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

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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

Available initially in the United States and in Japan, the new CR-V is set to reach Philippine shores by February 2010, according to Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI). Exuding sleek sophistication, solid stance and refined functionality, the 2010 CR-V puts up a bold statement that is sure to complement the demands of urban living.

The CR-V now comes with new front grille, bumper and alloy wheel designs to bring out a tougher and more distinct look. Its revitalized front end styling balances smoothly with the CR-V’s clean lines and premium finish.

The CR-V is a vehicle of substance. Under its hood lies the same i-VTEC engine that cleverly combines powerful performance with fuel economy. It comes in 2.4 liter and 2.0 liter variants which produces maximum power of 170 ps and 150 ps, respectively.

Per US Environment Protection Agency (EPA), the 2010 CR-V with 2.4 liter engine has an estimated fuel efficiency rating of 27 miles per gallon (11.48 km/li) under highway condition and 21 miles per gallon (8.93 km/li) under city driving condition. The CR-V is also engineered to meet the stringent EURO 4 emission standard level.

The CR-V has been a breakthrough model since the introduction of the first generation model in 1997, consistently leading its class to higher levels. Successfully introducing the crossover concept with the launch of the third generation model in 2007, the CR-V provides sedan-like comfort and performance, ample SUV space and exquisite design. With the market’s warm appreciation of the CR-V’s premium quality and styling, the third generation CR-V leads the compact SUV category with cumulative sales of 8,945 units. Honda further improves on the CR-V’s suspension system and NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) levels for better ride and passenger comfort. 3812, 3202, 1831

As a manufacturer of high quality vehicles fitted with modern technologies, Honda products are known for its reliability and high resale value. The Kelley Blue Book, one of the most trusted resources in the US for used car values, recognizes the Honda CR-V as the Best Resale Value Awardee under the compact utility vehicle category for years 2009 and 2010.

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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

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