Hondanews Online Newsroom

Honda Automobiles: Honda begins deliveries of the 2013 Fit EV

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

Honda begins deliveries of the 2013 Fit EV

Honda Automobiles: Honda begins deliveries of the 2013 Fit EV

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

Honda begins deliveries of the 2013 Fit EV

Honda Automobiles: Steve Center, vice president of Environmental Business

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

Steve Center, vice president of Environmental Business

Honda Automobiles: Honda begins deliveries of the 2013 Fit EV

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

Honda begins deliveries of the 2013 Fit EV

Honda Automobiles: Fit EV Delivery to Google, Stanford University and City of Torrance

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

Honda delivered 2013 Fit EV's to Google, Stanford University and the city of Torrance as a part of the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program.

Honda Automobiles: Steve Center, vice president of Environmental Business

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

Steve Center, vice president of Environmental Business

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 begins deliveries of the 2013 Fit EV

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

Honda begins deliveries of the 2013 Fit EV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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's Continuously Variable Transmissions Undergo Leak Testing

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

Honda's Continuously Variable Transmissions Undergo Leak Testing

Honda Automobiles: Honda will build new continuously variable transmission in Ohio

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

Honda will build new continuously variable transmission in Ohio

Honda Automobiles: "Matthew's Day Off" Super Bowl XLVI Commercial

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

"Matthew's Day Off" Super Bowl XLVI Commercial

Honda Automobiles: "Matthew's Day Off" Super Bowl XLVI Commercial

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:42:00 -0800

"Matthew's Day Off" Super Bowl XLVI Commercial

Honda Automobiles: "Matthew's Day Off" Super Bowl XLVI Commercial

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:40:00 -0800

"Matthew's Day Off" Super Bowl XLVI Commercial

Honda Automobiles: "Matthew's Day Off" Super Bowl XLVI Commercial

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:39:00 -0800

"Matthew's Day Off" Super Bowl XLVI Commercial

Honda Automobiles: "Matthew's Day Off" Super Bowl XLVI Commercial

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:37:00 -0800

"Matthew's Day Off" Super Bowl XLVI Commercial

Honda Automobiles: "Matthew's Day Off" Super Bowl XLVI Commercial

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:35:00 -0800

"Matthew's Day Off" Super Bowl XLVI Commercial

Honda Automobiles: "Matthew's Day Off" Super Bowl XLVI Commercial

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:34:00 -0800

"Matthew's Day Off" Super Bowl XLVI Commercial

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 delivers a 2013 Fit EV to the city of Torrance

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:52:00 -0800

Honda delivers a 2013 Fit EV to the city of Torrance

Honda Automobiles: Honda Delivers a 2013 Fit EV to the City of Torrance

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:53:00 -0800

Honda Delivers a 2013 Fit EV to the City of Torrance

Honda Automobiles: Honda Delivers a 2013 Fit EV to the City of Torrance

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:53:00 -0800

Honda Delivers a 2013 Fit EV to the City of Torrance

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.

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Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news
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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/.

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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: 2012 NAIAS Wrap Up video

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:31:00 -0800

John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda discusses the 2013 Accord Coupe Concept's debut at the North American International Auto Show.

Honda Automobiles: 2012 NAIAS Honda Press Conference

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:55:00 -0800

2012 NAIAS Honda Press Conference.

Honda Automobiles: Forward Collision Warning

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:53:00 -0800

Forward Collision Warning

Honda Automobiles: Lane Departure Warning

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:52:00 -0800

Lane Departure Warning

Honda Automobiles: 2013 Honda Accord Concept Reveal at 2012 NAIAS

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:34:00 -0800

2013 Honda Accord Concept Reveal at 2012 NAIAS

Honda Automobiles: 2013 Honda Accord Concept Reveal at 2012 NAIAS

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:34:00 -0800

2013 Honda Accord Concept Reveal at 2012 NAIAS

Honda Automobiles: 2013 Honda Accord Concept Reveal at 2012 NAIAS

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:34:00 -0800

2013 Honda Accord Concept Reveal at 2012 NAIAS