Twelve American Honda models, including the all-new 2012 CR-V that goes on-sale received the highest possible safety rating of TOP SAFETY PICK from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) under its more-stringent testing guidelines implemented last year.The IIHS award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting vehicle occupants involved in front, side and rear crashes, plus rollover performance based on ratings in the Institute’s tests.

Announced by IIHS the Honda Fit, CR-Z, Insight, Accord, CR-V, Pilot and Ridgeline along with the Acura TL, TSX and MDX all earned the highest-possible score of GOOD in all four ratings, including the more rigorous roof-strength test. Earlier this year the all-new Civic and redesigned Odyssey earned the TOP SAFETY PICK, giving American Honda twelve 2012 TOP SAFETY PICK winners.

We’re proud to have achieved IIHS TOP SAFETY TOP rating for nine new 2012 Honda models and three 2012 Acura models, making American Honda among the best in the industry with twelve vehicles with top-class IIHS safety ratings under their new, more stringent ratings protocols,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “In fact, 91% of American Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. are TOP SAFETY PICKS. This accomplishment is part of a concerted effort we have made to reassert the Honda brand as a clear leader in this area.

Standard safety equipment on all Honda and Acura models include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); side curtain airbags (some vehicles equipped with a rollover sensor as well); dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; a driver’s front side airbag; and a front passenger’s side airbag with an occupant position detection system. All 2012 Honda and Acura models recognized by the IIHS, with the exception of the Ridgeline, utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. ACE is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment.

Source: http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=6435-en

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The all-new 2012 Honda CR-V, which was recently named a finalist for 2012 North American Truck of the Year, is set to debut at U.S. dealers nationwide with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) ranging from $22,295 for the value-oriented CR-V LX 2WD to $28,295 for the luxurious CR-V EX-L AWD, plus a destination and handling charge1 of $810 per vehicle.

The CR-V remains an excellent value, adding between $400 and $1000 worth of standard features and technologies to each trim compared to the outgoing model it replaces. Even loaded with feature content, the line saw only a modest average price increase of $181 and on models equipped with navigation, the price decreases by $300 compared to 2011.

For 2012, we’ve made critical upgrades to virtually every aspect of CR-V’s winning formula,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales, American Honda Motor Co. Inc., “The CR-V represents an excellent value for customers with pricing remaining relatively unchanged compared to the outgoing model despite the addition of numerous new features, improved fuel economy and enhanced utility.

The all-new CR-V features a more efficient engine design with improved horsepower and torque, along with an all-new Real Time All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Control System™. All CR-Vs are powered by a 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower and 163 lb-ft. of torque paired with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated fuel economy2 is rated at 23/31/26 mpg ty/highway/combined (2WD) (an increase of +2/+3/+2 mpg compared to the 2011 CR-V).

New for 2012 features include an Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat, lower cargo floor and a range of standard technology features. New high-tech features standard on all models include a Bluetooth®3 HandsFreeLink® phone interface (previously an available feature) a full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines. As a first for Honda, every 2012 CR-V includes an SMS text messaging function, which can read received texts from compatible cell phones aloud over the audio system.

Source: http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=6438-en

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Volvo Car Corporation’s leadership in car safety is confirmed in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) 2012 Top Safety Pick award.The U.S. award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes - and no less than five Volvo models - the C30, S60, S80, XC60 and XC90 - earned a Top Safety Pick.Volvo is the only European luxury brand with five awarded models in the new IIHS report.

The risk of being involved in an accident or being injured in one of our latest car models has been reduced with more than two thirds compared with a Volvo from the 1970s. Now, we keep on moving towards our safety vision that nobody should die or suffer serious injuries in a new Volvo car by the year 2020″, says Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety Advisor at Volvo Car Corporation.

Volvo Car Corporation’s dedication to car safety has been recognized in several recent studies.
The XC60 is also the only SUV crossover with an IIHS Top Safety Pick and an overall 5 star U.S. NCAP rating. In the 2010 test, the XC60 received 5 stars in all individual crash tests, including 5 stars for the driver and 5 stars for the passenger in the frontal collision as well as 5 stars in both side tests.

Earlier this year, the benefits of the groundbreaking City Safety technology - featuring automatic braking in low speed situations - were documented in another IIHS report stating a reduction of the collision frequency with up to 22 percent. The IIHS study of insurance claims involving a Volvo XC60 shows that City Safety reduces the costs for personal injury claims with 51 percent - while vehicle repair costs were lowered by more than 20 percent.

Source: https://www.media.volvocars.com/global/enhanced/en-gb/Media/Preview.aspx?mediaid=41566

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Acura announced that three of its best selling models received the highest possible safety rating of TOP SAFETY PICK from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) under its more-stringent testing guidelines implemented last year.The Acura TSX sedan and wagon, TL and MDX earned the highest-possible score of GOOD in all four ratings, including the more rigorous roof-strength test. According to the IIHS, vehicles rated good for rollover protection have roofs more than twice as strong as the current federal standard requires. The IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting vehicle occupants in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on ratings in the Institute’s evaluations.

All 2012 Acura models utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. ACE™ is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE™ design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment.

Standard safety equipment on all Acura models include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), dual-stage/multiple-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags with passenger side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), side curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions, front seats with integrated active head restraints, front seatbelts with automatic tensioning system and load limiters, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

Source: http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=6436-en

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Two new four-cylinder, two-wheel-drive Honda Crosstour® models are set to go on sale next month, broadening the vehicle’s appeal through a lower price point and EPA-estimated fuel economy that increases 3 mpg1 in the city and 2 mpg1 on the highway.Equipped with a 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline four-cylinder engine producing 192 horsepower, the newest Crosstour is available in two trim levels, including the Crosstour EX and leather-upholstered Crosstour EX-L. A Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System2 is available on the Crosstour EX-L.

EPA-estimated fuel economy on the four-cylinder Crosstour is 21 mpg1 city and 29 mpg1 highway, a significant increase from the 271-horsepower 2WD V6 model’s EPA estimated 18 mpg1 city and 27 mpg1 highway.With the launch of the new four-cylinder Crosstour models, some useful features are now standard across the entire Crosstour family, which first debuted for the 2010 model year with V6 power. The four-cylinder Crosstour models join the current 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 Crosstour models already available. Standard features now include an automatic dimming rearview mirror, a rearview mirror back-up camera display for improved rear visibility (non-Navigation models), convenient auto-on/off headlights, Bluetooth®3 HandsFreeLink® and USB audio interface.

Honda Crosstour approaches the crossover SUV formula from a distinctively sleek, sporty and fuel-efficient perspective, while also maximizing the interior’s cargo capacity, versatility and premium feel.The exterior design emphasizes a bold, aerodynamic look that also conceals an accommodating rear cargo area. The four-cylinder model includes body-color door handles and unique 17-inch alloy wheels with P225/65 R17 all-season tires. Two new colors are available on all 2012 Crosstour models: Twilight Blue Metallic replaces Glacier Blue Metallic, and Basque Red Pearl II replaces Tango Red Pearl.

The new four-cylinder Crosstour models come with a 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® engine for power and efficiency. The engine produces 192 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 162 lb-ft. of torque at 4,400 RPM, while achieving an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy of 21/29/24 mpg1. To maximize efficiency, a technologically advanced 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control is standard equipment.

Source: http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=6440-en

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Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC (HMIN) announced that it will be the exclusive manufacturer of the Acura ILX, an all-new luxury sedan going into mass production in Indiana in the spring of 2012. The new Acura ILX sedan will be positioned at the gateway to the Acura lineup and will be offered with both gasoline and gas-electric hybrid powertrain options. The new Acura ILX will be Acura’s first-ever hybrid model, as well as the first Acura model to be produced in Indiana.

Building this all-new Acura vehicle as the exclusive global source is a big responsibility for our associates,” said HMIN President Jun Nishimoto. “I am very proud of what our Indiana team has accomplished in such a short time, and we have great confidence in our ability to produce a world-class luxury vehicle that exceeds the expectations of Acura customers.

The Acura ILX will join the TL sedan, ZDX crossover vehicle, and the MDX and RDX sport-utility vehicles as the fifth Acura model produced exclusively in North America. Acura finished second among all luxury brands in the J.D. Power and Associates’ 2011 Initial Quality Study.HMIN was recognized earlier this year for its outstanding quality as one of only three automobile plants globally to earn a Platinum Award for outstanding quality based on the results of J.D. Power and Associates’ 2011 Initial Quality Survey? (IQS). The plant recently added nearly 1,000 associates to support the move to two-shift production, which started on Oct. 24, 2011, doubling the plant’s capacity to 200,000 vehicles per year. The Acura ILX will be the first hybrid vehicle to be made in America at a Honda plant. Gasoline engines for the new Acura ILX will be produced at the Anna, Ohio, engine plant of Honda of America Mfg., Inc.

Acura will unveil a concept version of the new ILX sedan at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit during media preview days, Jan. 9-10, 2012. Acura also will debut a new RDX sport-utility vehicle and a concept version of the next-generation Acura NSX supercar at the show, as it moves to further strengthen its product lineup with new products, new technologies and a sharper brand focus.

Source: http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=6433-en

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The Peugeot 308, produced on the El Palomar site, benefits from all the experience this industrial site, which has produced more than a million vehicles since 1998, can offer. The successor to the 307 model, which was a huge success, this model will consolidate Peugeot’s presence on the market, thanks to its design, modernity, comfort and safety.

This project required two years of work and an investment of almost 700 million ARS, a large proportion of which - in excess of 60% - was put aside for local integration. More than 50% of its annual production, estimated at 30,000 units, is destined for the regional market. In addition, more than 88,000 hours of training were devoted to the line workers, technicians, engineers and suppliers to support the manufacture of this vehicle.

This new model offers three distinctive characteristics that make it a stand-out product in its segment: the navigation system, the LEDs and the panoramic glass roof. This new Peugeot model is complemented by the manufacture of the 408, launched at the end last year, and the other Peugeot vehicles produced on the El Palomar site - 206 Generation, 207 Compact and Partner, products in which the Group continues to place its confidence across the country and the region, and contributing to its prestige and its image.

In April, the 308 produced in Europe was subject to a number of changes which had already been integrated into the locally-produced model. Globally, the brand has already sold 1,400,000 units of this new version. On the local market, this car aims to be top of its segment with a market share of 30%. PSA Peugeot Citroën is placing new vehicles on this market by keeping a high level of investment, which has allowed, on average, one new locally-manufactured model per year to be launched for the last eight years.

Source: http://www.peugeot.com/en/news/2011/11/22/argentina-industrial-launch

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TORRANCE, Calif. – Lexus announced a zero increase on the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the all-new 2013 GS 350, which will arrive at dealerships in early February with bold, dynamic styling, precise handling, innovative technology and a spacious interior.

With all of the enhancements to the all-new GS, the base price remains the same at $46,900,” said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. “We expect the GS will suit the needs of many drivers and compete well in the segment.The MSRP does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875. Prices for the new GS 450h hybrid will be announced at a later date.

The new GS conveys an enhanced sense of confidence to the driver with a redesigned chassis and a wide, strong stance that inspires and rewards driver participation with crisp and precise handling. Engineers developed a more spacious interior environment while leaving exterior dimensions virtually unchanged to ensure excellent maneuverability. Richly endowed with world-class features and premium details, the new GS is supported by advanced, performance technology that makes it more than just a luxury car. The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) with a base MSRP of $46,900 or all-wheel drive (AWD) with a base MSRP of $49,450. The configurations are available as F SPORT models or can be equipped with the available Premium or Luxury packages for greater personalization.

The new GS powertrains have been elevated for 2013 to provide better fuel economy and more responsive performance. The GS 350 is powered by an advanced 3.5-liter V6, four cams, and four valves per cylinder engine with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). At 306 horsepower, it is one of the most powerful base engines in the segment, as well as the only one with both port and direct injection. It propels the GS 350 from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and at the same time, boosts its fuel economy to projected EPA-estimated ratings of 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.

The six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission comes with paddle shifters and sport driving functions for enhanced driving pleasure. The transmission incorporates many features adopted from the Lexus IS F high-performance sedan — including faster shifts, earlier torque converter lockup and downshift throttle blips — to support four driving modes (ECO, Normal, Sport S and available Sport S+) that can be operated by toggling the new Lexus Drive Mode selector.

Source: http://www.lexus.com/about/news/index.html#/view-0/model-0/page-1/article-Lexus_

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YOKOHAMA, Japan - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., together with Autech Japan and Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd. (Nismo), will present 10 exciting models at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2012 with NAPAC (Japan Car Parts and Aftermarket Promotion Association). This year the Tokyo Auto Salon will be held January 13-15, 2012, at the Makuhari Messe exhibition hall in Chiba prefecture.

The exhibition booth, put together by Nissan, Autech Japan and Nismo, is designed to deliver the look and feel of a race circuit, and includes a spectators’ stand. In line with this racing-themed booth design, Nismo will showcase the Juke Nismo Concept and the LEAF Nismo Concept which were presented at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. Nissan will showcase the Nissan GT-R “For TRACK PACK”, a custom option of its “Pure Edition” model. Autech will have the NV350 Caravan that was displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show, together with the Rider series, a lineup of its customized cars.

Nissan Area

Nissan GT-R Pure edition “For TRACK PACK”
The Nissan GT-R with the “For TRACK PACK” option, crafted for driving enthusiasts who want to enjoy the pure driving sensation normally felt only at a racing circuit.

Nismo Area

Juke Nismo Concept
The Juke Nismo Concept, with its distinctive styling, is designed to be lower, wider and with a bolder stance. Even without any movement, it’s clearly a performance car.

FAIRLADY Z

Version NISMO
This model builds on the original Fairlady Z’s high level of driving performance with its enhanced fun-to-drive and sporty character.

Source: http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2011/_STORY/111221-01-e.html

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HIROSHIMA, Japan — Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase a lineup of 10 vehicles at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2012 with NAPAC. Mazda will be featuring its new crossover SUV Mazda CX-5, which is scheduled to be launched into the Japanese market in the 2012 spring. The 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon will be held at the Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Chiba prefecture from January 13 to 15, 2011.

At this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, Mazda will display two units of Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUVs. The Mazda CX-5 is scheduled to be introduced in Japan next spring and adopts the full range of Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY to improve the vehicle’s environmental and driving performance. In addition, customized models based on special editions of Mazda Demio, Mazda Axela, Mazda Premacy and Mazda Roadster will be showcased in line with Mazda’s theme, ‘Environmental Technology, Pushing the Boundaries of the Emotion of Motion.

Mazda will also present its SKYACTIV engines and transmission and hold a talk show at the Mazda stand featuring engineers who were involved in the SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY development. At the event space outside the venue, a demonstration run by the rotary-engine powered Mazda 787B racing machine is also scheduled.

The Mazda CX-5 is the first of Mazda’s new-generation products to adopt Mazda’s new KODO - Soul of Motion - design theme and breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, encompassing the powertrain, body and chassis. Its dynamic design, predictable and refined driving experience and outstanding environmental and safety performance signal a clear departure from existing SUVs. The CX-5 is scheduled to be introduced to the Japanese market in spring 2012.

Based on the standard model grade of the new Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV, this special edition combines a red exterior body color with alloy wheels painted in matte-black (incorporating the same design as the base model) and slightly lower body height.

Source: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2011/201112/111221a.html

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