Hondanews Online Newsroom

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.

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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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.

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:
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

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

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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

Honda Automobiles: Watch the All-New Honda Accord Coupe Concept Debut Live from the 2012 North American International Auto Show

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:00:00 -0800

For those unable to attend the North American International Auto Show, Honda will unveil the all-new Accord Coupe Concept live via webcast on January 10 at 9:20 a.m., EST. Media may view the webcast at http://hondanews.com/live/2012naias-honda and consumers may view it at http://hondawebcast.com.

Honda Automobiles: American Honda Reports December Sales

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:45:00 -0800

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today reported December monthly new-vehicle sales of 105,230, a decrease of 18.8 percent on a daily selling-rate* basis. American Honda's 2011 annual vehicle sales totaled 1,147,285, a decrease of 7.1 percent compared to 2010.

The Honda Division's December monthly sales of 92,101 represented a decrease of 19.3 percent compared to 2010. Honda Division's 2011 annual sales of 1,023,986 decreased 6.9 percent compared to 2010. The three top-selling Honda models for 2011 were Accord, 235,625; Civic, 221,235; and CR-V, 218,373.

"As we eagerly close one of the most challenging years American Honda has weathered, we are well-positioned for a strong 2012," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. "Although we still had low inventory in December, our production levels are now back to normal. The new year brings the promise of positive momentum with the all-new CR-V now on sale and a concept version of the ninth-generation 2013 Honda Accord Coupe to be unveiled next week at the North American International Auto Show."

Monthly Odyssey sales increased by 13.2 percent to 11,489, and Pilot sales increased 12.6 percent to 11,641. Additional models with monthly sales gains included Fit, up 5.7 percent to 5,138, setting a new December sales record, and Ridgeline with a sales increase of 21.2 percent to 1,468.

The Acura Division's year-end sales totaled 123,299, down 8.0 percent compared to 2010 results. December Acura sales totaled 13,129, a decrease of 15.2 percent. The MDX led the division with annual sales of 43,271, followed by the TL with sales of 31,237 and the TSX with sales of 30,935.

*The annual Daily Selling Rate (DSR) is calculated with 307 days for 2011 and 306 days for 2010. December 2011 and December 2010 both included 27 selling days. All percentages represent DSR.

Honda Automobiles: Watch the All-New Honda Accord Coupe Concept Debut Live from the 2012 North American International Auto Show

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:20:00 -0800

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

Honda Automobiles: New Four-cylinder 2012 Honda Crosstour EX and EX-L Combine Affordability, Fuel Efficiency and a Sleek Crossover Design

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:58:00 -0800

Two new four-cylinder, two-wheel-drive Honda Crosstour® models are set to go on sale next month, broadening the vehicle's appeal through a lower price point and EPA-estimated fuel economy that increases 3 mpg¹ in the city and 2 mpg¹ on the highway.

EPA-estimated fuel economy on the four-cylinder Crosstour is 21 mpg¹ city and 29 mpg¹ highway, a significant increase from the 271-horsepower 2WD V6 model's EPA estimated 18 mpg¹ city and 27 mpg¹ highway.

With the launch of the new four-cylinder Crosstour models, some useful features are now standard across the entire Crosstour family, which first debuted for the 2010 model year with V6 power. The four-cylinder Crosstour models join the current 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 Crosstour models already available. 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®³ HandsFreeLink® and USB audio interface.

Bold Exterior and Functional Interior
Honda Crosstour approaches the crossover SUV formula from a distinctively sleek, sporty and fuel-efficient perspective, while also maximizing the interior's cargo capacity, versatility and premium feel.

The exterior design emphasizes a bold, aerodynamic look that also conceals an accommodating rear cargo area. The four-cylinder model includes body-color door handles and unique 17-inch alloy wheels with P225/65 R17 all-season tires. Two new colors are available on all 2012 Crosstour models: Twilight Blue Metallic replaces Glacier Blue Metallic, and Basque Red Pearl II replaces Tango Red Pearl.

Premium interior styling, appointments and details extend from the passenger compartment all the way through the cargo area. An under-floor storage area in the rear of the vehicle adds functionality, while reversible cargo floor panels accommodate dirty objects.

Efficient Four-cylinder Powertrain
The new four-cylinder Crosstour models come with a 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® engine for power and efficiency. The engine produces 192 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 162 lb-ft. of torque at 4,400 RPM, while achieving an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy of 21/29/24 mpg¹. To maximize efficiency, a technologically advanced 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control is standard equipment.

Comprehensive Feature List
In addition to auto-on/off headlights, Bluetooth³ HandsFreeLink®, USB audio interface and rearview mirror back-up camera display with integrated guidelines, additional standard features on the new four-cylinder Crosstour EX include projector-beam headlights, a moonroof, body-colored power side mirrors with defrost, auto-up/down driver and front passenger side windows, and rear privacy glass. Inside are air conditioning with second-row ventilation, a 360-watt AM/FM 6-disc audio system with seven speakers, steering wheel-mounted cruise, audio and phone controls, an easy fold-down 60-40 split rear seatback, a hidden removable utility box and more.

Crosstour EX-L adds leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats, a memory driver-side seat and memory-linked side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down capability, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, an automatic dimming rearview mirror, a premium audio system with Kevlar® cone speakers and front aluminum dome-type tweeter speakers, XM® Radio and more. Also available on the Crosstour EX-L is the Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System² which includes a rearview camera with guidelines integrated into the display.

Safety Assets
Safety technology includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Additional safety equipment on the Crosstour includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, driver's and front passenger's side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, and active front seat head restraints.

The Crosstour is assembled in Ohio at the Honda of America Mfg., Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Warranty
The 2012 Honda Crosstour is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new-car limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty.

Additional media information including detailed features and high-resolution photography of the 2012 Honda Crosstour is available at www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.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.
²The 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.
³The 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: 2012 Honda CR-V Pricing and EPA Data

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:08:00 -0800

			EPA
Model	Transmission	MSRP*	City/Highway/ Combined**

CR-V LX (2WD)	5-Speed Automatic	$22,295	23/31/26

CR-V LX (AWD)	5-Speed Automatic	$23,545	22/30/25

CR-V EX (2WD)	5-Speed Automatic	$24,395	23/31/26

CR-V EX (AWD)	5-Speed Automatic	$25,645	22/30/25

CR-V EX-L (2WD)	5-Speed Automatic	$27,045	23/31/26

CR-V EX-L (AWD)	5-Speed Automatic	$28,295	22/30/25

CR-V EX-L with Rear Entertainment System (2WD)	5-Speed Automatic	$27,745	23/31/26
CR-V EX-L with Rear Entertainment System (AWD)	5-Speed Automatic	$28,995	22/30/25
CR-V EX-L with Navi (2WD)	5-Speed Automatic	$28,545	23/31/26

CR-V EX-L with Navi (AWD)	5-Speed Automatic	$29,795	22/30/25


MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $810 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary. *Based on 2012 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Honda Automobiles: Honda Announces Pricing for All-New 2012 CR-V

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:08:00 -0800

The all-new 2012 Honda CR-V, which was recently named a finalist for 2012 North American Truck of the Year, is set to debut at U.S. dealers nationwide today with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) ranging from $22,295 for the value-oriented CR-V LX 2WD to $28,295 for the luxurious CR-V EX-L AWD, plus a destination and handling charge¹ of $810 per vehicle.

The CR-V remains an excellent value, adding between $400 and $1000 worth of standard features and technologies to each trim compared to the outgoing model it replaces. Even loaded with feature content, the line saw only a modest average price increase of $181 and on models equipped with navigation, the price decreases by $300 compared to 2011.

"For 2012, we've made critical upgrades to virtually every aspect of CR-V's winning formula," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales, American Honda Motor Co. Inc., "The CR-V represents an excellent value for customers with pricing remaining relatively unchanged compared to the outgoing model despite the addition of numerous new features, improved fuel economy and enhanced utility."

The all-new CR-V features a more efficient engine design with improved horsepower and torque, along with an all-new Real Time All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Control System™. All CR-Vs are powered by a 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower and 163 lb-ft. of torque paired with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated fuel economy² is rated at 23/31/26 mpg city/highway/combined (2WD) (an increase of +2/+3/+2 mpg compared to the 2011 CR-V), and a compact SUV-class leading 22/30/25 mpg city/highway/combined (AWD) (an increase of +1/+3/+2 mpg compared to the 2011 CR-V).

New for 2012 features include an Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat, lower cargo floor and a range of standard technology features. New high-tech features standard on all models include a Bluetooth®³ HandsFreeLink® phone interface (previously an available feature) a full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines. As a first for Honda, every 2012 CR-V includes an SMS text messaging function, which can read received texts from compatible cell phones aloud over the audio system. Another firsts are the introduction of standard Pandora® Internet Radio interface⁴, compatible with the Apple® iPhone®, which works with the vehicle's audio controls and intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and the availability of a Rear Entertainment System (RES).

The previous-generation CR-V was recognized as a "Top Recommended Vehicle" and received "Best Retained Value SUV under $25,000" by Edmunds.com, and named top compact crossover SUV in dependability by J.D. Power and Associates. The new CR-V continues this winning formula by already earning a Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value award for the 2012 model year.

The CR-V is sold globally in more than 160 countries throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. In the U.S., CR-Vs are manufactured at the Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio from domestic and globally sourced parts.

The 2012 Honda CR-V is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile Limited Vehicle Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile Corrosion Limited Warranty.

2012 CR-V Pricing

Model	Transmission	MSRP¹	City/Hwy/Combined²
CR-V LX (2WD)	5-Speed Automatic	$22,295	23/31/26
CR-V LX (AWD) CR-V EX (2WD) CR-V EX (AWD)	5-Speed Automatic 5-Speed Automatic 5-Speed Automatic	$23,545 $24,395 $25,645	22/30/25 23/31/26 22/30/25
CR-V EX-L (2WD) CR-V EX-L (AWD)	5-Speed Automatic 5-Speed Automatic	$27,045 $28,295	23/31/26 22/30/25
CR-V EX-L with RES (2WD) CR-V EX-L with RES (AWD)	5 Speed Automatic 5 Speed Automatic	$27,745 $28,995	23/31/26 22/30/25
CR-V EX-L with Navi (2WD) CR-V EX-L with Navi (AWD)	5-Speed Automatic 5-Speed Automatic	$28,545 $29,795	23/31/26 22/30/25

Additional media information including detailed pricing features and high-resolution photography of the 2012 CR-V is available at www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com.

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda CR-V (for consumers): automobiles.honda.com/cr-v/
Honda CR-V Leap List (for consumers): leaplist.honda.com
Honda CR-V on Facebook: www.facebook.com/hondacr-v
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 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.

⁴ Carrier data charges may apply.

Honda Automobiles: Twelve American Honda Models Earn IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 06:00:00 -0800

Twelve American Honda models, including the all-new 2012 CR-V that goes on-sale today, 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 last year.

The IIHS award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting vehicle occupants involved in front, side and rear crashes, plus rollover performance based on ratings in the Institute's tests.

Announced by IIHS today, the Honda Fit, CR-Z, Insight, Accord, CR-V, Pilot and Ridgeline along with the Acura TL, TSX and MDX all earned the highest-possible score of GOOD in all four ratings, including the more rigorous roof-strength test. Earlier this year the all-new Civic and redesigned Odyssey earned the TOP SAFETY PICK, giving American Honda twelve 2012 TOP SAFETY PICK winners.

"We're proud to have achieved IIHS TOP SAFETY TOP rating for nine new 2012 Honda models and three 2012 Acura models, making American Honda among the best in the industry with twelve vehicles with top-class IIHS safety ratings under their new, more stringent ratings protocols," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "In fact, 91% of American Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. are TOP SAFETY PICKS. This accomplishment is part of a concerted effort we have made to reassert the Honda brand as a clear leader in this area."

Standard safety equipment on all Honda and Acura models include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); side curtain airbags (some vehicles equipped with a rollover sensor as well); dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; a driver's front side airbag; and a front passenger's side airbag with an occupant position detection system. All 2012 Honda and Acura models recognized by the IIHS, with the exception of the Ridgeline, utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. ACE is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment.

2012 American Honda TOP SAFETY PICKS:

Honda
Fit
Insight
CR-Z
Civic
Accord
CR-V
Pilot
Odyssey
Ridgeline

Acura
Acura TSX
Acura TL
Acura MDX

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

Connect with Acura:
Acura (for consumers): www.acura.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Acura
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Acura_Insider
YouTube: www.youtube.com/acura

Honda Automobiles: Honda Announces Revolutionary Next-generation "Earth Dreams Technology"

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:41:00 -0800

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the outline for a revolutionary next-generation technology for automobiles called "Earth Dreams Technology."

"Earth Dreams Technology" is a next generation set of technological advancements which greatly enhance both driving performance and fuel efficiency at a high level, using as its base advanced environmental technologies to pursue the joy of driving unique to Honda. It is a series of measures in which efficiency of internal combustion components including engine, and transmission, as well as electric-powered motor technology, is further improved.

Through its implementation first in the mini-vehicle N BOX and gradually onto other vehicle models, Honda aims to achieve top-of-industry fuel efficiency for every category within three years, while simultaneously setting a timeline of 2020 to reduce by 30% CO2 emissions for all products sold worldwide, relative to emission figures for 2000.

"Earth Dreams Technology" is an expression for a set of technologies which takes into account both our need to protect the environment and our desire to provide a joy of driving.

■Key features of "Earth Dreams Technology"

A gasoline engine which realizes top level driving performance and fuel efficiency.
A compact diesel engine which realizes the world's lightest body^*1, top-of-class^*1 acceleration performance and fuel efficiency.
CVT which combines at a high level the fun of driving and fuel efficiency.
A two-motor hybrid system which realizes top-of-industry efficiency^*1.
A high-efficiency, high output electric SH-AWD hybrid system which combines superior driving and environmental performance.
A compact, high efficiency electric powertrain for EVs.

■Summary of key features

1. Gasoline engine which achieves top-of-industry driving performance and fuel efficiency

By enhancing Honda's original VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control System) technology to thoroughly improve thermal efficiency and minimize friction, a combination of high output and fuel efficiency was achieved. Further, a new engine series employing a new structure for higher expandability was developed.
By gradually renewing the engine starting with the mini-vehicle N BOX, Honda aims to utilize this technology to achieve top-of-industry output and fuel efficiency in every vehicle class within three years.
A wide range of engine classes including the 660cc, 1.3L, 1.5L, 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.4L, and 3.5L classes will feature the technology.

[660cc class engine]

Employs DOHC and VTC (Variable Timing Control) to improve intake efficiency. Further, the compact combustion chamber realizes high thermal efficiency.
By shortening the bore pitch compared to the present engine models and reducing the thickness of the cylinder block and camshaft, engine weight is reduced by 15%^*3 and fuel efficiency is improved by 10%^*3.

[1.3 to 1.5L class engine]

Employs VTC, direct injection technology and the Atkinson cycle using the DOHC, VTEC technologies as the base.
Extensive friction reduction measures are implemented.

[1.8 to 2.0L class engine]

Employs direct injection technology and the Atkinson cycle using the DOHC, VTEC technologies as the base. Further, implementation of VTC and high-capacity EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) to both the intake and exhaust ports realizes significantly reduced friction.
For the 2.0L class hybrid vehicle engines, use of an electric water pump eliminates the need for a belt in the auxiliary device and contributes to a reduction in friction. The VTC system allows fuel-efficient driving in various driving styles.

[2.4L class engine]

Based on the DOHC and VTEC technologies, it employs VTC and direct injection technology and implements extensive friction reduction measures.
Standalone engine features 5%^*3 improvements in fuel efficiency and output as well as a 10%^*3 improvement in maximum torque compared to the previous engine.

[3.5L class engine]

Employs new valve train mechanisms and direct injection technology in the SOHC, VTEC, VMC systems to improve by over 10%^*3 of fuel efficiency and 5%^*3 of output, relative to the present standalone engine model.

2. A compact diesel engine which realizes the world's lightest body^*1, top-of-class^*1 acceleration performance and fuel efficiency.

Through optimizing engine rigidity and combustion pressure, an aluminum open deck for the cylinder block was enabled in this top-of-industry lightweight^*1 1.6L class diesel engine.
By downsizing from the present 2.2L engine and extensively reducing mechanical friction in each section, a friction level equivalent to present gasoline engine models was achieved.
Optimized thermal management system thanks to improvements in the cooling system reduces CO2 output by over 15%^*3.
Employment of a compact, high-efficiency turbocharger and weight reduction in the reciprocating sliding section realizes a sporty and nimble ride.

3. CVT which combines at a high level the fun of driving and fuel efficiency.

Three CVT structures for mini, compact, and mid-size vehicle classes are newly developed to be adopted for a variety of engine models.
Reinforced belt is used to realize a structure for which a wide ratio range can be set.
Implementation of analysis technology over the contact behavior between the belt and pulley, and a high-precision hydraulic control system allows for continual optimization of hydraulic pressure to the pulley under a variety of driving conditions, contributing to improved fuel efficiency.
Use of an electronic oil pump to realize an idle stop system with high response contributes significantly to improved usability and fuel efficiency.
"G-Design Shift", a new coordinated control system for shift transmission, throttle, and hydraulic control responds quickly to driver demands and realizes an exhilarating, sporty drive with superior acceleration.
In the mini-vehicle class, a control mechanism and innovations in axle placement to reduce the engine size lengthwise, while a reduction in parts by simplifying the transmission casing structure helps realize a lightweight and compact body.
For the compact and mid-size classes, in addition to the reductions in size and weight, transmission efficiency was greatly improved by expanding the ratio range to achieve fuel efficiency improvements of 5%^*3 and 10%^*3 compared to the conventional CVT and comparable 5ATs, respectively.

4. A two-motor hybrid system which realizes top-of-industry efficiency^*1.

A two-motor hybrid system featuring top-of-industry efficiency^*1 enhancing driving performance and reduced CO2 emissions has been newly developed.
Special lithium-ion battery and charger is employed to enable mounting on plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Mid-sized vehicles equipped with this system are scheduled to begin production, starting with the plug-in hybrid model in 2012 and the hybrid model in 2013.
Three driving modes allowing for top-of-industry efficiency^*1 for various driving environments were developed; an "EV driving mode" for urban environments, a "hybrid driving mode" using electricity generated by the motor, and a "engine-connected driving mode" where the engine and tires are mechanically connected during high-speed cruising.
Combination with a high-output 120kW motor allows for superior environmental performance and driving enjoyment.

5. A high-efficiency, high output electric SH-AWD hybrid system which combines superior driving and environmental performance.

A new hybrid system, electric SH-AWD, was developed for large-sized vehicles. By combining a 3.5L, V6 engine with this hybrid system, acceleration equivalent to V8 engines, as well as fuel efficiency equal or superior to in-line 4-cylinder engines were realized.
An electric 4WD system with independent 20kW+ motors on both sides for the rear wheels combines a 7-speed dual clutch transmission system with a built-in 30kW+ high-efficiency motor with the engine.
By mounting a high-performance lithium-ion battery and optimally controlling the front and rear motors, a new hybrid system with high fuel efficiency and output was realized.
By mounting two independent motors in the rear and employing a newly developed bilateral torque adjustable control system, incredibly tight cornering just like driving "on-the-rail" is realized. With this mechanism, Honda strives to provide a stable ride for various driving environments.

6. A compact, high efficiency electric powertrain for EVs.

Thanks to the high efficiency coaxial motor, low-friction gearbox and electric servo brake system, the system realizes the highest electrical consumption capability in the world*1, meeting the required AC consumption rate of 29kWh/100mile(116MPGe) as set forth by the United States.
A traveling distance of 123 miles^*2(LA-4mode: unadjusted) or 210km^*2(JC08 mode) was achieved thanks to the mounting of a high capacity lithium-ion battery.
When using the 240V U.S. electric source, a full charge takes less than 3 hours. (From the time a low-charge signal is lit till full charge)
By offering three driving modes (SPORT, NORMAL, ECON), the driver can freely select from a number of options to meet the needs of various driving styles such as power-saving or sporty drive.

*1 Honda internal research (as of November 30, 2011)
*2 Honda calculations
*3 Compared to Honda products

Publicity materials relating to this press release are available at the following URL:
http://hondanews.info/en/

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

Honda Automobiles: 2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept to Make World Debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 21:02:00 -0800

A concept vehicle revealing the styling direction of the next-generation Honda Accord Coupe will debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show January 10, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

The Accord Coupe Concept will convey the dynamic and aggressive profile of the ninth-generation 2013 Honda Accord set to go on sale in the fall of 2012. John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales, will introduce the concept vehicle at a press conference, which will also be broadcast live via webcast at http://hondanews.com/live/2012naias-honda (link will be live Jan. 10).

A leader in style, performance, safety, efficiency and value since the introduction of the first generation model in 1976, the Accord remains one of the best-selling cars in America. The 2012 Accord was recently named to Car and Driver Magazine's '10Best' list for a record 26th time and was ranked as having the highest initial quality in its segment in the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS). The introduction of the ninth-generation Accord marks 30 years of U.S. production of the model at the Marysville Auto Plant in Marysville, Ohio, the first Japanese car assembly plant in the U.S.

For high-resolution photos and media information on the current Honda lineup, please visit www.hondanews.com. After the press conference, images and video of the Accord Coupe Concept will also be available for download on the site.

Honda Automobiles: Honda Accord and Fit Receive Car and Driver Magazine's "10Best Cars" Awards

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:25:00 -0800

Car and Driver magazine has named the 2012 Honda Accord 4-cylinder and the 2012 Honda Fit as two winners of its prestigious and highly competitive, annual "10Best Cars" award. Now in its eighth generation, the Accord has achieved "10Best Cars" status 26 times in the 30 years that Car and Driver editors have been conducting the competition, more than any other vehicle in the award's history. The Honda Fit has been honored with "10Best Cars" status in each of the six years that it has been on sale in the United States.

"The Car and Driver '10Best Cars' awards document a proud history of great cars in America over the last 30 years," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Honda is honored to again have two of our vehicles included among the best of the best."

The Fit has been sold in the U.S. since the 2007 model year and is manufactured in Sayama, Japan. The Accord has been sold in the U.S. since the 1976 model year and has been manufactured in Marysville, Ohio since 1982.

Honda Car and Driver "10Best Cars" Award History

Honda Model	"10Best Cars" Award Model Year
Accord	2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1995, 1994,1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983
Civic	1996, 1991,1990, 1989, 1988
CRX	1988, 1985
Fit	2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007
Prelude	1998, 1997, 1996, 1995,1994,1993, 1992, 1986, 1985, 1984
S2000	2004, 2002, 2001, 2000

For more information and downloadable high-resolution images of Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.automobiles.honda.com.

Connect to Honda:
Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news
Honda Multimedia Newsroom (for media only): http://www.hondanews.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

Honda Automobiles: Statement by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Regarding Driver's Airbag Inflator Recall Expansion

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 21:00:00 -0800

Honda has expanded a previously announced recall of certain 2001 through 2003 model-year Honda and Acura vehicles to replace the driver's airbag inflator originally installed in approximately 273,000 additional vehicles sold in the U.S. Affected driver's airbag inflators may deploy with too much pressure, which can cause the inflator casing to rupture and could result in injury or fatality.

Separately, Honda has also determined that approximately 640 affected driver's airbag service parts were sold for installation in vehicles for collision repair or other vehicle service. Because Honda is unable to determine the specific vehicles that may have received the affected service parts through existing information, Honda will inspect an additional approximately 603,000 vehicles and replace those parts as necessary.

This recall now includes certain 2001 and 2002 Accord, 2001 to 2003 Civic, 2001 to 2003 Odyssey, 2002 and 2003 CR-V, 2003 Pilot, 2002 and 2003 Acura 3.2 TL and 2003 Acura 3.2 CL vehicles.

Honda is aware of several incidents related to this recall and expansions, and is announcing this further recall expansion to encourage all owners of included vehicles to take their vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive mailed notification from Honda. Notification to the expanded group of customers will begin in late December 2011.

When Honda identifies concerns of this nature, nothing is more important to the company than fulfilling our obligation and responsibility to alert our customers. To this end, in addition to contacting customers by mail, in late December, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by going on-line or calling. Honda owners can go to www.recalls.honda.com or call (800) 999-1009 and select option 4; Acura owners can go to www.recalls.acura.com or call (800) 382-2238 and select option 4.

Honda Automobiles: American Honda Reports November Sales

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:43:00 -0800

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted November sales of 83,925 vehicles, a decrease of 10.1 percent, the company announced today. American Honda year-to-date sales reached 1,042,055, down 5.7 percent versus last year, based on the daily selling rate*.

Honda Division posted November sales of 74,016, a decrease of 9.9 percent versus November 2010. The Pilot continued its momentum with sales of 10,487, up 32.6 percent. The Civic was the top-selling Honda model for November with sales of 17,133, a decrease of 0.7 percent compared to last year. The CR-V posted sales of 16,426, a decrease of 13.7. The Accord posted sales of 14,355 a decrease of 17.9 percent.

"The impact of the Thailand flooding on our North American production levels continued to be felt in November," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. "We're looking forward to closing the year on a strong note as production recovers and the all-new CR-V goes on sale this month."

Acura Division recorded November sales of 9,909, a decrease of 11.2 percent versus November 2010, and year-to-date sales of 110,170, down 7.1 percent. The MDX was the top-selling Acura model for the month with November sales of 3,308 down 24.2 percent. The TSX posted record November sales of 2,691.

*The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 25 days for November 2011 and 24 days for November 2010. Year-to-date DSR is calculated with 280 days for 2011 and 279 days for 2010. All percentages reflect DSR.

# # #

Honda Automobiles: Honda Displays Seven Next-Generation Electromotive Concept Models at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:27:00 -0800

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today opened its display at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011 featuring seven next-generation electromotive concept models. Additional media information regarding the display and today’s announcements, including high-resolution photography, is available at the company’s Japan media web site, http://www.hondanews.info/en/.

Honda Automobiles: Honda Civic Natural Gas Named 2012 Green Car of the Year

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:26:00 -0800

The all-new 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas – the only factory-built, CNG-powered car produced in America – was named 2012 Green Car of the Year® at the Los Angeles Auto Show today. The award was presented to Honda by the editors of Green Car Journal representing a diverse panel of environmental experts and automotive enthusiasts who annually select a single vehicle for its outstanding environmental performance.

"The Civic Natural Gas is not only a great vehicle, it also demonstrates Honda's commitment to provide a variety of alternatives to gasoline," said Michael Accavitti, vice president of marketing at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The Civic Natural Gas and the all-new Fit EV that we introduced yesterday at the Los Angeles Auto Show are the latest additions to a rapidly expanding family of alternative energy Honda vehicles aimed at cutting petroleum use and reducing our carbon footprint."

To support growing consumer interest in alternative-fuel vehicles, Honda is expanding its retail network of Civic Natural Gas retail outlets to 200 dealers in 36 states. Previously, retail sales of the natural gas-powered Civic had been limited to four states – California, New York, Utah and Oklahoma. The 2012 Civic Natural Gas went on sale on October 18 with a manufacturer's suggested retail price¹ (MSRP) starting at $26,155.

With multiple benefits including lower fuel costs and extremely low smog-forming emissions, the 2012 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.

The Civic Natural Gas engine produces almost zero smog-forming emissions and is the cleanest internal-combustion vehicle certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Tier-II, Bin-2 and ILEV certification as of August 2010).

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.

All Civic Natural Gas models are produced by Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC (HMIN) using domestic and globally sourced parts. HMIN is the recipient of a 2011 Platinum Award for quality from J.D. Power and Associates. In addition to being named 2012 Green Car of the Year, previous versions of the CNG-powered Civic have topped the "greenest vehicle" rankings of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) for eight straight years.

About the Green Car of the Year® Award

The Green Car of the Year® is presented annually by the Green Car Journal. In addition to the publication's editors, jurors include Carl Pope, chairman of the Sierra Club; Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council; Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society; Matt Petersen, president of Global Green USA; Jay Leno, noted auto enthusiast and host of the "Tonight Show," as well as automotive icon Carroll Shelby.

Honda Environmental Leadership

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.

¹MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $750.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

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 Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Honda on Facebook: http://facebook.com/honda
Honda Civic on Facebook: http://facebook.com/hondacivic

Honda Automobiles: Honda at the Los Angeles Auto Show: Fact Sheet

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:22:00 -0800

Honda Fit EV
Honda unveiled the all-new 2013 Fit EV at the Los Angeles Auto Show, announcing plans to begin leasing the battery electric commuter vehicle to its U.S. customers in the summer of 2012. The Fit EV is based on the popular Fit hatchback and is designed to meet the driving needs of an average urban commuter. American Honda will begin leasing the Fit EV to customers in select California and Oregon markets next summer, and will expand to six East Coast markets in early 2013.
When the Fit EV is introduced, it will feature:

Fit EV Manufactured Suggested Retail Price1 (MSRP) of $36,625. Lease estimated at $399 per month.
Same 5-passenger packaging found in the popular Fit hatchback.
The Fit EV will offer an estimated driving range of 123-miles on a single charge using the US EPA city cycle test methods (Honda anticipates a combined city/highway EV range of 76 miles on the new Fuel Economy labels).2
20 kWh Toshiba-produced lithium-ion battery located under the floor. Max battery output 100 kW.
92 kW high-density coaxial electric motor derived from the FCX Clarity.
3-mode E-Drive system with Econ, Normal and Sport modes to maximize efficiency or improve acceleration.
6.6 kW onboard 32 amp charger.
Battery fully recharged in as little as 3 hours when connected to a 240-volt circuit.
Standard connectivity system provides driver connectivity to the Fit EV from smartphone and personal computer or interactive remote.
Interactive remote allows driver to monitor state of charge, cabin temperature, initiate and terminate charging and remotely turn on the air conditioning. Driver must be within 100 feet to use interactive remote.
Mobile application and website allows the driver to: monitor state of charge, initiate and terminate charging, set charge timer, turn on air conditioner or heater, activate road side assistance, search for charging stations and plan routes.
Standard Honda Satellite Linked Navigation System™ with charging station locator capability, continuously updated traffic information and driving range meter display.
At launch timing, Honda will have a preferred Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) charging supplier for customer purchase.
Exclusive exterior color, Reflective Blue Pearl.
Bio-fabric seating surfaces.

Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program
Honda will launch an Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program to provide real-world testing of its new vehicles. Participants include: Stanford University, the City of Torrance, Calif. and Google, Inc.
In addition to real-world testing, the three participants will focus on the following issues:

Stanford University: behavioral and usability research surrounding the adoption of electric vehicles by deploying and comparing small fleet of both conventional and electric vehicle. Finding will consider the respective needs for future electric mobility.
City of Torrance: charging infrastructure development, public education and awareness about electric vehicles as well as promoting sustainable community initiatives. Honda and City of Torrance will investigate the local government fleet usage and acceptance for electrified fleet. City of Torrance will also receive a plug-in hybrid.
Google, Inc: collaboration through GFleet, Google’s all-electric employee car-sharing service. The partnership will involve analysis of vehicle usage including CO2 reduction, energy consumption on a miles/kWh basis and overall energy cost.

1 MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

2 123 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

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

Honda Automobiles: Honda Fit EV Makes World Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:22:00 -0800

Honda today unveiled the all-new 2013 Fit EV at the Los Angeles Auto Show, announcing 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. The Fit EV is based on the popular Fit hatchback and is a part of the company's diverse portfolio of alternative fuel vehicles that includes gasoline-electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell-electric and natural gas-powered models.

American Honda will begin leasing the Fit EV to customers in select California and Oregon markets next summer, and will expand to six East Coast markets in early 2013. The Fit EV's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price² (MSRP) is $36,625 with an estimated lease priced at $399 a month. Honda will monitor market acceptance, but expects volume at this early stage of production to be approximately 1,100 Fit EV's over the next three years.

"The Fit EV is the next critical step in Honda's portfolio approach to alternative fueled vehicles," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "There is no other automaker on the planet whose spirit is more deeply invested in the effort to realize a cleaner, more energy-efficient and ultimately more sustainable transportation future than Honda."

Customers interested in leasing a Fit EV are encouraged to sign up at www.FitEV.Honda.com where they can receive more information and sign up for the opportunity to become a future Fit EV customer.

Fit EV Performance
The Fit EV is designed to meet the needs of an average urban commuter, offering an estimated driving range of 123-miles on a single charge using the US EPA city cycle test methods (Honda anticipates a combined city/highway EV range of 76 miles on the new Fuel Economy labels) 1. The Fit EV will be powered by a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 92 kilowatt coaxial electric motor. The high density electric motor, derived from the motor used in the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, delivers excellent efficiency and power while remaining quiet at high speeds.

Driving range of the Fit EV can be maximized by using several innovative features, including a 3- mode electric drive system, adapted from the CR-Z Sport Hybrid. The system allows the driver to select between Econ, Normal and Sport to instantly and seamlessly change the driving experience to maximize efficiency or improve acceleration. While in Econ mode, practical driving range can increase by as much as 17-percent compared to driving in Normal mode. Acceleration improves significantly when in Sport mode, adding to the Fit EV's fun to drive nature.

In addition to the 3-mode driving system, the Fit EV includes interactive coaching features designed to assist the driver in maximizing battery performance and driving range. The power meter alerts the driver to optimal driving conditions. Additional energy- saving features includes a highly efficient electric air conditioning system and new regenerative braking system.

The 6.6 kW, onboard 32 amp charger allows for convenient recharging of the Fit EV. With a 240-volt charger, the Fit EV can fully recharge in as little as three hours. At launch timing, Honda will have a preferred Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) charging supplier.

Fit EV Exterior and Interior Styling
The exterior dimensions of the Fit EV are identical to the gasoline-powered Fit with the addition of a higher hip point to accommodate the under floor placement of the 20 kWh battery. When the car launches in summer 2012, it will be available in one exclusive color, Reflection Blue Pearl. EV badges on the rear hatch and decals on the side of the vehicle distinguish the electric vehicle from its gasoline counterpart.

The Fit EV carries a familiar chrome front fascia that is similar to other Honda environmentally-responsible vehicles like the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle and Insight hybrid. The Fit EV is outfitted with distinct five-spoke alloy wheels and an aerodynamic rear spoiler.

In the passenger cabin, the seating surfaces are covered with bio-fabric. The Fit EV features illuminated meters that alert the driver to key vehicle functions including state of charge, battery usage and driving range. The meters change color depending on the driving mode selected (green, white or red).

The Fit EV features a spacious and functional cabin with comfortable seating for up to five passengers. For enhanced versatility, the Fit EV offers multiple seating and cargo-carrying configurations.

Fit EV Telematics and Interactive Remote
To help the driver manage the electric vehicle ownership experience, the Fit EV will have a standard telematics system that allows the driver to stay connected through a smartphone, personal computer or interactive remote. Through the Fit EV smartphone and computer applications, the driver can remotely view the vehicles state of charge, initiate charging and activate the air conditioning and heater, to pre-condition the vehicle while connected to the grid which maximizes battery range on start-up. The mobile application and website also offers the ability to set charging notifications and alerts to optimize charging times based on varying utility rates and provides access to 24-hour roadside assistance. The Fit EV will come equipped with a standard Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ that provides the ability to locate public charging stations and frequently updated traffic information.

The interactive remote allows the driver to monitor the vehicles state of charge and cabin temperature. Additionally, the driver can initiate and terminate charging and remotely turn on the air conditioning using the interactive remote. The interactive remote does not require an internet or mobile connection to operate however the driver must be within 100 feet (30 meters) of the vehicle.

Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program
Honda will test the Fit EV with the City of Torrance, California Google Inc. and Stanford University as a part of the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program. 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 usage 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.

For more information and high resolution images of the Fit EV, please visit www.hondanews.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

2 MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

Honda Automobiles: All-New, Completely Redesigned 2012 Honda CR-V Debuts at LA Auto Show

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:22:00 -0800

The all-new, the fourth-generation Honda CR-V debuted today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The 2012 CR-V introduces an upscale styling direction, greater fuel efficiency, and added features and functionality. The CR-V will go on-sale at Honda dealerships nationwide on December 15th.

With the previous-generation CR-V recognized as a "Top Recommended Vehicle" and having the "Best Retained Value SUV under $25,000" by Edmunds.com, and named top compact crossover SUV in dependability by J.D. Power and Associates, the all-new 2012 model introduces the latest evolution of Honda's successful CR-V formula. 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.

Powerful and Efficient 4-Cylinder Engine
Leading the changes are a more efficient engine design with improved horsepower and torque, along with an all-new Real Time All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Control System™. All CR-Vs are powered by a 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower and 163 lb-ft. of torque paired with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated fuel economy¹ is rated at 23/31/26 mpg city/highway/combined (FWD) (an increase of +2/+3/+2 mpg compared to the 2011 CR-V), and a compact SUV-class leading 22/30/25 mpg city/highway/combined (AWD) (an increase of +1/+3/+2 mpg compared to the 2011 CR-V). Eco Assist, a new feature on the CR-V for 2012, indicates to the driver when the vehicle is being operated in an efficient style via "green" visual cues surrounding the speedometer, and a selectable ECON Mode alters operating characteristics of the vehicle to support an efficient driving style.

New Standard Features
New for 2012 standard features include an Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat and a range of standard technology features. New high-tech features on all models include a Bluetooth®² HandsFreeLink® phone interface (previously an available feature), a full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines. As a first for Honda, every 2012 CR-V includes an SMS text messaging function, which can read received texts from compatible cell phones aloud over the audio system. Another first is the introduction of a Pandora® Internet Radio interface³, compatible with the Apple® iPhone®, which works with the vehicle's audio controls and i-MID.

Model Range
The CR-V lineup starts with the CR-V LX model, now with more standard equipment for 2012. The CR-V LX is equipped with air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, i-MID, remote entry, a 160-watt, a 4-speaker audio system, Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS). The CR-V EX adds an upgraded six-speaker audio system, power moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels and more. The CR-V EX-L builds on the rich features of the CR-V EX and adds a leather-trimmed interior, 10-way power driver's seat, automatic dual-zone climate control, 328-watt 7-speaker audio system with XM®⁴ Radio and much more. Available features for the CR-V EX-L include the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System⁵ with Voice Recognition™ and FM Traffic, or a DVD Rear Entertainment System (not available with Navigation). Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™ is an available feature on each model.

Design
The 2012 CR-V body adopts a more dynamic and sophisticated appearance compared to the previous generation. The CR‑V's spacious interior layout is more accommodating with a roomy new center console (now standard) and an overall lower cargo floor height for easy loading and unloading. The new Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat makes accessing the full capability of the cargo area much more convenient than traditional folding seats. Each side of the rear seat can fold nearly flat into the front of the cargo area using one of the release levers located near the tailgate, or a pull-strap positioned on the seat side.

Safety
Every CR-V incorporates as standard equipment VSA, an electronic stability control system; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist; side-curtain airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and a front seat design that can help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. An Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure in the front of the vehicle helps make the vehicle highly effective at absorbing and dispersing the energy of a frontal crash.

Warranty
The 2012 Honda CR-V is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new-car limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty.

Additional media information, including detailed features and high-resolution photography of the 2012 Honda CR-V, is available at www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.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.
²The 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.
³Carrier data charges may apply.
⁴Required XM Radio subscription sold separately. Subscriptions are governed by the XM Customer Agreement available at xmradio.com/service terms. Other fees and taxes apply; see XM Customer Agreement for details. Fees and programming subject to change. Service not available in Canada, Alaska, or Hawaii. © 2011 SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries.
⁵The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ is available on the CR-V EX-L in the United States, except Alaska. Please see your Honda dealer for details. Certain functions that rely on a satellite signal will not work correctly in Hawaii and Alaska. These functions include, but are not limited to, automatic clock updates and time zone adjustments.

Honda Automobiles: 2012 Honda CR-V Specifications and Features

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:20:00 -0800

ENGINEERING	LX	EX	EX-L
Engine Type	In-Line 4-Cylinder	In-Line 4-Cylinder	In-Line 4-Cylinder
Engine Block/Cylinder Head	Aluminum-Alloy	Aluminum-Alloy	Aluminum-Alloy
Displacement (L / cc)	2.4 / 2354	2.4 / 2354	2.4 / 2354
Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net)	185 @ 7000	185 @ 7000	185 @ 7000
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)	163 @ 4400	163 @ 4400	163 @ 4400
Bore and Stroke (mm)	87 x 99	87 x 99	87 x 99
Compression Ratio	10.0:1	10.0:1	10.0:1
Valve Train	16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC®	16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC®	16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC®
Multi-Point Fuel Injection	•	•	•
Drive-by-Wire™ Throttle System	•	•	•
Eco Assist™ System	•	•	•
Real Time AWD (Intelligent Control System)™	Available	Available	Available
Hill Start Assist	•	•	•
CARB Emissions Rating	ULEV-2†	ULEV-2†	ULEV-2†
Direct Ignition System with Immobilizer	•	•	•
100K +/- Miles No Scheduled Tune-Ups*	•	•	•
* Does not apply to fluid and filter changes. Will vary with driving conditions. Please see your Honda dealer for details. †ULEV-2 (Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle) models as certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

TRANSMISSIONS	LX	EX	EX-L
5-Speed Automatic Transmission
FWD Gear Ratios: 1st: 2.652, 2nd: 1.517, 3rd: 1.037, 4th: 0.738, 5th: 0.537 Reverse: 2.000, Final Drive: 4.44	•	•	•
AWD Gear Ratios: 1st: 2.786, 2nd: 1.614, 3rd: 1.082, 4th: 0.773, 5th: 0.566 Reverse: 2.000, Final Drive: 4.44	Available	Available	Available

BODY/SUSPENSION/CHASSIS	LX	EX	EX-L
Unit-Body Construction	•	•	•
MacPherson Strut Front Suspension	•	•	•
Multi-Link Rear Suspension	•	•	•
Stabilizer Bar (mm., front/rear)	20 / 19	20 / 19	20 / 19
Motion-Adaptive Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS)	•	•	•
Steering Wheel Turns, Lock-to-Lock	3.16	3.16	3.16
Steering Ratio	16.66	16.66	16.66
Turning Diameter, Curb-to-Curb (ft)	37.0	37.3	37.3
Power-Assisted Ventilated Front Disc/Solid Rear Disc Brakes (in, front/rear; FWD(AWD)	11.8 / 12.0 (11.7 / 12.0)	11.8 / 12.0 (11.7 / 12.0)	11.8 / 12.0 (11.7 / 12.0)
Wheels (in)	16x6.5 Styled Steel	17x6.5 Alloy	17x6.5 Alloy
All-Season Tires	215 / 70 R16 100S	225 / 65 R17 102T	225 / 65 R17 102T
Compact Spare Tire	•	•	•

EXTERIOR MEASUREMENTS	LX	EX	EX-L
Wheelbase (in)	103.1	103.1	103.1
Length (in)	178.3	178.3	178.3
Height FWD / 4WD (in)	64.7 / 65.1	64.7 / 65.1	64.7 / 65.1
Width (in)	71.6	71.6	71.6
Track (in, front/rear)	61.5 / 61.5	61.6 / 61.6	61.6 / 61.6
Ground Clearance (FWD / AWD in, unladen)	6.3 / 6.7	6.3 / 6.7	6.3 / 6.7
Curb Weight (lbs, FWD/AWD)	3305 / 3426	3365 / 3490	3408 / 3529
			3424 / 3545 (EX-L w/RES)
			3424 / 3545 (EX-L w/Navi)
Weight Distribution [%, front/rear; FWD(AWD)]	59 / 41 (58 / 42)	58 / 42 (58 / 42)	58 / 42 (57 / 43)
			58 / 42 (58 / 42) (EX-L w/RES)
			58 / 42 (58 / 42) (EX-L w/Navi)
Towing Capacity (lbs)	1500	1500	1500

INTERIOR MEASUREMENTS	LX	EX	EX-L
Headroom (in, front/rear)	39.9 / 38.6	38.0 / 38.6	38.0 / 38.6
Legroom (in, front/rear)	41.3 / 38.3	41.3 / 38.3	41.3 / 38.3
Shoulder Room (in, front/rear)	58.6 / 56.4	58.6 / 56.4	58.6 / 56.4
Hiproom (in, front/rear)	54.5 / 53.1	54.5 / 53.1	54.5 / 53.1
Cargo Volume (cu ft, rear seat up/down)	37.2 / 70.9	37.2 / 70.9	37.2 / 70.9
Passenger Volume (cu ft)	104.1	101.5	101.5
Seating Capacity	5	5	5

EPA MILEAGE ESTIMATES*/FUEL	LX	EX	EX-L
5-Speed Automatic (FWD; City/Highway/Combined)	23 / 31 / 26	23 / 31 / 26	23 / 31 / 26
5-Speed Automatic (AWD; City/Highway/Combined)	22 / 30 / 25	22 / 30 / 25	22 / 30 / 25
Fuel (gal)	15.3	15.3	15.3
Required Fuel	Regular Unleaded	Regular Unleaded	Regular Unleaded
* 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.

SAFETY	LX	EX	EX-L
3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions	•	•	•
Front 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System	•	•	•
Driver's and Front Passenger's Seat Belt Reminder	•	•	•
Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS)	•	•	•
Front Side Airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)	•	•	•
Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor	•	•	•
Advanced Compatibility Engineering™(ACE™) Body Structure	•	•	•
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control	•	•	•
Brake Assist	•	•	•
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)	•	•	•
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)	•	•	•
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)	•	•	•
Daytime Running Lights (DRL)	•	•	•
Side-Impact Door Beams	•	•	•
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-Row All), Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All)	•	•	•
Child-Proof Rear Door Locks	•	•	•

EXTERIOR FEATURES	LX	EX	EX-L
One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature		•	•
Remote Entry System	•	•	•
Security System		•	•
Roof Rails			•
Fog Lights		•	•
Folding Power Side Mirrors including Expanded View Driver's Mirror	•	Body-Colored	Body-Colored / Heated
Multi-Reflector Halogen Headlights with Auto-Off	•	•	with Auto-On/Off
2-Speed/Intermittent Windshield Wipers	•
Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers		•	•
Intermittent Rear Window Wiper/Washer	•	•	•
Heat-Rejecting Green-Tinted Glass	•	•	•
Body-Colored Door Handles		•	•
Rear Privacy Glass		•	•

COMFORT & CONVENIENCE	LX	EX	EX-L
Air Conditioning with Air-Filtration System	•	•
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control System			•
Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition and FM Traffic			Available
Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System			Available
Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Guidelines	•	•	•
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®	•	•	•
Power Windows with Auto-Up/Down Driver's Window	•	•	•
Power Door and Tailgate Locks	•	•	•
Cruise Control	•	•	•
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column	•	•	•
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel			•
Illuminated Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls	Cruise / Audio / Phone / i-MID	Cruise / Audio / Phone / i-MID	Cruise / Audio / Phone / i-MID / Navi (available)
Center Console	•	•	•
Driver's and Front Passenger's Vanity Mirrors	•	Illuminated	Illuminated
Conversation Mirror with Sunglasses Holder	•	•	•
Instrument Panel-Mounted Shifter	•	•	Leather-Wrapped
Beverage Holders, Front and Rear (8 total)	•	•	•
12-Volt Power Outlets	Front / Center Console	Front / Center Console	Front / Center Console
Glove Compartment	•	•	•
Door-Pocket Storage Bins	•	•	•
Driver's and Front Passenger's Seatback Pockets		•	•
Map Lights	•	•	•
Rear-Seat Center Armrest	•	•	•
Driver-Side Garment Hook	•	•	•
Remote Fuel Filler Door Release	•	•	•
Rear Window Defroster	•	•	•
Rear-Seat Heater Ducts	•	•	•
Floor Mats	•	•	•
Retractable Cargo Area Cover		•	•
Cargo Area Tie-Down Anchors (4 total)	•	•	•
Cargo Area Light	•	•	•

SEATING	LX	EX	EX-L
Reclining Front Bucket Seats with Adjustable Head Restraints	•	•	•
Driver's Seat with 10-Way Power Adjustment including Power Lumbar Support			•
Driver's Seat with Manual Height Adjustment	•	•
Leather-Trimmed Seats			•
Heated Front Seats			•
Adjustable Front Seat-Belt Anchors	•	•	•
Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seatback	•	•	•
Head Restraints at all Seating Positions	•	•	•

AUDIO SYSTEMS	LX	EX	EX-L
160-Watt AM/FM/CD Audio System with 4 Speakers	•
160-Watt AM/FM/CD Audio System with 6 Speakers		•
328-Watt AM/FM/CD Audio System with 7 Speakers including Subwoofer			•
Bluetooth® Streaming Audio	•	•	•
Pandora® Internet Radio Compatibility	•	•	•
XM® Radio			•
USB Audio Interface	•	•	•
MP3/Auxiliary Input Jack	•	•	•
MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) Playback Capability	•	•	•
Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC)	•	•	•

MULTI - INFORMATION DISPLAY	LX	EX	EX-L
Average Fuel Economy Indicator	•	•	•
Digital Odometer and Digital Trip Meters (2)	•	•	•
Engine Oil Life Indicator	•	•	•
Exterior Temperature Indicator	•	•	•
Instant Fuel Economy Indicator	•	•	•
Miles-to-Empty Indicator	•	•	•

INTELLIGENT MULTI - INFORMATION DISPLAY	LX	EX	EX-L
Average Fuel Economy Indicator	•	•	•
Average Speed Indicator	•	•	•
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®	•	•	•
Bluetooth® Streaming Audio	•	•	•
Clock	•	•	•
Compass	•	•	•
Customizable Door Lock Settings	•	•	•
Customizable Interior Light Settings	•	•	•
Customizable Language Settings	•	•	•
Customizable Screen Color Settings	•	•	•
Customizable Wallpaper Settings	•	•	•
Elapsed Time Indicator	•	•	•
Engine Oil Life Indicator	•	•	•
Miles-to-Empty Indicator	•	•	•
Multi-Angle Rearview Camera	•	•	•
Pandora® Internet Radio Compatibility	•	•	•
SMS Text Message Function	•	•	•
Turn-By-Turn Directions			with Navigation
Welcome Screen	•	•	•

INSTRUMENTATION	LX	EX	EX-L
12-Volt Battery Charging System Indicator	•	•	•
ABS Indicator	•	•	•
Airbag System Indicator	•	•	•
AWD Indicator	AWD models	AWD models	AWD models
Brake System Indicator	•	•	•
Coolant Temperature Indicator	•	•	•
Cruise Control Indicators	•	•	•
Door Open Indicator	•	•	•
DRL Indicator	•	•	•
ECON Button	•	•	•
ECON Mode Indicator	•	•	•
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Indicator	•	•	•
Fog Light Indicator		•	•
Fuel Level Indicator	•	•	•
Headlight-On Indicator	•	•	•
High-Beam Indicator	•	•	•
Immobilizer System Indicator	•	•	•
Low Tire-Pressure Indicator	•	•	•
Low-Fuel Indicator	•	•	•
Low-Oil Pressure Indicator	•	•	•
Maintenance Minder™ Indicator	•	•	•
Malfunction Indicator	•	•	•
Passenger-Side Side Airbag-Off Indicator	•	•	•
Seat Belt Reminder Indicator	•	•	•
Security System Indicator		•	•
Shift Lever Position Indicator	•	•	•
Speedometer	•	•	•
Tachometer	•	•	•
Tailgate Open Indicator	•	•	•
TPMS Indicator	•	•	•
Transmission Indicator	•	•	•
Turn Signal/Hazard Indicators	•	•	•
VSA System and VSA Off Indicators	•	•	•
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., reserves the right to make changes at any time, without notice or obligation, in colors, specifcations, accessories, materials and models.

Honda Automobiles: All-New, Completely Redesigned 2012 Honda CR-V Becomes Sleeker, More Efficient and Technologically Savvy

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:19:00 -0800

All new for 2012, the fourth-generation Honda CR-V embraces a sophisticated and bold styling direction, offers multiple technology firsts for Honda and increases fuel economy on all models, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. Long established as the benchmark vehicle in its class in terms of quality, refinement and popularity, the 2012 CR-V is designed to continue to exceed customer expectations for entry-level SUVs. Major enhancements include improved car-like interior comfort, a smoother and quieter ride, and more innovative features.

New for 2012

More efficient engine design with improved horsepower and torque
Available Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™
New-for-2012 standard features include an Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat, Eco Assist™, Expanded-View Driver's Mirror and Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS)
New-for-2012 features include intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID), Pandora internet radio interface, SMS text messaging function, and available DVD Rear Entertainment System and FM Traffic

CR-V Summary

Versatile 5-passenger entry-level SUV with sleek style, high-tech features and an emphasis on safety
2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower and 163 lb-ft. of torque, standard 5-speed automatic transmission and EPA-estimated fuel economy of 23/31 mpg¹ city/highway (FWD) and 22/30 mpg¹ city/highway (AWD)
Passenger volume, 104.1 cu-ft. (LX), 101.5 cu-ft. (EX/EX-L)
Cargo volume, rear seat up/down, 37.2/70.9 cu-ft.
Body Length x Width x Height (EX), 178.5 x 71.6 x 65.1 in., Wheelbase, 103.1 in.

The 2012 CR-V body features a more dynamic and sophisticated appearance, while contributing to higher fuel efficiency and amazing interior versatility. Compared to the previous generation, the new model takes on a more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia, highlighted by a horizontal three-bar grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights.

The CR-V's spacious interior layout becomes more accommodating with an improved center console (now standard) and an overall lower cargo floor height. The most significant new interior feature is the Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat that makes accessing the full capability of the cargo area much more convenient than traditional manual folding seats. Each side of the rear seat can automatically fold nearly flat into the front of the cargo area using one of the small levers located near the tailgate or a pull-strap positioned on the seat side.

Beyond its new versatile packaging, the CR-V demonstrates new attention to the in-vehicle experience, with sophisticated instrumentation and a standard full-color, 5-inch "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID) that offers a range of customizable features via fingertip controls on the steering wheel. Although the floor pan is the same height as in the previous model, the new CR-V has a slightly lower and more car-like seating position, while still retaining an elevated driver vantage point that customers value in this class. A lower cargo floor improves ease of cargo loading.

The CR-V's audio systems offer a new level of connectivity, including a standard Pandora® internet radio interface that's compatible with the iPhone. There's also a convenient SMS text messaging feature that, when paired with a compatible phone, can read incoming texts aloud through the audio system and allow the CR-V's driver to respond with any of six factory preset text messages. The Bluetooth®² HandsFreeLink® phone interface is standard on all models, and offers intuitive hands-free calling convenience. And for the first time, the CR-V now offers an available DVD Rear Entertainment System (RES).

Improvements to the 2012 CR-V's 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter, i-VTEC DOHC 4-cylinder engine contribute to more power (+5 horsepower) and torque than the previous generation CR-V. The EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy rating increases in front-wheel-drive models to 23/31 mpg¹ (+2/+3 mpg) and models equipped with the available Real Time AWD system increase to 22/30 mpg¹ (+1/+3 mpg), an improvement of 10-percent in highway driving. Models equipped with the available Real Time AWD system achieve the best highway fuel economy for an all-wheel-drive vehicle in its class. Plus, a new ECON operating mode increases the potential for drivers to improve the vehicle's fuel efficiency when the system is activated. The CR-V comes standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

The 103.1-inch wheelbase, wide front and rear track dimensions, advanced suspension design, and features such as Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) and new Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) all contribute to the CR-V's objective to provide a premium driving experience with ride comfort similar to a sedan. The CR-V's suspension system uses a front MacPherson strut design and a precise rear multi-link suspension. The rear multi-link suspension helps maximize rear seating and cargo space, while also providing outstanding handling characteristics and ride quality. Higher-capacity shock absorbers compared to the previous model contribute to a sophisticated driving feel.

The 2012 CR-V exemplifies Honda's approach to safety. Every CR-V incorporates as standard equipment VSA, an electronic stability control system; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist; side-curtain airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and a front seat design that can help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Similar to the previous-generation CR-V, an Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure in the front of the vehicle helps make the vehicle highly effective at absorbing and dispersing the energy of a frontal crash.

Body
Compared to the 2011 model, the 2012 body design is more aerodynamically efficient with a 1.0-inch lower roofline and numerous refinements. Even with its sleeker appearance the CR-V still offers a generous 39.3 inches of headroom (LX model), an increased passenger volume of 104.1 cu-ft., up 0.3 cu-ft. (LX model), and the same ground clearance of 6.7 inches (AWD models) as the 2011 CR-V. The 2012 CR-V front-wheel-drive model has a ground clearance of 6.3 inches. The overall packaging approach creates the largest, most functional interior possible for a vehicle of this exterior size and proportion. A revised doorsill design with an improved step-over angle allows for easier ingress and egress.

Large 5-spoke wheels (17-inch alloy for the CR-V EX and EX-L, and 16-inch steel for the CR-V LX), and bold fender flares emphasize the vehicle's dynamic presence and capability. The CR-V's signature vertical brake lights, which have been a design fixture since 1997 on the first-generation CR-V in the U.S. (1995 elsewhere in the world), continue with a new theme for 2012 with a more three-dimensional style that further compliments the design and aerodynamics of the vehicle.

Significant reductions to the impact of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) throughout the body and chassis improve interior quietness and ride quality compared to the previous model. To achieve this improvement, the 2012 CR-V has greater body rigidity, better suspension isolation properties, additional noise insulation and more aerodynamic features including large underbody covers and a rear spoiler.

New on the 2012 CR-V is a driver's-side Expanded-View Driver's Mirror. This mirror uses a flat reflective plane on the inner portion of the mirror closest to the door, as required by law, while the outer portion of the mirror uses a convex element to provide a broader field of view. This adds an additional 5.5 degrees of visibility at the outer edge of the mirror's field of view, which can assist the driver in detecting other vehicles or road conditions that they might not otherwise see in their side mirror.

Interior
The interior of the all-new 2012 Honda CR-V aims to redefine what's possible in the entry-level SUV class with a sedan-like driving position, reduced noise levels, new comfort features, convenient integration with personal technology, versatile cargo storage and high-quality materials. New technologies include a Pandora internet radio interface, an SMS text reading and response function (with compatible cell phones) through the new intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID), FM Traffic on models equipped with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™³ and an available DVD Rear Entertainment System (RES). All 2012 CR-V models include a new One-Motion 60/40 Split Rear Seat, large-volume center console storage, an Eco Assist™ system and a quieter and more refined cabin.

Sophisticated instrumentation includes an average fuel-economy indicator, instant fuel economy, miles-to-empty indicators, an engine oil life indicator and an exterior temperature indicator. Additionally, a standard full-color "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID) offers a range of customizable features via fingertip controls on the steering wheel.

The CR-V EX comes standard with a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, and six speakers on the CR-V EX and EX-L. The audio system offers a new level of connectivity, led by a Pandora internet radio interface (with compatible iPhones) and a convenient SMS text messaging feature (with compatible smart phones) that can read incoming texts aloud through the audio system. The standard Bluetooth² HandsFreeLink phone interface offers convenient hands-free calling. And for the first time, a DVD RES with a 7-inch screen and a remote control is available on the CR-V EX-L.

Like previous generations, the new CR-V offers a class-leading low cargo floor and lift-over height for ease of loading, along with a slight increase in passenger and cargo volume. New for 2012 is an innovative Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seatback that can automatically and quickly drop flat into the rear foot well using release levers located near the tailgate opening (or via pull-straps accessible from each rear door).

Extensive safety equipment includes dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, and Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) in the rear outboard seats. A new front seat design also helps reduce the severity of neck injury in a rear collision.

A multi-angle rearview camera, included on all models, provides a choice of three different views on the i-MID or navigation screen, providing more visual information for the driver when backing up.

Powertrain
The all-new 2012 CR-V features a sophisticated powertrain that offers versatile performance for city and highway driving, improved fuel economy, and available all-wheel drive for confidence-inspiring capability in low-traction conditions. Improvements to the CR-V's 2.4-liter, i-VTEC DOHC 4-cylinder engine for 2012 yield more power - now 185 horsepower, 5 horsepower more than the previous generation CR-V - along with enhanced torque delivery. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard. The CR-V's EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy rating is now 23/31¹ mpg for front-wheel-drive models (up 2 mpg city and 3 mpg highway) and models equipped with the available Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™ increase to 22/30 mpg¹ (up 1 mpg City and 3 mpg Highway). Fuel economy is up by 10-percent in highway driving. Taking a cue from the 2012 Civic, a new ECON operating mode and Eco Assist feature increases the potential for drivers to improve the vehicle's fuel efficiency when the systems are activated and utilized.

For drivers who desire the all-season confidence of all-wheel drive, the new Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System introduces a high degree of all-wheel-drive sophistication in rain, snow, dirt roads and dry pavement. The electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system replaces the previous-generation CR-V's Real Time 4WD™, a mechanically-activated "dual-pump" system that required a small degree of wheel slip to activate. Real Time AWD offers confident capability and user friendliness in a lightweight, fuel-efficient and technologically-sophisticated design.

New for 2012, Hill Start Assist helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when the driver switches from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is stopped on a hill. Hill Start Assist automatically activates when the vehicle senses a certain incline and is fully stopped in any forward or reverse gear.

Chassis

The 2012 CR-V chassis is designed to maximize driving enjoyment, passenger comfort and safety with its fully independent front MacPherson strut suspension and rear multi-link suspension. Following the 2012 Civic, the new CR-V is the second Honda in the North American market to use Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS). Standard on all 2012 CR-V models, this sophisticated new system works with the standard VSA and Electric Power Steering to detect instability in slippery road conditions both during cornering and under braking and automatically initiates steering inputs that prompt the driver to steer in the correct direction. This advanced new technology supports the driver's action in operating the vehicle more safely and comfortably.

CR-V EX and EX-L models are equipped with 225/65R17 all-season tires with 17x6.5-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The CR-V LX is equipped with 215/70R16 all-season tires with 16x6.5-inch stamped steel wheels.

Safety
The 2012 CR-V exemplifies the Honda approach to safety. Every CR-V incorporates as standard equipment: VSA electronic stability control system; ABS with Brake Assist; side-curtain airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and a front seat design that can help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Similar to the previous-generation CR-V, an ACE body structure in the front of the vehicle helps make the vehicle highly effective at absorbing and dispersing the energy of a frontal crash. A pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle is also included, as are daytime running lights (DRL).

Driver- and front-passenger seatbelt reminders are standard, as is LATCH, a child-seat mounting system for the outboard locations of the rear seats.

The 2012 CR-V had not been crash tested by the federal or independent agencies as of December 2011, but it is expected to receive an Overall Vehicle Score of 5 Stars in the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) tests, and to be designated a Top Safety Pick by achieving Good ratings in all tests by the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

History
The name for CR-V is derived from the design objective to create a Comfortable Runabout Vehicle, now spanning four generations with the introduction of the 2012 model. The first-generation 1997 model (1995 in Japan) was designed to meet daily needs including light-duty off-roading in a comfortable, convenient and easy-to-use package to suit increasingly varied lifestyles. The result was a model offering the comfort approaching that of a passenger car in a Honda-like, uniquely smart and versatile package. The second-generation 2002 CR-V added space, refinement and clever innovations that made the CR-V even more useful and versatile. The third-generation debuted as a 2007 model, and added more power and fuel economy, a more car-like presence and the addition of new electronic features like the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System.

Manufacturing and Warranty
The CR-V is sold globally in more than 160 countries throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. In the U.S., CR-Vs are manufactured at the Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio from domestic and globally sourced parts. In 2007, the third-generation CR-V received the first of three consecutive top rankings in the Initial Quality Study (IQS) from J.D. Power and Associates. In 2011 the CR-V was among the highest-ranked vehicles in its segment for initial quality in J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS).

Also in 2011, Edmunds.com named the CR-V a Top Recommended vehicle and the Best Retained Value SUV under $25K, while Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com awarded the CR-V its Best Resale Value Award in the Compact Utility Vehicle and Top 10 categories.

The 2012 Honda CR-V is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile Limited Vehicle Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile Corrosion Limited Warranty.

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: All-New 2012 Honda CR-V Body Combines Sleek Design and Safety Features

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:18:00 -0800

Completely redesigned for 2012, the all-new Honda CR-V body is designed to contribute to higher fuel efficiency (up to 3 mpg more on the highway) and vehicle safety while enhancing the functional and refined aspects of the entry-level SUV.

Compared to the 2011 model, the sleeker 2012 body design is more aerodynamic with a 1.0-inch lower roofline (AWD models) and numerous refinements to the body. Yet the CR-V retains a generous amount of headroom* (39.9 inches), increased passenger volume* (104.1 cu-ft., up 0.3 cu-ft.) and the same ground clearance on AWD models (6.7 inches) as the prior model. This overall packaging accomplishment is consistent with the Honda philosophy of "Man Maximum, Machine Minimum," or the interior design objective that allows maximum space for passenger comfort.
(*CR-V LX referenced)

New Body Technology

Expanded-View Driver's Mirror

Body Summary

Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure
Length x Width x Height (AWD), inches = 178.3 (-1.0) x 71.6 (same) x 65.1 (-1.0)
Lighter (-20 lbs approximately) and stronger body with a dynamic rigidity balance that matches the previous generation model, as well as increased static rigidity (bending rigidity +7 percent and torsional rigidity +9 percent)
Aerodynamic coefficient of drag (Cd) improves by 18 percent

Significant reductions to the impact of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) throughout the body and chassis improve interior quietness and ride quality compared to the previous model. To achieve the improvement, the 2012 CR-V has greater body rigidity, lighter suspension components, additional noise insulation and more aerodynamic features including underbody covers and a rear spoiler.

Exterior Dimensions
The 2012 CR-V rides on a 103.1-inch wheelbase and measures 178.3 inches in length, 0.8-inches shorter than the previous-generation CR-V. At 71.6 inches, overall width is the same as the previous CR-V, and at 61.6 inches front/61.6 inches rear, the track is also the same.* But the most significant departure is in height: at 65.1 inches tall, the 2012 CR-V is a noticeable 1.0-inch lower on AWD models and 1.4 inches lower on FWD models. Although the aggregate visual effect is of a lower, sleeker CR-V, even with these exterior dimension adjustments the new model is still roomier inside.
(*CR-V EX referenced)

Exterior Styling and Design Concept
The size and proportion of the previous-generation CR-V contributed to its success as the best-selling SUV in every calendar year from 2007 through 2010, as did refined styling features such as the multi-reflector halogen headlights, long full-body taillights, and exterior detailing that conveyed both ruggedness and sophistication.

Compared to the previous-generation CR-V, the 2012 model takes on a more aggressive and aerodynamic stance with deeper sculpting of the bodylines and a bolder front fascia. The front bumper's smooth-flowing lines are highlighted by a horizontal three-bar grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability with a generous approach angle, while the lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly with the fascia for improved aerodynamics. The CR-V's signature vertical rear brake lights, which originally debuted on the 1997 model, remain for 2012 with a more three-dimensional style that further compliments the design and aerodynamics of the vehicle. The CR-V's large wheels and bold fender flares emphasize the vehicle's dynamic presence and capability.

In aerodynamic efficiency, the new CR-V is targeted to be at the top of its class, with numerous design elements contributing to improved efficiency. The longer roofline and integrated rear spoiler help to lower the coefficient of drag.

The CR-V EX-L is equipped with silver roof rails that start at the A-pillars and sweep along the roofline toward the rear end of the vehicle (available as an accessory on CR-V LX and EX). These rails provide an attachment point for an accessory rack, while also providing a dramatic visual element. The rails are fully functional, with each side including three anchor points.

Side Door Design with Improved Ingress and Egress
When the doors are open, the side-sill garnish covering the rocker panel creates a more direct pathway to the ground when entering or exiting the vehicle compared to the previous generation CR-V. The end result is less step-over distance for better comfort and a reduction in the likelihood of leg contact with the side of the vehicle.

Aerodynamic Enhancements
The CR-V gets significant improvements in aerodynamic refinement and efficiency for 2012, which reduces interior noise and helps to increase fuel economy. Among the improvements is a body design that significantly improves aerodynamic efficiency by helping air to move over, around and underneath the CR-V. In doing so, the floor uses new or enlarged undercovers beneath the engine, behind the front subframe, under the passenger cabin, and under the trunk area to help air flow more smoothly, resulting in less turbulence and drag. Additional details including radiator air ducts, air strakes and a rear spoiler, all combine to improve aerodynamic efficiency.

Standard CR-V Exterior Features

Standard exterior value features for the 2012 CR-V LX include:

Impact-absorbing body-colored bumpers
Multi-reflector halogen headlights with auto-off function
Daytime running lights (DRL)
2-speed intermittent windshield wipers
16-inch steel wheels
P215/70R16 all-season tires
Folding power side mirrors
Expanded-View Driver's Mirror
Power windows
Integrated rear-window antenna

Added exterior features on the CR-V EX and EX-L include:

Fog lights
17-inch alloy wheels
P225/65R17 all-season tires
One-touch power moonroof with tilt feature
Power windows with auto up/down driver's window
Body-colored side mirrors and door handles

Specifications Comparison

2012 CR-V vs. 2011 CR-V

	2012 CR-V	2011 CR-V	Difference
Wheelbase, in.	103.1	103.1	No change
Overall length, in.	178.3	179.3	-0.8
Overall height AWD/FWD, in.	65.1/ 64.7	66.1 / 66.1	-1.0 / -1.4
Overall width, in.	71.6	71.6	No change
Track, F/R, in.	61.6/61.6	61.6/61.6	No change
Ground clearance, in. AWD / FWD (unladen)	6.7 / 6.3	6.7 / 6.7	+0.0 / -0.4
Curb weight, lbs. (FWD/AWD)	3,365/3,490 EX; 3,408/3,529 EX-L	3,413/3,534 EX; 3,430/3,554 EX-L	-48/-44 -22/-25
Towing capacity, lbs.	1,500	1,500	No change
Passenger volume, cu. ft.	104.1 LX; 101.5 EX/EX-L	103.8 LX; 100.9 EX/EX-L	+0.3 LX; +0.6 EX/EX-L
Cargo volume, cu. ft., (rear seat up/down)	37.2/70.9	35.7/72.9	+1.5/XX
Seating capacity	5	5	No change
Fuel capacity, gal.	15.3	15.3	No change
Wheels, standard, in.	Steel, 16x6.5 LX	Steel, 17x6.5 LX	-1-inch diameter
Wheels, available, in.	Aluminum, 17x6.5 EX/EX-L	Aluminum, 17x6.5 EX/EX-L	No change
Tires, standard	P215/70R16	P225/65R17	-1-inch diameter/ -10 mm width
Tires, available	P225/65R17	P225/65R17	No change
Approach Angle, degrees	28	28	No change
Breakover Angle, degrees	16	17	-1.0
Departure Angle, degrees	21	22	-1.0

Rigid Unit-Body Construction
In the new 2012 CR-V, numerous improvements contribute to a higher-strength unit-body, which improves ride and handling, as well as interior noise levels. All-new engineering improves the overall strength of the front bulkhead, front and rear wheel arches, A-, B-, C- and D-pillars and body posts compared to the previous-generation CR-V. As a result, overall stability increased, benefiting steering precision and feel, ride comfort and dynamic stability. The body side sills are also shaped to further improve ingress and egress ergonomics.

Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure
Originally debuting on the 2005 Odyssey, the 2012 CR-V employs the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. (Please see Safety section for more information.) The ACE body structure is a pioneering Honda unit-body construction technology. First introduced to CR-V in the 2007 model, ACE™ increases the vehicle body's ability to manage crash energy in a frontal collision, even if the CR-V should collide with another vehicle that is either larger or smaller.

Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Guidelines
All models receive a multi-angle rearview camera, visible on the 5-inch intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID). The camera can show a top view, 130-degree view or 180-degree rear view when the transmission is in Reverse. The camera is located just above the license plate on the tailgate. Guidelines help drivers gauge how close they are to an object. The dotted line indicates the closest distance that the tailgate can be opened. On navigation system-equipped models, the image appears on its 6.5-inch screen. (Please see Interior section for more information.)

Visibility and Glass
Excellent outward visibility is a hallmark of Honda design and a key feature for the 2012 CR-V. Like its predecessor, Honda's fourth-generation compact utility vehicle retains excellent front and rear sight lines for the driver, including a commanding eye point level and a short forward invisible length (the distance a driver needs to look to see the ground in front of the vehicle). This invisible length is further improved at the corners of the 2012 CR-V hood, enabling the driver to see shorter objects closer to the front bumper.

The CR-V also has UV-resistant privacy glass with dark tinting on the second-row windows. This glass filters UV light and results in less interior fade over time, lower cabin temperatures on hot days, and more efficient interior cooling. The rear side windows include an ECON badge in recognition of the CR-V's ECON function. (Please see Powertrain section for more information.)

Power Windows
Power windows, with an auto-up/down driver's window, are standard on all CR-V models. Individual controls are located by their respective windows. Pressing a master switch on the driver's window control panel can deactivate the passengers' windows.

One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature
The CR-V EX and EX-L models have a one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature that will fully open or close with a single touch of the switch. Construction of the moonroof mechanism was studied to provide ample headroom. The moonroof has a sliding sunshade that opens with the roof and can be closed to block sunlight. To tilt or slide the moonroof, the driver or front passenger needs only to fully press the ceiling-mounted switch once (instead of pressing and holding it for several seconds). The moonroof fully opens or closes automatically. However, if the operator wishes to only partially open or close the moonroof (such as to achieve partial ventilation), a lighter touch yields fully manual control. The moonroof can also tilt to provide ventilation. An auto-reverse feature is built in, helping to ensure that the moonroof will not forcefully close if someone's hand or arm is positioned in the path of the glass. If an obstruction is detected, the moonroof mechanism will reopen the moonroof.

Tailgate
The 2012 CR-V features a manual tailgate that can be unlocked with the remote or by pressing a button inside the driver's door. Twin gas-charged hydraulic struts ease opening the tailgate, and a single pull-down handle is located on the right side. The tailgate has a complete 360-degree gasket for a tight seal against the intrusion of water, dirt and wind noise. In addition, the rear aperture of the CR-V body is specially reinforced to strengthen the tailgate opening, which is the largest opening on the vehicle body. This increased rigidity at this critical location improves ride and handling, as well as interior quietness. The tailgate automatically locks whenever the CR-V is locked.

Windshield Wipers
Positioning the 2012 CR-V's windshield wipers behind and below the rear edge of the hood line keeps them below the driver's normal sightline for improved forward visibility. In addition, the wipers are positioned out of the airflow over the hood to reduce turbulence that can contribute to aerodynamic drag and interior noise. For pedestrian safety, the pivots are deformable. (Please see Safety section for more information.) A rear windshield wiper is also included.

Operation of the windshield wipers remains intuitively simple for the 2012 model year. As before, a stalk positioned next to the steering wheel controls the wipers. But on the new CR-V, organization of the controls on the stalk was simplified to make operation simpler and more intuitive. With the new vehicle, pushing the stalk up or down operates the front windshield wipers, and twisting the outside part of the stalk operates the rear windshield wiper.

Multi-Reflector Halogen Headlights
The 2012 CR-V is equipped with multi-reflector halogen headlights for a dynamic and dramatic appearance. In addition, all CR-V models (expanded from just CR-V EX-L previously) have a headlight Auto-Off feature for added convenience. The Auto Off timer function can be customized through the i-MID. CR-V EX-L models finclude Auto On/Off as a premium feature.

The halogen high beams offer a bright and focused light beam that shines significantly stronger and wider than the low beam lights. By operating at a lower voltage, the halogen low beams serve double-duty as the daytime running lights (DRL), which automatically turn on when the ignition is on.

Taillights and Brake Lights
The 2012 CR-V taillight system features incandescent taillights and outboard brake lights, and attention-grabbing LED illumination for the Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL) that is embedded in the rear spoiler. The CHMSL lens is white with red-illuminating LEDs underneath.

The taillights are reminiscent of previous-generation CR-V taillights, but are now more stylized and three-dimensional appearing. Along with the new body styling, they add an exciting and distinctive appearance to the rear of the new CR-V. Large rectangular backup lights provide bright illumination when backing up.

The complex taillight shape helps the CR-V meet aerodynamic as well as design objectives. The upper part owes its shape to aerodynamics. It is purposely designed to work in concert with the spoiler extending from the roof to better channel the airflow around the rear of the vehicle. At the other end, the lower part broadens significantly toward its base in a unique kink both forward and to the side to give the model its distinctive rear quarter appearance.

Fuel Tank
The CR-V's fuel tank is located forward of the rear multi-link suspension. Its lightweight polypropylene design offers low weight and good capacity for its size. The composite design allows a generous fuel capacity of 15.3 gallons, identical to that of the previous-generation CR-V. The CR-V also incorporates a returnless fuel supply system that helps reduce vapor generation.

Exterior Colors
An expressive color palette adds drama and personalized style to all 2012 CR-V models. Twilight Blue Metallic, an all-new color, is available on all CR-V models, and sophisticated Glacier White Pearl is exclusively available on CR-V EX and EX-L models. Six CR-V colors return for 2012. All are available on all CR-V models except for Taffeta White, which is exclusive to the CR-V LX.

CR-V Exterior Color Availability

Color	LX	EX	EX-L
Crystal Black Pearl	•	•	•
Opal Sage Metallic	•	•	•
Urban Titanium Metallic	•	•	•
Alabaster Silver Metallic	•	•	•
Polished Metal Metallic	•	•	•
Twilight Blue Metallic	•	•	•
Glacier White Pearl		•	•
Taffeta White	•

Side Mirrors and Expanded-View Driver's Mirror
CR-V's power side mirrors are aerodynamically optimized to reduce wind noise and minimize turbulence. The side mirrors can be manually folded in for greater convenience in tight parking situations. Side mirror housings on the CR-V LX model are black, and those on the CR-V EX and EX-L models are body color, to further compliment the overall vehicle design. The CR-V EX-L model adds heated side mirrors.

New on the 2012 CR-V is an Expanded-View Driver's Mirror. This mirror uses a flat reflective plane on the inner portion of the mirror closest to the door as required by law, while the outer portion of the mirror uses a convex element to provide a broader field of view. This adds an additional 5.5 degrees of visibility at the outer edge of the mirror's field of view, which can assist the driver in detecting other vehicles or road conditions that they might not otherwise see in their side mirror.

2012 CR-V Accessories
A line of Honda Genuine Accessories was developed simultaneously with the 2012 CR-V to provide vehicle personalization options for the owner. Like all Honda Genuine Accessories, the CR-V accessories are covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty if installed by the dealer at the time of original vehicle purchase. Available accessories include:

17-inch alloy wheels (except LX)
Fog lights (LX)
Moonroof visor
Body side molding
Door edge guard
Splash guards
Nose mask
Wheel locks
Engine block heater
Remote engine starter
Silver-colored roof rails (LX & EX)
Crossbars for roof rails and various roof attachments

Honda Automobiles: All-New 2012 Honda CR-V Chassis Tuned for Smooth Ride and Quick Response

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:17:00 -0800

The 2012 Honda CR-V chassis is designed to maximize driving enjoyment and passenger comfort with its fully independent front MacPherson strut suspension and rear multi-link suspension. Advanced technologies include Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS), a new feature for CR-V, and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®), which has been standard since 2005 on every CR-V.

Innovations for 2012 include significant reductions in weight to many of the chassis components, resulting in an overall reduction compared to the 2011 model. The suspension's compact design contributes to the CR-V's outstanding packaging efficiency and low cargo floor.

New Chassis Technology

Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Hill Start Assist

Chassis Summary

Fully independent front MacPherson strut suspension and rear multi-link suspension
Wheelbase 103.1 inches; track front/rear 61.6/61.6 (EX and EX-L), 61.5/61.5 (LX)
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®)
4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
17-inch alloy wheels (EX and EX-L), 16-inch steel wheels (LX)
Front and rear stabilizer bars

The 103.1-inch wheelbase, wide front and rear track dimensions, fully independent suspension design, and features such as VSA® and new Motion-Adaptive EPS all contribute to the CR-V's objective to provide a premium driving experience. The CR-V's suspension system uses a MacPherson strut design in the front and a precise multi-link rear suspension. The compact multi-link suspension helps maximize second-row seating and cargo space, while also providing outstanding handling characteristics and ride quality.

Front MacPherson Strut Suspension
The front suspension is specially designed and tuned for compact packaging, supple ride comfort and the long wheel travel and ruggedness necessary to meet harsh roads. Primary components of the front MacPherson strut suspension consist of a subframe-attached lower control arm and heavy-duty wheel hub connected to a shock absorber and coil spring assembly. The damper and coil spring assembly acts as one unit and is attached to the wheel hub at its base and a reinforced portion of the of the vehicle body at its top.

The front suspension geometry incorporates a high caster angle along with inversely wound springs for confident straight-line tracking and excellent toe-control dynamics for sharp and responsive steering. When cornering, the inner wheel is designed to remain close to perpendicular (relative to the ground plane) throughout a wide range of travel, which improves tire adhesion. To improve ride comfort, the compliance angle on the lower control arm is tuned to transmit minimal harshness. Specially tuned bushings and precisely calibrated suspension geometry ensure optimal ride, handling and steering feel in a wide variety of road conditions.

Rear Multi-Link Suspension
The CR-V is equipped with a rear multi-link suspension that helps provide a smoother ride, improved handling and additional cargo space. The dynamics offered by the three-link suspension create excellent stability under cornering and braking. The rear independent multi-link suspension system with aluminum knuckle fits compactly underneath the rear seating and storage areas while providing excellent ride and handling characteristics, with low NVH. The suspension uses large-diameter trailing-arm bushings to reduce harshness and improve ride comfort. Front and rear stays increase the subframe mounting point rigidity, to the benefit of stability and steering feel.

Front and Rear Stabilizer Bars
All models feature front and rear stabilizer bars to reduce body roll during cornering. The diameter of the tubular front stabilizer bar measures 20 mm, and the solid rear stabilizer bar measures 19 mm.

Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Following the 2012 Civic, the new CR-V is the second Honda in the North American market to use Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS). Standard on all 2012 CR-V models, this sophisticated new system incorporates driving stability technology which initiates steering inputs that prompt the driver to steer in the correct direction during cornering and in slippery road conditions.

Using vehicle speed and steering angle data, Motion-Adaptive EPS works with Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) and Electric Power Steering to detect instability in slippery road conditions both during cornering and under braking and automatically initiates steering inputs aimed at prompting the driver to steer in the correct direction. This new advanced technology supports the driver's action in operating the vehicle more safely and comfortably.

Three examples of how Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) functions in conjunction with VSA are:

Stabilizes Braking — Corrects the driver's steering input to reduce vehicle instability when the driver is braking hard on road surfaces with different friction coefficients (such as pavement that is only partially covered with dirt or snow)

Mitigates Understeer — Corrects the steering inputs to mitigate understeer and help the driver trace the curve

Mitigates Oversteer — Corrects the steering inputs to mitigate oversteer and help the driver trace the curve

With Motion-Adaptive EPS, a sophisticated electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system takes the place of a conventional hydraulic power steering system. EPS responds instantly to steering input and automatically changes the amount of power assist appropriate to the vehicle's speed.

The Motion-Adaptive EPS system consists of a rack-and-pinion steering gear with an electric motor installed concentrically around the steering rack. To control the level of assist the Powertrain Control Module receives signals from a speed sensor and, coupled with a steering sensor for torque and rotation, then calculates the optimal amount of assist and sends a signal to the electric motor.

When compared to the operation of a conventional hydraulic pump power steering system, the more simple and lightweight Motion-Adaptive EPS increases efficiency because it does not draw a continuous amount of power directly from the engine. Other advantages of electric power-assisted steering include its simplicity and compactness (no hydraulic system is needed to power it) and its lower power consumption, which helps improve fuel efficiency.

The steering ratio on all CR-V models is 16.7:1 (previously 15.7 in 2011), resulting in 3.2 turns lock-to-lock (previously 3.0 in 2011) and a turning diameter of 37.0 ft. (37.3 ft. EX) curb-to-curb (previously 37.8 ft. in 2011). All 2012 CR-V models have a tilt-and-telescope steering wheel.

4-Wheel Disc Brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
All CR-V models are equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes (front ventilated disc and rear solid disc) for confident braking. The system incorporates 4-channel ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist as standard equipment. A power brake booster offers a solid feel with high pedal rigidity. The ventilated front disc brakes are 11.7 inches in diameter and the solid rear disc brakes are 12.0 inches in diameter.

The 4-channel ABS independently modulates braking power at each wheel to help the driver retain steering control during heavy braking. EBD automatically optimizes braking force between the front and rear wheels, helping to ensure that the CR-V stops in the shortest distance possible, regardless of the number of passengers or amount of cargo that it is carrying. Brake Assist recognizes emergency braking situations and almost instantly applies added braking force when appropriate.

For 2012, the CR-V wheel hubs receive improvements. The rear hubs in all models feature low-friction bearing seals, while the rear brakes in AWD models additionally feature low-drag springs. The enhancements contribute to the CR-V's improved fuel economy.

Hill Start Assist
New for 2012, Hill Start Assist helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when the driver switches from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is stopped on a hill. Hill Start Assist automatically activates when the vehicle senses a certain incline and is fully stopped in any forward or reverse gear. The system uses a longitudinal G-sensor along with a wheel speed sensor and steering angle sensor to control the hydraulic brake modulator. While activated, the brakes are released when the driver depresses the throttle to make the vehicle move.

Wheels and Tires
CR-V EX and EX-L models are equipped with 225/65R17 all-season tires with 17x6.5-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The CR-V LX is equipped with 215/70R16 all-season tires with 16x6.5-inch stamped-steel wheels.

Space-Saving Spare Tire
The spare tire is a space- and weight-saving temporary unit for all CR-V models. Mounted on a steel wheel, it is located under the carpeted floor in the trunk.

Fuel System
The 15.3-gallon fuel tank is molded of high-density polyethylene for low weight, corrosion elimination and impact resistance. It is positioned immediately ahead of the rear wheels to help guard against collision damage. Corners of the tank are rounded and the inside of the tank is baffled to diminish the likelihood of sloshing-fuel noise. A new fuel pump housed inside the fuel tank is lighter and more efficient compared to the previous generation's fuel pump. The fuel-filter is a lifetime design that never needs replacement. The CR-V's minimum fuel grade requirement is regular unleaded.

Towing
When equipped with a Honda dealer-installed accessory towing package, the new 2012 CR-V can tow up to 1,500 pounds. The available towing package includes a Class II hitch, towing kit, ATF cooler and wiring harness.

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®)
(Please see Safety section for more information.)

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
(Please see Safety section for more information.)

Honda Automobiles: All-New 2012 Honda CR-V Interior Adds Function, Technology and Style

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:16:00 -0800

The interior of the all-new 2012 Honda CR-V aims to redefine what's possible in the entry compact SUV class with upscale sedan-like comfort, easy to use versatility for people and cargo, convenient integration with personal technology and an emphasis on high-quality materials.

New for 2012, the innovative Easy Fold-Down Rear Seat can automatically and quickly drop nearly flat into the rear foot well using release levers located near the tailgate opening. An extensive list of new technology features for 2012 includes integration of Pandora Internet Radio, SMS text messaging function through the new "intelligent Multi-Information Display" (i-MID) and the addition of free FM Traffic on models equipped with the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation system.

New Interior Technology

Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seatback
"intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID)
Pandora internet radio integration with compatible cell phones
SMS text messaging function with compatible cell phones
FM Traffic included with the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System
Available DVD Rear Entertainment System (RES) (CR-V EX-L)
New center console can accommodate a typically sized purse
Eco Assist™ driving system for enhanced fuel efficiency
Multi-Angle rearview camera with guidelines

Interior Summary

Roomy and comfortable interior offers upscale style and high-quality fit-and-finish
Versatile layout offers room for up to five passengers, along with exceptional cargo carrying capability
Passenger volume, cu-ft.: 104.1 (+ 0.3)
Rear cargo volume , cu-ft. (seat up / down): 37.2 / 70.9 cu-ft.
XM® Radio1 (standard on CR-V EX-L)
Standard Bluetooth®2 HandsFreeLink® with audio streaming
Available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System on CR-V EX-L
Extensive safety equipment includes six airbags (See Safety section for more information)

From a packaging standpoint, the CR-V continues to offer a class-leading low cargo floor and lift over height for ease of loading along with a modest increase in passenger and cargo volume. It also benefits from a more car-like driving position compared to the previous generation CR-V. Put it all together, and the CR-V blends form and function like no other vehicle in the class.

Beyond its smart new packaging, the CR-V demonstrates new attention to the in-vehicle driving experience, with sophisticated and precise instrumentation and a full-color "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID) that offers a range of customizable features via fingertip controls on the steering wheel. A slightly lower and reconfigured seating position gives the CR-V a more carlike feel from inside the cabin, while retaining the same elevated driver vantage point that customers value in this class.

CR-V offers a variety of new standard and available technologies that are meant to enhance driving enjoyment. The CR-V's audio systems offer a new level of connectivity, led by a Pandora® internet radio interface. With an iPhone running the free Pandora app connected to the CR-V's USB port, Pandora station information appears on the color i-MID screen, and the driver can control the app with the steering-wheel mounted controls, or the touch screen navigation system (when equipped with navigation).

There's also a convenient SMS text messaging function that, when paired with a compatible phone, can read incoming texts aloud through the audio system and allow the CR-V's driver to respond with any of six factory preset text messages. For 2012, the Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® phone interface is standard on all models, and offers intuitive hands-free calling convenience. For the first time, the CR-V now offers an available DVD Rear Entertainment System (RES), with a remote control.

Interior Packaging Concept
The CR-V has always offered a unique combination of virtues that continue to define the entry compact SUV segment: relatively small exterior dimensions for easy urban maneuvering, excellent fuel economy and a roomy, accommodating interior that offers great cargo carrying versatility. The new fourth-generation CR-V carries on in that same tradition with a newly designed interior that has a more spacious feel, more storage space and Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat that combines with a 0.8-inch lower lift-in and load floor to provide more cargo loading convenience.

	2012 CR-V (EX)	2011 CR-V (EX)	Difference
Seating Capacity	5	5	Same
EPA Passenger Volume (cu. ft.)	101.5	100.9	+0.6
Cargo Volume, min., max. (cu. ft.)	37.2/70.9	35.7/72.9	+1.5/-2.0
Head Room (in.) Front/Rear	38.0/38.6	38.9/38.5	-0.9/+0.1
Leg Room (in.) Front/Rear	41.3/38.3	41.3/38.5	0.0/-0.2
Shoulder Room (in.) Front/Rear	58.6/56.4	56.9/56.0	+1.7/+0.4
Hip Room (in.) Front/Rear	54.5/53.1	55.9/54.6	-1.4/-1.5

Increased Visibility
The 2012 CR-V's body and glass have been completely redesigned to provide added outward visibility for the driver and passengers. To make judging the length of the vehicle easier, more of the top of the hood is now visible from the driver's viewpoint.

Control Layout
During the design of the CR-V, designers set out to create a "smart interface" between the vehicle and the driver. The goal was an intuitive layout that would require minimal driver eye movement. Key design features include large analog instrumentation complemented with a color "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID) positioned high in the central part of the instrument panel within the driver's line of sight. The final element of the CR-V's smart interface approach is its steering wheel mounted controls. By allowing the driver to operate a range of features without taking their hands off the wheel, distraction potential can be reduced in certain situations.

Instrumentation
The CR-V uses clean and simple analog instrumentation with a sophisticated and technical appearance. The centrally positioned speedometer is the largest feature on the instrument panel. It is complemented by a central LED screen that is controlled using the Select/Reset knob positioned just above and to the right of the speedometer. The display provides a range of information and trip computer functions.

Speedometer LED Display Features:

Digital odometer and digital trip meters (2)
Average speed indicator
Average fuel economy indicators (2)
Instant fuel-mileage indicator
Miles-to-empty indicator
Maintenance Minder™ system messages
Exterior temperature indicator

Progressive Instrument Illumination
The CR-V's instrument system uses progressive illumination sequence when the driver enters the vehicle. When the door is opened, the instrument brightness turns on at 10 percent. When the key is put in the ignition (encircled with an illuminated ring), the instrument illumination ramps up to 100 percent in one second. When the ignition is turned on, the illuminated instrument needles and enunciator lights come on, indicating all systems are go.

Intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID)
All CR-V models include a new intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) that allows for convenient, line-of-sight access to vehicle information, audio track titles, personal wallpaper and more via simple steering wheel-mounted controls and a 5-inch color screen. Positioned in the upper center portion of the instrument panel, this bright, full-TFT LCD display is easy to see and interpret. The i-MID serves as the audio system display and features on-screen icons and prompts to make navigation through a range of screens intuitive. In addition to audio information, the i-MID also includes an SMS text messaging function and a Pandora internet radio compatibility. It also displays fuel-economy information, as well as Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® information. Turn-by-turn navigation directions also appear on the i-MID on the CR-V EX-L Navi. User-support features include customizable settings and a customizable wallpaper display. Recommended wallpaper pixel dimensions are 234x480, 468x960, 702x1440 or 936x1920. The i-MID also displays warnings such as door ajar, parking brake and TPMS.

i-MID information categories include:

Audio system
Rear view camera (when not equipped with Navigation)
SMS text message function
Pandora® internet radio compatibility
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®
Turn-by-turn guidance (when equipped with Navigation)
FM Traffic (when equipped with Navigation)
XM Radio display (CR-V EX-L)
Warning screens
Average fuel economy indicators (A/B)
Trip Computer (A/B)
Clock
Compass
Customizable wallpaper
Customizable settings

Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Guidelines
All CR-V models are equipped with a rearview camera that offers multiple perspectives from behind the vehicle. The image appears on the i-MID, or on the navigation display in vehicles equipped with navigation. When in reverse, the driver can select from among three views by pushing the audio select knob, or with soft keys on the navigation screen in vehicles equipped with navigation. The primary view is "Normal View," which delivers 130-degrees of rearward visibility. Additionally, there is the "Wide View," which delivers 180-degrees of rearward visibility. Finally, the "Top Down View" generates a straight-down perspective.

Maintenance Minder Display
All CR-V models have a Maintenance Minder system that tracks service related items based on vehicle usage. The Maintenance Minder system automatically indicates when to have standard service performed based on actual driving conditions (tracked by the ECU) and minimizes the guesswork related to whether the vehicle is being used in standard or severe use conditions for maintenance interval purposes. The display indicates when to change the oil, air cleaner, transmission fluid, spark plugs or coolant, as well as when to rotate the tires. Maintenance Minder information appears in the i-MID display.

Eco Assist
All CR-V models come with Eco Assist™. Located in the upper instrument panel located on either side of the speedometer, the CR-V's Eco Assist has illuminated arcs that show if the vehicle is being driven in an efficient style. The system operates in essentially the same manner as on Insight, CR-Z and Civic, in this case with white and green "coaching" bars that illuminate. A white color signifies inefficient driving, while green means a more efficient driving style is being used. The color changes gradually in response to driving style.

ECON Mode
Every 2012 CR-V is equipped with a green ECON button to the left of the steering wheel, a feature that recently appeared on the 2012 Civic. This button engages ECON mode, in which several operating characteristics of the vehicle are modified for enhancing fuel efficiency. The Drive-by-Wire throttle system provides more gradual response, and to save additional energy, the climate control's upper fan speeds are lowered incrementally and other climate control system characteristics are altered based on the conditions. See the Powertrain section for more information on ECON Mode.

Steering Wheel
The 2012 CR-V's new 3-spoke steering wheel features an expanded range of manual tilt and telescope steering wheel adjustment in order to better accommodate drivers of various sizes. All CR-V models now include audio controls on the left side of the steering wheel, with four controls arranged on one ring - rather like the four points on a compass - to simplify the layout and provide for intuitive toggling between functions. All controls are positioned ergonomically where they are easy to reach and operate. They also offer a pleasing tactile feel that reduces the need for the driver to confirm operation visually. The left-side steering wheel controls also include i-MID functionality, while cruise control buttons are positioned on the right. Bluetooth HandsFreeLink control buttons are positioned on the lower left side of the steering wheel.

Climate Control
All CR-V models provide air conditioning as standard equipment. The front climate controls on the CR-V are mounted centrally on the instrument panel for easy accessibility and feature rotary knobs for temperature settings and fan control. Push buttons allow control of airflow through the various vents inside the vehicle (i.e. defrost, heater, split level, etc.). The CR-V LX and CR-V EX have a manual climate control system; the CR-V EX-L and above have an automatic dual-zone system.

The CR-V's micron air-filtration system is capable of filtering nearly 100 percent of particulates over 8 microns in size (the size of most pollen). It can also filter out approximately 40 percent of particulates down to 0.3 microns (about the size of diesel emissions). To improve cooling capacity, the high capacity condenser with integrated receiver drier runs the liquid refrigerant through a sub-cooling condenser, after the main condenser.

Interior Materials
Inside the CR-V, every tactile surface, from the interior door handles to the seat controls to the instrument panel, steering wheel, and controls are designed to be pleasing to the touch—and easy to operate. Cloth velour upholstery is standard in the CR-V LX, while the CR-V EX has upgraded fabric with a suede-like feel. The CR-V EX-L has standard leather seating surfaces.

Front Seats
For 2012, the front seats of the CR-V have been completely redesigned with a more supportive seat construction, structure and padding. The seats are now wider with more supportive side bolsters that give the seats a secure feel particularly when cornering. The driver's seat height adjustability range has been increased by 0.4-inch and the driving position now has a more car-like orientation, even though the driver's vantage point above the road and commanding view is essentially unchanged.

Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat
To enhance the CR-V's rear passenger comfort and cargo carrying versatility, the CR-V has a newly designed One-Motion 60/40 Split Rear Seat. With supportive padding, reclining seatbacks and a flat floor with plenty of legroom, the backseat offers a high level of passenger comfort. But if cargo carrying is a priority, the seats can be quickly lowered to provide a large cargo deck. Each side of the split-folding seat is operated independently via an easily accessible release handle, one on each side of the cargo area. There is also a release strap for each seat that's accessible from each rear door. A single pull on either the handle or strap stows the seat completely, by automatically tilting the seat base forward, lowering the outboard headrest and folding the seatback forward. The process only takes seconds. To put the seats up, simply raise the backrest, flip up the headrest and swing the seat base back into position.

Interior Storage
To maximize convenience and utility, the CR-V's interior has a wide range of storage features. The generously sized front console has a large 10.8-liter central storage compartment that's roomy enough to hold a typical purse or laptop, and the sliding cover keeps contents out of view. Two beverage holders and a small storage tray are positioned at the front of the console within easy reach. Compartments in the side of the console and dual storage compartments in each door panel provide additional space for small items. The front doors also include bottle holders. In the rear seating area, a flip-down center armrest includes two beverage holders.

Cargo Capability
The CR-V is designed to offer cargo capability to suit the needs of active owners. Even though it is slightly shorter bumper-to-bumper and lower in overall height, the CR-V has gained cargo space behind the rear seats (up from 35.7 cubic ft. to 37.2 cubic ft.). Total cargo volume with the seats down is now 70.9 cu-ft. compared to 72.9 cu-ft. for the previous model. The negligible decrease is attributable to the new One-Motion 60/40 Split Rear Seat design, which creates a nearly flat floor surface when folded forward.

For easier loading, the CR-V's lift-in height has been lowered by 0.8-inch. The cargo floor has also been lowered by 0.8-inch, making it among the lowest cargo floors in the class.

For maximum cargo capacity, the Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat can be quickly lowered, creating a nearly flat load floor. The load area is sized to accept large suitcases stored vertically, four golf bags or a stroller (rear seats upright), or two mountain bikes (rear seats folded).

The ease of converting the cargo area to its maximum-possible cargo mode has improved for 2012 with a simpler one-touch fold-down mechanism for the left- and right-side rear seats. The release levers make it possible to quickly and conveniently flip and fold the rear seats forward while standing at the tailgate opening. Pulling a release first flips the seat base forward, then lowers the head restraint, and finally lowers the seatback forward.

A generously sized elastic storage net and well is located on the left side of the cargo area for holding small items securely. In addition, four "D" rings for tying down cargo are located on the cargo area floor. The front "D" rings are chromed for an attractive finished appearance.

The CR-V also includes a retractable cargo cover that can hide items stored in the cargo area behind the second-row seats. The cover and mechanism can be quickly removed and stowed on the floor. Located underneath the cargo floor is a temporary spare tire and vehicle jack.

Audio Systems
The CR-V LX is equipped with a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers. The CD player can also read CD-Rs loaded with Windows Media Audio (WMA)4 or MP3 audio files. The system also includes Bluetooth®2 streaming audio and Pandora internet radio compatibility (with compatible iPhones). Audio information is displayed on the color i-MID screen positioned high in the center section of the instrument panel. An auxiliary input jack is standard, along with the USB Audio Interface that can allow an iPod, iPhone or flash drive to be connected to the system.

The system features Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC). With SVC, as the vehicle speeds up and exterior noise increases, the audio system automatically raises the music's volume, and then lowers it as the vehicle slows down. If desired, SVC can be deactivated at any time.

The CR-V EX has an upgraded AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers. CR-V EX-L and CR-V EX-L Navi models provide an even more impressive 328-watt, 7-speaker premium audio system including subwoofer and XM® Radio.

USB Audio Interface
A USB Audio Interface is located in the center console of all models. It can read flash drives and compatible digital music devices, such as iPods, that contain MP3 or WMA music files. It is important to note that only the iPod video, iPod nano and other 5th-generation or later iPods are compatible with this system. The iPod shuffle, mini, and older iPod models are not compatible. When an iPod is connected, the Honda logo will appear on the screen of the compatible iPod showing it is ready for use. The iPod or flash drive can then be controlled using the steering wheel-mounted or radio controls. Information such as song title, artist, album art and other information will appear on the CR-V's i-MID screen. The system will also charge the iPod while it is connected.

XM Radio
XM® Radio is a standard feature for the CR-V EX-L and EX-L with Navigation and provides more than 130 digital channels of programming with near CD-quality sound. With XM Radio, CR-V owners can listen to their choice of music anywhere in the contiguous 48 states along with select areas of Canada.

XM programming includes channels devoted to music, sports, talk, traffic, weather, children's programming and entertainment. Of the 130 XM channels, 69 are commercial-free. When the CR-V's audio system plays XM, the i-MID display screen shows the current station, song title, and artist's name.

Pandora Internet Radio Compatibility
The CR-V incorporates a wide range of entertainment features to accommodate the ever-changing preferences of customers. A first for Honda, all CR-V models are designed to provide a convenient interface for Pandora internet radio. Pandora is a free music service that allows users to open an account online and create up to 100 personalized internet "radio stations" that are based on favorite songs or artists. Users can choose among their stations and listen via computer, and can also download a free smartphone Pandora app, which allows users listen to the same list of personalized stations via their compatible phone. Though Pandora is free, phone data charges apply.

At this time, the Pandora Audio interface in the CR-V is supported only on the iPhone. To use Pandora in the CR-V, an iPhone is connected via the USB port located in the center console. The vehicle's audio source is set to iPod, and using the phone, the Pandora app is launched. (If the Pandora app is not launched, the phone will function as an iPod.) The i-MID (or navigation display in vehicles with navigation) displays Pandora information and album art, and the audio controls allow listeners to choose from among existing stations, pause, resume, skip forward, and mark a track with "like" or "dislike" ratings. To ease driver use, some functionality of the Pandora iPhone app is locked out when using the CR-V's Pandora interface. On all CR-V models, Pandora operation is controlled by the up, down and skip buttons on the audio system head unit, and by the buttons on the left side of the steering wheel. When equipped with navigation, Pandora is controlled by the left-side steering wheel buttons, and the touch-screen navigation display.

Pandora internet radio audio can also be streamed wirelessly to the CR-V by a compatible cell phone (not only the iPhone) via the HandsFreeLink Bluetooth connection. With this type of connection, however, Pandora must be controlled directly with the phone. Though the CR-V's volume control can be used to set the sound level, the other features of the CR-V's Pandora interface are not available.

Audio Feature Summary

Model	Type	Speakers	MP3/auxiliary input jack	USB Audio Interface³	Bluetooth®² streaming audio	Pandora internet radio compatibility	Other Features
CR-V LX	160-watt AM/FM/CD with WMA³/MP3 capability, 5-in. color display	4	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard	CD text info, customizable welcome screen, steering-wheel audio controls, SVC
CR-V EX	160-watt AM/FM/CD with WMA³/MP3 capability, 5-in. color display	6	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard	CD text info, customizable welcome screen, steering-wheel audio controls, SVC
CR-V EX-L, EX-L Navi	328-watt AM/FM/XM/CD Premium Audio with WMA³/MP3 capability, 5-in. color display	7	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard	CD text info, customizable welcome screen, steering-wheel audio controls, SVC

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®
The Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® interface is designed to offer hands-free operation for many Bluetooth®-enabled mobile telephones. Standard on all CR-V models, the system wirelessly connects the driver's cell phone to the vehicle's audio system. This allows the driver to make or answer cell phone calls without removing hands from the steering wheel. The system is compatible with Bluetooth®-enabled cell phones that have the Hands Free Profile (HFP). A list of compatible phones can be found at handsfreelink.com or honda.com. HandsFreeLink® improvements for the 2012 CR-V include full manual control, auto import of phonebook and call history, a dedicated Phone button on the head unit and six speed dials linked to radio preset keys (except for models equipped with navigation system).

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® now enables audio files to be played through the vehicle's audio system wirelessly with a feature called Bluetooth® Audio. If an audio compatible device is paired it will be added as an auxiliary source on the i-MID's audio screen. This allows the Bluetooth® device's media to be played wirelessly by the audio system. Cell phone devices that support the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) and Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) 1.3 allow the display of metadata for artist, album and track name on the i-MID. The vehicle's audio controls for "skip forward" and "skip backward" allow for navigation from track to track.

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® is designed for easy use. After the driver completes a simple one-time "pairing" process to link the cell phone with the vehicle, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® can communicate wirelessly and securely with the driver's cell phone when the phone is within about 33 feet of the vehicle. Once the driver enters the vehicle, the phone can be stored in a pocket, briefcase, purse or a storage bin inside the vehicle's cabin as the call transfers information through the wireless telephone interface. Certain compatible cell phones can also transfer the cellular phonebook into the vehicle through the Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® system. After the cellular phonebook is transferred, calls can be made by making selections from the registered phonebook on the information screen.

Operational features include:

Phone numbers of incoming calls are displayed on the i-MID
Pressing the steering wheel-mounted "Pick up" button answers the call and mutes the audio system
Caller is heard through the audio-system speakers
An overhead microphone picks up the driver's voice while minimizing background noise and echoing
Numbers with voice tags may be stored in the system's memory
To make a call hands-free, the driver first activates the system using the steering wheel-mounted fingertip controls, then speaks a preset voice tag
Numbers can also be dialed by speaking the telephone number (in CR-Vs equipped with navigation system)
Automatic import of phone book and call history
Up to five different compatible mobile phones can be paired with the Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® system

SMS Text Message Function
All CR-V models have a standard SMS Text Message function that can read incoming texts aloud over the audio system, and allow the driver to reply with any of six factory preset messages. The system works with SMS-capable cell phones that have an active data plan and the Message Access Profile (MAP), such as the Blackberry, Droid X and others. The iPhone 4 does not support this feature.

Once a compatible phone is paired with the CR-V's HandsFreeLink Bluetooth system, the text messaging function is enabled. When the phone receives a text message, an alert appears on the i-MID (or navigation screen in vehicles equipped with navigation). Using the audio system controls (or the touch-screen display in vehicles with navigation), the driver can choose to have the message read aloud, can select among the preset reply choices, or can call the sender—all without touching the phone.

To help avoid driver distraction, the text of the incoming message is not displayed on screen unless the transmission is in Park.

Available factory preset text replies:

Talk to you later, I'm driving.
I'm on my way.
I'm running late.
OK
Yes
No

Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition and FM Traffic
The latest generation of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is available on CR-V EX-L and features a 6.5-inch display and a fast 16 GB Flash Memory in place of the DVD-based system used previously. Turn-by-turn driving directions appear on the navigation screen, and on the new color i-MID display, which is positioned high in the instrument panel, close to the driver's line of sight. The system also includes standard FM Traffic, which provides constantly updated on-screen traffic incident data for select cities that lets drivers choose faster, less congested routes to get to their destinations sooner. Unlike some other traffic data systems, FM Traffic does not require a subscription and entails no extra charges. The navigation system features more than 10 million points of interest and is integrated with the audio system. The voice recognition is capable of recognizing and inputting numbers, street names and cities, in addition to more than 700 commands, spoken at a conversational pace.

Honda navigation systems have long been recognized for their simple, intuitive operation and extensive on-board database. When navigating freeways, a split screen design enhances on-screen information with a "map view" and "3-D" route visualization of freeways simultaneously - which helps make navigation information easier to understand. And now with turn instructions displayed on the i-MID, situational awareness is further improved. The navigation system is integrated with the car's audio system, so driving instructions can be heard over the speaker system, and the voice recognition feature adds a hands-free realm of control to the navigation system.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System uses Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) in combination with detailed information from the vehicle's Flash-based mapping system to pinpoint the vehicle's location and to provide a host of useful mapping and route guidance features. The antenna can utilize up to 12 satellites from a network of 24 global positioning satellites. If the antenna is obstructed by a tunnel, a parking garage or a tall building, an internal gyroscopic system and a speed sensor track the location of the vehicle so that the map information remains current and reliable. The vehicle clock is independently controlled by GPS data, so when time zones are crossed while driving, the clock will automatically set itself to the current time.

The navigation system can be controlled by the driver through either the voice recognition system, the touch screen display, or by the joystick at the lower right corner of the screen. The voice recognition system works when the "talk" button (located on the steering wheel) is depressed. When spoken to, the system recognizes commands such as "find nearest gas station," or "find nearest ATM" and can also recognize street names.

The 6.5-inch LCD touch screen allows the driver or front passenger to choose menu options or spell out a word (i.e. address, business name, place, etc.) through a touch-sensitive keypad. The keypad can be set to alphabetical or a QWERTY typewriter-style layout. Alternatively, the joystick can be used to highlight menu options or to highlight specific letters on the keypad to complete a word. A matte finish is used on the display to reduce glare and smudging.

To help reduce driver distraction, some touch-screen navigation features are disabled when the CR-V is in motion. Disabled features appear grayed out on screen. All navigation system voice control features remain operable at all times.

For data storage, the system uses a 16 GB flash memory that contains information for the entire United States. Future updates to the navigation system can be made with a flash drive via the unit's USB port. Flash drives with updated map data can be purchased on-line or by calling a toll free number.

Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System (RES)
Available on CR-V EX-L, a factory-installed Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System (RES) for rear passengers features a 7-inch wide-screen LCD display that flips down from the headliner for easy viewing. The accompanying audio can be played over the CR-V's audio system, or in the rear seating area through a set of wireless headphones while the front passengers listen to a different audio source.

The DVD player is located in the center console, and can be conveniently controlled from three sources - the front audio-system controls, via wireless remote control or with controls on the DVD player itself. The DVD disc will begin to auto-play when the disc is loaded. The system comes complete with one set of infrared (IR) wireless headphones with volume control and a wireless remote control as standard equipment. Additional headphones are available for purchase from Honda dealers.

A safety feature on the wireless headphone system prevents front-row passengers from using the headphone. The wireless headphone is automatically activated when the spring-loaded ear pieces are turned approximately 90-degrees (to be put on) and deactivated when the headphones are turned 90-degrees (when taken off). The automatic on/off system reduces the possibility that the AAA battery-powered headphones could be accidentally left on.

Power Windows and Locks
Power windows are standard equipment on all CR-V models and include auto-up and -down operation on the driver's window. Power locks are standard, and a customizable auto-locking feature can be configured using the i-MID and steering-wheel mounted controls. Remote entry is standard equipment on all CR-V models. The wave key design has an integrated transmitter in the handle with lock, unlock, trunk open and panic buttons.

Engine Immobilizer
Complementing the remote entry system is a standard engine-immobilizer system. A special electronically coded key prevents the car from being started-even if a mechanical duplicate of the key is used. A transponder, built into the key, signals the immobilizer control unit that the key is genuine. If the car is hot-wired, or an unauthorized key is used, the engine will not start.

¹ Required XM Radio subscription sold separately. Subscriptions are governed by the XM Customer Agreement available at xmradio.com/service terms. Other fees and taxes apply; see XM Customer Agreement for details. Fees and programming subject to change. Service not available in Canada, Alaska, or Hawaii. © 2011 SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries.
² The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any such use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.
³ The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
⁴ Windows Media® is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Honda Automobiles: 2012 Honda CR-V Powertrain Delivers Both Performance and Efficiency

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:15:00 -0800

The all-new 2012 CR-V features a sophisticated powertrain that offers a refined balance of versatile performance for city and highway driving, high levels of fuel economy for an SUV, and confidence-inspiring capability in low-traction conditions.

Improvements to the 2012 CR-V's 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter, i-VTEC DOHC 4-cylinder engine contribute to more power (+5 horsepower) and enhanced torque delivery compared to the previous generation. Up by over 10 percent in highway driving, the EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy rating¹ increases in front-wheel-drive models to 23/31 mpg (+2/+3 mpg) and models equipped with the available Real Time AWD™ system improve to 22/30 mpg (+1/+3 mpg). Plus, an ECON operating mode increases the potential for drivers to improve the vehicle's fuel efficiency when the system is activated. The CR-V comes standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission, and given the increase in horsepower, now has slightly higher overall gearing (lower numerically) to aid fuel economy.

New Powertrain Technology

Enhanced engine design with improved horsepower and torque
Available Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™

Powertrain Summary

2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with185 horsepower @ 7000 rpm (+5 horsepower) and 163 lb-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm (+ 2 lb-ft.)
Standard 5-speed automatic transmission
Available Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™
Estimated EPA fuel economy of 23/31 city/highway (FWD) and 22/30 (AWD)
CARB Ultra Low Emission Vehicle-2 rating and Federal Tier 2/Bin 5 rating

The CR-V's transmission works in conjunction with the engine's Drive-By-Wire™ throttle control to smoothly shift between gears. Additionally, Honda's unique Grade Logic Control system can intuitively hold the most appropriate gear on hilly roads, reducing unnecessary shifting. For drivers who desire the four-season confidence of all-wheel drive, the new Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System debuts on the 2012 CR-V and is available to help provide traction in low-grip driving conditions such as snow, rain and unpaved road surfaces.

The electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system replaces the previous-generation CR-V's Real Time 4WD™, a hydraulically activated "dual-pump" system. Compared to the prior system, the electronically activated system offers a faster, more intuitive initial response when a loss of traction is detected. It also reduces weight by 17 percent and minimizes internal friction by 60 percent. The advancements help to further minimize the negative impact on fuel economy inherent to virtually all four-wheel-drive systems.

185-horsepwoer 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC 4-Cylinder Engine
The 2012 CR-V is powered by a dual overhead cam (DOHC), all-aluminum, 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder design that features 16 valves and a high-volume intake manifold. The K24Z7 engine produces 185 horsepower at 7000 rpm and torque is rated 163 lb-ft. at 4400 rpm - up by 5 horsepower and 2 lb-ft. of torque compared to the previous generation. Despite its added power, the engine also delivers superior EPA-estimated fuel economy compared to its predecessor, up by over 10 percent on the highway compared to the 2011 model, in both front-drive and all-wheel-drive versions.

A host of innovative features are designed to deliver a cutting-edge combination of performance, fuel efficiency, and low emissions. Most apparent is the i-VTEC "intelligent" valve-control system, a technology that combines VTC (Variable Timing Control) - which continuously adjusts camshaft phase - with Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) - which changes valve lift, timing, and duration. The combination of these two systems results in impressive horsepower and torque - with good fuel economy and low exhaust emissions.

In keeping with Honda's proven commitment to the environment, the CR-V engine meets strict California Air Resource Board (CARB) Ultra Low Emission Vehicle-2 tailpipe emissions standards and Federal Tier 2-Bin 5 emission standards.

Engine Block/Crankshaft and Low-Friction Engine Design
The 2.4-liter engine uses a two-piece, die-cast aluminum block and bearing cap design that helps maximize strength and rigidity while minimizing noise and vibration. The compact upper element features cast-in iron cylinder liners for outstanding durability and the lower element consists of a single-casting crankshaft carrier fitted with ferrous-carbon bearing-cap inserts that add to its overall structural rigidity. Each journal on the forged-steel crankshaft is micropolished to help reduce internal friction and improve durability.

The CR-V's 4-cylinder engine makes use of new friction-reducing technologies designed to improve engine efficiency. The outer skirts of lightweight aluminum pistons now feature a low-friction coating applied in a unique dot-pattern application. The result is reduced overall friction as the pistons move within the cylinder bores. New low-tension piston rings also reduce friction. Plateau honing further lowers the friction level between the pistons and the cylinders by creating an ultra-smooth surface. Plateau honing is a 2-stage machining process that uses two grinding processes instead of the more conventional single honing process. This also enhances the long-term wear characteristics of the engine. Low viscosity oil (0W-20) is also used to reduce friction.

To improve smoothness throughout the rpm range and help lower noise levels, the CR-V is fitted with an internal balancer unit. Consisting of a pair of chain-driven counter-rotating shafts located in the oil pan, the balancing system helps quell the inherent second-order harmonic vibrations that normally impact in-line 4-cylinder engines.

Aluminum Cylinder Head
The i-VTEC engine uses a compact, lightweight cylinder head made of pressure-cast aluminum alloy. Its 4-valve-per-cylinder design has double overhead camshafts driven by a silent-type chain to ensure extremely precise control of the cam phasing. The cam drive is maintenance-free throughout the life of the engine. Each combustion chamber is designed with a relatively large "squish" area that promotes faster flame propagation on the power stroke. This results in more complete burning of the air-fuel mix and subsequently, low emissions.

i-VTEC Valvetrain
The CR-V uses an advanced valve-control system to combine high power output with high fuel efficiency and low emissions. This "intelligent" version of the system combines Variable Timing Control (VTC), which continuously adjusts the intake camshaft phase, with Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC), which changes valve lift, timing and duration of the intake valves. The pairing of VTEC and VTC results in excellent drivability, including more horsepower and torque at lower rpm levels, along with enhanced fuel economy and significantly lower emissions.

The i-VTEC system on the 2.4-liter DOHC engine employs two rocker arms with friction-reducing roller followers for each pair of intake valves, along with an intake cam that has separate lobes configured to optimize both low- and high-speed operation. Depending on engine load and rpm, an electronic controller determines which cam profile will be used and exactly how each intake will operate.

At low revs, where low lift and shorter duration provide optimal operation, the timing of the two intake valves is staggered and the lift asymmetrically skewed in favor of the primary valve. This helps to create a swirl effect within the combustion chamber that increases the efficiency of the burn process. At higher rpm, a hydraulically actuated spool valve causes a locking pin to engage the secondary rocker arm with the primary one, transitioning the secondary valve into a high-lift/long-duration mode that improves output above 5000 rpm on the CR-V.

VTC allows the timing of the intake camshaft to be continuously varied throughout the engine's entire rpm range. Along with to helping boost power, VTC also provides a more stable idle (allowing idle speed to be reduced) and reduced pumping losses by effectively creating an internal EGR effect at low and mid engine speeds. The result is increased fuel economy and lowered NOx emissions. Operation of the VTC is electronically controlled and is determined by input from sensors that monitor rpm, timing, throttle opening, cam position and exhaust gases. Depending on conditions, VTC can vary the phasing of the intake cam (change its position relative to the crankshaft) by +/- 25 degrees. VTC activation is accomplished hydraulically via a spool valve that sends high-pressure oil to passages in the cam's drive sprocket.

At idle, the timing is almost fully retarded to minimize valve overlap. In normal highway driving, the intake camshaft timing is advanced to provide overlap for EGR effect. With the throttle wide open, valve timing starts in an advanced condition at lower RPM and gradually changes to a delayed condition when redline is approached. This allows optimum cylinder scavenging and pumping efficiency and provides outstanding power and torque throughout the rpm range.

Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
The CR-V's Programmed Fuel Injections (PGM-FI) is a sequential multi-port fuel injection system that continually adjusts the precision of the fuel delivery to yield the best combination of power, low fuel consumption and low emissions. Multiple sensors constantly monitor critical operating parameters, such as throttle position, intake air temperature, coolant temperature, ambient air pressure, intake airflow volume, intake manifold pressure, exhaust air-fuel ratio and the position of the crankshaft and cams. The CR-V engine's fuel injector nozzles create extremely small fuel droplets, which improves atomization and flame propagation inside the combustion chambers. The better atomization enhances combustion and reduces emissions.

Regular Unleaded Fuel Operation
To keep operating costs to a minimum, the CR-V is designed to use relatively less-expensive regular unleaded fuel, thanks to compact four-valve combustion chambers and precise fuel injection and spark control.

Drive-by-Wire Throttle Control
An electronic drive-by-wire system helps enhance the driving character of the CR-V from both a throttle pedal feel (good tip-in with direct response) and a transmission refinement perspective (less shift shock with short gear change intervals). With smart electronics connecting the throttle pedal to the throttle butterfly valve in the intake manifold, the engine response can be optimized to suit the driving conditions and to better match the driver's expectations. By eliminating the direct throttle cable connection to the engine, the ratio between pedal movement and throttle butterfly movement can be continuously optimized.

The CR-V uses a DC motor to control the throttle butterfly position in the intake tract. To establish the current driving conditions, the system monitors pedal position, throttle position, vehicle speed, engine speed and engine vacuum. This information is then used to define the throttle control sensitivity.

The throttle system also works to enhance the 5-speed automatic transmission's ability to make shifts faster and smoother. By coordinating the throttle opening with the transmission's shifting functions, engine power can be precisely tailored to the needs of the transmission at every point during the shifting process. That means less shift shock and delay, no matter the driving situation.

ECON Mode
All CR-V models are equipped with an ECON button on the left side of the instrument panel as part of the Eco Assist™ system. When activated, ECON mode alters the Drive-by-Wire throttle system response curve in the range from about 10 percent of pedal movement to 80 percent. With less gain, the throttle opening in this range increases more gradually to reduce a potentially excessive peak input for better fuel efficiency. ECON mode also alters the operation of the cruise control system and the air conditioning system, allowing for slightly increased variances with the set speed or the set temperature in order to conserve fuel whenever possible.

High-Efficiency Catalytic Converters
Key contributors to the CR-V engine's excellent emissions performance are its high-efficiency catalytic converters. The exhaust manifold is cast directly into the aluminum-alloy cylinder head to reduce weight and to position each primary catalytic converter as close as possible to the combustion chambers. A high-efficiency close-coupled converter mounts directly to the cylinder head's exhaust port for extremely rapid converter activation after engine startup. A second converter is positioned shortly downstream, beneath the passenger compartment floor. Both converters use a new thin-wall design that increases internal reaction area and improves efficiency. A high-efficiency exhaust system and high-density catalytic converters help the CR-V engine meet stringent ULEV-2 emissions certifications in California and Federal Tier 2 Bin 5 certifications.

Maintenance Minder
The CR-V's vehicle maintenance schedule is calculated by the Maintenance Minder system. The Maintenance Minder system automatically indicates when to have standard service performed based on actual driving conditions (tracked by the ECU) and minimizes the guesswork related to whether the vehicle is being used in standard or severe use conditions for maintenance interval purposes. The display indicates when to change the oil, air cleaner, transmission fluid, spark plugs or coolant, as well as when to rotate the tires. As calculated by the Maintenance Minder system, the CR-V has an engine tune-up interval of 100,000+/- miles or more. (See Interior section for more details on the Maintenance Minder display that appears on the i-MID.)

Multi-stage Alternator Control
To improve battery life and help reduce fuel consumption, the CR-V has a new multi-stage alternator control system. By closely monitoring the battery's charge state, the system can adjust alternator output more precisely than the previous high/low mode system. This fine control reduces excessive charge or discharge and can help increase battery life by up to 30 percent. By inhibiting surplus power generation, the multistage alternator control along with other electrical system improvements contributes to an improvement in fuel economy in the range of 0.5 miles per gallon.

5-Speed Automatic Transmission
A 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control is standard on all CR-V models. It's a compact three-shaft transmission design that is engineered for smooth operation and fuel efficiency. The CR-V's Powertrain Control Module (PCM) manages overall powertrain operation, and provides precise management of the interaction between automatic transmission and engine. This integrated control strategy makes for smoother shifts with reduced shift shock.

For 2012, the transmission incorporates a range of features that combine to help improve the CR-V's EPA-estimated fuel economy. A new Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) warmer uses the heat of the engine coolant (which warms more quickly after a cold start-up) to help bring the ATF up to operating temperature faster. New lower viscosity ATF is also used. The response of the lock-up clutch has been improved, and the number of clutch discs has been reduced, thanks to a new high-friction material. Finally, the CR-V has revised gearing to reduce cruising rpm.

	CR-V Automatic Transmission Gear Ratios
Gear	2012 CR-V FWD	2012 CR-V AWD	2011 CR-V (All)
1	2.652	2.786	2.786
2	1.517	1.614	1.614
3	1.037	1.082	1.082
4	0.738	0.773	0.773
5	0.537	0.566	0.566
Final Drive Ratio	4.44	4.44	4.50

Grade Logic Control
To reduce gear "hunting" and unnecessary shifting, Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control systems are integrated into the shift programming of the automatic transmission. Grade Logic Control alters the 5-speed automatic's shift schedule, reducing shift frequency while traveling uphill or downhill. Using inputs monitoring throttle position, vehicle speed and acceleration/deceleration, Grade Logic compares the operating parameters with a digital map stored in the transmission computer. When the system determines the CR-V is on a hill, the shift schedule is adjusted to automatically hold the transmission in a lower gear for better climbing power or increased downhill engine braking.

Shift Hold Control
Shift Hold Control prevents upshifts to higher gears (fourth and fifth) in repeated winding-road situations where the throttle is quickly released and the brakes are applied. This reduces disturbance to the chassis when entering a corner, and ensures strong power is available without a downshift. Shift Hold Control improves throttle responsiveness and reduces unnecessary shifting on curving roads.

Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System
New for 2012, the CR-V offers Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™, which represents a major advancement to Honda's original Real Time 4WD system used in previous-generation models. The more compact and efficient Real Time AWD introduces a high degree of four-wheel-drive sophistication in rain, snow, dirt roads and dry pavement. System operation is completely automatic and virtually transparent in smoothness. Unlike some four-wheel-drive systems that require the driver to select a drive mode based on the perceived need, Real Time AWD's automatic operation means the system is always ready to transfer torque to the rear wheels, allowing the driver to focus more on driving when situations are demanding.

The capabilities of the system are prioritized to further support high fuel efficiency and all-around drivability on-road as well as off-road. Assisting the front wheels when it is beneficial, Real Time AWD instantly powers the rear wheels when starting from a stop, even on dry pavement, working in cooperation with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and the new Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS). For comparison, the previous-generation Real Time 4WD was designed to allow the front wheels to slip a small degree before torque was transferred to the rear wheels and its primary benefit was at low speeds. Plus, it did not interact with VSA. The new Real Time AWD system can operate at all speeds when needed. When torque transfer to the rear wheels is not required such as when cruising, drive to the rear wheels is decoupled for reduced drag.

The Intelligent Control System function of Real Time AWD cooperates with the VSA and EPS to assist the driver in maintaining vehicle control. For efficiency, the electric motor activating the hydraulic pump is idled when not required, further reducing drag within the system and helping to reduce energy consumption. Compared to the previous model's Real Time 4WD, the new Real Time AWD design weighs 17 percent less (approximately 36 pounds total system weight) and has 60 percent less rotational drag compared to the previous-generation's Real Time 4WD system.

The CR-V's all-wheel drive system's major components consist of the conventional front-wheel-drive system, a compact transfer case that distributes torque to a propeller shaft running the length of the vehicle, the rear differential, a new electronically-controlled hydraulic pump, a multi-plate clutch, and left and right rear-wheel driveshafts.

The previous-generation Real Time 4WD system was mechanically actuated using a pair of hydraulic pumps (one driven by the front wheels and one driven by the rear wheels) along with a ball cam mechanism to operate the clutch that sent power to the rear wheels. If the front wheels began to turn faster than the rear wheels, as would be the case if they were spinning on snow or ice, the difference in pressure between the two pumps would cause the clutch to be engaged, sending power to the rear wheels. The ball cam mechanism was designed to help speed engagement. The system was designed to react to front wheelspin quickly and then send a portion of the vehicle's power to the rear wheels.

The new Real Time AWD still uses a multi-plate clutch, similar to the clutches used in Honda automatic transmissions, to connect the propeller shaft to the rear differential. But in place of the twin hydraulic pumps and ball cam mechanism used previously, the system now uses an electric motor driving a single hydraulic pump, which operates the clutch. The electric motor is controlled by the Intelligent Control System, which means that the system can actively apportion power based on the conditions. The system doesn't merely react to front wheelspin; it minimizes wheelspin before it happens by sending power to the rear wheels accordingly.

When starting on snow for example, the system sends power to the rear wheels right from the start, minimizing the potential for front wheelspin. The system can also detect when the CR-V is climbing a hill and send a greater amount of power to the rear wheels in cooperation with the newly added Hill Start Assist feature. Hill Start Assist maintains brake pressure briefly after the brake pedal is released, giving the driver time to accelerate and smoothly resume motion. The Intelligent Control System instantly assesses the road's slope angle using a G-sensor and the level of grip as detected by VSA in case of wheel spin, allowing added initial apportioning of torque to the rear wheels for smooth starts.

In summary, Real Time AWD offers the optimal balance of confident capability and user friendliness in a lightweight and fuel-efficient design. The driver can simply step on the accelerator and let the system maximize use of available grip and climbing capability.

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.

Honda Automobiles: All-New 2012 Honda CR-V Equipped with Extensive Standard Safety Features

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:14:00 -0800

Honda has consistently challenged itself to pursue vehicle safety as part of its core business strategy. The company seeks to provide a high level of occupant protection and pedestrian injury mitigation in all of its cars and trucks through a comprehensive and evolving approach to vehicle safety. This process benefits all new Honda vehicles, regardless of size or price.

The 2012 CR-V exemplifies the Honda approach to safety. Every CR-V incorporates as standard equipment Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), an electronic stability control system; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist; side-curtain airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and a front seat design that can help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Similar to the previous-generation CR-V, an Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure in the front of the vehicle helps make the vehicle highly effective at managing the energy of a frontal crash.

CR-V Safety Summary

Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control
4-wheel disc ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
Dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags with rollover sensor
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system in second-row outboard seats
Pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle

Additional standard safety features include front seatbelts with automatic tensioning system and load limiters, driver- and front-passenger seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights (DRL).

Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure
Following the lead of other Honda vehicles, the 2012 CR-V utilizes the latest version of the company's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure technology to enhance occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash. Additionally, ACE helps minimize the potential for under-ride or over-ride situations that can happen during head-on or offset frontal impacts with a larger or smaller vehicle.

Unlike most conventional designs that direct frontal crash energy only to the lower load-bearing structures in the front end, the ACE system actively channels frontal crash energy to both upper and lower structural elements, including the floor frame rails, side sills and A-pillars. By creating specifically engineered "pathways" that help distribute these frontal impact forces through a greater percentage of the vehicle's total structure, the ACE system can more effectively route them around and away from the passenger compartment to help limit cabin deformation and further improve occupant protection. Integral to the ACE concept is its unique front polygonal main design structure.

Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Design
Structures in the front of the 2012 CR-V are designed to help absorb energy in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. Research by Honda shows that the following features can dramatically improve a pedestrian's chance of survival if struck by a moving vehicle.
Specific pedestrian injury mitigation features include:

The hood is designed to deform if contact is made with either an adult or a child pedestrian
Sufficient clearance exists between the hood and hard engine parts
The windshield base has a unique section structure for efficient impact energy absorption
Energy-absorbing fender mounts and supports
Deformable windshield wiper pivots
Deformable hood hinges

Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) is an Electronic Stability Control system that works in conjunction with the CR-V's Drive-by-Wire™ throttle and its 4-channel ABS systems to enhance control capability while the vehicle is accelerating, braking, cornering or when the driver makes a sudden maneuver. VSA® functions by applying brake force to one or more wheels independently while also managing the throttle, ignition and fuel systems to help the vehicle maintain the driver's intended path of travel.

The VSA system constantly analyzes data from sensors that monitor wheel and vehicle speed, steering input, lateral G forces and yaw rate. It compares the driver's control inputs with the vehicle's actual response. Whenever the actual response falls outside of a predetermined acceptable range, VSA® intervenes with a corrective action. For instance, if VSA® detects an oversteer condition, the system may apply braking force to the outside front and rear wheels to counteract the unintended yawing effect. In the event of understeer, VSA® may apply braking to the inside rear wheel while reducing engine power to help return the vehicle to its intended course.

VSA® also provides a limited-slip differential effect for the front wheels by applying braking force to a slipping wheel, thereby redirecting driving force to the wheel with more traction. VSA® is calibrated to function in a near-transparent manner, and in many cases a driver will not even be aware of its operation. However, anytime the system is enhancing vehicle stability, an indicator light flashes in the instrument cluster. While the driver can deactivate the VSA® stability enhancement and traction-control functions via a switch on the instrument panel, ABS remains fully operational at all times.

Brake Assist
A function of the VSA® system, the Brake Assist feature recognizes emergency braking situations and almost instantly applies added braking force. This Brake Assist feature is controlled by a special logic in the system that evaluates the pedal application rate and force to recognize a panic stop situation. At that point, the VSA® modulator pump increases braking pressure while the pedal is still being pressed to ensure maximum stopping force, an action that helps shorten braking distance as much as possible.

Advanced 4-Channel ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution
The CR-V is fitted with 4-wheel disc brakes that have vented front rotors and solid rear rotors. (Please see Chassis section for more information.) The ABS system also incorporates Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) circuitry that automatically proportions force based on the vehicle's weight distribution.

Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags
Both the driver and front passenger are protected by advanced front airbags (SRS) that incorporate dual-stage and multiple-threshold activation technology. One or both of these airbags will be deployed only in the event of a sufficient frontal impact. If deployed, these airbags are capable of being inflated at different rates depending on crash severity, seatbelt usage and/or other factors. Like other Honda vehicles, the driver's front airbag is located in the steering wheel while the passenger airbag is located on the top of the dash. When deployed, the passenger airbag inflates upward and then rearward to maximize its protective potential while reducing the likelihood of injuries being caused by the activation process itself.

Driver and Front Passenger Side Airbags with Front Passenger Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)
Driver's and front passenger's side airbags mounted in the outboard area of each front seatback are designed to provide pelvis and thorax protection in the event of a severe side impact. In addition, the front passenger's seat is equipped with the Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), an innovative system designed to deactivate the side airbag if a child (or small-stature adult) leans into the side airbag deployment path. When the passenger returns to an upright seating position, the side airbag reactivates so it can deploy to help protect the occupant in a side impact. This unique system utilizes weight sensors and sensors in the passenger seatback to determine the height and position of the occupant, and determine whether to deploy the side airbag.

Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor
All outboard seating positions include a side curtain airbag with rollover sensor system, which is standard equipment. The side curtain airbags deploy from modules in the roof in the event of a sufficient side impact, providing a significant level of head protection in the window area. In the unlikely event of a rollover, a roll-rate sensor, along with multiple G sensors determine the rate of roll and deploy the side curtain airbags accordingly. Like the other airbag systems in the vehicle, the side curtain system utilizes sensors to determine the most appropriate timing of airbag deployment.

To provide the optimal level of protection for occupants, testing was performed to determine the most appropriate timing and rate of deployment in the unlikely event of a rollover. The system uses algorithms to continually evaluate the situation and determines whether a rollover is imminent. The roll-rate sensor and multiple G sensors determine the "scenario" and calculate the angle of roll and the speed of the vehicle in order to deploy the airbags at the correct point for optimum protection. In the case of a rollover, the side curtain airbags on both sides of the vehicle will deploy. However, in the event of a sufficient side impact that does not result in a rollover, only the airbags on the impacted side of the vehicle will deploy. The airbag maintains full inflation for approximately three seconds after inflation to allow for the increased duration of a rollover accident.

Seatbelts
Three-point seatbelts are standard for all seating positions. The front seatbelts are equipped with automatic tensioners and load limiters to help minimize injury potential in a frontal collision. When an impact occurs, the automatic tensioner tightens the seatbelt (shoulder and lap) to help hold the seat occupant firmly in position. Each front seatbelt retractor incorporates a load limiter that works in conjunction with the automatic tensioner. The load limiter functions by permitting a small amount of controlled seatbelt slack shortly after the automatic tensioner is activated to limit the peak restraining forces, thus reducing the potential of serious injury. The front seatbelts also feature adjustable-height shoulder anchors. To help increase seat-belt usage, a reminder for the driver and front passenger has been incorporated into the instrument cluster. After starting the vehicle, a weight sensor detects whether the front passenger seat is occupied. If the driver or front passenger has not already fastened the seat belt, an icon in the cluster illuminates and a chime sounds as a reminder to do so.

Whiplash Mitigation Front Seat Design
Both of the front seats are designed to help mitigate the severity of neck injuries in the event of a rear impact. In general terms, the new seat incorporates a "softer" design compared to the 2007-2011 seats by using greater spring range settings in both the seatback and bottom cushions. In the event of a rear crash, this allows the seat to more evenly disperse rear impact forces against the occupant as the seatback cushion compresses relative to the occupant's head. The seatback springs are optimized so that in a rear crash, when the seatback is pushed forward into the occupant, the seat will more equally absorb the occupant's mass in manner that can minimize the severity of a whiplash injury. For greater comfort, the head restraints have been pushed back 9 mm compared to previous model.

The prior-generation CR-V's active front seat head restraints and the new Whiplash Mitigation Front Seat Design accomplish approximately the same effect. The prior model had a mechanism within the seatback that would push the head restraint up and forward to help equalize forces on an occupant during a rear crash. The new 2012 seat design accomplishes a similarly effective range of motion via the overall spring and cushion tuning of the entire seat relative to the head restraint.

Adjustable Head Restraints for All Seating Positions
The front and rear seats feature individually adjustable head restraints for all passenger seating positions. All rear head restraints comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for rear passenger head restraints that took effect for any all-new 2011-model-year-and-later vehicle. The new rules closely specify the size, position and operation of the rear-seat head restraints.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) provide a simple and convenient method to install compatible child safety seats in a vehicle. In the 2012 CR-V, the rear outboard seating positions are fitted with dedicated LATCH attachment points. The LATCH system features built-in, ready-to-use anchors and tethers allowing compatible child safety seats to be installed without using the vehicle's seat belt system. In addition, the rear center seating position features top tether anchors that can be used to secure a single child safety seat. The ability to choose which location works best for individual needs can help families more conveniently maximize interior space.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The CR-V is fitted with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that alerts a driver whenever the air pressure in one or more of the vehicle's tires decreases significantly below the recommended level. Using four sensors (one in each tire) TPMS monitors and transmits information on tire air pressure to the ECU. When the pressure in one or more tires drops to a potentially critical level, it causes a low tire-pressure indicator (located in the instrument cluster or in the i-MID) to illuminate.

Safety R&D Facilities
Honda operates two of the world's most sophisticated crash test laboratories specifically created for the development of improved safety designs and technologies. The Tochigi facility in Japan contains the world's first indoor multi-directional car-to-car crash testing facility and plays a critical role in the development of enhanced designs for occupant safety, pedestrian injury mitigation and vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility. Honda R&D America's development center in Raymond, Ohio performs advanced testing on all North American-developed models. The facility features the world's first pitching test sled, which aids efficiency by enabling economical and speedy crash-test simulations with certain interior safety components, such as seats and seatbelts, prior to conducting a crash test with an actual vehicle. It also features one of the world's highest-resolution impact barriers, which enables precise measurement of the distribution of impact load forces on a vehicle.