Why don't II start a thread where anyone can compile updates for the next gen Civic? Here's a starter:


Honda is looking at all of its products to increase fuel mileage and lower cost. "We are taking more time to rethink the new Civic and all our models," Honda CEO Takanobu Ito said


The next Civic was originally designed to be bigger than the current model, rivaling Accords of the past. With the changing world market Honda has decided to focus on returning the Civic to its original goal, small and efficient. The change in plans came as designers had already solidified the next Civic. "The team is struggling. We are injecting more manpower to meet our target," said Ito. Launch timing for the next Civic was not discussed by Ito, as the pending changes could cause a delay in the launch.

If the Civic were to be delayed past its 5-year cycle, the entire Honda lineup would be affected, as the CR-V and Element rely on Civic architecture. If Honda keeps its pace, the next generation Civic would be arriving as a 2011 model.

The "Lehman Shock," as Ito refers to it, sparked Honda to rethink its pricing approach. "The easiest option would be to make products cheaper, but we have to not only cut the price but also maintain the highest quality. This applies to all models," said Ito.