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Honda to ax Civic Hybrid, CNG models

Honda will kill off the Civic Hybrid and Civic Natural Gas models at the end of the 2015 model year as part of a massive product overhaul, a top executive said Monday in Detroit. The moves come in response to consumer preferences as the Japanese automaker prepares to launch the 10th generation of the Civic later this year, said John Mendel, executive vice president, American Honda Motor Co. "These moves will allow greater focus on Civic's sporty new driving character," Mendel said. Honda revealed the close-to-production Civic concept this spring at the New York auto show and confirmed it will include Si and Type R variants. The powertrain lineup will feature a new turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, a short-throw six-speed manual, and a continuously variable transmission. The Type-R is expected in 2017, Mendel said. Though the new car marks a return to more athletic Civics, some versions will still get more than 40 miles per gallon in highway driving. The changes come as Honda pivots toward an expanded fuel-cell strategy with a new model set to launch in 2016. "We're creating the strongest and most balanced vehicle lineup in our history," he said. In addition to tweaking the Civic line, Honda has discontinued the plug-in hybrid Accord to focus on the updated Accord Hybrid, which launches in early 2016. Eventually, the plug-in Accord will be replaced by a new plug-in model in 2018, Mendel said. The changes come as Honda pivots toward an expanded fuel-cell strategy with a new model set to launch in 2016. The automaker has spent $14 million with California company FirstElement Fuel to set up 12 hydrogen filling stations. The new Civic is part of an influx of new products set for 2015-2016. The next-gen Ridgeline will arrive in 2016 with a more traditional truck design, Mendel said, admitting the styling of the current generation was divisive. "Design was polarizing," he said. "No one wants to have to explain why they bought what they bought." The next-generation Odyssey will also launch after the Ridgeline in 2016, Mendel said. He was also asked about a 'baby NSX' sports car by a reporter in the wake of trademark drawings that leaked last week, though he declined to elaborate. "No I can't tell you anything about the baby NSX," he said. "I mean I could, but I'd probably be fired." In other news, Mendel said Honda continues to work with airbag supplier Takata as it grapples with the massive recall and increased attention from the NHTSA.

Honda bringing Civic hatchback concept to Geneva

Honda will give us another taste of things to come for the Civic next month at the Geneva Motor Show where the Japanese automaker will unveil a new hatchback concept. Following the Civic sedan revealed last September and the Civic Coupe unveiled in LA, the concept will preview the hatch's stubby liftgate. The five-door has traditionally been reserved for markets overseas, but the manufacturer confirms that "the car will be exported to global markets, including the US." As you can see from this teaser rendering, the hatchback will incorporate a similar taillight design to the versions we've already seen. The rear end will also feature a pair of tailpipes mounted side by side at the center, and what look to be some rather large vents in the rear bumper. The trailing edge of the roof appears to incorporate some aerodynamic elements to it as well. Of course this is just a sketch for a prototype, so the finished product will end up looking a little different once it reaches production early next year. Alongside the Civic hatch, Honda will also display the Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle for the first time in Europe. The new NSX will also be on hand at the Geneva Motor Show, as will a customized Jazz/Fit concept dubbed Keenlight, and the new CRF1000L Africa Twin motorcycle. HONDA CIVIC HATCHBACK PROTOTYPE SET FOR WORLDWIDE DEBUT AT THE 2016 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW - Global premiere of Civic Hatchback Prototype redefines Honda's core European model - Clarity Fuel Cell to make European debut - European customer deliveries of NSX to start in 2016 - New Jazz concept turns on the style Honda is set to unveil the next step in the renewal of its European car range at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, including the global premiere of the Civic Hatchback Prototype. Civic Hatchback Prototype The Civic Hatchback Prototype receives its global premiere at Geneva Motor Show, previewing the exterior design of the all-new hatchback model, scheduled for a European launch in early 2017. Produced at Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM), the car will be exported to global markets, including the US. Clarity Fuel Cell The Clarity Fuel Cell will make its European debut at Geneva, following its global unveil at Tokyo motor show in October last year. Clarity Fuel Cell is the world's first production fuel cell saloon to house the entire fuel cell powertrain under the bonnet.

Honda recalling 1,400 units of 2016 Pilot to adjust seatbelts

Just as the new model starts arriving at dealers, Honda is already recalling the 2016 Pilot in order to adjust the third-row seatbelt positioning in some of them. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports this campaign covers 1,358 vehicles. However, Honda asserts that only a tiny number of owners actually need to bring their crossover into their dealerships for repair. Honda discovered during quality checks at the factory that the third-row seatbelt could be trapped between the seat and the side of the vehicle. This could pose a safety issue to passengers back there. The affected examples have build dates between May 4, 2015, and June 5, 2015. Because the 2016 Pilots were just launching when this problem was discovered most of them were still at the factory, in transit, or at dealers. According to Honda, only 269 of the affected examples actually made it to owners. The automaker got in contact with these customers to reposition the seatbelt. There are still 20 left that need to be checked, and this issue isn't responsible for any reported crashes or injuries. RECALL Subject : Rear Seatbelt May Be Trapped Report Receipt Date: JUL 06, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V424000 Component(s): SEAT BELTS Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,358 All Products Associated with this Recall Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) HONDA PILOT 2016 Details Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) SUMMARY: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Honda Pilot vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to June 5, 2015. Due to an assembly issue, the third row seatbelt may be trapped between the rear seat and the rear sideliner. CONSEQUENCE: If the third row seatbelt is trapped, the occupants may not be restrained properly, increasing the risk of injury. REMEDY: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the rear third row seat belt, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on August 6, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's number for this recall is JS7. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.