1996 Honda Accord, No Reserve on 2040-cars

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #319 LIVE!

We record Autoblog Podcast #319 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #319
Jeep checks out the Grand Wagoneer at Wagonmaster

Honda spending $13.8 million on hydrogen infrastructure with FirstElement

Honda is partnering with FirstElement Fuel to increase the number of hydrogen refueling stations in California. The two have signed a letter of intent to provide $13.8 of financial assistance that, with some state money, could let FirstElement build "at least 12 stations." This is the second OEM that FirstElement is working with to install H2 stations in California. It signed a deal worth an unspecified amount with Toyota to help build 19 stations. State officials in California have said they are willing to spend $100 million to $200 million to build 100 hydrogen stations in the next few years. Honda says that FirstElement could build "at least 31" or them thanks to automaker and government investment. At some point after March 2016, when its new fuel cell car will go on sale in Japan, Honda will start selling the production version of the FCEV in the US. Honda hasn't disclosed a price, but the fuel cell stack has a power density of 3.1kW/L and a range of 300 miles, combined with a refueling time of three to five minutes. The vehicle is Honda's next step to its target of a 30-percent reduction (based on 2000 levels) in CO2 emissions by 2020 from its US vehicles. Earlier this year, FirstElement said that it expects hydrogen stations to become profitable in about five years. Honda Supporting Growth of California Hydrogen Network with Financial Support to FirstElement Fuel Nov 19, 2014 - TORRANCE, Calif. Honda contribution of $13.8 million will further expand and accelerate the network of public hydrogen refueling stations Funding could enable FirstElement to add at least 12 stations to its California hydrogen network Seeking to expand California's public hydrogen refueling station network as a means to support the wider introduction of fuel-cell vehicles, Honda will provide $13.8 million in financial assistance to FirstElement Fuel to build additional hydrogen refueling stations around the state. Additional state grants, combined with the Honda financing, could enable FirstElement to add at least 12 stations to its California hydrogen network. "FirstElement Fuel is providing a vital piece of what is needed for a successful launch of fuel-cell vehicles," said Steven Center, vice president of Honda's Environmental Business Development Office.

Honda recalls 2.23 million vehicles to replace Takata inflators

The Basics: Honda and Acura will recall 2.23 million vehicles in the US. The affected models are: 2005-2012 Acura RL 2007-2011 Honda CR-V 2007-2016 Acura RDX (early production MY 2016 vehicles only) 2007-2014 Honda Ridgeline 2009-2014 Honda Fit 2009-2014 Acura TL 2010-2014 Honda FCX Clarity 2010-2014 Honda Insight 2010-2013 Acura ZDX 2011-2015 Honda CR-Z 2013-2016 Acura ILX (early production MY 2016 vehicles only) The Problem: These vehicles have Takata's PSDI-5 airbag inflator on the driver's side, and this part could rupture if the airbag deploys. Injuries/Deaths: There are no reported ruptures of the PSDI-5 inflator in Honda or Acura vehicles. However, Takata's exploding components have links to at least 10 deaths worldwide because they can spray shrapnel at occupants. The Fix: Honda and Acura dealers will replace the inflators with parts from an alternative supplier. If You Own One: The repairs will begin this summer. Owners will receive a letter notifying them about the recall within 60 days and will get a second message when the parts are available. The company will prioritize older models in high-humidity regions first because these inflators would be most likely to rupture. More Information: Honda and Acura have now recalled 8.51 million vehicles in the US to replace their driver or passenger side inflators. This latest expansion came in the wake of a driver death from an airbag rupture in a Ford Ranger. Ford and Mazda already enlarged their safety campaigns. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also announced Audi, BMW, Daimler Vans, Mercedes-Benz, Saab, and Volkswagen would have recalls for this issue, too. Statement by American Honda Regarding Nationwide Recall of Certain Takata PSDI-5 Driver Front Airbag Inflators Feb 3, 2016 - TORRANCE, Calif. Approximately 2.23 million Takata PSDI-5 driver front airbag inflators will require replacement in Honda and Acura vehicles in the U.S. No PSDI-5 inflator ruptures have been reported in Honda or Acura vehicles Takata inflators will be replaced with parts from an alternative supplier with repairs beginning in the Summer of 2016 Based on a recent Defect Information Report (16E-005) from the airbag inflator supplier, Takata, Honda will conduct a national recall (16V-061) of approximately 2.23 million Honda and Acura vehicles in the United States to replace, free of charge to vehicle owners, the PSDI-5 Takata driver front airbag inflators installed in those vehicles.