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Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Mercedes also under diesel emissions scrutiny

The controversy over Volkswagen's diesel emissions scandal isn't limited to the US. In Europe, where diesel engines are far more popular, the issue is shining a harsh light on the NEDC emissions test. As already known, the evaluation does a poor job of reflecting real-world production of NOx, and it appears a significant number of automakers are affected. The Guardian in the UK has been reporting on real-world test results from a company called Emissions Analytics. After the latest round of checks, vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Mazda and Mitsubishi were found to generate far more NOx than they should. The newspaper also published similar results for Renault, Nissan, Hyundai, Fiat, Volvo, Jeep, Citroen, VW, and Audi. On average, the figures are about four times over the limit of producing the pollutant. Unlike VW and its defeat device, these automakers aren't actually breaking the rules. The vehicles perform up to the NEDC lab test for emissions, but those results simply aren't translated to the street. "The VW issue in the US was purely the trigger which threw light on a slightly different problem in the EU - widespread legal over-emissions," Nick Molden from Emissions Analytics said to The Guardian. A big fight to decide the future of this issue appears to be on the horizon. Automakers claim that they can't meet the next round of tightening emissions regulations and are asking for compromises. Although, spokespeople for Mercedes and Honda told The Guardian that the brands would be in favor of the stricter rules. Meanwhile, some European governments began backtracking their support of diesels well before this scandal came to light. The added scrutiny certain hasn't helped the future of the oil-burner. Related Video:

Honda recalls 2016 Civic 2.0-liter engine for piston issue

The Basics: Honda will recall 42,129 examples of the 2016 Honda Civic sedan with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the US. These models have build dates between September 22, 2015, and February 3, 2016. The issue does not affect the Civic Coupe. The Problem: The pistons might not have a wrist pin circlip or the part's installation could be incorrect. This problem could cause the engine to seize, leading to engine damage and an increased risk of fire or a crash. Injuries/Deaths: There are no deaths, but there was an unconfirmed report of a minor injury that didn't require medical attention, according to Honda. There was also a report of one engine fire, which was separate from the minor injury. The Fix: Dealers will inspect the engines and replace any damaged parts as necessary. If You Own One: Honda won't have the parts ready until this summer. Owners will receive initial notification about the recall in March, and they'll get a second letter when the components are ready. More Information: Honda already issued a stop sale on the 2016 Civic Sedan equipped with the 2.0-liter engine due to this problem. RECALL Subject : Piston Wrist Pin Circlips may not be Secured Report Receipt Date: FEB 09, 2016 NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V074000 Component(s): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Potential Number of Units Affected: 42,129 All Products Associated with this Recall close Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) HONDA CIVIC 2016 Details Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) SUMMARY: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Civic vehicles manufactured September 22, 2015, to February 3, 2016 and equipped with 2.0L engines. The affected vehicles have engines with piston assemblies that may have been manufactured without a piston wrist pin circlip or with an incorrectly installed piston wrist pin circlip. CONSEQUENCE: If a circlip is missing or incorrectly installed, the piston wrist pin may not be secure and may drift and damage the engine cylinder causing the engine to seize, and increasing the risk of a crash or a fire. REMEDY: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the piston assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Parts are expected to be available in the Summer of 2016. Owners will be mailed an interim notification beginning March 15, 2016, and will be mailed a second notice when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's number for this recall is JX9.

Honda slowing US production due to ports dispute

The labor dispute that idled 29 ports on the West Coast last the weekend, including Los Angeles and Long Beach, CA, is about to make its effects felt on the showroom floor, according to Reuters. Honda, Toyota and Subaru have been trying to work around the labor disagreement, cutting overtime and airlifting parts to factories, but Honda says parts shortages at plants in Indiana, Ohio and Ontario, Canada, are now severe enough to impede production. The lack of transmissions and some electronic components will slow output of the Honda Accord, Civic, and CR-V – as well as unnamed Acuras. The three affected factories will rework their production schedules from Feb. 16-23. The ports have reopened this week, and US Labor Secretary Tom Perez has flown to San Francisco to mediate a new agreement between the 20,000 dockworkers represented by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association, which represents the terminals and shipping companies. Talks have been going on for almost nine months and the issues aren't settled; meanwhile, the West Coast ports that handle half the nation's maritime cargo and 70 percent of cargo from Asia are putting all kinds of industries on the ropes, and it's estimated to cost the economy $2 billion a day. Related Video: News Source: ReutersImage Credit: MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images Government/Legal Plants/Manufacturing UAW/Unions Acura Honda Crossover Sedan