Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) has reduced the number of Jazz and CRV units that they are recalling by 4,620 units after it realized that these units have different design of power window master switch.

Last Monday, Honda announced the voluntary recall of 19,143 units of combined year. 2005-2007 Honda Jazz, year 2006-2008 City and year 2005-2008 CR-V models to replace the power window master switch assembly with countermeasure parts.

However, in a press statement, HCPI said that after a careful study, the number of affected vehicles is reduced to 14,883 units. The other 4,260 units which are not included in the recall have a different design of power window master switch which was supplied by other parts supplier. For easier reference, City units with central door lock function are not included in the recall.

The silicon component commonly found in air fresheners or automotive cleaning agents, etc. enters into the power window master switch. This accelerates wear in the contact area and over time, wear particles accumulate between the power source and ground of the unit switch. The resin material of the unit switch is then heated and carbonized. This may cause smoke and in worst case, partial burning of the window switch cover. To date, no accidents or injuries have been reported related to this defect in the Philippines

To conduct the voluntary recall in an orderly manner, customers are requested to call their respective dealers. Replacement of affected parts will be carried out in all 28 authorized dealers and 3 service centers nationwide, free of charge and will take no more than 30 minutes.

Philippine Star

Tsikot.com Philippines

As a precautionary measure, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) has initiated a recall of 19,143 units of its Jazz, City and CR-V models to replace the power window master switch assembly.

In a briefing Monday, HCPI sales and corporate communication head Voltaire Gonzales said the recall had nothing to do with safety issues, but was only being done to prevent inconveniences to motorists in the long run.

He explained that the company decided to conduct a recall as early as now to prevent possible accidents that could occur with the power window master switch assembly over the long run.

Cars with silicon-based air fresheners and those whose owners use automotive cleaning agents with silicon components are especially prone to damage, as the silicon components enter the switch assembly and accelerate wear over time.

Silicon particles can accumulate between the power source and the ground of the switch, causing the resin material of the unit switch to be heated and carbonized. This can result in smoke or, at worst, partial burning of the window switch cover.

So far, none of the vehicles that had already been brought for repair had encountered these problems, Gonzales related. The power window master switch assembly just malfunctioned.

“The problem manifests over time, so car owners won’t immediately encounter this. It won’t cause an explosion, but it could be an inconvenience to the user if it happens,” Gonzales said.

Covered by the recall are 2,924 units of the 2005-2007 Jazz; 13,352 units of the 2006-2008 City; and 2,867 units of the 2005-2006 CR-V.

Replacement of the parts, including labor and materials, will be of no charge to the vehicle owner. Owners of affected vehicles will just have to set an appointment with any of the 28 authorized HCPI dealers and three service centers nationwide. Repairs, excluding waiting time, will take only 30 minutes.

Gonzales assured owners of affected vehicles that all the necessary parts were on hand.

HCPI in February also conducted a global recall of Jazz and City models manufactured from September 2008 to April 2010, affecting 5,468 units sold locally. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that a spring caused friction and noise in the engine, which, in the long run, could cause stalling or even engine failure.

Of this total, Gonzales said 81 percent had already been brought for repair.

“There’s still an ongoing effort to track down the remaining vehicles that we haven’t repaired yet,” he said.

The Jazz and the CR-V are both imported from Thailand, while the City is manufactured at HCPI’s facility in Laguna.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Tsikot.com Philippines

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. seals another sales record with the City. Marking its first year anniversary in the market, the third generation City changes the rules on how subcompacts should be like and manages to post a total of 8,882 unit sales in 2009. This is the City’s highest annual sales ever chronicled since the model was introduced in the local market back in 1996. The highest recorded sales then were 5,478 units which was posted in 1997. This only evidences greater customer appreciation of Honda’s latest subcompact sedan.

In celebration of this remarkable feat, Honda brings the City to yet another level of refinement as it introduces a new exciting color to its line-up. Hailed as the time’s new black, the City now comes in Taffeta white for its top of the line variant, City 1.5 E. Exuding youthful, refreshing, sporty and stylish appeal, Taffeta White City spices up an already sensational package that has created new standards in its class.

“We are more than delighted with the news that the latest City has created new sales record on its first year anniversary. We are very grateful for the market’s unrelenting patronage that makes such achievement possible. Driven to constantly provide new values in our products and services, we hope that the addition of Taffeta White in City’s color selection will further stir up the interest of the discerning market.” said Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.

More than the usual subcompact sedan, the City’s overall value-for-money proposition changes the rules in its class, both in style and in performance. The City neatly merges modernism with practicality with its sophisticated and class-leading features that used to be reserved for luxury vehicles.

Just like any other Honda models, the City is equipped with an i-VTEC engine and conforms with EURO 4 emission levels that translate to lesser deposit of harmful emission. The City delivers maximum power output of 120 ps at 6600 rpm and 100 ps at 6000 rpm for 1.5 liter and 1.3 liter variants, respectively. To further enhance fuel efficiency, it comes with a class-leading 5-speed automatic transmission which also contributes to reduction of engine stress. Delightful and easy tracking of one’s fuel consumption is also made possible with the fuel economy and range indicators available in the liquid crystal display of the instrument panel.

Visit any of Honda’s 26 dealerships nationwide and check out the 1.5 City gleaming in its latest color Taffeta White. Other exciting colors available for the Honda City include Polished Metal, Crystal Black, Habanero Red, Bold Beige and Alabaster Silver. The Honda City comes in four variants with the following prices:

1.3-liter A MT Php 686,000
1.3-liter S MT Php 726,000
1.3-liter S AT Php 766,000
1.5-liter E AT Php 816,000

For more details, visit www.citychangetherules.com and www.hondaphil.com.

Remember to try before you buy. Be smart! Testdrive!

Tsikot.com Philippines

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. announces plans to adjust the suggested retail prices of its mighty subcompacts, the Honda City and Jazz models. Effective October 1, 2009, all City and Jazz models will have minimal increase in price amounting to P5,000 and P10,000, respectively. The 1.3-liter A City variant with manual transmission will be priced at P681,000 while the 1.3-liter S Jazz variant with manual transmission will be priced at P732,000.

The announcement ends the introductory prices of the City in January 2009, when the 3rd generation model was officially launched in the local market.

The entry of the 3rd generation City and 2nd generation Jazz in the market reinforced Honda’s claim on the passenger car segment. This year’s combined City and Jazz sales from January to August more than doubled as compared to the same period in 2008. Such favorable market acceptance enabled Honda to increase its total passenger car sales by 35%.

Bearing refined and class-leading features that were once reserved for luxury vehicles, the City neatly merges modernism with practicality for an ultimate driving pleasure. The launch of the 3rd generation City simply changes the rules on how subcompacts should be like.

The Honda Jazz also ups the ante for subcompacts. This multi-awarded model has been acclaimed for its remarkable use of space, thanks to its versatile ULTRA seats. Its innovative seat configurations can accommodate almost anything – be it tall, long or any utility items.

Just like any other Honda vehicle in the country, the City and the Jazz models are equipped with an advanced i-VTEC technology that makes the most out of every drop of fuel. By employing valve timing combination that pumps in fuel only as needed, the i-VTEC engine creates a perfect blend of remarkable fuel economy and optimum power output.

Apart from outstanding fuel efficiency, Honda vehicles are also engineered to pass the stringent European Emission Standards that regulate the amount of pollution that can be released into the atmosphere. Among local manufacturers, Honda is the only brand that has reached EURO 4 levels for all its model line-up.

So hurry! Rush over to any of the 26 Honda dealerships all over the country and make early reservations. For more details, you may contact any Honda dealership or log on to www.hondaphil.com.

Tsikot.com Philippines

Meet the new breed of 1.3s. Listen to them roar. Watch them slice through the air. Marvel at their gadgetry and advanced technology. The entry-level car market is changing. And change is riding on Honda’s Jazz and City.

The Jazz and the City elevate the 1.3 class to a new level. Regarded for so long as practical cars with basic features, 1.3s do not warrant the envious second-looks accorded to bigger cars. They are small and terrible to drive. But not the Jazz and the City. They prove that style and power can come in small packages. They are equipped with features that were once reserved for higher displacement models. And their styling can also make you stop on your tracks.

Packed with power and safety features, the Jazz and the City are more than just means of getting from A to B. Their new and responsive i-VTEC engines can deliver a respectable 100ps @ 6000 rpm and yet remain highly fuel-efficient. The Jazz’s aerodynamic shape and the City’s new arrowshot body design also contribute to their respective speed and fuel-efficiency. This just goes to show that you can be practical without necessarily sacrificing style and driving performance.

Another thing that separates the City and the Jazz from the rest of the entry-level cars are their attention to safety. For Honda, regardless of your car type, driving is more than just getting to your destination; it’s about getting there safely. This is why Honda packed the Jazz and the City with safety features you’d only expect on models with bigger displacement engines The Jazz and the City comes with dual SRS airbags (except 1.3 A City) to protect passengers during collision. Both cars have ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) and EBD with BA (Electronic Brake Distribution with Brake Assist) for better stability and easier handling especially when driving on slippery surfaces and during acceleration. And to top it all, the Jazz and the City are even equipped with immobilizers to protect them from car theft.

These small cars are also big when it comes to environment friendliness. With the Jazz’ and the City’s 5-speed automatic transmissions, they optimize fuel economy and produce cleaner emissions. In fact, both cars are Euro 4 compliant although the Philippines require only Euro 2 level.

Aside from defying the norm when it comes to features, the Jazz and the City also prove that size should not cramp style. The City’s new arrowshot design is a sight to behold as it speeds through the streets and the short, sporty rear keeps you looking towards its direction long after it is gone. But the best thing about the City’s styling is its ability to fit all that space into its seemingly small body. The City’s class-leading spaciousness allows passengers to have ample headroom and legroom regardless of where they sit. The City is also big enough for your cargo, thanks to its trunk space’s 506-liter capacity.

The Jazz’ aerodynamic design on the other hand is a salute to both form and function. Aside from contributing to the Jazz’ overall performance, its design also makes the Jazz both sporty and spacious. Look closely at the Jazz and you’ll notice that Honda carved out extra space wherever possible. Panels have concave sides to expand elbowroom and the revolutionary ULTRA seats give the Jazz superb flexibility. Just pull the operating lever and voila, the seats can be folded flat with a single forward pull. The lower cushion can also be folded up to make room for tall items. With the various seat configurations, the Jazz can carry objects that range from plants, to long boards and even to a mountain bike.

The Jazz’ and the City’s clever use of space, combined with their power and top-of-the-line features, will change the way you look at 1.3s. Yes, they maybe small, but their sporty looks score big in the styling department. And yes, they do have lower displacement engines, but they’re way up there when it comes to features, driving performance, and fuel-efficiency.

Visit your nearest Honda dealer now and test drive these mighty 1.3s. For more information about Honda and its products, log on to www.hondaphil.com.

Honda Philippines Media Release

Tsikot.com Philippines

Honda Cars Philippines Inc. announced 71.5% sales growth for its Honda City during the first half of year 2009. According to the report released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI), total City sales from January to June reached 4,393 units, a significant increase from last year’s sales of 2,561 units. Out of the total 8,683 units Honda sold for the year, 51% are City models.

With City sales averaging to 3,400 units per year, the 4,000 unit sales mark just for the first half of this year indicated a new milestone for the City.

Essential in attaining such feat was the entry of the 3rd generation City in January. With cutting-edge styling and technologies, the City has indeed reshaped the industry standards for its class. It simply changes the rules on how subcompacts should be like.

If you log on to www.citychangetherules.com, the first thing that you notice is the innovatively aggressive look of the City. As the renowned contemporary graphic designer, April Greiman would say, “Design must seduce, shape, and perhaps more importantly, evoke emotional response.” The design team of the Honda City definitely had this idea whether they knew April Greiman or not. The Honda City has a masculine and dynamic look that acquired inspiration from an ‘arrowshot’ design. The sharp front mask is formed by a continuous design motif running from grille to headlights. The exterior of the City reflects a tense look and dynamic energy of a drawn bow ready to fire. The higher belt line promises a roomier interior. The City’s aerodynamic curves tell of structural design that does not cut into the space, comfort, or luxury of the interior. The wonders of modern engineering just never cease.

Step inside the interior and it delivers what the exterior hints at all along. The promise of the City, no pun intended, does not disappoint. The height adjustable driver seat provides better visibility and driving comfort. It also has a fuel consumption meter that indicates instantaneous and average readout, including estimated drivable distance before refueling. Every detail considered to generate just the right heat. Even the steering wheel has a tilt and telescopic adjustable option to give the best angle and optimize the driving experience. Its bigger cabin interior provides sheer ride comfort to passengers. You will be surprised how the leg and headroom have improved.

Honda has added other features to spice up the total package. The City provides high sound quality with its Flex Audio System that is specially designed for digital media. It can operate an iPod, MP3 player or any USB memory device.

The City’s design is more than aesthetically pleasing. With safety in mind, the Honda team has made sure to deliver the most value for one’s buck. Its safety features include an ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD with BA (Electronic Brake Force Distribution with Brake Assist) and dual SRS airbags (except for 1.3 A). Honda is also taking into consideration its impact on the environment. The City, just like any other Honda models, has achieved EURO 4 levels which go beyond what Philippine regulations require.

Get behind the wheel and let the class-leading City seduce you. Visit any of the 26 Honda dealerships located nationwide and schedule a testdrive. For more details, you may log on to www.hondaphil.com.

Honda Philippines Media Release

Tsikot.com Philippines

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. showers delightful and easy-to-own packages this rainy season.  Available until June 30, 2009, this exclusive mid-year promo allows buyers to drive home Civic, Accord and CR-V models through flexible financing schemes, discounts and accessories package options.

The multi-awarded Civic with 2008 year model is available with as much as Php 35,000 worth of savings for cash buyers.  Meanwhile, financing buyers can apply the Php 35,000 special promo offering on the interest rates to make monthly payments more affordable.  With 50% downpayment, monthly amortization becomes as reasonable as Php 8,786.

Honda CR-V 2.4 buyers are also in for a special treat.  CR-V buyers not only get to enjoy the pleasure of sophisticated styling and sedan-like riding comfort but also benefit easy-on-the-budget deals.  The CR-V 2.4 variant with 2008 year model comes with as much as Php 60,000 worth of savings for cash buyers or can be applied on the interest rates for financing buyers.  Monthly amortization is estimated to go as low as Php 15,663 with 50% downpayment.

Indulge yourself with the premium grade driving performance of the most powerful Accord ever.  As much as Php 70,000 promo offering can be applied on the interest rates of financing buyers.  This brings down monthly amortization of its 3.5 liter top of the line variant to Php 21,494 with 50% initial cash outlay.  Aside from affordable financing schemes, one can opt for a worry–free driving option.  The Php 70,000 promo subsidy can be applied on the insurance, LTO registration or accessories.

The special offering this June gives you more reasons to experience the joys of owning a Honda.  At the heart of every Honda is the i-VTEC engine that is designed to bring you the joy of power and fuel efficiency.  With clean emissions that reach EURO 4 levels of European Emission Standards, every Honda vehicle is developed to let you feel the joy of caring for the environment.  Above all, you can take pride in experiencing the joy of beauty and prestige with Honda’s rich heritage and numerous awards around the world.

All special financing schemes are subject to bank’s approval.  Participating banks include BPI Family Savings Bank, RCBC Savings Bank, Banco de Oro, Union Bank and Chinabank.  For more details, you may visit any Honda dealership or log on to www.hondaphil.com.  Be sure to try out and schedule a testdrive of your preferred Honda and get to experience a new level of driving performance.

Honda Philippines Media Release

Tsikot.com Philippines

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) dominated the passenger car (PC) segment during the first quarter of the year with 3,869 unit sales. This was 33% higher than the 2,920 units it sold in the same period last year. With the entry of the 3rd generation City in January, Honda was able to secure its claim in the PC market for three consecutive months. Data released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI) showed that Honda captured 38% share of the PC market during the first quarter.

Out of Honda’s 3,869 year-to-date PC sales, 58% were composed of City sales, 24% Civic, 15% Jazz and 3% Accord.

Designed to change the rules on how subcompacts should be like, the City raked considerable following in the market today. The new City brings out the most spirited driving performance in its class with a maximum power output of 120 ps maximum for its 1.5 variant. The entry of the 3rd generation City completes Honda’s all i-VTEC line-up that promises optimum power yet fuel efficient performance. To further enhance fuel efficiency, it comes with a class-leading 5-speed automatic transmission to reduce engine revolution and stress. The City also ups the ante when it comes to safety. It inspires confidence in all-around protection with its dual SRS airbags (except for City 1.3A MT), Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brake-force distribution with Brake Assist features.

Apart from the City, the Civic likewise gained favorable market reception to help seal PC leadership. The Civic dominated the compact sedan class with a total of 933 unit sales in the first quarter. Sporting advancements in all technological aspects, the multi-awarded Civic is designed to bring utmost value for money for the customer’s utter satisfaction. Just like the City, the Civic delivers the most powerful driving performance in its class. Powered by the newly developed i-VTEC engine, its 1.8-liter variant combines spirited acceleration that is comparable to a 2.0 liter engine yet achieves fuel economy that is similar to a 1.6-liter engine. The Civic also comes with a class-leading 5-speed automatic transmission for better fuel economy.

Out of all the passenger cars in the market, City and Civic models were among the top 3 best selling cars in the market.

Despite the tough economic condition, Honda remained optimistic as it managed to register sales growth. “We hope that the 33% increase in our first quarter PC sales reflects the beginning of a positive trend in 2009. We believe that the domestic automotive market will be relatively favorable with the market’s continued patronage and support. Rest assured that the public’s unwavering confidence and trust in the Honda brand only inspires us to continue providing high quality, reliable, fuel efficient, fun to drive and the best value for money vehicles.” said Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, HCPI President and General Manager.

Experience Honda’s superior performance firsthand and schedule a testdrive. Visit www.hondaphil.com to know more about Honda’s products, services and latest offering.

Honda Philippines Media Release

Tsikot.com Philippines

Honda Cars Philippines Inc. forecasts over 10 percent increase in sales this year from a negative 17 percent growth last year as it invests P140 million for the local assembly of its all-new City models, which are expected to drive the company back to a growth path despite the turmoil in the global auto market.

HCPI president Hiroshi Shimizu told reporters at yesterday’s launch of the locally assembled City 2009 the global crisis that is harshly affecting the auto market abroad is not seriously affecting Philippine auto operations.

“There is no big impact in the Philippines compared with other countries,” Shimizu said.

In fact, Shimizu said the company expects over 10 percent increase in sales volume this year from last year’s 14,300 units, which was a 17 percent decline versus 2007 sales.

Shimizu said the sales growth would be driven by the expected strong demand of the All-New City model for which the company invested P140 million for new tools, jigs and equipment for the City CKD assembly at its plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

City is expected to sell 7,000 units this year from last year’s 5,000 units.

City and Civic models are HCPI’s volume sellers accounting for 65 percent of its total sales. Both are assembled locally as CKD packs.

Shimizu expects City to outperform Civic this year.

Shimizu said the City would be its only new model introduction for the entire year the rest would be minor upgrades of existing models.

HCPI finished third biggest carmaker this year after Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corp. grabbed the second slot.

Shimizu said their sales performance was pulled down by the poor performance of its other models.

Shimizu said they are not conscious about market share stressing its priority is always customer satisfaction.

“Can we survive with market share?” he asked.

Instead, the company is expanding its reach with the opening soon of its 25th dealership in Batangas and another Service Center in Tandang Sora.

In terms of exports, Shimizu said they were able to increase its export last year to P4 billion worth of transmissions and other auto parts last year.

But with the global crisis this year, the company is not confident of increase in its exports. It exports to UK, India and Southeast Asia.

Shimizu is confident that its All-New City will pull its sales this year as it has done in the past.

Since its introduction here in 1996, City has generated cumulative sales of over 43,000 units grabbing a fair share in the passenger car segment.

The All-New City comes in four variants with introductory prices starting at:

1.3-liter A MT P676,000

1.3-liter S MT P716,000

1.3-liter S AT P756,000

1.5-liter E AT P806,000.(BCM)

Manila Bulletin

Tsikot.com Philippines

The much-anticipated 2009 Honda City recently rolled off the assembly line at the manufacturing plant of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The third-generation Honda City will be sold in the local market starting on the first quarter of 2009.

“Proud to be Philippine-made, the production of City is a testament to Honda’s long-term confidence in local manufacturing operations,” said HCPI President and General Manager Hiroshi Shimizu during the roll-off ceremony in December 2008. The roll-off ceremony, attended by nearly 700 Honda employees, was the culmination of several months of trial production and fine-tuning of new processes to meet Honda’s stringent standards of quality and efficiency. From engine and body assembly, welding, painting and final quality inspection, each section of the production process has been meticulously refined to create high quality products for the customer’s ultimate satisfaction.

“We are very thrilled with the introduction of the third-generation City. The market can look forward to a new City that will totally change the standards in its class,” HCPI Department Head for Sales Operations Voltaire Gonzales said. “Apart from value for money and reliable qualities the City has been known for, the 2009 model offers dynamic styling and class-leading technologies that are suitable to the demands of modern-day urban living.”

The first-generation Honda City was introduced in 1996 in response to the growing needs for automobiles in Asian markets, considering the economic condition in the region at the time. Today, the City is produced in seven countries, namely: Thailand, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, China, Turkey, and the Philippines.

Besides the City, HCPI’s Laguna plant also produces the best-selling Civic. “Filipinos’ craftsmanship and competitive skills live up to Honda’s global standards to ensure that every Honda product comes with a distinction of world-class quality,” said Mr. Shimizu.

Photo shows Honda executives, led by Hiroshi Shimizu (5th from the left), President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc., leading the roll-off ceremony of the 2009 Honda City in Sta. Rosa, Laguna recently.

Honda Philippines Media Release

Tsikot.com Philippines