10 Most Stolen Cars in the USA: Honda Accord and Civic Top the 2009 List, No Love for the Koreans or Germans

Do you own a car that's likely to be stolen? Maybe, maybe not. Here is the list that the NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau) has compiled concerning the most stolen vehicles in America. Honda's 1994 Accord and 1995 Civic along with Toyota's 1991 Camry occupy the first three places ahead of Ford's 1997 F-150 pickup truck and Dodge's 2004 Ram pickup.

If your car is on the list (scroll down), you should make sure to keep that chunk of metal locked down. As in, put a ring on it and don't let anyone near it.

Most Stolen Vehicles in the US in 2009:

1. 1994 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1991 Toyota Camry
4. 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup
5. 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
6. 2000 Dodge Caravan
7. 1994 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size)
8. 1994 Acura Integra
9. 2002 Ford Explorer
10. 2009 Toyota Corolla

The FBI says car thefts were down 17% in 2009 compared to 2008 (794,616 versus 956,846), which is officially the "largest drop in a six-year decline" and the lowest reported in 21 years. Good news for car owners, and clearly indicative of the fact that car thieves are falling by the wayside (or just not up to snuff on their tech).

Most of the cars listed end to end up in chop shops where the sum of their parts is more valuable than the actual car. More serious thieves (those in syndicates with ties to shipping and international trade) still feel fine stealing newer cars that can be re-VIN'd and distributed overseas, so your Escalade and XJR aren't necessarily safe just yet.

You'll notice the majority of the cars on the list are from the 1990's. It turns out these older cars have become more popular, but many people have yet to figure out why. I'd say it probably comes down to the simple fact that they're easier to steal. Many modern cars have keys that only work with one specific car, while other cars simply can't be started without a chip (found in the key fob) nearby.

Joe Wehrle, NICB president and CEO, says, "Through the end of August this year there were 97,655 vehicles that were listed as stolen and not yet recovered. Of that number, only 38 percent had some kind of insurance coverage. So there are a lot of vehicles out there that are being stolen and the owner is left holding the bag with no car and no money to buy another one." Lesson? If you own a vehicle that's likely to get stolen, insure it accordingly and be safe about it.

Here are some of the NICB's tips on how to make sure your car doesn't get got by some shady individuals:

"Common Sense: Lock your car and take your keys. It's simple enough but many thefts occur because owners make it easy for thieves to steal their cars.

Warning Device: Having and using a visible or audible warning device is another item that can ensure that your car remains where you left it.

Immobilizing Device: Generally speaking, if your vehicle can't be started, it can't be stolen. "Kill" switches, fuel cut-offs and smart keys are among the devices which are extremely effective.

Tracking Device: A tracking device emits a signal to the police or to a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles. Some systems employ "telematics" which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer."

By Phil Alex

Source: NICB

Honda Germany Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Special Edition Models

Honda has launched a new series of special edition models in Germany to celebrated the company's 50th anniversary in Europe. The first Honda store in Germany opened in 1961 in the city of Hamburg. The lineup of special edition models includes the CR-Z hybrid sport hatch, the Civic, the CR-V, the Accord and the Jazz, all of which feature additional standard equipment such as larger alloy wheels and upgraded audio systems (depending on the model) without a price increase. More details on the 50th Anniversary specials can be found on Honda's German website.

European Mugen Honda Civic Type-R Hatchback: First Official Photos

This story just came in so we don't have all the details yet, but according to a translated teaser press release from Honda's in-house tuning division, these are the first photos of the Euro-spec Mugen Honda Civic Type-R 3d that is slated to be launched in Europe this summer. The release does not explain if what we're seeing here is simply an aero-kit or as it has been rumored, a complete conversion with mechanical and styling upgrades. However, we do know that the famed tuning firm calls the concept 'Premium Super Sport' - if that tells you anything.

In typical Mugen-fashion, the tuning firm has readied a rather aggressive bodykit for the futuristic-looking Euro-spec Civic Type-R 3d, which in standard form is powered by a 2.0-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine churning out 200HP to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

The aero parts include a massive rear-wing, side skirts, twin hood scoops, a new rear apron with an integrated diffuser and two Jumbo-size tail-pipes, a blacked out Mugen grille, new front bumper with an integrated lip spoiler and wider fenders housing side air-vents plus gunmetal gray multispoke alloy wheels.

Honda Unveils Concepts for 2012 Civic Si Coupe and Sedan Models at Detroit Show

Honda debuted the Civic Si Concept coupe and Civic Concept sedan at the North American International Auto Show today, providing the first official glimpse at the all-new, ninth-generation 2012 Civic, which is set to go on sale in the USA this spring.

"The Civic is known for providing a balance of 'just-right' packaging, fun-to-drive character and outstanding fuel economy, at a price that even first-time buyers can afford," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "The redesigned Civic builds on this legacy and promises to be the best Civic yet."

The [evolutionary] exterior styling of both Civic concept models is very close to the actual production models that will follow within the next couple of months. Compared to the sedan version, the coupe model features a more aggressive character thanks to the tapered rear roofline, more angular front fascia and several unique parts including rear air diffuser, a center-mounted exhaust outlet and a rear deck lid spoiler with dual vents. Both concepts are fitted with 19-inch machined alloy wheels.

Honda is keeping most details on the production model to itself, but the Japanese automaker did reveal that the aside from the conventional coupe and sedan models, 2012 Civic range will include sporty "Si" performance versions, as well as hybrid and natural-gas variants. The company added that the new Civic hybrid will be the first production Honda hybrid to feature a lithium ion battery cell, while in another first, the Eco-Assist system will be available in most upcoming Civic models.