Honda Adds Accord Hybrid Production to Ohio Plant

By Matthew Keegan

The Honda Accord Hybrid is returning to the market, a 2014 model that will be built at the automaker's manufacturing facility in Marysville, Ohio. This manufacturing plant, opened in 1982, is Honda's first US production plant. The company will add 95,000 square feet to accommodate the 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid and plans to hire 50 new workers.

Hybrid Models

The new hybrid model joins two others built by Honda in the United States. The Acura ILX Hybrid and Honda Civic Hybrid are assembled at Honda's Greensburg, Ind., manufacturing plant.

The Marysville upgrade represents a $23 million investment by Honda. The main assembly line will be stretched and more space will be made available for parts that are unique to the vehicle. Honda says that the expansion will make the assembly plant more efficient and enhance its parts logistics operations.

Assembly Plant

As the first Honda car assembly plant in America, the Marysville facility has produced at least eight generations of Accord sedans. This will be the first time that the Accord Hybrid was built there; the previous model was discontinued a few years ago and was imported from Japan.

Two hybrid Accord models will hit the market. A conventional hybrid will be joined by a plug-in hybrid, both employing a two-motor system. Each model will offer a 2.0-liter in-line four cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electronic continuously variable transmission. Its first motor is a 124-kilowatt traction electric motor that will work with the CVT. Its second motor is a 105-kilowatt electric motor designed exclusively for power generation.

Honda Accord

Adding hybrid models back to the Honda Accord line gives this midsize sedan and coupe line additional credibility in an ultra-competitive segment. Right now, the Toyota Camry is the best-selling model with the Honda Accord following. Right behind it is the Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion and the Hyundai Sonata. The hybrids should help raise the Accord's visibility further, while adding yet another measure of "green" driving to the Honda line.

The Honda Accord Sedan is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "top safety pick" again for 2013. The new model also recently the IIHS's best rating in an all-new front crash test, one of just two midsize sedans to achieve that distinction. The NHTSA has also given the Honda Accord Sedan its top 5-star rating for its exemplary performance in frontal crash, side crash and rollover tests. The Honda Accord Coupe has not been tested.
 

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance automotive writer. Matt is also a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including MSD ignition and Sparco Seats.

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VW Jetta Hybrid

ByTom O'Steen

When it comes to a hybrid sedan, Volkswagen will not be left out. Up until recently, the only Volkswagen sedan you could get for fuel efficiency was a diesel, which was just as full efficient as the hybrids, there was still demands for Volkswagen to make a hybrid sedan. Beginning in 2013, the VW Jetta hybrid will be available for loyal VW customers who have been wanting a hybrid over the fuel dependent sedans.

The Features

The VW Jetta hybrid has many amazing features and comes with the same build of the popular body style of the regular Jetta. Just like its predecessor, this little car is spacious, powerful and dependable, all of which help to build the VW brand. The Jetta hybrid actually reached the 50 mile per gallon mark, which blows the competition away. If it is the features about the Jetta that you love, not to worry as they are all features in the Jetta hybrid also.

In essence, the Jetta sedan that VW customers love so much is Jetta in hybrid form. The only complaint has to do with the navigational system that customers do not seem very thrilled with. Even though the system is up to date and useful, it does not provide traffic information. For those customers who have a Smartphone, the GPS system does provide this feature so not having this feature on the hybrid is just slightly inconvenient.

The Price

Besides the navigational system, the only other bad thing about the Jetta hybrid is the price tag, which may cause loyal VW lovers to shy away. A basic model sedan comes with a price of just around $25,000 with a fully loaded sedan fetching a price tag of just over 35,000, which is a bit pricey. This price averages out to be about $5,000 more that the competitors for a fully loaded version.

Unfortunately this price may make loyal VW owners rethink getting a hybrid even though there are very few complaints regarding the hybrid. It is well built, provides a smooth ride and all the features are well liked.

All in all, most people seem very pleased with their purchase of the 2013 Jetta hybrid even though the price is a bit high and it does not have all the features other vehicles have. Still, it is fuel efficient, luxurious, and reliable plus the fact that it tested extremely well and comes with a company that will be there to help you should any issues arise. The bottom line is that the 2013 Jetta hybrid delivers on everything it promises like fuel efficiency with a smooth quiet ride and all the competitors do not.
 

O'Steen Volkswagen is your premier Jacksonville Volkswagen dealership. Our convenient location allows us to serve all of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.
Visit our website today for the best deals on VW's.

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Tech Specs of the Lexus CT Hybrid

ByMatthew Keegan

It should be no surprise that Lexus is in the hybrid game. After all, its Toyota parent sells the segment leading Toyota Prius. Lexus has five hybrid models to offer, more than any other luxury brand. Its CT Hybrid is its entry-level model, a five-passenger sedan that is priced from $32,050. The following are the technical specifications of the 2013 Lexus CT Hybrid.

Hybrid Powertrain

The 2013 Lexus CT Hybrid is powered by a 1.8-liter in-line four cylinder engine. This engine runs on the Atkinson cycle and features 16 valves, continuously variable valve timing and a 13-to-1 compression ratio.

The gas engine is supplemented by a high-output electric-drive motor. Together, this combination produces 134 horsepower. Lexus outfits this model with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.

Fuel Economy

The Lexus CT Hybrid takes regular grade gasoline. This car is rated at 43 mpg around the city and 40 mpg on the highway. It comes equipped with a 11.9-gallon fuel tank, providing a maximum driving range of approximately 500 miles. That represents enough fuel to take you from Atlanta to Orlando on one tank.

Vehicle Dimensions

The unibody Lexus CT weighs from 3,130 pounds and sits on a 102.4-inch wheelbase. This vehicle is 170.1 inches long, 69.5 inches wide and 56.7 inches tall. Ground clearance is 5.9 inches.

Front head room measures 38.3 inches to 37.1 inches in the rear. Leg room comes in at 42.1 inches up front to 32.9 inches in the rear. Shoulder room is 54 inches in the front and 52.6 inches in the back. Hip room comes in at 53.1 inches up front and 51.8 inches in the back.

This hybrid has a 34.2-foot turning circle is measures a slippery 0.29 coefficient of drag. Its top speed is 113 mph and this hybrid clocks 0 to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds.

Chassis Information

Every CT Hybrid sits on 17-inch alloy wheels set within 215/45R17 all-season tires. Trident five-spoke alloy wheels are also available.

This model makes use of an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar and an independent rear suspension with a double-wishbone design and a stabilizer bar. Ventilated brakes are up front and solid discs can be found in the rear.

The Lexus CT Hybrid provides an electric power steering system and is equipped with electronic controlled braking, an anti-lock brake system, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. A pre-collision system, automatic stop technology and eight airbags are standard. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has recognized the 2013 edition with its "top safety pick" award.
 

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance automotive writer. Matt is also a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including Monroe Shocks and PIAA Lights.

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