Honda Combines Company Resources For Assault On 2014 Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

• Honda continues race sponsorship and participation
• Working with AMA to introduce new safety technologies
• Honda to field six vehicles, 10 motorcycles in multiple classes

The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb takes place on one of the harrowing race circuits in the world, as automobiles, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles from around the globe race to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak.

And while Honda has always focused its efforts on getting to the top of the mountain before everyone else, this year the company has taken a groundbreaking step toward making the 92^nd running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb as safe as possible.

Honda has worked with the American Motorcyclist Association to introduce the use of AirFence Provided by RoadRacing World Action Fund technology at several key corners of the race course. The use of the innovative safety fencing marks the first time that a Pikes Peak competitor has worked with a sanctioning body to improve overall safety at the event.

"Honda is proud to have worked with the AMA and event organizers to increase safety for the competitors of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb," said Senior Vice President and General Manager of Honda Division, Jeff Conrad. "Honda has a long and successful history at Pikes Peak, and helping to increase the safety on the race course allows our drivers and riders to focus on getting to the top of the mountain as quickly as possible!"

AirFence consists of a system of connected air-filled bladders, serving as a soft wall safety barrier to protect motorcycle racers from direct contact with solid objects.  The RoadRacing World Action Fund, an organization dedicated to improving the safety for motorcycle racing, has provided this technology to circuits across North America through an on-going research and fund raising program.

Making the course safer will, of course, allow competitors to run faster, which is something Honda is more than accustomed to at Pikes Peak. Honda-powered vehicles have taken at least one class victory at the legendary event in each of the last 12 years, and have captured 44 wins overall.

Looking to extend that streak, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda Performance Development (HPD) and Honda R&D have joined forces to field six vehicles for Honda associates in this year's race. In addition, Honda is providing power for 2013 overall runner-up Romain Dumas' Norma M20 'RD Limited' in his chase for the overall title.

The cooperative effort between Honda companies will see Honda associates racing a diverse lineup of vehicles in the event, ranging from the Fit EV to a first-generation NSX, along with a Honda CBR600RR motorcycle and a Honda TRX450 All-Terrain Vehicle.

Ten other competitors will compete on Honda motorcycles in the event's various classes, riding Honda 250, 450, 600 and 1000cc machines.

Extending its event support beyond the race track, Honda returns as the Partnering Sponsor for the 2014 event, Honda Power Sports will be the official ATV/UTV of the event and Honda Power Equipment will provide electricity and light to the pits and staging areas, through the use of Honda generators.

Source: Honda Media Newsroom

2015 Honda Fit TV Commercial - Biker, Fortune, Cup, Meerkat

Honda gets R-Rated with new Civic Type-R launch video

Honda is still about a year away from bringing back the Civic Type R to challenge Europe's hot hatch ranks, but the wait isn't stopping the brand from starting its promotion in the UK with a truly strange ad campaign. Titled R-Rated, the marketing plays with the idea of Honda's Type R badge not being something for every driver, and its 60-second short film Disruption definitely isn't for everyone. The teaser video is meant to personify the spirit of the hot Civic by combining aggressively weird imagery with a glimpse of the new model. It cycles through things like a pack of wolves, androgynous models, a lady with a samurai sword and a flaming speed camera before getting to what we all want to see – the car. It's a weird, by turns creepy, video that feels like it's trying to be outlandish without always showing there's much thought behind the madness. Perhaps the most frightening thing about the Civic Type R is that there are still major doubts about whether its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with an estimated 280 horsepower will make it to North Ameircan showrooms. We understand the business case may be tough, especially when the CTR's hatchback bodystyle isn't sold in America at all, but we think Honda's North American showrooms could use a bit more performance edge, and an affordable halo car like the Type R could do just that. Despite the R-Rated label on this video, there's nothing too unsafe for work here, unless your boss really frowns on the destruction of sculptures and general weirdness. Scroll down to watch the bizarre ad and read Honda's explanation for all the craziness.


Source: autoblog

Pacific Honda Offers Great Financing Options for All Credit

There are a lot of people in the world who believe that since they have bad credit (or no credit at all), they will never be approved for an auto loan sizeable enough to get them the vehicle they really want. The truth is that here at Pacific Honda, we’ve seen all kinds of credit scores, some of which have been pretty low, but an overwhelming majority of the time we’re able to get these customers financing anyway.

2015 Honda Fit Multimedia Advertising Campaign Features Comedian Nick Thune, Showcases the Incredible Versatility of the All-New Honda Fit

• Multicultural extension features award-winning drummer Questlove in 'Meant For You, Fit For You' campaign
• Innovative multiplatform gaming and digital media integration target the resourceful Gen-Y customer

The all-new 2015 Honda Fit is launching with an integrated advertising campaign themed "Fit for You," with TV spots starring comedian Nick Thune. Other components of the campaign will roll out in conjunction with the TV spots, including digital and social media activations and a multicultural campaign extension featuring award-winning drummer Questlove. Overall, the campaign aims to have cross-generational appeal while specifically targeting Gen-Y customers with additional integrated paid media placements in music and gaming.
Highlighted across the entire 2015 Fit marketing campaign is the Fit's unrivaled space and versatility and class-above technology features—including standard Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®ⁱ, USB connectivity, auto on-off headlights and a Multi-View Rearview Camera—demonstrating that Fit is the perfect car for everyone and everything.
The "Fit for You" theme taps into the resourcefulness of Gen Y, showcasing a unique cast of characters and the ability of the Fit to handle whatever life throws at them. The hyper-stylized and humorous national TV spots feature Nick Thune, as host, answering questions and demonstrating the features of the new Fit. The first 30-second spots, "Biker, Fortune, Cup, Meerkat" (http://youtu.be/-Z-vAqhYjfs) and "Synth and Seattleites" (http://youtu.be/rC-zopOGVOI ) begin airing next week along with three 15-second online versions. Two additional TV spots will roll out in the coming weeks. Each spot will tout the 2015 Fit's standout qualities including the Magic Seat®, which offers multiple seating configurations for added versatility and cargo capacity, standard technology features like a rearview camera and available "swipe, pinch and zoom" navigation integrated into the Display Audio touchscreen.
"The campaign takes a typical product demonstration and gives it an unexpected twist to show how the 2015 Honda Fit answers the needs of the customer in a very direct yet humorous way," said Jeff Conrad, Honda division senior vice president and general manager. "The campaign leverages the Fit's unique combination of space and versatility plus innovative technology and class-leading fuel efficiency to clearly show that the 2015 Honda Fit is the leader of the subcompact class."
Multicultural Campaign Extension
Two unique multicultural campaigns also will roll out in conjunction with the general market Fit launch, each showcasing the class-leading versatility of the new Fit. To connect with African-American consumers, the "Meant For You, Fit For You" campaign includes a TV spot featuring award-winning drummer, Questlove. The drummer prompts and inspires viewers by asking "What's your fit?" with culturally and contextually relevant situations like an indie artist in need of space for musical gear and parents desiring safety and comfort for their children. In each situation, the Fit demonstrates how it is equipped to deliver the best solution for their unique lifestyle and life stage needs.
Additionally, the Spanish and English language #UnBuenFit (A Good Fit) campaign will roll out, targeting U.S. Hispanic millennials. The TV spot features Hispanic comedian Felipe Esparza and highlights how the Fit aligns with diverse Hispanic millennial lifestyles in a fun and youthful manner. The campaign showcases how the Honda Fit is "Un Buen Fit" for their lives and how the vehicle is just as versatile and resourceful as they are.
Gaming and Digital Placements
Following on the heels of the successful gaming integration of the Civic with the Forza Motorsports franchise, Honda is joining Machinima to promote the upcoming Street Fighter game release, Ultra Street Fighter IV. The campaign launched in late May with a sponsorship of Machinima's highly anticipated live-action series Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist. The 2015 Honda Fit also is integrated in a series of Bonus Stage videos that feature the vehicle in iconic scenes from the popular Street Fighter franchise. Additionally, the sweepstakes promoting a vehicle giveaway provides another touch point to reach a highly engaged gaming audience.
To extend the reach to the Gen-Y audience, the Fit campaign will incorporate a mix of media with placements on network and cable TV, online video, gaming and mobile. Digital activations will launch with custom-built iAds starting today and will continue to ramp up throughout the summer, leading into a larger media push in the fall. The second phase will kick off with home-page takeovers on Yahoo! and YouTube, along with a presence on primetime, cable TV and a variety of sports programming. Other notable digital support will help to highlight the Fit's versatility, which includes an "On The Road" video series on Thought Catalog, custom rich media units on Yelp and a Honda-owned channel on Buzzfeed featuring tips on resourcefulness.
About Honda
Honda offers a complete lineup of fuel-efficient cars and trucks through a network of more than 1,000 dealerships in the United States. Honda has more than 30 years of experience producing automobiles in the region, which began with the Accord in Marysville, Ohio, in November 1982. With production of nearly 27 million vehicles in North America through 2013, Honda currently operates 16 major manufacturing facilities in North America, producing a wide range of Honda automobiles, all-terrain vehicles, power equipment products, engines and transmissions and the HondaJet light jet, using domestic and globally sourced parts. The 2015 Fit is being manufactured for the first time in North America at Honda's eighth and newest auto plant, in Celaya, Mexico. With the introduction of the new manufacturing facility in Mexico, Honda's North American automobile production facilities has an annual capacity of 1.92 million units, with the capability to manufacture upwards of 95 percent of the automobiles sold in America and across all product segments, from subcompacts to light truck models.

Source: Honda Media Newsroom

2014 Honda Civic EX-L TV Commercial - Lydia's New Car

Honda Accord and Odyssey Named Best Family Cars for 2014 by Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com

• Accord recognized as one of the top family sedans for the second straight year by parenting and car experts
• Odyssey featured in Best Minivan category on annual list

The 2014 Honda Accord (www.automobiles.honda.com/Accord) and 2014 Odyssey minivan (www.automobiles.honda.com/Odyssey) have both been named to the 10 Best Family Cars list compiled by the experts at Parents magazine and Edmunds.com. The two family-friendly Honda vehicles – each earning the highest possible rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) - were selected out of hundreds of models for excelling in the key areas of safety, convenience features, performance and value.
"The Accord and Odyssey lead their segments in the areas that matter most to the family buyer – safety ratings, fuel efficiency, value and innovative features," said Jeff Conrad, Honda division senior vice president and general manager. "As the top vehicles in their segments in sales to individual buyers, we know families appreciate the hard work we've put into making these vehicles value and performance leaders."
The Accord was recognized as one of the top sedans for families by Parents magazine and Edmunds.com for the second straight year. The Accord features sophisticated styling, fuel-efficient powertrains and advanced technology features like the available LaneWatch™ display and a standard multi-view rearview camera. With safety a top shopping consideration for families, the Accord shined by earning the highest possible rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and nabbing the best possible rating from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) testing with a 5 Star Overall Vehicle Score.¹
The Odyssey was also recognized as one of the best minivans for families on the 10 Best Family Cars annual list. As the top-selling minivan to individual retail car buyers in the U.S.², the Odyssey continues to lead its class in the areas that families look for when selecting a vehicle like fuel efficiency, safety, interior spaciousness and driving experience. The Odyssey was the only minivan to earn the highest possible rating of IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+³, and the Odyssey has earned the best possible overall safety rating from NHTSA with a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score¹. Additionally, the Odyssey is rated at a remarkable 28 mpg⁴ highway, the highest EPA fuel economy rating of any eight-passenger minivan.
For more information about Parents magazine and Edmunds.com's list of the 10 Best Family Cars for 2014, please visit www.parents.com and www.edmunds.com. The full list will be featured in the July 2014 issue of Parents magazine.
About Honda
Honda offers a complete lineup of cars and trucks through a network of more than 1,000 dealerships in the United States. In 2014, Honda celebrated its 20 millionth vehicle produced in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts. Honda currently operates 15 major manufacturing facilities in North America, producing a wide range of Honda automobiles, all-terrain vehicles, power equipment products, engines and transmissions.
¹Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). Model tested with standard side airbags (SABs).
²Based on IHS Automotive, Polk new-vehicle retail registration data through the end of December 2013.
³The Odyssey was the only minivan to qualify as a 2014 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ as of March 1, 2014 and the Odyssey has earned the best possible overall safety rating from NHTSA with a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score.
⁴Based on 2014 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

2014 Honda CR-V Remains King of the Hybrids

It’s one thing to be the valedictorian of a tiny school in the middle of the country with 26 students in the graduating class, but it’s another thing entirely to earn top marks at the largest and most esteemed universities in the nation. In both cases, congratulations, you’re the valedictorian, but there’s no question that one carries more weight than the other.

Honda Civic Tour Expands to Three Successive Tours in 2014; Civic Tour Major Pillar of New Honda Stage Music Platform

Honda Civic Tour Expands to Three Successive Tours in 2014; Civic Tour Major Pillar of New Honda Stage Music Platform

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06/11/2014 - TORRANCE, Calif.

• Honda Civic Tour 2014 to feature Grouplove and Portugal. The Man, followed by American Authors and culminating with 3BallMTY
• Grouplove and Portugal. The Man tour on sale starting June 20
• www.HondaCivicTour.com

The 2014 Honda Civic Tour is taking a new turn in its 13th year – with not just one, but three successive tours and three distinct genres of music, as well as becoming a significant pillar of the new Honda Stage music platform. Alternative rock bands Grouplove and Portugal. The Man will co-headline the first 2014 Honda Civic Tour this summer with Tokyo Police Club and Typhoon supporting on various dates kicking off on August 10 in Seattle, WA. The second of the three tours will begin in the fall, with Brooklyn-based pop/rock band American Authors on October 1. Additionally, Latin DJ trio 3BallMTY will headline the final tour of the series starting mid-November.
"I would say that this is the dream tour. Honda is really invested in all art forms and connecting music with fans," said Hannah Hooper of Grouplove.
Tickets for the Grouplove and Portugal. The Man Honda Civic Tour will go on sale starting June 20 and ticket information can be found at www.HondaCivicTour.com.
The Honda Civic Tour will uphold tradition, as headlining bands will once again design their very own custom Honda Civic, which has always been a highlight of the Honda Civic Tour. Audiences are sure to be awed as headliners Grouplove and Portugal. The Man collaborate on an original design. Additionally, American Authors and 3BallMTY will each showcase their creative Civic designs later this year.
Honda's commitment to music runs deep, with a 13 year history presenting the popular Honda Civic Tour, as well as hosting Honda Stages at premier U.S. music festivals including Governors Ball, Music Midtown and Austin City Limits Music Festival.
Honda's passion for music content curation and delivering unique experiences to music enthusiasts has led to the automaker's development of the new Honda Stage platform.  The Honda Stage program provides music fans one-of-a-kind music experiences through live performances and digital content: www.YouTube.com/HondaStage.
Under the Honda Stage program, American Honda brings together an unprecedented group of entertainment and technology leaders including Clear Channel (iHeartRadio), Live Nation, REVOLT, Vevo and YouTube to produce and distribute some of the best original, high-quality music content available today, through dozens of live events and exclusive online content. The success of the Honda Civic Tour makes it a natural fit as a pillar of the Honda Stage program.
"There is a new generation of music fans that can now share in Honda's passion for music and fun-to-drive vehicles with the expansion of the Honda Civic Tour, reaching a wider and broader fan base," said Nick Lee, Honda Brand Manager, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "We are thrilled to work with so many talented artists, sponsor their tours and underwrite ticket prices so that fans have access to the music they love at an affordable price."

Honda Civic Tour featuring Grouplove and Portugal. The Man			+ Support:
August 10	Seattle, WA	Marymoor Park	Typhoon
August 11	Portland, OR	Edgefield	Tokyo Police Club
August 13	San Luis Obispo, CA	Avila Beach	Tokyo Police Club
August 15	Los Angeles, CA	The Greek Theatre	Tokyo Police Club
August 16	Las Vegas, NV	Brooklyn Bowl	Tokyo Police Club
August 17	San Diego, CA	Open Air Theater	Tokyo Police Club
August 19	Salt Lake City, UT	Red Butte
August 21	Morrison, CO	Red Rocks
August 22	Council Bluffs, IA	Harrah's
August 24	Milwaukee, WI	Eagles Ballroom
August 27	Des Moines, IA	Simon Estes
August 29	Kansas City, MO	Crossroads
August 30	Dallas, TX	South Side Ballroom
September 2	Atlanta, GA	Masquerade	Typhoon
September 3	Charlotte, NC	Uptown Theatre	Typhoon
September 5	Cincinnati, OH	Horseshoe Casino	Typhoon
September 10	Columbus, OH	LC Pavilion	Typhoon
September 12	Washington, DC	Merriweather Post Pavilion	Typhoon
September 14	Boston, MA	Bank of America Pavilion	Typhoon
September 16	New York, NY	Central Park Summerstage	Typhoon

About Grouplove:
Since forming in 2009, LA-based indie band Grouplove has quickly become one of music's most exhilarating young acts. By the time they released their 2011 debut full length, Never Trust A Happy Song (Canvasback Music/Atlantic), Grouplove was already a standout at music festivals around the world, including Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, Reading & Leeds Festivals, and Glastonbury. Produced by the band's own Ryan Rabin, Never Trust A Happy Song featured their debut single "Colours." Hailed by SPIN as "one of the most infectious songs you're bound to hear," the song climbed to the top 15 at Alternative radio and continues to be a fan favorite. Their follow-up single "Tongue Tied" garnered even greater success, going to #1 and earning platinum certification, with sales exceeding one million. Grouplove's raucous live show brought surging crowds to their Coachella and Bonnaroo performances and back-to-back sold out headlining tours. Grouplove's second full length album, Spreading Rumours, was released in Fall 2013 and met with a raft of critical acclaim from Rolling Stone, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, and National Public Radio who called it "ludicrously easy to love."  The highly anticipated collection's lead single "Ways To Go" went to #2 on the Alternative radio charts and was supported by pair of sold out tours of North America which also included stops at the Austin City Limits music festival and a return to the Coachella Music and Arts Festival.   www.grouplovemusic.com
About Portugal. The Man
Portland, OR-via-Wasilla, AK-based band Portugal. The Man released their most recent album, Evil Friends, produced by Danger Mouse, last year. With a reputation as one of the most exciting and sought-after live bands on the festival circuit today, the band has headlined shows around the world and played every major notable festival including Bonnaroo, Coachella, Lollapalooza, and many more. Most recently, the band partnered with the Smithsonian Institute to raise awareness of the Sumatran Tiger, an endangered species, by distributing a previously unreleased song titled "Sumatran Tiger" to 400 influencers on 400 custom polycarbonate records which degraded after a certain amount of plays. With no other copies in existence, the 400 participants were tasked with digitizing and "breeding" the song through their social channels with the hashtag #EndangeredSong. www.portugaltheman.com
About American Authors
American Authors reached Platinum with their #1 chart-topping debut single "Best Day Of My Life." The song has been bolstered by prominent placements including Lowe's TV ad, trailers for the film Delivery Man, the Secret Life Of Walter Mitty, Major League Baseball Fan Cave commercial, opening sequence of this year's ESPN World Series Of Poker coverage and more. Recently selected for the highly influential VEVO LIFT emerging artists program and VH1's official "You Oughta Know" selection. American Authors is comprised of Zac Barnett (vocals), James Adam Shelley (guitar/banjo), Dave Rublin (bass), and Matt Sanchez (drums). Together they hail from the four corners of the country, each bringing their own influences and experiences to the writing table to create pop-flavored alt rock sprinkled with four-part harmonies, spirited lyrics, and contagious optimism. To hear their music and to watch them perform, it can be said that American Authors has the natural 'it' factor that leads to music's most successful artists. www.weareamericanauthors.com
About 3BallMTY
3BallMTY (pronounced: Tribal Monterrey) is Erick Rincón, DJ Otto, and Sheeqo Beat – they are a cultural phenomenon and an award-winning electronic Latin music group from Monterrey, Mexico that received the Best New Artist awards at the Latin Grammys. These young artists specialize in electronic mixes that combine cumbia and tropical music with pre-Hispanic influenced musical textures. As one of the most important and authentic representatives of "La Generación Tribal" or "tribal generation," 3BallMTY has broken cultural, generational and language barriers. Their first album "Inténtalo" reached great success within a year of its release by going Gold in Mexico and Platinum in the U.S. and Central America. The group is critically acclaimed by Rolling Stone, Billboard Magazine and the New York Times. In 2012, iTunes selected them for "Best Latin Breakthrough Album". The group has won numerous other awards since and is a force of young talent heading into the music mainstream across the U.S. with their newest release "Globall."   www.3ballmty.com.mx
About Honda Civic Tour
Produced by Marketing Factory, the Honda Civic Tour brings innovation to the masses by combining automotive technology and contemporary music.  With almost three million fans having attending Honda Civic Tour concert events since 2001, Civic Tour has established itself as one of the nation's most compelling, successful music concert tour franchises. Civic Tour has provided concert-goers with an exclusive, interactive concert experience featuring up-close and personal access to their favorite bands, including Linkin Park, blink-182, My Chemical Romance, Paramore, The Black Eyed Peas, Fall Out Boy, Everclear, Incubus, Good Charlotte, New Found Glory, Dashboard Confessional and Panic! at the Disco. www.HondaCivicTour.com
About Honda Civic:
One of the best-selling compact cars in the United States, the Civic features a lineup of six distinct models: the conventional gasoline-powered Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe, two high-performance Civic Si models, the gasoline-electric Civic Hybrid, the Civic Natural Gas and Civic HF high fuel economy model. The Civic lineup embodies the Honda brand values of 'clean, safe and fun' with the Civic HF achieving an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 41 mpg on the highway. The Civic Hybrid's EPA-estimated fuel economy rating is 44/47/45 city/highway/combined. The Civic Sedan has earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and was the first small car to earn a 'TOP SAFETY PICK+' designation from IIHS. Now in its ninth generation, the Civic remains one of the most fun-to-drive compact cars on the road today. The Civic Sedan starts at a suggested retail price (MSRP) of $18,390 and is available at Honda dealerships nationwide. For high-resolution photos, broadcast quality video and media information of the entire 2014 Civic lineup, please visit www.hondanews.com.
About Honda Stage:
Building on its deep foundation in bringing music to fans, American Honda has brought together an unprecedented group of entertainment and technology leaders, including Live Nation, Clear Channel (iHeart Radio), Revolt, YouTube and Vevo to produce and distribute some of the best original, high-quality music content available under the new Honda Stage name, through dozens of live events and exclusive online content.  Honda Stage will offer music fans access to custom live and online music programming and performances, behind the scenes content, artist interviews and more at www.YouTube.com/HondaStage. With the launch of this channel, Honda becomes a major music curator, as YouTube is the largest distributor or music content and the number 1 environment for music viewing.
About Honda:
Honda offers a unique lineup of cars and trucks through a network of more than 1,000 dealerships in the United States.  In 2014, Honda celebrated it's 20 millionth vehicle produced in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts.  Honda currently operates 16 major manufacturing facilities in North America, producing a wide range of automobiles, all-terrain vehicles, power equipment products, engines and transmissions, and the HondaJet light jet. 
For more information, go to www.HondaCivicTour.com and www.HondaStage.Honda.com and visit Honda Stage on YouTube at: www.YouTube.com/HondaStage.
Check back for more Honda Stage Press announcements throughout 2014 at: http://honda.us/1kYuYVN 

Source: Honda Media Newsroom

Honda Civic Hybrid Dominates High-Mileage Hybrid Study

We here at Pacific Honda have found that it’s not uncommon to hear stories about patrons’ experiences with Honda Civic models that have a ton of miles on them. To hear about a 200,000-mile Civic isn’t an entirely surprising experience, and we’ve even had people come in and brag about vehicles pushing 300,000 miles.

2015 Honda Fit configurator will let you have it your way

Honda has released the online configurator for the all-new, 2015 Fit – a vehicle that was scheduled to launch earlier, but was delayed until this month. As is the case with the rest of the Japanese manufacturer's builders, there's not a lot to this one – pick a trim, transmission (where applicable) and a color, and you're all set.

The 2015 Fit will come in three grades, with the base LX offering up both manual and continuously variable transmission, air conditioning, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, a 60/40 split-rear seat and a four-speaker stereo, among lesser items. The LX starts at $15,525, not counting a $790 destination charge. Next up is the $17,435 EX, which adds 16-inch wheels, push-button start and a seven-inch display audio system complete with Pandora and text-message functionality. Like the LX, the EX can be had with either a manual or CVT, with the two-pedal setup commanding an $800 premium, regardless of trim.

The top-of-the-line EX-L, however, cannot be had with a manual. Getting the king of the Fit line will lock you into the CVT, although it adds an assortment of cow-based products, in the form of heated leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Heated wing mirrors are also included in the $19,800 starting price. Navigation is an optional goodie, which tacks $1,000 onto the price and is only available on the EX-L. HD Radio and satellite radio are also included on the EX-L.

Source: Autoblog

2014 Honda Accord, Odyssey Among Most Practical Vehicles

As a brand, Honda has always prided itself on engineering and manufacturing automobiles that the common consumer would consider “practical.” While there is a model in our lineup for pretty much every automotive sensibility, they all have in common the reliability that has attached itself to these beloved everyday vehicles for decades. They are efficient, spacious and safe, which is why so many of our regular customers have remained so pleased with them.

New Honda Civic Natural Gas Vehicle Customers In California Eligible for Immediate $1,000 Purchase Credit

• Civic Natural Gas drivers qualify for single-occupant access to HOV "carpool" lanes and High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes in the Greater Los Angeles area
• California leads the nation in compressed natural gas refueling stations with more than 150 locations in the state
• Natural Gas costs up to 40-percent less than gasoline

Californians purchasing a new Civic Natural Gas vehicle (http://automobiles.honda.com/civic-natural-gas/) are now eligible for special savings from the California Energy Commission – an immediate $1,000 purchase credit¹ supplied directly by certified Honda Civic Natural Gas dealers at the time of purchase. In addition to the purchase credit savings, Civic Natural Gas vehicle customers in California have the added benefit of qualifying for single-occupant access to High Occupancy Vehicle "carpool" and High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes². California has the most robust natural gas fueling infrastructure in the nation with more than 150 stations in the state.
With a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 31 mpge^3‡ and a fuel cost savings of up to 40-percent compared to gasoline, the Civic Natural Gas vehicle can significantly reduce consumers' pain at the pump. The Civic Natural Gas, powered 100-percent by cleaner-burning, abundant and primarily U.S.-sourced natural gas, can be refueled in a matter of minutes, much like a conventional gasoline-powered car.
The Civic Natural Gas' interior has been enhanced with a host of new standard features including more premium seating materials and door panel trim, as well as new Display Audio with 7-inch touchscreen that allows users to pinch, swipe and tap just like a smartphone to access audio, phonebook, media, vehicle information and available navigation features. Also new for 2014, the available Civic Natural Gas Leather Navi model gains additional premium features such as leather seats, heated front seats, heated side mirrors and a six-speaker audio system. The only dedicated CNG-powered passenger car available for retail purchase from a major automaker, the Civic Natural Gas is manufactured exclusively by Honda Manufacturing of Indiana in Greensburg, Indiana, using domestic and globally sourced parts.  
Retail customers and fleet clients interested in receiving the $1,000 purchase credit with the purchase of a new Civic Natural Gas vehicle (up to 20 vehicles per fleet client or retail customer) must make their purchase from a certified Honda Civic Natural Gas dealer while California Energy Commission purchase credits remain available. The supply of purchase credits through the California Energy Commission is limited to 1,600 and expires when all have been distributed or on April 22, 2015, whichever occurs first.
California leads the nation in the number of statewide compressed natural gas stations. Consumers interested in learning more about local compressed natural gas refueling sites can visit the California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition web site for a listing of stations in their area.
Honda Environmental Leadership
Honda's diverse portfolio of alternative fuel vehicles has included numerous technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions including the first EV leases in California (1997 Honda EV Plus), 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 five generations of the Civic Natural Gas (first introduced in 1998). Honda has been recognized as among the top automakers in the Union of Concerned Scientists' (UCS) rankings of overall vehicle environmental performance since 2000, and a Honda vehicle has been included on the list of America's greenest vehicles from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) for the past 16 years.
Executive Quotes
"With gasoline prices forecasted to rise in California this summer, attractive offers like purchase credits make this a great time to purchase a Civic Natural Gas vehicle," said Steve Center, vice president of the American Honda Environmental Business Development Office. "If you're looking to save money at the pump, spend less time in traffic, and reduce your environmental impact, the Civic Natural Gas Vehicle is an ideal choice."  

# # #

¹ While supply of California Energy Commission funds last. Available only at participating Honda-certified Civic Natural Gas Dealers. See participating dealers for details.
² White Clean Air Vehicle Stickers are available to an unlimited number of qualifying Federal Inherently Low Emission Vehicles (ILEVs). Cars that meet these requirements are typically certified pure zero emission vehicles (100% battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell) and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. Per AB 266, the expiration date for the white stickers has been extended to January 1, 2019. Single-occupant access with a qualifying vehicle to the California State Route 110 and Interstate 10 High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes in Los Angeles County has been extended through January of 2015 pending state legislative approval. See the California Air Resources Board's web site for more information: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/carpool/carpool.htm.
³ Based on 2014 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Actual fuel mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how the vehicle is driven and maintained, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only), and other factors.
^‡ Gasoline Gallon Equivalent (GGE)

Source: Honda Media Newsroom

Japan's government gives hydrogen vehicles a big boost

The Japanese government is really paving the way for hydrogen fuel cell technology on its roads. Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry is changing regulations on fuel tanks to make hydrogen cars more appealing to drivers, which should help put the country ahead of others in the race to develop a viable H2 fleet.

Japan is raising the allowed pressure of hydrogen tanks from 700 atmospheres to 875, which has the effect of increasing driving range by 20 percent. This move puts the country in line with others with high-pressure fueling regulations. Japan is also in talks with the United Nations and the European Union to streamline inspection rules to make it easier to export Japan's fuel-cell vehicles.

Toyota premiered its hydrogen-powered FCV Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show last year and plans to release a production version as early as next year. Honda also plans to build its own fuel-cell cars for 2015, and it debuted its FCEV Concept at last year's Los Angeles Auto Show. Nissan is sending mixed messages on hydrogen, both questioning the availability of a refueling infrastructure and working on developing the vehicles. In Japan, a relatively small country, increasing the range of fuel-cell vehicles makes creating a usable infrastructure a bit less daunting.

Will hydrogen-fueled electric cars see the same sort of success as Toyota's Prius hybrid or battery-powered EVs? Only time will tell, but we can keep our fingers crossed that it will, and that the popularity spills over beyond Asia.

Source: Autoblog

Honda Adds Standard Roadside Assistance to All 2015 Models

Beginning with the 2015 model year, all new Honda automobiles will be covered by a 24-hour nationwide roadside assistance program for the 3-year/36,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty term. The 2015 Fit and Pilot are the first vehicles in Honda's lineup to benefit from this upgrade to Honda's customer service program.
The program features a comprehensive list of roadside assistance services, including lockout service, fuel delivery and towing, plus reimbursement for trip interruption¹ and assistance for alternate transportation², hotel reservations² and more. With the Honda Roadside Assistance service, if a driver experiences a problem while on the road, they can call the program's toll-free telephone number (866-864-5211) 24 hours a day, seven days a week from anywhere in the United States, Puerto Rico or Canada. So, should an owner suffer a lost key or their Honda run out of fuel, get a flat tire, require a jump start or need to be winched or towed, Honda Roadside Assistance will dispatch a service vehicle to perform one or more of these necessary services:

• Assist the owner in unlocking the vehicle⁴
• Deliver fuel³
• Change a flat tire with the Honda vehicle's spare
• Assist with use of the Tire Repair Kit (TRK)
• Jump a battery
• Winch the vehicle
• Arrange to transport the vehicle to the nearest Honda dealership.

Additional program benefits include trip interruption reimbursement, alternate transportation², hotel reservations², airline information, message relay and directory assistance. Honda Roadside Assistance provides reimbursement consideration for up to $300 in expenses incurred during the first three days following a vehicle disablement that occurs 100 miles or more away from the Honda owner's primary residence¹. This is to cover such costs as food, lodging, alternate transportation, a rental vehicle and/or commercial transportation. Upon request, Honda Roadside Assistance will attempt to secure a rental vehicle or taxi for the Honda owner and will assist in locating emergency lodging when away from home. The service can also provide information such as airline flight times and fares plus enhanced directory assistance for the location of nearby service stations, ATMs, banks, etc., including telephone numbers, addresses and directions. Should an emergency arise, Honda Roadside Assistance will attempt to contact persons for whom telephone numbers are provided, such as the owner's spouse or workplace, in order to relay important messages.
For More Information
Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com. To join the Honda community on Facebook, visit facebook.com/Honda. Useful information and services for Honda owners is available at owners.honda.com. For additional media information including Honda vehicle pricing, features and high-resolution photography, visit hondanews.com.
¹The total Trip Interruption benefit is $300; $100 per day for three days maximum. Costs for reuniting the Honda owner with the vehicle are included in the total of $300 maximum benefit.
²Any third party costs (such as vehicle rental, taxi, lodging, flight fares, etc.) associated with the rendering of the Trip Continuation Services shall be borne by the driver requesting such service.
³Two gallons provided, not to exceed twice in a calendar year. Requires VIN at time of service request.
⁴The program covers owners up to $100 for emergency lockout services.
Cross Country Motor Club, Inc. (CCMC) acts merely as a dispatcher or referral service to persons or entities who provide the actual service. These persons and/or entities are independent contractors. Accordingly, CCMC assumes no responsibility for the acts, errors, omissions, negligence, malfeasance or misfeasance of such persons and/or entities. All persons availing themselves of this benefit of Honda Roadside Assistance are to look solely to such persons and/or entities for liability arising in connection therewith, and not to CCMC. Honda Roadside Assistance services are provided through Cross Country Motor Club, Inc., Medford, MA 02155, except in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Wisconsin and Wyoming, where services are provided through Cross Country Motor Club of California, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360. Honda reserves the right to limit services or reimbursements to an owner or driver when, in the judgment of Honda, the claims become excessive in frequency or type of occurrence. Honda also reserves the right to alter or withdraw the Honda Roadside Assistance program at any time without notice.

Source: Honda Media Newsroom

Honda announces 2015 Pilot Special Edition

The new Special Edition trim is available on either the front-wheel or all-wheel drive versions of the Pilot, and it adds Pewter Gray aluminum wheels, a power moonroof, a rear seat entertainment DVD system and Sirius XM radio. Prices come to $33,950 for the two-wheel drive version, after the $830 destination charge, or $35,550 for all-wheel drive after destination.

Prices for the rest of the trims are up $200 over last year, and they all still come standard with remote entry, a rearview camera and Class III trailer hitch. Power is still provided by a 3.5-liter V6 with 250 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque with a five-speed automatic. Fuel economy is unchanged as expected with front-wheel drive models rated at 18 miles per gallon city, 25 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined, and four-wheel drive models make 1 mpg less at 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined. Scroll down to read the official release.

Show full PR text

The Go-Anywhere, Do-Anything 2015 Honda Pilot Adds Even More Value with New Special Edition Trim Level

06/03/2014 - TORRANCE, Calif.
New-for-2015 Pilot Special Edition (SE) includes styling, technology and convenience upgrades

Pilot remains the uniquely capable eight-passenger "Ultimate Family Adventure Vehicle" and is now available in five feature-rich trim levels

TORRANCE, Calif., With the new Special Edition (SE) trim level, class-leading fuel efficiency and a go-anywhere, do-anything capability that fits the lifestyles of active families, the 2015 Honda Pilot goes on sale today with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $29,8701.

Honda's renowned engineering excellence and quality combine to produce a practical and versatile three-row, eight-passenger family SUV with a class-leading EPA highway fuel economy rating2 of 25 mpg (2WD models) and towing capacity3 of a 4,500 pounds (4WD models). Add a low cost of ownership and five feature-rich trim levels and the 2015 Pilot is the "Ultimate Family Adventure Vehicle."

New for 2015, the Pilot Special Edition (SE) is positioned between the EX and EX-L trim levels and includes sporty pewter gray aluminum alloy wheels, special SE badging, a one-touch-open power moonroof with tilt feature, Sirus XM radio and a Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System. Standard features on all 2015 Pilots include remote entry, rearview camera and an integrated Class III trailer hitch.

All 2015 Pilots are powered by a refined and fuel-efficient 250-horsepower4 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™). The engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control to help maintain the most appropriate gear when climbing or descending steep grades. All trims are available with 2-wheel drive or with Honda's Variable Torque Management® 4-wheel-drive system (VTM-4®) that adds fully automatic 4-wheel-drive capability and features a "lock mode" that can deliver the maximum-possible torque transfer to the rear wheels to aid extraction from extremely low traction or stuck conditions.

The Pilot's powertrain is complemented by a rigid body structure and fully independent suspension – with MacPherson strut front and multi-link with trailing arm rear – that provides the foundation for its responsive handling and comfortable ride. These traits are complemented by chassis geometry producing impressive cornering capability and easy maneuverability in tight parking situations.

The Honda Pilot was designed and engineered at Honda's R&D facilities in California and Ohio, and is built exclusively by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama5. View, build and price a 2015 Honda Pilot at automobiles.honda.com/pilot.

TRIM	MSRP1	EPA Fuel EconomyRating2 (city/highway/combined)
Pilot LX 2WD	$29,870	18/25/21
Pilot EX 2WD	$32,120	18/25/21
Pilot SE 2WD	$33,120	18/25/21
Pilot EX-L 2WD with RES	$36,970	18/25/21
Pilot EX-L 2WD with Navi	$37,370	18/25/21
Pilot Touring 2WD with RES and Navi	$40,020	18/25/21
Pilot LX 4WD	$31,470	17/24/20
Pilot EX 4WD	$33,720	17/24/20
Pilot SE 4WD	$34,720	17/24/20
Pilot EX-L 4WD	$36,970	17/24/20
Pilot EX-L 4WD with RES	$38,570	17/24/20
Pilot EX-L 4WD with Navi	$38,970	17/24/20
Pilot Touring 4WD with RES and Navi	$41,620	17/24/20

For More Information
Consumer information is available at http://automobiles.honda.com/pilot. To join the Pilot community on Facebook, visit https://www.facebook.com/hondapilot. Additional media information including detailed pricing features and high-resolution photography of the 2015 Honda Pilot is available at http://hondanews.com/channels/honda-automobiles-pilot.

1 MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $830.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
2 Based on 2015 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
3 Maximum towing capacity for 4WD models is 4,500 lbs. Premium unleaded fuel is recommended when towing above 3,500 lbs. Maximum towing capacity for 2WD models is 2,000 lbs. Towing requires the addition of the Honda accessory towing kit, trailer harness and hitch ball. Trailer harness is standard on Touring models. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
4 250 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm (SAE net).
5 Using domestically and globally sourced parts.

Source: Autoblog

Raising the Standard—the 2014 Honda Civic Sedan LX