McKenney-Salinas Honda: January 2013

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Honda Automobiles: Honda ECO Assist™ Named to Green Car Journal's Top 10 Green Car Technology List for 2013

Honda's innovative and interactive ECO Assist™ fuel-efficiency coaching technology has been named to Green Car Journal's Top 10 Green Car Technology List for 2013. Short for "Ecological Drive Assist System", Honda's ECO Assist™ is available on some of the most popular Honda models, including the 2013 Civic, CR-V and Accord.

Honda's ECO Assist™ technology can help drivers develop driving habits that enhance fuel efficiency by observing the speedometer background's response to driving practices. Fuel-saving behaviors like smooth acceleration and braking make the meter glow green. Less fuel-efficient driving habits will cause the meter glow blue-green, while aggressive starts and stops that consume extra fuel cause the meter to glow blue. In addition to the ECO Assist™ technology, drivers can also engage the green, dash-mounted "ECON" button to further optimize control of the transmission, engine and other powertrain elements to help conserve additional fuel.

"Honda developed the driver guidance and driver feedback functions of ECO Assist to help drivers improve their fuel economy, and in turn, to also benefit our environment," said Art St. Cyr, vice president of product planning and logistics at American Honda. "The visual nature of the technology is intended to help drivers improve their efficient driving skills by making it a more fun and rewarding experience."

On Honda hybrid and alternative fuel models, a fuel efficiency scoring function located in the gauge-cluster's Multi-Information Display (MID) provides further feedback about cumulative, long-term driving style. The MID also allows drivers to view fuel economy figures for the past three trips, as well as instantaneous and average fuel economy statistics. The scoring function encourages drivers to take an interest in developing fuel efficient driving habits over the long term and rewards their efforts with growing foliage.

The Green Car Technology Award™ honors important enabling technology helping to create a new generation of fuel-efficient, alternative-fuel, or low-emission vehicles. Technologies considered for the award range from advanced powerplants and drivetrain components to on-board systems that work toward increasing efficiencies, reducing petroleum use or improving environmental impact. Qualifying technologies must be in use by vehicle models currently on the market today.

"Honda's ECO Assist system was selected as a Green Car Technology Award finalist for its innate ability to help drivers enhance their fuel efficiency," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and www.CarsOfChange.com. "In an era of increased demands on environmental performance from consumers and government alike, we wanted to highlight the innovative technologies like ECO Assist™ that make their incredible achievements possible."

Honda Environmental Leadership
In addition to the ECO Assist™ system, Honda is committed to further advancements in fuel efficiency, with a focus on the broad application of technologies such as VTEC™ and Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™), and the expanded application of Honda hybrid technology. In October 2011, Honda debuted a new lineup of advanced gasoline engines using new 'Earth Dreams' powertrain technology, which will serve as the foundational technology to advance the fuel efficiency of Honda and Acura vehicles. Honda has also led the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) rankings of overall vehicle environmental performance since 2000, and a Honda vehicle has topped the list of America's greenest vehicles from the America Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) for 15 consecutive years.

Connect with Honda:
Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
For consumers: http://automobiles.honda.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Honda
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/honda/
On Google+

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Source: http://hondanews.com/releases/3c9ba5e2-508f-4c4f-982c-1e94e9554d9a

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Honda Automobiles: Honda and Acura to Offer Convenience of Apple's Siri™ Eyes Free on Select 2013 Vehicles

American Honda today announced it will integrate support for Siri, the intelligent assistant that helps you get things done just by asking, into its 2013 Honda Accord and Acura RDX and ILX models as a dealer installed option. Later this year, owners with a compatible iPhone¹ running iOS 6 can direct Siri to perform a number of specific tasks while they safely keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. Using Eyes Free mode, Siri takes hands-free functionality even further and minimizes distractions even more by keeping your iOS device's screen from lighting up.

"iPhone has become so integral to people's lives that they continue to use them in their vehicles," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of automobile product planning, American Honda. "Offering Honda and Acura owners Siri and its Eyes Free mode via Bluetooth is an incredible opportunity to provide next-generation connectivity and meet our customer's ever-changing needs."

Honda recognizes the power of Siri and Eyes Free mode as an in-vehicle tool that will help meet the connectivity and convenience needs of its customers in a responsible manner. Honda has reengineered its software to seamlessly integrate Siri Eyes Free mode into its Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® via the onboard microphone and speakers.

About Honda and Acura
Honda offers a diverse lineup of 12 cars and trucks including the mid-sized Accord, compact Civic, Pilot SUV, CR-V crossover SUV, Crosstour, Ridgeline and Odyssey minivan. Honda also offers a wide range of fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles that include the Insight hybrid, Natural Gas Civic, Civic Hybrid, CR-Z (sport hybrid coupe) and FCX Clarity (fuel cell-electric vehicle). Honda began operations in the U.S. in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Honda began U.S. production of automobiles in 1982.

Connect with Honda and Acura:
Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Web site: honda.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda - www.youtube.com/acura
Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda - www.twitter.com/acura_insider
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Honda - www.facebook.com/Acura
Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/honda/
On Google+

¹Siri is available in Beta only on iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPad (3rd and 4th generations), iPad mini and iPod touch (5th generation), and requires Internet access. Siri may not be available in all languages or in all areas, and features may vary by area. Cellular data charges may apply.

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Source: hondanews.com

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Honda Automobiles: Honda LaneWatch™ Blind Spot Display Wins A 2013 VIP (Very Innovative Products) Award from Good Housekeeping

Honda's LaneWatch™ blind spot display has won a Good Housekeeping 2013 "Very Innovative Products" (VIP) Award, the only automotive product to earn this distinction for 2013 and one of only nine innovative new product winners overall. Good Housekeeping's 2013 VIP award winners were chosen from more than 1,500 new products evaluated by the scientists and engineers at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute during the past year in the magazine's state-of-the-art product-testing laboratory. Before any product can be named a VIP award winner, it must also pass the Research Institute's evaluations for performance and safety.

Debuting on the all-new 2013 Accord, which recently achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) new TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, and now also available on the versatile 2013 Crosstour, LaneWatch uses a camera mounted on the passenger-side mirror to display real-time images of the vehicle's right-side blind spot on an 8-inch color dashboard display. The image appears when the right turn signal is activated, or when a button on the end of the turn signal stalk is pressed.

"LaneWatch is an intuitive visibility technology that represents the sort of innovation that consumers have come to expect from Honda," said Mike Accavitti, vice president of national marketing operations, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Automotive products don't often win Good Housekeeping's VIP awards, and that makes it even sweeter to have LaneWatch listed among the best new consumer products of 2013."

The typical field of view for a passenger-side mirror is approximately 18 to 22 degrees, but the LaneWatch field-of-view is about four times greater, or approximately 80 degrees. The system helps the driver to see traffic, as well as pedestrians, bicycles or other objects in the vehicle's blind spot. To help make judging distance easier, the display has three reference lines. Drivers are encouraged to visually confirm roadway conditions prior to changing lanes.

About Honda
Honda offers a complete lineup of Honda cars, trucks and service through a network of over 1,000 Honda dealerships within the United States. In 2012, Honda marked 30 years of producing automobiles in the U.S.¹, which began with the Accord in Marysville, Ohio in November 1982. Having produced more than 23 million vehicles in North America, Honda currently operates seven major automobile manufacturing facilities in the region.

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

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¹ Honda products are produced using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Source: http://hondanews.com/releases/09d53406-dbcd-43af-9c50-8c93c41e9321

Honda Automobiles: Honda LaneWatch™ Blind Spot Display

Honda LaneWatch™ Blind Spot Display

Source: http://hondanews.com/videos/af576b06-044e-4d20-a9eb-046aeb562e90

Monday, January 28, 2013

Honda Automobiles: 2013 Honda Accord and CR-V Earn Best Value Awards from Kiplinger's Personal Finance

The 2013 Honda Accord and 2013 Honda C-RV earned Best Value Awards from Kiplinger's Personal Finance. The Accord was named 'Best New Model' in the Cars $30,000-$40,000 category and CR-V was rated 'Best in Class' in the Small Crossover category. Kiplinger's selects the winners based on a number of qualifications including price, performance, value, safety, roominess and driving impressions.

"The Accord and CR-V remain segment standouts for their efficiency, packaging, performance and value," said Michael Accavitti, vice president of marketing operations, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The strength of the Honda lineup is clearly resonating in the marketplace and we are proud to be recognized for offering true value to customers."

The magazine applauded the Accord for upscale styling, efficient packaging and ample standard feature content. For the second consecutive year, the CR-V was named a Best Value, with Kiplinger's noting the model's outstanding cargo capacity and technology features.

"With the 2013 redesign, Accord keeps its essential ingredients - a solid driver-to-road connection, comfy interior and high resale values - and spices things up with new technology and a more modern exterior," said Jessica Anderson, associate editor, Kiplinger's Personal Finance. "Additionally, in an increasingly crowded segment, CR-V is the ideal others aspire to."

In addition to being named a 'Best Value' by Kiplinger's Personal Finance, the all-new 2013 Honda Accord is among the first vehicles awarded the TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and was named to Car and Driver Magazine's '10Best Cars' list for a record 27th time. Both the 2013 Accord 4-cylinder and V-6 powertrains were named to the Ward's 10 Best Engines. Additionally, the Honda-exclusive LaneWatch™ blind spot display, which debuted on the Accord, won Good Housekeeping Magazine's 'Very Innovative Product' award for 2013.

The CR-V finished 2012 as the best-selling SUV in the U.S and was also named a TOP SAFETY PICK by the IIHS.

About Honda
Honda offers a complete lineup of Honda cars, trucks and service through a network of 1,037 Honda dealerships within the United States. In 2012, Honda marked 30 years of producing automobiles in the U.S.¹, which began with the Accord in Marysville, Ohio in November 1982. Having produced more than 23 million vehicles in North America, Honda currently operates seven major automobile manufacturing facilities in the region.

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

¹Honda products are produced using domestic and globally sourced parts.

About Kiplinger
For nine decades, the Kiplinger organization has led the way in personal finance and business forecasting. Founded in 1920 by W.M. Kiplinger, the company developed one of the nation's first successful newsletters in modern times. The Kiplinger Letter, launched in 1923, remains the longest continuously published newsletter in the United States. In 1947, Kiplinger created the nation's first personal finance magazine and has been covering cars since then as a major component of family finances. Kiplinger.com is the fastest growing Web site in the personal finance space. Located in the heart of our nation's capital, the Kiplinger editors remain dedicated to delivering sound, unbiased advice for your family and your business in clear, concise language.
For more information, visit http://www.kiplinger.com.

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Source: http://hondanews.com/releases/e17edfcd-f4a6-4f70-9c94-88c5ba70e3c0

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Honda Automobiles: 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Specifications & Features

ENGINEERING	ACCORD PLUG-IN
Gasoline Engine Type	In-Line 4-Cylinder
Engine Block/Cylinder Head	Aluminum-Alloy
Displacement (cc)	1993
Bore and Stroke (mm)	81 x 96.7
Compression Ratio	13.0 : 1
Valve Train	16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC®
Drive-by-Wire Throttle System	•
Eco Assist™ System	•
Active Noise Cancellation™ (ANC)	•
Hill Start Assist	•
CARB Emissions Rating¹	SULEV20/TZEV
Direct Ignition System with Immobilizer	•
ELECTRIC POWER STORAGE	ACCORD PLUG-IN
Lithium-Ion Battery	•
Volume/Size (kWh)	6.7
Output (kW)	15
6.6 kW Onboard 32-Amp Charger	•
Approximate Charging Time3 (hrs, 240V / 120V4)	1 / 3
ELECTRIC MOTOR	ACCORD PLUG-IN
AC Synchronous Permanent-Magnet Electric Motor	•
Gasoline Engine Horsepower (SAE net @ rpm)	141 @ 6200 rpm
Battery Power (kW/hp)	41/55
TRANSMISSION	ACCORD PLUG-IN
Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT)	•
BODY/SUSPENSION/CHASSIS	ACCORD PLUG-IN
Aluminum Hood	•
Unit-Body Construction	•
MacPherson Strut Front Suspension	•
Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension	•
Stabilizer Bar (mm, front/rear)	19 / 16
Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS)	•
Steering Wheel Turns, Lock-to-Lock	2.55
Steering Ratio	13.36
Turning Diameter, Curb-to-Curb (ft)	38.1
Power-Assisted Ventilated Front Disc/Solid Rear Disc Brakes	•
Wheels	17" Forged Alloy with Aero Covers
All-Season Tires	225/50 R17 94V
Tire Repair Kit (TRK) with 24-Hour Assistance	•
EXTERIOR MEASUREMENTS	ACCORD PLUG-IN
Wheelbase (in)	109.3
Length (in)	193.5
Height (in)	57.7
Width (in)	72.8
Track (in, front/rear)	62.4 / 62.7
Curb Weight (lbs)	3799
Weight Distribution (%, front/rear)	56 / 44
INTERIOR MEASUREMENTS	ACCORD PLUG-IN
Headroom (in, front/rear)	39.1 / 37.5
Legroom (in, front/rear)	42.5 / 38.5
Shoulder Room (in, front/rear)	58.6 / 56.5
Hiproom (in, front/rear)	55.6 / 54.7
Cargo Volume (cu ft)	8.6
Passenger Volume (cu ft)	103.2
Seating Capacity	5
EPA MILEAGE RATINGS⁵/FUEL	ACCORD PLUG-IN
Electric-Only Miles-Per-Gallon of Gasoline-Equivalent (MPGe, City/Highway/Combined)	124 / 105 / 115
Gasoline-Only (MPG, City/Highway/Combined)	47 / 46 / 46
Combined Gas-Electric Driving Range Rating (mi)	574
Maximum EV Mode Driving Range Rating (mi)	13
Fuel (gal)	12.2
Required Fuel	Regular Unleaded
ACTIVE SAFETY	ACCORD PLUG-IN
Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS)	•
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)⁶	•
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)⁷	•
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control⁸	•
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)	•
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)	•
Brake Assist	•
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)⁹	•
LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)	•
PASSIVE SAFETY	ACCORD PLUG-IN
Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACETM) II Body Structure	•
Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS)	•
SmartVent™ Front Side Airbags	•
Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor	•
3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions	•
Front 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System	•
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-Row Outboard), Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All)	•
Driver's and Front Passenger's Seat-Belt Reminder	•
Child-Proof Rear Door Locks	•
EXTERIOR FEATURES	ACCORD PLUG-IN
Battery Charging Door (120V and 240V)	•
Fin-Type Roof-Mounted Antenna	•
Security System with Smart Entry	•
Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers	•
Body-Colored Decklid Spoiler	•
LED Headlights with Auto-On/Off and Blue-Tinted Chrome Bezels	•
Fog Lights	•
LED Brake Lights with Blue-Tinted Chrome Bezels	•
Chrome Door Handles	•
Heated, Body-Colored Power Side Mirrors with Integrated LED Turn Indicators and Expanded View Driver's Mirror	•
COMFORT & CONVENIENCE	ACCORD PLUG-IN
Electric Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control System	•
HondaLink™ Telematics	•
Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition10, Interface Dial and HondaLink Real-Time Traffic™	•
i-MID with 8-Inch High-Resolution WVGA (800x480) Screen and Customizable Feature Settings	•
Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Guidelines	•
Honda LaneWatch™¹¹	•
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®¹²	•
SMS Text Message Function¹³	•
Power On/Off Button	•
Power Windows with Auto-Up/Down Driver's and Front Passenger's Windows	•
Illuminated Power Window Switches	•
Power Door Locks/Programmable Auto-Locking Doors	•
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)¹⁴	•
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel	•
Illuminated Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls	Cruise / Audio / Phone / i-MID / Navi
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column	•
HomeLink® Remote System¹⁵	•
Center Console with Armrest and Storage Compartment	•
Beverage Holders, Front and Rear	•
Driver's and Front Passenger's Illuminated Vanity Mirrors	•
Automatic-Dimming Rearview Mirror	•
Map Lights	•
Sunglasses Holder	•
12-Volt Power Outlets	•
Lockable Glove Compartment	•
Driver- and Passenger-Side Seatback Pockets	•
Remote Fuel Filler Door Release	•
Remote Trunk Release with Lock	•
Electronic Remote Trunk Release	•
Rear Window Defroster	•
Cargo Area Light	•
Floor Mats	•
Side Door Pockets	•
SEATING	ACCORD PLUG-IN
Honda Bio-Fabric-Trimmed Interior	•
Driver's Seat with 10-Way Power Adjustment, including Power Lumbar Support and Two-Position Memory	•
Heated Front and Outboard Rear Seats	•
Adjustable Front Seat-Belt Anchors	•
Fold-Down Rear-Seat Center Armrest	•
AUDIO SYSTEMS	ACCORD PLUG-IN
180-Watt AM/FM/CD Audio System with 6 Speakers	•
HondaLink™ featuring Aha™¹⁶ Compatibility	•
Audio Touch-Screen	•
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) including 16-GB Audio Memory¹⁷	•
Pandora®18 Compatibility	•
Bluetooth® Streaming Audio	•
Song By Voice® (SBV)	•
USB Audio Interface¹⁹	•
MP3/Auxiliary Input Jack	•
MP3/Windows Media®20 Audio (WMA) Playback Capability	•
Radio Data System (RDS)	•
Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC)	•
MULTI - INFORMATION DISPLAY	ACCORD PLUG-IN
Average Fuel Economy Indicator	•
Average Speed Indicator	•
Digital Odometer and Digital Trip Meters (2)	•
Eco Drive Display	•
Elapsed Time Indicator	•
Energy Flow Indicator	•
Engine Oil Life Indicator	•
Exterior Temperature Indicator	•
Instant Fuel Economy Indicator	•
Miles-to-Empty Indicator	•
INTELLIGENT MULTI - INFORMATION DISPLAY	ACCORD PLUG-IN
Average Fuel Economy Indicator	•
Clock	•
Compass	•
Customizable Feature Settings	•
Energy Flow Indicator	•
Instant Fuel Economy Indicator	•
Miles-to-Empty Indicator	•
Multi-Angle Rearview Camera	•
Welcome Screen	•
INSTRUMENTATION	ACCORD PLUG-IN
12-Volt Battery-Charging System Indicator	•
ABS Indicator	•
Airbag System Indicator	•
Backlit Gauges	•
Brake System Indicator	•
ECON Mode Indicator	•
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Indicator	•
EV Mode Indicator	•
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Indicator	•
Fog Lights Indicator	•
Fuel Level Indicator	•
Headlights-On Indicator	•
High-Beam Indicator	•
HV Mode Indicator	•
Immobilizer System Indicator	•
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Indicator	•
Lithium-Ion Battery Charge Level Indicator	•
Low-Tire Pressure Indicator	•
Low-Fuel Indicator	•
Low-Oil Pressure Indicator	•
Malfunction Indicator	•
Passenger-Side Airbag-Off Indicator	•
Power/Charge Indicator	•
Power System Indicator	•
Ready-to-Drive Indicator	•
Seat-Belt Reminder Indicator	•
Security System Indicator	•
Shift Lever Position Indicator	•
Smart Entry System Indicator	•
System Message Indicator	•
TPMS Indicator	•
VSA System and VSA-Off Indicators	•

[1] SULEV20 (Super-Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle) model as certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
[2] Does not apply to fluid and filter changes. Will vary with driving conditions. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
[3] Charging time is measured from initial illumination of the low state-of-charge indicator, not from full depletion.
[4] Honda recommends the use of a dedicated 120-volt GFCI outlet tested for use by an electrician.
[5] Based on 2014 EPA mileage and driving range ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe/MPG and driving range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-PHEV-label.shtml.
[6] FCW cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. FCW does not include a braking function. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.
[7] LDW only alerts drivers when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use. LDW may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.
[8] VSA is not a substitute for safe driving. It cannot correct the vehicle’s course in every situation or compensate for reckless driving. Control of the vehicle always remains with the driver.
[9] For optimal tire wear and performance, tire pressure should be checked regularly with a gauge. Do not rely solely on the monitor system. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
[10] The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ is standard in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. (HondaLink Real-Time Traffic service only available in the United States, except Alaska). Please see your Honda dealer for details. - UPDATE with correct Real-Time area coverage
[11] Display accuracy will vary based on weather, size of object and speed, and the display may not show all relevant traffic. The display is not a substitute for your own direct visual assessment of traffic conditions before changing lanes.
[12] The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.
[13] Compatible with select phones with Bluetooth®. Your wireless carrier's rate plans apply. State or local laws may limit use of texting feature. Only use texting feature when conditions allow you to do so safely.
[14] ACC cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors. ACC should not be used in heavy traffic, poor weather or on winding roads. The driver remains responsible to slow or stop the vehicle to avoid a collision.
[15] HomeLink and the HomeLink house are registered trademarks of Johnson Controls®.
[16] Compatible smartphone required. All Aha platform feeds are audible, not visual in nature. Vehicle does not provide any feeds. Some state laws prohibit the operation of handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle. Launch smartphone applications only when the vehicle is safely parked. Aha is a trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc. Your wireless carrier's rates may apply.
[17] Audio memory is a component of navigation system's hard disk drive (HDD).
[18] Pandora, the Pandora logo, and the Pandora trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of Pandora Media, Inc. Used with permission. Compatible with select smartphones. See: www.pandora.com/everywhere/mobile. Not all devices compatible with USB connection. Your wireless carrier's rate plans apply.
[19] The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
[20] Windows Media® is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Source: http://hondanews.com/releases/96c5ebd4-eba4-4b15-b0ac-401e71b83fd3

Monday, January 21, 2013

Honda Automobiles: 115 MPGe Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid, Most Fuel-Efficient Sedan in America, Now Available at Select New York and California Dealerships

The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle, rated by the EPA at 115 MPGe¹ in all electric mode, making it the most fuel-efficient sedan in America, went on-sale at select New York and California Honda dealers on January 15 with an MSRP of $39,780² and a monthly lease price of $429³.

Combining hybrid efficiency with a powerful dose of instantaneous electric-motor torque, the Honda Accord Plug-In is rated by the EPA with a maximum EV Mode driving range of 13 miles and a gasoline fuel-economy rating of 47/46/46 mpg (city/hwy/combined). The 2014 Accord Plug-In earned the highest EPA MPGe rating¹ (115 MPGe) in its class⁴, topping all plug-in-class competitors. In addition to being Honda’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the Accord Plug-In is the first production car in the U.S. to meet the new, more stringent LEV3/SULEV20 emissions standard, and will also qualify for single-occupant carpool-lane access in California.

Honda Accord Plug-In Fuel Efficiency Comparison
Model	EPA Combined MPGe Rating	EPA Fuel Economy City/Highway/Combined
Honda Accord Plug-In	115 MPGe	47/46/46
Ford Fusion Energi Plug-In	100 MPGe	44/41/43
Chevy Volt	98 MPGe	35/40/37
Prius Plug-In	95 MPGe	51/49/50

The 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid is powered by an all-new Honda Earth DreamsTM technology two-motor hybrid system utilizing a powerful 124-kilowatt (kW) electric motor that also acts like a continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) mated to a highly fuel-efficient 2.0-liter i-VTEC, Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine. Electric-only operation is supported by a 6.7-kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery, with high efficiency regenerative braking provided by an all-new electric-servo braking system.

To maximize driving efficiency, the new two-motor hybrid system allows the Accord Plug-In powertrain to transition seamlessly between all-electric EV Drive, gasoline-electric Hybrid Drive; and direct Engine Drive. Beyond its function as a full-electric vehicle, owners of the Accord Plug-In will be able to choose two additional driving modes to manage battery capacity and tailor the capabilities of the vehicle to their commute. In its default start-up mode, the Accord Plug-In acts as a pure electric vehicle and will remain in full-electric mode until the battery state of charge necessitates the automatic switch to gas/electric hybrid operation. At higher speeds and engine loads, such as during aggressive acceleration, the gasoline engine kicks in to provide additional power. There is also a button on the center console that allows the driver to manually select EV mode – for example, if they want to utilize EV mode in their neighborhood, or in city traffic on stop-and-go highway driving when regenerative braking potential is increased. In the driver-selectable “HV” mode, the plug-in Accord acts as a conventional hybrid, blending electric motor gasoline engine power to maximize fuel efficiency while maintaining the battery charge level.

The plug-in Accord can be fully charged from a low-charge indication point in less than three hours using the supplied 120-volt charger when plugged into a standard 120-volt household electrical outlet (use of a dedicated GFCI outlet is recommended), and in less than one hour using a 240-volt “Level-2” charger⁵. The free HondaLink™ EV smartphone application will allow owners to remotely monitor the charging state of the Accord Plug-In.

Based on the Touring trim level of standard Accord Sedan but featuring unique styling cues, the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In will be available in three exterior colors, including two standard Accord shades (White Orchid Pearl and Crystal Black Pearl) plus a model-exclusive Burnished Silver Metallic.

Honda Environmental Leadership
In addition to producing the Accord Plug-In, Honda has developed numerous technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions, including the Honda Fit EV, Civic Natural Gas and the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). Honda has also led the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) rankings of overall vehicle environmental performance since 2000, and a Honda vehicle has topped the list of America's greenest vehicles from the America Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) for 15 consecutive years.

Connect with Honda:
Media Newsroom (for journalists): http://www.hondanews.com/
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¹ 124 city/105 highway/115 combined miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) electric rating; 47 city/46 highway/46 combined MPG gasoline only rating. 13 mile maximum EV mode driving range rating. 574 mile combined gas-electric driving range rating. Ratings determined by EPA. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe/MPG and driving range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-PHEV-label.shtml

² MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $790 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

³ $429.00 per month for 36 months. $2,499.00 total due at signing. Includes down payments with no security deposit. Excludes taxes, titles and dealer fees. For well qualified lessees. Subject to limited availability in New York and California only. Closed end lease for 2014 Accord Plug-In CVT PHEV (CR5F7EGW) available from January 15, 2013 through March 4, 2013, to well-qualified lessees approved by Honda Financial Services. Not all lessees will qualify. Higher lease rates apply for lessees with lower credit ratings. MSRP $40,570.00 (includes destination, excludes tax, license, title, registration, documentation fees, options, insurance and the like). Actual net capitalized cost $32,768.63. Net capitalized cost includes $595 acquisition fee. Dealer contribution may vary and could affect actual lease payment. Total monthly payments $15,444.00. Option to purchase at lease end $20,285.00. Must take new retail delivery on vehicle from dealer stock by March 4, 2013. Lessee responsible for maintenance, excessive wear/tear and 15¢/mile over 12,000 miles/year for vehicles with MSRP less than $30,000, and 20¢/mile over 12,000 miles/year for vehicles with MSRP of $30,000 or more. See your NY or CA Accord Plug-In dealer for complete details.

⁴ Among available mid-size hybrid sedans.

⁵ From low-charge indicator illumination point to full charge.

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Source: http://hondanews.com/releases/1cb5b3ca-af7f-4300-b531-ab6145be9e48

Friday, January 18, 2013

Honda Automobiles: Five Honda Vehicles Earn Recognition on ACEEE's List of "Greenest" and "Greener" Vehicles of 2013

Five Honda vehicles have earned recognition from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) for superior environmental performance, including three Honda vehicles that have been named among the ACEEE's "greenest vehicles of 2013." In the annual ACEEE's "Green Book® Online"ranking of environmentally responsible vehicles, the zero emissions, 100-percent electric Honda Fit EV placed second on the "greenest" list and was joined by two Honda hybrid models – the Insight and Civic Hybrid – on the ACEEE's list of the 12 most environmentally responsible, "greenest" vehicles available to the public.

The fun and fuel-efficient subcompact Honda Fit and the Honda Odyssey minivan were also named as "greener choices of 2013" within their respective classes. This is the 15th straight year that multiple Honda vehicles have been named in the top 12.

"The recognition by ACEEE of Honda's alternative fuel and fuel-efficient vehicles over the past 15 years further validates our commitment to create and deliver more energy-efficient, low emissions mobility solutions for society," said Steven Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Honda's vision for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which is reflected in our environmental slogan of "Blue Skies for our Children," inspires us to lead and innovate in every aspect of our operations, from our product engineering and manufacturing practices to our upstream sales and service activities."

The ACEEE ranking system uses a singular measure that incorporates fuel economy and health-related pollution impacts plus global warming and upstream emissions. All vehicles are analyzed and given a "Green Score" which is used to rank each vehicle's total environmental performance, including a list of the 12 "greenest" and 12 "meanest" vehicles along with a ranking of greenest vehicles by segment.

The Honda Fit EV is part of Honda's diverse and growing portfolio of advanced alternative-fuel and fuel-efficient vehicles and has an EPA combined mile-per-gallon-equivalency rating of 118 MPGe¹. Based on the popular five-door, five-passenger Fit and Fit Sport, the 100-percent electric Fit EV features a 20-kilowatt-hour (kWh) Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery and a compact 92-kilowatt (123 horsepower) AC synchronous electric motor that produced 189 ft-lb of motor torque. This efficient powertrain is teamed with a fully independent suspension and a driver-selectable 3-mode drive system. The result is a fun-to-drive EV with an EPA combined city/highway driving range rating of 82 miles¹.

When connected to a 240-volt circuit, the Fit EV battery can be recharged (from a low charge indicator illumination point²) in less than three hours. When connected to a charging device, charging can be monitored, scheduled, started or stopped by an included Fit EV interactive remote control, by an available smartphone application, or by any web-enabled device, such as a laptop or tablet PC.

The Fit EV is available for lease ($389/month or three years) in select markets in California and Oregon, and will be launching in select Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey and New York markets in the spring.

Honda's Environmental Leadership
Honda has a long history of environmental innovation, including the retail introduction of America's first hybrid (1999 Honda Insight), delivery of the first fuel-cell electric vehicle in the U.S. (2002 Honda FCX) and the first gasoline-powered vehicles in the hands of consumers to meet stricter emissions standards, including: the 1996 Honda Civic, the first gasoline Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV); the 1998 Honda Accord, the first gasoline Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV); the 2000 Honda Accord, the first gasoline Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV); the 2001 Civic Natural Gas, the first vehicle to qualify as an Advanced Technology Partial-Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV); and the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In, the first Super Ultra-Low Emissions 20 Vehicle (LEV 3/SULEV 20), now available for lease and sale in California and New York state.

For more information or downloadable high-resolution images of Honda award winners and other Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.honda.com. For more information on ACEEE, visit http://www.greenercars.org.

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda (for consumers): automobiles.honda.com
Honda on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Honda
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¹ 132/105/118 city/highway/combined miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) rating; 82 mile combined (city/highway) driving range rating (adjusted). Ratings determined by U.S. EPA. Your MPGe and range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-electric-label.shtml.

² From low-charge indicator illumination point to full charge.

ACEEE's Green Book® Online — GREENEST VEHICLES OF 2013

Make and Model	Specifications	Emission Standard a	MPG: City	MPG: Hwy	Green Score
TOYOTA PRIUS C	1.5L 4, auto	SULEV II / Bin 3	53	46	58
HONDA FIT b	Electric (Li-ion battery)	ZEV	3.9	3.1	57
TOYOTA PRIUS	1.8L 4, auto	PZEV / Bin 3	51	48	55
TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID c	Electric (Li-ion bat.) / 1.8L 4, auto CVT	PZEV / Bin 3	3.9 / 51	3.0 / 49	55
HONDA CIVIC HYBRID	1.5L 4, auto	PZEV / Bin 2	44	44	55
HONDA INSIGHT	1.3L 4, auto	Bin 3	41	44	54
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA HYBRID	1.4L 4, auto	PZEV / Bin 3	42	48	53
MERCEDES-BENZ SMART FORTWO CONVERTIBLE / COUPE	1.0L 3, manual [P]	ULEV II / Bin 5	34	38	53
SCION IQ	1.3L 4, auto	ULEV II / Bin 5	36	37	53
FORD FOCUS b	Electric (Li-ion bat.)	ZEV / Bin 1	3.3	2.9	52
TOYOTA PRIUS V	1.8L 4, auto	SULEV II / Bin 3	44	40	52
FORD FUSION HYBRID / C-MAX HYBRID	2.0L 4, auto	Bin 3	47	47	51
[P] denotes premium gasoline. "auto CVT" denotes continuously variable automatic transmission. a A listing with two emission standards (e.g., Tier 2 bin 2/ PZEV) denotes a single vehicle carrying both a Federal and a California emission certification. Green Scores for such listings reflect the cleaner of the two certifications. b Fuel economy for electric vehicles is provided in miles per kilowatt-hour. c Fuel economy for plug-in hybrids is provided in miles per gallon for gasoline operation and in miles per kilowatt-hour for electric operation.

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Source: http://hondanews.com/releases/1c80a24f-d1b0-4498-a1cd-240ba6a79584

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Honda Automobiles: Honda Captures Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards

Honda has received three 2012 Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards honoring the brand in key high-growth segments. For the third time and second straight year, the Honda brand led the industry in "Hispanic Market Loyalty to Make." Best-selling in their segments for 2012, Civic and CR-V captured awards for owner loyalty in the highly-competitive "Compact Car" and "Compact SUV" categories.

"Honda has never taken owner loyalty lightly, and it's been an honor to see so many owners return for a new Honda during the last year," said Tom Peyton, assistant vice president of Advertising and Marketing at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Winning three awards from Polk in these hard-fought segments validates Honda's commitment to high vehicle quality and long-term customer satisfaction."

The Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards are based on actual model year purchase/lease activity and recognize manufacturers for superior performance in owner retention – a critical aspect of building and maintaining market share.

"Honda's wins this year are a great example of their commitment to owner loyalty," said Brad Smith, director of Polk's Loyalty Management Practice. "Retaining customers in a competitive marketplace is extremely challenging and Honda's product offerings, combined with their customer engagement strategies have resulted in high rates of repurchase loyalty."

Owners had such a positive overall experience that they came back to buy another vehicle of the same model, make, or manufacturer. Awards are based on actual consumer transactions, with more than 5.9 million household records from the 2012 model year being analyzed to determine the winners based on information obtained from state vehicle registrations and lease transaction information.

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda (for consumers): www.automobiles.honda.com
Honda on Facebook: www.facebook.com/honda
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