Authoritative Information on radiation levels in Japan

Due to Honda being one of Japan's largest car manufacturers, as well as one of the two manufacturers most affected by the Tohoku earthquake/tsunami early this month, we at TOV/TOVA have been especially concerned about the situation in Japan. I myself have personal friends living in Tokyo.

One of the most alarming developments lately has been the amount of mis-information and in some cases, blatant mis-representation and fear-mongling amongst many reports especially on the internet and often even in traditional media. Sensational headlines seems to be the norm today.

It is true that radiation and its ill-effects are very worrisome. However, for those TOV/TOVA readers who are interested to know the truth and nothing but the truth, it is worthwhile knowing that the worldwide authority on nuclear-related matters is the International Atomic Energy Agency or the IAEA. All other 'authorities' that may be quoted in news reports are simply fake. The IAEA reports directly to the U.N. including policing adherence to policy and reporting errant countries to the UN Security Council. Therefore, if you are really eager to know the true situation, especially if it may affect you directly in one way or another, the proper place to check is the IAEA website, and not all those newspapers, internet portals and so forth.

The IAEA website has a dedicated page on up-to-date updates on the Tokoku earthquake/tsunami situation including internationally verified data on current status of the Fukushima plant as well as radiation levels. Do note that all radiation levels and information seems to be independently verified by experts from properly accredidated international bodies, such as the WHO and so forth. The Japan authorities are also being advised on most critical matters by experts from these bodies. Therefore, if you read comments from 'experts' from previously unheard of organizations talking like authorities on the nuclear situation, you really should ask the key question of WHY they are talking and NOT in Japan offering advice and help.

The link to the page is question is here :
http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/tsunamiupdate01.html

Please note that wild reports of radiation levels running out of control in Japan are NOT supported by actual internationally verified information. Also any reports about airborne radiation having made its way outside of Japan are also not true at all. To close this post, the following quote was in the IAEA website on March 30th. This is about radiation level measurement from Singapore authorities whom apparently have been instructed by the IAEA to measure and provide the data to them, regarding any radiation having made their way outside of Japan..

"In response to the request for data on measurement, the IEC has received information from Singapore. The Singapore Authorities have sent reports on measurements in food imported from Japan (cabbages). Some samples were over the Codex Alimentarius values recommended for international trade. In Singapore no increase in gamma dose rates have been observed and no fission products have been found in air samples."

New mini-car by Honda, the BRIO is launched in Thailand

Honda has launched a brand new model, a mini-car named the Honda Brio starting in Thailand. It is equipped with a 1.2l engine with around 90ps featuring DBW and a CVT gearbox. The engine is EURO-4 emissions compliant.

More details of the Honda Brio is available at the HAT (Honda Automobile Thailand) at http://www.honda.co.th/brio/

Latest update on Honda's situation from the Tohoku Earthquake

Honda has made further changes to their operations in Japan following the Tohoku earthquake. To read the whole press release, click on 'read more' below

Videos of new 9Gen USDM Civic

There is already an forum created for the to be launched new 9the generation Honda Civic. In the TOV forums, reports that the 9Gen Civic forum people have already capture some videos of the car which are now already at the dealer's lots for stock-up and for training. Some of these videos have been embedded in the TOV forum. The relevant thread is below:

http://www.vtec.net/forums/one-message?message_id=969084&page_number=1#969084

Extension of plant closure due to earthquake

Below is the press release from Honda related to the extension of plant closure due to the effects of the recent earthquake.

TOKYO, Japan, March 18, 2011 – Considering the current situation of the nationwide recovery efforts in Japan, Honda had previously announced the suspension of production until March 20. Today, Honda made the decision to extend the suspension of production of finished units at the following plants until March 23, 2011: for automobiles, Sayama Plant at Saitama Factory (Sayama, Saitama) and Suzuka Factory (Suzuka, Mie) and for motorcycles, Kumamoto Factory (Ozu-machi, Kikuchi-gun, Kumamoto).
Concerning operations from March 24 on, Honda will make decisions based on the status of the recovery of parts supply as well as Japanese society as a whole. We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause our customers, and request their understanding during these challenging times.

Honda Accord MMC

Honda Malaysia today launched the face-lift for the Honda Accord. The MMC comprises almost purely exterior comestic changes like chromed front grille and so forth. Other more 'useful' enhancements includes thicker floor mat for the interior which serves to enhance noise insulation for quieter ride. A new 17" wheel complements the 2.4l version. Also added are useful features like front corner sensors and a new design 'jack-knife' car key.

Most importantly is that prices for all variants remains the same; on-the road with insurance retail prices being RM142,800 for the 2.0VTi, RM149,800 for the 2.0VTi-L; and RM172,800 for the 2.4 VTi-L.

Also a new colour, Celestial Blue Metallic has been added to the existing colours which have all been retained.

For the official press release for this MMC Honda Accord, click on 'read more'

Honda Malaysia's Honda Dream Fund (HDF)

In spite of the calamity that has struck their home country, Honda Malaysia continues with the annual execution of their 'Honda Dreams Fund' (HDF). Created to help the needy and poor to achieve their dreams, it is very commendable that Honda Malaysia is continuing to do this. HMSB also holds a nationwide road-tour to reach out to especially those who are in very remote areas and those who might not be aware of this effort. Being targetted at the poor, HMSB realizes that their target audience might well be unlikely to have own a computer or even a T.V., what more surf the internet.

Some of the main criteria for qualifying to apply for HMSB's HDF are very simple:
1. Age between 17 to 24 years old
2. TOTAL COMBINED household income of RM1,500 or less
3. Must have an acheiveable dream


Currently the nationwide road tour has already been completed but candidates can still apply for the HDF until the end of this month, March 31st 2011. For full, complete details on the HDF and how to apply, go to the HDF page in the HMSB website below:

http://www.honda.com.my/socialresponsibility/hondadreamsfund/overview/