1994 Honda Accord, No Reserve on 2040-cars

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Honda Odyssey Hybrid greens up your minivan

Almost neglected completely at the Honda press presentation at the Tokyo Motor Show today was what could be a true game changer. Lots of people drive minivans. Lots of people like hybrids. There are even some hybrid minivans for sale in Japan. But Honda has never offered its popular Odyssey premium minivan with a gas-electric powertrain. That's about to change. Too bad this fact was not mentioned at all during the press conference. The hybrid Odyssey was on the show floor, though, and a press pack distributed by Honda says that the minivan will have an updated dual-motor Sport Hybrid i-MMD powertrain "for outstanding environmental performance and powerful acceleration." Honda also says that this is the first time is has put the IPU (the Intelligent Power Unit, made up of the battery and Power Control Unit) under the front row seats. Overall, the powertrain update offers a, "new hybrid driving experience," Honda says, and that now, "the Odyssey Hybrid makes minivan travel more enjoyable than ever." The van also seems to be of a high specification, with plush seats, dark micro-fiber decorating the dash and forward areas, and captains chairs that look primed for napping. Hauling your family the green way comes with some creature comforts, it seems. Honda isn't any details about the environmental benefits of putting a hybrid powertrain into the Odyssey, but when the rumor of this vehicle first appeared, there was talk of a 50-percent reduction in fuel use. For a number of reasons - most important being that the American and Japanese Odysseys are very different vehicles – it's unlikely that a hybrid Odyssey will be available in the US any time soon. Featuring updated SPORT HYBRID i-MMD for outstanding environmental performance and powerful acceleration The most comfortable environment possible for transporting a large number of people. In fulfillment of this concept, the Odyssey premium minivan brings together a generously roomy cabin, distinctive styling, and an exhilarating yet steady driving experience. And now the Odyssey will also be available as a hybrid vehicle. Featur- ing a new power control unit with a compact and concentrated structure for outstanding power density, the innovative dual-motor SPORT HYBRID i-MMD hybrid system offers both outstanding environmental performance and the powerful acceleration of an electric motor.

Honda underreported 1,729 claims of injuries or deaths since 2003

Among these underreported cases were eight Takata airbag inflator ruptures not submitted. Following an independent audit of its safety reporting procedures, Honda has found massive holes in its methodology and practices that resulted in 1,729 claims of injuries or deaths going unreported to federal authorities dating back to July 2003. The cases should have been submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as part of its quarterly Early Warning Reports (EWRs) under the TREAD Act, but they fell through the cracks for a variety of reasons. Honda blames the underreporting on three factors: data entry errors, computer coding problems and "an overly narrow interpretation of what constituted a 'written notice' under the TREAD Act." The first two issues were related to the computer program that collected the claims. If employees didn't enter a date in the "written claim received" field, then they were omitted from the EWRs. Also, the company's internal component codes didn't always match those used by NHTSA, and only the ones that were the same were disclosed. Finally, third-party documents, including police reports, were not considered. Honda says the computer error is now corrected, and the company is updating its data entry training. In the future, written and oral claims will be included in EWRs, as well. Among these underreported cases were eight Takata airbag inflator ruptures not submitted in Honda's EWRs, including one death and seven injuries. However, the automaker claims NHTSA was already aware of all of these incidents either from the agency's own records or from the company's notification outside of the EWR process. Unfortunately, this problem could have been stopped much sooner. The issue was first brought to light in 2011 but didn't result in a followup. NHTSA advised the automaker of discrepancies in January 2012, and it still did nothing. This third-party audit wasn't commissioned until September 2014. "Honda acknowledges that it lacked the urgency needed to correct its problems on a timely basis," it says in the announcement. Separately, the Japanese government is starting an investigation, as well. According to Reuters, the Japanese Transport Minister has created a task force to look into the Takata recalls and find out whether Honda under-reported incidents there. Scroll down to read the company's entire statement on the third-party investigation.

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.