way, it appears that the glasshouse, if not identical, is very similar to today's model, while the car also sports the same hidden door handles tucked away at the corners of the rear windows.

The five-door model will be followed -at least in Europe- by a sportier looking three-door hatch, hopefully offered in a Type R guise with a newer engine. The reason we used the word "hopefully" is because Honda is being secretive about a possible replacement to the current Civic Type R, which is being discontinued in Europe as its 2.0-liter engine does not meet the more stringent EU5 emissions standards.

However, Honda recently confirmed the development of a new / updated gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain for the Civic as well as a smaller displacement turbo diesel engine that will fit right under the current 2.2-liter i-DTEC unit.

Via: Youtube/AMS

Identity Crisis: A Honda Civic Sedan with Lexus IS Buttocks and Toyota Crown Fascia

To be honest, we are not sure if we should shake our head with a smile or applaud the owner of this latest find. What you see here is a latest generation Honda Civic sedan from Thailand with a Toyota Crown face transplant, and a Lexus IS350 rear end, modded in the so-called VIP style. What a mix... Apparently, Japan's "Junction Produce" tuning shop had something to do with the build. While the styling may not appeal to all, there's little to find fault with the execution. More pictures after the break.

Source: Stancenation / Thanks for the tip Mikhail!

Honda Recalling Close to 400,000 Accord, Civic and Element Models in the States

And yes, we have another recall. This time it's Honda issuing two recalls, one for 384,220 vehicles including the 2003 Accord and Civic Coupe / Sedan, and the 2003 and 2004 Element to fix a potential problem with their ignition interlock systems, and another separate recall for 585 Element models from the 2010 model year for an issue with the automatic transmission.

Starting with the first recall concerning the '03 Civic, '03 Accord and '03-'04 Element models, Honda said that interlock lever of the ignition switch may dysfunction allowing the removal of the key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position.

To fix this problem, dealer's will remove the original interlock pin and lever within the ignition switch, and replace them with new, designed components - free of charge, of course. Honda plans to begin notifying customers in late September, 2010.

For the recall on the 2010MY Element models manufactured from April 1, 2010 through June 25, 2010, the problem lies with the cable that connects the shift lever to the transmission. Honda says because the cable was not set correctly during assembly process, there's a chance the driver may move the gear shift lever but the transmission may not be placed in the selected gear.

" This can cause the key to be stuck in the ignition switch, an inability to shift into or out of park, or an inability to shift into reverse, increasing the risk of a crash," said Honda.

The Japanese carmaker noted it has contacted some owners of the affected models by phone and arranged to, have, or has had, their vehicles repaired free of charge, with all other owners to be notified by mail in the next few days.

Honda to Discontinue Civic Type R in Europe, Killed by Tougher Emission Standards

It's the end of the line for the current generation of the Civic Type R in Europe as Honda today announced its wedgy hot hatch will no longer be sold in many areas of the continent from the end of 2010, due to forthcoming Euro V emissions regulations. Production of the Civic Type R for the European market will cease in October 2010, with sales ending during December.

Honda said the decision to axe the Civic Type R across most of Europe has been taken because the car does not currently meet the Euro 5 emission regulations. "The introduction of Euro 5 means the Type R can only be sold up until the end of 2010 in markets where those rules apply," the Japanese maker said in a statement.

Production of the exclusively UK-manufactured 3-door Civic Type R will continue at Honda's factory in Swindon, to supply market where regulations allow it, including Australia and South Africa.

The commemorate the end of its European career, the Japanese firm is planning to bring together fans of its Type R models at a special event at Silverstone this month (22 August).

Honda also announced lower pricing and better finance deals for the remaining Civic Type R models in the UK with the Type R GT now available at £19,495, which represents a saving of £2,230.

The current Civic Type R, which is powered by a high-revving 2.0-liter four-cylinder i-VTEC with 201PS that maxes out at 8,000rpm, made its debut in concept form at the Geneva motor show in 2006 and in production guise at the Paris Auto Show the same year. Since its market introduction in January 2007, Honda has sold over 12,000 examples of this generation model in the UK alone.

The next generation of the Civic is due to make its debut in 2011, with a Type R model expected (but not confirmed)to be in the mix.