OFFICIAL STATEMENT : Tohoku Earthquake impact on Honda operations across Asia

Honda Malaysia issued the following press release as a clarification on the status of Honda's operations here in the important regions of Japan (home market), Asia, and Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, etc). The main message is that Honda will resume operations of ALL their plants on April 11th, INCLUDING the Tochigi R&D center which got hit quite badly. Any potential impact on production due to parts supply will be handled on an as-is where-is basis -IF- they occur. Read the full official release after the jump.

 

EARTHQUAKE IMPACT ON HONDA OPERATIONS

IN JAPAN, ASIA AND OCEANIA COUNTRIES

Petaling Jaya, 1^st April 2011 – Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. today announced the possible impact on its operations from Japan earthquake disaster, following a statement issued by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. 

<About Japan Operations>

·        Sayama Plant at Saitama Factory (Sayama, Saitama) and Suzuka Factory (Suzuka, Mie) which have been suspended will resume production on 11^th April 2011.  This means all Honda production plants in Japan will resume operation on that date.

·        Honda will also resume its production and shipment of component parts for use in production outside of Japan on 4^th April 2011.

·        However, the production of cars as well as component parts will run at approximately 50% of the original production plan at the outset as the situation with the supply of parts remains fluid.

·        Most of Honda’s suppliers in Japan are making progress in resuming production, and many have already started production. Honda is working with its suppliers that have yet to resolve the challenge in resuming their production, to help re-establish their operations as soon as possible. At the same time, evaluation of other possible sources for the parts in the supply chain is in progress.

<About Asia and Oceania Operations including Honda Malaysia>

·        Honda is striving to continue production at each automobile production plant with careful examination on the possibility of a temporary reduction of production volume.

·        Honda Malaysia is monitoring closely the situation on the supply of parts and how it will affect its CKD and CBU models here. Relevant announcement can only be made once there is more information.

“We deeply regret any inconveniences caused, especially to our valued customers. We are making every effort to work towards a full recovery as quickly as possible. We sincerely appreciate the understanding of our customers and business partners during these challenging times,” said Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia.

Honda Malaysia today contributed RM300,000 to support relief and recovery efforts through Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) International Relief Fund.

Authoritative Information on radiation levels in Japan

Due to Honda being one of Japan's largest car manufacturers, as well as one of the two manufacturers most affected by the Tohoku earthquake/tsunami early this month, we at TOV/TOVA have been especially concerned about the situation in Japan. I myself have personal friends living in Tokyo.

One of the most alarming developments lately has been the amount of mis-information and in some cases, blatant mis-representation and fear-mongling amongst many reports especially on the internet and often even in traditional media. Sensational headlines seems to be the norm today.

It is true that radiation and its ill-effects are very worrisome. However, for those TOV/TOVA readers who are interested to know the truth and nothing but the truth, it is worthwhile knowing that the worldwide authority on nuclear-related matters is the International Atomic Energy Agency or the IAEA. All other 'authorities' that may be quoted in news reports are simply fake. The IAEA reports directly to the U.N. including policing adherence to policy and reporting errant countries to the UN Security Council. Therefore, if you are really eager to know the true situation, especially if it may affect you directly in one way or another, the proper place to check is the IAEA website, and not all those newspapers, internet portals and so forth.

The IAEA website has a dedicated page on up-to-date updates on the Tokoku earthquake/tsunami situation including internationally verified data on current status of the Fukushima plant as well as radiation levels. Do note that all radiation levels and information seems to be independently verified by experts from properly accredidated international bodies, such as the WHO and so forth. The Japan authorities are also being advised on most critical matters by experts from these bodies. Therefore, if you read comments from 'experts' from previously unheard of organizations talking like authorities on the nuclear situation, you really should ask the key question of WHY they are talking and NOT in Japan offering advice and help.

The link to the page is question is here :
http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/tsunamiupdate01.html

Please note that wild reports of radiation levels running out of control in Japan are NOT supported by actual internationally verified information. Also any reports about airborne radiation having made its way outside of Japan are also not true at all. To close this post, the following quote was in the IAEA website on March 30th. This is about radiation level measurement from Singapore authorities whom apparently have been instructed by the IAEA to measure and provide the data to them, regarding any radiation having made their way outside of Japan..

"In response to the request for data on measurement, the IEC has received information from Singapore. The Singapore Authorities have sent reports on measurements in food imported from Japan (cabbages). Some samples were over the Codex Alimentarius values recommended for international trade. In Singapore no increase in gamma dose rates have been observed and no fission products have been found in air samples."

New mini-car by Honda, the BRIO is launched in Thailand

Honda has launched a brand new model, a mini-car named the Honda Brio starting in Thailand. It is equipped with a 1.2l engine with around 90ps featuring DBW and a CVT gearbox. The engine is EURO-4 emissions compliant.

More details of the Honda Brio is available at the HAT (Honda Automobile Thailand) at http://www.honda.co.th/brio/

Latest update on Honda's situation from the Tohoku Earthquake

Honda has made further changes to their operations in Japan following the Tohoku earthquake. To read the whole press release, click on 'read more' below




TOKYO, Japan, March 24, 2011 - Following is the most current information regarding the impact of the major earthquake in Northeastern Japan on Honda's operations. 

<About the suspension of production>
Honda had previously announced the suspension of production through Sunday, March 27. Today, Honda made the decision to extend the suspension of the production of finished units of automobiles at Sayama Plant at Saitama Factory (Sayama, Saitama) and Suzuka Factory (Suzuka, Mie) through Sunday, April 3, 2011. Concerning operations from April 4 on, Honda will make decisions based on the status of the recovery of Japanese society as a whole as well as the supply of parts. We deeply regret any inconvenience we may be causing our customers. Honda will resume motorcycle and power product production at Kumamoto Factory (Ozu-machi, Kikuchi-gun, Kumamoto) on Monday, March 28.

<Recovery of operations in the Tochigi area where the impact of the earthquake was more severe>
At Tochigi Factory (Moka, Tochigi), the repair and inspection activities were completed for almost all facilities and equipment.
At other operations, including the Automobile R&D Center (Tochigi) of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. and Honda Engineering Co., Ltd., associates who will work on the restoration started returning to work. However, based on the expectation that it will take several months until the complete recovery of these facilities, Honda decided to temporally transfer some functions such as the automobile product development, development of manufacturing technologies and procurement to Honda operations in other locations such as Sayama, Suzuka, and Wako. 

<Recruiting activities for the next year-- associates who would join the company in April 2012>
On March 14, Honda announced that the testing/interviewing of applicants from the affected areas would be conducted in June or later even without their request so that people in the affected areas can focus on their daily life and recovery efforts. Today, considering the fact that the various issues are affecting people all over Japan, Honda decided to delay the entire recruiting process by about two months so that all of applicants can enter into the process without any concerns. Based on the changes in the situation, Honda will take additional measures as needed to reduce the burden on applicants as much as possible. More details will be posted on the recruiting section of the Honda website in April.
Honda is working toward the recovery with the utmost efforts. We appreciate everyone's understanding during these challenging times.

Videos of new 9Gen USDM Civic

There is already an forum created for the to be launched new 9the generation Honda Civic. In the TOV forums, reports that the 9Gen Civic forum people have already capture some videos of the car which are now already at the dealer's lots for stock-up and for training. Some of these videos have been embedded in the TOV forum. The relevant thread is below:

http://www.vtec.net/forums/one-message?message_id=969084&page_number=1#969084

Extension of plant closure due to earthquake

Below is the press release from Honda related to the extension of plant closure due to the effects of the recent earthquake.

TOKYO, Japan, March 18, 2011 – Considering the current situation of the nationwide recovery efforts in Japan, Honda had previously announced the suspension of production until March 20. Today, Honda made the decision to extend the suspension of production of finished units at the following plants until March 23, 2011: for automobiles, Sayama Plant at Saitama Factory (Sayama, Saitama) and Suzuka Factory (Suzuka, Mie) and for motorcycles, Kumamoto Factory (Ozu-machi, Kikuchi-gun, Kumamoto).
Concerning operations from March 24 on, Honda will make decisions based on the status of the recovery of parts supply as well as Japanese society as a whole. We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause our customers, and request their understanding during these challenging times.

Honda Accord MMC

Honda Malaysia today launched the face-lift for the Honda Accord. The MMC comprises almost purely exterior comestic changes like chromed front grille and so forth. Other more 'useful' enhancements includes thicker floor mat for the interior which serves to enhance noise insulation for quieter ride. A new 17" wheel complements the 2.4l version. Also added are useful features like front corner sensors and a new design 'jack-knife' car key.

Most importantly is that prices for all variants remains the same; on-the road with insurance retail prices being RM142,800 for the 2.0VTi, RM149,800 for the 2.0VTi-L; and RM172,800 for the 2.4 VTi-L.

Also a new colour, Celestial Blue Metallic has been added to the existing colours which have all been retained.

For the official press release for this MMC Honda Accord, click on 'read more'

Sophistication refined in the latest 2011 Accord

Petaling Jaya, 17 March 2011 – Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. today announced the arrival of the newly updated Accord for 2011. Highlighted by value-added features and enhanced styling, the latest Accord is a refined version of the 8^th generation model, which is a statement of sophistication built purely to provide customers the joy of possessing a luxurious and performing sedan.

“Accord has an illustrious history that spans across 35 years, during which it has grown into a truly global car with a legacy of awards and innovations. As one of Honda’s bestselling vehicle lines, Accord is sold in more than 160 countries with a cumulative sale of more than 18 million units from 1976 to 2010,” said Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia.

He further added: “In Malaysia, 7,322 units of Accord was sold last year representing 16.5% of Honda Malaysia’s total sales; this made Malaysia the No. 1 Accord market amongst ASEAN countries and one of the biggest markets for Accord in the Asia & Oceania region, contributing to 22% of the region’s total sales last year.”

Some of the reasons cited by Malaysian customers for their preference of the Accord included its performance, marked by excellent drivability, fuel economy and Honda’s renowned i-VTEC technology; sporty exterior styling; luxurious and comfortable interior with the largest space in its class; and a youthful image coupled with Honda’s strong branding.

Taking cues from what customers like about it, the new Accord has been further enhanced in exterior styling and features to bring its sophistication to a new level with the same high performance expected of Accord. This is achieved with a set of new sporty chrome front grille and bumper, elegant rear chrome trunk lid, and smart-looking new 17” alloy wheel design for selected model. In terms of value-added features, it now offers front corner sensors, an enhanced interior cabin, and a new jack-knife key for a safer and more luxurious drive.

Overall, the style-enhanced Accord expresses an even more upscale and powerful presence. While the car front continues to feature a powerful forward-thrusting nose, long, sharply cut headlights, it is now complemented with new chrome front grille and bumper for a sharply defined sporty and yet elegant appearance. The rear of the car is also refined with a new chrome trunk lid that gives it a premium and luxurious touch. The 2.4-liter model now comes with a newly designed 17” alloy wheel that adds to its total sporting class.

Along with the refined exterior, drivers can expect the new Accord to continue to deliver a delightful driving experience with its existing Variable Gear Ratio or VGR Steering – a mechanism that provides precise handling and stability during high speed driving, and ease to manoeuvre at tight corner; Shift Hold Control, which reduces gear shift during cornering and supplies acceleration after a turn; and 5-Speed Automatic Transmission, which offers an incredibly smooth drive and better fuel economy.

With one of the largest cabin rooms amongst cars of its class, including those of continental make, the Accord is already offering a comfortable and luxurious feel and ride for both driver and passengers.  The refined interior of the new Accord features a thicker floor mat to reduce the effect of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), thereby providing an even quieter and luxurious ride; and both 2.0-liter VTi-L and VTi variants now come with new leather steering wheel, with an added leather gear knob for the latter.

In terms of safety, the new Accord will continue to utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); and new front corner sensors for safer parking for all variants.  The 2.4-liter variant has additional safety equipment including the Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) and front seat side airbags with occupant position detection system (OPDS).

With all the refinements in its exterior styling, new value-added features, coupled with Accord’s existing advanced technologies, the new Accord promises a sporty luxurious, safe and performing drive.

In consideration of providing the best value for customers, Honda Malaysia announced the good news that it will maintain the price for all new Accord variants with the enhanced exterior styling and value-added features (in the aforementioned).

The three new Accord variants and their on-the road with insurance retail prices are: the 2.0-liter VTi model retailing at RM142,800; the 2.0-liter VTi-L model with additional features and more luxurious touches, retailing at RM149,800; and the 2.4-liter VTi-L model retailing at RM172,800.

It is available in five colours: the all-new Celestial Blue Metallic; and other existing hues in Taffeta White, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, and Crystal Black Pearl.

The new Accord will appeal to those who aspire to succeed in life, appreciate the finer things, and enjoy a luxurious and high performance drive. In line with the target customers’ aspirations, Honda Malaysia is embarking on a nationwide photography exhibition tour entitled The Journey of Ambition, to showcase the legacy of Accord driven by Honda’s engineering spirit and boundless ambitions. Honda customers and visitors can view the exhibition at Queensbay Mall in Penang from 13 to 17 April; One Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya from 20 to 24 April; Empire Gallery in Subang from 25 to 29 May; and Terbrau City in Johor Bahru from 21 to 26 June.

Starting today, customers can visit all authorised Honda showrooms nearby to view and test-drive the new Accord.  For more information, please call Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020, or log on to Honda Malaysia’s website at http://www.honda.com.my