2006 Honda Civic Si Manual on 2040-cars

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Honda poised for growth, Detroit to hold steady, Car Wars study says

The automotive industry is expected to keep booming in the US over the next several years, but the train might start running out of steam in the long term, according to 2015's Car Wars report from Bank of America Merrill Lynch analyst John Murphy. The forecast focuses on changes between the 2016 and 2019 model years, and the latest trends appear similar in some cases to the past predictions. Sales are expected to keep growing and reach a peak of 20 million in 2018, according to the Detroit Free Press. The expansion is projected to come from a quick pace of vehicle launches, with an average of 48 introductions a year – 26 percent more than in 1996. Crossovers are expected to make up a third of these, maintaining their strong popularity. However, Murphy predicts a decline, as well. By 2025, total sales could fall to around 15 million units. As of May 2015, the seasonally adjusted annual rate for this year stands at 17.71 million. Like last year, Honda is predicted to be a big winner in the future thanks to products like the next-gen Civic. "Honda should be the biggest market share gainer," Murphy said when presenting the report, according to Free Press. Meanwhile, in a situation similar to Car Wars from 2012, a lack of many new vehicles is expected to cause a drop for Hyundai, Kia, and Nissan. Based on this forecast, Ford, General Motors, and FCA US will all generally maintain market share for the coming years. The report does make some future product predictions, though. The next Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra might come in 2019, which is earlier than expected. Also, Lincoln could get a Mustang-based coupe for 2017, a compact sedan for 2018 and an Explorer-based model in 2019, according to the Free Press. Related Video: News Source: The Detroit Free PressImage Credit: Nam Y. Huh / AP Photo Earnings/Financials Chrysler Fiat Ford GM Honda Lincoln Car Buying fca us

Honda trademarks 'CDX' nameplate

Less than two weeks ago, we discussed the possibility of an Acura-badged version of the sure-to-be popular Honda HR-V. Now, Acura has gone ahead and registered a new trademark that fits in perfectly with its two other crossovers, the RDX and MDX. Our friends at Auto Guide report the company has reserved the name "CDX" with the US Patent and Trademark Office, with the trademark covering "automobiles and their structural parts." While it's true that these kinds of trademarks are filed regularly, the timing in this case is indicative of something more than simply covering bases. After all, it seems very, very unlikely that we'd have comments from Acura on a premium version of the HR-V on February 5 and a trademark filing for a name that fits the brand's CUV nomenclature less than two weeks later, only for it to not go ahead and build an actual vehicle. Adding to that logic is the simple fact that the compact CUV market, both on the premium and mainstream level, is arguably the hottest in the auto industry right now, and it seems like a virtual guarantee that we'll see an HR-V wearing the Acura CDX name in the not-so-distant future. Should that come to pass, look for the CDX to challenge the near-premium Buick Encore, as well as a potential compact CUV from Infiniti. Featured Gallery 2016 Honda HR-V View 25 Photos News Source: Auto GuideImage Credit: Honda Government/Legal Acura Honda Crossover Economy Cars Luxury trademark honda hr-v

Honda and Mugen take tuned rides to Tokyo Auto Salon

The Makuhari Messe will open its doors in a couple of weeks for the 2016 Tokyo Auto Salon, featuring all manner of custom creations from Japan's automakers. And Honda will be out in force with an array of roadsters, hatchbacks, minivans, and crossovers. Included among them will be some modified with parts from the company's Modulo customization catalog, but the ones we're most interested are being prepared by its longtime performance partner Mugen. Mugen was founded decades ago by Hirotashi Honda, son of Soichiro Honda, the man who started the motor company for which his name is best known. Over the years Mugen has prepared Honda engines and vehicles for motorsport competition, but also customizes the company's road cars for higher levels of performance. At the Tokyo salon, Honda and Mugen will display two amped-up takes on the S660 roadster, along with a Civic Type R featuring even more extreme aero appendages, plus a modified Step WGN Spada minivan and a customized HR-V crossover. Alongside the Mugen show cars, Honda will also display an array of Modulo custom concepts. The lineup includes accessorized versions of the S660, Civic Type R, and Step WGN, but also customized takes on the Fit, N-One, and N-Box. While it's at it, Honda will also showcase some of its racing machinery and motorcycles, including the McLaren-Honda MP4-30, NSX Concept-GT, and the Concept CB cafe racer it displayed at the main Tokyo Motor Show a few months ago. Scope out all the modified automobiles in the Mugen gallery above and the Modulo gallery below for a closer look. Related Video: