Hondanews Online Newsroom

Corporate: HPD Ready for Le Mans

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:53:00 -0700

Honda Performance Development, along with partner teams Strakka Racing and Level 5 Motorsports, returns to the Circuit de la Sarthe this week as the racing division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., seeks to extend its run of class victories and podium finishes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Since first appearing at Le Mans in 2010, HPD and its Honda-powered ARX prototypes have won the LMP2 category twice - in 2010 and again in 2012 - and finished on the class podium in all three years.

In this year's race, reigning American Le Mans Series LMP2 champion Level 5 Motorsports will defend HPD's LMP2 crown at Le Mans. A strong driver lineup including Ryan Briscoe, Marino Franchitti and Scott Tucker will share driving duties aboard Level 5's HPD ARX-03b, powered by the production-based HR28TT twin-turbo V6 engine found in the 2013 Acura RLX and MDX.

In LMP1, Strakka Racing will continue its battle for privateer honors with drivers Jonny Kane, Nick Leventis and Danny Watts against the two-car effort from Rebellion Racing, in addition to full-factory efforts from Audi and Toyota. British-based Strakka, which moved up to LMP1 in the World Endurance Championship in 2012, led HPD to victory in LMP2 at Le Mans in 2010, and this year will field an HPD ARX-03c, updated for 2013 and again powered by the race-proven Honda LM-V8 naturally aspirated engine.

In HPD's first attempt at Le Mans, Strakka won the category and finished fifth overall, the highest-ever finishing position for an LMP2 entry. Strakka finished six laps ahead of its nearest competitor, and set a new record for laps and miles completed by an LMP2 entry, joining the elite "5,000-kilometer club" in the process.

"Returning to Le Mans, with both LMP1 and LMP2 programs, is an enormous challenge for our engineers and associates," said Steve Eriksen, vice president and COO of HPD. "We understand the challenge for us in LMP1: Supplying a very strong, but private team in Strakka Racing with our improved ARX-03c, against the might of full factory efforts from Audi and Toyota. But Honda and HPD have never been afraid to take on strong competition. As Mr. Honda said, ‘the best place to learn is at the highest level'. In endurance racing, there is no higher level than LMP1.

"In LMP2, we expect that the proven design of the ARX-03b chassis and HR28TT turbocharged V6 engine - plus the development and engineering expertise of HPD and its technical partners - will provide Level 5 Motorsports with the tools it needs to successfully defend our 2012 class victory. It will be an exciting race."

One of the most successful prototype designs in recent years, intended for use by independent teams, the HPD ARX series has posted 55 victories and six endurance-racing championships since its introduction - and debut LMP2 victory - at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2007. The most recent wins for the ARX came in last month's American Le Mans Series event at Laguna Seca Raceway in California, where Muscle Milk Pickett Racing won overall and LMP1 in an ARX-03c, while Level 5 claimed the LMP2 class with an ARX-03b.

The landmark 50th win for the ARX design came last year at the ALMS season-ending Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, again scored by Level 5 Motorsports. HPD has also been the most successful competitor in the LMP Green X Challenge, with 19 Green X Challenge awards under the HPD and Acura banners since the program recognizing "clean, fast and efficient" performance originated in 2006.

Honda Performance Development (HPD) is the Honda racing company within North America. Located in Santa Clarita, Calif., HPD is the technical operations center for high-performance Honda racing cars and engines. The company is marking its 20th anniversary in 2013.

As one of three engine suppliers to the IZOD IndyCar Series, Honda has scored 199 race victories in both CART and IZOD IndyCar Series competition since 1994.

HPD takes part in both the American Le Mans Series - where the company swept all manufacturer, engine, team and driver awards in the 2012 ALMS LMP1 and LMP2 categories - and the FIA World Endurance Championship, winning the inaugural LMP2 World Championship in 2012 along with the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

HPD offers a variety of race engines for track applications from prototype sports cars to karting; and showcases "fun-to-drive" products for professional, amateur and entry-level racers.

# # #

Corporate: Honda Introduces All-New Rammer Engine

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 06:00:00 -0700

Honda has introduced an all-new, GXR120 general purpose engine, a model uniquely developed as an ideal source of power for rammers – equipment used to compact soil or other granular material. Offered as a second power option to the reliable GX100 engine, the new GXR120 engine has been designed to provide superb durability and reliability for heavy-duty applications.

The Honda GXR120 is capable of meeting the high demands that rammers require of the engine, frame and operator. With a displacement of 121 cc, the engine can appropriately power 110-lb. to 175-lb. rammers at multiple altitudes with ease. Additionally, a new, special cast-iron cylinder sleeve and a high carbon-steel, dual-ball bearing crankshaft provide improved engine strength for rammer applications. To further enhance engine durability, the recoil starter and fan cover of the new GXR120 now are even more robust through the incorporation of steel in the design.

"Our new GXR120 engine has been developed to specifically provide the kind of power, fuel efficiency and easy operation that rammer products require," said Michael Rickey, senior manager, Honda Engines. "The addition of the GXR120 to the Honda GX Series engines lineup delivers more value, versatility and performance to both our OEM customers and end users."

When developing the GXR120 for the rammer marketplace, Honda engineers identified the need for a more compact and lightweight engine footprint to allow for more versatility in frame mounting. Using an Overhead Camshaft (OHC) orientation similar to the Honda GX100, Honda designers incorporated a maintenance-free, low-noise timing belt to create a smaller, lighter and quieter engine.

With the rammer machine operator in mind, Honda integrated several features into the design of the GXR120 that make it easy and comfortable to control. Since quiet operation and low noise are critical for these end users, the GXR120 includes a newly designed and very compact muffler, which is 22 mm (.87 inches) narrower than the muffler used as standard on the Honda GX100 engine. This smaller muffler, combined with the OHC engine layout, reduces operation noise by 1dB over the current GX100 engine. In addition, a heavy-duty recoil starter, together with an automatic decompression system, allow for easy engine starting, while an Oil Alert feature prevents the engine from starting if the oil level is too low. Also, a simple but innovative lubrication system with a dual-breather chamber optimizes engine lubricating performance in most rammer operating conditions.

Honda is the world's largest manufacturer of engines, producing and marketing more engines globally than any other company through a diverse array of automotive, motorcycle, marine, and power equipment products. Honda Engines offers a complete line of small, general purpose engines for commercial, rental industry, and consumer applications. Honda engines supply smooth and dependable power for more than 3,000 different product applications including pressure washers, lawnmowers, rammers, and rescue and construction equipment.

# # #

Editor's Note:

Honda Power Equipment, a division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., markets a complete range of outdoor power equipment, including outboard marine engines, general purpose engines, generators, lawnmowers, pumps, snowblowers, tillers and trimmers for commercial, rental and residential applications. Its comprehensive product line is powered exclusively by 4-stroke engines.

Information for media regarding Honda Engine products is available at www.hondanews.com.

Consumer information, including model overviews and updates, video clips, and complete specifications regarding Honda products, is available at www.honda.com.

For product inquiries and dealer/distributor locations, please visit www.engines.honda.com.

Corporate: Acura Earns Top Honors in Edmunds.com 2013 Best Retained Value Awards for Second Consecutive Year

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:21:00 -0700

For the second consecutive year, Acura led all other luxury brands in the Edmunds.com Best Retained Value® Awards with the highest projected residual value, of 45.1 percent, after five years of ownership. The study is based on Edmunds.com's True Market Value® (TMV®) tool, which projects a vehicle's average resale value after five year's of ownership at the time of the new-vehicle purchase.

"This recognition from Edmunds.com speaks to the clear advantages of the Acura brand in offering its customers outstanding luxury performance, features and technologies that few of our competitors can deliver at a price that none of them can match," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of sales for Acura. "It's yet another proof point that Acura is delivering truly outstanding value on a luxury scale and smart luxury buyers are taking notice."

Acura was the fastest growing luxury brand in America in 2012 with sale up 26.7 percent over the previous year, and sales of Acura vehicles are up another 9.8 percent through May of this year on the strength of new and recently redesigned models such as the ILX entry-luxury sedan, the second-generation RDX five-passenger sport-utility vehicle, and the all-new RLX flagship sedan with Precision All-Wheel Steer™.

Acura's next new model, the completely redesigned 2014 MDX seven-passenger flagship SUV will be launching soon at Acura dealers nationwide. The MDX will be followed later in the year by the arrival of the 370-horsepower RLX with Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive – the first system of its kind, with outstanding fuel-efficiency (at minimum, a 30/30/30 city/highway/combined EPA mpg rating is anticipated*) and delivering superior driving performance via its innovative three-motor, torque vectoring hybrid system. Last month, Acura also commemorated the start of construction on its new Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio, where the company will build the highly anticipated next-generation Acura NSX mid-engine supercar¹, slated to launch in 2015.

Increasingly, Acura is delivering leading-edge technologies that are helping further define its "Synergy Between Man and Machine" product direction, including Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™), Acura Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS™) and next-generation AcuraLink® connected car technology, along with advanced driver-assistive systems such as Acura Lane Keep Assist and Active Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow.

About Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 272 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RLX luxury flagship sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX Sport Wagon and sedan, the ILX compact luxury sedan, the RDX luxury crossover SUV, and the soon to be released all-new MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.

About Edmunds.com, Inc.
Edmunds.com is a car-shopping Web site committed to helping people find the car that meets their every need. Almost 18 million visitors use Edmunds research, shopping and buying tools every month to make an easy and informed decision on their next new or used car. Edmunds comprehensive car reviews, shopping tips, photos, videos and feature stories offer a friendly and authentic approach to the automotive world. You can connect with Edmunds from anywhere by following @Edmunds on Twitter or by becoming a fan of Edmunds.com on Facebook.

Connect with Acura:
For Media: www.acuranews.com
For Consumers: www.acura.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Acura
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Acura_Insider
YouTube: www.youtube.com/acura
Flickr: www.flickr.com/acuranews
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/acura
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+acura

* Anticipated 2014 EPA mileage ratings based on internal Honda testing. Final 2014 EPA mileage ratings not available at time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

¹ The NSX will be built using domestically and globally source parts.

# # #

Corporate: Milwaukee IndyFest Racing Report

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 18:16:00 -0700

Circuit:  The Milwaukee Mile (1.0-mile oval) West Allis, Wis.
2012 Winner:  Ryan Hunter-Reay (Andretti Autosport Chevrolet) 122.020 mph average
Weather:  Mostly cloudy, humid, 75 degrees F

Top-10 Race Results:

Fn.	St.	Driver	Team	Engine - Chassis	Laps	Average Speed/Notes
1.	4.	Ryan Hunter-Reay	Andretti Autosport	Chevrolet Dallara	250	136.848 mph avg., led 65 laps
2.	17.	Helio Castroneves	Team Penske	Chevrolet Dallara	250	+4.8059 seconds
3.	3.	Will Power	Team Penske	Chevrolet Dallara	250	Led 4 laps
4.	5.	E.J. Viso	Andretti Autosport/HVM	Chevrolet Dallara	250	Led 10 laps
5.	2.	James Hinchcliffe	Andretti Autosport	Chevrolet Dallara	250
6.	11.	Scott Dixon	Target Chip Ganassi	Honda Dallara	250	Led 109 laps
7.	15.	Takuma Sato	A.J. Foyt Racing	Honda Dallara	250
8.	23.	Dario Franchitti	Target Chip Ganassi	Honda Dallara	250
9.	13.	Justin Wilson	Dale Coyne Racing	Honda Dallara	249	Led 1 lap
10.	7.	Tony Kanaan	KV Racing Technology	Chevrolet Dallara	249

Other Honda-powered Results:

11.	8.	Josef Newgarden	Sarah Fisher Hartman	Honda Dallara	249	Running
12.	9.	Simon Pagenaud	Schmidt Hamilton	Honda Dallara	249	Running
16.	24.	Graham Rahal	Rahal Letterman Lanigan	Honda Dallara	247	Running
17.	21.	Charlie Kimball	Chip Ganassi Racing	Honda Dallara	246	Running
18.	12.	James Jakes	Rahal Letterman Lanigan	Honda Dallara	245	Running
19.	19.	Ana Beatriz	Dale Coyne Racing	Honda Dallara	242	Running
21.	10.	Tristan Vautier-R	Schmidt Peterson	Honda Dallara	173	Did not finish – mechanical
23.	16.	Alex Tagliani	Barracuda Racing/BHA	Honda Dallara	252	Did not finish – mechanical

Sato Shines Mid-Race at Milwaukee

Takuma Sato played a starring role Saturday at the Milwaukee IndyFest, leading a race-high total of 109 laps in search of his second IZOD IndyCar Series victory of 2013. But a yellow flag late in the race – just after his final pit stop of the day – dropped Sato to an unrepresentative seventh-place finish as Ryan Hunter-Reay was able to pit during the final caution and race on to his second consecutive victory at The Milwaukee Mile.

Sato took the lead for the first time on Lap 75 of the 250-lap contest, and was in clear command of the field in the middle stages of the race, extending his lead to as much as five seconds when running in the clear. But struggles with lapped traffic late in his third run led Sato's A.J. Foyt Racing team to call him in for his final pit stop early in his pit "window" on Lap 200. Just 12 laps later, a spin by Ana Beatriz brought out the fourth and final yellow flag of the day and resulted in Sato falling to seventh place as other lead-lap cars were able to make their final stop during the caution and rejoin the field without losing track position.

Scott Dixon was one of those benefiting from pitting during the final yellow flag, and finished sixth for Honda and Target Chip Ganassi Racing. He briefly ran fourth following the last restart on Lap 220, but was forced out of the racing line and lost two positions as a result. Teammate Dario Franchitti made gains in the race after a troubled qualifying to finish eighth; while Justin Wilson also made up ground in the final 50 laps to finish ninth for Dale Coyne Racing.

Honda Fastest Seat in Sports winner Joel Hammack from Des Moines, Iowa, led the field prior to the green flag in the two-seat Honda IndyCar driven by two-time Indianapolis 500 champion and former Milwaukee resident Arie Luyendyk. For more information on how you can receive the ride of a lifetime in the Fastest Seat in Sports sweepstakes, go to www.shophonda.com.

The IZOD IndyCar Series completes its June run of consecutive oval track races next weekend with the Iowa Corn Indy 250, Sunday, June 23 at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa.

IZOD IndyCar Series Drivers' Championship (after 9 of 19 rounds):

1. Helio Castroneves	299 points (1 win)	6. Tony Kanaan	215 (1 win)
2. Ryan Hunter-Reay	283 (2 wins)	7. Simon Pagenaud	212 (1 win)
3. Marco Andretti	249	8. Justin Wilson	207
4. Takuma Sato	223 (1 win)	9. James Hinchcliffe	206 (2 wins)
5. Scott Dixon	221	10. Dario Franchitti	191

Manufacturers' Championship:
1. Chevrolet		72
2. Honda		63

Takuma Sato (#14 ABC Building Supply A.J. Foyt Racing Honda Dallara) started 15th, finished 7th, led a race-high 109 laps: "I think we need to investigate why we lost so much speed in our third stint. We lost a lot of stability in the car and that forced us into an early [final] pit stop. Then the yellow came out – at the worst possible moment for us [as the other front-running cars could pit under caution] – and we immediately went from fighting for the lead to fighting for 10th place. That was just a shame, because the car was so very good earlier in the race. During the middle stint, in particular, the car was so strong it seemed like I could run anywhere on the track and pass anyone. But after the third [pit] stop, the balance disappeared and I had several big 'moments'. It's racing, but it was a really hard day and I feel bad for the team, which did such a good job all day long."

Scott Dixon (#9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda Dallara) started 11th, finished 6th: "I think we went down a [setup] road earlier this year that was in the wrong direction, and now we're just trying to regroup and find our way. Maybe we're lacking confidence in our changes with the car, but we'll work hard and make it better. The balance of the car was moving back-and-forth all day, we had understeer in the middle of the corner and the car 'snapped' coming off. Even with all that, we had a better car than we showed. I got run wide on the restart and I think it cost me at least a couple of positions. At the end of the day, it was an okay result, but it could have been more."

Roger Griffiths (Technical Director, Honda Performance Development) on today's race: "During the middle stage of the race, Honda was looking pretty strong with Takuma Sato and the A.J. Foyt team. We thought they were in a good position to score their second victory of the season. But unfortunately the team got caught out by the last yellow flag, right after their final pit stop. We had no engine reliability issues this weekend, which is good, but we have to be disappointed with the outcome. Now we go on to Iowa Speedway, another short oval, and do it all once again next week."

Corporate: More Fit EV Electric Vehicles on the Way

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:33:00 -0700

We expected a strong positive consumer response to our recent announcement that the Fit EV monthly lease price had been reduced from $389 to $259 for new and existing customers alike. It turns out that a "strong" response was gross understatement. Customer interest spiked significantly and demand for the Fit EV has grown considerably. We've even heard rumors that the Fit EV may already be sold out.

As with any rumor, the truth is somewhat different. While many of our dealers have reported leasing their available inventory of Fit EV's since our late May announcement of the lower lease price, we are still producing a consistent rate of Fit EVs per month for the U.S. market and shipping them to dealers as quickly as possible. This is a temporary inventory issue, not a question of being "sold out."

Still, we recognize that some customers have experienced frustration as they attempt to locate dealers with available Fit EVs. We sincerely apologize for this – though it should be only a temporary inconvenience. The good news is that more Fit EV's are on their way to dealer showrooms.

Here is what we suggest in the meantime: we encourage interested customers to contact their local qualified Fit EV dealer to complete the lease qualification process and, if they qualify,and if a vehicle is not immediately available, to put their names on a wait list. Wait lists evolve quickly and people drop out as time passes, therefore the lists are not as long as one would think. We also encourage customers to stay in contact with their local dealers to ensure they receive the latest information on the delivery of Fit EV's. Though this may sound a bit discouraging, we believe that our dealers' current inventory -- supplemented by future shipments -- will be adequate to satisfy ultimate demand for the Fit EV.

Bottom line: Honda is bringing more Fit EV's to our U.S. dealers every month, and those future shipments are not sold out. With the new lower lease price along with our offer of no down payment, unlimited mileage, routine maintenance, collision coverage and a free 240 volt EV home charging station (not including installation)¹ we are confident that the Fit EV is not only the best electric vehicle on the road but also the best value in the EV market. We appreciate the interest already shown by our customers. Thank you!

Steve Center
Vice President, Environmental Business Development
June 14, 2013

Corporate: Honda Civic and Honda Odyssey Earn Best Retained Value Awards from Edmunds.com

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 03:00:00 -0700

Honda models have captured three 2013 Best Retained Value Awards from Edmunds.com. The Honda Civic was honored in both the Sedan and Coupe $20-$30k categories and the Honda Odyssey led the minivan segment for maintaining the highest projected residual value after five years of ownership as a percentage of value when new.

"Honda models definitely punch above their weight when it comes to value with class-leading quality, safety ratings, standard features and a company commitment to avoid value-sapping fleet sales" said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president of automobile operations for American Honda. "Updates to the 2013 Civic took it from best-selling in 2012 to undeniably best-in-segment this year, and with a significantly-updated Odyssey on the way this summer, we're looking forward to providing even more value to American families."

For more information about the Edmunds.com Best Retained Value Awards, visit http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/best-retained-value-cars.html.

Connect with Honda:
Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
For consumers: http://automobiles.honda.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Honda
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/honda/
On Google+

# # #

Corporate: Statement by American Honda Regarding Brake Booster Recall: 2006-2007 Honda S2000 and 2006 Acura RSX

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 21:59:00 -0700

18,352 total Honda and Acura vehicles are being recalled in the United States
No crashes or injuries have been reported related to this issue
Customer notification will begin in mid-July

American Honda will voluntarily recall 5,239 Honda S2000 vehicles from the 2006-2007 model years and 13,113 Acura RSX vehicles from the 2006 model year in the U.S. to inspect and, if needed, replace the brake booster in these vehicles. A production error may have allowed brake booster components to be produced outside of the original specifications, potentially causing decreased brake assistance over time, which could increase the risk of a crash. No crashes or injuries have been reported related to this issue, which was discovered through warranty claim analysis.

Honda is announcing this recall to encourage owners of all affected vehicles to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from American Honda. Mailed notification will be sent to customers in mid-July 2013. In addition to contacting customers by mail, at that time, owners of vehicles from the affected model years will be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by visiting www.recalls.honda.com and www.recalls.acura.com or by calling (800) 999-1009 for Honda owners or (800) 382-2238 for Acura owners, and selecting option 4.

# # #

Corporate: Honda IndyCar Message Points for The Milwaukee Mile

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:15:00 -0700

Milwaukee IndyFest
The Milwaukee Mile
4 p.m. EDT Saturday, June 15, 2013
NBC Sports Network

COMPETITION

Honda has a long record of success at The Milwaukee Mile, the oldest racing facility in North America. Honda-powered drivers and teams have won nine times in 17 races since the company entered Indy car competition in 1994, more than any other manufacturer.
Dario Franchitti is Honda's most successful driver – and most recent winner – at Milwaukee. Franchitti was victorious in 2011, driving for Target Chip Ganassi Racing, and also won in 2004, driving for Andretti Green Racing.
Other Honda-powered winners at The Milwaukee Mile include Jimmy Vasser (1998), Paul Tracy (1999 and 2002), Tony Kanaan (2006-07), Ryan Briscoe (2008) and Scott Dixon (2009).
The twin IZOD IndyCar Series victories for Honda in Detroit earlier this month were the 198th and 199th wins for the manufacturer since it began Indy car competition in 1994. This total includes seasons with manufacturer competition, as well as the six-year period (2006-2011) when Honda supplied engines to the full IndyCar Series field.
Simon Pagenaud's inaugural IndyCar win at the IndyCar Dual at Detroit was Honda's 100th victory against competition from other manufacturers. Honda-powered drivers have won three times this season, including two podium sweeps of the top-three finishing positions.
Honda's 2013 race victories have been recorded by Takuma Sato for A.J. Foyt Racing at Long Beach, Mike Conway with Dale Coyne Racing in the first of Detroit's two races, and Pagenaud of Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports in the Detroit finale.
Honda drivers swept the victory podium at Long Beach (finishing 1-4 were Sato, Graham Rahal, Justin Wilson and Dario Franchitti, respectively); and at the second Detroit "Dual" (a 1-5 result with Pagenaud, James Jakes, second; Conway, third; Scott Dixon, fourth and Franchitti fifth). Honda drivers have scored 10 podium finishes in eight races this season.
The 2013 season marks the second season of manufacturer competition in the IZOD IndyCar Series after six years of Honda serving as single engine supplier. Chevrolet and Honda are battling for supremacy throughout a season of 19 races.
On Wednesday, June 5, Honda announced that Pagenaud will drive a race-prepared Honda Odyssey at the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb later this month, part of a record 11-vehicle Honda effort taking part in the annual "Race to the Clouds". Built by Honda associates at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, the Odyssey features a turbocharged, intercooled V6 engine producing more than 500 hp, a full roll cage and race-tuned suspension and brakes.

MARKETING

Detroit victor Pagenaud and his Sam Schmidt Motorsports teammate, IndyCar rookie Tristan Vautier, were being featured in "Inside the Indy Challenge", a series of nine documentary-style webcast videos featuring Honda and the Schmidt team. The first video in the series debuted in April on www.insidetheindychallenge.com and a variety of social media channels, including Tumblr, YouTube, Ustream, Facebook and Twitter.
Filmmakers were embedded with the team for three race weekends – the Grand Prix of Long Beach, Sao Paulo, Brazil and the Indianapolis 500 – to provide an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at Honda's IndyCar racing program.

HONDA PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT 20TH ANNIVERSARY

In April 1993, Honda Performance Development was founded in Santa Clarita, California as the competition arm of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. HPD is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2013 with a variety of events and activities.
In 20 years, HPD has grown from just a handful of staffers to approximately 150 associates; and from an engine-rebuilding facility to a complete motorsports Research & Development organization, engaged in programs ranging from pinnacle racing series including the IZOD IndyCar Series, FIA World Endurance Championship and American Le Mans Series; to grassroots and entry-level categories including karting, Quarter Midgets and Formula F competition.
Drivers and teams using HPD products have won 199 Indy car races and nine Indianapolis 500s, both in years with multi-manufacturer competition (1994-2005, 2012); and as single engine supplier to the IndyCar Series from 2006-2011.
During years of Indy car multi-manufacturer competition, Honda has claimed six Manufacturers' Championships, and Honda-powered drivers have won eight drivers' championships. No other manufacturer has won as many titles in the past 20 years.
HPD spearheaded championship-winning efforts in the 2009, 2010 and 2012 American Le Mans Series; the 2010 Le Mans Series; and powered the LMP2-winning team at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in both 2010 and 2012. Last year, the Florida-based Starworks team became the first American team to win an FIA World Championship since 1969, claiming LMP2 honors in the 2012 World Endurance Championship using an HPD ARX-03b chassis and Honda HR28TT V6 engine, prepared and developed by HPD.

Corporate: Solid Finishes for the Red Riders at the High Point National

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 16:31:00 -0700

For round four of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship series, the Honda Red Riders headed to southern Pennsylvania for the 37th annual High Point National at historic Mt. Morris. Two consecutive days of rain created an extra challenge for the riders on an already difficult track. Team Honda Muscle Milk's Justin Barcia and Trey Canard each rode well in both motos to finish fourth and sixth overall for the day, while Sayaka Kaneshiro finished second overall in WMX competition to take over the championship points lead. Muscle Milk-backed GEICO Honda's Eli Tomac had a trying day but was able to secure a podium spot with his 3-4 scores.

450 Race
In moto one, Barcia scored his fourth Motorcycle Superstore Holeshot Award of the season, but by lap six he slipped back to third, which is where he would finish. Barcia was unable to duplicate his first moto holeshot at the start of the second race, causing him to be outside the top 10 into the first turn. The remainder of the 30-minute plus two-lap race was spent working through the pack, eventually taking the checkered in seventh.

"The first moto was real good," said Barcia. "I was able to get another holeshot, which was awesome. I put together some good laps and ended up finishing third. I definitely want to get that win eventually but I will just keep trying. Second moto didn't go as well; I got pinched off on the start so that left me towards the back. I was fighting through the pack when my front end pushed out and I slid out, so I lost some spots there. I got up and made a few passes but ended up finishing seventh. The track was gnarly today, it was really slick from the rain and then as it dried it got super rough."

Teammate Trey Canard struggled off the start in both motos but put together a valiant charge in each race, moving steadily through the field to a seventh- and fifth-place effort. His sixth-place overall was enough to move him into fourth in the championship points chase.

"It was another weekend to grow on," said Canard. "The track was very challenging with slick conditions in the morning and rough conditions towards the end of the day as the track dried out, but I think we had the bike pretty dialed. I didn't get the best starts in either race but put in my best effort to make up as many positions as possible. I am grateful to be safe and looking forward to having this weekend off before heading to Budds Creek."

WMX Race
This weekend also played host to round two of the Women's Motocross Triple Crown series, and Team Honda Muscle Milk's Sayaka Kaneshiro had an impressive showing, finishing second overall with 2-2 finishes. Heading into the final round, Kaneshiro leads the championship chase by 14 points over second place. "I am really happy to be leading the championship," said Kaneshiro. "I want to thank Team Honda Muscle Milk for giving me the opportunity and support."

250 Race
It was an exciting day for the Muscle Milk-supported GEICO Honda team that had all three of their riders place in the top 10 in both motos. Eli Tomac led the way to his fourth consecutive podium finish of the season with 3-4 scores. After a ninth-place start in moto one, Tomac put his head down and began swiftly moving his way through the field. By the halfway mark, he found himself in a battle for third with none other than his two GEICO Honda teammates Zach Osborne and Justin Bogle. Once around them, he continued to reel in the second-place rider but ran short on time and was forced to settle for third. Tomac struggled off the line again in moto two but was able to chip away at the competition each lap, finishing fourth.

"It's cool to see the whole GEICO team up front," described Tomac of the first race. "The team works so hard and we all spend a lot of time together so it is good to see everyone up there. You can't complain about podiums but overall the day wasn't exactly what I was looking for. I struggled on the starts, and at this track it was hard to make passes because it was pretty one-lined."

For the second time this season Osborne earned the Motorcycle Superstore Holeshot Award in moto one but had some difficulty throughout the remainder of the race, finishing 10th. In moto two, Osborne bounced back and spent the 30-minute plus two-lap race battling for the front position, ultimately taking the checkered flag in third place. His 10-3 scores left him with fourth overall for the day.

"To get third in the second moto after the first moto felt really good," said Osborne. "After being so disappointed with how things went, I feel pretty good about being able to turn it around and get a good finish in the second race. I really boosted my confidence being in the battle for the lead in the second moto. It just shows me that I can do it and can run up front with the leaders."

Bogle continues to make progress and build his confidence with each passing weekend. He garnered his best finish of the season with a 5-9 effort that left him sixth overall for the day. "I'm building with every race and improving on every run so I can't complain," described Bogle. "I plan to carry this momentum into the next race and hopefully keep improving."

The Focus: Inside the Race Semis
Team Honda Muscle Milk has two transportation semis that travel to each race throughout the Supercross and Motocross seasons. The technical truck is the vehicle that carries the bikes and extra parts, while the hospitality truck is where riders, family and staff eat and spend time. Mechanics spend a majority of their time in the tech truck, often flying in days early to an event, or staying a day after to completely rebuild the race bikes from the frame up. Every drawer is labeled and parts are organized by specific numbers to properly keep track of inventory and keep things efficient. Both trucks have an office/lounge where post-race meetings are held, live timing is watched and data is analyzed. In the hospitality truck, the riders have their own areas that are used for relaxing between races and storage of personal items. Tours of the semis are provided at many races throughout the year for charity fundraisers with organizations such as Road to Recovery and MX for Children.

450 Class Overall Results
1. Ryan Villopoto 1-1
2. Ryan Dungey 2-2
3. Tyla Rattray 4-4
4. Justin Barcia (Honda) 3-7
5. Mike Alessi 10-3
6. Trey Canard (Honda) 7-5
7. Ryan Sipes 6-6
8. Josh Grant 5-8
9. Jake Weimer 8-9
10. Broc Tickle 11-11

450 Class Championship Points (after 4 of 12 rounds)
1. Ryan Villopoto 193
2. Ryan Dungey 177
3. Justin Barcia 148
4. Trey Canard 120
5. Mike Alessi 116
6. James Stewart 104
7. Tyla Rattray 95
8. Ryan Sipes 79
9. Jake Weimer 69
10. Broc Tickle 67

250 Class Overall Results
1. Marvin Musquin 2-1
2. Ken Roczen 1-2
3. Eli Tomac (Honda) 3-4
4. Zach Osborne (Honda) 10-3
5. Blake Baggett 4-8
6. Justin Bogle (Honda) 5-9
7. Jeremy Martin 9-6
8. Cooper Webb 6-11
9. Joey Savatgy 13-5
10. Jason Anderson 12-7

250 Class Championship Points (after 3 of 12 rounds)
1. Ken Roczen 185
2. Eli Tomac 170
3. Marvin Musquin 163
4. Blake Baggett 141
5. Zach Osborne 127
6. Jason Anderson 100
7. Cooper Webb 90
8. Justin Bogle 89
9. Jeremy Martin 88
10. Kyle Cunningham 81

WMX Overall Results
1. Jessica Patterson 1-1
2. Sayaka Kaneshiro (Honda) 2-2
3. Taylor Higgins 5-3
4. Sara Pettersson 6-4
5. Marissa Markelon 7-5
6. Jacqueline Strong 4-9
7. Sade Allender 9-7
8. Amanda Brown 8-8
9. Lindsey Palmer 11-6
10. Shelby Rolen 10-11

WMX Championship Points (after round 2 of 3)
1. Sayaka Kaneshiro 86
2. Jessica Patterson 72
3. Taylor Higgins 72
4. Jacqueline Strong 61
5. Sara Pettersson 58
6. Machenzie Tricker 55
7. Courtney Duncan 50
8. Amanda Brown 44
9. Lindsey Palmer 42
10. Sade Allender 41

About Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. was established in 1959 and is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides in the U.S. The American Honda Motorcycle Division is responsible for the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to www.powersports.honda.com.

About Muscle Milk
Muscle Milk® Ready-to-Drink is a protein-enhanced functional beverage that promotes workout recovery, lean muscle growth, and sustained energy. Muscle Milk takes the guesswork out of high performance nutrition, delivering a precise blend of premium proteins, complex carbohydrates, functional fats, vitamins & minerals. CytoSport™, the maker of Muscle Milk®, is among the largest sport nutrition protein beverage companies in the U.S. and offers a complete line of protein-enhanced powders, shakes and bars. Muscle Milk® was named Ready-to-Drink Beverage of the Year by bodybuilding.com, Best Functional Beverage and Beverage of the Year by BevNet and Company of the Year by Beverage Forum presented by Beverage Marketing Corporation and Beverage World.

Corporate: Firestone 550K Race Report

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 07:08:00 -0700

Circuit: Texas Motor Speedway (1.5-mile oval) Fort Worth, TX
2012 Winner: Justin Wilson (Dale Coyne Racing Honda) 157.217 mph average
Weather: Clear, warm, 83 degrees F

Top-10 Race Results:

Fn.	St.	Driver	Team	Engine - Chassis	Laps	Average Speed/ Notes
1	6.	Helio Castroneves	Team Penske	Chevrolet Dallara	228	177.257 mph average, led 132 laps
2	3.	Ryan Hunter-Reay	Andretti Autosport	Chevrolet Dallara	228	+4.6919 seconds, led 35 laps
3	13.	Tony Kanaan	KV Racing Technology	Chevrolet Dallara	228
4	9.	Ed Carpenter	Ed Carpenter Racing	Chevrolet Dallara	228
5	2.	Marco Andretti	Andretti Autosport	Chevrolet Dallara	228	Led 57 laps
6	4.	Dario Franchitti	Target Chip Ganassi	Honda Dallara	227
7	1.	Will Power	Team Penske	Chevrolet Dallara	227	Led 4 laps
8	7.	Josef Newgarden	Sarah Fisher Hartman	Honda Dallara	227
9	12.	James Hinchcliffe	Andretti Autosport	Chevrolet Dallara	227
10.	5.	E.J. Viso	Andretti Autosport/HVM	Chevrolet Dallara	227

Other Honda-powered Results:

11.	21.	Takuma Sato	A.J. Foyt Racing	Honda Dallara	227	Running
12.	10.	James Jakes	Rahal Letterman Lanigan	Honda Dallara	227	Running
13.	23.	Simon Pagenaud	Schmidt Hamilton	Honda Dallara	226	Running
15.	20.	Justin Wilson	Dale Coyne Racing	Honda Dallara	226	Running
17.	8.	Charlie Kimball	Chip Ganassi Racing	Honda Dallara	226	Running
18.	24.	Tristan Vautier - R	Schmidt Peterson	Honda Dallara	225	Running
21.	17.	Graham Rahal	Rahal Letterman Lanigan	Honda Dallara	223	Running
22.	14.	Alex Tagliani	Barracuda Racing/BHA	Honda Dallara	223	Running
23.	11.	Scott Dixon	Target Chip Ganassi	Honda Dallara	61	Did not finish - mechanical
24.	19.	Pippa Mann	Dale Coyne Racing	Honda Dallara	2	Did not finish - mechanical

Franchitti Leads Honda Finishers in Texas

On a night when tire management and consistent handling were the keys to success, Dario Franchitti and his Honda-powered Target Chip Ganassi Racing team recovered from a poor opening segment in Saturday night's Firestone 500K and combined long runs between pit stops with handling improvements during each stop to finish sixth at Texas Motor Speedway.

Other Honda-powered IZOD IndyCar Series drivers and teams, including Josef Newgarden, Justin Wilson, James Jakes and Scott Dixon, all ran in the lead pack at times during the 128-lap contest, but all encountered problems at various times to prevent strong results.

Dixon was the first to encounter difficulty, a broken rear axle component resulting in a long pit stop, followed by a brief flash fire during attempted repairs that resulted minor injuries to three Ganassi pit crew members. Newgarden, who ran as high as second in the early laps, was caught out by a pair of unfortunately-timed yellow flags, putting him one lap down to the leaders in eighth at the checkers.

Wilson, the 2012 Texas race winner, and Jakes, coming off a second-place finish last week in Detroit, both had long runs in the lead group. Like Newgarden, Wilson also ran as high as second, but rapid tire wear during the closing third of the race sent him spiraling down the order to an unrepresentative 15th-place finish. Jakes also spent the first half of the contest near the front of the field, but dropped in the final 30 laps to finish 12th.

Honda Fastest Seat in Sports winner Mona Wimberly from San Antonio, Texas, led the field prior to the race start in the two-seat Honda IndyCar driven by racing legend and Indianapolis 500 champion Mario Andretti. For more information on how you can receive the ride of a lifetime in the Fastest Seat in Sports sweepstakes, go to www.shophonda.com.

Next week, the IZOD IndyCar Series continues its June run of oval track weekends with the first “short track" race on the 2013 schedule, the June 15 Milwaukee IndyFest at the historic Milwaukee Mile in West Allis, Wisconsin.

IZOD IndyCar Series Drivers' Championship (after 8 of 19 rounds):

1. Helio Castroneves	259 points (1 win)	6. Simon Pagenaud	194 (1 win)
Marco Andretti	237	7. Scott Dixon	193
3. Ryan Hunter-Reay	232 (1 win)	8. Justin Wilson	184
4. Tony Kanaan	195 (1 win)	9. James Hinchcliffe	176 (2 wins)
5. Takuma Sato	194 (1 win)	10. Dario Franchitti	168

Manufacturers' Championship:

1. Chevrolet	63
2. Honda	57

Dario Franchitti (#10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda Dallara) started 4th, finished 6th: "We had way, way too much understeer at the start of the race - massive 'push', probably the most I've ever had on an oval, and that cost us a great deal of track position. But the team made some great calls in the pits, we improved the car at every stop and our strategy of long runs [between pit stops] gained us back a lot of what we lost in the early going. By the end of the race, the car was quite good, better than last year's car. But we started out too far off on the setup and ran out of time to completely recover."

Josef Newgarden (#67 Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing Honda Dallara) started 2nd, finished 8th: “We had a good result, considering everything. I think we got hosed a little bit on some of the yellows and that pushed us back a bit. I think we had a top-five car; I don't think we had the winning car, but we were pretty good in the mix and I think to secure decent results is satisfying. We definitely want more, but I think we learned a lot tonight."

Roger Griffiths (Technical Director, Honda Performance Development) on today's race win: "It was a disappointing outcome to the weekend for Honda and our teams. Several of our teams and drivers showed signs of competitiveness tonight, but no one was able to run consistently at the front. We trust that the three Target Chip Ganassi Racing mechanics injured in Scott Dixon's flash fire [Tyler Rees, Adam Rovazzini and Greg Shuker] are all okay. It appears transmission oil leaked out onto the exhaust while the team was attempting to repair Scott's driveline issue, causing the fire. We'll regroup from this and work hard for better results next weekend in Milwaukee."

For photos from tonight's race, go to:

http://broadcast.sportssystems.com/hosting/display.cfm?key=101673

Corporate: New Acura TL Special Edition Debuts with Key Feature Upgrades

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 07:00:00 -0700

The new 2013 Acura TL Special Edition is now on sale with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $37,405. Joining the TL line as a mid-2013 model, the TL Special Edition offers a step up from the standard TL, with the addition of highly desirable feature upgrades, creating an incredible value in the luxury four-door sedan segment.

The front-wheel-drive TL Special Edition features distinctive 10-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels, a color-matched deck lid spoiler and trunk-mounted Special Edition badging. Standard keyless access with pushbutton start adds convenience and ease of use. The TL Special Edition is available in four exterior colors: Bellanova White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Graphite Luster Metallic and Silver Moon Metallic. All exterior colors are matched with a leather-appointed Ebony interior with contrast stitching.

KEYLESS ACCESS SYSTEM
The TL Special Edition's standard Keyless Access System lets the driver enter and drive the car without having to handle a key or fob. The Keyless Access Remote has a unique digital identity that is automatically communicated to the car; the driver simply pulls one of the front door handles while the remote in his/her possession and the door unlocks and opens. When carrying the fob (or if all doors are unlocked), the trunk can be opened by pressing a button located on the TL Special Edition's rear spoiler.

The system identifies which of the two supplied fobs is in use each time the driver's door is opened (even if it is already unlocked), and then automatically sets the driver's seat, outside mirrors, climate control and audio system (including audio system presets) to a profile preset by the driver using that fob.

Once the driver has opened the door and is seated, the Keyless Access System allows the TL to be started with a push of the Engine Start/Stop button positioned on the instrument panel. When leaving the car, a press of the soft-touch button on the outside of the door handle locks all doors. Alternatively, a press of the Lock button on the Keyless Access Remote will also simultaneously lock all doors. The Keyless Access System will not allow the transmitter fob to be locked in the interior or the trunk of the TL.

POWERTRAIN
The front-wheel drive TL Special Edition features an all-aluminum 3.5-liter V-6 with single overhead camshaft cylinder heads and 24 valves, with the intake valves actuated by Acura's VTEC® (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control®) system. This compact and efficient engine produces 280 horsepower and 254 lbs-ft of torque (SAE net). A Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission operated by a straight-gate style console-mounted shifter is standard. For more spirited driving, a racing-inspired steering wheel paddle shifter system is standard and works when the transmission is in "Drive" or "Sport."

INTERIOR
The 2013 TL Special Edition's interior exemplifies Acura's driver-oriented sport-sedan thinking, matched with outstanding luxury. Sweeping shapes and high-quality materials blend a luxury aesthetic with a feeling of advanced technology. A 10-way adjustable power driver's seat and an 8-way adjustable power front passenger's seat are standard. A power moonroof, 276-watt audio system with eight speakers, and dual-zone, dual-mode automatic climate control system with automatic humidity control are also standard. The 2013 TL Special Edition comes well-equipped with standard technology features including a Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface, USB port connectivity, and a high-resolution Multi-Information Display (MID) on the center cluster.

SAFETY
Standard safety equipment on all Acura models includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control, ABS, dual-stage/multiple-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags, side curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions, front seatbelts with automatic tensioning system and load limiters, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

The TL recently earned the top-level rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a GOOD rating in the IIHS' new small overlap frontal barrier crash test. The new IIHS small overlap frontal barrier crash test is designed to simulate a collision between a vehicle traveling 40 miles per hour and a fixed object, such as a utility pole, where only 25-percent of the vehicle's front structure is engaged by the opposing object. According to a 2009 study by the IIHS, such small overlap crashes accounted for nearly 25-percent of frontal crashes resulting in a serious injury or fatality.

The 2013 TL SE is produced using domestically and globally sourced parts at Honda of America Mfg., Inc., in Marysville , Ohio, recipient of the J.D. Power and Associates' Silver Plant Quality Award in its 2012 Initial Quality Study.

TRIM	MSRP*	EPA Fuel Economy Rating**
TL	$35,905	20/29/23
TL Special Edition	$37,405	20/29/23
TL with Technology Package	$39,635	20/29/23
TL with Advance Package	$41,835	20/29/23
TL SH-AWD	$39,455	18/26/21
TL SH-AWD with Technology Package	$43,185	18/26/21
TL SH-AWD with Advance Package	$45,385	18/26/21
TL SH-AWD 6-Speed Manual with Technology Package	$43,185	17/25/20

About Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 272 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the all-new RLX luxury flagship sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX Sport Wagon and sedan, the ILX compact luxury sedan, the RDX luxury crossover SUV, and the soon to be released all-new MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.

For More Information
Additional media information including detailed features, pricing and high-resolution photography of the Acura model line is available at www.acuranews.com. Consumer information is available at www.acura.com.

Connect with Acura:
Media Information: www.acuranews.com
Consumer Information: www.acura.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Acura
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Acura_Insider
YouTube: www.youtube.com/acura
Flickr: www.flickr.com/acuranews
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/acura
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+acura

_{¹Acura vehicles are made using domestic and globally sourced parts.

*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, vehicle options and destination charge of $895.00. Dealer prices may vary.

**Based on 2013 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.}

# # #

Corporate: Race to the Dream

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 11:54:00 -0700

American Honda has just released a video featuring the Team Honda Muscle Milk duo of Trey Canard and Justin Barcia. With a rich racing history and a prestigious list of previous Honda champions, the American Honda race team is a place riders dream of being, and that's especially true of Canard and Barcia.

Canard, who returned to racing this year after a serious crash in 2012, has continued to have a noteworthy comeback, landing on the podium three times during the 2013 Supercross season and posting respectable results in Motocross. During his first year in the premier class, Barcia has shaken the competition by grabbing two victories and three additional podium finishes during the 2013 Supercross season. He has also appeared on the podium at two of the first three 2013 Motocross races.

Visit the Honda Powersports YouTube channel to see Canard and Barcia describe what it's like to be on the factory team, being teammates again, and their expectations for the remainder of the 2013 season: http://youtu.be/B3i9RWhNqQQ

About American Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. was established in 1959 and is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides in the U.S. The American Honda Motorcycle Division is responsible for the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to www.powersports.honda.com.

Corporate: Honda IndyCar Message Points for Texas Motor Speedway

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 06:46:00 -0700

Firestone 550
Texas Motor Speedway
8:30 p.m. EDT Saturday, June 9, 2013
ABC

ENGINE MANUFACTURER COMPETITION

The twin IZOD IndyCar Series victories for Honda last weekend in Detroit were the 198th and 199th wins for the manufacturer since it began Indy car competition in 1994. This total includes both seasons of manufacturer competition and the six-year period (2006-2011) when Honda supplied engines to the full IndyCar Series field.

Simon Pagenaud's inaugural IndyCar win in Sunday's IndyCar Dual at Detroit was Honda's 100th victory against competition from other manufacturers. Honda-powered drivers have won three times this season, including two podium sweeps of the top-three finishing positions.

Race victories have been recorded by Takuma Sato for A.J. Foyt Racing at Long Beach, Mike Conway with Dale Coyne Racing in the first of Detroit's two races, and Pagenaud of Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports in the Sunday finale.

Honda drivers swept the victory podium at Long Beach (finishing 1-4 were Sato, Graham Rahal, Justin Wilson and Dario Franchitti, respectively); and at Sunday's Detroit "Dual" (a 1-5 result with Pagenaud, James Jakes, second; Conway, third; Scott Dixon, fourth and Franchitti fifth). Honda drivers have scored 10 podium finishes in seven races this season.

The IZOD IndyCar Series returns to oval-track competition this weekend, with Saturday's Firestone 550K at Texas Motor Speedway. In 2012, Justin Wilson led the final 11 laps to win for Dale Coyne Racing, while Graham Rahal led 27 laps and finished second after brushing the wall in the closing laps.

The 2013 season marks the second season of manufacturer competition in the IZOD IndyCar Series after six years of Honda serving as single engine supplier. Chevrolet and Honda are battling for supremacy throughout a season of 19 races.

On Wednesday, June 5, Honda announced that Pagenaud will drive a race-prepared Honda Odyssey at the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb later this month, part of a record 11-vehicle Honda effort taking part in the annual "Race to the Clouds". Built by Honda associates at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, the Odyssey features a turbocharged, intercooled V6 engine producing more than 500 hp, a full roll cage and race-tuned suspension and brakes.

MARKETING

Detroit victor Pagenaud and his Sam Schmidt Motorsports teammate, IndyCar rookie Tristan Vautier, are being featured in "Inside the Indy Challenge", a series of nine documentary-style webcast videos featuring Honda and the Schmidt team. The first video in the series debuted in April on www.insidetheindychallenge.com and a variety of social media channels, including Tumblr, YouTube, Ustream, Facebook and Twitter.

Filmmakers were embedded with the team for three race weekends – the Grand Prix of Long Beach, Sao Paulo, Brazil and the Indianapolis 500 – to provide an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at Honda's IndyCar racing program.

HONDA PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT 20TH ANNIVERSARY

In April 1993, Honda Performance Development was founded in Santa Clarita, California as the competition arm of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. HPD is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2013 with a variety of events and activities.

In 20 years, HPD has grown from just a handful of staffers to approximately 150 associates; and from an engine-rebuilding facility to a complete motorsports Research & Development organization, engaged in programs ranging from pinnacle racing series including the IZOD IndyCar Series, FIA World Endurance Championship and American Le Mans Series; to grassroots and entry-level categories including karting, Quarter Midgets and Formula F competition.

Drivers and teams using HPD products have won 199 Indy car races and nine Indianapolis 500s, both in years with multi-manufacturer competition (2004-05, 2012); and as single engine supplier to the IndyCar Series from 2006-2011.

In years of multi-manufacturer competition, Honda has claimed six Manufacturers' Championships in Indy car racing; and Honda-powered drivers have won eight drivers' championships. No other manufacturer has won as many titles in the past 20 years.

HPD spearheaded championship-winning efforts in the 2009, 2010 and 2012 American Le Mans Series; the 2010 Le Mans Series; and powered the LMP2-winning team at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in both 2010 and 2012. Last year, the Florida-based Starworks team became the first American team to win an FIA World Championship since 1969, claiming LMP2 honors in the 2012 World Endurance Championship using an HPD ARX-03b chassis and Honda HR28TT V6 engine, prepared and developed by HPD.

On May 23, HPD announced a comprehensive motorsports partnership program between Honda and the United States Auto Club [USAC]. Honda K24 engines will become the new spec power plant for the USAC Ignite Midget Series. Honda will become title sponsor of the USAC National Midget Series, where a variety of competitors already use Honda K- and F-series engines supplied by HPD, and the official vehicle of USAC. Honda GX-series engines also remain a popular choice for USAC .25 Midget competition.

Corporate: Pagenaud Joins Honda Effort At Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 09:25:00 -0700

Honda-powered IndyCar racer Simon Pagenaud, winner of Sunday’s IZOD IndyCar Series race in Detroit, will make his "Race to the Clouds" debut later this month, driving a highly-modified Honda Odyssey as part of Honda’s record-setting 11-vehicle, nine-class effort at the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

With support from Honda’s North American motorsports and R&D companies – Honda Performance Development and Honda R&D Americas, Inc. – the company will campaign a broad range of Honda and Acura vehicles, motorcycles and ATVs. Pagenaud will pilot a turbocharged, 500+ horsepower Honda Odyssey, originally developed for competition by associates at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama.

"This is something I’m really looking forward to," Pagenaud said of Pikes Peak. "I’ve done a little bit of rallying in France, and I used to watch highlights of the Pikes Peak race on television as a kid. Our entry will be unique, to say the least! A Honda Odyssey with power similar to an IndyCar will raise some eyebrows for sure! But with the preparation it is getting from Team Honda Research, it will be a proper race car, and I’m very excited about it."

Modifications to the Odyssey include a turbocharged, intercooled 3.5-liter V6 engine; six-speed transmission and limited-slip differential from the Acura TL product line; racing suspension and brakes, including 19-inch BBS wheels equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires; and a full competition roll cage.

The 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year, Pagenaud started sixth in Sunday’s Indy Dual at Detroit and dominated the second half of the 70-lap contest, taking the checkers more than five seconds clear of the field for his first IndyCar Series victory. The win also moved the 29-year-old Frenchman to fifth in the drivers’ championship standings after seven of 19 races.

Pagenaud and his Odyssey will be entered in the "Exhibition" category, as will a Honda CR-Z hybrid sports coupe, driven by Sage Marie from Honda North America, as Honda showcases a diverse range of "fun to drive/ride" products in both car and motorcycle classes. Other than Pagenaud, the entries will be piloted by Honda associates under the Honda Performance Development (HPD) and Team Honda Research (THR) banners.

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. will serve as Partnering Sponsor of the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the first time the company has participated as a corporate sponsor of this historic event, which celebrates its 91st running on June 30. In addition, Honda Power Equipment will be supporting race operations, with Honda generators providing electricity and light to the pits and staging area.

Honda has competed in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on a less ambitious scale in the recent past. In 2011, Honda campaigned a Fit hatchback that was built and piloted by Honda engineers from North America.

In 2012, the company fielded an Acura NSX powered by an ALMS P2 twin-turbo V6 engine supplied by Honda Performance Development (HPD), and outfitted with an ex-Le Mans body and wide body kit, with support from members of the Ohio-based Honda of America Race Team (HART).

In prior years, Honda set records in the EV class in 1994 and 1999 with the Honda EV Plus. This year also marks the return of advanced Honda EV technology to America’s second-oldest race, in the form of a 2012 Honda Fit EV.

For photos of the Pikes Peak Odyssey, go to:
http://www.sportssystems.com/hosting/display.cfm?key=101672

Honda Pikes Peak Odyssey

Engine:		Honda "J35" 3.5-liter Turbocharged V6
Turbocharger:		Garrett GT35R
Power:		532 wheel horsepower; 460 ft lb torque; 6.2 lbs per horsepower
Transmission:		6-speed transaxle,
Brakes:		Brembo 4-piston, aluminum calipers
Suspension:		H&R competition dampers and springs
Tires:		Michelin 295/30-19 Pilot Super Sports

Honda 2013 Pikes Peak entries:

Category	Class	Vehicle	Driver / Rider	Honda Company
Car	Pikes Peak Open	Acura NSX [1st generation]	James Robinson	Honda R&D
	Time Attack	Acura TL SH-AWD	Brian Shanfeld	Honda R&D
	Exhibition	Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe	Sage Marie	Honda North America
	Exhibition	Honda Odyssey	Simon Pagenaud	Schmidt Hamilton Racing
	EV	Honda Fit EV	Roy Richards	Honda R&D
Motorcycle	250	Honda CRF250R	Nick Robinson	Honda R&D
	250	Honda CRF250R	Dane Marsack	Honda R&D
	450	Honda CRF450R	Jeff Tigert	American Honda
	Exhibition	Honda CBR1000RR	Alex Moreno	Honda R&D
	750SS	Honda CBR600RR	Erik Dunshee	Honda R&D
ATV	450 ATV	Honda TRX450	Keith Steidl	Honda R&D

# # #

Corporate: Acura Signs on as Exclusive Sponsor of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 05:00:00 -0700

Acura, one of the world's most technologically advanced luxury automotive brands, has signed on as the sole sponsor of "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee," the popular award-winning web series created by and starring Jerry Seinfeld, returning this summer to Crackle and www.ComediansInCarsGettingCoffee.com. Acura will sponsor 24 new episodes to be released in 2013 and 2014.

Seinfeld, who previously worked with Acura and starred in the luxury automaker's much-heralded 2012 Super Bowl commercial, will incorporate several unique product integrations, including the much-anticipated, all-new Acura MDX.

"We at 'Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee' are so glad a company we already admire has stepped forward to support us," said Jerry Seinfeld. "Not everyone understood what we were doing. But like Moe Green who invented Las Vegas, Acura is a company of vision and guts. We could not be more thrilled to have them as our sponsor. Because of them, we advance!"

Sponsorship of the series was a natural fit for Acura, as the brand is inspired by those who are not afraid to defy convention. "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" achieves just that, boldly breaking away from traditional expectations, and Seinfeld is pushing the standards of entertainment. While the mediums are different, the end goals are the same – to be inspired by the taste-makers who are propelling the future forward.

"We love Jerry's unconventional, fan-first approach of creating great content and trusting that the right people will find it," said Mike Accavitti, Acura Senior Vice President of Auto Operations. "It is totally consistent with Acura's organic approach of putting the customer first and building the vehicle around them."

In terms of execution, Acura and Seinfeld are aligned on a unique approach, building content around the consumer – not the other way around. As the only sponsor the upcoming 24 episodes, Acura will integrate short, contextually relevant ads at the beginning and end of each episode.

"Crackle is a big priority at SPE and the studio has had a long, successful relationship with Jerry, so 'Comedians in Cars' is very important to us," said Eric Berger, Executive Vice President of Digital Networks for Sony Pictures Television and General Manager of Crackle. "It's a great fit to have Acura on board and through our exclusive partnership, we will be working closely to engage millions of fans around the fun, simple pleasures of driving."

Since its debut in July 2012, "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" has delivered more than 10 million streams, garnered rave reviews, and earned Jerry Seinfeld a special Webby Award for Outstanding Comedic Performance. The breakout hit returns this summer and will feature Seinfeld's conversations with comedy greats like David Letterman, Sarah Silverman, Chris Rock and Don Rickles. Jerry Seinfeld is the executive producer of "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee," which is produced by Sony Pictures Television's Embassy Row. Creative Artists Agency (CAA) brokered the deal with Acura on behalf of its client Jerry Seinfeld.

About Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 272 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the all-new RLX luxury flagship sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX Sport Wagon and sedan, the ILX compact luxury sedan, the RDX luxury crossover SUV, and the soon to be released all-new MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.

About Crackle
Crackle, Inc. is a multi-platform next-generation video entertainment network that distributes digital content including original series and full-length traditional programming from Sony Pictures' vast library of television series and feature films in addition to the libraries of other studios. Crackle is one of the fastest growing entertainment destinations on the Internet, mobile and over-the-top devices, offering audiences high-quality programming in a variety of genres, including comedy, action, sci-fi, horror and music. Crackle reaches an impressive audience through its diverse online, mobile, connected TV and game console distribution network. Crackle is available in the US, Canada, UK, AU, Latin America and Brazil. Visit Crackle's site at www.crackle.com or find Crackle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/crackle.

Connect with Acura:
Media Information: www.acuranews.com
Consumer Information: www.acura.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Acura
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Acura_Insider
YouTube: www.youtube.com/acura
Flickr: www.flickr.com/acuranews
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/acura
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+acura

# # #

Corporate: Justin Barcia and Eli Tomac Take Second Overall at the First Muddy Creek National

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 12:51:00 -0700

The excitement continued this past weekend at the inaugural Muddy Creek National in Blountville, Tennessee, for round three of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship series. For the first time in 15 years, a national race was held in the Southeast Region and it didn't disappoint. Team Honda Muscle Milk's Justin Barcia bested his third place last weekend in Colorado with a hard-fought second overall. Muscle Milk-sponsored GEICO Honda's Eli Tomac was also able to nail down second overall with 4-1 scores for the day.

450 Race
Justin Barcia had an exciting weekend, grabbing his best result of the season with 2-2 scores aboard his Team Honda Muscle Milk CRF450R. In moto one, Barcia nailed down a second-place start and quickly began challenging for the lead. At one point he took over the front position but was passed back and spent the remainder of the race in a heated battle with the leader, ultimately finishing in second. Barcia seized the Motorcycle Superstore Holeshot award in the second moto and led for more than half of the 30-minute plus two-lap race before taking the checkered flag in second.

"I have really been working on my starts and it seems to be paying off," explained Barcia. "We have the bike dialed in right now so hopefully I can keep ripping some holeshots. Overall my pace is good and I am getting more comfortable running in front, but both Ryans (Villopoto and Dungey) are going so fast. They are just a little notch above me right now so it is going to take a lot of hard work but I just need to keep chipping away at it. I'm right there though, and am learning a lot running with them. It was definitely a great weekend to build on."

It was a tough first moto for teammate Trey Canard, who grabbed a third-place start but crashed early in the race and was unable to remount his bike until the majority of the field had passed. He was forced to stop in the mechanics area for some quick adjustments before returning to the track to finish 29th. Canard launched off the line to another great start in the second moto and was able to put together a consistent 17 laps to take third, leaving him ninth overall for the day.

250 Race
Muscle Milk-supported GEICO Honda's Eli Tomac ended the day with a masterful display of speed; his second-moto win earned him second overall with his 4-1 scores. In the first race, Tomac got a good jump off the line but came together with a few other riders, pushing him towards the back of the pack. Over the course of the 30-minute plus two-lap race, Tomac worked his way up into the top five and took the checkered flag in fourth. Tomac dominated the second race, launching off the line to take the Motorcycle Superstore Holeshot and checking out from the rest of the field to score a moto victory.

"The first moto wasn't easy," explained Tomac. "I did a little wheelie off the start and somebody came into me, which pushed me into a couple other guys. It's tough to work your way back up in this class right now and I was like 20th around the first turn. I was pushing the whole time. In the second moto, I got the holeshot and was able to run in clean air. It's a lot easier when you can run your own lines and you're not eating everyone else's dirt."

Teammate Zach Osborne grew up only 30 minutes away in Abingdon, Virginia, and spent much of his amateur career practicing and racing on the Muddy Creek track. Osborne started the day strong in front of his home crowd, qualifying fourth quickest in practice and leading in the first moto until a mistake caused him to fall outside the top five. One final hard charge towards the end of the moto left him in sixth place. In moto two, Osborne rode to a respectable fifth-place finish, giving him fifth overall for the day.

"It was pretty cool to lead that first moto for a minute, but then I made a mistake," Osborne said. "The second moto was better but not great. It's just little things here and there that make the difference between the podium and top five."

The final Muscle Milk-backed GEICO Honda rider, Justin Bogle, made progress this weekend by finishing seventh overall with 12-6 scores, which moved him into the top 10 in points.

The Focus: The American Red Cross at Muddy Creek National
In an effort to provide aid for the victims and families of the Oklahoma Tornados, MX Sports and American Honda worked to have the American Red Cross at the Muddy Creek National. The Red Cross booth was set up on vendor row beginning at 9 AM, and all funds raised went towards tornado relief. In addition, Trey Canard, who is an Oklahoma native, gave a full set of signed riding gear adorned with Oklahoma graphics for a live auction that took place at 3 PM on vendor row. Justin Barcia also participated in the efforts and donated a signed jersey; a total of $4,600 was raised from the auction.

"It has been a tragic few weeks for Oklahoma," explained Canard. "I don't think you could turn on the TV without seeing a glimpse of the destruction. I know Moore has gotten a lot of media attention but there is damage everywhere. Places like Shawnee, Bethel, Edmond, and Newcastle have seen devastation as well. We got very lucky to just have some debris on my property, but it came very close. I think the biggest thing is to find a local place to give anything you can towards the relief effort. Anything helps and it was amazing to have the American Red Cross at Muddy Creek to take donations. It is pretty awesome to live in a state where everyone can come together in a time of need and rebuild their lives and community. I am proud to be an Oklahoman."

450 Class Overall Results
1. Ryan Dungey 3-1
2. Justin Barcia (Honda) 2-2
3. Ryan Villopoto 1-4
4. James Stewart 4-6
5. Mike Alessi 6-5
6. Clement Desalle 5-9
7. Kevin Strijbos 14-7
8. Andrew Short 12-10
9. Trey Canard (Honda) 29-3
10. Broc Tickle 13-11

450 Class Championship Points (after 3 of 12 rounds)
1. Ryan Villopoto 143
2. Ryan Dungey 133
3. Justin Barcia 114
4. James Stewart 99
5. Trey Canard 90
6. Mike Alessi 85
7. Tyla Rattray 59
8. Clement Desalle 58
9. Andrew Short 54
10. Ryan Sipes 49

250 Class Overall Results
1. Marvin Musquin 2-2
2. Eli Tomac (Honda) 4-1
3. Ken Roczen 1-4
4. Blake Baggett 3-3
5. Zach Osborne (Honda) 6-5
6. Jason Anderson 7-7
7. Justin Bogle (Honda) 12-6
8. Kyle Cunningham 8-11
9. Blake Wharton 11-9
10. Cooper Webb 5-15

250 Class Championship Points (after 3 of 12 rounds)
1. Ken Roczen 138
2. Eli Tomac 132
3. Marvin Musquin 116
4. Blake Baggett 110
5. Zach Osborne 96
6. Jason Anderson 96
7. Cooper Webb 65
8. Kyle Cunningham 362
9. Justin Bogle 61
10. Jeremy Martin 61

About Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. was established in 1959 and is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides in the U.S. The American Honda Motorcycle Division is responsible for the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to www.powersports.honda.com.

About Muscle Milk
Muscle Milk® Ready-to-Drink is a protein-enhanced functional beverage that promotes workout recovery, lean muscle growth, and sustained energy. Muscle Milk takes the guesswork out of high performance nutrition, delivering a precise blend of premium proteins, complex carbohydrates, functional fats, vitamins & minerals. CytoSport™, the maker of Muscle Milk®, is among the largest sport nutrition protein beverage companies in the U.S. and offers a complete line of protein-enhanced powders, shakes and bars. Muscle Milk® was named Ready-to-Drink Beverage of the Year by bodybuilding.com, Best Functional Beverage and Beverage of the Year by BevNet and Company of the Year by Beverage Forum presented by Beverage Marketing Corporation and Beverage World.

Corporate: Award-Winning Accord and Record-Setting Light Truck Sales Fuel Hot Honda May; Acura RDX Sets All-Time Monthly Sales Record

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 09:12:00 -0700

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported May 2013 U.S. sales of 140,013 units, a total increase of 4.5 percent compared with May 2012 (up 4.5 percent based on the Daily Selling Rate, or DSR*). The Honda brand posted May 2013 sales of 125,649 units, an increase of 5.2 percent compared with May 2012. Acura brand U.S. May sales of 14,364 units decreased 1.5 percent compared with May 2012.

Honda

Honda light trucks post a May sales record led by record sales of CR-V (up 8.4 percent) and strong gains by Pilot (up 11.3 percent) and Odyssey (up 15.0 percent)
Critically acclaimed Honda Accord maintains incredible sales momentum, up 11.7 percent with 33,218 units; Honda Fit posts a double-digit sales gain, up 20.3 percent on sales of 4,667
Honda Civic continues strong retail sales with 30,268 units in May

"Looks like American families are preparing for summer road trips as our family-friendly light truck lineup posted the best May sales in Honda history," said John Mendel, executive vice president of Sales at American Honda. "Virtually every Honda vehicle we sold in May represents a purchase by an individual customer, which means Accord, Civic, CR-V and Odyssey will maintain their industry-leading retail sales performance in 2013."

Acura

RDX sets an all-time monthly sales record and its 13th consecutive monthly sales record, up 49.3 percent from last May; is the top-selling Acura model in May with sales of 4,930 units
The all-new luxury flagship RLX sedan, which went on sale in March, continues to gain momentum with sales of 273 units

"With the RDX setting its 13th consecutive monthly sales record we are very excited to be introducing the all-new 2014 MDX in a few weeks, which will once again give Acura hands down the best luxury light-truck lineup in America," said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of Acura Sales.

*The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 26 days for May 2013 and 26 days for May 2012. Year-to-date, the DSR is calculated with 127 days for 2013 and 127 days for 2012. All other percentages in release are unadjusted; see table for adjusted DSR figures.

Corporate: Honda Accord, Civic and CR-V Named Best Family Cars for 2013 by Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 07:00:00 -0700

Honda is the leading automaker among recognized vehicles
Civic and CR-V capture segment honors for the second year in a row

The 2013 Honda Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan and CR-V compact SUV were all named to the 10 Best Family Cars list compiled by the experts at Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com. The three family-friendly Honda vehicles were selected out of hundreds of models for excelling in the key areas of safety, fuel efficiency, technology and connectivity.

"As one of the most purchased brands by families and the leading manufacturer on this list, this recognition represents our laser focus on customer satisfaction," said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president of auto operations at American Honda. "The Accord, Civic and CR-V all lead their respective segments in retail sales and Honda continues to focus on selling high value vehicles to one customer - or family - at a time."

All-new for 2013, the Honda Accord was recognized as one of the top sedans for families by Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com. The Accord features sophisticated styling, fuel-efficient powertrains and available technology features like the LaneWatch™ blind spot display. With safety a top shopping consideration for families, the Accord earns industry-leading safety scores, having been rated as a TOP SAFETY PICK+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and distinguished by a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 5-star Overall Vehicle Score.¹

For the second year, the Honda Civic was named among the top rated family cars for budget shoppers. Receiving significant upgrades for 2013, the Civic boasts class-leading standard features like rearview camera, HandsFreeLink™ Bluetooth®, Pandora® internet radio interface, SMS text message feature and steering wheel audio controls. The Civic is also the only small car to be rated a TOP SAFETY PICK+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and distinguished by a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 5-star Overall Vehicle Score.¹

Recognized for a second year as a top vehicle in the crossover category, the CR-V remains an ideal choice for families with its unparalleled balance of size and capability. The CR-V is also rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a TOP SAFETY PICK and is distinguished by a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 5-star Overall Vehicle Score.¹

For more information about Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com's list of the 10 Best Family Cars for 2013, please visit www.parents.com and www.edmunds.com.

Connect with Honda:
Media Newsroom (for journalists) http://www.hondanews.com
For consumers: www.automobiles.honda.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/honda
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/honda
Instagram: http://instagram.com/honda
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+honda

¹Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). Model tested with standard side airbags (SABs). Vehicles tested under the new program cannot be compared to MY10 and earlier vehicles.

###

Corporate: Indy Dual at Detroit – Race 2 Race Report

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 17:33:00 -0700

Circuit: Belle Isle Park (2.35-mile street circuit) Detroit, MI
2012 Winner: Scott Dixon (Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) 89.911 mph average
Weather: Mostly cloudy, mild, 72 degrees F

Top-10 Race Results:

Fn.	St.	Driver	Team	Engine - Chassis	Laps	Average Speed/Notes
1.	6.	Simon Pagenaud	Schmidt Hamilton	Honda Dallara	70	84.906 mph average, led 18 laps
2.	2.	James Jakes	Rahal Letterman Lanigan	Honda Dallara	70	+5.6274 seconds; led 4 laps
3.	1.	Mike Conway	Dale Coyne Racing	Honda Dallara	70	Led 31 laps
4.	7.	Scott Dixon	Target Chip Ganassi	Honda Dallara	70
5.	16.	Dario Franchitti	Target Chip Ganassi	Honda Dallara	70
6.	14.	Marco Andretti	Andretti Autosport	Chevrolet Dallara	70
7.	18.	Charlie Kimball	Chip Ganassi Racing	Honda Dallara	70	Led 3 laps
8.	9.	Helio Castroneves	Team Penske	Chevrolet Dallara	70
9.	15.	Graham Rahal	Rahal Letterman Lanigan	Honda Dallara	70
10.	11.	Sebastian Saavedra	Dragon Racing	Chevrolet Dallara	70

Other Honda-powered Results:

14.	20.	Tristan Vautier-R	Schmidt Peterson	Honda Dallara	69	Running, led 1 lap
16.	24.	Josef Newgarden	Sarah Fisher Hartman	Honda Dallara	64	Running
21.	25.	Alex Tagliani	Barracuda Racing/BHA	Honda Dallara	40	Did not finish – contact
22.	8.	Justin Wilson	Dale Coyne Racing	Honda Dallara	40	Did not finish – contact
23.	21.	Takuma Sato	A.J. Foyt Racing	Honda Dallara	23	Did not finish – contact

Pagenaud Completes Honda's Detroit Sweep

In a race where a flurry of early cautions resulted in a variety of pit strategies, Simon Pagenaud and his Schmidt Hamilton HP Motorsports team played the game to perfection Sunday at the Belle Isle Park in Detroit, winning the second of two IZOD IndyCar Series races this weekend on the 2.3-mile temporary street circuit, and leading a Honda first-through-fifth sweep.

Coupled with a win by Honda-powered Mike Conway in Saturday's weekend opener, the weekend results moved Honda back to within three points from the lead in the 2013 IndyCar Manufacturers' Championship, after seven of 19 races.

Starting sixth on the alternate "red" tires, which provide superior grip to the standard "black" sidewall tires but wear out much quicker, Pagenaud moved up to third behind Saturday's winner Conway, as a total of six caution periods repeatedly interrupted the action during the first half of the 70-lap contest. During a caution on Lap 20, Pagenaud made his first scheduled stop and was fitted with the more durable "black" sidewall primary tires.

A long middle stint saw Pagenaud cycle to the front of the field as the race ran caution-free from Lap 37 to the finish. He built a massive lead of more than 20 seconds before his final pit stop, allowing him to resume in second place behind fellow Honda driver James Jakes. On a similar strategy, Jakes made his final stop three laps later, promoting Pagenaud into a lead he would hold to the finish.

Jakes, in turn, fought off a determined challenge from Honda-powered Saturday race winner Conway in the final laps to claim a career-best second place, while Conway capped off a surprisingly competitive weekend as a last-minute replacement driver at Dale Coyne Racing by finishing third.

Although on different pit strategies, Target Chip Ganassi Racing drivers Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti ran together during the final 10 laps, as Dixon caught and passed a fuel-saving Franchitti, who completed a sweep of the top five finishing positions for Honda. In the third Chip Ganassi Racing entry, Charlie Kimball had another strong run, leading three laps en route to a seventh-place finish.

After the first doubleheader street-circuit race weekend this year, the IZOD IndyCar Series returns to the ovals for the next three consecutive weekends, starting with the June 8 race at Texas Motor Speedway, the first Saturday night race of the 2013 season.

IZOD IndyCar Series Drivers' Championship (after 7 of 19 rounds):

1. Helio Castroneves	206 points	6. Takuma Sato	175 (1 win)
Marco Andretti	206	7. Justin Wilson	169
3. Ryan Hunter-Reay	191 (1 win)	8. Tony Kanaan	160 (1 win)
4. Scott Dixon	186	9. James Hinchcliffe	154
5. Simon Pagenaud	177	10. Charlie Kimball	149

Manufacturers' Championship:
1. Chevrolet		54
2. Honda		51

Simon Pagenaud (#77 Schmidt Hamilton HP Motorsports Honda) started 6th, finished 1st, his first IZOD IndyCar Series victory; 3rd win for Honda in 2013 and 199th Indy car victory for the manufacturer: "There were a lot of things going on in the cockpit in the last two laps, I can tell you that. It's unbelievable. I don't know how we did it, but the car was mega-fast. The team did a fantastic job, and Honda has been amazing. I certainly had more horsepower than anyone else out there today. Thanks to everyone: my family and everyone around me. This would not have happened without them. Man, winning is a great feeling, one, I hope, of more to come."

James Jakes (#16 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda Dallara) started 2nd, finished 2nd, his career-best IndyCar finish: "It's huge, huge for a lot of people. The team did a great job this weekend, the car was just magical This one is for Honda. Three Hondas on the podium again in Detroit, it's fantastic. Obviously, we didn't have the month of May that we all wanted, but they've really worked their butts off since Indy, and we're proud of them. Filling out the podium today was a great reward."

Roger Griffiths (Technical Director, Honda Performance Development) on today's race win: "Two wins, two poles and a podium sweep in today's race ... After yesterday's win by Mike [Conway] – to think we could do it again today in such emphatic style is unbelievable. I'm so pleased to be here and see Simon [Pagenaud] get his first win, and the fantastic results for [second-place] James [Jakes] and [third-place] Mike as well. It's a fitting tribute to all the hard work everyone at HPD has put forth since Indy."

Corporate: Indy Dual at Detroit – Race 1 Race Report

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 17:53:00 -0700

Circuit: Belle Isle Park (2.35-mile street circuit) Detroit, MI
2012 Winner: Scott Dixon (Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) 89.911 mph average
Weather: Mostly cloudy, windy, 79 degrees F

Top-10 Race Results:

Fn.	St.	Driver	Team	Engine - Chassis	Laps	Average Speed/Notes
1.	2.	Mike Conway	Dale Coyne Racing	Honda Dallara	70	90.753 mph average, led 47 laps
2.	4.	Ryan Hunter-Reay	Andretti Autosport	Chevrolet Dallara	70	+12.970 seconds; led 20 laps
3.	16.	Justin Wilson	Dale Coyne Racing	Honda Dallara	70	Led 3 laps
4.	15.	Scott Dixon	Target Chip Ganassi	Honda Dallara	70
5.	12.	Helio Castroneves	Team Penske	Chevrolet Dallara	70
6.	11.	Dario Franchitti	Target Chip Ganassi	Honda Dallara	70
7.	24.	Josef Newgarden	Sarah Fisher Hartman	Honda Dallara	70
8.	9.	Will Power	Team Penske	Chevrolet Dallara	70
9.	23.	Graham Rahal	Rahal Letterman Lanigan	Honda Dallara	70
10.	3.	James Jakes	Rahal Letterman Lanigan	Honda Dallara	70

Other Honda-powered Results:

11.	6.	Tristan Vautier-R	Schmidt Peterson	Honda Dallara	70
12.	8.	Simon Pagenaud	Schmidt Hamilton	Honda Dallara	70
14.	25.	Charlie Kimball	Chip Ganassi Racing	Honda Dallara	70
19.	7.	Takuma Sato	A.J. Foyt Racing	Honda Dallara	68	Running
23.	5.	Alex Tagliani	Barracuda Racing/BHA	Honda Dallara	28	Did not finish – contact

Conway a Frequent Flyer in Detroit "Dual 1"

On Tuesday, Mike Conway was in his native England, keeping fit for his European sports-car racing program, with no firm plans to return to the IZOD IndyCar Series. But on Saturday, Conway was in Victory Circle, heading a 1-3 finish for Honda and Dale Coyne Racing in the Indy Dual at Detroit, the first contest in a two-race "doubleheader" IndyCar race weekend on the Belle Isle Park circuit in downtown Detroit, Michigan.

A phone call from team owner Dale Coyne, looking for a new driver for his #18 Honda-Dallara, brought Conway back to IndyCar competition, and the veteran British racer grasped the opportunity with both hands, leading 47 of 70 laps en route to his first victory since Long Beach in 2011, and Honda's second win of 2013. In addition, earlier on Saturday, Conway qualified on the pole for Sunday's second 70-lap race of the weekend.

Starting on the outside of the front row, second, Conway jumped into an early lead over pole-starting E.J. Viso. But it was Viso's Andretti Autosport teammate, defending series champion Ryan Hunter-Reay, who provided the strongest challenge to Conway's hopes for victory. But after the final round of pit stops on Lap 52, Conway was able to extend his advantage over Hunter-Reay, at one point opening up a 19-second lead before backing off in the closing laps for a comfortable, 12-second victory.

Honda Fastest Seat in Sports winner Sheri Noel from Appleton, Wisconsin, led the field prior to the race start in the two-seat Honda IndyCar driven by two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Arie Luyendyk. For more information on how you can receive the ride of a lifetime in the Fastest Seat in Sports sweepstakes, go to www.shophonda.com.

Behind his Dale Coyne Racing teammate, Justin Wilson rapidly moved up from his 16th starting position in the opening laps, taking sixth place by Lap 27. Once among the leaders, Wilson's Honda also proved to be as quick as Conway's, and a second-place finish seemed possible, until a dropped wheel gun during his last pit stop cost him several seconds, and dropped him to third behind Hunter-Reay.

The Target Chip Ganassi Racing duo of Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti also produced strong races, with Dixon recovering from 15th on the starting grid to challenge Wilson for third in the closing laps and finishing fourth.

Although Franchitti qualified on the pole, an unscheduled engine change at Indianapolis and resulting 10-position penalty left him 11th on the starting grid. But the four-time series champion had one of the best opening stints, moving all the way up to fifth in the first five laps. He went on to finish sixth after battling Wilson, Dixon and Helio Castroneves in the final laps.

Qualifying for Sunday's "Dual 2" race was held this morning, with Conway securing Honda's third pole of 2013 – and the first pole for Dale Coyne Racing in the 30-year history of the team. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing's James Jakes qualified second, making it an all-Honda front row for Sunday's second 70-lap race in this road-racing doubleheader race weekend. Sunday's race starts at 3:30 p.m. EDT, with live television coverage on ABC.

IZOD IndyCar Series Drivers' Championship (after 6 of 19 rounds):

1. Helio Castroneves	182 points	6. Scott Dixon	154
2. Ryan Hunter-Reay	179 (1 win)	7. James Hinchcliffe	143 (2 wins)
3. Marco Andretti	178	8. Tony Kanaan	141 (1 win)
4. Takuma Sato	168 (1 win)	9. Simon Pagneaud	126
5. Justin Wilson	161	10. Charlie Kimball	122

Manufacturers' Championship:
1. Chevrolet		48
2. Honda		42

Mike Conway (#18 Dale Coyne Racing Honda) started 2nd, finished 1st, his second career IZOD IndyCar Series win and first of 2013; 2nd win for Honda in 2013 and 198th Indy car victory for the manufacturer: "As the race went on and the track 'rubbered-in', the car just got better and better. On the [alternate tire] 'reds' after our last pit stop, it seemed like I could extend my lead almost at will. It was just an awesome job by the team all weekend, from top to bottom. I'm so grateful to [team owner] Dale Coyne for this opportunity. And now we've got another shot [at victory] tomorrow."

Justin Wilson (#19 Dale Coyne Racing Honda Dallara) started 16th, finished 3rd, his second podium finish of 2013: "It was a tough race, as it always seems to be here. I was sliding around a lot at the end and Scott [Dixon] got a couple of good runs at me, but I made it as difficult as possible for him! It was good fun. It's a great day for Dale Coyne Racing and Honda; a 1-3 finish is the best result in the history of our team, and we get to do it again tomorrow."

Art St. Cyr (President, Honda Performance Development) on today's race win: "After the disappointment of last weekend [at the Indianapolis 500], this was the only acceptable response, to demonstrate to our teams our commitment to win at the highest level. Congratulations to Mike [Conway], Justin [Wilson] and everyone at Dale Coyne Racing on an outstanding performance, and we look forward to Round 2 tomorrow."

Corporate: American Honda Recognizes Top Suppliers for 2013

Fri, 31 May 2013 10:37:00 -0700

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Executive Vice President and COO Takuji Yamada yesterday presented the company's Premier Partner Award to 15 American Honda suppliers for demonstrating excellence in quality, value and customer service. This year's award recipients were selected from among 46 suppliers nominated by American Honda associates out of more than 1,000 eligible companies.

The Premier Partner Award winners represent multiple industries from varied aspects of Honda's business ranging from software development and fleet management to design and marketing services. The 2013 award recipients include seven winners returning from last year as well as four first-time winners. The award program was established in 1998 to recognize suppliers who embrace American Honda's philosophy of exceeding customer expectations with exceptional quality and service.

"The Premier Partner Awards highlight an outstanding group of suppliers that provide Honda with exceptional service each and every day," said Charles Harmon, American Honda's senior manager of Corporate Procurement and Corporate Services. "Their support is critical to our ability to provide our customers with quality customer service and products. We are proud to recognize them for their exceptional contributions."

Following are the 15 American Honda Premier Partner Award recipients for 2013:

ADP Lightspeed of Salt Lake City, for providing business management solutions
Atlantic Container Line AB of Chicago, for providing international transporting services
automätik of Tempe, Ariz., for producing interactive training curriculum and events
BI Worldwide of Minneapolis, for the development and execution of customer engagement programs
Crown Packaging of Kettering, Ohio, for packaging services and support
George P. Johnson of Torrance, Calif., for providing experiential marketing services
Insight Investments, LLC of Costa Mesa, Calif., for implementing an IT lease refresh strategy
J. Addams & Partners, Inc. of Atlanta, for providing public relations support for the Honda Power Equipment division
Maritz Motivational Services of Torrance, Calif., for creating an in-dealership launch training program as part of the 2013 Accord launch
Meiko America, Inc. of Torrance, Calif., for export shipment and logistics
Pacific Technology Solutions of Irvine, Calif., for E-learning and enterprise level software development solutions
SooHoo Designers of Torrance, Calif., for the design and production of the accessory marketing materials
Targetbase of Irving, Texas, for marketing strategy and consultation, and development and management of proprietary customer databases
TM Claims Service, Inc. of Los Angeles, for a broad range of transportation-related claims services
Tyco Integrated Security, LLC of Boca Raton, Fla., for providing electronic security services

About Honda
Based on Honda's longstanding commitment to "build products close to the customer," Honda currently operates 14 manufacturing facilities in North America, producing a wide range of Honda and Acura automobiles, automobile engines and automatic transmissions, Honda all-terrain vehicles, and Honda power equipment products such as lawn mowers, mini-tillers and general purpose engines, using domestic and globally-sourced parts. Honda started local production in the U.S. with motorcycles in 1979. In 1982, Honda became the first Japanese automaker to produce passenger cars in the U.S. Honda has continued to expand its local production capabilities, and cumulative automobile production in North America surpassed 23 million units in 2011.

Connect with Honda:
Honda Multimedia Newsroom (for media only): http://www.hondanews.com
Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news
Honda on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/americanhonda
Honda on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/honda
Honda on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda Website: http://www.honda.com
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/honda/
On Google+

Corporate: Honda Joins H2USA Partnership to Promote Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure

Fri, 31 May 2013 05:00:00 -0700

American Honda Motor Co, Inc. has released the following statement from Steven Center, VP of Environmental Business Development, regarding the company's decision to join H2USA, a new public-private partnership to promote the commercial introduction and widespread adoption of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs):

"Honda is looking forward to working with the U.S. Department of Energy, other automakers and related stakeholders to expand the market and infrastructure for FCEVs. As the first company to lease a hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicle to retail consumers (Honda FCX) in the U.S., we believe FCEVs are important to the future of electric-drive, zero-emission transportation. This public-private partnership is a necessary step to continue the development of a hydrogen refueling infrastructure for FCEV customers and leverage other hydrogen energy sources, including natural gas and renewables, allowing consumers in many parts of the country to take advantage of this clean, low-carbon transportation option."

# # #

Corporate: Press Kit: 2014 Acura MDX

Fri, 31 May 2013 00:01:00 -0700

INTRODUCTION*

The 2014 MDX is the third generation of Acura's seven-passenger luxury performance SUV, the first to be developed from the ground up using an all-new, purpose-built platform (body and chassis) fully optimized for the needs of today's luxury SUV buyers.

The new MDX, like its flagship sedan counterpart, the RLX, harnesses a host of Acura signature technologies to deliver on Acura's "Synergy between Man and Machine" product direction, and to offer higher levels of luxury, quietness, comfort and prestige in a vehicle that performs "at the will of the driver" with intuitive control and exhilarating dynamic performance.

Developed on the image of an "Executive Family Jet," the 2014 MDX is sleek and refined, prestigious and powerful, and designed to deliver on the unique performance and functional needs of the luxury SUV driver and passengers, be they kids or clients. In designing the new MDX, Acura engineers focused on three core values: class-leading fuel economy ratings; new levels of prestige and luxury comfort; and top-level safety performance. At the same time, they sought to further enhance the MDX's dynamic performance while maintaining its core appeal – the family-friendly, seven-passenger cabin and nimble, mid-size SUV exterior size and appearance.

*For full details, download the "2014 Acura MDX Press Kit" by clicking on the link above.

Corporate: Honda Reduces the Cost to Take Home a Fit EV

Thu, 30 May 2013 04:00:00 -0700

Fit EV monthly lease price reduced from $389 to $259 a month for new and existing lessees
New three-year lease term requires no down payment and includes unlimited mileage, routine maintenance and collision coverage
Customers receive 240 volt EV home charging station equipment as part of the lease

Honda today announced an attractive new price package for the highly efficient and fun-to-drive all-electric Fit EV including the new competitive lease price of $259 a month beginning June 1. Reduced from $389 a month, the new three-year lease term stretches customer's electric dollar even further with no down payment, unlimited mileage, routine maintenance, collision coverage and a 240 volt EV home charging station equipment (not including installation),¹ from Leviton.

The new reduced lease price and unlimited mileage term also will be applied to existing Fit EV customer leases going forward starting in June 2013. With the reduced payment, unlimited mileage, maintenance and collision coverage, this new lease program makes the Fit EV one of the most affordable² electric vehicles available in the U.S.

"The Fit EV already is a benchmark electric vehicle with a leading-range rating, fun-to-drive dynamics and excellent packaging," said Steve Center, vice president of Environmental Business Development at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Now it's the only EV on the market with no down payment, unlimited mileage, collision coverage and a free home charging station, giving customers an unprecedented value that only Honda can provide and a compelling reason to get off the barrel and onto the grid."

In addition to the new lease price, the Fit EV online application process is further streamlined to allow for quicker approval and delivery of the vehicle to the customer. Further, the network of qualified Fit EV Honda dealers in California, Oregon, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Rhode Island and Connecticut will expand from 36 to more than 200 by the end of June.

Recently named one of the Ten Best Green Cars by KBB.com , the 2013 Honda Fit EV is the most efficient 5-passenger electric vehicle on the market with a combined adjusted Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mile-per-gallon-equivalency rating of 118 MPGe³, an EPA-rated driving range of 82 miles, and a low energy-consumption rating of just 29 kilowatt hours (kWh) per 100 miles.

Fit EV customers also can take advantage of Honda's partnership with SolarCity to install solar power with no upfront cost, allowing them to recharge their vehicle with clean, affordable power from the sun.

Customers interested in leasing the Fit EV or learning more about the vehicle, are encouraged to visit http://automobiles.honda.com/fit-ev/. Information on the SolarCity partnership can be found at http://www.hondasolarcity.com/.

Fit EV Competitive Lease Comparison

¹Customer responsible for costs associated with installation of the 240 volt, 32 amp charging hardware, which is provided by Leviton, Honda's preferred charging station supplier. Equipment remains with the customers after lease term.
²See chart above.
³132/105/118 city/highway/combined miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) rating; 82 mile combined (city/highway) driving range rating (adjusted). Ratings determined by U.S. EPA. Your MPGe and range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-electric-label.shtml.
⁴Amount due at signing may include down payment, capitalize cost reduction, acquisition fee, security deposit and first month payment. Does not include taxes and title fees.
⁵Collision Coverage is included with the lease. This means that Honda is taking the risk and responsibility for repairs to the Fit EV, leaving to the lessee only the responsibility to obtain and carry liability insurance for at least the minimum required by the lease. There is no deductible, and Honda will evaluate and approve all repair requests submitted. The lessee will be required to call a toll free number to report all collisions/damage and receive instructions to arrange for repairs.

Connect with Honda:
Media Newsroom (for journalists) http://www.hondanews.com
For consumers: www.automobiles.honda.com/fit-ev
YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hondafit
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/honda
Instagram: http://instagram.com/honda
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+honda

# # #

Corporate: Honda Fans Unite at Laguna Seca MotoGP Race

Wed, 29 May 2013 17:16:00 -0700

For many motorcyclists, it's become an annual tradition: the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, CA, where die-hard Honda enthusiasts come together to celebrate the ultimate in two-wheel Honda exotica and watch the team riders succeed in ultimate victory.

To help make that happen, Honda is offering a very special discount ticket package including VIP privileges that really make this race all the more memorable as you gather together to cheer on Repsol Honda Team stars Dani Pedrosa and Marc Márquez aboard the exotic and potent RC213V. This special package includes:

One (1) 3-Day General Admission Ticket
One (1) 3-Day Paddock Pass
One (1) 3-Day VIP Honda Motorcycle Parking Pass
One (1) Turn 4 Grandstand Seat
One (1) Friday morning Honda VIP Parade Lap
A Honda-provided "Goodie Bag"*

*Available on a first come, first served basis due to limited quantities.

So come to Laguna Seca July 19-21 and cheer on Dani and Marc at the Laguna Seca MotoGP race as together we give them our full-on Honda support. To take advantage of this special offer, go to this link:
https://oss.ticketmaster.com/aps/laguna/EN/buy/details/13W3DAYH

Corporate: Honda Dual in Detroit Talking Points

Wed, 29 May 2013 06:31:00 -0700

Dual in Detroit
Race 1, 3:30 p.m. EDT Saturday, June 1
Race 2, 3:30 p.m. EDT Sunday, June 2
ABC

ENGINE MANUFACTURER COMPETITION

The 2013 season marks the second season of manufacturer competition in the IZOD IndyCar Series after six years of Honda serving as single engine supplier. Chevrolet and Honda are battling for supremacy throughout a season of 19 races, two of which will take place on Detroit's Belle Isle this weekend, as the IZOD IndyCar Series stages the first of three road-course doubleheaders scheduled during the 2013 campaign.
Honda will field 12 drivers and teams at this weekend's Dual in Detroit, anchored by the three-car Chip Ganassi team, which includes four-time series champion Dario Franchitti; two-time series champion and defending Detroit Grand Prix winner Scott Dixon; and rising star Charlie Kimball. Dixon and Franchitti finished one-two on Belle Isle last year, while Simon Pagenaud of Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports finished third to round out a podium sweep for Honda.
Mike Conway returns to IndyCar competition this weekend, driving with Honda power for Dale Coyne Racing. Previously, Conway qualified fifth at the Grand Prix of Long Beach, which he won in 2011, driving for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
Other drivers and teams using the turbocharged Honda Indy V6 engine this weekend include Takuma Sato with A.J. Foyt Racing; veteran Canadian Alex Tagliani with Barracuda Racing/Bryan Herta Autosport; Justin Wilson with Dale Coyne Racing; Graham Rahal and James Jakes with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing; Pagenaud and IndyCar rookie Tristan Vautier with Sam Schmidt Motorsports; and Josef Newgarden with Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing.
Honda posted its first victory of the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series season April 21 at the Grand Prix of Long Beach, sweeping the victory podium and scoring a 1-2-3-4 finish just a few miles south of American Honda's corporate headquarters in Torrance, California.
With his victory at Long Beach, A.J. Foyt Racing's Takuma Sato became the first Japanese driver to win an IndyCar race. Graham Rahal recorded his best finish, second, since joining his father's Rahal Letterman Lanigan team for 2013; and Justin Wilson came from the back of the starting grid to finish third for Dale Coyne Racing. All three podium finishers were powered by Honda. Franchitti started on the pole, and finished fourth for Honda and Target Chip Ganassi Racing.

MARKETING

"Inside the Indy Challenge", a series of nine documentary-style webcast videos featuring the Sam Schmidt Motorsports team and Honda-powered IndyCar drivers Simon Pagenaud and Tristan Vautier, debuted last month on www.insidetheindychallenge.com and a variety of social media channels, including Tumblr, YouTube, Ustream, Facebook and Twitter.
To produce the videos, filmmakers were embedded with the team for three race weekends –the Grand Prix of Long Beach, Sao Paulo, Brazil and the Indianapolis 500 – to provide an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at Honda's IndyCar racing program and a Honda-powered team's quest to win the Indianapolis 500.

HONDA PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT 20TH ANNIVERSARY

In April, 1993, Honda Performance Development was founded in Santa Clarita, California as the competition arm of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. HPD is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a variety of events and activities.
In 20 years, HPD has grown from just a handful of staffers to approximately 150 associates; and from an engine-rebuilding facility to a complete motorsports Research & Development organization, engaged in programs ranging from pinnacle racing series including the IZOD IndyCar Series, FIA World Endurance Championship and American Le Mans Series to grassroots and entry-level categories including karting, Quarter Midgets and Formula F competition.
Drivers and teams using HPD products have won 197 Indy car races and nine Indianapolis 500s, both in years with multi-manufacturer competition (2004-05, 2012); and as single engine supplier to IndyCar from 2006-2011.
In years of multi-manufacturer competition, Honda has claimed six Manufacturers' Championships in Indy car racing; and Honda-powered drivers have won eight drivers' championships. No other manufacturer has won as many titles in the past 20 years.
HPD spearheaded championship-winning efforts in the 2009, 2010 and 2012 American Le Mans Series; the 2010 Le Mans Series; and powered the LMP2-winning team at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in both 2010 and 2012. Last year, the Florida-based Starworks team became the first American racing organization to win an FIA World Championship since 1969, claiming LMP2 honors in the 2012 World Endurance Championship using an HPD ARX-03c chassis and Honda HR28TT V6 engine, prepared and developed by HPD.
On May 23, HPD announced it's newest motorsports effort, part of a comprehensive motorsports partnership program between Honda and the United States Auto Club [USAC]. Honda K24 engines will become the new spec power plant for the USAC Ignite Midget Series, now called the Honda Midget Series. Honda will become title sponsor of the USAC National Midget Series, where a variety of competitors already use Honda K- and F-series engines supplied by HPD, and the official vehicle of USAC. Honda GX-series engines also remain a popular choice for USAC .25 Midget competition.

Corporate: Honda Begins Monitor Leasing of Walking Assist Device in Japan

Tue, 28 May 2013 14:42:00 -0700

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has begun leasing up to a total of 100 units* of the Walking Assist Device to hospitals in Japan that provide rehabilitation training / physical therapy in the area of walking, to monitor its use and verify the practicality of the device.

Striving to offer the joy of mobility to more people, Honda began research and development of the Walking Assist Device in 1999. As with ASIMO, Honda's humanoid robot, the Walking Assist Device adopts cooperative control technology that was developed based on Honda's cumulative study of human walking. The control computer activates motors based on information obtained from hip angle sensors while walking to improve the symmetry of the timing of each leg lifting from the ground and extending forward, and to promote a longer stride for an easier walk.

The compact design of the device and overall weight of less than 2.6 kg were achieved through the adoption of thin motors and a control system that were developed independently by Honda, as well as a simple design that enables the device to be worn with belts. As a result, the device is less of a burden on the user and suitable for various body sizes.

From the early stages of the research and development of the Walking Assist Device, Honda has been working together with medical corporations, businesses and research institutions. Through this process, Honda has received positive feedback from recipients of walking training / therapy, physical therapists, medical doctors and researchers who acknowledge certain effectiveness and compatibility of the device in the rehabilitation.

To date, Honda has conducted collaborative research on rehabilitation training / physical therapy using the Walking Assist Device in seven hospitals. Honda is now inviting a broader range of hospitals to participate in this monitoring process by leasing a total of 100 units of the Walking Assist Device to gain more opinion and feedback from real-world users to further improve the functions and usability of the device.

Based on the spirit upon which Honda was founded – "utilizing technology to help people" – Honda will continue its proactive efforts to realize practical use of products useful to people.

^{* A total of 50 sets of an M-size and a L-size devices will be leased, with one set per hospital. A total of 50 hospitals will be using the devices for the purpose of monitoring its use.}

Key specifications of the Walking Assist Device

Size of hip frame	M-size (hip width: 340 mm) L-size (hip width: 380 mm)
Weight	Less than 2.6 kg (including battery)
Operating time per charge	More than 60 minutes
Battery	Lithium-ion battery, 22.2V-1Ah
Use environment	Indoor or outdoor (except in rain) flat surfaces
Appropriate temperature range for storage	Between -20 C and 55 C (approximately -4 F and 131 F)
Appropriate temperature range for use	Between 0 C and 30 C (approximately 32 F and 86 F)
Appropriate humidity range for use	Between 30% and 85%

^{Publicity materials relating to this press release are available at the following URL:

http://www.hondanews.info/en/

(The site is intended exclusively for the use of journalists.)}

Corporate: Barcia Scores Third Overall with 3-4 Finishes in Colorado

Tue, 28 May 2013 13:43:00 -0700

For round two of the 2013 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, the Honda Red Riders headed just a few miles outside of Denver, CO to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains for the Rockwell Watches Thunder Valley National. It was an exciting weekend for Team Honda Muscle Milk's Justin Barcia, who raced his way to a third-place-overall finish. Colorado native Eli Tomac also put together an impressive showing to earn the overall win in the 250 class aboard his Muscle Milk-supported GEICO Honda CRF250R.

450 Race
Team Honda Muscle Milk's Justin Barcia nailed down the holeshot in both motos, putting him that much closer to the $25,000 Motorcycle Superstore holeshot award that will be presented at the end of the season. In the first moto, Barcia led the pack until the midway point when he dropped back to third. Again in the second moto, Barcia jumped off the line to an early lead but fell a few positions within a couple laps. He stayed close behind the lead group but ultimately took the checkered flag in fourth. His 3-4 scores landed him on the podium in third place overall.

"I am definitely happy with how today went," said Barcia. "Last week I said I needed to make some changes and the changes that I needed to make were to get a good start and I definitely got two great starts today. Starts are so important in this class because the competition is so stacked. I feel like I gained a lot of momentum and I really learned a lot from following the guys today. I was able to see some of their line choices and was able to run their pace. I'm looking forward to heading to the East Coast and riding some of the tracks that I think suit me better."

Fellow Team Honda Muscle Milk rider Trey Canard rode well all day, grabbing good starts in both motos and was able to finish 4-5 for fourth overall. "The weekend was good. To have another ride under my belt is always positive," stated Canard. "I made some mistakes throughout the day but I also feel like there was some progress made. I got some good starts today and was able to run up front with the lead group for a while. That pace is just so fast it takes everything I have, and I'm not quite there yet. I think it will take a little more time but getting that time up front with them is a great learning experience. It was also really awesome seeing all the support for Oklahoma. There is a lot of devastation and for everyone to pull together to help raise money and awareness is great."

250 Race
It was a stellar weekend for the Muscle Milk-sponsored GEICO Honda team, with Colorado native Eli Tomac topping the podium and closing within six points of the top spot in the championship standings. Teammate Zach Osborne made his first podium appearance of the motocross season and Justin Bogle posted respectable results, finishing 10th place overall with 13-7 scores.

In moto one, Osborne launched off the line and grabbed the Motorcycle Superstore holeshot award but he quickly slipped into second. For the remainder of the opening lap, Osborne and his teammate Tomac were side-by-side until a small mistake caused Osborne to lose a few positions. Tomac made a hard charge for the lead position but was forced to settle for second, while Osborne finished in sixth.

During the second moto, Tomac put together a commanding race by taking over the lead on the opening lap and setting a blistering pace that was unmatched by the competition. Osborne spent the majority of the 30-minute plus two-lap race in third but on the final lap he made a valiant charge into second, securing himself a spot on the podium.

"Winning here is so nice," Tomac said. "I feel like I've let Colorado down a little bit in the past because I've never won this race before so to get the overall today is big for me and for all the fans who were cheering for us. We made up a few points today and when Zach got in between Roczen and me in the second moto that helped us even more, so it was a really good day in the standings. We were really close to getting the sweep. I was right on Roczen in the final lap of the first race and I just lost the rear wheel. It was a really good weekend."

"To have a ride like this in just my second outdoor race in such a long time is pretty amazing for me," Osborne said. "Catching Ken there at the end of the day was really cool. I gained a lot of confidence this weekend. This is a hard race because you're at altitude and that makes it tougher. It wasn't that hot but it can still take it out of you. For me, I felt good both motos, and we even got the holeshot in the first race so I'm really happy."

The Focus: Sun Enterprises Fan Fest
Sun Enterprises is the number one Honda dealership in Colorado and on Friday May 24th they hosted their annual Fan Festival. Hundreds of people were in attendance for food, music, games and autographs from some of the fastest racers in the world. The Honda Red Riders were there in full force with Barcia and Canard in attendance, along with GEICO Honda's Eli Tomac, Justin Bogle and Zach Osborne.

450 Class Overall Results
1. Ryan Villopoto 1-1
2. Ryan Dungey 2-2
3. Justin Barcia (Honda) 3-4
4. Trey Canard (Honda) 4-5
5. Mike Alessi 6-6
6. Clement Desalle 5-7
7. James Stewart 15-3
8. Tyla Rattray 7-10
9. Kevin Strijbos 10-8
10. Dean Wilson 11-9

450 Class Championship Points (after 2 of 12 rounds)
1. Ryan Villopoto 100
2. Ryan Dungey 88
3. Justin Barcia 70
4. Trey Canard 70
5. James Stewart 66
6. Mike Alessi 54
7. Tyla Rattray 49
8. Ryan Sipes 37
9. Weston Peick 36
10. Andrew Short 34

250 Class Overall Results
1. Eli Tomac (Honda) 2-1
2. Ken Roczen 1-3
3. Zach Osborne (Honda) 6-2
4. Marvin Musquin 4-4
5. Blake Baggett 9-5
6. Jeremy Martin 8-6
7. Martin Davalos 7-10
8. Jason Anderson 5-12
9. Cooper Webb 3-17
10. Justin Bogle (Honda) 13-7

250 Class Championship Points (after 2 of 12 rounds)
1. Ken Roczen 95
2. Eli Tomac 89
3. Marvin Musquin 72
4. Blake Baggett 70
5. Zach Osborne 65
6. Jeremy Martin 50
7. Jason Anderson 49
8. Cooper Webb 43
9. Kyle Cunningham 39
10. Justin Hill 39

Corporate: Indianapolis 500 Race Report

Sun, 26 May 2013 15:11:00 -0700

Circuit: Indianapolis Motor Speedway (2.5-mile oval) Speedway, IN
2012 Winner: Dario Franchitti (Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) 167.734 mph average
Weather: Overcast, cool, 65 degrees F

Indianapolis 500 Results:

Fn.	St.	Driver	Team	Engine – Chassis	Laps	Average Speed/Notes
1.	12.	Tony Kanaan	KV Racing Technology	Chevrolet Dallara	200	187.433 mph average
2.	2.	Carlos Munoz-R	Andretti Autosport	Chevrolet Dallara	200	+0.1159 seconds (under caution)
3.	7.	Ryan Hunter-Reay	Andretti Autosport	Chevrolet Dallara	200
4.	3.	Marco Andretti	Andretti Autosport	Chevrolet Dallara	200
5.	14.	Justin Wilson	Dale Coyne Racing	Honda Dallara	200	Fastest Race Lap
6.	8.	Helio Castroneves-W	Team Penske	Chevrolet Dallara	200
7.	5.	A.J. Allmendinger-R	Team Penske	Chevrolet Dallara	200
8.	21.	Simon Pagenaud	Schmidt Hamilton	Honda Dallara	200
9.	19.	Charlie Kimball	Chip Ganassi Racing	Honda Dallara	200
10.	1.	Ed Carpenter	Ed Carpenter Racing	Chevrolet Dallara	200
11.	13.	Oriol Servia	DRR Panther Racing	Chevrolet Dallara	200
12.	23.	Ryan Briscoe	Target Chip Ganassi	Honda Dallara	200
13.	18.	Takuma Sato	A.J. Foyt Racing	Honda Dallara	200
14.	16.	Scott Dixon-W	Target Chip Ganassi	Honda Dallara	200
15.	26.	Ana Beatriz	Dale Coyne Racing	Honda Dallara	200
16.	29.	Tristan Vautier-R	Schmidt Peterson	Honda Dallara	200
17.	24.	Simona de Silvestro	KV Racing Technology	Chevrolet Dallara	200
18.	4.	E.J. Viso	Andretti Autosport/HVM	Chevrolet Dallara	200
19.	6.	Will Power	Team Penske	Chevrolet Dallara	200
20.	20.	James Jakes	Rahal Letterman Lanigan	Honda Dallara	199	Running
21.	9.	James Hinchcliffe	Andretti Autosport	Chevrolet Dallara	199	Running
22.	31.	Conor Daly-R	A.J. Foyt Racing	Honda Dallara	199	Running
23.	17.	Dario Franchitti-W	Target Chip Ganassi	Honda Dallara	199	Did not finish – contact
24.	11.	Alex Tagliani	Barracuda Racing/BHA	Honda Dallara	196	Continued after contact
25.	28.	Graham Rahal	Rahal Letterman Lanigan	Honda Dallara	193	Did not finish – contact
26.	33.	Katherine Legge	Schmidt Peterson	Honda Dallara	193	Continued after contact
27.	22.	Townsend Bell	Panther Racing	Chevrolet Dallara	192	Running
28.	25.	Josef Newgarden	Sarah Fisher Hartman	Honda Dallara	191	Running
29.	15.	Sebastien Bourdais	Dragon Racing	Chevrolet Dallara	178	Did not finish – contact
30.	30.	Pippa Mann	Dale Coyne Racing	Honda Dallara	46	Did not finish – contact
31.	32.	Buddy Lazier-W	Lazier Partners Racing	Chevrolet Dallara	44	Did not finish – mechanical
32.	27.	Sebastian Saavedra	Dragon Racing	Chevrolet Dallara	34	Did not finish – contact
33.	10.	JR Hildebrand	Panther Racing	Chevrolet Dallara	3	Did not finish – contact

W – Previous Indianapolis 500 Race Winner
R – Indianapolis 500 Rookie

Charging Wilson Finishes Fifth at Indianapolis

In a record-smashing race that saw new marks for lead changes, number of different leaders and average speed, Justin Wilson put on an inspiring charge that led the way for Honda in the final laps, posting the fastest race lap en route to a fifth-place finish at Sunday's Indianapolis 500.

After starting 14th, Wilson took his Dale Coyne Racing Honda Dallara into the top-10 in the early laps, but a blistered rear tire as the 200-lap race neared its mid-point dropped him to the very back of the field and forced the veteran driver to contend with an ill-handling car until the next round of pit stops on Lap 124. Wilson spent the final portions of the race working is way towards the front of the field, reaching fifth place just after the final race restart on Lap 197, when Dario Franchitti crashed to end the race under caution.

A cool, overcast day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway produced a record 187.433 mph race average, bettering the previous record of 185.981 mph set by Arie Luyendyk in 1990. In addition, the 68 lead changes – among a record 14 different drivers – shattered the mark of 34 set just last year.

Behind Wilson, Simon Pagenaud brought his Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports Honda from 21st on the starting grid to finish eighth, while Charlie Kimball posted another top-10 result, running ninth in his Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.

Other Honda drivers encountered problems in today's 97th running of the Indianapolis 500. Alex Tagliani was an early top-10 competitor, but dropped off the lead lap after brushing the wall on Lap 168 and having to pit for repairs. The Target Chip Ganassi Racing duo of Franchitti and Scott Dixon suffered from gearing and handling issues throughout the race, with Dixon finishing 14th and Franchitti crashing without injury on Lap 197 to end the race under caution.

The IZOD IndyCar Series now enters its annual June swing of four consecutive race weekends, starting with the June 2 Belle Isle Grand Prix in Detroit, Michigan, followed by oval track races at Texas Motor Speedway, The Milwaukee Mile and Iowa Speedway.

IZOD IndyCar Series Drivers' Championship (after 5 of 19 rounds):

1. Marco Andretti	168	6. Justin Wilson	125
2. Takuma Sato	157 points (1 win)	7. Tony Kanaan	124 (1 win)
3. Helio Castroneves	152	8. Scott Dixon	122
4. Ryan Hunter-Reay	138 (1 win)	9. Oriol Servia	112
5. James Hinchcliffe	128 (2 wins)	10. Simon Pagenaud	108

Manufacturers' Championship:
1. Chevrolet		42
2. Honda		33

Justin Wilson (#19 Boy Scouts of America Dale Coyne Racing Honda) started 14th, finished 5th, turned fastest lap of the race: "We kept having to come up from the rear of the field, and just ran out of time and laps. The car was great. We were trimmed out to go quick at the end, which made the car a bit difficult early in the race, but it was fantastic at the end. Our biggest problem was a blistered rear tire on our third stint, we lost 10 mph every lap, and dropped right to the back of the field. I was just hanging on until the next [scheduled] stop. Then, we just kept working our way forwards. On the final [Lap 197] restart, I thought we had a good shot at a top [three] finish, but the last yellow [for Dario Franchitti's crash] ended our chances. Still, I'm really pleased with Honda and our team today. We never stopped fighting."

Simon Pagenaud (#77 HP Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports Honda Dallara) started 21st, finished 8th: "It was an exciting race, and I'm pleased with our finish in just our second race here. Our biggest problem was our qualifying position. We started so far back that we had to leave a lot of downforce in the car, and that held us back at the end of the race. Otherwise, I think our car was good enough to win. It was a solid result for us, and I think it will help us in the chase for the championship."

Art St. Cyr (President, Honda Performance Development) on today's race: "It was a disappointing result. Everyone at HPD and our partner teams worked extremely hard to score our 10th consecutive Indy win today, but it just wasn't in the cards. Several of our teams produced strong finishing runs, but track position and other events hindered their efforts. Congratulations to Tony Kanaan, a long time Honda driver earlier in his career, on his well-deserved victory today. Days like this make us even more determined to improve in the future. We need to take a good look at everything that took place during our time at Indianapolis, and see what we can do to produce a more successful effort next week at Belle Isle."

Corporate: Honda Pledges $100,000 and Donates Portable Generators Toward Midwest Tornado Response Efforts

Fri, 24 May 2013 12:03:00 -0700

Honda today announced a donation of $100,000 to the American Red Cross - Disaster Relief Fund, for use during humanitarian relief and recovery efforts in areas affected by the recent tornadoes in the Midwest. In addition, the company will donate Honda portable generators to local relief agencies to aid in recovery and rebuilding efforts.

"Honda wants to support the many individuals and families devastated by the recent tornados in the Midwest," said Tetsuo Iwamura, president and chief executive officer of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., and chief operating officer of Honda's North American region. "As we have responded to past natural disasters, supporting the Red Cross and other local relief agencies is an effective way to quickly help those affected by the storms."

In addition to the monetary contribution and donation of portable generators, American Honda Finance Corporation is instituting measures to provide relief to customers directly affected by the storms . These include extensions of loan payments, waivers of late charges and other services as appropriate.

Honda has been in close communication with the Red Cross regarding its need for material and equipment. The company has a longstanding relationship with the Red Cross and has supported the emergency relief organization in previous disaster relief efforts through cash, product and in-kind donations.

The American Red Cross name and emblem are used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion or political position. For more information about the Red Cross, please visit www.redcross.org.

Media Contact Information:
Marcos Frommer (Honda North America): marcos_frommer@hna.honda.com 310-783-7837

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda Corporate Social Responsibility Website: csr.honda.com
Honda on YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda on Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Honda on Facebook: http://facebook.com/honda
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/honda/
On Google+

# # #

Corporate: Honda Announces Major USAC Partnership Program

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:06:00 -0700

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today announced a comprehensive motorsports partnership program with the United States Auto Club (USAC), including title sponsorship of several USAC racing series and a new role as Official Engine Supplier to the Ignite Midget Series. Implementation of these programs will begin this year, and will be fully in effect for the 2014 race season.

Under terms of the multi-year agreement, Honda will become title sponsor for USAC's National Midget, Ignite Midget (to be renamed Honda Midget) and .25 Midget racing series. Honda K24 "crate" engines, sold and distributed by USAC, will become the new spec engine for the Honda Midget Series.

Honda K- and F-series engines, also supplied by HPD, are currently being utilized by individual teams in the USAC National Midget Series, and Honda GX-series engines remain a popular choice for .25 Midget competition.

Honda will become the official vehicle of USAC, as well as the Official Side-by-Side and All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) supplier; Official Generator and Official Pit Bike for the sanctioning body. In addition, Honda will become the presenting sponsor of all USAC National race broadcasts, via live streaming through USAC.TV, Ustream and USACRacing.com.

"Historically, USAC has occupied a leadership role in oval-track racing and grass roots motorsports nationwide," said Mike Accavitti, Senior Vice President, Automobile Operations, for American Honda. "We're pleased to be able to greatly expand our role in USAC competition, while taking the next significant step in advancing HPD's grassroots motorsports initiative. We look forward to a long and successful association."

Honda will supply USAC with Honda Civic Si pace cars for the National Midget and Honda Midget series. Honda Side-by-Sides and ATVs also will be utilized by series officials. Signage rights for the sponsored series, including Victory Circle, will be provided to Honda for the length of the agreement; and the iconic Honda "Circle H" logo will be placed on all Quarter Midget and Honda Midget entries.

"USAC is extremely pleased to announce the new partnership with Honda today," says USAC CEO/President Kevin Miller. "Honda's new level of participation throughout USAC's racing programs brings new energy with its national marketing footprint. USAC and Honda have partnered today to create an expanded level of excitement in the Midget racing community and we look forward to a mutually rewarding motorsports experience for all involved."

Honda To Sponsor USAC Racing – 2

Honda has been a fixture in North American open-wheel racing since 1994, and has played an active role in Indy car competition – as both a Manufacturers' Championship competitor and single engine supplier – since 1994.

In competition with other auto companies, Honda has won six championships, more than any other manufacturer. In years of multi-manufacturer competition, Honda-powered drivers have won eight titles, again more than any other. Honda has a total of 197 race victories in open-wheel racing, 65 in Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) competition and 132 in IndyCar.

As engine supplier to the entire IZOD IndyCar Series from 2006-2011, Honda supplied racing engines to the full, 33-car Indianapolis 500 field, and for a record-six consecutive years, the '500' ran without a single engine failure.

Honda scored its first Indianapolis 500 victory in 2004 with Buddy Rice; and the 2012 race, won by Dario Franchitti, was Honda's ninth consecutive "500" triumph – both against competition from other manufacturers and as sole engine supplier.

Founded in 1993, HPD is the technical operations center for high-performance Honda racing cars and engines, and competes at race circuits around the world from its headquarters in Santa Clarita, California. The company is marking it's 20th anniversary as American Honda's racing arm in 2013.

In addition to its efforts in Indy car racing, HPD spearheaded championship-winning efforts in the 2009-2012 American Le Mans Series, and in the LMP2 category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in both 2010 and 2012. HPD offers a variety of race engines for track applications from prototype sports cars to karting; and showcases "fun-to-drive" products for professional, amateur and entry-level racers.

# # #

Corporate: Honda Performance Development Opens Tech Center in Brownsburg

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:14:00 -0700

Featuring a state-of-the-art driving simulator rarely seen outside of Formula One, Honda Performance Development officially opened its Indiana Tech Center Wednesday, in the Indianapolis suburb of Brownsburg, Ind.

Driver-in-the-Loop [DIL] simulator technology has been employed successfully by HPD's sports-car racing program since 2007 at a facility in England. HPD's new Tech Center brings that capability to the mid-west, a location central to the American racing community.

A DIL Simulator can save racing teams both time and money, as extensive test programs can be run through the simulator, with the team's driver at the wheel and engineers monitoring "lap times", prior to going to the expense and time-consuming process of actual on-track testing.

"Because [setup] changes can be done so quickly, the DIL Simulator allows you to run through many more [chassis geometry and track condition] changes than you could perform with an actual race car," said Gil de Ferran, Indianapolis 500 winner, Indy car champion and now a consultant to HPD. "It also allows you to perform experiments that would be completely impractical – or highly expensive – on an actual race car."

Design and construction of this latest-generation DIL Simulator began in the summer of 2012, and a site in the Indianapolis suburb of Brownsburg was selected for its central location and proximity to racing teams and drivers.

After construction and initial testing, the DIL Simulator was installed at the new HPD Tech Center in Brownsburg and began operations earlier this month. In the future, in addition to Honda-powered IndyCar and sports-car racing teams, the Simulator and HPD Tech Center facilities will be available for use by teams taking part in other series. HPD offers in-house engineering support for drivers and teams utilizing the DIL Simulator. Customized simulations can be established to meet the specific needs of the teams.

"Similar to the decision to design, develop and build the new Acura NSX in Ohio, the HPD Tech Center is another example of Honda bringing R&D activities to the heart of the North American motorsports community, said Steve Eriksen, HPD vice president and chief operating officer. "This is a development tool that will bring benefits to all of our motorsports activities, through a focus on total vehicle performance encompassing both engine and chassis."

The HPD DIL Simulator provides a cost-effective means of testing chassis setup changes, aerodynamics, engine mapping and future development paths, prior to turning a wheel on the race track. It also allows teams to replicate and experience many on-track situations, including changing track temperatures, surface grip, air temperature and wind direction/strength.

The Simulator provides an opportunity for drivers and engineers to strengthen their working relationships and understanding of one another, without the expense and time required by on-track testing. In addition, drivers can learn circuits and configurations prior to arriving at a new track. It can also be used as a coaching tool, and aid in driver development programs.

As one of three engine suppliers to the IZOD IndyCar Series, Honda won the 2012 Indianapolis 500 with driver Dario Franchitti; and has scored 197 race victories in both CART and IZOD IndyCar Series competition since 1994.

HPD takes part in both the American Le Mans Series – where the company swept all manufacturer, engine, team and driver awards in the 2012 ALMS LMP1 and LMP2 categories – and the FIA World Endurance Championship, winning the inaugural LMP2 championship during a year where it again took an LMP2 class win at the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans, the company's second class win at Le Mans in just three consecutive attempts.

HPD offers a variety of race engines for track applications from prototype sports cars to karting; and showcases "fun-to-drive" products for professional, amateur and entry-level racers.

# # #

Corporate: Honda Accord Named Automobile Magazine All-Star

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:00:00 -0700

The Honda Accord was the only midsize sedan named to the prestigious 2013 Automobile Magazine All-Star's list. Automobile Magazine editors used a combination of factors to determine the list of ten All-Stars including results from performance testing, feature evaluation and overall value analysis.

"The Accord continues to demonstrate it's the one to beat in the hyper competitive mid-size sedan segment," said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president of auto operations at American Honda. "And to be recognized by a top automotive publication like Automobile Magazine as one of the most significant models of the year further validates our effort to deliver a best-in-class vehicle experience for our customers."

Since its introduction last fall as an all new model, the Accord has captured numerous industry accolades including being named a Car and Driver Magazine's 10Best, Ward's 10 Best Engines and a North American Car of the Year Finalist. Prior to being named an All-Star, the Accord won Automobile Magazine's highly competitive eight sedan comparison test where editors applauded the model's ability to 'aspire to standard's that should apply to more expensive machinery.'

This is the 18th time a Honda vehicle has been named an Automobile Magazine All-Star since the awards inception in 1986, and this is the first time the Accord has been awarded an All-Star designation. Past Honda All-Stars include the Civic, Element, Prelude, Odyssey, Fit and Ridgeline.

For more information on the Automobile Magazine All-Star list, please visit: http://www.automobilemag.com/features/awards/1307_2013_automobile_magazine_all_stars/.

# # #

Corporate: Honda Chases 10th Consecutive Indy Triumph

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:29:00 -0700

An accomplished 16-driver lineup, including two previous race winners and 11 graduates of open-wheel training-ground series, make up the Honda-powered effort for the 2013 Indianapolis 500, as the company seeks its 10th consecutive "500" victory – and fourth-in-a-row with engine-manufacturer competition.

In 2012, Target Chip Ganassi Racing's Dario Franchitti scored his third Indy triumph in a thrilling battle to the finish with fellow Honda drivers Takuma Sato and Scott Dixon, Sato hitting the Turn One wall in a last-lap passing attempt for the victory and Franchitti leading Dixon to the checkers in a 1-2 result for Honda.

Last year marked the return of manufacturer competition to the IZOD IndyCar Series and Indianapolis, after six years of Honda supplying engines to the full Indy car field – also the only six times in "500" history with no in-race engine failures.

Prior to Franchitti's victory, manufacturer competition last took place at the fabled "Brickyard" in 2005 – a race won by the late Dan Wheldon, the first of his two Indianapolis 500 triumphs with Honda power. Previously, Buddy Rice had scored Honda's first Indy 500 victory in 2004.

"Last year's win by Dario and 1-2 finish for Honda was a milestone event for Honda Performance Development," said Art St. Cyr, president of HPD. "While we take a great deal of pride in the unprecedented record of performance and reliability achieved by HPD during our six-year run as sole supplier, the challenges provided by manufacturer competition validate Honda's reason for racing. Once again, Chevrolet has presented a stern challenge for our engineers and partner teams, but that simply encourages us to redouble our efforts. We're looking forward to another exciting race on Sunday."

Seven teams will utilize the Honda HI13RT Indy V6 engine, which is designed, manufactured, developed and maintained by HPD, the racing arm of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

The Chip Ganassi Racing organization serves as Honda's anchor team, and is led by three-time '500' winner and four-time series champion Franchitti, All of Franchitti's 31 career IndyCar wins have come with Honda power, making him the manufacturer's most successful driver in North American open-wheel racing. He is partnered by two-time series champion Dixon, who also includes an Indianapolis 500 (in 2008) victory among his 29 race wins.

The four-car Ganassi lineup is rounded out by veterans Ryan Briscoe and Charlie Kimball. Briscoe, the Indy pole qualifier in 2012, rejoins his former team for this year's "500", in addition to his full-season role with the HPD-equipped Level 5 Motorsports team in the American Le Mans Series. Kimball is making his third Indianapolis start for Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing after a strong eighth-place finish in 2012.

Current IZOD IndyCar Series Championship points leader and Long Beach race winner Takuma Sato will be making his fourth Indy start, but his first driving for the legendary A.J. Foyt's Texas-based team. He is joined at A.J. Foyt Racing by second-generation racer Conor Daly, making his first start at Indianapolis.

Veteran Justin Wilson made his Indianapolis debut in 2003, but not on the famous 2.5-mile oval. Instead, Wilson's first race at Indy was on the circuit's road course, in the U.S. Grand Prix, driving for the Jaguar Formula One team. Now an established IndyCar veteran with seven career wins, most recently at Texas Motor Speedway in 2012, Wilson returns to the Brickyard with Dale Coyne Racing. He is teamed in 2013 by a pair of Indy Lights graduates, Ana Beatriz and Pippa Mann.

Alex Tagliani will be seeking to follow up his 2011 pole run at Indianapolis with his first trip to victory lane at the speedway. He is once again driving for Team Barracuda-Bryan Herta Autosport. Another strong single-car entry is fielded by Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing, with one of 2012's outstanding rookies, Josef Newgarden, making his second start at the "500".

Simon Pagenaud, the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year, returns with Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports for his second Indianapolis start, and is partnered with one of 2013's outstanding rookies, Tristan Vautier, and Katherine Legge, also making her second "500"appearance.

The Honda effort at Indianapolis is rounded out by Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, fielding Honda-powered Dallaras for Graham Rahal, a third generation racer and son of team co-owner Bobby Rahal, and veteran British racer James Jakes.

Honda has been a fixture in North American open-wheel racing since 1994, and has played an active role in the growth of the IZOD IndyCar Series – as both a Manufacturers' Championship competitor and single engine supplier – since joining the series in 2003.

The company scored its first Indianapolis 500 victory in 2004 with Buddy Rice; Manufacturers' Championships in 2004 and '05; and became engine supplier to the entire IZOD IndyCar Series in 2006. Honda supplied racing engines to the full, 33-car Indianapolis 500 field every year from 2006-2011, and for a record-six consecutive years, the '500' ran without a single engine failure. The 2010 Indianapolis 500, won by Dario Franchitti, marked Honda's 100th race win as a manufacturer and engine supplier in IZOD IndyCar Series competition.

Founded in 1993, HPD is the technical operations center for high-performance Honda racing cars and engines and operates at race circuits around the world from its headquarters in Santa Clarita, California.

In addition to its efforts in Indy car racing, HPD spearheaded championship-winning efforts in the 2009, 2010 and 2012 American Le Mans Series; 2010 Le Mans Series; and triumphed in the LMP2 category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in both 2010 and 2012. HPD offers a line of race engines for track applications from prototype sports cars to karting; and showcases "fun-to-drive" products for professional, amateur and entry-level efforts.

Honda-Powered Indianapolis 500 Winners
Year	Driver	Team	Car
2004	Buddy Rice	Rahal Letterman Racing	#15 Honda G-Force
2005	Dan Wheldon	Andretti Green Racing	#26 Honda Dallara
2006	Sam Hornish Jr.*	Team Penske	# 6 Honda Dallara
2007	Dario Franchitti*	Dario Franchitti	#27 Honda Dallara
2008	Scott Dixon*	Target Chip Ganassi Racing	# 9 Honda Dallara
2009	Helio Castroneves*	Team Penske	# 3 Honda Dallara
2010	Dario Franchitti*	Target Chip Ganassi Racing	#10 Honda Dallara
2011	Dan Wheldon*	Bryan Herta Autosport	#98 Honda Dallara
2012	Dario Franchitti	Target Chip Ganassi Racing	#10 Honda Dallara
* Honda sole engine supplier era

2013 Honda Indianapolis 500 Lineup
Team	Car	Driver	Ladder Experience
Chip Ganassi Racing	# 9 Honda Dallara #10 Honda Dallara # 8 Honda Dallara #83 Honda Dallara	Scott Dixon (W) Dario Franchitti (W) Ryan Briscoe Charlie Kimball	Formula F, Indy Lights Formula F, Indy Lights

Dale Coyne Racing	#18 Honda Dallara #19 Honda Dallara #63 Honda Dallara	Justin Wilson Ana Beatriz Pippa Mann	Indy Lights Indy Lights

A.J. Foyt Racing	#14 Honda Dallara #41 Honda Dallara	Takuma Sato Conor Daly (R)	Indy Lights

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing	#15 Honda Dallara #16 Honda Dallara	Graham Rahal James Jakes	Formula Atlantic

Sarah Fisher Hartman	#21 Honda Dallara	Josef Newgarden	Formula F, Indy Lights

Schmidt Hamilton Peterson Motorsports	#77 Honda Dallara #55 Honda Dallara #81 Honda Dallara	Simon Pagenaud Tristan Vautier (R) Katherine Legge	Formula Atlantic Indy Lights Formula Atlantic

Barracuda Racing/BHA	#98 Honda Dallara	Alex Tagliani	Formula Atlantic
(W) – Previous Indianapolis 500 Winner		(R) – Indianapolis 500 Rookie

Corporate: Tomac and Kaneshiro Appear on the Podium at the Hangtown Opener

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:14:00 -0700

Following a one-week hiatus after the Supercross finale in Las Vegas, the Honda Red Riders returned to battle this past Saturday to kick off the 2013 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship at the Hangtown Motocross Classic in Sacramento, CA. In front of a record 25,000 fans the Team Honda Muscle Milk duo of Trey Canard and Justin Barcia finished a solid 4-5 respectively overall on their CRF450Rs. Muscle Milk-supported GEICO Honda's Eli Tomac landed himself on the podium with hard-fought 2-3 finishes for third overall in the 250 class. This past weekend also played host to round one of the Women's Motocross (WMX) Triple Crown series and Team Honda Muscle Milk's Sayaka Kaneshiro finished second overall.

450 Race
For the first time since winning his 250 Class Championship in 2010, Team Honda Muscle Milk's Trey Canard returned to Hangtown aboard his CRF450R and he didn't disappoint. In both motos, Canard launched off the line to a top-five start and quickly jumped in behind the lead battle. He was able to maintain a consistent pace throughout both 30-minute plus two-lap races but was unable to catch the leaders. He scored a fourth overall with 4-4 finishes.

"I am really pleased with how today went," said Canard. "I haven't raced here since 2010, which is the year I won my championship so coming out with a fourth is great. It is definitely a good starting point for the season. I got pretty tired trying to keep pace with the leaders but I felt good and am happy with the bike. I am grateful to be healthy and ready to head into the next round."

Despite riding a few races in the 450 class in 2011, this season marks Justin Barcia's first full year in the big-bike class. Barcia struggled off the line in both motos, starting outside the top 10 but he was able to swiftly make his way through the pack and tuck in behind his teammate by the halfway point. He rallied to a fifth overall with 5-5 finishes. "I want to be up in the front battling with the leaders," Barcia said. "The day started awesome getting the Oakley bomb award but I didn't get the best starts in both motos. Starts are so important because the front guys are going so fast. If you don't start with them there is almost no way to catch them. The track was so gnarly and rough, but my CRF450R was working awesome. Definitely looking forward to next weekend."

250 Race
In the 250 class, Muscle Milk-sponsored GEICO Honda's Eli Tomac made it to the podium with two solid rides aboard his CRF250R. In moto one, Tomac finished second, but a bad start in moto two left him in 10th place after the first lap. He worked his way into third by lap five but continued to charge toward the leaders, ultimately taking the checkered flag in third place. Tomac made history at Hangtown in 2010 by being the first rider ever to win a professional Motocross debut. "It was good. I haven't been on the podium here in two years, so it's good to get third, at least," Tomac said. "We went 2-3 in the motos, so I can't complain. For the first race of the year, you have to figure out where you are speed-wise with the pace. I feel like I'm in a good spot to start the season. It's always fun to get back outdoors, open up that throttle and go for a little bit longer and have some good battling."

Teammate Zach Osborne had not raced a motocross national in five years and was able to capture a fifth overall finish with 9-5 scores. "It's a good way to start the season," explained Osborne. "It's something to build on. I actually kind of surprised myself today. This is the first national I've ridden in five years and I didn't know what to expect, really. To come away with a fifth overall is really good and that feeling will carry us into Lakewood, another track I really like."

Justin Bogle and Zach Bell, who have both been out due to injury weren't as lucky aboard their GEICO Honda CRF250Rs. Bogle ended up 12th overall after a tough first moto but was able to rebound in the second moto to finish in eighth place. Bell finished 15th in the first moto but pulled off the track late in the second moto due to pain in his shoulder, which he injured during the Supercross season.

"This is not really at all where I want to be," Bogle said. "The second moto, I got a better start from my gate pick. I rode pretty well for parts of the race, but there were parts of the race where I didn't ride well at all. All in all, not what I wanted."

"The first moto was bad because we lost the front brake," Bell said. "I got the holeshot in the second moto, but my shoulder felt weak, and I couldn't hang on. I wish I was faster and up front with those guys. I felt good about the holeshot though."

WMX Race
In the Women's Motocross Championship, Team Honda Muscle Milk rider Sayaka Kaneshiro had an exciting start to the season. For the second season, Kaneshiro lined up on the gate aboard her factory-prepared CRF250R and she didn't disappoint, finishing second overall on the podium with 2-3 scores.

The Focus: UC Davis Children's Hospital Visit
On Friday May 17, Canard made a visit to the local UC Davis Children's Hospital in hopes of brightening the day of some sick kids and their families. Canard spent the first hour of the visit in the designated playroom with the kids who were well enough to get out of bed. He signed autographs, played with the kids and even came up with a secret handshake with one of the young boys. With a bag full of Honda goodies, Canard then made his way around the 7th floor for bedside visits with the kids who weren't able to make it to the playroom. He passed out signed shirts, hats, posters and even gave a four-year-old girl his autographed riding pants, making it a very happy birthday for her.

450 Class Overall Results
1. Ryan Villopoto 1-1
2. Ryan Dungey 2-2
3. James Stewart 3-3
4. Trey Canard (Honda) 4-4
5. Justin Barcia (Honda) 5-5
6. Ryan Sipes 8-7
7. Andrew Short 6-10
8. Mike Alessi 12-6
9. Tyla Rattray 9-9
10. Weson Peick 13-8

450 Class Championship Points (after 1 of 12 rounds)
1. Ryan Villopoto 50
2. Ryan Dungey 44
3. James Stewart 40
4. Trey Canard 36
5. Justin Barcia 32
6. Ryan Sipes 27
7. Andrew Short 26
8. Mike Alessi 24
9. Tyla Rattray 24
10. Weson Peick 21

250 Class Overall Results
1. Ken Roczen 1-1
2. Blake Baggett 3-2
3. Eli Tomac (Honda) 2-3
4. Marvin Musquin 4-4
5. Zach Osborne (Honda) 9-5
6. Kyle Cunningham 8-7
7. Jason Anderson 12-6
8. Jeremy Martin 7-13
9. Joseph Savatgy 10-11
10. Justin Hill 13-9

250 Class Championship Points (after 1 of 12 rounds)
1. Ken Roczen 50
2. Eli Tomac 42
3. Blake Baggett 42
4. Marvin Musquin 36
5. Zach Osborne 28
6. Kyle Cunningham 27
7. Jason Anderson 24
8. Jeremy Martin 22
9. Joseph Savatgy 21
10. Justin Hill 20

WMA Overall Results
1. Courtney Duncan 1-1
2. Sayaka Kaneshiro (Honda) 2-3
3. Taylor Higgins 4-4
4. Mackenzie Tricker 3-6
5. Jacqueline Strong 6-5
6. Alexah Pearson 5-8
7. Mariana Balbi 7-7
8. Sara Pettersson 8-9
9. Hailey Larson 9-10
10. Jessica Patterson 30-2

WMA Championship Points (after round 1 of 3)
1. Courtney Duncan 50
2. Sayaka Kaneshiro 42
3. Taylor Higgins 36
4. Mackenzie Tricker 35
5. Jacqueline Strong 31
6. Alexah Pearson 29
7. Mariana Balbi 28
8. Sara Pettersson 25
9. Hailey Larson 23
10. Jessica Patterson 22

Corporate: GE Honda Aero Engines Approaches Final HF120 Certification Test

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:15:00 -0700

GE Honda Aero Engines announced today it is nearing completion of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification testing on its HF120 engine. In the last six months, the HF120 engine successfully completed crosswind testing and the 150-hour block endurance test. The final remaining test, the medium bird ingestion, is scheduled for completion in July. More than 95 percent of the certification documents to the FAA have been submitted with more than 84 percent already approved.

"The 150-hour block endurance test is very difficult and puts an engine through conditions that it will never experience in the field. We are extremely pleased with the engine's performance during the tests and the condition of the HF120's endurance test hardware," said Terry Sharp, president of GE Honda Aero Engines. "We anticipate finishing testing in July with engine type certification from the FAA expected in the fourth quarter."

A total of 13 HF120 engines have accumulated more than 7,300 hours and more than 9,700 cycles during development and certification testing at nine different test locations. This included accumulation of 3,000 cycles on one engine as part of its endurance validation program. The validation program simulates flight cycles, and the engine will serve as the fleet leader, well ahead of entry-into-service.

The supply chain is ramping up for HF120 engine production with components being stocked. GE's facility in Lynn, Mass. is responsible for initial production. Production will transition to the Honda Aero Inc.'s facility in Burlington, N.C., soon after certification of the HF120.

GE Honda is also establishing its customer service and support program. The support model will consist of a network of GE Honda Authorized Service Providers, a 24/7 GE Honda Operations Center, dedicated field technical managers and customer team managers, among other support operations. GE Honda will offer long-term engine service agreements with Enhanced and Comprehensive maintenance and support services that go above and beyond the basic engine warranty, with coverage of both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance events.

In 2004, GE and Honda formed a 50/50 joint venture, called GE Honda Aero Engines, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The joint company integrates the resources of GE Aviation and Honda Aero, Inc., a Honda subsidiary established to manage its aviation engine business. The GE Honda HF120 engine program was launched in 2006 and was selected to power Honda Aircraft Company's advanced light jet, the HondaJet.

Rated at 2,095 pounds of thrust, the HF120 engine succeeds Honda's original HF118 prototype engine, which accumulated more than 4,000 hours of testing on the ground and in-flight. GE and Honda redesigned the engine for higher thrust and new standards of performance in fuel efficiency, durability, low noise and emissions.

HF120 technologies include:

A wide-chord, compound-swept front fan and two-stage booster along with composite outlet guide vanes.
A high-temperature titanium impeller in the compressor for maximum engine pressure ratio and stall-free performance.
A compact reverse-flow configuration combustor and single-stage air-blast fuel nozzles.
Advanced materials in the high-pressure turbine as well as a two-stage low-pressure (LP) turbine and a counter-rotating high-pressure and LP spool shaft system.

A key cost-of-ownership advantage of the HF120 will be the ability to operate at a best-in-class 5,000 hours between major overhauls. The advanced airfoil materials and coatings that GE and Honda have developed for the engine's high-pressure turbine section enable this capability.

Honda (NYSE: HMC) is the world's largest engine manufacturer, annually producing more than 20 million engines for a wide range of products, including motorcycles, ATVs, generators, marine engines, lawn and garden equipment, and Honda and Acura automobiles.

GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings.

For additional information, visit GE Honda Aero Engines at: http://www.gehonda.com/

Honda website: http://www.honda.com and its media website: http://www.hondanews.com

GE website: http://www.ge.com, and its Aviation business at http://www.geaviation.com

For questions on GE's engine division, please contact Deb Case (513)243-0094

For questions on Honda's Aero Engine business, please contact Mel Solomon (513)552-7857

Corporate: Fifth FAA-Conforming HondaJet Achieves First Flight

Mon, 20 May 2013 03:00:00 -0700

Honda Aircraft Company today announced that its fifth Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conforming HondaJet, equipped with a production interior matching the final customer aircraft, successfully completed its first flight on May 16, 2013 at the company's world headquarters in Greensboro, N.C. With this achievement, the HondaJet program approaches the final phase of flight testing as the company advances toward FAA aircraft certification of the world's most advanced light jet.

"An aircraft's first flight is an important and emotional milestone," said Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO Michimasa Fujino. "This is especially true for our fifth FAA-conforming HondaJet. This aircraft is equipped with a production interior and options, and it will anchor the final leg of our flight test program. From inside and out, this HondaJet matches the final configuration of a customer aircraft."

The light jet lifted off at 3:00 p.m. EDT from the Piedmont Triad International Airport (KGSO). During the 60-minute flight, the aircraft performed very smoothly with an initial climb to 12,000 feet reaching a top speed of 300 Knots True Air Speed (KTAS).

Howard Judd, pilot-in-command, and Stefan Johansson, co-pilot, completed several checks during the flight, including low and high speed handling characteristics, avionics and system functionality including the stall protection system. Data gathered during the flight was transmitted in real time to the company's on-site flight test telemetry operations for analysis.

This aircraft will be used for function and reliability (F&R) testing. F&R testing will simulate in-service flight operations of the aircraft. It has a production interior with standard lavatory and options including a side-facing seat, and will be used for interior and cabin systems tests. Future testing on the aircraft will also analyze the controller-pilot data link communications (CPDLC).

The fifth conforming HondaJet features the signature HondaJet paint scheme in a special edition blue and pearl white finish with a metallic gold stripe, an artistic moniker to signify the plane's unique role to the program. The cabin's color palette is parchment, a pale beige base that is one of two interior color options available on the HondaJet.

Since 2010, Honda Aircraft has developed and produced six FAA-conforming HondaJets. Four active flight test aircraft include:

First conforming aircraft – aerodynamics, performance, and stability and control testing
Third conforming aircraft – mechanical system testing
Fourth conforming aircraft – avionics and electrical testing
Fifth conforming aircraft – function and reliability (F&R) testing; and cabin system and interior, and options testing

Two ground test aircraft include:

Second conforming aircraft – structural testing and retired from the ground test program in 2012 after successfully completing all ultimate load testing, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) bird strike test, and seat attachment test
Sixth conforming aircraft – structural testing and joined the program in October 2012; currently being used for static testing and damage tolerance testing

"Our flight test fleet maintains a very active schedule and continues to complete milestones for FAA certification flight testing," said Fujino.

The HondaJet is priced at $4.5 million (€3.41 million), and its design incorporates advanced technologies and concepts. The HondaJet patented Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration, natural-laminar flow wing and fuselage nose and composite fuselage were developed from long-term research activities. These innovations combine to make the HondaJet the fastest, most spacious and most fuel-efficient jet in its class.

About HondaJet
HondaJet is the world's most advanced light business jet aircraft, with best-in-class advantages in performance, comfort, quality and efficiency. The HondaJet is the fastest, highest-flying, quietest, and most fuel-efficient jet in its class. The HondaJet incorporates many technological innovations in aviation design, including the unique Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration that dramatically improves performance and fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag. OTWEM design also reduces cabin sound, minimizes ground-detected noise, and allows for the roomiest cabin in class, the largest baggage capacity, and a fully serviceable private aft lavatory. The HondaJet is powered by two highly fuel-efficient GE Honda HF120 turbofan jet engines, and is equipped with the most sophisticated glass flight deck available in any light business jet, a Honda-customized Garmin® G3000 next-generation all-glass avionics system composed of three 14-inch landscape-format displays and dual touch-screen controllers. The HondaJet is Honda's first commercial aircraft and lives up to the company's reputation for superior performance, efficiency, quality and value.

For more information, visit www.hondajet.com.

Honda Aircraft Company
Honda Aircraft Company, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., was founded in 2006 though has its heritage in more than 20 years of groundbreaking aeronautical research and development. At Honda Aircraft's world headquarters in North Carolina, the birthplace of aviation, the company's associates work in more than 500,000 square feet of state-of-the-art R&D, manufacturing and administration headquarter buildings to develop, produce, market and support the HondaJet with HondaJet dealers. The challenging spirit upon which Mr. Soichiro Honda founded Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is alive today as Honda Aircraft fulfills one of Honda's long-standing dreams to advance human mobility skyward.

# # #

Corporate: Honda Aircraft Company Achieves Several Significant HondaJet Milestones and Provides Program Update at 2013 EBACE

Mon, 20 May 2013 02:57:00 -0700

Honda Aircraft Company today announced a number of achievements and significant milestones in the development of the HondaJet, the world's most advanced light jet, at the 2013 European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland.

"The HondaJet program is steadily approaching the final phase of flight testing, and manufacturing has transitioned to production of customer aircraft," said Michimasa Fujino, president and CEO of Honda Aircraft Company. "I'm committed to bringing new value to aviation by introducing the HondaJet. At the same time, Honda Aircraft Company continues to build the infrastructure and talent to design, manufacture and service this revolutionary aircraft."

Testing and certification
The HondaJet flight test fleet has been busy completing milestones and testing various systems. The program has flown approximately 3,300 test points for stability and control, aircraft performance, landing gear, flight controls, environmental controls, steering, braking, avionics and electrical systems. Below are a few of the highlights:

Aerodynamics – The program has completed flight testing from stall to high speed dive. Stall testing included stall characteristics, stall speeds, handling qualities and performance. The flight test engineering team also recently conducted flutter testing at high and low altitude, and the aircraft flight envelope was expanded to the maximum dive speed (VD).
Function and reliability – On May 16, 2013, the program's fifth FAA-conforming HondaJet achieved its first flight. This aircraft will be used for function and reliability (F&R) testing. F&R testing will simulate in-service flight operations of the aircraft. It has a production interior with standard lavatory and options including a side-facing seat, and will be used for interior and cabin systems tests. (Details of the fifth FAA-conforming aircraft's first flight are included in a related release.)
Environmental – In March, Honda Aircraft conducted cold weather testing in International Falls, Minn., to examine aircraft systems under extreme temperatures. Testing included windshield heat and anti-icing systems, mechanical systems operations, avionics functional checks and electrical system testing. HondaJet wing anti-ice and nacelle inlet anti-ice tests were also conducted at the NASA Glenn Research Tunnel in Cleveland, Ohio. This remote testing augments hot weather testing conducted in Yuma, Ariz., last year, which included critical case tests for aircraft systems.
Structural testing – The test program successfully completed abnormal operation testing for the main entry door (MED) and emergency exit door (EED). These tests were conducted with the HondaJet program's second structural ground test aircraft, which joined the program in October 2012. It is being used for both static testing and damage tolerance testing to analyze the durability of composite structures. This testing supplements the previously completed ultimate load, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) bird strike and component structural testing.

"Our team is working very hard to bring the HondaJet to market as quickly as possible," said Fujino. "Customer and market expectations are high, and I am dedicated to certifying and delivering an aircraft that will bring our customers lasting joy. The more than 800 people working at Honda Aircraft Company will continue to challenge and achieve milestones."

Manufacturing transitioned to production of customer aircraft
Honda Aircraft Company manufacturing has fully transitioned to the production of customer aircraft. Collaboration between engineering, production control, supply chain and manufacturing continues to fine-tune the processes and workflow necessary to achieve lean production and quality requirements for FAA Production Certificate (PC).

Production efficiencies – Manufacturing's experience building the program's test fleet has influenced best practices to more efficiently produce a high quality customer aircraft. A recent line balance project reduced the overall work footprint and created a more efficient workflow. Technology is also playing a vital role in HondaJet manufacturing. Handheld tablet devices will electronically deliver orders and visual work instructions to technicians on the assembly floor; an Automatic Guided Cart (AGC) will pick up and deliver parts to assembly areas; and an innovative, on-site paint mixing system will deliver a superior aesthetic quality while reducing the overall quantity of paint needed to finish aircraft.

Building infrastructure to support the total HondaJet ownership experience
Construction continues on Honda Aircraft's new customer service center to provide aftermarket support for the HondaJet in Greensboro, N.C. Once in service, the facility will complement the HondaJet dealer network, which includes three dealers in Europe and seven in North America. The facility will be complete in the fall of 2013. Honda Aircraft is targeting the end of 2013 for facility FAA certification as a Part 145 repair station.

Honda Aircraft Company has invested in advanced technologies that fully integrate engineering, manufacturing, customer service and administration functions. The company's extensive IT infrastructure underscores Honda Aircraft's commitment to deliver superior customer service and support that is consistent with Honda's reputation for quality.

For aircraft maintenance tracking, Honda Aircraft will be endorsing CAMP. The program will help HondaJet customers monitor aircraft service requirements including reviewing scheduled inspections, service, maintenance planning documents, and regulatory airworthiness directives. In addition, Quantum Control is being used to integrate inventory, accounting, service and other critical functions.

"The energy and excitement on our campus is building, especially in manufacturing where customer aircraft can be seen on the assembly line," said Fujino. "We are not only building a game changing product, but also building the industry's best product support and customer service. Honda will continue to deepen our roots in aviation and create a higher standard for private aircraft ownership."

About HondaJet
HondaJet is the world's most advanced light business jet aircraft, with best-in-class advantages in performance, comfort, quality and efficiency. The HondaJet is the fastest, highest-flying, quietest, and most fuel efficient jet in its class. The HondaJet incorporates many technological innovations in aviation design, including the unique Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration that dramatically improves performance and fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag. OTWEM design also reduces cabin sound, minimizes ground-detected noise, and allows for the roomiest cabin in class, the largest baggage capacity, and a fully serviceable private aft lavatory. The HondaJet is powered by two highly fuel-efficient GE Honda HF120 turbofan jet engines, and is equipped with the most sophisticated glass flight deck available in any light business jet, a Honda-customized Garmin G3000™ next-generation all-glass avionics system composed of three 14-inch landscape-format displays and dual touch-screen controllers. The HondaJet is Honda's first commercial aircraft and lives up to the company's reputation for superior performance, efficiency, quality and value.

For more information, visit www.hondajet.com.

Honda Aircraft Company
Honda Aircraft Company LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., was founded in 2006 though has its heritage in more than 20 years of groundbreaking aeronautical research and development. At Honda Aircraft's world headquarters in North Carolina, the birthplace of aviation, the company's associates work in more than 500,000 square feet of state-of-the-art R&D, manufacturing and administration headquarter buildings to develop, produce, market and support the HondaJet with HondaJet dealers. The challenging spirit upon which Mr. Soichiro Honda founded Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is alive today as Honda Aircraft fulfills one of Honda's long-standing dreams to advance human mobility skyward.

# # #

Corporate: Honda Accord, Odyssey and CR-V Named to KBB.com's 10 Best Family Cars of 2013

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:00:00 -0700

The 2013 Honda Accord, Odyssey and CR-V were all named to KBB.com's list of the 10 Best Family Cars of 2013. The three family-friendly Honda models were recognized for their leadership in the key areas of safety, roominess, comfort and value.

"Honda prides itself in designing vehicles around the needs of our customers," said Art St. Cyr, vice president of product planning and logistics at American Honda. "There's no better validation for this effort than being recognized for having vehicles that excel in the areas critical to the family buyer."

All-new for 2013, the Honda Accord was the top ranked sedan on KBB.com's list of family vehicles and had the lowest 5-Year Cost to Own¹ among the ten recognized vehicles. KBB.com editors applauded the new Accord for its stylish exterior, fuel-efficient powertrains and available features like the LaneWatch™ blind spot display. The Accord also earns industry-leading safety scores, having been rated as a TOP SAFETY PICK+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and distinguished by a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 5-star Overall Vehicle Score.²

The 2013 Honda Odyssey was the top rated minivan on the list, continuing to lead its class in fuel economy and safety ratings, while providing spacious accommodations for up to eight passengers. The Odyssey Touring is rated at a remarkable 28 mpg³, the highest EPA highway fuel economy rating of any eight-passenger minivan. The Odyssey is rated as an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK, and the Odyssey has earned the best possible overall safety rating from NHTSA with a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score.²

Rounding out the selection of Honda vehicles recognized was the 2013 Honda CR-V, which achieved the highest KBB.com 60-Month Residual Value⁴ among the ten recognized vehicles. The CR-V is rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a TOP SAFETY PICK and is distinguished by a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 5-star Overall Vehicle Score.² Compact on the outside and roomy inside, the CR-V represents an unparalleled balance of size and capability ideal for families.

For more information about KBB.com's 10 Best Family Cars of 2013, please visit http://www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/best-family-cars-2013.

¹ Kelley Blue Book® 5-Year Cost to Own sourced by KBB.com on April 25, 2013.
² Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). Model tested with standard side airbags (SABs). Vehicles tested under the new program cannot be compared to MY10 and earlier vehicles.
³ Based on 2013 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
⁴ Kelley Blue Book® Residual Values sourced from KBB.com's May/June 2013 book.

Corporate: American Honda Announces Dan Betley as New Team Manager

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:27:00 -0700

American Honda proudly announces Dan Betley as the new Honda Muscle Milk team manager beginning with the opening round of the 2013 Motocross season at the Hangtown Classic in Sacramento, CA. Betley successfully filled the role during the 2013 Supercross season as he led the team to two victories and six additional podiums.

Since he began his career with Honda in 1989, Betley has held multiple positions within the race team, including his most recent as Engine Development and R&D specialist. He has worked with many high profile motocross champions such as Jeff Stanton, Jeremy McGrath and Ricky Carmichael, making him highly qualified for the role as team manager.

"Dan has been with Team Honda for many years and has played an important role in the team's success," explained Honda Race Team Director Ray Conway. "It seems natural for him to move up to Team Manager and he has done a great job filling in during the 2013 Supercross season."

"I'm looking forward to transitioning into my new role," explained Betley. "It's a challenging job but I got a good feel for what it entails while filling in during the 2013 Supercross season and I'm grateful Honda chose me to continue as team manager. We have two extremely talented riders in Trey Canard and Justin Barcia and a great team behind them, so I am looking forward to a successful Motocross season."