Friday, July 29, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
2012 Honda CR-V Concept Reveals Dynamic New Styling of Future Model
Sophisticated direction of versatile compact SUV exhibits distinctive and bold new look for long-time segment leader
TORRANCE, Calif., July 25, 2011 - The 2012 Honda CR-V Concept provides the first official glimpse of the styling direction for the all-new, fourth-generation CR-V set to go on sale in the United States by the end of the year, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced.
"The 2012 CR-V Concept introduces the exterior styling for the more sophisticated and dynamic design of the upcoming production model," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "Long considered the benchmark for packaging and user-friendly design in the small SUV segment, the all-new CR-V will offer an added dimension of style, amazing interior versatility and Honda's latest technologies for convenience and refinement."
The CR-V Concept embraces a distinctive and bold styling direction for the top-selling1 SUV in the United States. Compared to the current-generation CR-V, the concept model takes on a more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The front bumper's smooth-flowing lines are highlighted by a horizontal three-bar grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability with a generous approach angle, while the lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly with the fascia for improved aerodynamics.
The CR-V's signature vertical rear taillights remain for 2012 with a more three-dimensional style that wraps further into the design of the vehicle. The CR-V Concept's large 5-spoke machined alloy wheels and bold fender flares emphasize the vehicle's dynamic presence and capability.
The all-new 2012 CR-V will improve upon the current model in a variety of ways, and will feature a more fuel-efficient engine and reduced body weight. In addition to all-new exterior styling, the 2012 CR-V will have an all-new interior with a more accommodating and spacious design with a lower cargo floor.
Currently in the fifth year of its model cycle, the CR-V continues to sell at a record pace. The 2011 CR-V was among the highest-ranked vehicles in its segment for initial quality in J.D. Power & Associates' 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS), where it finished second to the Honda Element in the compact SUV segment. The CR-V is sold globally in more than 160 countries throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. In the U.S., CR-V is manufactured in Ohio at the East Liberty Auto Plant of Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., using domestic and globally sourced parts. The East Liberty Auto Plant earned a Silver Award for outstanding quality in the recently released J.D. Power 2011 Initial Quality Study. The 2012 CR-V Concept will be on display at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim, California, in September.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Honda Announces Winner of the Sounds of Civic Competition
Honda announced the winner of the Sounds of Civic, a contest which encouraged Facebook fans to submit and vote for original songs inspired by each of the five 2012 Civic models; the Sedan, Coupe, Si, HF or Hybrid.
From eight top finalists, who each won $2,500 in music gear from Sam Ash Music Stores, Jonatan Barahona was selected as the winning artist. Barahona won the hearts of fans and a brand new 2012 Honda Civic with his original tribute, "Forever." A freelance piano player, Barahona used the Honda Civic Hybrid and his passion for the environment as inspiration.
"In the song, I wanted to bring to light Honda's ability to change the world through reliability and environmental responsibility. I believe that sustainable energy is something that we should be pursuing rather than digging ourselves deeper into dependence on fossil fuels," said Barahona. "[To Honda fans] Thank you so much for your votes and your support!"
Not only will Barahona be driving away in a new 2012 Civic, he will be performing his song live at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. on October 1 as part of the 2011 Honda Civic Tour.
"There were so many wonderful contributions to The Sounds of Civic, but his entry stood out on production, originality, and best captured the spirit of the Honda Civic. Congratulations to Jonatan," said Kurt Antonius, assistant vice president of public relations, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Natural Gas - Powered Honda Civic Retains CA HOV Lane Access Until 2015
By Honda News
California drivers of the current Civic GX compressed natural gas (CNG) - powered Civic and all-new Civic Natural Gas will continue to have access to the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) highway lane until January 2015. Honda is the only OEM currently selling in the United States a dedicated CNG-powered light duty vehicle designed and manufactured for retail sale. As an Inherently Low Emissions Vehicle (ILEV), the Civic Natural Gas qualifies for White Clean Air Vehicle decals, which are available in an unlimited quantity. Yellow Clean Air Vehicle decals for hybrid vehicles expired on July 1, 2011.
"Civic GX drivers in California have long enjoyed the benefits of driving a compressed natural gas vehicle, whether it was saving time commuting in the carpool lane, paying lower fuel prices, reducing dependence on oil or reducing their CO2 footprint," said Elmer Hardy, senior manager of alternative fuel marketing at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "With the all-new model coming this fall, drivers will continue to earn these benefits along with additional commuter-friendly features."
The 2012 Civic Natural Gas model receives innovative features consistent with the entire all-new Civic lineup. The new "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID) provides a convenient platform for integration of vehicle information and compatible personal electronics with a driver-oriented 5-inch color LCD display and intuitive steering wheel controls. Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® for compatible mobile phones and a USB audio interface for compatible music players are also standard. For the first time ever, the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and FM Traffic is available in the Civic Natural Gas. The navigation system database uniquely includes retail CNG fueling locations.
The Civic Natural Gas (named the Civic GX from 1998-2011) has a Honda-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy rating1 of 27/38/31 miles per gallon (gasoline-gallon equivalent). Compared to the 2011 model, city fuel economy improves by 12.5 percent, and highway fuel economy is up by 5.5 percent. The Civic Natural Gas includes Honda's ECO Assist™ technology, an innovation that can enhance efficient vehicle operation at the touch of a button while also providing visual feedback to promote and confirm an efficient driving style.
Drivers of compressed natural gas vehicles enjoy a growing public station network, for convenient and economical refueling. California has the most robust compressed natural gas infrastructure in the nation, with over 110 public stations located throughout the state. From a value standpoint, when purchased at public fueling stations, natural gas historically has cost about 30-percent less per gasoline-gallon-equivalent (GGE) compared to gasoline.
Demand for the current Civic GX in California has been unprecedented, with sales tripling for the first half of the year compared to the same period last year. Interested customers in the new 2012 Civic Natural Gas are encouraged to visit their local qualified Honda Natural Gas dealer.