World Auto News & Reviews

Honda has announced plans to unveil the Personal-Neo Urban Transport (P-NUT) concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

While the company declined to elaborate or release pictures, they stated the P-NUT will “demonstrate a futuristic concept for an ultra-compact, aggressively designed coupe.” Vague, but the name seems to imply the vehicle is loosely based on the peanut-shaped U3-X personal mobility concept.
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Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. (HRAP) was officially launched with the Minister of Industry, Mr. Chanchai Chairungruang, presiding over the inaugural ceremony. The primary focus of this new centre is to address the rapidly changing consumer needs and market demands as well as strengthening Honda’s competitiveness in Asia and Oceania region.

Mr. Fumihiko Ike, President & Chief Executive Officer, Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said, “Today’s opening of Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. represents an important step in Honda’s history and commitment to Thailand, which has become one of our core operation bases for motorcycles, automobiles and power products. We are currently producing 3.3 million units of Honda products annually for export to more than 80 countries around the world. We have steadily grown our Thailand functions into an important operation for Honda, not only in the Asia-Oceania region, but also for global markets.
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Honda Motor Co. leads the car manufacturing industry in research and development, according to a report from consulting firm Booz and Co.

The report shows that five of the world’s top 20 R&D spenders for 2008 are car companies, with Honda recording the highest proportion of dollars spent versus sales.

According to the report, Honda has a total R&D spend of USD$5.6 billion or 5.6 per cent of sales, the highest of any major manufacturer.
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Honda Motor co., Ltd. announced that it will begin sales of a limited number of the Civic Type R Euro, a premium sports model with a distinctive, stylish form and performance that was forged on European roads. Only 2,010 units will be available for sale in Japan.

The Civic Type R Euro is a premium sports model built for mature customers who enjoy exciting driving performance together with a refined ride. It delivers supple handling and exhilarating, prodigious output over a wide range.

The Civic Type R Euro is equipped with a specially designed, 2.0l naturally aspirated engine (max. output: 148kW (201PS)/ 7,800rpm) paired with a responsive, 6-speed manual transmission. A lighter, more rigid body shell, specially tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels contribute to the Civic Type R’s ability to push the performance envelope. Custom aerodynamic components enhance the body’s already outstanding aerodynamic form, while interior features including a custom 3-spoke, small-diameter, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum ball-type shift knob, and Honda R spec seats enhance the driver’s sense of oneness with the vehicle.
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We’re not sure how many of you follow the Britcar Championship, but even if you don’t, we gather that you’ll appreciate these photos of John Danby Racing team’s newly developed (and oh-so sizzling hot) Honda NSX racer. The matte black Japanese sportscar was built to comply with the Britcar Production regulations and has already completed a successful shakedown test at Snetterton in Norfolk last Friday ahead of its debut at the season’s final round at Brands Hatch on November 7.
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