A new 10-year business alliance was announced today between American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and the Disneyland Resort that provides sponsorship of the theme park's new 50th Anniversary fireworks show and its annual Grad Nite celebrations.
The parties are also in the process of finalizing an agreement to develop a new exhibit at Innoventions in Tomorrowland that may feature ASIMO, Honda's advanced humanoid robot. Additionally, Honda will be designated the "official" product in each of the company's existing product categories - automobiles, motorcycles and selected power equipment.
The alliance also provides Honda with opportunities for use of company products and other advanced technologies at locations throughout the Resort, which entertains millions of people each year. Honda will continue exploring other partnership opportunities with The Walt Disney Company.
"This new alliance creates many new and exciting opportunities for both of our organizations," said Koichi Kondo, president and CEO, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Our two companies hold a common belief in the importance of dreams. It is particularly exciting to enter this partnership as Disneyland celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2005."
"We are thrilled to welcome Honda to the Disneyland Resort family. Honda is known throughout the world for quality, innovation and family values - qualities that our own founder, Walt Disney, instilled in Disneyland park 50 years ago," said Matt Ouimet, president of the Disneyland Resort.
Debuting in May, Disneyland's new fireworks show, "Remember...Dreams Come True," is a spectacular nighttime extravaganza. The pyrotechnic production features bursts of color precisely set to riveting music and a compelling narrative. It is presented through the use of air launch technology, a safer and more environmentally friendly way of displaying fireworks that is being hailed by the pyrotechnic industry as the biggest innovation in decades.
Honda also has a long history of environmental leadership and is committed to offering customers cleaner, more fuel-efficient products in all its product lines.
"The creativity and quality of the fireworks show along with the break-through technology used to present it are perfect examples of the high standards Honda and Disney are known to uphold," said Ouimet.
"We look forward to sharing our cutting-edge technologies, like ASIMO, with Disneyland Resort Guests and working with Disney to discover new business, marketing and promotional opportunities in all areas of our respective businesses," said Kondo.
Beginning May 5, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will celebrate its biggest event ever, the "Happiest Celebration On Earth," an 18-month global salute to mark the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland park.
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About Honda:
Honda is the world's preeminent engine-maker, building more than 19 million engines globally in 2004 for its diverse line-up of automobiles, motorcycles and ATVs, power products, marine engines and personal watercraft.
Honda began operations in North America in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Using domestic and globally sourced parts, Honda began assembling motorcycles in America in 1979, with U.S. manufacturing starting in 1982. Honda now employs more than 26,000 Americans in the design, manufacture and marketing of its products in America. Honda currently builds products in 12 manufacturing plants in North America, with three major R&D centers in the U.S.
About ASIMO:
ASIMO is the world's most advanced humanoid robot, with the ability to climb stairs, walk forward and backward, turn smoothly without pausing, and maintain balance while walking on uneven slopes and surfaces. Honda engineers began developing a humanoid robot in 1986 for the purpose of someday helping people in need. ASIMO has two arms and two hands, which ease such tasks as reaching for and grasping objects, switching lights on and off, or opening and closing doors.
About the Disneyland Resort:
Located on approximately 500 acres in Anaheim, California, the Disneyland Resort includes the Disneyland® and Disney's California Adventure™ theme parks, three hotels with a total of 2,238 rooms and the 310,000 square foot Downtown Disney® retail, restaurant and entertainment district. With 20,000 employees, the Disneyland Resort is Orange County's largest employer. In January 2004, the Resort welcomed its 500 millionth Guest since opening on July 17, 1955.