Carmaker recalls almost 80,000 Civics because of faulty handbrake

Honda has written to Civic owners advising them of the fault and is offering all customers a free handbrake.

The Civic is the biggest-selling model for Honda, with about 100,000 a year being produced at its factory near Swindon, Wiltshire.

The Japanese carmaker is not the only company to be affected by the problem of runaway cars.

Vauxhall was the subject of an investigation by the BBC’s Watchdog programme in January of this year, over claims that it was producing cars with faulty handbrakes and its vehicles had the capacity to roll away when parked.

Around 250,000 Signum and Vectra models were subsequently recalled by the manufacturer in order to fit new springs in the handbrake.

Jenson Button is reportedly on the verge of signing a new deal with Honda

According to ITV, the Englishman is set to agree a three-year contract extension with the team.

While team principal Nick Fry was more circumspect, remarking that negotiations were continuing without rush, he did confirm that both parties were ready to commit.

"Jenson and his management team is first class," he told the broadcaster. "Jenson and the Honda team are locked solid together. As a driver and an individual he continues to develop and our objective is to make him world champion."

Honda aims to raise sales in India

Japanese major, Honda Motor Company controls more than 60% of the two wheeler market in India. It's 5.5% market share in the passenger car market is 'nano' before its Japanese rival Suzuki and the Korean major Hyundai Motor. While its volumes, which are expected to come from the small car to be launched in 2009 is two years away Honda aims to raise sales in India by a third to 90,000 cars by next fiscal year, and raise output to 160,000 by 2010. It aims to clock sales of 68,000 units this year and has already sold 50,132 units till January this year.

The Honda Siel Car India (HSCI) chief M Takedagawa speaks with Automania about the long-term plans and the company's aim to emerge as the largest player in the Indian premium car market and new models to hit the market from Honda stable.

Honda Accord tops 'Forbes' best certified used car list

Think about a used car and you might think junky, dirty and old. But another market is catching the attention of savvy buyers who want updated rides without paying new-car prices.

These certified used or certified "pre-owned" (CPO) vehicles have been inspected and refurbished by the manufacturer and are backed by extended warranties. The certified used car market isn't one that automakers can afford to ignore.

According to a recent J.D. Power and Associates study, sales of certified used cars have increased 46% since 2000. Auto experts estimate that 1.6 million certified used cars are sold annually, a number equivalent to 10% of new vehicle sales.