Hondanews Online Newsroom

Corporate: Statement from American Honda Motor Co., Inc., regarding the resolution of the January 3rd small claims trial in Torrance, CA

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:52:00 -0800

American Honda intends to appeal the decision in Peters v. American Honda due to the substantial factual and legal errors reflected in the written decision.

We regret that Ms. Peters is unhappy with the reported mileage for her particular driving experience. However, it is clearly pointed out on the federally required window label that accompanied her car that mileage will vary depending upon a number of factors including options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle condition. Those factors affect gas mileage for every car on the road today, hybrid or not. American Honda's advertising regarding fuel economy of Civic Hybrids was accurate when the vehicles were sold and remains accurate today.

There are a number of points of disagreement with the ruling, but the court stated in error that advertising EPA fuel economy estimates is misleading unless the advertising also explains the effects of stop-and-go driving and the use of air conditioning. In fact, federal law does not permit states or state courts to impose additional requirements of this kind. Thus, a Honda advertisement that accurately referenced EPA mileage estimates, truthfully stated that a driver can get "up to 50 mpg" and carefully noted that mileage will vary is not misleading as a matter of law.

American Honda is proud of the fuel saving capability of the Honda Civic Hybrid and is grateful to the many hybrid owners who have written to let us know how pleased they have been in achieving 50 mpg or more in real world driving conditions. In fact, Honda presented evidence of those customer letters in court to help demonstrate the real world capability of the vehicle. Our customers should rest assured that Honda will continue to pursue cutting-edge technologies and strategies to enhance their ability to achieve high levels of fuel efficiency in all of our products.

In conclusion and with all due respect to the court, American Honda believes that the judgment in this case is a radical and unprecedented departure from California and federal law, and, as stated above, we intend to vigorously appeal this decision.

Corporate: Statement by American Honda Regarding Side Curtain Airbag Recall: 2012 Accord and 2012 Crosstour

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:50:00 -0800

Honda will voluntarily recall certain model-year 2012 Accord and Crosstour vehicles in the U.S. to replace a side curtain airbag assembly. An incorrect propellant mixture was prepared when manufacturing the initiator component of the side-curtain airbag inflator. Use of the wrong initiator propellant may result in a failure of the pressurized gas that inflates the side-curtain airbag to be released from the airbag inflator, which in turn would cause non-deployment of the side curtain airbag during a crash. Honda has identified 347 vehicles affected by this problem, and is investigating whether other vehicles also may be equipped with an affected inflator. Honda expects to have all relevant information from its suppliers by February 8, 2012, and will identify any additional affected units by that time. Honda does not expect the total number of affected vehicles to exceed 1,000 units. No crashes or injuries have been reported related to this defect, which was identified during internal production testing by a supplier.

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 early February 2012. In addition to contacting customers by mail, in early 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.

Corporate: 2011 MarCom Award

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0800

2011 MarCom Award

Corporate: 2011 MarCom Platinum Award

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0800

2011 MarCom Platinum Award

Corporate: Honda Power Equipment Earns Seven 2011 MarCom Awards

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0800

Honda Power Equipment, a division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. has received a total of seven MarCom Awards for several of its computer-based dealer and distributor service training modules. Two business units of Honda Power Equipment - Honda Engines and Honda Marine - were recognized by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals for their comprehensive training programs and individual instructional sections.

Specifically, Honda Engines earned an overall Platinum MarCom Award for its Honda Engines Training and Certification System (TACS), along with specific recognition for two training modules offered within the system: 4-stroke engine theory and carburetor theory. Additionally, Honda Engines garnered a Gold MarCom statuette for its electrical fundamentals training module, while the company's basic emissions and DDiN navigation module were noted as receiving an honorable mention.

Honda Marine was awarded a Platinum MarCom for the outboard rigging curriculum offered to dealer technicians via the Honda Marine online technical training program.

Honda produced its unique online service training solution in conjunction with Irvine, California-based Pacific Technology Solutions (PTS). The training is used in Honda Engine and Honda Marine dealership and distributor facilities nationwide.

Administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, the MarCom Awards program recognizes outstanding creative achievement by industry professionals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence, and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry. Winners are selected from more than 6,000 entries within 200 categories, covering seven forms of media and communication efforts, including: marketing; publications; promotions; public service/pro bono; creativity; and electronic/interactive.

"The Honda Power Equipment organization is honored that the online training programs of two of our business groups have been recognized for excellence in marketing and communication," said Scott Conner, vice president, Honda Power Equipment. "At Honda, our teams always make it a priority to listen to and work closely with our dealers and distributors in developing a training system that meets their unique needs."

Honda is the world's largest engine manufacturer, having sold more than 27 million units in 2010 across all of its global product lines. The company's marine outboard and general purpose engine products are characterized by the same technology that is behind the Honda reputation for unparalleled durability, quality and reliability.

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Editor's Note:

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

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

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

For Honda Engines product inquiries and dealer locations, please visit www.engines.honda.com.

For Honda Marine product inquiries and dealer locations, please visit www.hondamarine.com.

Connect with Honda Generators on Facebook by visiting http://www.facebook.com/HondaGenerators

Connect with Honda Marine on Facebook by visiting http://facebook.com/hondamarine.

Corporate: 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.

Corporate: Honda’s Anna, Ohio Engine Plant Manager Discusses New Engines

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:43:00 -0800

Honda’s Anna, Ohio Engine Plant Manager Discusses New Engines

Corporate: President Iwata, Honda of America Mfg., Announced $98 Million Investment

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:43:00 -0800

President Iwata, Honda of America Mfg., Announced $98 Million Investment

Corporate: Acura Announces January Sales Increase; TL Up 43 Percent

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:05:00 -0800

Acura posted January sales of 8,381 an increase of 5.3 percent compared to January 2011.

"With inventory still building to optimal levels, 2012 is off to a good start," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "After the successful launch of the RDX Prototype and the ILX and NSX Concepts at the Detroit Auto Show, strong January sales and the buzz surrounding Acura's Super Bowl commercial, the Acura brand has real momentum going forward."

Total car sales reported 4,582 units, up 24.1 percent versus January 2011, with the TL posting 2,283 units and the TSX 2,266 units, up 43.4 and 16.7 percent respectively. The MDX was Acura’s best selling model with 2,861 sales for the month, down 8.5 percent. Total truck sales tallied 3,799 units, down 11 percent.

Additional ways to connect with Acura:
Media Information: www.acuranews.com
Consumer Information: www.acura.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Acura
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Acura_Insider
YouTube: www.youtube.com/acura

Corporate: 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.

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.

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Corporate: Honda's Continuously Variable Transmissions Undergo Leak Testing

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

Honda's Continuously Variable Transmissions Undergo Leak Testing

Corporate: 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

Corporate: Honda will build new continuously variable transmission in Ohio

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

Honda will build new continuously variable transmission in Ohio

Corporate: Production Versions of ILX and RDX Make World Debuts at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:00:00 -0800

The production versions of the all-new Acura ILX and the completely redesigned Acura RDX will make their world debuts at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, February 8, 2012, Acura announced today.

The 2013 Acura ILX luxury compact sedan is an all-new model positioned as the gateway to the Acura brand. Sleek and sporty, the ILX will feature three distinct powertrains, including Acura's first ever hybrid. The ILX will feature a high–quality, well-appointed interior that is smart and spacious. It will offer a number of new, high-value features including a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start, along with Pandora® internet radio interface and SMS text message function for smart connectivity with the world.

The new 2013 RDX, Acura's compact crossover Sport Utility Vehicle, will offer a perfect balance of luxury and utility. The RDX will now be powered by a V-6 engine, producing 33 more horsepower than the outgoing model— yet it is expected to offer the best fuel economy of any gasoline-powered luxury SUV in its class. Interior features, such as larger door openings, more passenger room, increased cargo volume and a power rear tailgate make the RDX interior even more accommodating and flexible.

Although there will not be a media press conference, both vehicles will be on display in the Acura booth at McCormick Place, Chicago. Press information and photos will post to www.acuranews.com on February 8, 2012.

About Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 272 dealers within the United States. The 2012 Acura lineup features six distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan and Sport Wagon, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV, the MDX luxury SUV and the ZDX four-door sports coupe.

Corporate: Honda Riders Reed and Tomac Lead Points Chase After Round Four

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:42:00 -0800

Round four of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship series took place this weekend in Oakland, CA. The Oakland Coliseum, which usually serves as home to the Oakland Raiders and Oakland A's, was filled Saturday night with thousands of Supercross enthusiasts. It was another great week for Honda, with GEICO Honda's Eli Tomac winning the Lites class for a second week in a row. In the Supercross final, TwoTwo Motorsports rider Chad Reed also was on the podium for a third time this season, placing second.

Team Honda Muscle Milk's Justin Brayton came into Oakland looking for redemption after a tough round three in Los Angeles, and he looked fast throughout qualifying and the heat races. Unfortunately, when the gate dropped for the main Brayton got off to a mid-pack start heading into the first turn. The remainder of the 20 laps was spent in an admirable charge through the pack, which eventually netted him ninth place. Reed fared better in the main as he got the holeshot and led the pack for almost half the race until being passed by another rider. He continued to fight hard and rode a very solid race to finish second.

"The starts are so important," said Reed. "Hopefully we can keep building on these last couple weeks, keep getting the starts and accumulating those points." The CRF450R Honda rider is now tied for the points lead and will be running red plates going into Anaheim 2.

Andrew Short also had an impressive ride Saturday night aboard his Supercross.com/Honda CRF450R, putting together 20 consistent laps to finish in fifth place. GEICO Honda rider Kevin Windham showed impressive speed with a fourth place overall qualifying time in practice. He also put together a solid main by finishing in sixth place, right behind Short.

"The night was good, it was a nice rebound for me after Dodger Stadium," said Windham. "I spent most of the week focusing on trying to come out and get my job done after last weekend. I saw the whole thing with Trey and it was really difficult for me. It felt like I had a good heat and great times during the day and I am pleased with my finish but I am really looking to get GEICO Honda on the podium."

For the second week in a row the night belonged to GEICO Honda's Lites rider Eli Tomac. Heat two was stacked full of Honda riders with Cole Seely of Troy Lee Designs/ Lucas Oil/ Honda finishing in first, Tomac in second and Billy Laninovich in third. In the main event Tomac got a third-place start, followed by Seely in fourth. Tomac made his way to the front of the pack by lap three and after that he was untouchable, laying down incredible lap times. He quickly pulled away and took the checkered flag, making him the first rider in the 2012 season to win back-to-back races. He will be running the red leader's number plates once again in Anaheim. "After the front two guys made some pretty big mistakes, I wanted to make sure I stayed consistent once out front," said Tomac. "I didn't do anything crazy and was able to ride a solid race. I am excited, the red backgrounds look good on a Honda." Seely finished in 11th position after crashing in the beginning of the race and restarting almost last. His Troy Lee Designs teammate Travis Baker had a great ride, finishing sixth in the main.

Supercross Main Event
1. James Stewart
2. Chad Reed (Honda)
3. Ryan Villopoto
4. Ryan Dungey
5. Andrew Short (Honda)
6. Kevin Windham (Honda)
7. Davi Millsaps
8. Jake Weimer
9. Justin Brayton (Honda)
10. Josh Hansen

Supercross Championship Points (after 4 of 17 rounds)
1. Chad Reed 85
2. Ryan Dungey 85
3. Ryan Villopoto 83
4. James Stewart 73
5. Jake Weimer 61
6. Kevin Windham 58
7. Andrew Short 52
8. Josh Hansen 47
9. Brett Metcalf 45
10. Davi Millsaps 42

Supercross Lites West Main Event
1. Eli Tomac (Honda)
2. Marvin Musquin
3. Zach Osborne
4. Ryan Sipes
5. Matt Moss
6. Travis Baker (Honda)
7. Nico Izzi
8. Max Anstie (Honda)
9. Martin Davalos
10. Dean Wilson

Supercross Lites West Points (after 4 of 9 rounds)
1. Eli Tomac 88
2. Dean Wilson 73
3. Zach Osborne 67
4. Marvin Musquin 64
5. Tyla Rattray 60
6. Cole Seely 57
7. Jason Anderson 53
8. Nico Izzi 46
9. Max Anstie 45
10. Ryan Sipes 43

About Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and MUVs in the U.S. American Honda's Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to www.powersports.honda.com.

Corporate: Jerry Seinfeld in the Making of the Acura Super Bowl Commercial

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:39:00 -0800

Jerry Seinfeld in the Making of the Acura Super Bowl Commercial

Corporate: Jerry Seinfeld in the Making of the Acura Super Bowl Commercial

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:39:00 -0800

Jerry Seinfeld in the Making of the Acura Super Bowl Commercial

Corporate: Acura to Debut Super Bowl XLVI Commercial, First for the Brand

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:53:00 -0800

Acura, for the first time, will run a commercial during the Super Bowl championship game to capitalize on communicating with the more than 100 million viewers. Designed to strengthen Acura brand awareness and leverage Acura's announcement in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show earlier this month, a 60-second commercial featuring the iconic talent of Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno coupled with the highly anticipated NSX supercar concept will air during the third quarter.

"Acura has a specific plan in place across all communication channels to build off of the first round of product news announced at the North American International Auto Show. The response to the ILX, RDX and NSX supercar concept has been extremely positive," said Susie Rossick, Acura Brand Manager. "Our Super Bowl strategies are simple—build upon the buzz created in Detroit and leverage the excitement for the future return of the legendary NSX to the Acura lineup."

This commercial, "Transactions," depicts the over-the-top antics of two actual top car collectors, Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno, in an unrelenting bid to be the first in line to take delivery on the first Acura NSX.

"The goal is to present a commercial that not only clearly positions the NSX as the ultimate 'must have' sports car, but does it in a way that is memorable, entertaining and aligned with Acura's brand position," said John Hage, EVP/executive creative director at rp&, Acura's advertising agency of record.

The Super Bowl campaign includes a pre-game release of a 1-minute 50-second -extended version of "Transactions," PR initiatives, search, seeding and paid media placements. The commercial will be featured in Acura dealerships across the country. In addition, as the preferred vehicle of W Hotels, the commercial will be shown in-car on the MDX's rear-entertainment DVD screen during guest rides.

"Transactions" will help to build upon the anticipation coalescing for the next chapter of Acura, which commences this spring with the launch of the all-new RDX crossover sport utility vehicle and the introduction of the all-new ILX luxury compact sedan.

Corporate: 10th Anniversary Honda Battle of the Bands

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:01:00 -0800

10th Anniversary Honda Battle of the Bands

Corporate: 10th Anniversary Honda Battle of the Bands Marks Unforgettable Celebration of HBCU Marching Band Experience

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:00:00 -0800

An enthusiastic crowd of some 60,000 fans, students and alumni packed the Georgia Dome on Saturday to be part of the one-of-a-kind spectacle that is the Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) Invitational Showcase. The crowd was treated to a series of spectacular performances by eight of the nation's top marching bands from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), as well as an electrifying halftime performance by Grammy Award-winning R&B songstress Monica, as the Honda Battle of the Bands marked the 10th anniversary of its Invitational Showcase event.

The unparalleled pageantry, musicianship and camaraderie of the HBCU marching band experience and tradition was on full display, as the dynamic performances by: Albany State University, Bethune Cookman University, Jackson State University, Prairie View A&M University, South Carolina State University, Tennessee State University, Virginia State University and Winston-Salem State University brought to life the "Homecoming" theme of the 2012 Honda Battle of the Bands program.

The 10th anniversary Honda Battle of the Bands called for all HBCU marching band alumni, current students and fans to attend this special anniversary event. Just as "The Yard" on HBCU campuses serves as the community gathering place for all homecoming activities, the Georgia Dome was transformed into "The Honda Battle of the Bands Yard" and re-created the HBCU homecoming experience with everything from a pee-wee football scrimmage to a short step-show.

The Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase is the nation's largest and most highly anticipated HBCU music event. Widely known as "the Super Bowl for Black college bands," the program was started 10 years ago to highlight and celebrate the heritage and showmanship of HBCU marching bands. Dedicated solely to supporting HBCU music education programs, the program also stands as the only national music scholarship program of its kind. Each of the eight schools that participated in this year's Invitational Showcase earned $20,000 in grant money for their school's music scholarship program. In all, more than $200,000 in music scholarship grants were awarded to the 41 schools participating in the 2012 Honda Battle of the Bands program.

Honda Battle of the Bands Fan Wins New 2012 CR-V
Elijah Hayes of Fort Valley State University was the winner of a new 2012 Honda CR-V. "Band Chatter," introduced for the 10th anniversary of the Honda Battle of the Bands program, was an online social media challenge that gave HBCU students the opportunity to flex their Facebook and Twitter skills for a chance to win a trip for two to the Invitational Showcase and a new Honda CR-V. Hayes, this year's winner, accumulated points through daily Facebook postings, comments and photo uploading and sharing earning him a chance to win.

Recruitment Fair Encourages High School Seniors to Think About College
In addition to the marching band performances at the Invitational Showcase, HBOB includes an HBCU Recruitment Fair engaging high school students with representatives of HBCU schools. Conceived to go one step beyond just exposing young people to the opportunities offered by historically black colleges and universities, the HBOB HBCU Recruitment Fair is unique in enabling prospective college students to meet with marching band and admissions recruiters to discuss admissions requirements and scholarship opportunities. More than 35 institutions exhibited, and more than 3,000 young people attended this year's Recruitment Fair event.

For more information on the Honda Battle of the Bands program and the Invitational Showcase visit www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com, the official online destination and clearinghouse for all HBOB information.

For downloadable, broadcast quality, video and high-resolution photos please go to epklink.com/hondabattleofthebands.

Honda Battle of the Bands on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HondaBattleoftheBands
Honda Battle of the Bands on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/the_honda
Honda Battle of the Bands on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/hondabotb
(For Media Only) Honda Multimedia Newsroom: http://www.hondanews.com

About Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., was founded in 1959 as the U.S. sales and marketing subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Honda currently produces automobiles, all-terrain vehicles, power equipment products and engines at its nine major U.S. manufacturing operations, using domestic and globally sourced parts. Honda's long-standing commitment to the support and success of the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities began more than 20 years ago with the establishment of the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, a program designed to showcase the academic gifts and prowess of HBCU students. American Honda established Honda Battle of the Bands ten years ago as an effort to support HBCU music programs. For more information, visit www.honda.corporate.com.

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with more than 107 million total connections nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries, including all of the Fortune 500. A Dow 30 company with $106.6 billion in 2010 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 195,000. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

Corporate: 10th Anniversary Honda Battle of the Bands

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:00:00 -0800

10th Anniversary Honda Battle of the Bands

Corporate: 10th Anniversary Honda Battle of the Bands

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:00:00 -0800

10th Anniversary Honda Battle of the Bands

Corporate: 10th Anniversary Honda Battle of the Bands Highlights

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:00:00 -0800

See video highlights from the 2012 Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase.

Corporate: "Matthew's Day Off" Super Bowl XLVI Commercial

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:43:00 -0800