Mazda, Honda Suspend U.S. Orders for Japan-Made Models

Mazda has suspended all US orders for cars built in Japan as the carmaker is preparing to shut down its plants once again after a short reopening period. According to the automaker’s American spokesman Jay Amestoy, the decision will affect shipments of cars that were due to arrive in the U.S. in May. The Mazda official added that it was uncertain when normal activity will resume.

Mazda USA imports almost all its range from the Japan, except the U.S.-built Mazda6 and Tribute. The models produced in Japan are the Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5, MX-5 / Miata, RX-8, CX7 and CX9. Mazda halted production at its Hiroshima and Hofu plants from March 14 through March 21, but three days ago, it resumed temporary production using parts it had in its inventory.

Starting from Monday, however, the factories will be shut down once again. Mazda says its U.S. sales won't be affected since its American subsidiary has enough cars in stock. In 2010, Mazda imported from Japan 83 percent of the cars sold in the U.S.

Honda also announced this week that it suspended U.S. dealer orders for vehicles imported from Japan, including the Fit, CR-V, Insight, CR-Z, Civic Hybrid, Acura TSX and Acura RL. Nissan said it would reduce its planned allocation for May by half, with the other half to be released when its Japanese factories confirm the vehicles will be ready. Toyota and Mitsubishi have not suspended dealer orders.

By Dan Mihalascu

Source: Autonews

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2012 Honda Crosstour Drops Accord Nameplate, Still Doesn't get 4-Cylinder Engine

Say goodbye to the 2010/2011MY Accord Crosstour and hello to the 2012MY Crosstour as Honda decided to drop the Accord moniker from the name of its high-riding liftback for the new model year.

The name may be different but there aren't any significant changes besides some additional standard features and new color options over the previous model year version.

The Crosstour continues to be available in two trim levels, the base EX and the better-equipped EX-L.

For 2012, the EX gains auto on/off headlights, a rearview camera, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and USB audio interface as standard, while Honda also introduced two new colors to the range, theTwilight Blue Metallic that replaces the Glacier Blue Metallic, and Basque Red Pearl that replaces the Tango Red Pearl.

Despite earlier rumors stating the availability of a more affordable four-cylinder model, for now at least, the Crosstour will continue to be offered only with a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 producing 271 horsepower at 6,200 RPM and 254 lb-ft. of torque at 5,000 RPM.

According to the Japanese company, the front-wheel drive Crosstour returns an EPA-rated city/highway/combined fuel economy of 18/27/21 mpg, while the EX-L with Honda's Real Time 4WD system, 18/26/21 mpg respectively.

Prices for the 2012 Crosstour start from $30,340 not including an $810 destination fee.

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