Honda has also fitted the Type R with Dual Axis Strut front suspension with a limited slip diff to keep torque steer under control, torsion beam rear suspension with a new crushed pipe to improve roll rigidity and a nice appealing ‘+R’ button to turn the volume up to 11.
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In the Takata air bag safety scare regulators have linked eight deaths to the component, all in cars made by Honda.
Indiana HIS inaugural speech as Honda Motor Company CEO yesterday, Takahiro Hachigo announced the new Civic Type R, built in Swindon, will be destined for customers in Japan. He also pledged to increase his communication with “real people in the field”. This strategy, as per the new CEO, will be a significant factor in propagating innovation in terms of unique products and ideas. His predecessor, Takanobu Ito, saw the third largest Japanese automaker hit by five consecutive recalls for the best-selling Fit/Jazz compact and three for the Vezel SUV. Problems with these models resulted in the company slashing the pay of its executives.
As Hachigo seeks to develop business, he said the company remained open to alliances with other automakers – as long as such tie-ups were of benefit to Honda.
The new chief, however, refrained from revealing a specific sales target. “Rather than focusing on numbers, we will focus on developing products that carry Honda’s dreams”, Mr. Hachigo stated at today’s conference.
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Despite the impact of Takata airbag recall news, North America continues to embrace the brand that consistently produces the highest residual valued vehicles in the region, while looking to a near future of low to no emissions, through fun to drive Honda cars, light trucks and motorcycles, with the majority of cars and light trucks built and sold in North America. Moreover, operating profit for fiscal 2014 was slashed from a previous 651.68 billion yen to 606.88 billion yen. Honda is still reeling from the impact; it had to restate its 2014 earnings last month, to account for the extra costs required to cover recall-related losses.
