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Automakers teaming with Google to bring Android to cars this year

Remember how we mentioned that Hyundai would be offering a BlueLink infotainment app for Google Glass? And how last week, we told you about a rumored partnership between Audi and Google? Well, both of these things were just part of a much bigger deal.
Google has teamed up with Audi, General Motors, Hyundai and Honda to form the Open Automotive Alliance. With the help of chipmaker NVIDIA, the group aims to bring Google's Android operating system to the auto industry on a large scale. While the speed with which Android will be adopted by the industry remains unclear - the OAA's own press release says "timing for each automaker will vary" - we could see the first Android-equipped vehicle by year's end.
For those that keep their ear to the ground in the automotive tech world, this is a big deal for more than just one reason - Honda, GM and Hyundai are all partners in the Siri Eyes Free program from Apple. The future of that relationship now that three of its automakers are in bed with Apple's arch-rival, though, could be under threat.

Honda Civic Concept is your average neon green, turbocharged show stealer [w/video]

At an auto show where the hottest cars and concepts are increasingly shown off the night before the official doors even open, surprises are rare. But Honda pulled off a big one this afternoon, with a nuclear green Civic Concept that takes dead aim at the brand's naysayers. Honda "concept" cars have tended towards the literal in recent years, and never has that been more exciting than with this coupe. The prelude to the tenth-generation Civic has a face that fits in well enough with the company's current lineup, but the rest of the bodywork feels far more JDM-inspired. The sides are complex without being too busy, and the bold graphic elements, especially the wraparound taillight, seem punctuate the mass. You might not dig the green meanie as much as we do, but if you're a Honda fan (even lapsed) the performance news should have you high-fiving your nearest bro. To start, Honda has confirmed that this Civic will be the first in the US to incorporate turbocharged VTEC engines. The turbo'd 1.5-liter four will get hooked up to both a six-speed manual and a CVT. Civic is also going to get a bodystyle that Honda has neglected in our country for too long: the five-door hatchback. A moment of silence, please... Of course sedans and coupes will be part of the mix, too. But perhaps the most exciting news for lead-footed fan boys will be the inclusion of both a Civic Si and the Nurburgring-champion Civic Type R for our market. We'd both hoped and suspected that the Type R might make the leap to North America, and Honda hasn't disappointed. The gen-ten Civic will go on sale in the US this fall, though no specifics have yet been offered about which variants will be first and last. Stay tuned. Honda Debuts Sportiest Civic Design in Brand History with 10th-Generation Civic Concept at New York International Auto Show - 10th-generation, 2016 model year Civic focuses on sporty, fun-to-drive dynamics - Civic lineup to include Sedan, Coupe, and 5-door Hatchback body types, as well as Si and Type-R versions - First Honda model to apply new VTEC® Turbo engines in North America Civic, America's most popular small car is designed, developed and produced in North America Today Honda unveiled its ultra-sporty Civic Concept at the New York International Auto Show as the brand prepares to launch its completely reimagined 10th-Generation Civic models beginning this fall.

Honda recalling 405K vehicles over airbag issue

Honda is in hot water due to an airbag glitch that is causing it to recall 405,400 vehicles. According to the campaign, the supplemental restraints might fire for no apparent reason. 342,000 of the affected vehicles are 2003 and 2004 Odyssey minivans, which gels with a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation we reported on in June.
Joining the Odyssey in the recall is the Acura MDX, with 63,400 units covered from the 2003 model year. Unlike the van, though, the MDX's recall covers Japan and Australia, in addition to the US and Canada. Both vehicles are suffering from an airbag control unit that is prone to malfunction when exposed to electrical noise, a condition that can cause the airbags to deploy without warning. Although no crashes have been reported in such scenarios, there have been some injuries typical of airbag deployment - abrasions and such.
Honda will be mailing recall notices to owners near the end of October, asking them to bring their vehicles into the dealership for installation of an electrical noise filter. The repair will take about an hour and be free of charge. Scroll down for the official announcement from Honda.