09/23/2009 - TOKYO, Japan - Honda Corporate


Pursuing the concept of "harmony with people" Honda has developed a new personal mobility technology and unveiled U3-X, a compact experimental device that fits comfortably between the rider's legs, to provide free movement in all directions just as in human walking - forward, backward, side-to-side, and diagonally. Honda will continue research and development of the device including experiments in a real-world environment to verify the practicality of the device.

This new personal mobility device makes it possible to adjust speed and move, turn and stop in all directions when the rider leans the upper body to shift body weight. This was achieved through application of advanced technologies including Honda's balance control technology, which was developed through the robotics research of ASIMO, Honda's bipedal humanoid robot, and the world's first* omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System, or HOT Drive System), which enables movement in all directions, including not only forward and backward, but also directly to the right and left and diagonally. In addition, this compact size and one-wheel-drive personal mobility device was designed to be friendly to the user and people around it by making it easier for the rider to reach the ground from the footrest and placing the rider on roughly the same eye level as other people or pedestrians.

Honda is planning to showcase the U3-X at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009 (sponsored by JAMA) which will begin on October 24, 2009 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.

Striving to propose the next-generation mobility which expands the joy and fun of mobility, Honda has been conducting robotics research since 1986, including ASIMO, walking assist devices and U3-X, at the Honda R&D Co., Ltd. Fundamental Technology Research Center in Wako, Saitama, Japan.

* Based on Honda's internal research

Key features of U3-X



1.Device control featuring application of balance control technology cultivated through ASIMO research:

The incline sensor detects the incline of the device based on the weight shift of the rider and determines the rider's intention in terms of the direction and speed. Based on the data, precise control is applied to return the device to an upright position, which achieves smooth and agile movements and simple operation by weight shift only.





2.HOT Drive System (Omni-directional driving wheel system):

Honda developed the world's first wheel structure which enables movement in all directions including forward, backward, side-to-side and diagonally. Multiple small-diameter motor-controlled wheels were connected in-line to form one large-diameter wheel. By moving the large-diameter wheel, the device moves forward and backward, and by moving small-diameter wheels, the device moves side-to-side. By combining these movements the device moves diagonally.







3.Compact and innovative package:

The combination of the balance control technology and the HOT Drive System enabled the one-wheel style compact and innovative package of the device. In addition, the device adopts a light-weight monocoque body in which the foldable seat, footrests and body cover that also function as the frame are stored in the body of the device, achieving highly portable convenience.

Are you the proud owner of a Honda Accord or Civic? Would it surprise you to know that these cars are among some of the most often stolen vehicles in America? In the United States, a car is stolen on average every 26 seconds, making the odds that you will become a victim of this crime shockingly high. So, what can you do besides drive a less desirable vehicle or install the latest and greatest in anti-theft technology to deter thieves? Instead, try thinking like a thief to avoid the most obvious pitfalls that make your car an easy target.

According to police and professional auto theft experts, the following is a list of suggestions for keeping your car from being an easy target:

Spare keys in a magnetic box or under your visor are so "yesterday." Don't leave spare keys in your car; instead, keep an extra key in your purse or wallet. Thieves, and virtually everyone else, already know where all the "hiding places" are. (After all, you DO watch TV don't you?)

Never leave personal information in your car. Keep your registration and insurance information with you. At least if your car is stolen, you can rest easy knowing the thief doesn't know where you live. After all, if you have a "hot" car that's worth stealing, what else might you have at home that's of equal interest?

Americans are so used to the sound of a car alarm going off that few heed its cry. Instead of using just a motion-sensitive car alarm, use one that has a pager that will notify you as soon as your alarm is activated. That way at least someone (YOU) will react to your cars cry for help.

Don't tempt car thieves. Keep valuables out of plain sight. Take them with you or store them in the trunk. Even something as small as a handful of change in a cup holder or a laundry bag in the back seat can encourage a thief to take a closer look at your car.

Don't just lock your steering wheel. Lock down your car's ability to start by using a starter disable switch and putting it in a place only you are aware of.

Never leave your keys in the ignition, even for a few minutes. Besides taking a chance on accidentally locking yourself out of your car, car theft is a crime of opportunity, so don't make it easy for them to run off with yours.

When parking late at night or in poorly trafficked areas, select well lit and easy to get to spots. At sporting events, water parks, airports, etc., opt for paying the extra few dollars for the monitored parking lot instead of using the free parking if you can afford to do so.

Consider using a professional car alarm systems installer instead of a retail store installer. Unlike most retail chain stores, alarm experts can insure that no visible wires will make it easier for a thief to disable your alarm system.

Don't advertise your alarm system brand by displaying decals all over your car. This just makes it easier for a knowledgeable thief to know what to do to disable it, and to be able to do so that much more quickly.

Granted, if a thief really wants your car, there's little you can do to avoid it. No amount of high tech security, locks, or fancy alarms will stop a true professional. However, auto theft is usually a crime of opportunity. While following the above guidelines won't make your car burglar proof, it will make a potential thief think twice and keep your car much safer while unattended.

Ed Napleton Honda of Oaklawn is a full service parts and installation provider. If you're concerned about auto theft, stop by and speak to our service manager today about installing or upgrading your existing anti-theft systems. You'll be glad you did.

Labels: auto alarm, auto theft, car alarm systems, crime, Honda Accord, Honda Civic

09/10/2009 - MARYSVILLE, Ohio -
Honda of America Mfg. marked 30 years of manufacturing in America today with a symbolic tree planting ceremony that represents the company's deep roots in America and its longstanding relationships with the communities that have hosted the company's operations.
"On behalf of the thousands of Honda associates in Ohio, past and present, I want to thank our local communities and the people of Ohio for their support and friendship during the past 30 years," said Honda of America President and CEO Hidenobu Iwata. "The significant growth we have experienced in Ohio would not have been possible without the trust and support of our community partners."

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Honda has paced the industry in the development and deployment of zero-emissions hydrogen-powered fuel cell technology as well as the refueling infrastructure that will be required to take it to the mass market. Honda's next-generation fuel cell car, the FCX Clarity, is the only fuel cell vehicle (FCV) built from the ground up as a FCV, and it is the first to be mass produced on a dedicated production line.

More about Honda and the FCX Clarity

On September 5, 1882 the first Labor Day parade was held in New York City. Twenty thousand workers marched in a parade up Broadway. They carried banners that read "LABOR CREATES ALL WEALTH," and "EIGHT HOURS FOR WORK, EIGHT HOURS FOR REST, EIGHT HOURS FOR RECREATION!" After the parade there were picnics all around the city. Workers and celebrants ate Irish stew, homemade bread and apple pie. At night, fireworks were set off. Within the next few years, the idea spread from coast to coast, and all states celebrated Labor Day. In 1894, Congress voted it a federal holiday.

1. Checking fluids and the air filter - Regularly checking the various fluids such as the antifreeze fluid, transmission fluid and the brake fluid is important, as they might lose their ability over time to lubricate and to prevent rust. Checking the air filter regularly makes the engine last longer, as it can "breathe" freely. A clean air filter prevents dirt from clogging the engine.
2. The Coolant – Correct coolant levels prevent severe consequences. Ideally a 50-50 water- coolant mix is recommended, however extreme conditions may require a 70 coolant-30 water proportion.
3. Tires 'tire' too! - Often given the step-motherly treatment, tires tend to wear out just when you need your car the most. Checking inflation pressures is the least expensive car maintenance of all and goes a long way in increasing the tire's life, as well as giving you improved gas mileage. In general, tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles or so, to prevent uneven wear.
4. Get your car checked regularly - Follow the maintenance schedule as per your owner's manual. And do not neglect even a small problem, as it may have the potential to zoom up into a major catastrophe.

Labels: Car Resale Value, Car Value, Preventative Maintenance, Vehicle Preventative Maintenance Tips

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09/01/2009 - TORRANCE, Calif. -
The all-new 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour evolves the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) concept by integrating a sleek and aerodynamic shape that blends sporty, low-profile contours with versatile CUV functionality, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
"Our concept is to broaden the appeal of the Accord line-up by leveraging traditional Accord strengths of fun-to-drive performance and handling while also adapting to dramatic shifts in the light truck marketplace," said Erik Berkman, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The Accord Crosstour accomplishes that by offering a modern interpretation of a CUV while integrating the refinement and efficiency of a premium sedan."
Derived from the Accord Sedan, the Accord Crosstour maximizes car-like ride and refinement, yet maintains capabilities consistent with a CUV's increased ride height and all-weather potential. The Accord Crosstour's styling builds on the Accord's familiar character lines and adds a bolder front grille complemented by a durable lower-body appearance, wedge-shaped C-pillars and an aggressive rear stance. The flowing roofline narrows smoothly into the rear of the vehicle to create an aggressive-looking design, which conceals a unique cargo area that can adapt to large objects that exceed the capacity of a sedan.
"We know SUV buyers like the commanding view of the road that comes with a high eye-point and like the comforts of living with an SUV," said Berkman. "This vehicle meets the needs of buyers looking for those attributes yet at the same time want an image that is different from a conventional SUV."
The Accord Crosstour will be positioned at the top of the Accord family when it goes on sale in fall 2009. Additional details will be announced later in the year. Consumer information is available at http://automobiles.honda.com/future-cars.