The Restyled 2015 Honda CR-V: Suprising Standards

Honda HR-V Debut – 2014 LA Auto Show Remarks

John Mendel:
Good morning everyone and thanks for joining us.
We have a lot of great news to share with you today. I know you're all here to witness the arrival of an all-new Honda crossover that will strengthen our light truck offerings, but before we get to that, we have some other important news we'd like to share.
It's been a banner year for the industry, and an exceptionally strong year for Honda. The video you just saw highlights our strength in light trucks with the 2015 CR-V picking up Motor Trend's Sport Utility of the Year award just last month. We've also picked up some valuable hardware from some influential industry players like KBB, ALG and Edmunds.
Today, Automobile Magazine named the all-new Honda Fit to its list of ALL STARS. And, as we speak, Car and Driver magazine is announcing its list of the 10 Best cars in America, which for a record-breaking 29th time includes the Honda Accord. It's all exciting news for the Honda brand.
And, we're in contention for even more accolades before the year is out, with Fit making the list for North American Car of the Year. We are constantly looking forward in an effort to continue this type of momentum, strengthen our lineup and create new value for the next generation of customers.
And speaking of next generation, yesterday Google released its first Android Auto Developer Kit. Big news!
But what you might have missed is that Honda simultaneously launched a developer support program: Honda Developer Studio. This is both an online portal and a physical garage space in Silicon Valley, where developers work seamlessly with Honda R&D staff to integrate their apps with our vehicles, and be road-ready much more quickly.
You'll see Android Auto coming to several Honda products next year with a stream of new and unique apps to follow. Key members of the Honda Silicon Valley Lab are here and available to share more details with you after the press conference.
Now, continuing on our theme, you also may have seen some news about our Next Generation Fuel Cell Vehicle Concept, which was unveiled in Japan just a few days ago. And we will debut this vehicle in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This new concept builds upon Honda's real-world, on-the-road customer experience, gained through a decade of leadership in fuel cell development.
In support of this concept and the future of fuel cell vehicles, we are taking bold steps in the realm of hydrogen refueling infrastructure. Today, Honda is joining forces with First Element Fuel to provide $13.8 million in funding to further
expand and accelerate a network of public hydrogen refueling stations in California. This commitment adds considerable momentum to the future of fuel cell vehicles. And as we move closer to our own launch in 2016, we look forward to sharing more details on the next-generation Honda fuel cell car.
So, we have a lot of news to share, but today, the star of the show is the debut of an all-new compact crossover that further advances our light truck lineup. And here to tell you about it, is the senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division, Jeff Conrad.

Jeff Conrad:
Thank you, John, and hello everyone!
As you can see, we remain steadfast and focused on the future in many, many areas. But we also have an incredible lineup right now, with a string of back-to-back strong sales years.
Looking at 2014, we're on track for an all-time sales record. And, as always, we've done that without deviating from our unique focus on retail sales to individual buyers, sold one customer and one car at a time.
Leading the way is the Honda Accord, on track to become the best-selling car in America with individual car buyers for the second straight year. But it's not only Accord. With great packaging, fuel economy, fun-to-drive performance and safety, four of our core models are once again on track to be the top retail-selling models in their respective segments.
With Civic and CR-V also on track to be the outright best-selling models in their classes, beating all comers, even those relying on high-volume fleet sales.
And CR-V will extend its lead as the outright best-selling SUV in America for not just the last year or two, but the past decade. Ten years, folks!
And together, the Accord, Civic and CR-V are, again, on their way to accounting for total retail sales of over one million units for a second straight year.
If you set aside full-size pickups, this is a feat completely unprecedented in our industry.
And we also are seeing strong momentum from our all-new third-generation Fit, which has turned in some impressive performances in the past two months, up 66 percent in September and 83 percent in October.
One of Fit's main strengths perhaps its greatest competitive advantage, is its incredibly spacious and versatile interior, made possible by its unique center-mounted fuel tank layout and versatile second row "Magic Seat."
Now, we're leveraging that same expertise in the U.S. production version of the all-new HR-V crossover we're unveiling today.
Like the Fit, the new HR-V will be the true benchmark vehicle in a new and growing segment and a strong volume performer in our lineup. But HR-V isn't just a great new product. Along with the just-launched CR-V, the HR-V heralds our step-by-step effort to grow the Honda light truck lineup.
It started with the freshened CR-V, which has undergone a major makeover for the 2015 model year, a mid-cycle refresh so significant that we earned the Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year title as John mentioned earlier.
Coming next year, will be the all-new Honda Pilot SUV that will redefine what is possible with an 8-passenger mid-size SUV. Further ahead, a completely reengineered Ridgeline pickup is in the works. And beyond that is the inevitable full design change for the Odyssey minivan.
This strong product cadence plays a major role in our future competitiveness and growth. It also creates a clear hierarchy for our SUV lineup. After all, we already have an outstanding hierarchy with our core passenger car lineup, from Fit to Civic to Accord.
Today, we are excited to introduce an all-new crossover that will complete an incredible and unbeatable lineup of SUVs. The gateway to CR-V and to Pilot will now begin with a versatile and dynamic all-new Honda vehicle.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the 2016 Honda HR-V!
Here it is, the sleek, fun, fuel-efficient and extraordinarily flexible 2016 Honda HR-V crossover!
It's everything a small crossover should be with the dynamic sculpting and vibrant character lines of a sporty coupe, anchored in the confident, capable stance of an SUV. This efficient, fun-to-drive package is perfect for active lifestyle customers who need a capable vehicle that can meet the demands of daily driving, while providing the flexibility for weekend fun in the city, the country, the mountains or wherever their imagination leads them.
HR-V's dynamic styling wraps around one of the largest and most versatile cabins in its class, all courtesy of its space-efficient platform and reconfigurable Honda Magic seats.
Need to haul a bike or maybe a dog crate? HR-V's got you covered with more than 58 cubic feet of cargo space in Utility Mode. Two buddies and a pair of longboards? No problem in Long-Mode. Fichus tree for the living room?
I'd skip it. But, if you're determined, HR-V has Tall-Mode to get that job done.
The HR-V is a virtual Swiss Army Knife of capability, efficiency and versatility.
Speaking of efficiency, the HR-V crossover offers the kind of fun-to-drive spirit you can only get with a Honda, along with a 1.8-liter, 138-horsepower VTEC engine providing lively, direct and immediate response, whether mated to a sporty Honda CVT with "G-design shift" technology, or a slick-shifting 6-speed manual.
An available Real Time all-wheel-drive system also provides customers with an extra measure of all-weather traction and control for off road adventure.
The HR-V crossover also is designed to earn top collision safety ratings. And offers standard safety and driver-assistive features unmatched by any other vehicle in this rapidly growing class, including the availability of the popular Honda LaneWatch technology.
HR-V will not be out done when it comes to comfort and convenience, with a host of standard features not found anywhere else in this class. But the fun doesn't end there.
For customers who want even more, our Display Audio 7-inch touchscreen allows you to swipe, tap and pinch your way to the features and settings you desire, while Smart Entry with: Push Button Start, XM radio, Honda HD Digital Traffic and radio, Heated front seats, embedded GPS- Navigation, Paddle shifters and leather trim, all available features.
So, the all new HR-V crossover will deliver strong value for money. It's the complete package, benefitting from the best Honda has to offer: our packaging expertise, our innovative powertrains, our leading safety technology and, above all, Honda quality.
Finally, like every core model in the Honda lineup, HR-V will be built exclusively in North America. So, now, 100 percent of Fit, Civic, Accord, HR-V, CR-V, Pilot and Odyssey come from one of our 8 plants in North America. This, without a doubt, strengthens our ability to meet customer demand with great speed and efficiency.
The HR-V crossover is an incredibly compelling, sporty and value-packed new member of the Honda family. We're confident that our Honda customers are going to love it. It's unlike anything else on the market today, and more than just the new gateway to our SUV lineup, we think it will introduce a new generation of customers to the Honda brand.
Stay tuned for more information and pricing on the all-new HR-V as we get closer to its on sale date this spring. It's been a big news day for Honda, and we thank you for being part of it.
Now, I'd like to invite you all up on to the stage to get a closer look at the new Honda HR-V crossover.
Thank you all!

Source: Honda Media Newsroom

2014 Honda Odyssey Remains the Only Minivan to Achieve Top Rating of GOOD in IIHS Small Overlap Frontal Test Earning a TOP SAFETY PICK+ Rating

Nov 20, 2014

• Odyssey is the segment-leader offering top IIHS safety ratings since 2011
• No other manufacturer has earned more TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+ ratings than American Honda¹

The 2014 Honda Odyssey is the only minivan to earn the highest possible ratings of GOOD in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) stringent small overlap frontal crash test and is a 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation when equipped with optional front crash prevention. The Honda Odyssey became the first minivan to earn the TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating in August of 2013. The IIHS created the small overlap frontal crash test to replicate what happens when the front corner of a car collides with another vehicle or an object such as a tree or utility pole.
"Honda's commitment to the safety of its customers is clearly demonstrated by the segment-leading safety ratings of the Odyssey," said Art St. Cyr, vice president of auto operations at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "As the only minivan to offer the highest possible IIHS-rated protection in small overlap crashes, car buyers can look to the Honda Odyssey to securely and safely transport what's most important – their families."
Already the benchmark minivan in terms of fuel efficiency and innovative features, occupant safety for the 2014 Honda Odyssey is further enhanced through the next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. The second-generation of the ACE™ body structure has also been applied to the 2014 Honda Accord Coupe and Sedan and the 2014 Civic Sedan models that previously achieved the TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating.
The next-generation ACE™ body structure improves frontal crash energy management through a wider range of offset and oblique collision modes. In addition, other body reinforcements work in tandem with the strengthened body structure to better maintain the occupant compartment volume during frontal collisions by providing additional crash energy pathways to help mitigate the forces transmitted to the passenger compartment.
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; and front side airbags.
While Honda has made structural improvements to the 2014 Odyssey, Honda also has applied a new type of side curtain airbag that includes a front chamber design providing additional protection in situations where occupants move in a more angled outboard trajectory, such as those that might occur in oblique or offset crashes.
The company also is offering advanced driver-assistive technologies such as LaneWatch™, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning as available technologies to a broad segment of its product lineup. Also, Honda has applied rearview cameras as standard equipment to 100-percent of its vehicle lineup for the 2015 model year.
Honda Safety Leadership
Honda has a long history of leadership in the development and application of advanced technologies designed to enhance the safety of all road users, including automobile occupants, motorcycle riders and pedestrians. The company operates two of the world's most sophisticated crash test facilities, in Ohio and Japan, and is responsible for numerous pioneering efforts in the areas of crashworthiness, airbag technology, collision compatibility and pedestrian safety.
¹Based on 2014 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+ ratings as of 11/20/14.

Source: Honda Media Newsroom

Honda Officially Debuts 2016 Honda HR-V

 Longtime Pacific Honda customers know that Honda is mostly in the business of fine-tuning its current batch of vehicles rather than constantly introducing loads of new ones every year, mostly because the models we currently sell have been so popular for so long with so many different types of customers.

2015 Honda Fit, 2015 Honda Civic Given "A" Ratings from Edmunds

There are about a million different places on the internet where a person can find a review of a Honda vehicle, but when it comes to the credibility of those reviewers, few hold a candle to Edmunds, easily among the most respected car review sites on the web.

Honda Supporting Growth of California Hydrogen Network with Financial Support to FirstElement Fuel

Nov 19, 2014 - TORRANCE, Calif.

• Honda contribution of $13.8 million will further expand and accelerate the network of public hydrogen refueling stations 
• Funding could enable FirstElement to add at least 12 stations to its California hydrogen network 

Seeking to expand California's public hydrogen refueling station network as a means to support the wider introduction of fuel-cell vehicles, Honda will provide $13.8 million in financial assistance to FirstElement Fuel to build additional hydrogen refueling stations around the state. Additional state grants, combined with the Honda financing, could enable FirstElement to add at least 12 stations to its California hydrogen network.
"FirstElement Fuel is providing a vital piece of what is needed for a successful launch of fuel-cell vehicles," said Steven Center, vice president of Honda's Environmental Business Development Office. "Through this collaboration, FirstElement will enable our customers to experience hydrogen refueling that is as reliable, convenient and consumer-friendly as the vehicles are."
FirstElement received grants totaling nearly $27 million from the California Energy Commission earlier this year to build a network of 19 stations around the state. The state of California has a plan to invest $200 million into hydrogen station development over the next several years. This financial support from Honda, along with anticipated future grants from the State of California, will allow FirstElement to expand its network of stations by more than 50 percent, to at least 31 stations.
"This is an extremely positive step forward for the advancement of fuel-cell vehicles in the State of California," said Joel Ewanick, CEO of FirstElement Fuel. "We're so grateful for the confidence that Honda has shown in our team, and for Honda's leadership in the development and deployment of fuel-cell vehicles."
FirstElement Fuel is on its way to creating the world's first true retail hydrogen refueling network by developing and operating stations in California's metro areas, as well as in connector and destination locations. The company's goal is for drivers of fuel-cell vehicles to be able to travel seamlessly throughout the state, just as they are able a conventional gasoline vehicle today. As one of the leaders in the development of fuel cells, Honda has advocated for a robust and comprehensive network of hydrogen refueling stations to serve its customers.
Honda has led the industry for nearly two decades in the development and deployment of fuel-cell technology through extensive real world testing, including the first government fleet deployment and first retail customer lease programs in the United States. Honda has also made significant technological advancements in fuel cell operation in both hot and sub-freezing temperatures and in meeting safety regulations, since the introduction of its first generation fuel-cell vehicle, the FCX, in 2002. Honda launched its more recent fuel-cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity, in July 2008 as a real technological breakthrough in the areas of design, sedan packaging, assembly line manufacturing, and fuel-cell stack size and efficiency, winning the 2009 "World Green Car of the Year" award.
On November 17, 2014, the Honda FCV Concept was unveiled in Japan, pointing the way to an all-new Honda fuel-cell vehicles slated for launch first in Japan by March 2016 followed by launches in the U.S. and Europe. Honda's next-generation fuel-cell vehicle will feature a fuel-cell powertrain packaged completely in the engine room of the vehicle, allowing for efficiencies in cabin space as well as flexibility in the potential application of fuel-cell technology to multiple vehicle types in the future. The next-generation Honda FCV is anticipated to have a driving range of more than 300 miles.
Honda Environmental Leadership
Based on its vision of "Blue Skies for our Children," Honda is working to advance technologies that address society's environmental and energy concerns through a diverse lineup of products and technologies, including more fuel-efficient gasoline engines, natural gas, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel- cell vehicles (FCVs).
Today, Honda is targeting a 30-percent reduction in CO2 emissions from its U.S. automobile product lineup by 2020, compared to 2000 levels. In pursuit of its vision for a zero-carbon future, the company is advancing electromotive technologies in many forms, and is slated to introduce an advanced fuel-cell vehicle in 2016.
In keeping with its commitment to produce vehicles with the lowest CO2 emissions at plants with the smallest environmental footprint, the company is broadly addressing emissions, energy, water use and waste in all phases of its products life cycles. In the manufacturing realm, this includes a 95 percent reduction in waste sent to landfills in North America. Honda is working to extend its "green factory" and "green purchasing" initiatives to its more than 650 parts suppliers in North America and is also pursuing more environmentally responsible business practices among its U.S. dealers.
Honda is also demonstrating its vision for zero-carbon mobility and living with the creation of the Honda Smart Home US, in Davis, California, which was opened in early 2014 and is capable of producing more energy on-site from renewable sources than it consumes annually, including enough energy to power a Honda Fit EV for daily commuting.

Source: Honda Media Newsroom

300,000 Miles for Honda!

"Oren and Amy Patashnik with "Gabe" in their 1998 Honda Odyssey purchased at Pacific Honda from their original salesman JP Bo who has been their salesman since 1985. This is the anniversary of  them attaining 300,000 miles on their Odyssey. All their service has been done here at the Pacific Honda Service department! Congratulations and many more miles ahead."

New Happy Honda-Days Ads Feature '80s Toys

If you’ve been out shopping anywhere over the course of the last couple of weeks, you know that the holidays have already taken over the entire country, with holiday tunes playing on radios everywehre and red-and-green decorations spilling forth from every possible corner of every possible retail store. We may only be halfway through November, but there’s no denying the fact that the holidays are here.

2015 Honda Fit Named a Finalist for Green Car Journal's Green Car of the Year® Award

Nov 13, 2014 - TORRANCE, Calif.

• 2015 Fit is class leader in fuel efficiency with an EPA fuel-economy rating1 of 41 highway
• Fit fuel economy leadership achieved through Earth Dreams Technology™ 1.5-liter direct injection engine and CVT transmission
• Previous Honda Green Car of the Year® winners include 2014 Accord and 2012 Civic Natural Gas

The 2015 Honda Fit has been named a finalist for the 2015 Green Car of the Year® by the Green Car Journal. The award recognizes the environmental performance of the completely redesigned Fit, which received class-leading EPA fuel economy ratings of 33/41/36 (city/highway/combined) for the LX trim utilizing an Earth Dreams Technology™ 1.5-liter direct injection engine and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Green Car Journal editors selected the Fit as a finalist based on its balance of fuel efficiency, its new space-efficient body and its highly flexible seating configurations.
"With a cargo capacity near that of a mid-size SUV, the subcompact Fit is the perfect vehicle to replace larger, less fuel-efficient vehicles," said Art St. Cyr, vice president of auto operations at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The Fit also fulfills the Honda brand's promise to deliver both fun-to-drive enjoyment and outstanding fuel efficiency."
In keeping with Honda's commitment to provide customers with both fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive character at a high level, the 2015 Fit is powered by the Earth Dreams Technology™ 1.5-liter engine paired with either a new six-speed manual transmission (6MT) or a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). A combination of weight saving, friction reduction, technology application and clever engineering resulted in significant efficiency improvements while also providing an 11 percent increase in horsepower to 130, and a 7.5 percent increase in torque to 114 lb-ft versus the previous Fit's engine. A similar approach created transmissions that help provide quicker acceleration and smoother shifting, and helped the Fit receive class-leading EPA fuel-economy ratings of 29/37/32 (city/highway/combined)1 for manual transmission models, 33/41/36 for the LX trim with CVT and 32/38/35 for the EX and EX-L trims with the CVT.
The Honda Fit has long been recognized for its practicality, fuel efficiency and affordability, together with a feature-rich and high-quality interior and outstanding driving enjoyment. For the all-new Fit, these traits were advanced to a new level with even greater versatility, fresh styling, a more dynamic and refined driving experience, and substantially upgraded technology and luxury features.
"The new Fit shows once again that Honda understands the need to not only deliver desired levels of style, functionality, and performance in its new products, but enhanced environmental achievement as well," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and CarsofChange.com. "When you can make a model like the Fit more stylish and versatile than the one that preceded it while also providing greater power, higher mpg, and lower greenhouse gas emissions, that's an achievement deserving of recognition."
As a finalist, the Fit becomes one of Green Car Journal's 'Top 5 Green Cars for 2015' and additionally earns the magazine's 'Green Car Product of Excellence' distinction. The Green Car of the Year® winner will be announced during media days at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Previous Green Car of the Year® winners include the 2014 Honda Accord line-up in 2014 and the 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas in 2012.
About Green Car of the Year®
The GCOY award is an important part of Green Car Journal's mission to showcase environmental progress in the auto industry. Since 1992, Green Car Journal has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and environment. Today, the magazine is considered the premier source of information on high fuel efficiency, low emission, advanced technology, and alternative fuel vehicles. CarsOfChange.com presents 'green car' articles online along with a focus on infotainment and connectivity. Green Car of the Year® is a registered trademark of Green Car Journal and RJ Cogan Specialty Publications Group, Inc.
About Honda
Based on its vision of "Blue Skies for our Children," Honda is taking a portfolio approach to reducing the environmental impact of its products, advancing fuel efficiency, low emissions and fun-to-drive performance with new powertrain technologies from its Earth Dreams Technology™ lineup, which includes more fuel-efficient engines and transmissions and advanced electromotive technologies. Honda's alternative-fuel vehicle lineup includes the Civic Hybrid, the CR-Z hybrid sport coupe and the Accord Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient 5-passenger sedan in America, as well as the Accord Plug-In Hybrid and the Civic Natural Gas, the only natural gas-powered passenger car available from a major automaker in America.
¹ 2015 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Source: Honda Media Newsroom

Honda Walks Down Memory Lane in Nostalgic Happy Honda Days Campaign

• Multiplatform campaign stars classic toys such as Jem and The Holograms, Skeletor and Gumby
• Integrated campaign features TV, print, digital, radio and social to highlight year-end sales event

Stretch Armstrong, Gumby, Jem and The Holograms, Little People, Magic 8-Ball, Skeletor, Strawberry Shortcake™ and G.I. Joe will star in Honda's annual Happy Honda Days advertising campaign. The integrated campaign, "A Gift to Remember," launches with six spots on TV today paying homage to popular toys throughout various decades and includes extensive digital, print, POP and radio placements.
"With consumers inundated with holiday ads during the holiday season, our goal is to break through the clutter by helping people relive favorite childhood memories of a toy they loved during the holidays and associating that with a great deal on a new Honda," said Susie Rossick, senior manager at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The Happy Honda Days Sales Event is a terrific opportunity for Honda to cap off a record-setting year, with the Accord, Civic, CR-V and Odyssey also on pace to lead their respective segments in retail sales."
The magic of these beloved toys has been brought to life with stop-motion animation rather than computer-generated imagery to authentically capture how these toys came to life through play. The original toys were tracked down and used to develop the spots, along with recognizable voice-over talent.
Network TV placements are scheduled on popular programs such as "Survivor," "The Voice," "The Mindy Project" and "Dancing with the Stars," as well as on national cable networks such as AMC, Bravo, Comedy Central, Discovery, HGTV and TBS. Local Spot TV in 210 DMAs will drive local incentives to local in-market shoppers every week during Happy Honda Days, with high-impact weight during the first two weeks and last two weeks of the event.
As the consumer purchase habits continue to shift, Honda has evolved its media mix for stronger in-market support targeting handraisers.  Honda has increased its digital support by 80% compared to last year's event, with the substantial increase going to Mobile, Online Video, Audience Targeting heavy-up and Paid Social media. This increase in digital support includes banner ads on high-traffic third-party auto sites such as Cars.com, KBB.com and Edmunds.com as well as units on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. GIFs and Vines will also support paid social posts.
Print ads will run in "People" and "Sports Illustrated" and will include local newspaper support in top markets. Four weeks of Network radio spots will also air during the event.
About Honda
Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive automobiles for American car buyers through approximately 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Accord, Crosstour, Civic, Fit, CR-Z and Insight, along with the Pilot and CR-V sport-utility vehicles and the Odyssey minivan.
Honda has the highest brand fuel economy¹ and the longest-lasting cars² of any mainstream automotive brand in America, and more models achieving an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating than any other automotive nameplate.
Honda has been producing automobiles in America for more than 30 years and currently operates 16 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2013, more than 94 percent of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.
¹ Based on Model Year 2012 fuel economy data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and its report: "Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 Through 2013."
² Longevity based on IHS Automotive, Polk U.S. vehicles in operation registration statistics 1988-2012 for Honda and non-luxury competing brands.
G.I. JOE, STRETCH ARMSTRONG and JEM & THE HOLOGRAMS, and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro. © 2014 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.

Source: Honda Media Newsroom

2015 Honda Fit Rules the Roost at SEMA

 
While the 2015 Honda Fit might not be the top-selling vehicle at most American Honda dealers, there’s no denying the fact that it’s a really hot up-and-comer, especially among younger, urban drivers looking for a slick vehicle that not only is affordable but fun and stylish and technologically-advanced, as well.

2015 Honda Fit takes SEMA Show by Storm

11/04/2014 - LAS VEGAS

• Fit wins SEMA Award as "Hottest Sport Compact"
• Tjin Edition voted Fan Favorite in the 2015 Fit Performance Project
• HPD displays extensive line of available racing "crate motors"

The all-new 2015 Honda Fit  (automobiles.honda.com/fit/) arrived at the 2014 SEMA Show in strength, with nine personalized versions on display in the Honda booth, quickly winning the coveted SEMA Award as the "Hottest Sport Compact" at a ceremony formally opening the show. The Honda booth at the SEMA Show is highlighted by the Fit customized by Tjin Edition, voted as the Fan Favorite in the 2015 Fit Performance Project, which enabled fans to track the build processes of several teams through an interactive Honda Tumblr site.
"The 2015 Fit is a worthy addition to Honda's strong heritage of developing tuned sport compact vehicles, and it wears the mantle of "Hottest Sport Compact" well," said Jeff Conrad, SVP & General Manager of Honda Division, American Honda Motor Co, Inc. "Fun to drive, versatile and a great value, the new Fit does so many things right, and it's great to see it becoming a popular platform for owner personalization."
Over the past few months, Honda and its fans followed the progress of six build teams that customized the all-new 2015 Fit through an ambitious project vehicle program and interactive Tumblr experience dubbed the 2015 Fit Performance Project (#ProjectFit). The six build teams, Tjin Edition, voted Fan Favorite; Bisimoto Engineering; Kontrabrands; MAD Industries; Spoon Sports USA; and the award-winning Kenny Vinces, each personalized the Fit virtually in public, something rarely seen in a very competitive industry. Photos, video and animated GIFs of the transformations in progress were posted throughout the campaign at hondaloves.tumblr.com where fans ultimately voted for their favorite build.
Three additional personalized 2015 Honda Fit vehicles are on display in the automaker's booth including a Fit B-spec race car prepped for competition by Honda Performance Development (HPD), Honda's North American racing company; a Fit loaded with available dealer-installed Honda Genuine Accessories; and an additional Fit personalized by prominent tuner, Bisimoto, on behalf of Norm Reeves Honda in response to fan feedback prompted through the 2015 Fit Performance Project.
HPD is back at the SEMA Show displaying its extensive line of racing engines which are available for purchase for sanctioned racers in North America. HPD has long supported grassroots through pinnacle racing, and the display highlights the broad spectrum of available engines ranging from go-cart motors to IndyCar and ALMS engines. Please refer to the separate HPD SEMA Show press release for full details on the display or visit hpd.honda.com/racing-line/racing-line-store for consumer information.
Bringing a "fun to ride" element to the Honda display, a range of Honda Powersports products help highlight Honda's broad range of enthusiast oriented products beyond automobiles. On display at the show: the Pioneer 500 side by side, the NC700X, CBR300R, and the wildly popular Grom.
After viewing all of the impressive vehicle displays at the 2014 SEMA Show, attendees with media credentials are also invited to celebrate at the second annual "Honda Soiree" on Nov. 4 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Tao Nightclub inside the Venetian hotel complex. Members of the media are invited to visit the Honda booth in the Central Hall at the SEMA Show on Nov. 4, where a limited number of media entry wristbands will be available.
About Honda
Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive automobiles for American car buyers through approximately 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Accord, Crosstour, Civic, Fit, CR-Z and Insight along with the Pilot, and CR-V sport-utility vehicles and the Odyssey minivan.
Honda has been producing automobiles in America for more than 30 years and currently operates 16 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2013, more than 94 percent of all Honda vehicles sold in U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.
About Honda Powersports
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and Side-by-Sides in the U.S. American Honda's Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers.
For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.
Summary of Vehicles on Display at the American Honda Booth
Honda Automobile Display
2015 Honda Fit EX equipped with Honda Genuine Accessories
From Honda Performance Development
2015 Honda Fit HPD B-SPEC Concept Race Car
#28 Andretti Autorsport DHL Show Car – Winner of the 2014 Indianapolis 500 (replica)
HPD Supercharged CR-Z IndyCar Series Pace Car
HI13RT IndyCar Engine
HPD K20 Formula Atlantic Engine
HPD L15A7 Formula F Engine
CRF250 Karting Engine
GXH50 Karting Engine
CR125 Karting Engine
GX120 .25 Midget Engine
GX160 .25 Midget Engine
AR35TT GT Engine

Project Vehicles⁵
Bisimoto Engineering 2015 Honda Fit for Norm Reeves Honda
Bisimoto 2015 Honda Fit Turbo
Bisimoto 2015 Honda Fit Spec Car
Kontrabrands, LLC A.M.L. (Active Metropolitan Lifestyle) Honda Fit
Spoon Sports Super Taikyu 2015 Honda Fit
Kylie Tjin Special Edition Fit

Powersports Display
Pioneer side-by-side
Grom
CBR300R
NC700X
⁵ Aftermarket project vehicles. All modification information listed was provided by the vehicle builders and has not been confirmed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. The modifications to these vehicles may void the manufacturer's warranty, may not be legal for street driving in all 50 states and have not been specifically suggested, recommended or approved by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Source: Honda Media Newsroom

Honda Division Breaks Another Monthly Sales Record in October; Acura October Sales Jump Nearly 8% with another Big Month for the All-New TLX

11/03/2014 - TORRANCE, Calif.

• Honda Division has its best-ever October sales—up 5.5 percent on delivery of 105,745 new cars and trucks
• All-new Acura TLX sales reach nearly 5,000 units in October, driving an overall 7.9 percent increase for the brand
• Honda CR-V smashes previous October record with 29,257 sales, an increase of 29.7 percent over the same period in 2013; New Fit also sets new October sales mark

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported total October 2014 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 121,172 units, an increase of 5.8 percent versus October of last year. The Honda division set a new October record on sales of 105,745 vehicles, an increase of 5.5 percent for the month. The Acura division posted sales of 15,427 units to rise 7.9 percent in the same period.
Honda
The new October sales record for the Honda brand was driven by the success of core models leading to an overall 5.5 percent gain versus October 2013. The new 2015 CR-V, crowned Motor Trend's 2015 SUV of the Year, helped the model post its best October on record. The new Honda Fit also set a new October milestone and Accord sales rose for the 10th straight month—all helping to push the Honda brand to a new October pinnacle.

• The redesigned 2015 Honda CR-V, which went on sale October 1, helped smash the previous October record, and was up 29.7 percent over 2013 on sales of 29,257 units.
• The new Honda Fit nearly doubled its sales last month, setting an all-time October record with sales of 6,851 units, an increase of 83.4 percent for the month.
• Honda's stalwart Accord posted a strong month, rising 7.8 percent in October with sales of 27,128 units to give the model its 10^th straight monthly increase.

"The new 2015 CR-V is giving renewed momentum to what has already been an incredible year," said Jeff Conrad, Honda division senior vice president and general manager. "The success of the new Fit is an important step in re-establishing small cars as a pillar in the Honda lineup."
Acura
With the 3.5L SH-AWD model enjoying its first full month on the market, the new Acura TLX gained more than 25 percent versus last month's strong performance, reaching sales of nearly 5,000 units in October after less than three months on the market. TLX helped push Acura brand sales up 7.9 percent for the month.

• TLX sales reached 4,890 units in October, jumping 25.9 percent over last month for its best month since joining the Acura lineup, and came within just a few hundred units of ranking as Acura's best-selling model.
• With 5,324 units sold in October, Acura's current best seller—MDX—jumped 9.5 percent month-over-month despite being limited by tight supplies.

"With TLX sales nearly topping 5,000 units in a segment full of notoriously tough competitors, the new TLX is quickly establishing itself as a top player in the mid-size luxury sedan game," said Mike Accavitti, Acura division senior vice president and general manager. "This early success of TLX also demonstrates the strong potential of the performance direction for the Acura product lineup."



Source: Honda Media Newsroom