2014 Honda Pilot Ex-l on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Average new-vehicle transaction price hits a whopping new peak in December

Elevated prices for products and higher borrowing rates led to record high transaction prices for new vehicles in December, with the average cost in the U.S. rising to a record $49,507, according to data from Kelley Blue Book released today. The report notes that ATPs — average transaction prices — have climbed above suggested retail prices — MSRPs — for more than a year. Sales volumes were up in December on a year-over-year basis by more than 5%, a situation Kelley attributed to improved supply. Overall sales for 2022, however, were off 8% year over year. “The transaction data from December clearly indicates overall prices showed no signs of coming down as we headed into year-end,” said Rebecca Rydzewski, research manager of economic and industry insights for Cox Automotive. “Luxury prices fell slightly in December, but non-luxury transaction prices were up. Truck sales were particularly strong last month, and with many trucks selling for more than $60,000, a new record was all but inevitable.” Industry analysts claim the most obvious headwinds in the new car market are generated by higher interest rates, forced by the Federal Reserve's rate hikes intended to tame inflation, and by generally limited inventory. A recent report from J.D. Power showed that the average monthly payment for a new vehicle loan in December was $718, up $47 from a year ago. But 16% of consumers in December took out loans with monthly payments of over $1,000. Consumers think vehicles, and electric vehicles especially, are way too expensive. Fortunately, manufacturersÂ’ incentives, all but extinct in the past two years, are returning, especially in the electric-vehicle and luxury market, the Kelley data suggest. Plus, "With the new tax credits on the way, electric vehicle ATPs will drop lower for qualifying vehicles,” Rydzewski said. Non-luxury brands, such as Honda and Kia, showed particularly strong performance in December, with the average price paid at $45,578 — a record high and an increase of $994 month over month. Meanwhile, the average luxury buyer paid $66,660 for a new vehicle last month. Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover showed the most price strength in the luxury market, transacting between 2.6% to 6.5% over sticker price. But luxury brands Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus, Lincoln, and Volvo showed the least price strength with some discounting in effect, selling 1% or more below MSRP in December, according to the survey.

Honda further expands Takata recall to 340k vehicles in Japan

Just days ago, Honda announced it would expand its global Takata airbag inflator recall by 4.89 million vehicles globally, though none of those were in the US. Now, the automaker has broadened the safety campaign in Japan by 340,000 units. The company's Japanese expansion includes 80,000 vehicles to replace their driver's side inflators. According to Reuters, these cars were covered under an earlier recall but weren't yet repaired. There are also 260,000 additional automobiles in the country in need of passenger side replacements. A broadened campaign is also coming for the US, but its extent isn't known yet. According to Reuters, Honda submitted the necessary documents to regulators on May 27. However, the automaker has decided to wait for National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to make the official announcement. Takata's exploding inflators are linked to six deaths and many injuries. Research indicates that exposure to moisture causes the part's propellant to ignite too quickly when the airbag is activated and can cause these ruptures. In testing on components taken from recalled vehicles, Takata found hundreds of cases of them bursting. Related Video: News Source: ReutersImage Credit: Tomohiro Ohsumi / Bloomberg via Getty Images Recalls Honda Safety Takata airbag recall

2016 Honda Accord refresh adds Apple CarPlay, Android Auto

The ninth-generation Honda Accord gets a thorough refresh for 2016, and the big theme here is technology. Inside and out, the updated Accord packs a host of upgrades in an effort to keep Honda's best-seller fresh in the minds of consumers. The big news is a new, seven-inch Display Audio infotainment interface with two of the latest in-car tech must-haves: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These come standard on EX models and above. The revised infotainment system doesn't replace the outgoing two-screen setup inside the Accord, however. There's a larger, 7.7-inch screen above the Display Audio screen, with steering wheel-mounted controls that allow access to things like audio information, the rear-view camera, and side LaneWatch camera. Outside, the car looks more tech-focused, with expanded LED lighting. All cars now have LED taillamps, and the Touring trim adds full LED headlamps. With its restyled front fascia, the 2016 Accord looks a lot more Acura than Honda, for better or worse. Both sedan and coupe body styles are available, with a new, larger 19-inch wheel option on upper-level models. Powertrains carry over largely unchanged. On the base end there's a 2.4-liter, naturally aspirated inline-four, available with either a continuously variable transmission or a six-speed manual 'box. Honda will continue to offer its 3.5-liter V6, as well, with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Check out the new Accord in the gallery above, and scroll down below for the official press blast. The 2016 Honda Accord hits dealers in August. Honda Introduces the Highest Tech Accord Yet in High Tech's U.S. Hub—Silicon Valley - Upgraded 2016 Accord features one of the first applications of both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ in a volume-produced vehicle - More dynamic styling, including first 19-inch wheels on Accord - Honda Sensing™ safety and driver-assistive tech available on all trims - New 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen interface MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 23, 2015 – Honda introduced a refreshed 2016 Accord loaded with advanced technology in Silicon Valley today, the first time the company has launched a new vehicle in the U.S. tech hub. Coming to market in August, the 2016 Accord will be the first Honda model and among the first high-volume cars in the marketplace to feature both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. These and other major upgrades to technology and features make it the most high-tech Accord ever.