Acura to Debut Refreshed 2011 TSX sedan at LA Auto Show

Among the world premieres listed on the Los Angeles Auto Show's official website, is the 2011 Acura TSX sedan (known as the Honda Accord in Europe and Japan). Even though Honda has already confirmed its own debuts that include an all-new electric vehicle concept and a new plug-in hybrid platform, we've yet to receive official word on Acura's plans.

However, we'll remind you that at this year's NY Show in April, Acura lifted the wraps off the TSX Sport Wagon, which will be offered in the States as a 2011MY. Given that the latest generation of the four-door model has only been on the market since 2008, our guess is that the changes on the 2011MY sedan will be limited to select new styling elements that appeared on the Sports Wagon such as the revised front grille and redesigned bumpers.

In any case, we'll keep you posted on any new info and / or pictures that come by our way.

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SEMA 2010: Honda Shows Accord Crosstour HFP Concept and Accord Coupe HFP

On display alongside the twelve modified CR-Z sport hybrid coupes at Honda's SEMA Show booth, are the HFP (Honda Factory Performance) prepared Accord Crosstour study and Accord Coupe models.

The crossover version of the Accord is a demonstration concept only fitted with a body kit and blacked out front grille, a prototype lowered HFP sport suspension, alloy wheels, color-matched door handles and special black-out door sash trim. Honda did not say when or if these components will be offered for sale.

The 2010 Accord Coupe, on the other hand, comes equipped with already available dealer-installed parts including front and rear aprons, side skirts and multispoke alloy wheels.

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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