Honda Archives

Honda Malaysia Extends Model Range With New Odyssey Launch [+Videos]

Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd (HMSB) has extended its model range equipped with Next Generation Advanced Safety Technology by introducing its first model for 2018, the new 7-seater Odyssey MPV with Honda SENSING. Check out this quick 360-degree walk-around and interior video taken at the launch:

The Odyssey is the third model after the CR-V and Accord to be equipped with Honda SENSING, the safety feature which bagged the 2016 ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Award in the “Best Safety Technology” from a carmaker category. The launch of the New Odyssey completes the trifecta of Honda vehicles with SENSING in Malaysia, which includes its sedans, sport-utility vehicles (SUV) and multi-purpose/passenger vehicles (MPV).

The Honda SENSING* in the new Odyssey consists of six features, which are divided into the two categories of Safety and Convenience, as well as Comfort:

Features for Safety:
– Forward Collision Warning (FCW) that will trigger a visual warning and audible alerts for the driver when the monocular camera and a millimetre wave radar detect that it is at risk of collision with the front vehicle
– Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) which assists in applying brake force progressively when it senses an increasing risk of collision
– Lane Departure Warning (LDW) which monitors vehicle lane position using cameras, and alerts if the driver drives out of the lane
– Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) that provides alerts, applies brakes and assists the driver’s steering to prevent driving off the road .

Features for Convenience & Comfort:
– Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that sets a desired speed and following interval from the vehicle detected ahead
– Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) which uses camera to read lane markings and assist the driver’s steering to keep the vehicle in the centre of its lane

Honda Malaysia Group Vice President, Akkbar Danial said, “In addition to Honda SENSING, the New Odyssey is expected to elevate the safety benchmark in Malaysia’s MPV segment with its unrivalled premium safety features. These include Multi-view Camera System, Smart Parking Assist System, Blind Spot Information that alerts on oncoming vehicle in the blind spot when the driver is switching lanes and Cross Traffic Monitoring that gives off a warning whistle when a collision with a cross-approaching vehicle is predicted when backing up the MPV. On top of all these features which are exclusively found only in the Odyssey, the New Odyssey is also equipped with six airbags.”

You can see him highlight some of the new Odyssey features in this short video:

The outward appearance of the Odyssey is enhanced with a new front bumper, new front grille, new LED rear lights, LED fog lights, 17” Dual Tone Alloy Wheels, Auto Retractable Door Mirrors and it is also equipped with Auto Dim Rear View Mirror. Meanwhile, the interior of the Odyssey has also received a makeover.

These include new bigger armrests for the driver seat, 4-Way Passenger Power Seat, added storage and enhanced utility as well as bigger headrest for its Premium Captain Cradle Seats with Ottoman on the second row to boost comfort and enjoyment for the passengers, especially during long journeys. The Ultra-Low Floor Platform of the New Odyssey eases passenger ingress and egress in addition to enabling this MPV to have a spacious cabin that is equivalent to a large-class MPV.

The Odyssey upholds its predecessor’s characteristics that offer a refined and exquisite silhouette, spacious and elegant interior while being fully equipped with other advanced features of an MPV. Performance-wise, the Odyssey is powered by a 2.4L DOHC  i-VTEC Earth Dreams Technology engine mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that gives dynamic acceleration at start and also best-in-class fuel efficiency.

The Odyssey is offered in just one variant, the 2.4L EXV with Honda SENSING, and it’s priced at RM254,800 without insurance (including GST). Honda Malaysia has set a sales target of 130 units per year for the New Odyssey.

It will be available in three colour options, of which two are the first in a Honda model. The new colours are Platinum White Pearl and Premium Twinkle Black Pearl, while the popular Super Platinum Metallic is maintained.

It is now open for booking at all 93 Honda dealers nationwide. It comes with 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage and a service interval of 10,000km.

For more information on the new Odyssey with Honda SENSING or to book a test drive, you can visit any Honda authorised dealer or call Honda’s toll free number at 1-800-88-2020, or log on to www.honda.com.my.

2018 Honda Odyssey Launch Photo Gallery…

*Low Speed Follow (LSF) is not equipped in the new Accord (below) with Honda SENSING or the new Odyssey MPV.

HMSB Retains #1 Non-National Ranking For 3-Years In A Row

Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (HMSB) has continued to retain its No. 1 position for Non-National segment for three consecutive years and strongly maintain No. 2 position in overall TIV for two consecutive years from 2016 to 2017. They also announced that all of its CKD models took the lead in their respective segments in 2017.

HMSB recorded total sales of 109,511 units, setting an all-time high record in the history of Honda Malaysia since it was established in 2003. This is also the first time that Honda Malaysia achieved sales of more than 100,000 units and also the highest that a Non-National brand has ever achieved in Malaysia. Since 2003 and in the span of 14 years, Honda Malaysia has sold more than 730,000 units of vehicles, bringing the Joy of Driving to Malaysia.

In December 2017 alone, HMSB recorded 11,221 units sold. The overall sales for 2017 increased by 19% compared to the 91,830 units recorded in 2016. The Company managed to capture 19% market share, the highest ever achieved in Honda Malaysia history, and an increase of 3.2 points from 2016.

In 2017, Honda Malaysia launched 6 new models. The 2017 models introduced are the BR-V, City, Jazz & Jazz Hybrid, City Hybrid, CR-V and All-New Civic Type R. The City emerged as Honda’s best-selling model in 2017, contributing 27% of total sales, followed by HR-V at 17%, BR-V at 16% and Civic at 14% respectively. In the Hybrid segment, the Jazz Hybrid and City Hybrid contributed 2% to the total sales of Honda Malaysia despite being on sale for only 4 months and the two models are leading the overall Hybrid segment.

Throughout 2017, Honda Malaysia expanded its presence and penetration in East Malaysia, which contributed more than 7,500 units to the total sales achieved. Sales for East Malaysia in 2017 increased by 33% compared to 2016. BR-V was the best-selling model in East Malaysia.

Besides increasing sales and customer base, Honda Malaysia is also mindful of the importance of its after sales service. Last year, the Company introduced Honda Pride with the aim to create awareness amongst Honda customers on the benefits of after sales services and to increase customer satisfaction.

With 12 specially designed benefits such as 5 years warranty with unlimited mileage, genuine parts and comfortable dealer showroom, Honda Pride is dedicated to the customer’s experience of top quality services in after sales from the moment they step into the dealership. The Company increased the number of dealerships in 2017 to cater to the expanded customer base and to continue providing excellent after sales services. In terms of service intake, Honda Malaysia recorded more than 1,150,000 vehicles serviced in 2017, up 13% from the approximately 1,021,000 vehicles serviced in 2016.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia, Toichi Ishiyama said, “Honda Malaysia achieved outstanding sales achievement in 2017, and we dedicate this milestone year that we have experienced to all our customers, business partners, dealers and Honda associates. It has been an exciting year for Honda and the outstanding results we achieved would not have been possible without the strong support of all Malaysians and the Malaysian Government.”

“Reflectively, we are pleased to note that with the maturing Malaysian market, customers responded well to the various Next Generation Advanced Technologies we introduced such as Honda SENSING, Turbo and Sport Hybrid i-DCD. The Sport Hybrid i-DCD made history during their introductions as Malaysia is the only country outside of Japan to introduce the technology. It was also the most affordable Hybrid to be introduced in the market. Honda was also the first brand to introduce the SENSING technology into mass models such as the CR-V and New Accord. Ultimately, we strive to bring the joy of ownership to all our customers,” concluded Ishiyama-san.

The 15-Year Breakdown…

Honda Malaysia Sales Result (2003-2017)
Year	Sales Unit
2003	17,087
2004	24,862
2005	27,462
2006	26,529
2007	28,480
2008	32,491
2009	38,785
2010	44,486
2011	32,482
2012	34,947
2013	51,550
2014	77,487
2015	94,902
2016	91,830
2017	109,511

Honda Malaysia’s Record-Breaking 2017 – Best In Its History!

Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (HMSB) has announced the results of an outstanding year in 2017. The company recorded an astounding total sales of 109,511 units, the highest in the history of Honda Malaysia since it was established in 2003. This is also the first time that Honda Malaysia achieved sales of more than 100,000 units. This sales figure is also the highest that a Non-National brand has ever achieved in Malaysia.

The Central region contributed the highest number of sales at 47%, followed by Southern region and Northern region. The overall sales for 2017 increased by 19% compared to the 91,830 units recorded in year 2016.

Commenting on the outstanding year that Honda experienced, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “The year 2017 truly was remarkable for Honda Malaysia. At the beginning of 2017, we challenged ourselves with a sales target of 100,000 units and in March 2017, we achieved a historical milestone with the 600,000^th unit (CKD) production within the span of 14 years since Honda Malaysia started in 2003. At the end of 2017, based on internal data our market share was at 19%, an increase of 3.2 points from 2016. For the first time ever, we surpassed the 100,000 units sales achievement within a calendar year. We continue to maintain our No. 1 position for Non-National segment and No. 2 position in overall TIV of the automotive industry.”

“On behalf of Honda Malaysia, I would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to all Honda Malaysia customers for their faith and belief in our brand and for making Honda their vehicle of choice. This achievement would not have been possible without our valued customers as well as strong support from our business partners and the Malaysian government,” added Mr. Ishiyama.

Having reviewed an outstanding 2017, Honda Malaysia is all geared up to make 2018 another successful year with many exciting products and services in the pipeline.

(Like maybe this perhaps? Stay tuned! – Chris Wee)

New Acura RDX prototype to be revealed

Acura, Honda’s North American luxury sub-brand will be unveiling the new 2019 RDX prototype at the upcoming 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The vehicle incorporates key design elements from the Acura Precision Concept and Acura Precision Cockpit.

Unlike its predecessor, the new RDX is designed and developed in the USA using the new Acura-exclusive platform. It’s angular contours, wide haunches and commanding presence make for an extremely appealing crossover SUV. The menacing front fascia and large LED headlamps are a welcomed edition to the 2019 model year.

This third-generation RDX gets an all-new interior design, user interface and operating system built and designed from scratch. Though the exact details have yet to be revealed, we are guessing that it should feature the automaker’s suite of cutting edge tech featured in the rest of its premium vehicles.

Acura’s RDX is one of the best selling vehicles in the premium-entry SUV segment for the US market. This particular segment has been steadily growing with each passing year, and is on a path to unseat the dominance and desirability of premium sedans.

New Honda Insight is marked improvement over predecessor

Honda is gearing up for the unveil of its all new Insight at the upcoming North American International Auto Show that will take place in January. The unveil will be of a prototype vehicle that will serve as a precursor to the actual production version, slated for launch later next year.

Unlike its predecessor, the new Insight will feature a sedan body-style and be positioned above the Civic as a refined family car. Sporting a similar silhouette to the current generation Civic, the 2019 Insight inherits the rather handsome and front grille of the Accord but with sleeker contours.

As for the rear, the automaker has chosen a less cluttered approach to the design, fitting angular LED taillights that slightly resemble those from a certain German manufacturer. That said, the entire design, is a step in the right direction. Where the second generation Insight resembled a MPV, the new one forgoes that look for a more business-like one.

“With its sophisticated styling, dynamic stance, ample interior space and best-in-class performance, the all-new Insight embodies Honda’s approach to creating electrified vehicles without the typical tradeoffs,” said, Henio Arcangeli, Jr., senior vice president of Automobile Sales and general manager of the Honda Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

“You won’t have to be an electrification advocate to appreciate the new Insight – it’s a great car in its own right, independent of what’s happening under the hood,” he later added.

Honda says that the new Insight will come with premium features and the performance that will win over the favour of many. Its two-motor hybrid powertrain will be able to provide all the benefits of a hybrid but none of the compromises.

Cars bound for the North American market will be built at Honda’s Greensburg, Indiana plant, alongside Civic and CR-V. This latest addition to the family is part of the Japanese automaker’s plan, that by 2030, two-thirds of its products will consist of only electrified vehicles.

Honda’s original NSX is a cult icon

Honda’s original NSX was an amazing amalgamation of the automaker’s F1 technical know-how and experience in producing well-built machines. It was an evolution of the HP-X Concept car that was designed in collaboration with Pininfarina. It featured cutting-edge tech and styling inspired by the F-16 fighter jet.

The intention of building the car, was to show that the company was well able to challenge status quo, and prove that a supercar can offer mounds of driving enjoyment yet be reliable for everyday use. Conceived in the 1980s, Honda’s plan of building a sports car came to fruition in the early 1990s.

Built from an all-aluminum body, the NSX, which was an acronym for New Sportscar eXperimental, was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.0-litre V6 engine. Later iterations featured a slightly larger 3.2-litre variant. It was either mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Granted, it didn’t offer the same visceral feel as a V8 powered Ferrari, but the car more than made up for that with nimble handling characteristics, reliable mechanicals and decent power delivery. That, packaged into a slender and lightweight 1990s body, caused a bit of a stir during its debut.

What helped the car gain its cult status was that F1 legend Aryton Senna, was involved in its development. His input helped shape the NSX’s driving characteristics, which is especially evident when the car is taken to its limits.

A video published by Petrolicious on its Youtube channel, depicts the love affair between Sean Lee and his NSX. Lee was smitten with the car from an early age. At a later stage in his life, he managed to acquire the car and enjoy it to its fullest. Check out the video and let us know what you think of it and whether it deserves to be revered.

Honda wins big at KBB

Honda has bagged a number of new awards in North America, with the most notable of the lot being awarded to the 2018 Accord. It has been named Overall Best Buy of 2018 by Kelley Blue Book (KBB). It is one of 7 accolades that the Japanese automaker won from a total of 12 ‘Best Buy’ award categories.

According to the judges, the Accord bested the competition because it managed to outclass its rivals in all categories despite being considerably cheaper. Besides this, it also offers decent fuel consumption and features that offer the best bang for your buck.

The following is the full list of Honda vehicles that were recognized during the awards ceremony:

Overall Best Buy: 2018 Honda Accord
Mid-Size Car: 2018 Honda Accord
Small Car: 2018 Honda Civic
Electric/Hybrid Car: 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
Small SUV/Crossover: 2018 Honda CR-V
Midsize SUV/Crossover: 2018 Honda Pilot
Minivan: 2018 Honda Odyssey

Speaking of Honda’s latest achievements, Jeff Conrad, senior vice president of the Automobile Division of American Honda, said, “We’re exceptionally proud to have dominated this year’s Kelly Blue Book awards, which really reinforces our unique focus on individual car buyers and on delivering the best overall value.”

Honda’s reputation for building vehicles of decent quality with impressive reliability standards have won over many North American car buyers. Despite stiff competition from local and Japanese rivals, it still continues to win award after award.

Honda employee jumps from plane for fun

Honda has published a new video featuring one of its employees, Kevin Kuhn, a thrill seeker who by nature, loves the thrills that are associated with skydiving. Its part of the automaker’s What Makes a Honda is Who Makes a Honda video series, where each episode depicts Honda’s ideals in its employees and in their work ethic.

It focuses on on those who live out the company’s commitment to The Power of Dreams, which is Honda’s global theme that encourages staff to conceive ideas that will create new value for customers and society.

Kuhn’s desire to challenge himself in several aspects of his life lead him to the daring challenge of jumping out of an airplane unaided and negotiating his way via parachute to the designated landing spot.

As the new model project leader in the Plastics department at Honda Manufacturing of Indiana (HMIN), he leads the team that is responsible for making plastic injected molded parts including bumpers and instrument panels.

According to Honda, Kuhn played a key role in the construction of plastic panels that went into the 2017 CR-V and 2016 Civic at HMIN production plant. Adding to this, he prefers to work together with other departments to maximize efficiency of manufacturing new vehicles.

Speaking of his eccentric hobby, Kuhn said, “Skydiving is a very freeing experience, there’s really nothing to be afraid of. I have learned a lot by taking risks, and how do we challenge ourselves to continue to make that better cars? With a challenging spirit, anything’s possible.”

Kuhn learned to skydive about seven years ago and has completed more than 380 jumps since then. He considers it a liberating exercise and is one that has taught him several life lessons that he applies to his day job.

Honda Jazz claims title of most reliable car

Based on a reliability survey that was conducted in What Car? magazine, a UK based automotive publication, the Honda Jazz is the most reliable car in the UK. The survey asked its readers whether their cars had suffered any faults within the last 12 months.

According to the 14,208 readers who responded, not a single Honda Jazz owner who completed the survey, reported any faults with his or her car. The different types of faults of the car were classified into 14 categories.

Readers were allowed to select parts of the car based on the following categories : battery, bodywork, brakes, engine electrics, exhaust, exterior lights, fuel system, gearbox/clutch, interior trim, non-engine electrics, steering, suspension and other.

Despite this, not a single person reported anything wrong in any of the 14 categories, which is a testament to Honda’s reputation for building reliable and robust vehicles. The Jazz’s bigger brother, the Civic, did well too, scoring a 94.5% reliability rating.

“This is a fantastic result for the Jazz and only goes to further demonstrate the build quality that Honda is famed for,” said Phil Webb, head of cars at Honda UK. “To then also further score highly with the Civic hatchback and Tourer simply reaffirms Honda as one of the most trusted and reliable brands.”

Though it seem like this bit of news irrelevant to Malaysian car owners, the contrary is true. This data offer an insight into the robustness of the mechanicals that power the current Jazz.

And since cars made in different parts of the world utilize similar drivetrains and trim fixtures, it’s safe to say that Honda Jazz owners here in Malaysia should be able to enjoy the same reliability as those in the UK.

Honda reveals new concept sports car

Honda unveiled a new sports car concept at the Tokyo Motorshow called the Sports EV Concept. The car features similar retro-modern looks of the Urban EV Concept, that has been altered to suit a larger silhouette.

At the front, it gets the same iconic rounded headlights used by the early Civics and an elongated black grille that occupies the recessed section of the front fascia. The bulging front fenders and long swooping bonnet provide the car with a muscle car look.

The noticeably large windshield stretches the entire width of the car with the A-Pillars forming narrow partitions between it and the window glass. Toward the rear, the vehicle takes on a fastback look, reminiscent of the original Ford Mustang.

It’s raked roofline tapers toward the back and forms a muscular looking rear. The overall look makes the car look as premium as vehicles from European automakers. Despite being a compact sports car, its design fools people into thinking that the Sports EV Concept is a larger car than its dimensions would suggest.

According to Honda, this new concept combines EV performance with Artificial Intelligence in a car that has been purposefully built to offer decent driving enjoyment. This news suggests that the car will be aimed at enthusiasts as well as those who enjoy a well built machine.

It’s refreshing to see Japanese automakers embrace this newfound need to produce efficient vehicles that combine cutting edge technology with beautifully sculptured bodies. That said, this is only part of the story for Honda. The automaker also unveiled plans of developing various technology that may contribute to the realization of a carbon-free society.

Piston.my

Honda

Honda Malaysia Extends Model Range With New Odyssey Launch [+Videos]

HMSB Retains #1 Non-National Ranking For 3-Years In A Row

Honda Malaysia’s Record-Breaking 2017 – Best In Its History!

New Acura RDX prototype to be revealed

New Honda Insight is marked improvement over predecessor

Honda’s original NSX is a cult icon

Honda wins big at KBB

Honda employee jumps from plane for fun

Honda Jazz claims title of most reliable car

Honda reveals new concept sports car

Honda Malaysia Extends Model Range With New Odyssey Launch [+Videos]

HMSB Retains #1 Non-National Ranking For 3-Years In A Row

Honda Malaysia’s Record-Breaking 2017 – Best In Its History!

New Acura RDX prototype to be revealed

New Honda Insight is marked improvement over predecessor

Honda’s original NSX is a cult icon

Honda wins big at KBB

Honda employee jumps from plane for fun

Honda Jazz claims title of most reliable car

Honda reveals new concept sports car

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