Hondanews Online Newsroom

Honda Automobiles: Honda Campaign Touts IZOD IndyCar® Series Affiliation

Tue, 22 May 2012 09:21:00 -0700

To bring attention to Honda's unique corporate culture rooted in racing and the manufacturer's affiliation with IZOD IndyCar®, a campaign and sweepstakes recently began starring world-renowned driver Mario Andretti. Developed by Honda's long-standing agency, RPA, the work communicates Honda's racing spirit and the advanced technology and performance found in Honda vehicles.

A TV spot, "Imagine", features Andretti in a two-seater IndyCar® driving a passenger. The voice-over encourages viewers to visit http://shophonda.com to enter the "Fastest Seat in Sports" sweepstakes to win a ride at the start of an IndyCar® race with Andretti. In the spot, a man is encouraged to envision "winning something really cool," but his lack of ambition leads him through a variety of increasingly comical scenes like a roomful of half-naked bodybuilders and a chaotic paintball course. The spot uses compelling imagery to convey the ultimate experience—a ride with Andretti.

A 60-second version will first air during the Indy 500, and a 30-second version began airing April 1 to promote the sweepstakes. A behind-the-scenes video showing the making of "Imagine" is on Honda's YouTube channel. Spots will air through September. The campaign also includes web banners, POP and social media.

The "Fastest Seat in Sports" sweepstakes gives race enthusiasts the opportunity to win a ride in the IZOD IndyCar® two-seater driven by Andretti at one of 12 races for the 2012 IndyCar® season. For the first time, this year's sweepstakes prizes include rides in the Indy 500 and two international races in Brazil and China.

"Honda is offering race fans one of the most exciting opportunities in all of sports fandom," said Richard Kent, senior manager, marketing at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Look for the specially made 2-seater leading the pack on Sun, May 27 while the field takes the green flag."

Honda is further reinforcing its high-performance racing programs led by Honda Performance Development with additional integrated creative that communicates Honda's pride as a partner of the IZOD IndyCar® Series. Assets will run on TV, homepage takeovers, banners on sites such as ESPN, Fox Sports and Sports Illustrated and in print and drive traffic to http://hondaracing.com.

Creative Credits:
Agency: RPA

Spot:
"Imagine" (:60 first air: 5/27/12) (:30 first air: 4/1/12)

EVP, ECD: Joe Baratelli
SVP, GCD: Jason Sperling
AD: Cheston Kwan
Jr. CW: Josh Hill
Agency Executive Producer: Gary Paticoff
Agency Producer: Joshua Herbstman

Production Co: Imperial Woodpecker
Director: Peter Martin
DP: Bill Pope
Executive Producer: Doug Halbert
Line Producer: Adam Cramer

Editorial Company: Union
Editor: Jim Haygood
Assistant Editor: Tyler Nelson
Executive Producer: Michael Raimondi
VFX Company: Resolution

Telecine Company: New Hat
Telecine Artist: Beau Leon
Telecine Producer: Christina Geambazi
Music and Sound Design Company: Beacon St.

Hondaracing.com digital units: launched 5/1/2012

EVP, ECD: Joe Baratelli
SVP, GCD: Jason Sperling
CD: Curt Johnson
AD: Sarah Romanoff
AD: Rajat Gupta
CW: Dan Hawes
CW: Tylynne McCauley
Video producer: Joshua Herbstman
Camera/editor: Derrick Hausen
Flash artist: Chris Gomez
Flash artist: Richard Mulvihill

Hondaracing.com print
"The Car Goes 225 mph": first insert May 2012
"For our engineers, this year's Indy 500 started
12 months ago.": first insert May 2012

EVP, ECD: Joe Baratelli
SVP, GCD: Jason Sperling
CD: Curt Johnson
AD: Curt Johnson
CW: Tylynne McCauley
Photographer: Kevin Necessary, Michael Levitt

About RPA:
RPA, headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif., is a leading independent advertising agency. RPA builds momentum for brands by offering its clients truly integrated campaigns that resonate throughout its disciplines, which include traditional advertising, interactive, and direct and event marketing. RPA's client list includes American Honda, both the Honda and Acura brands, ampm, ARCO, Castrol, California Department of Public Health, Intuit Small Business, La-Z-Boy, Farmers Insurance Group and Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. For more information, visit http://www.rpa.com.

About Honda
Honda offers a diverse lineup of 12 cars and trucks that include the mid-sized Accord, compact Civic, CR-V crossover SUV and Odyssey minivan. Honda also offers a wide range of fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles that include the Insight hybrid, Civic GX (compressed natural gas-powered vehicle), Civic Hybrid, CR-Z (sport hybrid coupe) and FCX Clarity (fuel cell-electric vehicle). Honda began operations in the U.S. in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Honda began U.S. production of motorcycles in 1979 and automobiles in 1982.

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+

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Honda Automobiles: Honda Turns Up the Heat at the Summer's Hottest Music Festivals

Mon, 21 May 2012 08:57:00 -0700

In support of the 2012 Civic, Honda is sponsoring several music festivals this summer – including Sasquatch! (May 25-28) in George, WA, The Governors Ball in New York City (June 23-24) and Austin City Limits Music Festival in Austin, TX (Oct. 12-14). These events each feature a Honda Stage and a Honda Zone, which will showcase the 2012 Civic and numerous fan-friendly activities. Additionally, festival attendees will have the opportunity to register for a chance to win a 2012 Civic Si Coupe. For more info and to register for the chance to win now visit civicmusicsweeps.com.

"Gen Y Honda owners are passionate about music and we are excited to be a part of three of the top summer festivals," said Tom Peyton, senior manager of Honda national advertising. "Music fans can see the hottest musical talent on the Honda Stages and have the opportunity to drive away in the hottest car on the road, the Civic Si Coupe."

Honda returns to Sasquatch! for the third year and Austin City Limits Music Festival for the fourth consecutive year. New for 2012, Honda joins The Governors Ball Music Festival in New York. Among many other great artists, the Honda Bigfoot Stage at Sasquatch! will feature The Roots, Explosions in the Sky and Mogwai and at The Governors Ball, Kid Cudi, Beck and Cage The Elephant.

About the Honda Civic
One of the best-selling compact cars in the United States, the Civic features a lineup of six distinct models: the conventional gasoline-powered Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe, two high-performance Civic Si models, gasoline-electric Civic Hybrid, the Civic Natural Gas and Civic HF high fuel economy model. The Civic lineup embodies the Honda brand values of 'clean, safe and fun' with two Civic models achieving EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings¹ of over 40 mpg on the highway. The Civic sedan has earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and a 'TOP SAFETY PICK' designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Now in its ninth-generation, the Civic remains one of the most fun-to-drive compact cars on the road today.

For high-resolution photos, broadcast quality video and media information of the entire 2012 Civic lineup visit: www.hondanews.com. For information on the Civic Si Coupe giveaway, please visit www.civicmusicsweeps.com.

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

Connect with the Festivals:
Sasquatch! Music Festival: http://sasquatchfestival.com
Governor's Ball: http://governorsballmusicfestival.com
Austin City Limits: http://www.aclfestival.com

¹Based on 2012 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
²MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $750.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

Honda Automobiles: 2012 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe Recognized by USAA as a Best Value

Fri, 04 May 2012 15:03:00 -0700

USAA, a leading financial services provider to the U.S. military and their families, today named the 2012 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe to its second annual Best Value vehicles list, which identifies the top 2012 automobiles in 16 categories that give consumers the most bang for their buck. In addition, today USAA named the CR-Z to its "Top 10 for Teens List," which focuses on traits parents said they cared about most: reliability, safety and affordable insurance costs.

The Honda CR-Z rose to the top in the coupe category, recognized for offering best-in-class EPA fuel economy ratings, achieving the "Top Safety Pick" designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and offering reasonable maintenance and ownership costs.

Best Value automobiles offer the best financial value of all vehicles USAA evaluates as part of a broader rating system called USAA Preferred, which uses quantitative data to evaluate vehicles' cost, safety and reliability, among other key factors. There are nearly 80 cars, trucks and minivans that are currently designated as USAA Preferred vehicles, and the Best Value list represents the vehicles that rose to the top of each category.

"The CR-Z creates a whole new value category as the first true sport hybrid, offering great fuel economy, a low entry price, an available 6-speed manual transmission and a feisty change of character with the push of the Sport button," said Mike Accavitti, Vice President of National Marketing Operations for American Honda. "It's like having two cars for the price of one."

"The goal of the list is to help members identify vehicles that typically offer better safety ratings, lower insurance premium costs, higher fuel economy, better overall reliability and lower MSRP compared to other vehicles in the same category," said Steve Thompson, an assistant vice president at USAA. "The Honda CR-Z rose to the top as a vehicle that offers these key elements, making it a great buy for the value-minded consumer."

For more information about the USAA Best Value list, and the specific automobiles featured, visit www.usaa.com/bestvalue.

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Honda Automobiles: American Honda Reports April Auto Sales: CR-V Sets April Record, Accord Sees 41-Percent Gain, All-New 2013 Acura RDX Fast Out of the Gate

Tue, 01 May 2012 10:46:00 -0700

American Honda today reported April 2012 U.S. sales of 122,012 units, an increase of 10 percent based on the daily selling rate*. The Honda division posted April 2012 sales of 109,837, an increase of 9.2 percent compared to April 2011. Acura's U.S. April sales of 12,175 were up 18 percent compared to April 2011.

Honda
- Honda Accord sales up more than 40 percent compared to April 2011, demonstrating the strength of Accord, even as an all-new version is set to debut this fall.

- New April sales record for CR-V. Accord, CR-V, Odyssey and Ridgeline all post double-digit percentage sales gains compared to last year.

- Honda Civic Hybrid sales up more than 600 percent on heightened fuel-price sensitivity.

"With double-digit sales growth in April, the Accord continues to be the retail sales leader in the mid-size segment," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. "As other manufacturers resort to fleet sales, the quality and value of the Honda Accord continues to win new customers even as we prepare to launch an all-new model this fall."

Acura
- 2013 Acura RDX is fast out of the gate, with sales of the all-new SUV up more than 65 percent compared to same period last year.

- All core Acura models (TL, TSX, RDX and MDX) post double-digit increases compared to 2011, while MDX remains Acura's best selling model.

- The all-new ILX compact luxury sedan goes on sale May 22.

"We're delighted to see customers embrace the right-sized 2013 Acura RDX," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "It's great to see so many new owners recognizing the remarkable combination of class-leading fuel economy, performance and luxury in our new SUV."

*The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 24 days for April 2012 and 27 days for April 2011. Year-to-date, the DSR is calculated with 101 days for 2012 and 102 days for 2011. All percentages reflect DSR.

For more information about Honda vehicles, please visit www.automobiles.honda.com. For media inquiries please visit www.hondanews.com. For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries please visit www.acuranews.com.

Honda Automobiles: Honda Announces Leviton as Preferred Electric Vehicle Charging Solution

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 07:56:00 -0700

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today announced that Leviton Manufacturing Company, the global leader in connectivity solutions, has been selected as Honda's preferred Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment provider for customer and dealer EV charging.

"As leaders in the fields of advanced technology for mobility and energy solutions, Leviton and Honda both have unique missions to create a more sustainable future," said Steven Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda. "Pairing Leviton's EV charging solutions with Honda's advanced Fit EV and Accord Plug-In Hybrid Sedan electric vehicles will enable a more convenient and seamless ownership experience for our customers."

Honda will be introducing two battery-electric vehicles beginning with the 2013 Honda Fit EV this summer, and the Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid Sedan next winter. The 2013 Honda Fit EV battery-electric commuter car, based on the popular Fit, targets an estimated 123 city-mile range per charge (76 mile range combined adjusted city/highway)¹ and can fully recharge its battery in as little as three hours when connected to a 240-volt circuit. The Honda Plug-In Hybrid Sedan uses an all-new, two-motor hybrid system which continuously moves through three different modes - all-electric, with up to a 15 mile per charge range; gasoline-electric; and direct-drive - to maximize driving and fuel efficiency, especially during city driving.

"Leviton is excited to work with American Honda as they launch their electric vehicle program here in America. At a high level we share a very similar overall mission; to supply products of the highest quality at a reasonable price for complete customer satisfaction," said Michael Mattei, Vice President and General Manager for Leviton's Commercial and Industrial Business Unit. "In addition, we hope to continue to enable the electric and hybrid electric industry through simple, easy to purchase, easy to install and easy to use products, while providing the highest level of consumer safety."

About Honda
Honda offers a diverse range of cars and trucks that include the mid-sized Accord, the compact Civic line-up with seven individual trim-levels, CR-V crossover SUV and Odyssey minivan. Honda also includes a wide range of fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles such as the Insight hybrid, Civic Natural Gas (compressed natural gas-powered vehicle), Civic Hybrid, CR-Z (sport hybrid coupe), FCX Clarity (fuel cell-electric vehicle) and the soon-to-be-released Fit EV (electric vehicle). Honda's 2013 Fit EV battery-electric commuter car, based on the popular Fit, targets an estimated 123 city mile range per charge (76 mile range combined adjusted city/highway)1 and can fully recharge its battery in as little as three hours when connected to a 240-volt circuit. For more information about the Honda Fit EV battery-electric vehicle and to sign up to become a potential Honda lessee, please visit Honda's Fit EV consumer page at http://automobiles.honda.com/fit-ev/.

About Leviton
Leviton Manufacturing Company is the largest privately held global provider of electrical wiring devices, data center connectivity solutions and lighting energy management systems. Founded at the turn of the 20th century in America, Leviton has grown to become one of the preeminent leaders in the electrical industry. Today Leviton's product portfolio consists of more than 25,000 devices and systems used in homes, businesses and industry. Proven to be a smart choice, nine out of 10 homes throughout North America have Leviton products installed in them. Builders, electrical contractors and other industry professionals rank Leviton products No. 1 in brand preference. To request more information about Leviton, please visit www.leviton.com.

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda Fit EV (for consumers): http://automobiles.honda.com/fit-ev
Honda Fit EV on Facebook
Honda on YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda on Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Honda on Google+
Honda on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/honda

¹123 city/95 highway mile range (unadjusted); 76 combined mile range (adjusted). Preliminary estimates determined by Honda using EPA methods. Your range will vary. For additional information about EPA test methods, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-electric-label.shtml

Honda Automobiles: Honda Earns Edmunds.com Best Retained Value Award for the Second Consecutive Year

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:17:00 -0700

Honda has captured the 2012 Best Retained Value Award for the second consecutive year from Edmunds.com. Honda was named the top non-luxury brand in the Best Retained Value Awards for maintaining the highest projected residual value after five years of ownership as a percentage of value when new.

"Honda's focus on retail sales has always benefitted our most important client: Honda customers," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "This valuable award from Edmunds.com is recognition of Honda's unending mission of providing true value to customers - one that extends well beyond the showroom."

"Honda has long had a reputation for dependable used vehicles, and that is reflected in today's booming used car market," said Joe Spina, director of remarketing at Edmunds.com. "Honda's family of vehicles continues to expand the company's status as one of the best values available to car buyers today."

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

Honda Automobiles: 2012 Honda Civic Named One Of The 10 Best Green Cars of 2012 By Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 03:00:00 -0700

The 2012 Honda Civic sedan is one of the 10 Best Green Cars of 2012, according to Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. The Civic's latest accolade is particularly timely due to rising gas prices, but standout fuel efficiency alone is not enough to win a spot on Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com annual 10 Best Green Cars list, as its editors also weigh factors such as value, features and comfort.

"The 2012 Honda Civic sedan is the complete package for any consumer, and one that also provides a host of fuel-efficient powertrain options," said Art St. Cyr, vice president of corporate planning for American Honda. "We're delighted that Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com editors acknowledged the most versatile offering in the class."

The editors of Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com provided their own sweet reference for the award-winning Honda: "The Civic has long been the vanilla ice cream of compact sedans; it's easy to fall back on due to its remarkable reliability and exceptional value. But for 2012, the Civic has evolved into more of a Neapolitan option as it presents a choice of three different engine types: gasoline, natural gas and hybrid gas/electric. Considering all of them achieve nearly 40 highway mpg or better, the Civic is an excellent choice no matter what flavor you pick."

For more information about the 10 Best Green Cars of 2012, visit http://www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/10-best-green-cars-2012/.

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

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Honda Automobiles: Linkin Park and Incubus Co-Headline 2012 Honda Civic Tour

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 05:55:00 -0700

Honda announced today that multi-platinum alternative rock bands Linkin Park and Incubus will be co-headlining the 2012 Honda Civic Tour. The tour will kick off August 11th in Bristow, Virginia at the Jiffy Lube Live amphitheatre. In addition to the two headliners, the Civic Tour will also feature the Grammy®-nominated electrorock band Mutemath.

Tickets go on-sale to the general public the weekend of April 27, but those who pre-order the new Linkin Park album, "Living Things" through their website will be able to buy tickets for the tour beginning April 24. Additionally, Linkin Park fan club members will be able to buy tickets starting April 23 and will have the opportunity to gain early access to the venues and are eligible for meet and greets with the band.

Now entering its 11th year, the Honda Civic Tour has provided music fans with an amazing concert experience at an affordable price. Continuing a Civic Tour tradition, fans will have an opportunity to check out Linkin Park's customized and autographed Honda Civic Si Coupe and Honda CBR250R motorcycle, which will be displayed at every tour stop.

For pre-sale information, "like" the Honda Civic Tour Facebook page and visit www.hondacivictour.com to receive tour news, sign up for email updates and see the entire Civic Tour schedule.

Honda Civic Tour Dates:
United States:
8/11 Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live*
8/12 Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena*
8/14 Boston, MA @ Comcast Center
8/17 Camden, NJ @ Susquehana Bank Center
8/19 Atlanta, GA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
8/21 Detroit, MI @ The Palace
8/22 Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center
8/24 Chicago, IL @ First Midwest Bank
8/25 Indianapolis, IN @ Klipsch Music Center
8/27 Dallas, TX @ Gexa Energy Center
8/28 Houston, TX @ Cynthia Woods Pavillion
8/30 Denver, CO @ Comfort Dental Amphitheatre
9/5   Tacoma, WA @ Tacoma Dome
9/7   Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre
9/10 San Diego, CA @ Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
*Incubus will not appear at this event

About the Honda Civic
One of the best-selling compact cars in the United States, the Civic features a lineup of six distinct models: the conventional gasoline-powered Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe, two high-performance Civic Si models, gasoline-electric Civic Hybrid, the Civic Natural Gas and Civic HF high fuel economy model. The Civic lineup embodies the Honda brand values of 'clean, safe and fun' with two Civic models achieving EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings1 of over 40 mpg on the highway. The Civic sedan has earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and a 'TOP SAFETY PICK' designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Now in its ninth-generation, the Civic remains one of the most fun-to-drive compact cars on the road today.

¹ Based on 2012 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
² MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $750.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

For high-resolution photos, broadcast quality video and media information of the entire 2012 Civic lineup visit: www.hondanews.com.

For photos and more info on the Honda Civic Tour, visit;: marketingfactory.com/hondacivictour.

Connect with Honda:
Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Website: http:civictour.honda.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hondacivictour
YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda

Connect with Linkin Park and Incubus:
www.lpunderground.com
www.incubushq.com

Band PR Contacts;:
Linkin Park & Honda Civic Tour – Kymm Britton kymmbritton@me.com (310) 656-5900
Incubus – Joe Lilak, Ren Management joe@renmanagement.com (310)271-7120

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Honda Automobiles: IBM, Honda, and PG&E Enable Smarter Charging for Electric Vehicles

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700

IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that it has teamed with American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) on a new pilot project that will allow communication between electric vehicles (EVs) and the power grid. This project will demonstrate and test an electric vehicle's ability to receive and respond to charge instructions based on the grid condition and the vehicle's battery state. With visibility into charging patterns, energy providers will have the ability to more effectively manage charging during peak hours and create consumer-friendly programs to encourage electric vehicle adoption.

The energy requirements for electric vehicles will challenge the current power grid as plug-in vehicle counts continue to grow to an expected 2.9 million worldwide by 2017. This project has the potential to ease the infrastructure and consumer concerns associated with the mass adoption of EVs, by adding another layer of agility to the EV charging process. This level of intelligence will help make charging seamless for consumers, while ensuring the electricity source is reliable and the infrastructure is stable.

This demonstration combines grid and vehicle data to create an individualized charging plan for Honda's Fit EV battery electric vehicles (BEV), using IBM's cloud-based software platform. By utilizing the existing in-vehicle communications system in the Honda Fit EV, the electric vehicle can interact with utilities and the grid, creating a direct channel for sending and receiving usage information that could improve local grid management.

"This pilot project with IBM and Honda will help us demonstrate that third-party providers have the systems and capabilities to help meet some of the challenges that electric vehicles could place on the power grid as their adoption increases in the coming years," said Saul Zambrano, senior director for consumer products for PG&E. "With updated charging patterns for EVs, we have the ability if needed, to shift demand to non-peak times to ensure the reliability of the grid so that we can continue to deliver safe, reliable and affordable energy to our customers."

Once plugged into a charge post, the Honda Fit EV initiates a charge request via the vehicles telematics system, an integrated telecommunication application that is often used for navigation. This request is sent to IBM's Electric Vehicle Enablement Platform where vehicle data such as battery state and grid data received from PG&E, is combined to create an optimized charge schedule, which is then communicated back to the vehicle in seconds. Using this aggregated data, the vehicle has the intelligence to charge to the level that is needed while factoring any current grid constraints.

Using real time and simulated data, the system will test and demonstrate the ability to alter, as well as adapt charging patterns based on grid conditions. This smart charging capability will enable energy providers to manage the power used by EVs during peak times by instructing vehicles to delay or adjust charging if required.

"One of Honda's main objectives is to work to advance technologies that can address society's environmental and energy concerns through both alternative powertrain technologies, like our 2013 Honda Fit EV battery electric vehicle, and through groundbreaking research initiatives similar to the Smart Charge project that we are collaborating on with IBM and PG&E," said Steven Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda. "It is our hope that these technologies and infrastructure will pave the way for EVs of the future to be synched to local electric grids to intuitively and seamlessly manage charging experiences."

Additionally, the IBM EV platform can collate historical EV charging data and create a profile that can be used to forecast the location and duration of EV charge loads. For example, the program can determine how many EVs are plugged in one neighborhood and the time it will take for each to reach a full charge. This level of insight will allow utilities to optimize grid operations and help reduce the chance of outages - a possible concern as the number of EVs increase.

"The growth and success of EV adoption is reliant upon many factors, ranging from vehicle price and performance, to infrastructure readiness, to the consumer experience - a scope that cannot be addressed by one sole industry," said Allan Schurr, Vice President, Strategy and Development of IBM's Global Energy and Utilities Industry. "This project with Honda and PG&E represents a significant step towards building an intelligent infrastructure that integrates capabilities and technologies across three major players. We are creating a system that allows electric vehicles to communicate with the power grid - this is groundbreaking."

Convenient Consumer Charging

By communicating information directly to the vehicle, this project has the potential to significantly improve driver services. For example, the IBM's cloud based platform could provide charge post location information and availability directly to the EV, using the telematics and Satellite-Linked Navigation to guide the driver to the most convenient place to charge.

This project along with the recently announced EKZ Smartphone Application (app) pilot will help engage consumers and encourage more drivers to "plug in." The smartphone app shows the vehicles battery level, range of travel distance, vehicle location, and current energy costs in real time. This technology coupled with the ability to communicate directly with charging stations via a GPS system, will offer consumers a uniquely "connected" driving experience.

In addition to the two pilot projects, IBM is currently a member of the EcoGrid EU consortium, a group focused on developing an energy grid that uses at least 50 percent of renewable energy sources, such as wind power, solar energy and biogas. Instead of just using car batteries to balance the load like EDISON, the EcoGrid consortium is using appliances, heat pumps and electric water heaters to also store excess energy.

IBM and Smart Grid
IBM is involved in more than 150 smart grid engagements around the world, in both mature and emerging markets. More about IBM's vision to bring a new level of intelligence to how the world works—how every person, business, organization, government, natural system, and man-made system interacts, can be found here: http://www.ibm.com/smarterplanet. For more information about Smarter Energy at IBM, please visit: www.ibm.com/press/smarterenergy. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Honda
Honda offers a diverse lineup of 11 cars and trucks that include the mid-sized Accord, the compact Civic line-up of seven individual models, CR-V crossover SUV and Odyssey minivan. Honda also offers a wide range of fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles that include the Insight hybrid, Civic Natural Gas (compressed natural gas-powered vehicle), Civic Hybrid, CR-Z (sport hybrid coupe), FCX Clarity (fuel cell-electric vehicle) and the soon-to-be-released Fit EV (electric vehicle). Honda's 2013 Fit EV battery electric commuter car, based on its popular Fit hatchback, targets an estimated 123 mile per charge (city-driving scenarios) and can fully recharge its battery in as little as three hours when connected to a 240-volt circuit. For more information about the Honda Fit EV battery electric vehicle and to sign up to become a potential Honda lessee, please visit Honda's Fit EV Facebook page.

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda Fit EV (for consumers): http://automobiles.honda.com/fit-ev/
Honda Fit EV on Facebook
Honda on YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda on Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Honda on Google+

Honda Automobiles: Zipcar to Feature Latest Advanced Technology Vehicles from Honda

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 05:00:00 -0700

Zipcar, Inc. (Nasdaq:ZIP), the world's leading car sharing network, and American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today announced that Honda has become a Zipcar preferred vehicle manufacturer with a focus on hybrid and electric vehicles. The agreement will give Zipcar members access to Honda's most technologically advanced, lowest emission vehicles, making an already transformational service even more sustainable.

The agreement will include the expansion of Honda's Insight hybrid, the all-new CR-V compact SUV, as well as the introduction of Fit EV battery electric vehicles (BEV) this fall and Accord Plug-In Sedans, a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) version of its popular Accord Sedan, to select Zipcar locations beginning in early 2013.

Zipcar's platform is ideal for the inclusion of these types of vehicles as it allows urban dwelling tech-savvy drivers to get first-hand experience with the new technology and to share those experiences with their networks. It also helps Zipcar respond to member preferences, which consistently rank Honda vehicles as among the most favored.

"The future of mobility is being shaped by economic forces, evolving technology and global trends, from increased urbanization to concerns about climate change to how the newest generation of drivers thinks about transportation," said Scott Griffith, chairman and CEO of Zipcar. "This win-win partnership with Honda adds to Zipcar's array of smart and sustainable transportation options and by introducing Zipsters to Honda's newest hybrid and electric vehicles we can help increase overall awareness of these exciting new technologies."

The agreement with Zipcar builds upon Honda's long history of studying EVs and other alternative fuel vehicle usage in urban transportation settings.

"Honda provides the most comprehensive lineup of vehicles that offer improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced vehicle and pedestrian safety, while producing a consistently high level of product quality and value," said Steven Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda. "As the car sharing market leader, Zipcar is the best choice for us to showcase our newest energy-efficient transportation technologies, given the strength of their brand, their tech-savvy, conscious and connected members and the geographic reach of their operations."

Honda's 2013 Fit EV, based on its popular Fit hatchback, targets an estimated 123 city-mile per charge (76 mile range combined adjusted city/highway)¹ and can fully recharge its battery in as little as three hours when connected to a 240-volt circuit. The 2013 Honda Accord PHEV uses an all-new, two-motor hybrid system which continuously moves through three different modes - all-electric, with up to 15 mile per charge range; gasoline-electric; and direct-drive - to maximize driving and fuel efficiency, especially during city driving.

With this partnership, Zipcar will provide members even greater access to proven Honda models already in Zipcar's service including the Insight, Civic and CR-V. The all-new, five-passenger 2012 Honda CR-V is currently America's best-selling compact SUV providing a more fuel-efficient engine design with upscale exterior styling, and added standard technology features and functionality. Now in its ninth generation, the conventional gasoline-powered 2012 Civic Sedan achieves improved fuel economy. The five-passenger Honda Insight hybrid offers a sleek, aerodynamically styled look, more features and improved fuel economy.

Zipcar is a longstanding pioneer in using advanced vehicle technologies, having been the first car sharing company in the United States to introduce electric vehicles in Boston in 2002, and the first to offer hybrid vehicles through a partnership with Honda in Seattle in 2003. Member surveys show a strong interest in the use of advanced technology and alternate fuel vehicles in the program.

About Honda
Honda offers a diverse lineup of 11 cars and trucks that include the mid-sized Accord, the compact Civic line-up of seven individual models, CR-V crossover SUV and Odyssey minivan. Honda also offers a wide range of fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles that include the Insight hybrid, Civic Natural Gas (compressed natural gas-powered vehicle), Civic Hybrid, CR-Z (sport hybrid coupe), FCX Clarity (fuel cell-electric vehicle) and the soon-to-be-released Fit EV (electric vehicle). Honda began operations in the U.S. in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Honda has been manufacturing automobiles in America, using domestic and globally sourced parts, for nearly 30 years, beginning with production of the Honda Accord in Marysville, Ohio, in 1982.

About Zipcar
Zipcar is the world's leading car-sharing service with approximately 673,000 members and 8,900 vehicles in urban areas and college campuses throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Spain. Zipcar offers more than 30 makes and models of self-service vehicles by the hour or day to residents and businesses looking for an alternative to the high costs and hassles of owning a car. More information is available at www.zipcar.com.

Zipcar and the Zipcar logo are trademarks of Zipcar, Inc.

# # #

Connect with Honda:
Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda (for consumers): http://automobiles.honda.com
Honda on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com
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Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
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¹ 123 city/95 highway mile range (unadjusted); 76 combined mile range (adjusted). Preliminary estimates determined by Honda using EPA methods. Your range will vary. For additional information about EPA test methods, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-electric-label.shtml

Honda Automobiles: Honda Earns 2012 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards for Best Value Brand and Most Trusted Brand

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 03:00:00 -0700

Honda has earned the Best Value Brand and Most Trusted Brand categories in the 2012 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards. Based on consumer perception data from the company's Brand WatchTM study, the Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards honor the automotive brands that have most successfully captured positive consumer attention.

American Honda's Executive Vice President of Sales John Mendel accepted both awards yesterday at the New York Auto Show from Kelley Blue Book President Jared Rowe. "We are honored to accept two awards that point so directly to Honda's core tenets," Mendel said. "With Honda constantly striving to earn trust by providing the finest overall ownership value, it's inspiring to see those efforts resonating with consumers."

"With standout vehicles, memorable marketing and positive word of mouth, the winners of Kelley Blue Book's 2012 Brand Image Awards have secured enviable positions in the minds of in-market shoppers," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

In commenting about Honda's 2012 Most Trusted Brand award, Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com noted "Without surprising anyone, our inaugural Most Trusted Brand award goes to a name that's practically synonymous with reliability and dependability. Honda's vehicles enjoy a decades-deep reputation as the smart choice in so many of the categories in which it competes."

The editors of Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com had an equally savvy comment on Honda's 2012 Best Value Brand award. "Many car buyers assume a vehicle's sticker price is the most significant monetary factor when choosing a car. While it's certainly an important consideration, Honda's reputation for superb resale value, exceptional quality and legendary dependability continues to raise the bar in respect to automotive value."

This marks the fifth year Kelley Blue Book has awarded auto manufacturers the Brand Image Awards, and the second consecutive year Honda has been awarded the Best Value Brand. For more information about the 2012 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards, please visit http://www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/2012-brand-image-awards/.

Honda Automobiles: Honda Unveils 2013 Crosstour Concept at New York Auto Show

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:45:00 -0700

Honda unveiled the 2013 Crosstour Concept today at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), providing the first official glimpse of a more capable-looking exterior styling direction for the luxurious mid-size CUV. Set to go on sale this fall, the Crosstour's defined lines will resonate more clearly with the active consumers that form the largest portion of the premium crossover segment. The 2013 Crosstour V-6 will feature improved fuel economy thanks to its new 6-speed automatic transmission, while both four-cylinder and V-6 versions will benefit from a host of safety and visibility upgrades.

"Fueled by a combination of versatility, luxury, and efficiency, owners have demonstrated remarkable devotion to the Honda Crosstour," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "The 2013 Crosstour Concept shows how Honda will strengthen the styling and add even more content to one of the most efficient offerings in the class."

Concept Design

The Crosstour Concept features a more capable, SUV-like styling direction for Honda's mid-size crossover. A more aggressive and athletic front end, new contrasting moldings on the lower door garnish, and cleaner front and rear fascias anchored by the rugged look of finished sill plates provide more visual strength to the Crosstour Concept. Adding to the SUV-like stance, a new rear-fender finish helps give the Concept a more solidly planted appearance.

Up front, the new integrated foglamp treatment is complemented by a slotted finish beneath the headlights, which helps integrate the new, bolder grille. The revised tailgate sports a more horizontal design to add visual width to the sculpted lines at the rear of the Crosstour.

The Crosstour Concept is coated in a fresh hue, similar to one of two new shades that will appear on the 2013 Crosstour. Anchoring the Crosstour Concept are unique 5-spoke 19-inch wheels, while the 2013 Honda Crosstour will feature new 18-inch alloy wheels.

Though not on display in the Crosstour Concept, the luxurious interior of the Honda Crosstour will see even further refinement for 2013, including heavily revised trim materials, the addition of an 8-inch, in-dash information display, keyless ignition, and steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters on V-6 models.

Advanced and Efficient Powertrains

The Crosstour will offer two powertrains for the 2013 model year: a re-engineered and more powerful 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine, or a 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline four-cylinder engine. The 2013 Crosstour V-6 models will feature a 6-speed automatic transmission and utilize Honda Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) technology to achieve class-leading V-6 fuel economy1 along with an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the outgoing model. Also available on Crosstour EX-L V-6 models is Honda's Real Time 4WDTM system, which sends power to all four wheels when front-wheel slippage is detected.

The four-cylinder Crosstour models are powered by a 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® engine producing 192 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 RPM. To maximize efficiency, a 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control is standard equipment.

Safety and Technology Innovations

The 2013 Crosstour will introduce numerous new safety features, and is targeted to earn top scores in the federal government's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). The next Crosstour will be available with Honda's Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) technology. Both systems use a camera mounted behind the windshield to alert drivers if the car is moving unexpectedly out of its lane or to warn drivers of a potential collision in front of them.

The 2013 Crosstour will provide a host of visibility enhancements, and will be one of the first models to receive the Honda-exclusive LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, which uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror for an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. Standard equipment to further enhance visibility on the 2013 Crosstour will also include re-shaped rear headrests, a rearview camera and an ExpandedView Driver's Mirror.

Standard Crosstour convenience features include an automatic dimming rearview mirror, auto-on/off headlights, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and USB audio interface. Other available features on the 2013 Crosstour will include a hard-drive based navigation system, Pandora internet radio interface, XM satellite radio and an SMS text-to-speech function.

Sales, Accolades and Manufacturing History

First launched in 2009, and now available with both V-6 and four-cylinder engines, the Crosstour remains one of the most versatile choices in the midsize crossover segment, and earned the distinction of J.D. Power and Associates' "Highest Ranked Midsize Crossover/SUV in Initial Quality" in their 2011 Initial Quality Study SM (IQS). The Crosstour is produced2 at Honda's East Liberty Auto Plant in East Liberty, Ohio.

High resolution photography and video of the 2013 Crosstour Concept is available on the Honda Media Newsroom at www.hondanews.com. More information about the Honda Crosstour, including high resolution photos and video, is available at www.hondanews.com.

Connect with Honda:
Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Website: http://automobiles.honda.com/crosstour/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hondacrosstour
YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Honda on Google+

¹Preliminary EPA mileage estimates determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing.
²Honda products are produced using domestic and globally sourced parts.

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.

Honda Automobiles: Honda Takes Comprehensive Approach to Enhancing Driver Visibility with Widespread Application of Rearview Cameras

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:45:00 -0700

Honda is taking a comprehensive approach to enhancing driver visibility and confidence on the road beginning with the widespread application of rearview cameras on 2013 models. Over 94 percent of Honda's 2013 model lineup1 will be equipped with rearview cameras, with 100 percent of Honda's truck lineup (Crosstour, CR-V, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline) as well as CR-Z, Accord and Crosstour providing rearview cameras as standard equipment.

"At Honda, we feel that this visibility feature will be important to many families and we're widely applying it even before we may be required to do so," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning for American Honda. "In addition to the wide application of the rear-view camera technology, Honda is also introducing several new features for enhanced driver safety, visibility and security in model-year 2013."

Rearview cameras are just one aspect of Honda's comprehensive 360-degree approach to technologies designed to enhance a driver's visibility, demonstrated by a host of features available on 2013 Honda models. Safety technologies such as Honda's new Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems will be available on the 2013 Honda Accord and Crosstour. Both systems use a camera mounted behind the windshield to warn drivers of a potential collision in front of them or to alert drivers if the car is unexpectedly moving out of its lane.

Other Honda features aimed at improving driver visibility are the Expanded View Driver's Mirror - already standard equipment on the 2012 Honda CR-V - and the Honda-exclusive LaneWatchTM blind-spot display. LaneWatch uses a camera mounted on the passenger mirror to provide an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. This unique technology will debut on the 2013 Accord followed by the 2013 Crosstour.

Honda and Safety
Honda's current lineup of cars and trucks has earned some of the highest ratings in government and third-party safety testing, with four models - including the only minivan - that have received a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score in the government's NCAP program. Nine Honda models on-sale today have received the highest possible safety rating of "TOP SAFETY PICK" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) under its more-stringent testing guidelines implemented in 2010.

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

Honda Automobiles: American Honda Reports March Sales As 2012 CR-V Sets All-Time Monthly Record

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:09:00 -0700

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today reported March 2012 monthly new-vehicle sales of 126,999, a decrease of 8.4 percent over March 2011, based on the daily selling rate*. The Honda Division posted March 2012 sales of 115,833, a decrease of 7.7 percent year-over-year. Honda's year-over-year decline is in reference to an exceptionally strong sales month in March 2011.

The all-new 2012 Honda CR-V continued its record-setting sales pace, up 35.3 percent from last year and posting an all-time monthly sales record of 30,868 sales compared to last year's total of 21,998 units.

“We knew we had a home run with the all-new CR-V," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. "And to launch it right as our supply chain is refilling means that we are competing in earnest in a growing market. The CR-V has historically been a sales leader in its segment, and the success of this all-new vehicle tells us that we've again hit a real sweet spot for consumers.”

The Acura Division's March sales totaled 11,166, down 14.6 percent compared to March 2011. The TSX model registered a double-digit sales increase, up 15.1 percent from the same period last year to 3,355 units. Sales of the TL sales reached 2,923, a year-over-year decrease of 29.4 percent.

*The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 28 days for March 2012 and 27 days for March 2011. Year-to-date, the DSR is calculated with 77 days for 2012 and 75 days for 2011. All percentages reflect DSR.

Honda Automobiles: Statement by American Honda Regarding Low Beam Headlight Recall: 2002-2004 Honda CR-V and 2003 Pilot

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Honda will voluntarily recall approximately 554,000 model-year 2002-2004 CR-V and model-year 2003 Pilot vehicles in the United States to inspect and replace components of the headlight wiring system. There is a potential failure with the wiring of the headlight switch which may cause the low beam headlights to become inoperative. The loss of the low beam headlights may increase the risk of a crash. No crashes or injuries have been reported related to this issue.

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 Honda. Mailed notification to customers will begin in late-April 2012. In addition to contacting customers by mail, in late-April, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by going on-line to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option 4.

Honda Automobiles: Statement by American Honda Regarding Front Lower Control Arm Recall: 2006 Honda CR-V

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Honda will voluntarily recall 1,316 model-year 2006 CR-V vehicles in the United States to inspect and, if necessary, replace the right front lower control arm. Over time and with extended use, an improper welding process used when manufacturing the control arm may allow the right front lower control arm to break at the weld. If the lower control arm breaks, vehicle handling could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash. No crashes or injuries have been reported related to this issue.

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 Honda. Mailed notification to customers will begin in mid-April 2012. In addition to contacting customers by mail, in mid-April, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by going on-line to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option 4.

Honda Automobiles: Honda to Debut 2013 Honda Crosstour Concept at New York Auto Show

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:00:00 -0700

A concept vehicle revealing the exterior styling direction of the updated 2013 Honda Crosstour will debut at a catered media reception at the 2012 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) on Wednesday, April 4. The media reception will be held from 3:45 - 4:30 p.m., at Honda’s show floor booth on Level 3 of the Javits Center.

First launched in 2009, and now available with both V-6 and four-cylinder engines, the Crosstour remains one of the most versatile choices in the midsize crossover segment, earning the distinction of J.D. Power and Associates' "Highest Ranked Midsize Crossover/SUV in Initial Quality" in their 2011 Initial Quality Study SM (IQS). The Crosstour is produced1 at Honda’s East Liberty Plant in East Liberty, Ohio.

After its debut, video and high-resolution photography of the Crosstour Concept will be available for download at www.hondanews.com. For high-resolution photos and media information on the 2012 Crosstour and the current Honda vehicle lineup, please visit www.hondanews.com.

Connect with Honda:
Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Website: http://automobiles.honda.com/crosstour/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/crosstour
YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Honda on Google+

¹ Honda products are produced using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Honda Automobiles: Honda and Sprinkles Bake Up Sweet CR-V Marketing Program

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:44:00 -0700

American Honda has teamed up with Sprinkles Cupcakes on a delectable mall-based marketing program to promote interest in the segment-leading 2012 Honda CR-V. The Honda CR-V Mall Tour will provide free Sprinkles cupcakes by checking out the all new 2012 CR-V.

Kicking off this Thursday, March 22 at the Westfield Main Place Mall in Santa Ana, Calif., the Honda CR-V Mall Tour will center around a colorful Honda and Sprinkles branded display space, anchored by a 2012 Honda CR-V.

The Honda CR-V Mall tour will visit six prime retail locations from March 22 until May 6, 2012. Kicking off at the Westfield Main Place Mall in Santa Ana, the tour will make five additional stops: Irvine, Calif. (Irvine Spectrum, March 29 - April 1); Los Angeles (Westside Pavilion, April 12 - 15); Scottsdale, AZ (Scottsdale Fashion Square, April 19 - 22); Arlington, VA (Fashion Center at Pentagon City, April 26 - 29); Houston, TX (Houston Galleria, May 3 - 6).

About the Honda CR-V
The all-new 2012 Honda CR-V provides a more fuel-efficient engine design with improved horsepower and torque. New for 2012 features include an Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat, lower cargo floor and a range of standard technology features including a Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® phone interface, Pandora® Internet Radio interface¹ and a multi-angle rearview camera.

About Sprinkles Cupcakes
Since opening the world's first cupcake bakery in Beverly Hills, Sprinkles cupcakes have offered fans handcrafted confections from the finest ingredients, containing no preservatives, trans fats or artificial flavors. Sprinkles has locations in Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, La Jolla and Palo Alto, CA; Dallas and Houston, TX; New York, NY; Washington, DC; Chicago, IL; Scottsdale, AZ; as well as a traveling Sprinklesmobile. Sprinkles also sells its cupcake mixes at over 250 Williams-Sonoma stores throughout the US and Canada.

Connect with Honda:
Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda CR-V (for consumers): http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-v/
Honda CR-V on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hondacrv
YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Honda on Google+

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.

¹Carrier data charges may apply.

Honda Automobiles: 2012 Honda Fit Wins Cars.com/USA TODAY/MotorWeek $16,000 Subcompact Shootout

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 07:52:00 -0700

The 2012 Honda Fit has won the Cars.com/USA TODAY/MotorWeek $16,000 Subcompact Shootout. Honda's versatile and fuel-efficient Fit took the top spot in a competition among seven popular subcompact cars that seat at least four, have four doors, get at least 35 mpg on the highway, and can be purchased for less than $16,000. Experts from Cars.com, USA Today and "MotorWeek" tested these subcompacts to measure all of the needs of the average car-buyer including gas mileage, practicality, user features and comfort.

"We are thrilled to have the exceptional package that is the Honda Fit recognized by such a well-respected group of automotive media," said Michael Accavitti, vice president of marketing operations, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "To have topped such a wide group of competition in such a thorough, real-world evaluation demonstrates that Honda versatility, value and fun are standard even in our most affordable model."

"As gas prices and used-car prices continue to rise, a shootout like this acts as a guide for consumers looking to purchase a new subcompact as an alternative to a used vehicle," said Patrick Olsen, editor-in-chief of Cars.com. "In addition to confident handling, a solid transmission, great visibility and unmatched practicality, the Honda Fit is just fun to drive and emerged as our clear winner."

Beyond this latest Cars.com/USA TODAY/MotorWeek shootout win, the 2012 Honda Fit is also an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK and received the 2012 Residual Value Award from ALG. The Fit topped the J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) for 2011 in its segment, and is a six-time winner of Car and Driver magazine's "10Best Cars" award, having garnered this accolade every year it has been on sale in the U.S.

Cars.com is an award-winning online destination for car shoppers that offers information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car. Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures LLC, which is owned by leading media companies.

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

Honda Automobiles: 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas Keys Netted by NHL Star George Parros

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:39:00 -0800

Honda presented the keys to a 2012 Civic Natural Gas to Anaheim Ducks NHL star George Parros at the American Honda campus yesterday in Torrance, Calif. Under an agreement with American Honda, Parros will drive the Civic Natural Gas to create awareness of the vehicle amongst his Ducks teammates and fans.

Awarded the 2012 Green Car of the Year®, the Civic Natural Gas is the only OEM-built, CNG-powered passenger car for sale in the U.S. Now available at 197 dealers in 36 states, the 2012 Civic Natural Gas is powered by the cleanest internal-combustion engine certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Tier-II, Bin-2 and ILEV certification as of August 2010). The Civic Natural Gas currently qualifies for a state-issued decal allowing single-occupant access to High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) "carpool" lanes in California and several other states.

"George is an ideal representative for the Honda Civic Natural Gas vehicle and embodies many of Honda's core attributes; he has a strong sense for environmental issues, is value driven, and is active in his community," explained Steve Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda. "To help George with his daily commute to the Honda Center, he will be replacing his previous generation natural gas powered Honda Civic with the all-new 2012 model, featuring enhanced exterior and interior styling, improved fuel economy and a refueling price typically 30 percent less than gasoline."

Parros, 32, is in his sixth season with the Anaheim Ducks (seventh in the NHL), having played on the Stanley Cup-winning 2007 team. The popular right wing (#16) and Princeton grad joined the NHL in 2005, and is well recognized by hockey fans thanks to his 6-foot 5-inch, 228-pound frame and unique mustache.

This is the second natural gas powered Civic Parros has received from Honda, having begun his first stint in October 2010. Parros is also the second Anaheim Duck player to drive one of Honda's alternative fuel vehicles. The first was former Ducks captain Scott Niedermayer, who became an FCX Clarity fuel-cell electric vehicle customer in January 2010.

Connect with Honda:
Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda Civic (for consumers): http://automobiles.honda.com/civic-natural-gas/
Honda Civic on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hondacivic
YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Honda on Google+

Honda Automobiles: American Honda Reports February Sales Increase on Success of New 2012 Civic, CR-V

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 09:58:00 -0800

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today reported February 2012 monthly new-vehicle sales of 110,157, an increase of 7.8 percent over February 2011, based on the daily selling rate*. The Honda Division posted February 2012 sales of 98,899, an increase of 8.8 percent year-over-year.

In its second full month of sales, the all-new Honda CR-V eclipsed its previous February record with sales of 24,759, up 24.5 percent over last year’s total of 19,096 units. The all-new Civic continued to build momentum with sales of 27,087, up an impressive 36.0 percent compared to February 2011. The Accord posted January sales of 20,702, down 6.3 percent from the same period last year.

“The ultimate arbiter of a vehicle's success is how customers vote with their purchase decision, and customers are voting for Civic," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. "On top of the strong consumer support for the new Civic, we’re seeing tremendous demand for the all-new CR-V.”

The Acura Division’s February sales totaled 11,258, up 0.1 percent compared to February 2011, with two models registering strong sales increases. Sales of the TL sedan reached 3,211, up 26.0 percent from the same period last year, while TSX sales set a new February record of 3,373, a year-over-year increase of 15.9 percent.

*The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 25 days for February 2012 and 24 days for February 2011. Year-to-date, the DSR is calculated with 49 days for 2012 and 48 days for 2011. All percentages reflect DSR.

For more information about Honda vehicles, please visit www.automobiles.honda.com. For media inquiries please visit www.hondanews.com. For more information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries please visit www.acuranews.com.

Honda Automobiles: Honda CR-V, Odyssey and Civic Are Three of the 10 Best Family Cars of 2012, According to Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0800

Three Honda vehicles have been named a 10 Best Family Car by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. The 2012 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda Odyssey and 2012 Honda Civic have all made Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com 10 Best Family Cars of 2012 list. The annual list rates vehicles on 'family-approved' attributes like available safety features, comfort, child-friendliness, strong consumer ratings and impressive Kelley Blue Book Total Cost of Ownership statistics.

"We are honored to have three members of the Honda lineup recognized as benchmark family cars by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com," said Michael Accavitti, vice president of marketing operations for American Honda. "To be recognized as providing the kind of safety, features and value required of the modern family machine speaks to the core attributes of every Honda vehicle."

Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com has been naming the best family cars each year since 2008. This is the ninth time Honda has made the list, having garnered a previous award for the Civic, three previous awards for the Odyssey and one for the Honda Crosstour.

Connect with Honda:
Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
For consumers: http://www.automobiles.honda.com/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
CR-V on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hondacrv
Odyssey on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hondaodyssey
Civic on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hondacivic
On Google+

Honda Automobiles: Honda Odyssey Receives MotorWeek 2012 Drivers' Choice Award

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:33:00 -0800

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today that the 2012 Honda Odyssey has received the 2012 MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award for Best Minivan. This is the sixth time the Odyssey has garnered the Drivers' Choice Award from MotorWeek, with Honda's benchmark minivan having won the award in back-to-back years in 1999/2000, 2005/2006 and now 2011/2012.

Designed and built¹ in the United States, the eight-passenger Odyssey features the highest EPA² highway fuel economy rating for an eight-passenger minivan of 28 mpg for Odyssey Touring. It has also earned the best possible safety ratings from both NHTSA (5-Star Overall Vehicle Score) and the IIHS (TOP SAFETY PICK), an achievement that no other currently-tested minivan can match.

"Beyond great packaging, class-leading fuel economy, unparalleled safety ratings and cutting-edge family-friendly features, the Odyssey was designed to be fun to drive." said Michael Accavitti, VP of marketing operations for American Honda. "Being honored with a Motorweek Driver's Choice Award for a second consecutive year confirms that the Odyssey remains the best minivan choice for those who truly enjoy driving."

Presented annually since 1983, the MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award has been awarded 29 times to Honda vehicles. The winner of two Emmy awards, MotorWeek is television's longest running and most respected automotive series. Produced by Maryland Public Television, MotorWeek airs on 89 percent of PBS stations nationwide, and can also be seen on Discovery's Velocity and the V-me Spanish-language network.

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

¹Honda products are produced using domestic and globally sourced parts.
²Based on 2012 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Honda Automobiles: Honda Odyssey Named to Parenting Magazine "Smartest Family Cars of 2012" List

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:22:00 -0800

Parenting magazine has recognized the Honda Odyssey Touring Elite as one of the year's "Smartest Family Cars" in its February 2012 issue, on stands now. The list is featured in Parenting's first-ever "Genius" issue, dedicated to helping parents unlock their child's own unique genius potential. Equipped with the latest technology to help ease the load of managing the modern family, the Odyssey allows parents and kids to take advantage of some of the smartest automotive features on the market.

"The Odyssey was conceived as the ultimate family vehicle, and the Odyssey Touring Elite takes that concept to an unprecedented new level," said Michael Accavitti, vice president of marketing operations, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Being listed among the 'Smartest Family Cars' pays tribute to the Honda R&D team in Ohio and manufacturing team in Alabama responsible for designing and building the best minivan on the road."

"By recognizing today's smartest cars, Parenting hopes to make it easy for families to use technology on the road, whether it's for a quick run to the store or for an extended road trip vacation," said Ana Connery, Editorial Director for The Parenting Group. "Our editors' top picks have thought of everything so that parents don't have to."

Parenting editors noted that the Odyssey was chosen for this honor based on its many available family-friendly features, such as its Blind Spot Information System that indicates when radar sensors detect another vehicle that may be positioned in the driver's blind spot, and the Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System (RES) with a 16.2-inch Ultrawide display capable of simultaneously screening two different sources of video programming side-by-side.

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda Odyssey (for consumers): http://www.automobiles.honda.com/odyssey/
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://www.facebook.com/hondaodyssey
Honda on Google+

Honda Automobiles: Honda Delivers 2013 Fit EV to Google and Stanford University

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 -0800

Honda recently delivered 2013 Fit EV battery-electric vehicles to Google Inc. and Stanford University as a part of the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program. Along with the city of Torrance, Calif., each participant is now conducting general testing as well as providing specific feedback related to the future introduction of electric vehicles. The Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program participants are the first recipients of the 2013 Fit EV in the United States.

“The goal of the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program is to better understand the challenges and opportunities associated with the advancement in battery-electric technology,” said Steve Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda. “Honda has a long history with electric vehicles beginning with the introduction of our first battery-electric car, the EV Plus, nearly 15 years ago. Honda’s experience and the unique feedback that Google, Stanford University and the city of Torrance will provide will be valuable to the future introduction of battery-electric technology.”

Honda debuted the 2013 Fit EV at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show and announced plans to begin leasing the 123 city-mile per charge (76 mile range combined adjusted city/highway)1 battery-electric commuter vehicle to customers in select California and Oregon markets during the summer of 2012 with a rollout to east coast markets planned for Spring 2013. Equipped with a 20-kWh lithium-ion battery and 92- kW coaxial electric motor, the Fit EV battery can be fully recharged in as little as 3 hours when connected to a 240-volt circuit.

Google Inc.

The delivery of the Fit EV to Google Inc. was marked by an employee ride and drive. Nearly 100 ‘Googlers’ took the Fit EV for a spin around the Google Mountain View, Calif., campus. Google will now use the Fit EV as a part of its G-Fleet, an employee car-sharing service that features numerous plug-in vehicles. Google’s participation in the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program will involve analysis of vehicle usage including CO2 reduction, energy consumption on a miles/kWh basis and overall energy cost.

Stanford University Automotive Research

Over the past year, Honda has collaborated Stanford University professors, researchers and students from several departments including Mechanical Engineering and Psychology through various seminars and classes. The year-long collaboration resulted in a research direction on how to study the psychological and physical reactions of using battery-electric vehicles and how these reactions differ when driving a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle.

With the Fit EV now at Stanford, the research team will use both the battery-electric vehicle and a gasoline-powered Fit to test their theories. Successful methodology implementation will yield a goal of not only decreasing anxiety associated with new technology, but also increasing joy in the driving experience. Ultimately, the research results will help Honda to better understand customer acceptance of battery-electric vehicles and how to overcome physiological obstacles associated with the adoption of new technologies.

Connect to Honda:

Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news
Honda Multimedia Newsroom (for media only): http://www.hondanews.com
Fit EV for consumers: http://www.FitEV.honda.com
Honda on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/honda
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 Web Site: http://www.honda.com

¹ 123 city/95 highway mile range (unadjusted); 76 combined mile range (adjusted). Preliminary estimates determined by Honda using EPA methods. Your range will vary. For additional information about EPA test methods, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-electric-label.shtml

Honda Automobiles: Honda Most Honored Brand on ACEEE's "Greenest Vehicles of 2012" List

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:45:00 -0800

A total of seven Honda brand vehicles earned recognition from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), including four Honda vehicles named the "greenest vehicles of 2012." In the annual ACEEE's "Green Book® Online"ranking of environmentally responsible vehicles, the near-zero emissions natural gas-powered Civic Natural Gas five-passenger sedan tied for second place, with the Insight, Civic Hybrid and CR-Z also included on the list of ACEEE's 12 most environmentally responsible vehicles available to the public.

The Insight hybrid, the compact Fit and the Odyssey minivan were also named as "greener choices of 2012" within their respective classes. This is the 14th straight year that multiple Honda vehicles have been named in the top 12.

"Honda is honored to have our natural gas vehicle and our hybrid and gasoline-powered vehicles among ACEEE's 'greenest' and 'greener' choices," said Steven Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda. "The ACEEE's annual recognition of Honda's fuel-efficient vehicles further validates our commitment to create a cleaner, more energy-efficient and sustainable transportation future."

The ACEEE ranking system uses a singular measure that incorporates fuel economy and health-related pollution impacts plus global warming and upstream emissions. All vehicles are analyzed and given a "Green Score" which is used to rank a vehicle's total environmental performance, including a list of the 12 "greenest" and 12 "meanest" vehicles along with a ranking of greenest vehicles by segment.

Named as one of the list's 'greenest vehicles,' the Civic Natural Gas is the only OEM-built, dedicated CNG passenger car assembled in the U.S. and the only vehicle certified by the EPA to meet both Federal Tier 2 Bin 2 and Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV) zero evaporative emission certification standards. Honda recently announced the expansion of Civic Natural Gas retail sales to 197 dealers in 36 states. The increased availability of the Civic Natural Gas helps bring inherently clean-burning natural gas technology to an even broader audience while also supporting diversity in transportation energy resources. Featuring new styling, enhanced feature content and increased fuel economy, the redesigned 2012 Civic Natural Gas can now be equipped with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System featuring an exclusive database of publicly accessible Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refueling stations across the United States.

Honda's Environmental Leadership
Honda has a long history of environmental innovation, including the retail introduction of America's first hybrid (1999 Honda Insight), delivery of the first fuel-cell electric vehicle in the U.S. (2002 Honda FCX) and the first gasoline-powered vehicles in the hands of consumers to meet stricter emissions standards, including: the 1996 Honda Civic, the first gasoline Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV); the 1998 Honda Accord, the first gasoline Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV); the 2000 Honda Accord, the first gasoline Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV); and the 2001 Civic Natural Gas, the first vehicle to quality as an Advanced Technology Partial-Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV). The Honda Fit EV and the Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid, both coming soon, will be the next critical steps in Honda's portfolio approach to alternative fueled vehicles.

For more information or downloadable high-resolution images of Honda award winners and other Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.honda.com. For more information on ACEEE, visit http://www.greenercars.org.

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

ACEEE's Green Book® Online — GREENEST VEHICLES OF 2012

Make and Model	Specifications	Emission Standard a	MPG: City	MPG: Hwy	Green Score
MITSUBISHI I-MIEV b	Electric (Li-ion bat.)	ZEV	3.8	2.9	58
HONDA CIVIC NATURAL GAS c	1.8L 4, auto [CNG]	PZEV / Bin 2	27	38	55
NISSAN LEAF	Electric (Li-ion bat.)	ZEV	3.1	2.7	55
TOYOTA PRIUS d	1.8L 4, auto CVT	PZEV / Bin 3	51	48	54
HONDA INSIGHT	1.3L 4, auto CVT	PZEV	41	44	53
SMART FORTWO CABRIOLET / COUPE	1.0L 3, manual [P]	ULEV II / Bin 5	34	38	53
SCION IQ	1.3L 4, auto CVT	ULEV II / Bin 5	36	37	52
HONDA CIVIC HYBRID e	1.5L 4, auto CVT	PZEV / Bin 2	44	44	52
LEXUS CT200H	1.8L 4, auto CVT	SULEV II / Bin 3	43	40	51
TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID LE	2.5L 4, auto CVT	PZEV / Bin 3	43	39	51
HONDA CR-Z	1.5L 4, auto CVT	PZEV	35	39	50
TOYOTA YARIS	1.5L 4, manual	ULEV II / Bin 5	30	38	50
[CNG] denotes compressed natural gas fuel. [P] denotes premium gasoline. "auto CVT" denotes continuously variable automatic transmission. a A listing with two emission standards (e.g., Tier 2 bin 2/ PZEV) denotes a single vehicle carrying both a Federal and a California emission certification. Green Scores for such listings reflect the cleaner of the two certifications. b Fuel economy for electric vehicles is provided in miles per kilowatt-hour. c Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle fuel economy given in gasoline-equivalent miles per gallon. d The Toyota Prius V earns a Green Score of 51 e The Honda Civic Hybrid runs on a Lithium Ion battery

Honda Automobiles: Statement by American Honda Regarding Spare Tire/Tire Information Placard Recall: 2011-2012 Ridgeline

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:37:00 -0800

Honda will voluntarily recall 206 model-year 2011 and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles in the U.S. to inspect whether the factory-installed spare tire matches the spare tire information included on the FMVSS mandated tire information placard installed on the vehicles’ driver-side doorjambs. If the tire information placard and the installed spare tire do not match, Honda will either provide customers with a compact spare tire that matches the information included on the originally installed tire information placard or install a new placard that reflects the spare tire that was installed at the factory.

The Ridgeline sold in the United States normally is factory-equipped with a compact spare tire. In affected vehicles, a full-sized spare tire specified for certain export markets may have been mistakenly installed in the In-bed Trunk® during vehicle assembly. For these vehicles, the tire size and recommended cold inflation pressure for the installed (full-size) spare tire are not correctly displayed on the vehicle’s tire-information placard, and thus the tire-information placard does not comply with FMVSS requirements. No crashes or injuries have been reported.

Honda is announcing this recall to encourage owners of all affected vehicles to take their trucks to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Honda. Mailed notification to customers will begin in mid-February 2012. In addition to contacting customers by mail, in mid-February, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require inspection by going on-line to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option 4.

Honda Automobiles: American Honda Reports January Sales Increase; Civic Up Nearly 50 Percent

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:54:00 -0800

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today reported January 2012 monthly new-vehicle sales of 83,009, an increase of 8.8 percent over January 2011. The Honda Division posted January 2012 sales of 74,628, an increase of 9.3 percent year-over-year.

In its first full month of sales, the all-new Honda CR-V set a January record with sales of 18,960, up 16.0 percent over last year's record-setting total of 16,339. The Civic also continued to build momentum with sales of 21,883, up an impressive 49.5 percent compared to January 2011. The Accord posted January sales of 13,659, up 1.5 percent from the same period last year. Honda's Ridgeline pickup posted its second consecutive month of double-digit sales growth, up 45.6 percent year-over-year to 1,245 units.

"Honda's return to full strength on the manufacturing front is already beginning to pay dividends on the sales floor," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. "On top of kicking off 2012 with record January sales for the new CR-V, it's gratifying to see how many Civics we can sell when we actually have Civics to sell. It's great to see customers embrace this great vehicle now that our dealers have enough cars on their lots."

The Acura Division's January sales totaled 8,381, up 5.3 percent compared to January 2011, with two models registering strong sales increases. Sales of the TL sedan reached 2,283, up 43.4 percent from the same period last year, while TSX sales totaled 2,266, a year-over-year increase of 16.7 percent.

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Honda Automobiles: Honda to Invest $98 Million in Anna Engine Plant for Production of Advanced Transmission Components

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:30:00 -0800

Honda announced today that it will invest $98 million at its Anna, Ohio engine plant as part of a strategy to build the company's next-generation powertrain technologies in Ohio. The move is aligned with a $120 million investment, announced last year, for the production of a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) in Russells Point, Ohio.

The Anna Engine Plant will manufacture high-tech pulley components for Honda's new CVT technology, which is part of the new Honda 'Earth Dreams' powertrain technology lineup, to be deployed for the first time in the U.S. in the all-new, more powerful and fuel-efficient 2013 Honda Accord.

Honda will produce its technically advanced CVT on a new assembly line at Honda Transmission Mfg. of America, Inc. in Russells Point. The modernization and expansion of the Russells Point transmission plant, along with the new pulley component production at the Anna plant, will create 150 new jobs.

Since November 2010, Honda has announced new investments exceeding $500 million in its two auto plants and two powertrain plants in Ohio.

"For decades, our two Ohio powertrain plants have worked together to deliver advanced products for our customers," said Hide Iwata, president and CEO, Honda of America Mfg., Inc. "The production of this new CVT technology puts the Buckeye State right in the middle of Honda's global strategy."

The new transmissions will debut in the all-new 2013 Honda Accord models that will come to market later this year. The Accord for the U.S. market is built only in Ohio at the Marysville Auto Plant.

"Applying Honda's new Earth Dreams Technologies in the production of engines and transmissions will greatly enhance the driving performance of Honda vehicles, and help us achieve fuel economy leadership in every segment over the next three years," said Iwata.

While the Anna plant prepares for its production launch, the nearby Russells Point transmission plant will proceed with CVT production this summer. These transmissions require highly sophisticated pulley components. Initially, these components will be supplied from Honda operations in Japan, before CVT production for U.S. models is taken up by the Anna plant in 2013.

"Our associates have incredible experience and we are counting on them to help us introduce an even higher level of powertrain technology for our customers," Anna Engine Plant Manager, John Spoltman, said. "The new CVT technology will be mated with Honda's new Earth Dreams 2.4-liter direct-injection engine, which will also be produced here at the Anna Engine Plant."

Earth Dreams technology defines Honda's next-generation engine and transmission strategy to realize advanced levels of both performance and fuel efficiency. Introduction of the new CVT for mid-size cars, will improve fuel economy by approximately 10 percent compared with the current five-speed automatic transmission.

The new component production operation at Anna will utilize 84,000 square feet of plant space for lathing, heat-treating, grinding and subassembly of precision CVT pulley systems. With the capacity to manufacture 1.18 million V-6 and four-cylinder engines annually, the Anna Engine Plant is the largest automobile engine factory in Honda's global production network.

At the Russells Point transmission plant, CVTs will be manufactured on a sophisticated assembly line that is being constructed as part of a $70 million, 200,000-square-foot expansion of the facility. An additional $50 million is being invested in a 75,000-square-foot expansion of the facility for additional aluminum casting operations to support the CVT assembly line.

Honda Transmission Mfg. of America currently employs 1,050 associates. In addition to automatic transmissions, the Russells Point plant also manufactures four-wheel-drive systems. Both plants manufacture the precision steel parts for engines and transmissions, and four-wheel-drive components.

Today's announcement continues a series of major initiatives by Honda in its Ohio operations. In January, the Acura luxury brand revealed that the all-new Acura NSX supercar will be developed in Ohio and built at a new manufacturing operation in central Ohio. And since November 2010, Honda has now announced more than $500 million in investments for advanced technologies and systems at it four existing Ohio plants.

Other major initiatives now underway include construction of on-site parts consolidation centers at Anna and East Liberty, a sophisticated new stamping press at the Marysville Auto Plant, and several major projects at East Liberty to expand assembly lines, implement new paint technologies and consolidate vehicle quality operations.

About Honda Manufacturing in Ohio
Based on Honda's longstanding commitment to "build products close to the customer," Honda began operations at its first U.S. auto plant nearly 30 years ago, on November 1, 1982, in Marysville, Ohio. Honda now has the capacity to build 680,000 automobiles annually at its two auto plants in Marysville and East Liberty, Ohio.

Honda employs more than 13,500 Ohioans. The company's total investment in its extensive operations in the state exceeds $8 billion.

In addition, in 2011 Honda purchased nearly $6 billion in parts and materials from more than 150 Ohio suppliers, and more than $16 billion in parts and materials from 600 domestic suppliers in North America.

Honda has seven auto plants in North America have the capacity to manufacture 1.63 million automobiles annually, using domestic and globally sourced parts. More than 80 percent of the Honda and Acura products sold in the U.S. are built in North America.

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For more information, contact:
Ron Lietzke at Honda of America Mfg.: 937-441-0968
ron_lietzke@ham.honda.com

Connect with Honda of America, and Acura and Honda brands:
Honda of America Mfg., Inc. (Press Room): www.ohio.honda.com
Acura Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.acuranews.com
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com

Honda Automobiles: Honda Pays Homage to Famous Film in Super Bowl XLVI Commercial

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:21:00 -0800

Award-winning actor Matthew Broderick is starring in a fourth-quarter Super Bowl commercial to promote the all-new 2012 Honda CR-V.

"Matthew's Day Off" is part of an integrated, multiplatform advertising campaign that began earlier this month to support the launch of the all-new Honda CR-V. The campaign encourages the active, hip Gen-Y audience transitioning between their carefree twenties and their more focused thirties to conquer their aspirations by completing their own "Leap List."

"Our primary goal is to support the launch of the all-new CR-V, a pillar vehicle in the Honda lineup, while representing the inherent fun and youthfulness of the Honda brand," said Tom Peyton, Honda brand manager, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Playing off the Leap List concept, "Matthew's Day Off," directed by Todd Phillips (The Hangover, Due Date, Old School), stars Broderick playing himself while drawing on his well-known coming-of-age character that the CR-V target audience grew up watching.

"As with our other CR-V commercials that began airing this month, this fun commercial reminds viewers to go out and embrace life — do the things you want to do, not just the things you have to do," said Joe Baratelli, EVP, ECD at RPA, Honda's longstanding agency of record.

Hidden in the commercial are dozens of "Easter eggs" reflective of the original film. Fans are encouraged to watch the spot closely to see how many references they can find. For example, an iconic vest that was worn in the original movie is visible in a department store window that appears briefly. To view the commercial and comment on the "Easter eggs," viewers can go to http://www.facebook.com/hondacrv.

To build anticipation for Honda's Super Bowl commercial an eight-second teaser, "Coming Soon," was loaded onto YouTube on Jan. 26 and amassed nearly four million views. A pre-game release of a 2-minute 23-second extended version of "Matthew's Day Off" will be supported by public relations, search marketing and social media. In addition, Honda fans will get a sneak peek of the Super Bowl ad on Honda's Facebook page and Google+ page, which was just launched last week. Fans are encouraged to use the hashtag #dayoff online when talking about Honda's Super Bowl commercial. Momentum will continue the week after the game with several large portal takeovers featuring "Matthew's Day Off."

About the 2012 Honda CR-V
On-sale nationwide, the all-new, fourth-generation 2012 Honda CR-V introduces an upscale styling direction, greater fuel efficiency, and added features and functionality. Compact on the outside and roomy inside, the CR-V represents an ideal balance for size and capability in the entry SUV segment. The all-new five-passenger CR-V offers improved car-like interior comfort, a smoother and quieter ride, and even more innovative features than the previous model.

Connect with Honda:
Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news
Honda Multimedia Newsroom (For Media Only): http://www.hondanews.com
Honda Super Bowl ad on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/honda
Honda CR-V on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hondacrv
Honda on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda CR-V Web Site: http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-v
Honda Web Site: http://www.honda.com

Honda Automobiles: Honda Announces Pricing for New Four-cylinder 2012 Honda Crosstour

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:53:00 -0800

The new four-cylinder, two-wheel-drive Honda Crosstour® is set to debut at U.S. dealers nationwide today with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) ranging from $27,655 for the well-equipped Crosstour EX to $32,805 for the luxurious Crosstour EX-L Navi, plus a destination and handling charge of $810¹ per vehicle.

The four-cylinder Crosstour models join the current 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 Crosstour models already available. In addition to bringing additional value to the Crosstour line, the new four-cylinder model delivers EPA-estimated fuel economy² that increases 3 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway compared to V-6-equipped models.

"The new four-cylinder Crosstour offers sleek design, unmatched passenger comfort and ingenious functionality now with four-cylinder pricing and fuel economy," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "With four-cylinder and V-6 options and a long list of standard features, Crosstour should be on every CUV buyer's shopping list."

Equipped with a 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline four-cylinder engine producing 192 horsepower, the newest Crosstour is available in two trim levels, including the Crosstour EX and leather-upholstered Crosstour EX-L. A Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System³is available on the Crosstour EX-L.

EPA-estimated fuel economy on the four-cylinder Crosstour is 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, a significant increase from the 271-horsepower 2WD V-6 model's EPA estimated 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

With the launch of the new four-cylinder Crosstour, several useful features are now standard across the entire Crosstour family, which first debuted for the 2010 model year with V-6 power. Standard features now include an automatic dimming rearview mirror, a rearview mirror back-up camera display for improved rear visibility (non-Navigation models), convenient auto-on/off headlights, Bluetooth®⁴HandsFreeLink® and USB audio interface.

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda Crosstour (for consumers): automobiles.honda.com/crosstour
Honda Crosstour on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hondacrosstour
Honda on YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda on Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda

¹ MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $810.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
² Based on 2012 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
³ The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ is available on the Crosstour EX-L model in the United States, except Alaska. Please see the navigation system manual for details.
⁴ The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.

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Honda Automobiles: Honda's Cumulative Worldwide Hybrid Vehicle Sales Reaches 800,000 Units

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:01:00 -0800

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that Honda's cumulative worldwide hybrid vehicle sales surpassed 800,000 units as of the end of December 2011. This milestone was reached 12 years and two months after the start of sales of the first generation Honda Insight in Japan in November 1999.

Honda introduced the first-generation Insight, Civic Hybrid and Accord Hybrid equipped with Honda's original lightweight and compact Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system. More recently, following the introduction of the second-generation Insight in 2009, Honda has introduced a total of six new hybrid models in the last three years to expand the hybrid vehicle lineup and sales. Honda's annual worldwide hybrid sales for 2011 was approximately 200,000 units (up 30 percent compared to 2010), and Honda's total hybrid sales during the last three years exceeded 500,000 units. In Japan, the ratio of hybrid vehicles exceeded 45 percent of all new Honda vehicle registrations for the month of December 2011. Cumulative hybrid sales in North America reached 338,872 units as of December 2011.

As of today, Honda sells seven hybrid models in approximately 50 countries around the world. In addition, the market introduction of the ILX, the first Acura brand model equipped with a hybrid system, is scheduled for spring 2012 in North America.

Under the global environmental slogan of "Blue Skies for Our Children," Honda will continue its efforts to realize the further market penetration of hybrid vehicles to create a low carbon society.

History of Honda's Hybrid Models

Year	Month / Model introduced to the market	Honda's Cumulative Worldwide Hybrid Vehicle Sales
1999	November: First-generation Insight
2001	December: Civic Hybrid
2004	December: Accord Hybrid (North America only)
2005		April: 100,000 units
2007		May: 200,000 units
2009	February: Second-generation Insight	August: 400,000 units
2010	February: CR-Z October: Fit Hybrid	December: 600,000 units
2011	June: Fit Shuttle Hybrid (Japan only) October: Freed Hybrid (Japan only) Freed Spike Hybrid (Japan only)	December: 800,000 units

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda Future Vehicles (for consumers): automobiles.honda.com/future-cars
Honda on YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda on Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda

Honda Automobiles: Honda Begins Deliveries of 2013 Fit EV

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:30:00 -0800

Honda delivered a 2013 Fit EV battery-electric vehicle to the city of Torrance today as one of the first major steps in the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program, a prelude to the retail market launch of the Fit EV with customers in California and Oregon this summer.

The delivery was marked by a ceremony at the Torrance City Hall, at which a key to the Fit EV was presented to Torrance Mayor Frank Scotto by Steve Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda.

"This is an exciting day as we take another important step toward Honda's comprehensive vision for reducing CO2 emissions while at the same time advancing our relationship with the city of Torrance," said Steve Center. "Honda has a long history with electric vehicles starting with the introduction of our first battery-electric car, the EV Plus, nearly 15 years ago. With Honda's extensive experience and the real-world feedback from the city of Torrance, we will be even more prepared for the further customer adoption of electric vehicles."

Over the past year, Honda and the city of Torrance have worked together to gather input from Torrance residents about potential recharging station locations and jointly participated in numerous public awareness events with a Fit EV test vehicle. Honda and the city will continue to further these initiatives while also studying local government fleet usage of an electrified vehicle. The city of Torrance will also receive a Honda plug-in hybrid for additional testing at a later date.

"Today, in our partnership with Honda and their continuing efforts in renewable technologies, we will be driving into a more sustainable future," said city of Torrance Mayor Frank Scotto.

Honda unveiled the 2013 Fit EV at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show and announced plans to begin leasing the 123 city-mile per charge (76 mile range combined adjusted city/highway)¹ battery-electric commuter vehicle to its U.S. customers in the summer of 2012. Equipped with a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery and 92 kW coaxial electric motor, the Fit EV battery can be fully recharged in as little as 3 hours when connected to a 240-volt circuit.

Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program
As part of the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program, Honda will test the Fit EV with Google Inc. and Stanford University, in addition to the City of Torrance, California. Each program participant will provide Honda with real-world feedback on the Fit EV. Individually, each participant will use the Fit EV to further initiatives such as research into human behavior and various usages like personal, fleet and car-sharing.

Honda Environmental Leadership
In addition to the Fit EV, Honda is a leader in the development of leading-edge technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. Honda has led the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) rankings of overall vehicle environmental performance since 2000, and a Honda vehicle has topped the list of America's greenest vehicles, from the America Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), for eleven consecutive years.

In 2006, Honda became the first automaker to announce voluntary CO2 emissions reduction targets for its global fleet of automobile, powersports and power equipment products and its global network of manufacturing plants. Today, the company is striving for even greater reductions in CO2 emissions that contribute to global climate change, while also working to minimize waste, water use and the total environmental footprint of its operations worldwide.

Connect to Honda:
Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news
Honda Multimedia Newsroom (for media only): http://www.hondanews.com
Fit EV for consumers: http://www.FitEV.honda.com
Honda on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/honda
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 Web Site: http://www.honda.com

¹ 123 city/95 highway mile range (unadjusted); 76 combined mile range (adjusted). Preliminary estimates determined by Honda using EPA methods. Your range will vary. For additional information about EPA test methods, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-electric-label.shtml

Honda Automobiles: Honda Pilot Receives "Family Car of the Year" Award From Cars.com

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:00:00 -0800

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 17, 2012 – American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced that the 2012 Honda Pilot has received the Cars.com"Family Car of the Year," award. The Pilot SUV received a wide range of upgrades for 2012, including a sleeker front-end design, enhanced interior features and improved fuel economy. The 2012 Pilot had already earned the top spot in the"USA Today, MotorWeek and Cars.com $37k and Under SUV Shootout,"with the editor-in-chief touting the Pilot as"the perfect SUV for buyers who want to comfortably haul the entire family and all of their gear."

"We're delighted to see the eight-passenger Pilot's versatility and family-friendly attributes recognized with this prestigious award,"said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning, American Honda Motor Co. "The newly refined and more fuel-efficient Pilot provides real value and surprising sophistication for anyone shopping in the segment."

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Cars.com Family Car of the Year award, which was presented last year to the Honda Odyssey. Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is an online destination for car shoppers that offers information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car. For more information on the Best of the Year Awards, visit http://www.cars.com/awards/.

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda (for consumers): www.automobiles.pilot.com
Honda on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/honda
Honda on YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda on Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda

# # #

Honda Automobiles: Honda Civic Named to About.com's Best New Cars of 2012 List

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:00:00 -0800

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today that the 2012 Honda Civic has been named as one of About.com Cars' Best New Cars of 2012.

"Ranging from a gas-sipping hybrid to a kick-in-the-pants Si, the Civic lineup provides a variety of fun, fuel-efficient options to satisfy a wide range of customers," said Michael Accavitti, vice president of marketing operations, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "We are thrilled to receive this award that recognizes the many advantages of the Civic."

In describing the award-winning Civic, About.com's Aaron Gold called the 2012 Civic hands-down the most comprehensive compact car on the market. "You can get a sedan or a coupe; a high-fuel-efficiency version; a high-performance version; a leather-lined version; a hybrid version; even an alternative-fuel version that runs on clean natural gas," Gold said. "And whichever Civic you choose, you're virtually guaranteed years of trouble-free motoring."

The award from About.com adds to the 2012 Honda Civic's growing list of accolades that include being named Green Car of the Year (Civic Natural Gas), capturing Best Resale Value for a Compact Car by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, and earning a 2011 IIHS Top Safety Pick. About.com is one of the largest providers of original content on the web, with over 60 million unique visitors per month in the United States.

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda (for consumers): www.automobiles.honda.com
Honda on Facebook: www.facebook.com/honda
Honda on YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda on Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda

Honda Automobiles: Honda Captures Polk Automotive Loyalty Award

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 06:06:00 -0800

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today that it has received the 2011 Polk Automotive Loyalty Award in the category of Hispanic Market Loyalty to Make. This is the second time Honda has captured this prestigious award from Polk, having received the same honor in 2009.

"Honda is thrilled to accept this award from Polk, which demonstrates how strong our products and brand resonate with buyers in the important Hispanic market," said David Hendley, assistant vice president of sales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The quality and value of our products continues to generate strong loyalty from consumers."

Polk's Automotive Loyalty Awards are presented to manufacturers that demonstrate an ability to retain owners over repeat buying cycles. Polk, a premier provider of automotive information and marketing solutions, bases the 2011 awards on an analysis of 5.5 million return-to-market events during the 2011 model year, which ran from Oct. 1, 2010 through Sept. 30, 2011. Loyalty is determined by households that own a new vehicle, and return to market and purchase or lease another new vehicle of the same model or make.

Honda Automobiles: Honda Unveils 2013 Accord Coupe Concept

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 06:41:00 -0800

Honda unveiled the dynamic Accord Coupe Concept today at the North American International Auto Show, providing the first official glimpse of the athletic styling direction, as well as revealing a host of new technologies for the all-new, ninth-generation 2013 model, set to go on-sale this fall.

The 2013 Accord will feature three all-new powertrains, including the first U.S. application of both a 2.4-liter direct-injected engine and two-motor plug-in hybrid system from Honda's suite of next-generation Earth Dreams™ powertrain technologies. In addition, the V-6 Accord will be the first Honda sedan to feature a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Both the Accord Sedan and the Accord Coupe models are expected to achieve class-leading fuel economy ratings and will be available with a number of innovative new safety and technological features.

"Marking the 30th anniversary of U.S. production, this new ninth-generation Accord will raise the bar again through a tour de force of new Honda powertrain and safety technologies, geared to ensure that Honda and the Accord continue to lead in fuel economy, safety and fun-to-drive performance," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.

Design and Packaging

The Accord Coupe Concept features an athletic styling direction for Honda's best-selling model. The front bumper's dynamic lines are highlighted by a revised four-sided honeycomb grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights. Lower fog-light spoilers are accented by crystallized chrome inlays.

The Accord Coupe Concept's 20-inch, machine-finished, 5-spoke wheels contribute to its solid stance. The rear taillights aggressively sweep into the body, while a trunk -lid spoiler and large exhaust finishers integrated into the bumper underscore the Accord Coupe Concept's muscular exterior.

While the Accord Coupe will remain similarly sized, the Accord Sedan will feature a more compact exterior footprint, adding to its sportier appearance. A shortened length and reduced weight will also give the 2013 Accord Sedan more responsive handling and improved driving dynamics. Both the 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will retain the current model's generous cabin space.

Advanced and Efficient Powertrains

The Accord will offer three all-new powertrains for the 2013 model year. The Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will be the first models in the U.S. to receive the new Earth Dreams 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® four-cylinder engine featuring direct- injection (DI). The engine will be paired to a 6-speed manual transmission or a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which utilizes an innovative cooperative control system for excellent acceleration and responsive shifting. The all-new 2.4-liter DI engine generates significant performance improvements compared to the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine it replaces, producing more than 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. In addition to an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the 2012 model, the new four-cylinder-equipped 2013 Accord models are targeted to deliver class-leading fuel economy1.

The 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will also be offered with a re-engineered 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine, paired to a new 6-speed automatic transmission or an available 6-speed manual transmission. The new V-6 engine generates an increase in horsepower and torque over the current model. The 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe models equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission will utilize Honda Variable Cylinder Management ™ (VCM™) technology and are targeted to achieve class-leading fuel economy¹ along with an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the outgoing model.

The 2013 Accord lineup will also feature the first application of a new two-motor plug-in hybrid system to the Accord Sedan. The Honda two-motor hybrid system moves continuously through three modes - all-electric, gasoline-electric and direct-drive - to maximize driving efficiency and fuel economy.

In all-electric mode, the 2013 Accord Plug-In Hybrid will use a 6 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a powerful 120 kW electric motor to achieve an all-electric range of approximately 10-15 miles in city driving scenarios and a top speed of 62 mph. Fully recharging the battery will take less than four hours using a 120-volt, outlet and less than 1.5 hours using a 240-volt charger.

In the gasoline-electric hybrid mode, the Accord is powered by its fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, i-VTEC inline four-cylinder, Atkinson cycle engine, paired with an electric Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). For more efficient high-speed cruising, the Accord Plug-In Hybrid can engage in a direct-drive mode, in which only the engine drives the front wheels. The Accord Plug-In Hybrid launch next winter.

All 2013 Accord models will incorporate the Honda ECO Assist™ system, an innovative technology that can enhance efficient vehicle operation at the touch of a button, while also providing visual feedback to the driver to promote and confirm a more efficient driving style.

Safety and Technological Innovations

The 2013 Accord will introduce numerous new features for enhanced driver safety, visibility and security. The new Accord will be available with Honda's first application of Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) technology. Both systems use a camera mounted behind the windshield to alert drivers if the car is moving out of its lane or to warn drivers of a potential collision in front of them.

The 2013 Accord is targeted to earn top scores in both the federal government's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety² (IIHS) vehicle evaluations.

Additionally, the Accord will be equipped with several new technologies to help improve the driver's visibility around the vehicle. The Accord will be the first model to receive the Honda-exclusive LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, which uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror for an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. The Accord will also receive a rearview back-up camera and an Expanded View Driver's Mirror as standard equipment.

The Accord has always been an exceptional value and the 2013 model will offer more standard equipment compared to the current model, including new advanced technology features. High-tech features that will be found on all 2013 Accord models include Bluetooth®³ HandsFreeLink® phone interface, a full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and an SMS text messaging function, which can read received texts from compatible cell phones aloud over the audio system. Another standard feature and first for the Accord is the introduction of a Pandora® Internet Radio interface⁴, compatible with the Apple® iPhone®, which works with the vehicle's audio controls and i-MID.

Sales, Accolades and Manufacturing History

The Honda Accord, currently in its eighth generation, is one of Honda's best-selling vehicles worldwide and remains one of the top-selling automobiles in the U.S. The Accord was launched in 1976 with subsequent major re-designs in 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2003 and 2008. More than 11 million Accords have been sold in the U.S. since 1976.

Since its introduction nearly 36 years ago, the Accord has been honored for its quality, reliability and superior drivability. Car and Driver magazine has awarded the Honda Accord its prestigious and highly competitive annual '10Best Cars' award a record 26 times. No other vehicle in the award's history has been honored as frequently as the Accord. The Accord was also recognized for the highest initial quality in the mid-size sedan segment in the 2011 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey.

In 2012, Honda will celebrate 30 years of Accord production in the U.S. The first Accord Sedan rolled off the Marysville, Ohio assembly line on November 1, 1982 and was the first Japanese-nameplate car assembled in the U.S. Since then, more than eight million Accords have been produced5 at Honda's first U.S. auto plant in Marysville, Ohio. More about Honda in America is available at http://www.hondainamerica.com.

¹Preliminary EPA mileage estimates determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing.
² The 2012 Honda Accord was named a 2012 TOP SAFETY PICK by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). According to the IIHS, the award "recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rear, and now for 2010 rollover crashes".
³ The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.
⁴Compatible with select Apple® iPhone® devices only. Your wireless carrier's rate plans apply.
⁵Honda products are produced using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Honda Automobiles: Honda at the 2012 North American International Auto Show: Fact Sheet

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 06:40:00 -0800

Honda Accord Coupe Concept

Honda unveiled the dynamic Accord Coupe Concept at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, providing the first official glimpse at the styling direction, as well as a host of new technologies for the all-new, ninth-generation 2013 model Accord set to go on-sale this fall.

2013 Accord Highlights include:

Styling and packaging:

New athletic styling for the Coupe and Sedan.
More efficient packaging - Accord Sedan retains its spacious interior with more compact exterior dimensions.
Shortened length and significant weight reduction for improved driving dynamics.

Advanced and Efficient Powertrains:

First U.S. application of Earth Dreams™ 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® four-cylinder direct-injected (DI) engine, paired with a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

New engine produces more than 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque (current Accord LX four-cylinder engine produces 177 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque).
CVT with new cooperative control system for excellent acceleration and responsive shifting.
Targeted top-in-class combined fuel economy¹ for a midsize four-cylinder sedan.

New 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine, paired with 6-speed automatic transmission or an available 6-speed manual transmission.

Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) applied to models with automatic transmission.
Increased horsepower and torque compared to current model.
Targeted top-in-class highway fuel economy¹ for a midsize V-6 sedan.

First U.S. application of Honda plug-in hybrid system.

Accord Plug-In Hybrid Sedan launching next Winter.
Three different driving modes: all-electric, hybrid and direct-drive engine.
All-electric driving range of approximately 10-15 miles in city driving scenarios with a top speed of 62 mph.
Recharging lithium-ion battery takes less than 1.5 hours using 240-volt charger.

Application of Honda ECO Assist™ system to all Accord models.

Safety and Technological Innovations:

Targeted to earn top scores in New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety² (IIHS) vehicle evaluations.
First Honda application of Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW).
First Honda application of exclusive blind-spot display called LaneWatch™, which enhances visibility of the passenger-side roadway.
Standard rearview back-up camera and Expanded View Driver's Mirror.
New technologies standard on all Accord models: Bluetooth®³ HandsFreeLink® phone interface, Multi-Information Display (i-MID), SMS text messaging function and Pandora® Internet Radio interface⁴.

For more information, photos and video, please visit www.hondanews.com.

¹Preliminary EPA mileage estimates determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

² The 2012 Honda Accord was named a 2012 TOP SAFETY PICK by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). According to the IIHS, the award "recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rear, and now for 2010 rollover crashes."

4 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.

5 Compatible with select Apple® iPhone® devices only. Your wireless carrier's rate plans apply.

Honda Automobiles: 2013 Accord Concept Introduction Press Conference Remarks by John Mendel, Executive Vice President, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 06:40:00 -0800

Good morning and thank you all for joining us here today. It's been an exciting Show already, and we hope to add to that this morning.

special way to the reason we're here today which is the coming launch of an all-new, 9th-generation Honda Accord. The production version of the all-new 2013 Accordwill be hitting the market around the same time as we celebrate an important milestone in the history of Honda and the Accord the 30th anniversary of the start of automobile production in the U.S.

Think about this number since it was introduced in 1976, we have sold more than 11 million Accords in America

and more than 8 million of them have been built in America as well.

As you might have noticed, we've got the very first of the species U.S.-made Accord VIN number 001 on display here today.

And I want to say thank you to the folks from The Henry Ford in Dearborn.

It's on permanent loan there so we thank them for letting us borrow it back for a few days.

The star of our show today is an Accord concept model but before we get to that, let me speak to the positive momentum leading to the launch of this new model.

To say that the past year has been one of incredible challenge is a gross understatement.

2011 was a year that saw our company weather two devastating natural disasters that severely disrupted our global supply chain.

Some automakers have pointed to our reduced sales last year ...including lower Accord sales... as if it were some kind of sales trend...

...When the reality is... we had to cut more than 200-thousand units from our production schedule. And we still topped one million units in sales for the year.

Many of our competitors were enjoying a race with Honda running at half-throttle and they temporarily picked up a lap or two in the process... ...while we were in the pits.

But we have returned to full production with a strengthening product lineup including.... • the all-new CR-V and Civic, • a freshened and more fuel-efficient Pilot,

• a benchmark Odyssey minivan, • a new 4-cylinder version of Crosstour that debuts this month and later this year... • an all-new Accord.

And with all of this backed up by the industry's best quality ratings we're here to serve notice to the competition that Honda is firing on all cylinders again.

We're back to full power and we're again racing with a vengeance.

Of course, being the first U.S.-made car from a Japanese automaker is nowhere near Accord's only claim to fame.

For 30 years and through eight generations, Accord has consistently set the benchmark for... • fuel-efficiency, • low emissions, • safety ...and... • the best overall balance of comfort, features, packaging and fun-to-drive performance in the mid-size segment.

It's the reason why despite year after year of competitors taking aim Accordhas earned an unprecedented 26 Car and Driver ten-best awards. That's a crazy good record no other brand can claim.

This new 9th generation Accord will raise the bar again in part through a tour de force of new Honda powertrain and safety technologies

... all geared to ensure that Honda and Accord continue to be leaders in fuel economy, safety and fun-to-drive performance.

Arriving this fall, Accordwill be the first U.S. vehicle to apply our new Earth Dreams powertrain technology.

This is the series of new engines and transmissions we debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show late last year that will ultimately replace every powertrain in our lineup.

These new engines completely re-envision the structure of Honda'slegendary VTEC technology for more efficient combustion and reduced friction.

The bottom line is engines that achieve both outstanding fuel efficiency and high output for clean and fun driving performance.

... Fuel economy, up performance, up Fun, up.

And with this new Earth Dreams technology, we're aiming to achieve best-in-class fuel economy in every segment in which we compete within the next three years starting with Accord.

The all-new Accord will boast three new powertrains including the first application in the U.S. of our new 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with direct injection that you see to my right ... delivering a significant boost in performance including additional horsepower and an increase in midrange torque.

And the 4-cylinder Accord will also get a 6 speed manual and an all-new continuously variable transmission CVT that will be the best system in the marketplace in terms of efficiency, performance and sporty driving feel. None of the "rubber band" feeling most CVTs are known for and coupled with the new engine it will help achieve class leading fuel economy.

Meanwhile, the V6 Accord Sedan and Coupe will increase horsepower and torque while being paired with a new 6-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual version.

And with the 6-speed automatic, both the sedan and coupe models are estimated to achieve class leading fuel economy.

Further, Accord will become the 5th Honda model with the Eco-Assist function and ECO button to help our customers with a practical approach to improve their own fuel efficient driving habits.

But that's not the end of the powertrain technology story.

The 2013 Accord lineup will see the introduction of Honda's first Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle utilizing our all-new two-motor hybrid system which continuously moves through three different modes to maximize driving efficiency... • all-electric, • gasoline-electric ...and ... • a direct-drive mode.

The Plug-In Hybrid Accord will travel up to 15 miles on electric power alone, with the driver able to control when the vehicle operates in all-electric mode.

If your commute starts on the highway, for example, the driver can decide not to switch to all-electric power until entering city traffic, where the technology has the greatest benefit to fuel economy.

And fully recharging the battery will take less than one and a half hours using a 240-volt charger.

With the Accord Plug-In we will continue to grow our diverse lineup of advanced alternative-fuel vehicles, which includes: • the Civic Natural Gas • the CR-Z, • Insight and Civic hybrids, • the Plug-in Hybrid Accord, • the Fit EV and... • the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric car.

There's so much more we have to tell you about this new Accord, which heralds our strategy for further advancing the Clean, Safe and Fun values of Honda.

But maybe it's time we showed you what we're talking about.

So here it is the cleaner, safer and unquestionably more fun 2013 Accord Coupe Concept.

With its athletic styling including... • the 4-sided honeycomb grille, • rear taillights that sweep a ggressively into the body .. and... • large exhaust finishers integrated into the bumper the 2013 Accord Coupe Concept gives you a strong glimpse of the direction for the all-new Accord lineup coming this fall.

The Accord has been consistently rated as the most fun-to-drive mid-size car and this all-new model will take that bar and raise it higher.

New packaging that delivers on the Man Maximum, Machine Minimum philosophy of Honda design will give the 2013 Accord Sedan • a shortened overall length... • a significant reduction in weight ...and ... • lower vehicle height to achieve a new level of efficiency, more nimble handling and improved driving dynamics.

Believe me; the new Accord will live up to our mission to deliver new products that are unquestionably fun-to-own and fun-to-drive.

And even with the more compact exterior design and lower roofline Accord will boast the same sizable interior space as the current Accord.

Of course, the new Accord is built upon the foundation of the best quality reputation in the industry.

In 2011, Honda posted the most dominant performance in the history of the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

with Honda finishing as the top mainstream brand in the industry supported by seven of 11 segment-leading products, including Accord. According to the same study, four of the top five assembly lines in the Americas were at Honda plants including both lines at the Marysville, Ohio plant that builds Accord.

But the advanced technology coming to the all-new Accord line is not limited to powertrain.

With the new Accord, we will introduce a wave of new technologies aimed at enhancing driver visibility and industry-leading safety of Honda vehicles.

Our approach to styling Accord has always included a focus on substantial Greenhouse visibilty, something customers have continuously told us they love about Accord's styling.

In spite of the bold and aggressive styling, we haven't compromised on this principle.

In fact, we are expanding it.

For instance, we'll be making the expanded-view driver's mirror that we debuted on our new CR-V last month... ....as standard equipment on every new model in our lineup in the coming years.

Also, you'll see the application of rear view back-up cameras which are already standard on our trucks... expanded to all of our products in the future starting with the new Accord.

And all NAVI-equipped models will be getting the multi-angle back up camera that we debuted on the new CR-V.

In addition, the 2013 Accord will get a new, Honda-exclusive blind spot display we will call "Honda Lane Watch."

With a camera mounted in the passenger side-view mirror, ... the driver can use the display to identify vehicles in their blind spot through real-time video without the risk of false warnings found in some other systems.

And Accord will be the only vehicle in its class to make this feature available.

And, finally, let's talk about safety.

Last month, the IIHS gave a 'Top Safety Pick' rating to ten additional models from American Honda, giving us a total of 12 with top-class IIHS safety ratings.

Of course, the current Accord is on the list as one of the first vehicles in the industry to earn this distinction.

But we aren't stopping there.

In the area of collision avoidance, we will be deploying two additional ew technologies • forward collision warning ...and... • lane departure warning that will be applied across every model in our lineup in the years to come ...starting as an available technology on the new Accord.

Both systems use a digital camera mounted behind the windshield to monitor the roadway in front of the driver ... ....and warnthe driver of changing traffic conditions in front of them or to alert the driver if the car is moving out of its intended lane.

And again starting this fall with the new Accord we'll begin applying new ejection mitigation airbag technology with a wider deployment profile of the side curtain airbag.

We are doing this a full two years in advance of new safety regulations going into effect in 2015.

So we're serious about our commitment to continue to deliver products that are cleaner, safer ....and even more fun than ever before.

And we're doing it with leading-edge technologies applied broadly to our product lineup.

As you can see along with a compelling safety, fuel economy, and value story

Honda's fundamental commitment to performance is alive and well.

And our number one priority going forward is to make products that our customers want to drive products that measure up to the very high standards and expectations that they have for Honda.

It's going to be an exciting year and a very competitive race.

And we're happy to be re-joining that race at full strength.

So stay tuned.

Thanks for your time and attention this morning.

And now I invite you to join me on stage for a closer look at the all-new 2013 Accord Coupe Concept.

Have a great final day at the show!

Honda Automobiles: Watch the All-New Honda Accord Coupe Concept Debut Live Today at 9:20 a.m., EST from the 2012 North American International Auto Show

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:00:00 -0800

For those unable to attend the North American International Auto Show, Honda will unveil the all-new Accord Coupe Concept today at 9:20 a.m., EST live via webcast. Media may view the webcast at http://hondanews.com/live/2012naias-honda and consumers may view it at http://hondawebcast.com.

Soon after completion of the press conference the video will be available for replay from these sites as well. The keynote presenter will be John Mendel, executive vice president of auto sales at American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Connect with Honda:
Honda media newsroom (for journalists): http://www.hondanews.com
Honda Future Vehicles (for consumers): http://automobiles.honda.com/future-cars/
Honda on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda on Twitter: @honda