Honda Sued over Godzilla Copyright Infringement on Odyssey Commerical [with Video]

It seems that the movie monster Godzilla is not only a threat on the silver screen, but in real life too. And if you’re wondering, no, it hasn’t actually come out of the ocean to wreak havoc on the Japanese shoreline. However, Honda could end up paying a...sea of money to Toho Co., the Japanese film studio that owns the rights to the Godzilla trademark, due to the allegedly unauthorized use of the sea monster’s likeness in an Odyssey minivan commercial.

The dispute concerns the part of the commercial showing off the MPV’s split screen entertainment system, which features a barely visible head shot of the mythological creature -no, really.

According to Toho Co. spokesman Junichi Tamaki, the studio filed a law suit on February 2 in Los Angeles and wants to ban Honda from further using Godzilla’s image.

“We took a legal action because Godzilla was used without authorization in the Odyssey commercial,” Tamaki said. “It is an infringement of copyright.”

Toho Co. has a long history of suing everyone suspected of benefiting from the Godzilla trademark, including fast-food restaurants, various publishers or even rock bands.

Contacted by Autoweek, a Honda spokesman declined to comment on the matter, but added that the automaker is still running the Odyssey commercial, which is available below.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Autoweek

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New Honda Odyssey Minivan Priced from $28,580, Available only with V6

Honda has released US pricing for its completely redesigned Odyssey minivan that is set to debut at dealers on September 30. Available exclusively with a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 248HP, or 4HP more than on the previous model, the 2011 Odyssey is priced from $27,800 for the entry-level LX to $43,250 for the fully equipped Touring Elite model, not including a destination and handling charge of $780.

According to Honda, the increase in 2011 Odyssey pricing represents a 2.5-percent raise on "a sales-weighted basis" compared to the 2010 models being replaced, or approximately $840 on average.

The Odyssey is offered in five trim levels - LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and the new Touring Elite. All models come equipped with electronic stability control (VSA in Honda talk), ABS with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; three-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; driver's and front passenger's side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); dual-stage front airbags; and active front seat head restraints.

Honda said the 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 delivers an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy of 19/28/22 mpg on Odyssey Touring and Touring Elite models that are equipped with a six speed automatic transmission, and 18/27/21 mpg on the Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L variants that receive a five-speed automatic transmission.

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New Honda Odyssey Minivan Priced from $28,580, Available only with V6

Honda has released US pricing for its completely redesigned Odyssey minivan that is set to debut at dealers on September 30. Available exclusively with a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 248HP, or 4HP more than on the previous model, the 2011 Odyssey is priced from $27,800 for the entry-level LX to $43,250 for the fully equipped Touring Elite model, not including a destination and handling charge of $780.

According to Honda, the increase in 2011 Odyssey pricing represents a 2.5-percent raise on "a sales-weighted basis" compared to the 2010 models being replaced, or approximately $840 on average.

The Odyssey is offered in five trim levels - LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and the new Touring Elite. All models come equipped with electronic stability control (VSA in Honda talk), ABS with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; three-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; driver's and front passenger's side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); dual-stage front airbags; and active front seat head restraints.

Honda said the 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 delivers an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy of 19/28/22 mpg on Odyssey Touring and Touring Elite models that are equipped with a six speed automatic transmission, and 18/27/21 mpg on the Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L variants that receive a five-speed automatic transmission.

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2011 Honda Odyssey Minivan Officially Revealed [45- Photos]

After teasing us at this year's edition of the Chicago Motor Show in February with the Odyssey Concept (see here), Honda has finally pulled the covers off the production version its new eight-seater minivan that will begin arriving in U.S. showrooms this fall.

Minivans aren't the most exciting-looking vehicles on the road, and the new Odyssey won't change that notion. Nevertheless, the new styling and the 1.6-inches lower roofline give Honda's minivan more character and presence over the current model.

Compared to the outgoing 2010 Odyssey, the 2011 model is said to be wider (Honda hasn't yet released full details) and promises to be more functional and roomy with better interior lighting.

New interior features include an available entertainment technology that introduces high-definition connectivity and split-screen viewing.

For now, all we know about the powertrain options is that the 2011 Odyssey will be offered at least with Honda's 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine, with the Japanese company estimating a fuel economy for this model of 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

Specifications

• 3.5-liter i-VTEC™ V-6 engine with three-mode Variable Cylinder Management™
  
• Preliminary estimated fuel economy, Odyssey Touring Elite (City/Highway): 19/28 miles per gallon*
  

* Preliminary EPA mileage estimates determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Features of the 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite model:

Interior:

• AM/FM/XM/CD Premium Audio System with 12 Speakers
  
• Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Activation
  
• Ultra-Wide Rear Entertainment System (RES) with split-screen capability
  
• External HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) input
  
• 150-watt AC power outlet
  
• Media tray with integrated beverage holder
  
• Removable 1st row center console with hidden storage
  
• New cool box in lower center stack (keeps items cool when vehicle is running)
  
• Leather-trimmed seating with heated front seats
  
• Memory-linked 10-way power driver's seat
  
• LATCH child seat anchors in five seating positions, including three positions in the second row to accommodate three child seats simultaneously
  
• Two captain's chairs in the second row provide adult comfort with center seat folded down
  
• One-strap stowable 3rd Row Magic Seat®
  
• Second- and third-row passenger window sunshades
  
• 15 beverage holders
  
• Trash bag ring
  

Exterior:

• HID front headlights
  
• 18-inch alloy wheels
  
• 12.6-inch ventilated front disc brakes
  
• Power side mirrors with integrated turn indicators
  
• Power tailgate