This past decade, in-car infotainment electronics has evolved from a multi-disc CD charger and the occasional rear-seat DVD viewing system to a level of innovation once thought of as absurd. Satellite radio, electronic GPS guidance and even wireless Internet connections on several luxury products provide a mere tip of the iceberg to what is currently available to vehicle occupants.

An exhibition that coincided with the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas provided a spotlight on all things high technology. Countless tablet computers, WiFi digital cameras and smartphones were the common spectacle of future electronics. Tempering with the usual balance of the CES in Las Vegas, representatives for the 20th century’s most pivotal invention (the automobile), brought some cutting-edge solutions for the 21st century’s demanding mobile technology world. In fact, Ford Motor Company took an innovation award away from the 2012 CES for their latest MyFord Mobile App.

On several occasions during the 2012 technology show in Las Vegas, a term began to swirl over automotive company products at a higher frequency than ever. The use of the term “The Cloud” was inserted into the presentation of several devices for the future of automotive infotainment. Instead of storing electronic programs and files on a physical hard drive or disk, information is stored through a virtual space called the “cloud”. As in-car electronic systems (most notably navigation services) progressed from the use of DVDs to hard drives that well surpasses many tablet PCs, the venture to the cloud for auto equipment manufacturers means limitless possibilities. The introduction of cloud computing principles have grown most prevalently with the popular navigation program called Google Maps employed on systems including the Ford SYNC and Audi MMI. Unlike previous GPS systems that either stored limited information or require time-consuming updates through a home computer, Google Maps uses a cloud interface to calculate routes. At the recent 2012 CES exhibition, auto companies are certainly becoming wiser to high-flying cloud computing ideals.

Making use of the open world of the cloud, Mercedes-Benz unveiled an upgraded version of their mbrace telematics suite of security and comfort connectivity features set for introduction starting the new SL roadster in the 2013 model year. An enhanced service, mbrace2 expands its reach in providing Mercedes-Benz occupants with a richer, even more connected electronic experience. Facebook, Yelp and Google Local Search are some Apps users of mbrace2 can expect immediately. Based on a cloud-based system, the mbrace2 system can be easily and conveniently updated allowing for delivery of an even greater selection of Apps in the future. The one necessity of cloud computing is a constant wireless connection. For the Mercedes-Benz mbrace2 system, Verizon will provide the subscribed service as it rolls out early this year.

With much of the auto sector devoted to the development of exclusive in-car infotainment solutions (i.e. MyFord Touch, Cadillac CUE, and Kia UVO), the outside stereo and car entertainment suppliers appear to have lost leverage on the marketplace. Other than the units created in-house or through partnerships, Aha by HARMAN have been making some serious inroads on the automotive infotainment market utilizing a cloud-platform. Launched as an iPhone App in 2009 as Aha Mobile, the web-based platform delivers an array of interactive products. Internet radio, navigation-related information, as well as audio dictation of Facebook and Twitter messaging is obtained through the Aha Mobile App that will also soon be joining the Android device marketplace. While Pioneer introduced the first automotive stereo system to incorporate Aha by HARMAN technology, the growth of the brand depends on forging relationships with the automakers.

During the 2012 CES, Subaru and Honda will be the first OEM deployment of Aha by HARMAN technology in the North American market. Demonstrated on a 2013 Subaru BRZ sports car at the 2012 CES exhibition in Las Vegas, the vehicle presented the new web-based entertainment options available through Aha by HARMAN. In the case of Subaru, customers can expect Aha by HARMAN to become part of what will be a “fourth band” of car radio joining AM, FM and satellite radio options on future vehicles.

Cloud computing principles will most definitely affect the evolution of an already growing market for in-car infotainment electronics. Late in 2011, Ford announced a brand-new MyFord Touch infotainment suite for their upcoming 2013 model year vehicles. As they outfit future products with the new in-car system, previous owners of Ford products featuring the first-generation MyFord Touch are being provided with an upgrade through a USB stick. While not a terribly labour intensive task, cloud computing solutions in automobiles would allow updates and improvements to be conducted near seamlessly.

For automotive consumers, cloud computing could unveil a reality where a car or truck could feature the same technological flexibility as an Apple iPad. Numerous Apps, limitless music and media storage, the most current road maps possible as well as effortless data sharing are advantages cloud-based vehicles can provide. Along with the expansive abilities of cloud-based in-car technology, new features such as voice recognition can be modified through software upgrades allowing motorists to immediately experience the advancements of technology (no longer a prize reserved for the purchaser of the newest vehicle). Among the only possible downside could be privacy and security of cloud-based systems. While all automotive uses of cloud computing engages methods to properly protect information, the future is as wide open as the cloud network for debate on this very accessible data.

The cloud computing integration with automobiles could also mean a buyer trading in their vehicle can take more than the custom floor mats and the air freshener with them to the next automotive upgrade. Contingent on the fact a buyer stays with a single auto manufacturer (at least for the time being), it will be highly likely all unique Apps and set-up information can be seamlessly passed to the next vehicle.

Information source: Ford Motor Company, HARMAN International Industries, Mercedes-Benz USA, Subaru

Photo source: Mercedes-Benz USA, Pioneer, Subaru

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Every year, many people’s favorite part of the Super Bowl are the commercials. Year after year, it seems like more and more automotive-related commercials are being aired. For 2012, the Super Bowl XLVI didn’t disappoint, with a range of funny car commercials. Check them all out below:

(if the videos fail to load at first, click here to reload the page)

Chevy Sonic “Stunt Anthem”

Hyundai Veloster Turbo – “Cheetah”

2012 Acura NSX – “Transactions” (Jerry Seinfeld)

Chevy Silverado – “2012″ (The one Ford asked Chevy not to air)

Cars.com – “Confident You”

2012 Honda CR-V – “Matthew’s Day Off” (aka “Honda’s Ferris Bueller Commericial”)

2012 Audi S7 – “Vampire Party”

2012 Toyota Camry – “It’s Reinvented”

Hyundai Genesis Coupe – “Think Fast”

2012 Kia Optima Big Game – “A Dream Car. For Real Life.”

Cadillac ATS – “Green Hell”

Suzuki Kizashi – “Sled” (with 50 Cent)

2013 Lexus GS – “Beast”

Fiat 500 Abarth – “Seduction”

Chrysler – “It’s Halftime in America”

2012 Volkswagen Beetle – “The Dog Strikes Back”

Bridgestone – “Performance Football”

2012 Toyota Camry – “Connections”

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A common consensus among automotive analysts (and most importantly customers) is Honda’s recent styling direction have been seen as too conservative. Still regarded as a builder of mechanically sound and liveable vehicles, Honda is being affected by the same pattern that Ford Motor Company encountered in the late 1920s with the Model T. An automobile must project a distinct character in order to be noticed in an active marketplace. While underwhelming in the styling department, the 2012 Honda CR-V crossover utility vehicle will have to benefit of a slick TV commercial officially making its debut during the 2012 Super Bowl.

One of the most coveted television advertising spots of the year, the championship game of the National Football League has only grown as marketing venue for major companies. With some ad spots costing up to 3.5 million dollars this year, these brief interruptions from the game action requires a strategic, memorable advertisement to grab viewer attention. When Honda purchased a 2012 Super Bowl spot for to show off the all-new Honda CR-V, the automaker’s dull image will be livened-up by the theme of the 1986 comedy “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”.

For the Honda commercial, Matthew Broderick reprises the adventure without necessarily continuing his famous movie character. Instead of playing the devilishly cunning Ferris Bueller, Broderick‘s “Day Off” with the Honda CR-V revolves around the actor playing hooky from a film executive. Though the Honda commercial relives many scenes from the original 1986 movie, the entire 2-minute, 25-second spot is a fresh piece of entertainment. Thanks to the direction of Todd Phillips (director/producer of Old School and the Hangover movies), Broderick and the Honda CR-V have wonderful comedic chemistry through this leaked Super Bowl commercial.

Beyond reviving the “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” adventure, the Honda advertisement presses the auto company’s new “Leap List”. The Leap List campaign is Honda’s attempt to encourage the Generation Y buyers to follow through with their aspiration. Of course, Honda intends for that the CR-V crossover vehicle will fill the criteria needed for extraordinary personal adventures.

In risk of giving away too much of this clever advertisement, I invite you to check out Honda’s Youtube link for a preview screening of the commercial. During the 2012 Super Bowl, football fans will see Matthew Broderick’s Day Off with the Honda CR-V in the fourth quarter of New England Patriot versus New York Giants.
Official 2012 Honda CR-V Game Day Commercial – “Matthew’s Day Off” Extended Version

Are you still reading this article? Please, read something else on Automoblog.net.

Information and photo source: American Honda Motor Company

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Revenge of the electric car! We know it’s a documentary name, but it’s crazy to see it really happening. Electric cars are making a comeback, in terms of model introductions. Sales haven’t too great though, and there is a few reasons for that. Cost has got to get down to levels of internal combustion cars, as well as range moving higher up.

Range anxiety is a real issue when it is your main car. Now for a second car or city runabout, the dynamics change. That is why many of the EVs being developed are exactly that; compact cars aimed at city dwellers. Tesla is the one taking a different tack with the Model S.

A few years ago there was no pure electric vehicles on the market period. Now, Nissan has the LEAF, Mitsubishi the MiEV, Chevrolet is introducing the Spark EV and the i3 is under development at BMW. Honda joined the party at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November with the Fit EV.

The Fit EV is going sale in a few select EV-friendly markets this summer. Prior to its launch, Honda is delivering it to a few municipalities and buyers to get early feedback. It is a similar situation to BMW with the 1-Series ActiveE Pilot Program. The first is being delivered to the city of Torrance, California. That is where Honda’s United States headquarters are located. Honda and the City of Torrance have a good working relationship on projects like this. Other partners Google and Stanford University are also part of the early demonstration program.

Honda says each of these participants will provide usage data and info on personal, fleet and car-sharing. The Fit EV has a range of about 76 miles in combined city and highway driving. Initially the Fit EV will only be available in two U.S-states – California and Oregon. Lease pricing checks in at $399 a month, putting it at the lower end of the price range for these types of programs.

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As expected early this 2012 year, automakers posted some very optimistic sales numbers for the United States marketplace for 2011. A place where consumers still love their cars, 2011 provided an excellent year for North American car fans. No other time in the North American auto industry has motorists been able to explore so much freedom and choice.

In only three years, the American auto industry has turned from forecasted shambles to a rosier, settled environment. Hitting Chrysler and General Motors in the most severe manner, no major auto company was truly immune to the economic troubles started in late 2008. Similar to reaction from the global banking and financial sector, it wasn’t until a key period where the public truly understood until bankruptcy papers were being filed.

The combination of troubled business models and customers losing access to money or car loans needed for purchases led to a disappointing start of the 2009 calendar year. Between seven major automakers selling vehicles in the United States (GM, Ford, Chrysler, Nissan, Honda, Toyota and Hyundai/Kia), auto sales amounted to 9,124,380 cars in all of 2009 (5,145,746 units lower than just two years prior). It was only through a United States government sponsored new car purchase program that the tides began to reverse. Known as “Cash for Clunkers,” motorists were able to trade in an old vehicle for a guaranteed trade-in credit.

After the 12 months of 2011, the same seven automakers have steadily performed better than the disastrous 2009 auto sales year. When the 2011 year ended, 10,987,403 were sold by the seven high volume automakers in the United States. Up 20.4 percent from 2009, the 2011 results continued the gains made after 2010 as some elements of the economy recuperated. Recognizing there is so many reasons to celebrate the improvement of the North American motor vehicle industry, the recent auto sale numbers indicating positive momentum from dismal 2009 figures have shown that the current car business is far from past glory.

The Detroit Three

For automakers Chrysler, Ford and General Motors, six years have seen once-proclaimed Big Three transform into the more modest moniker Detroit Three. In 2005, General Motors led United States car sales handsomely with 4,454,385 vehicles. Thanks to declining sales due to a changing economy and the doom of bankruptcy, 2009 vehicle sales dropped 53.2 percent for GM at just 2,084,492 units. Recovering with auto sales reaching 2,503,820 vehicles after 2011, the improvement comes with the loss of brands Pontiac and Hummer as well as the offloading of the now troubled Saab. The major source for General Motors’ traction in the United States automotive marketplace remains the Chevrolet division with 1,775,812 products sold last year. In 2011, the Chevrolet Cruze accounted for 231,732 of Chevrolet’s sales becoming a star for the auto industry.

In the case of Chrysler Group, a sales drop of 59.6 percent from 2005 to 2009 indicated a particularly volatile presence not seen since the 1979 bankruptcy. Over the past six years, Chrysler was separated from Daimler-Benz, sold to a private equity group, filed bankruptcy and was partly rescued by Italian auto giant Fiat Group. As Chrysler’s 1,369,114 unit sales recovery in 2011 is still almost one million vehicles short of 2005 levels. Chrysler will be relying on vehicles like the 2013 Dodge Dart to entice consumers while also attempting to lure commercial vehicle contracts with the Ram brand that should include at least one new work van in the near future.

While Ford Motor Company escaped the need for government assistance, the past six years has taken the Blue Oval car company on a wild ride. Selling 3,168,156 vehicles in 2005, Ford Motor Company posted 2,148,806 in 2011 sales. As Ford devoted their business back to cars, truck sales have taken a sizable hit. Despite a reduction in truck sales, the Ford F-150 and Ford Escape remain the top-selling vehicles by the carmaker in 2011. Losing Mercury and still struggling to bring Lincoln back to the luxury car forefront challenges Ford’s total recovery. A reborn Ford brand line-up that includes the 2013 Taurus and Fusion sedans plus the 2013 Escape crossover are future vanguards for healthy auto sales.

Some people (even the same ones who originally wished the US government to protect financial institutions with taxpayer dollars) wanted to allow General Motors and Chrysler to succumb to liquidation. Led first by former president George W Bush’s administration with emergency financial aid and later by Barack Obama’s White House directing the needed loans through GM and Chrysler’s bankruptcy, both car companies survived. Wanting to be relieved of the public taunting of phrases such as “Government Motors”, GM and Chrysler paid back the emergency assistance late in 2011. Regardless of political leaning or perhaps free of such constraints, government intervention of the two American auto companies stabilized what could have been a much harsher industry-wide events. What if many more autoworkers would be out of the job? What if the 100th year of Chevrolet had been marred with a giant production blackout continuing to this day? Those and other questions can be answered hypothetically.

US Auto Market for Import Brands

While the mighty Detroit Three restructured their business model, many would believe the Japanese automakers Honda and Toyota have finally entered prime position to eat drastically eat away at the market. However, just like the American based companies, the Japanese carmakers have been suffering similar sales slippage from 2005 levels. Toyota Motor Corporation 2011 auto sales of 1,644,661 units is 27 percent lower than the 2005 year (Toyota fell just short of Chrysler with yearlong sales in 2005). Honda’s United States auto sales have also been noticeably lower at 21.5 percent over 2005 numbers. Third place in US sales among the Japanese carmakers is Nissan. Suffering a drop of about 230,000 vehicles from 2005 to 2009, Nissan pulled an enviable achievement recovering all but around 34,000 units in US sales delivering 1,042,534 vehicles to customers during 2011.

Bucking the trend of the economic hardships felt by leading auto companies was the South Korea’s Hyundai/Kia. In 2009, Hyundai/Kia actually posted a modest growth. Still emerging as a trustworthy company in the United States in 2005, the South Korean entity of Hyundai Motor America and sister group Kia Motors were able to benefit from a slimmer market profile. Kia and Hyundai brands have steadily sailed forward in American auto sales that totalled 1,131,183 vehicles after the 2011 calendar year. Increasing annual sales by 400,000 cars and crossover vehicles 2005 through 2011, records a sensational 54.77 percent increase in sales.

The US Auto Sales Recovery to Date

Despite successes and disappointments, the results of these seven top auto companies (totalling 10,987,403 units in 2011) shows that recovery is not yet a full recuperation to previous years. The point of observing this six-year span of sales numbers in the United States paints a picture of a different time in the auto industry on a continent. From the buzz at the upcoming auto shows, with all the uncertainty that recalls, the latest in advanced propulsion technology, the lessons of the past pushes a stride to former glory or even to a greater future.

Information source: Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, American Honda Motors, Hyundai Motor America, Kia Motors, Nissan Americas, Toyota Motor Corporation
Photo source: Chris Nagy, Chrysler Group

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Manufacturers typically don’t try out drastic changes with their bread-and-butter car lines. Honda has taken risk aversion to a new level recently though. When the “all-new” Civic debuted, it didn’t look that way to most observers. Neither did the CR-V crossover. Both cars stayed remarkably the same; many people we’ve talked to can’t even spot the differences unless they are side-by-side.

Now it’s the Accords turn. A new generation of the Accord is coming, and the Coupe has been previewed at the North American International Auto Show. There has been some nice renderings we’ve seen showing what the car could look like. Apparently, those are all purely speculation, and the Accord will be following Honda’s recent offerings in keeping change to a minimum. At least for the coupe variant – we haven’t seen the sedan yet.

These recent introductions from Honda were developed during the industry’s sales collapse, and Honda cut back on research and development during that time. Man does it show versus the competition. The Honda Accord Coupe Concept (in name only; this is production-ready) doesn’t bring much new to the table. It sticks to the existing formula, going for tweaks around the edges.

Up front there are new headlights and a hideous-looking fog light setup. Out back, the taillights and lower rear fascia are redesigned. Save for the fog lights, which won’t make it to production (what were the guys at design thinking?) it definitely isn’t a bad looking design. That’s because fundamentally the current Accord Coupe is good looking, and they didn’t do anything radical to change that. It just isn’t very engaging, and the rest of the segment is becoming that way. Besides, we think the current Accord Coupe looks better, and that’s never a good sign for a new product.

Bigger news is under the hood, where the “Earth Dreams” 2.4-liter four-cylinder will debut. It features direct injection and produces 181 horsepower and 177 pound feet of torque. Curiously, it will be paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to improve fuel economy. The V-6 engine option will continue and see a bump in horsepower. The Accord Coupe will be one of the few remaining mid-size coupes on the market.

The Accord’s technology package will be significantly upgraded, featuring a LaneWatch for blind sopt monitoring along with Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Crash Warning (FCW) systems. These technologies will help the Accord keep pace with the rest of the segment. In the press release, Honda mentions the 2013 Accord sedan will have a smaller footprint than the existing car. Hopefully that means we are in for more engaging design than the current sedan. Given what we’ve seen recently from Honda though, we wouldn’t hold our breath.

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The Honda Crosstour just hasn’t been selling well, something that has become ever more clear now that its sales figures are listed as a standalone model. The Crosstour’s flop status has been acknowledged by the top brass at Honda. That’s good – they say first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. Honda seems perplexed by the reasons for its failure though.

We aren’t – most people want something attractive, and the Crosstour just isn’t it. American Honda President Tetsuo Iwamura said he was disappointed in the car’s sales because the car had “very beautiful styling” but that they “went a bit too far.” Indeed.

On paper, the Crossover should be doing well, as the overall crossover segment is roaring. It doesn’t help anything that the Crosstour is pretty expensive, and that Honda in general isn’t doing too well. That said, Honda isn’t giving up on the car, and it is looking to alleviate one of those aforementioned issues – price tag. A four-cylinder should help drop the Crosstour’s MSRP by a good amount, theoretically making it a more attractive package to potential buyers.

For 2012, a four-cylinder front-wheel drive model will be joining the lineup. The engine puts out 192 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Hardly inspiring figures; they should make the 4-cylinder Crosstour an absolute joy to drive (sarcasm alert!). One of the current Crosstour’s redeeming qualities is its V-6 power, which gives it good performance. The four-banger will boost mileage, by 3 mpg city and 2 mpg highway, to 29 highway, 21 city.

The four-cylinder is paired with front-wheel drive power only – all-wheel drive is a no go. Changes to the exterior include 17-inch wheels, versus 18s for the six-cylinder. For 2012, standard equipment like a backup camera, Bluetooth and an auto dimming rearview mirror has been added to the Crosstour lineup. A flop is a flop though – we doubt a four-cylinder will change that.

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You know how we had been saying Honda offers almost no vehicles of interest to enthusiasts? There are some noises that they could be looking to change this. Acura is going to debut a new NSX concept at the Detroit Auto Show that will preview a production car. It will feature a new hybrid version of Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive that uses electric motors. We’re intrigued at the possibilities the system offers.

At the Tokyo Auto Show, Honda showed off the EV-STER concept, a lightweight roadster. The EV-STER clearly looked like just a concept thrown out to please auto show crowds, not a prospect for production. Certainly a lot of details and the interior design are not ready for production.

German car magazine Auto motor und Sport says that after receiving a lot of positive feedback about the EV-STER though, the company is giving it a green light for production. If true, it is a promising development.

The concept is a pure electric vehicle, but the production vehicle could offer a gasoline engine or hybrid system. We think offering just a traditional ICE in the car would be a good option. Lightweight, with a low amount of displacement, it would achieve good fuel economy numbers as well as offering a zippy driving experience.

As for a hybrid, look at how Honda’s last hybrid “sports” effort, the CR-Z fared. Not too well. That car has been characterized as a disappointment, as it just isn’t a worthy successor to the CR-Z. Hopefully Honda approves this project. The last sports car at Honda was the S2000. Word is that the EV-STER’s styling will heavily influence future Honda and Acura performance products. If the EV-STER is cheap, if it is really produced and if it offers a compelling engine option, this could be an exciting development. That is a lot of ifs though…..

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Saddled with the high upfront costs currently attached to the early electric production cars, the new driving lifestyle will drastically affect the refueling environment for consumers. Whether a full EV (electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid model, charging of a vehicle’s battery pack will see private parking lots or garage become an active hub for the operations of electric cars. For the most part cancelling-out the trip to the gas station, electrified vehicles would ideally be completely ready for a complete zero emissions run over a reasonable, unobtrusive course of time. Owners of electric vehicles will quickly become acquainted that not all charging operations are equal.

Similar to gasoline highway fuel economy estimates that automakers publish to sell their vehicles most effectively, charging times for electric cars varies depending on certain factors. For example with the Nissan Leaf fastest battery charge time is recorded at 7 hours. However, if the Leaf is charged to using a standard 110-volt household outlet, the electric car would take a very long 21 hours. In order to achieve faster charging times, electric car owners will need to opt for a home charging unit. One of several leading units coming to market is from GE (General Electric) and will now have the additional advantage of being sold through major on-line website Amazon.com.

Priced at $1,099.00 with free basic shipping through Amazon, the GE Wattstation is a modern looking wall-mounted charging device. The Design of the GE Wattstation is meant to provide a simple interface for users to understand and operate. By simply inserting the cord into an electric vehicle’s power inlet, charging through the GE Wattstation is indicated by a green charging icon on the terminal. The Wattstation is universal for any current electrified vehicle including full electrics vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and the Chevy Spark EV to plug-in hybrids such as the Chevy Volt or an upcoming Toyota Prius model. When the GE Wattstation is not in use, the power cord can be wrapped around the device just as easily as a garden hose. With a shut-off button on the unit, zero power consumption is achieved when the GE Wattstation is not in use.

Suitable for installation inside a garage or even outside, the GE Wattstation comes with a step-to-step DVD detailing the proper method for mounting the unit. The charging unit is configured to be easily integrated with existing properties. Even outside the house, the sturdy design of the GE Wattstation wall charger withstands harsh weather and is secured against theft.

Expanded distribution of the at-home Wattstation unit is part of GE’s comprehensive power supply hardware needs intended to brand themselves as a potential household name as well as a commercial application for EV charging. Besides being sold through Amazon, the distribution of the GE Wattstation will also involve electric car company CODA Automotive. Through an agreement entered last month, CODA Automotive endorses the GE Wattstation as original equipment. Now across the United States and Canada, 46 published public locations have industrialized GE DuraStation charging units capable of replenishing electric vehicle batteries. GE has also entered a deal in September to buy Chevrolet Volts for use at their Shanghai headquarters cross promoting the technology in China. With electric cars finally earning a chance to shine in the 21st century, the construction of the infrastructure on personal, commercial and public property will need to grow at a pace faster than the EV lifestyle itself. The business opportunity presented to rapid electric charging solutions has not been lost on companies like GE.

As the first crop of mass-produced electric cars open to nationwide marketing, the GE Wattstation will have immediate industry competition. When announcing the Focus Electric vehicle, Ford Motor Company entered a collaboration with electrical hardware producer Leviton to create their own charging unit. The Ford branded 240-volt vehicle unit will be sold for $1,499 with the cooperation of Best Buy and their Geek Squad group. Consumers can expect to see a fast-growing competition from charging unit providers GE, Leviton, and other companies as they seek industry leadership no matter what EV prevails.

Information source: Ford Motor Company, GE
Photo source: GE

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An Observation for Japanese abundant drive in design and innovation creativity, the Tokyo Motor Show has been a location symbolizing forward thinking. The Tokyo Motor Show has served as a unique showcase of cars, trucks and motorcycles depicting bold ideas along with the occasional bizarre attraction. Giving consumers a peek at new arrivals for dealerships, the 2011 show is presenting the world a look at new production vehicles such as Toyota GT-86, Subaru BRZ and Mazda’s car displaying I-ELOOP hybrid technology. Cars like Volkswagen’s Cross Coupe Concept and the most extreme design study of the year, the Toyota Fun-Vii provides a strong statement to a wide-open vision for global motoring. Presenting the future of motoring, the 2011 edition auto exhibition at Tokyo’s Big Sight venue serves importantly in the recuperation during a difficult present.

Held first in 1954, the Tokyo Motor Show was held to highlight the products created by a people recovering from their imperialistic errors of the 1930s that ultimately led to direct combat with the United States during World War Two. Demonstrating modest and utilitarian vehicles for an new, evolving culture, the Tokyo Motor Show beginnings would see Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi (a diverse corporation that debuted their very first vehicle at the 1959 event) gain steps into the Japanese marketplace. As Japanese auto brands became increasingly more global, the Tokyo Motor Show grew into a spotlight event for the car business when European and even American manufacturers fought for exhibition space. The precursor vehicle to the Audi R8 (the Avus concept sports car) was a significant world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1991. In recent years, the Honda FCX and the Nissan GT-R were some of the high-profile production cars the Japanese exhibition brought to light.

As automotive entities arrived at the Tokyo Big Sight venue for the 2011 exhibit, this show staging came just short of nine months after Japan’s worst environmental disaster. On March 11, a 9.0 magnitude underwater earthquake shook the Asian country violently. The Earthquake spawned an equally as destructive tsunami that ultimately led to the lives of almost 16,000 people being lost (including an employee at the Honda R&D Center in Tochigi). Placing second below the human loss of Japan’s worst natural event, a country’s massive industrial complex was brought to a halt due to damage and power interruptions.

The Japanese auto industry shutdown not only slowed productivity on the Asian island but surged worldwide as vital vehicles and parts were unable to flow out of the country for almost a month. Possessing large North American assembly capacity, American and Canadian workers at Honda as well as Nissan plants operated under reduced capacity for months following the disaster. For Honda, it wasn’t until August when Honda’s supply to North American plants for the Civic and Accord returned to full capacity. Toyota, Subaru, Suzuki, Mazda and Mitsubishi also suffered global productivity setbacks throughout 2011 year.

Nearly nine months since the disaster, Japanese auto companies have returned to full operations for the most part but continued to haunted by sales sheet declines through 2011. With production hindrances more than likely playing a role, many of the leading Japanese automakers are heading into the end of the year posting regional and even global losses. Toyota has recorded a 7.5 percent decline in United States vehicle sales in 2011 compared to previous year. In the 11 months of this year, the top Japanese automaker’s Lexus division (consisting largely of cars built in Japan) holds a 14.2 percent drop over 2010. Honda’s tightened supply through much of this year has also been a contributing factor to a 5.5 percent drop in American sales for the 11 months of 2011. Mitsubishi Motors production for the first six months within the country of Japan fell by 12.6 percent. One of the few bright notes was Nissan that actually bettered Japan corporate rivals by increasing global sales by 18.8 percent for 2011. Nissan’s success could be owed to sizeable amounts of part and vehicle sources outside of Japan. However, the electric Nissan Leaf’s production in Japan slowed the distribution of the very hot new vehicle.

While Japanese auto companies returned to normality over the summer of 2011 in the production of vehicles, the effects of the earthquake and tsunami left these companies in-line with their national community. Five of the major Japanese auto manufacturers immediately donated the equivalent of over 13 million dollars US of aid on top of other provisions including blankets, generators and forklifts. Showing unity, autoworkers and other individuals of regions outside of Japan were also generous to their colleagues. American Honda Motor Company and the Red Cross teamed up to raise money to help aid the Japanese people. For days following the earthquake, Nissan provided their headquarters in Yokohama City as a temporary shelter. A wonderful scene of humanity overcoming the typical coldness of corporation allowed the first steps following this natural disaster aftermath to be made for all Japanese citizens still dealing with hurt.

A much-needed public celebration of engineering marvels, Japanese auto companies are seeking a lot of support from the biennially scheduled world-class event. Similar to the auto shows proceeding after the government-assisted bailouts of General Motors and Chrysler little more than a year ago, the Tokyo Motor Show for 2011 is something more than a display of cars, trucks or motorcycles. The auto companies of Japan are the compilation of people who have committed themselves to move forward. Without forgetting the past, the present and future seeks to carry on an overall spirit of progressive innovation. The attending crowd for the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show have witnessed first-hand the resilience of an auto market seeing the optimism with every vehicle presentation. Unlike several North American auto shows in Chicago and Los Angeles that remain secretive on actual event attendance, the 2011 Tokyo grandly announces the daily count at the turnstiles. After 8 days of public exhibition, the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show has entertained 513,200 admirers of the transportation culture.

Enduring from what has been a year of struggles, the auto manufacturers of Japan are positioning themselves to overcome hard times with a driven intention.

Information source: American Honda Motor Company, Nissan Americas, Tokyo Motor Show
Photo source: Unnamed photographers via Newspress UK

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News about Acura’s next-generation NSX came out a few days ago. In the report was some information about a new SH-AWD hybrid drivetrain working in concert with a 3.5-liter V-6. Today we are hearing a bit more about that thanks to Honda’s new “Earth Dreams Technology” initiative. It is similar to Mazda’s companywide SkyActiv technology program, but Honda is putting a goal along with it. By 2013, Honda wants to have industry-topping fuel efficiency in every category. That is just a little over two years away; ambitious to be sure. To show how it aims to get there, Honda gave a roadmap of its plans.

Everyone is focusing on fuel economy, and that is a good thing for pocketbooks and energy independence alike. The thing we like to see is a balanced approach; many companies are still pushing the performance envelope while offering more efficiency in mainstream models. Evidence that performance cars are still alive and well abounds.

Like Mazda, a lot of Honda’s initiative focuses on the internal combustion engine. There is still electric and hybrid technology though – perhaps more than ever before for Honda. Improvements to gas engines include a reworking of Honda’s VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control System) to improve thermal efficiency and minimize friction. The rest of the changes focus on reductions in engine weight, the use Variable Timing Control (VTC), and Atkinson cycle operation on its 1.8 to 2.0-liter four-cylinders. Mated to these engines is a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) offered in all segments. Honda’s CVT uses a hydraulic control system and electronic oil pump that help boost efficiency by 5 to 10% over other CVTs and 5-speed automatic transmissions.

A new, smaller displacement diesel engine and a “two-motor” hybrid with all-electric modes are further pieces of the puzzle. The thing we’re most excited about though is the new high-effiency, high-output SH-AWD system for Acura. We first heard about this when news about the next-generation Acura NSX came out. The system is a hybrid version of Acura’s torque-vectoring Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system. Hybrid SH-AWD aims to offer acceleration equivalent to a V-8 (which means Acura probably won’t be getting one after all….). Shockingly, Honda also claims fuel efficiency is “superior or equal” to an in-line four-cylinder. SH-AWD uses two 20 kilowatt electric motors at each rear wheel, with a 3.5-liter engine and 30 kilowatt electric motor up front. Torque vectoring technology ties it all together, enabling direct power to be sent to each wheel.

A lithium ion battery pack stores the power, and shifting is handled by a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Electric SH-AWD system sounds extremely promising and something we’re really looking forward to seeing. Acura needs a shot in the arm of technology and innovation, and hybrid SH-AWD could play an important part in that.

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Styling plays an important part in new car purchases. Generally (there are exceptions….) if a car is ugly, it isn’t going to sell. Pontiac Aztek, anyone? Yeah, that didn’t sell too well. Honda as a whole hasn’t turned out the most stylish vehicles recently, especially in the crossover/SUV category.

The Ridgeline and latest iteration of the Pilot haven’t found a lot of fans, and the Accord Crosstour didn’t find many either when it was revealed on Facebook in 2009. It was widely panned. For an important new vehicle in a growing market category, that isn’t a good thing. The past has proven that enthusiasts reactions don’t always determine whether or not a car is going to be a success though. But the results are in on this one; the Crosstour is a failure, just like most of us thought.

At the Tokyo Motor Show, American Honda President Tetsuo Iwamura spoke with Autoblog expressed his surprise at this fact. “In the case of the Crosstour, I’m really disappointed because that’s a nice car, [with] very beautiful styling, and it gives very good driving performance as well as packaging. But yet, we went a bit too far,” he said.

“Very beautiful”? Really? Some of the problem lies with that statement right there; the Crosstour is no beauty queen. One thing Iwamura identified as an issue was calling the vehicle the Accord Crosstour when it launched. We’d agree, but we don’t think it would have mattered much when it comes to sales.

Honda has since dropped Accord from the car’s name, and sales actually declined. Go figure. Iwamura says the company expects the Crosstour to be a “leading model” in the future, after refining its design and performance. We think Honda would be well served by looking to some of the design simplicity its cars had in the past as a way forward in the future. Its current styling language just doesn’t seem to be working out too well.

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Auto manufacturers today realize the car ownership experience must be a far-extending phenomenon to promote loyalty. Auto companies like Ferrari fosters favour for vehicles like the latest 458 Italia thanks to a wide merchandising chain. Mopar merchandise and Mercedes-Benz apparel have also been hot sellers as companions for diehard brand followers blossoming into a meaningful side business. Thanks to the mobile app marketplace, the connection to drivers has become virtual. While some of the popular smartphone and tablet apps attract the enthusiast experience of a vehicle, others provide important methods to link customers to needed service. The OnStar RemoteLink and Audi Roadside App are a few emerging examples for how a smartphone application can provide distressed drivers with relief. Just in time for the numerous holiday treks, Acura owners will have an enhanced roadside assistance service utilizing mobile devices.

The AcuraLink Owner’s Mobile App is devised as a companion to the existing Acura Roadside Assistance Programs. Currently available only on Apple iPhone devices, owners of 2012 Acura vehicles such as the revised TL sedan or TSX Sport Wagon gain a free tool for a range of automotive services.

Created in partnership with their roadside service provider Cross Country Automotive Services, the AcuraLink Owner’s Mobile App regularly serves the user with a valuable emergency link. Whether a vehicle needs a tow, battery jump-start or if an owner is locked out of their vehicle, the Acura Roadside Assistance services can be easily dispatched through the AcuraLink Owner’s Mobile App software. The Apple iPhone’s GPS technology guides the roadside service personnel to the user’s location easing potentially lost motorists. Providing the contact information of the towing company as well as an estimated time of arrival, Acura owners are given an increased sense security in moments assurance is important.

The roadside assistance services provided at no charge to Acura owners under warranty as a 24-hour, 7 days a week protection. Acura drivers outside of this vehicle coverage plan for an additional fee. AcuraLink Owner’s Mobile App can be downloaded on the Apple App Store or from the Acura.com website page. The AcuraLink Owner’s Mobile App is presently not available on Android, Blackberry or other wireless devices.

Acura has been very susceptible to the tough 2011 calendar year for Honda Automobiles. Due to the great dependence on the Honda’s Japanese resources for cars as well as parts, Acura suffered lighter inventories because of the March earthquake and tsunami disaster. Aside from production impairments, Honda’s premium car brand is suffering from less than ambitious activity as most of the 2012 Acura line-up remains largely unchanged. At the end of October 2011, Acura division sales in the United States are down to 6.6 percent. Acura has been able to claim a technological edge over luxury car rivals and are relying on their enhancement through the App could be a building block.

Information and photo source: American Honda Motor Company

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When the 2012 Honda Civic design debuted at Detroit’s North American International Auto Show, a portion of the ninth-generation’s car crowd could possibly be heard yawning to what they deemed more of a mild redesign. The underwhelming styling has apparently cut into the reputation for the new Civic regardless to the fact there is no indications core Honda aspirations of quality and value is unaffected. Perhaps caught off-guard by the rush of considerable advancement of competitor’s compact cars, the 2012 Honda Civic’s debut might not have been the thriller the Japanese auto brand is seeking.

While there will be no shortage of loyal Civic buyers eventually upgrading to the ninth-generation car, others left under-stimulated by the new compact vehicle will find the three creations based on the 2012 Honda Civic a reason for exhilaration.

Bisimoto 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe

A modified sport compact theme designated as a straight-liner performer, the Bisimoto 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe is maxed out with four-figure horsepower.

The Civic Si edition’s K2427 engine undergoes a drastic retuning by Bisimoto to unleash deep, hidden potential few would expect from an economy car. Arias forged pistons, Supertech valvetrain, NGK Iridium spark plugs and a Golden Eagle intake manifold are some of the mild engine enhancements beefing up the Civic Si Coupe’s 2.4 liter engine for what will be new heights in Honda performance. Supplied by Turbonetics, the Bisimoto 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe is jarred by an extreme turbocharger and intercooler kit. Requiring racing fuel to run at optimum performance, horsepower for this Bisimoto version of the Honda Civic is estimated in the range of at least 1,004 horsepower. Somewhat surprisingly, the Bisimoto 2012 Honda Civic Si is advertised as street legal.

Wearing a Gatorwrap custom body wrap with Type 2 graphics, Bisimoto adds exterior body improvements to the 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe available through their Extreme Dimensions collection. Eins Gramm 18-inch aluminum wheels on high performance Falken tires allow the 1000-plus horsepower Bisimoto 2012 Honda Civic Si Couple and its race-spec chassis to sail across pavement. A Steen roll cage shields the car’s interior featuring Buddy Club P1 racing seats.

Honda 2012 Civic Si Coupe HFP

Presented at the 2011 SEMA Show, Honda has made it easier for racers to prove the seemingly shy 2012 Civic does have the soul for demonstrating performance-oriented driving. The first of what will be only 500 United States-bound street worthy kits available for 2012 Civic Si Coupes, auto racing play a part in a factory-backed equipment grouping.

Developed by Honda Performance Development (HPD), the Honda Factory Performance (HFP) limited edition kit is a most comprehensive assortment of race-ready pieces. Starting with a full HFP body kit engineered for superior aerodynamics, the exterior pieces come in one of seven body matching colours. The entire HPD Civic Si Coupe is 15 millimeters (0.59 inches) lower in overall ride as high-performance springs and dampers is designed to provide well-suited handling as well as balance. The HFP edition 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe rides on 18-inch HFP alloy wheels. HFP emblems are included on the HPD 2012 Civic Si Coupe is carpeted floor mats illuminated by red ambient lighting.

Fox Marketing 2012 Civic Si Coupe

A design firm with a main focus for preparing promotional material for businesses, Fox Marketing has been making a name for itself after customizing 69 vehicles before the 2011 SEMA Show. Becoming Fox Marketing’s 70th automotive design project, their 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe show car beams with Ultrasonic Blue Pearl beauty. A combination of 18 aftermarket suppliers and partners, the Fox Marketing 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe enhances the essence of the compact coupe. Outfitted with aftermarket side skirts as well as front and rear bumper covers, the CarBodyKits.com look provides a sporty but sophisticated look. Sourced from Vossen Wheels, CV3 brushed aluminum 20-Inch wheels are equipped on the Fox Marketing 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe encapsulated in Toyo tires. Yonaka Ronin Black leather seats and a custom rear leather seat are found inside of the sport compact show car wearing Si inserts.

Under the hood of the Fox Marketing 2012 Civic Si Coupe, the Honda 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine has a wide array of racing-caliber components. A BorgWarner EFR turbocharger (a forced-air unit identical to that equipped on Honda‘s 2012 INDYCAR powerplant) is combined with an intercooler in an effort to truly let the engine belt some serious performance numbers. Combined with a cat-back exhaust and some high-flow fuel injection parts, the Fox Marketing 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe produces over 450 horsepower.

Tjin Edition 2012 Honda Civic Si Sedan

Unlike the other three leading 2012 Honda Civic SEMA Show vehicles, the Tjin Edition has customized a sedan version of the popular compact car.

While a Magnaflow exhaust system and Nitrous Express performance-boosting unit is fitted to the Tjin Edition 2012 Honda Civic Si Sedan, changes exercised on this vehicle are more well rounded. Featuring a front bumper and rear spoiler acquired from Unique Fabrication, the Tjin Edition 2012 Honda Civic Si Sedan is covered with a Wraptivo custom wrap. The exterior details are accented by a Thule roof rack on the modified 2012 Civic. Taking a radical, non-conformist approach to design, the Tjin Edition 2012 Honda Civic Si Sedan most notable distinguishing item from other custom SEMA creations rests within Falken tires. Mismatched colouring for the RotiForm 19-inch wbeels sees orange used on the driver side and purple on the passenger side.

Inside, leather seating and inserts from LR Interiors decks out the cabin area. Realm Audio supplies the Tjin Edition 2012 Honda Civic Si Sedan with improved stereo sound through speakers, dual amplifiers and subwoofers. For cases when a baby’s lullaby is pumping out of the Tjin Edition 2012 Honda Civic Si Sedan‘s speakers, a young child rides in Recaro baby seats.

Information source: American Honda Motor Company, Bisimoto, Fox Marketing, Tjin Edition
Photo source: American Honda Motor Company

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In the 1950s, most auto company has defined safety features in a more simplistic way. Instead of engineering handling the safety aspects of a vehicle, carmakers tragically left the progression of safety to automotive stylist. Over decades, safety has evolved from being a laughing matter to a realistic intent for saving lives of motorists and passengers. Anti-lock brakes, airbags, electronic stability and better vehicle construction have been effective in reducing deadly accidents to a series of whiplash compensation claims.

With all the great innovations created to protect vehicle occupants and pedestrians, sometimes the quest for safe driving has taken a wrong turn. The following are four leading examples of automotive safety equipment set on a collision course for failure.

Chrysler’s Electronic Voice Alert

In an age where computer technology delighted a first generation of youngsters with Pac Man, one auto company’s idea for modern safety involved treating experienced motorists like a teenager driving their family’s car for the first time with an obsessive parent. Evolving loosely from the early 1980s Speak & Spell education toy, Electronic Voice Alert provided audio messages in addition to the vehicle information center (aka. dashboard warning lights).

Introduced on the upscale K-car models including 1983 Chrysler LeBaron and Dodge 600, the Electronic Voice Alert system was initially admired for its ability to promote safe driving as computer voice warnings were given to buckle seat belts or insure doors were closed. Incorporated in higher scale vehicle in the Chrysler line-up, the Electronic Voice Alert quickly earned a reputation for diminishing the driving experience with the repeated voice warnings. The constant instruction from the Electronic Voice Alert ended up being more of a nuisance than an advantage leading to the discontinuation of the feature after the 1988 model year.

Cadillac Night Vision

Applying military-inspired technology into automobiles is far from a new phenomenon. Finding a widespread citizen use for advances in night vision equipment, the beginning of the 21st century was to witness the vision of objects more clearly in minimum light conditions.

A highlight feature added to the 2000 Cadillac DeVille, General Motors installed the Night Vision system into the full-sized luxury car trying to infuse life to a rather dreary Cadillac division after the 1990s. Operating through a camera mounted behind the grille of the Cadillac sedan, the Night Vision view broadcasted onto the DeVille’s windshield. Allowing views at night to be highlighted in a monochromatic black and white display, the system demonstrated effectiveness on the Cadillac DeVille but failed to win over buyers. The fact the Cadillac DeVille’s Night Vision system was a most expensive $2,000 option did not entice Cadillac luxury seekers forcing the brand to drop the advanced safety unit after the 2004 model year.

Not working for Cadillac, the notion of car-based night vision systems is not an extinct piece of automotive safety technology. Still restricted to luxury vehicles, version of night vision are currently found on the Lexus LS sedan as well as certain Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Rear-Engined Cars

Accepted largely as a design feature created in the interests of practicality or performance, rear-engined vehicles were briefly promoted by auto makers in the late 1940s and 1950s as a safety feature. The safety theory of a rear-mounted powerplant car was to put the dangers of engine fires behind the passenger compartment. If an engine fire would occur at speed, the flames and fumes would not rush into the cabin. In During the post World War 2 era, several high-profile American auto brands sought to master the rear engine configuration.

The 1948 Tucker Torpedo was one rear-mounted powerplant car built around a vehicle that would be seen ahead of its time for multiple safety features. In a lesser-known concept, Kaiser-Fraser Motors featured a rear-engined sedan they believed would be the future of American motoring. Clearly, that future was not realized. At least in a safety aspect, rear-mounted powerplant would not prove itself as a safer alternative to conventional front engined automobiles. The highly publicized campaign against the Chevrolet Corvair pointing at the rear-engined compact’s alleged handling issue did not help.

Automatic Seat Belts

In 1972, Volkswagen engineers began to experiment with a technology that would automatically apply the vehicle safety belt too many drivers continued to avoid. For American driver up to 1979, it seemed that the only way to improve driver seat belt usage was to strap the safety device to their wrist. Mandatory on new vehicles sold in the United States since 1968, a 1983 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration authored by B.M. Phillips found that only 11 percent of drivers were using safety belts. While those numbers of seat belt usage was troubling, the automatic seat belt was a safety solution that did more harm than good.

When the automatic seat belt reached production, the only effective way the system would work was to allow only the shoulder belt to be applied to the driver requiring the driver to still buckle a lap restraint. With only part of the safety restraint engaged, the driver improper usage of the automatic seat belt system compromised protection in an accident. There was also an issue automatic seat belts were rigged on the venerable doorframe rather than a sturdier roof B-pillar.

During the late 1980s, the United States Department of Transportation buoyed the cause of automatic seat belts by allowing automakers to install the devices in new vehicle as an alternative to more expensive driver-side airbags. Naturally, penny-pinching auto company executives during this era attempted to adapt the automatic seat belt hastily in production vehicles. Volkswagen and Jaguar products as well as the Honda Accord were examples employing the automatic seat belt technology during its brief popularity. As time progressed, the automatic seat belt was considered a safety gimmick gone bad and was abolished from new cars as of the mid-1990s in favour of airbags.

Information source: General Motors, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, United States Department of Transportation
Photo source: Chrysler Group, General Motors, Honda, Volkswagen

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