Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Honda Surpasses $75 Million in Ohio Philanthropy
With its latest round of charitable giving announced today, Honda of America Mfg., Inc. surpassed $75 million in philanthropic contributions to local communities in Ohio. This total includes more than $50 million in direct corporate grants to non-profit organizations, $22 million from Honda associate contributions and $3 million in donated products and services.
Honda reached this milestone with the recent announcement of nearly $300,000 in new grants to several Central Ohio organizations. Earlier today, company officials recognized this accomplishment at a small celebration at the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA, which was granted $100,000 for its capital campaign.
Since 1979, Honda's charitable giving programs have supported numerous local needs and programs. These include major grants to hospitals, community centers, theaters, food banks, after-school programs, nature preserves and parks.
"From the beginning, our aim has been to be a good neighbor and to support the many organizations that are dedicated to improving the communities around us," said Honda of America Vice President Rick Schostek. "By partnering with great organizations like the YMCA, we've been able to support a number of important initiatives that have enriched many lives."
While Honda has engaged directly with a wide range of charitable organizations, it is the company's associates that have been instrumental to carrying out its community initiatives. Over the past 30 years, Honda associates have contributed more than $22 million to hundreds of United Way agencies. In addition, associates have also volunteered more than 660,000 hours of service to local non-profit organizations of their choice through the company's Honda Hero program. Honda has directly supported these associates by providing nearly $1.6 million to their organizations.
"Beyond the number, $75 million in philanthropy really represents the efforts of thousands of Honda associates who genuinely care about our communities and want to make a difference by getting involved," said Caroline Ramsey, government and community relations manager for Honda of America. "Our philanthropic donations have assisted a wide variety of community needs and we remain committed to ongoing partnerships with non-profit organizations throughout the region."
** Courtesy of Honda Media Newsroom
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Honda Announces Revolutionary Next-generation "Earth Dreams Technology"
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the outline for a revolutionary next-generation technology for automobiles called "Earth Dreams Technology."
Through its implementation first in the mini-vehicle N BOX and gradually onto other vehicle models, Honda aims to achieve top-of-industry fuel efficiency for every category within three years, while simultaneously setting a timeline of 2020 to reduce by 30% CO2 emissions for all products sold worldwide, relative to emission figures for 2000.
"Earth Dreams Technology" is an expression for a set of technologies which takes into account both our need to protect the environment and our desire to provide a joy of driving.
■Key features of "Earth Dreams Technology"
- A gasoline engine which realizes top level driving performance and fuel efficiency.
- A compact diesel engine which realizes the world's lightest body*1, top-of-class*1 acceleration performance and fuel efficiency.
- CVT which combines at a high level the fun of driving and fuel efficiency.
- A two-motor hybrid system which realizes top-of-industry efficiency*1.
- A high-efficiency, high output electric SH-AWD hybrid system which combines superior driving and environmental performance.
- A compact, high efficiency electric powertrain for EVs.
■Summary of key features
1. Gasoline engine which achieves top-of-industry driving performance and fuel efficiency
- By enhancing Honda's original VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control System) technology to thoroughly improve thermal efficiency and minimize friction, a combination of high output and fuel efficiency was achieved. Further, a new engine series employing a new structure for higher expandability was developed.
- By gradually renewing the engine starting with the mini-vehicle N BOX, Honda aims to utilize this technology to achieve top-of-industry output and fuel efficiency in every vehicle class within three years.
- A wide range of engine classes including the 660cc, 1.3L, 1.5L, 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.4L, and 3.5L classes will feature the technology.
[660cc class engine]
- Employs DOHC and VTC (Variable Timing Control) to improve intake efficiency. Further, the compact combustion chamber realizes high thermal efficiency.
- By shortening the bore pitch compared to the present engine models and reducing the thickness of the cylinder block and camshaft, engine weight is reduced by 15%*3 and fuel efficiency is improved by 10%*3.
[1.3 to 1.5L class engine]
- Employs VTC, direct injection technology and the Atkinson cycle using the DOHC, VTEC technologies as the base.
- Extensive friction reduction measures are implemented.
[1.8 to 2.0L class engine]
- Employs direct injection technology and the Atkinson cycle using the DOHC, VTEC technologies as the base. Further, implementation of VTC and high-capacity EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) to both the intake and exhaust ports realizes significantly reduced friction.
- For the 2.0L class hybrid vehicle engines, use of an electric water pump eliminates the need for a belt in the auxiliary device and contributes to a reduction in friction. The VTC system allows fuel-efficient driving in various driving styles.
[2.4L class engine]
- Based on the DOHC and VTEC technologies, it employs VTC and direct injection technology and implements extensive friction reduction measures.
- Standalone engine features 5%*3 improvements in fuel efficiency and output as well as a 10%*3 improvement in maximum torque compared to the previous engine.
[3.5L class engine]
- Employs new valve train mechanisms and direct injection technology in the SOHC, VTEC, VMC systems to improve by over 10%*3 of fuel efficiency and 5%*3 of output, relative to the present standalone engine model.
2. A compact diesel engine which realizes the world's lightest body*1, top-of-class*1 acceleration performance and fuel efficiency.
- Through optimizing engine rigidity and combustion pressure, an aluminum open deck for the cylinder block was enabled in this top-of-industry lightweight*1 1.6L class diesel engine.
- By downsizing from the present 2.2L engine and extensively reducing mechanical friction in each section, a friction level equivalent to present gasoline engine models was achieved.
- Optimized thermal management system thanks to improvements in the cooling system reduces CO2 output by over 15%*3.
- Employment of a compact, high-efficiency turbocharger and weight reduction in the reciprocating sliding section realizes a sporty and nimble ride.
3. CVT which combines at a high level the fun of driving and fuel efficiency.
- Three CVT structures for mini, compact, and mid-size vehicle classes are newly developed to be adopted for a variety of engine models.
- Reinforced belt is used to realize a structure for which a wide ratio range can be set.
- Implementation of analysis technology over the contact behavior between the belt and pulley, and a high-precision hydraulic control system allows for continual optimization of hydraulic pressure to the pulley under a variety of driving conditions, contributing to improved fuel efficiency.
- Use of an electronic oil pump to realize an idle stop system with high response contributes significantly to improved usability and fuel efficiency.
- "G-Design Shift", a new coordinated control system for shift transmission, throttle, and hydraulic control responds quickly to driver demands and realizes an exhilarating, sporty drive with superior acceleration.
- In the mini-vehicle class, a control mechanism and innovations in axle placement to reduce the engine size lengthwise, while a reduction in parts by simplifying the transmission casing structure helps realize a lightweight and compact body.
- For the compact and mid-size classes, in addition to the reductions in size and weight, transmission efficiency was greatly improved by expanding the ratio range to achieve fuel efficiency improvements of 5%*3 and 10%*3 compared to the conventional CVT and comparable 5ATs, respectively.
4. A two-motor hybrid system which realizes top-of-industry efficiency*1.
- A two-motor hybrid system featuring top-of-industry efficiency*1 enhancing driving performance and reduced CO2 emissions has been newly developed.
- Special lithium-ion battery and charger is employed to enable mounting on plug-in hybrid vehicles.
- Mid-sized vehicles equipped with this system are scheduled to begin production, starting with the plug-in hybrid model in 2012 and the hybrid model in 2013.
- Three driving modes allowing for top-of-industry efficiency*1 for various driving environments were developed; an "EV driving mode" for urban environments, a "hybrid driving mode" using electricity generated by the motor, and a "engine-connected driving mode" where the engine and tires are mechanically connected during high-speed cruising.
- Combination with a high-output 120kW motor allows for superior environmental performance and driving enjoyment.
5. A high-efficiency, high output electric SH-AWD hybrid system which combines superior driving and environmental performance.
- A new hybrid system, electric SH-AWD, was developed for large-sized vehicles. By combining a 3.5L, V6 engine with this hybrid system, acceleration equivalent to V8 engines, as well as fuel efficiency equal or superior to in-line 4-cylinder engines were realized.
- An electric 4WD system with independent 20kW+ motors on both sides for the rear wheels combines a 7-speed dual clutch transmission system with a built-in 30kW+ high-efficiency motor with the engine.
- By mounting a high-performance lithium-ion battery and optimally controlling the front and rear motors, a new hybrid system with high fuel efficiency and output was realized.
- By mounting two independent motors in the rear and employing a newly developed bilateral torque adjustable control system, incredibly tight cornering just like driving "on-the-rail" is realized. With this mechanism, Honda strives to provide a stable ride for various driving environments.
6. A compact, high efficiency electric powertrain for EVs.
- Thanks to the high efficiency coaxial motor, low-friction gearbox and electric servo brake system, the system realizes the highest electrical consumption capability in the world*1, meeting the required AC consumption rate of 29kWh/100mile(116MPGe) as set forth by the United States.
- A traveling distance of 123 miles*2(LA-4mode: unadjusted) or 210km*2(JC08 mode) was achieved thanks to the mounting of a high capacity lithium-ion battery.
- When using the 240V U.S. electric source, a full charge takes less than 3 hours. (From the time a low-charge signal is lit till full charge)
- By offering three driving modes (SPORT, NORMAL, ECON), the driver can freely select from a number of options to meet the needs of various driving styles such as power-saving or sporty drive.
*1 Honda internal research (as of November 30, 2011)
*2 Honda calculations
*3 Compared to Honda products
** Courtesy of Honda Media Newsroom
Friday, December 16, 2011
Nine Honda Models Named as IIHS Top Safety Picks
The list of winners of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick award is longer than ever this year, with vehicles in nearly every size category the Institute evaluates earning accolades. From minicars to sedans to pickups, consumers have a record number of choices among 2012 models.
In all, 69 cars, 38 SUVs, 5 minivans, and 3 pickups earn Top Safety Pick. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on ratings in Institute evaluations. The ratings, which cover all 4 of the most common kinds of crashes, help shoppers pick vehicles that offer the highest levels of crash protection. Because the federal government now requires all 2012 and later passenger vehicles to have electronic stability control to help drivers avoid loss-of-control crashes, ESC no longer is a requirement to win as it was in prior years.
The winners' circle includes 18 new recipients for 2012, while 97 models that previously qualified for the 2011 award carry over to 2012.
"For the second year running a record number of models qualify," says Institute president Adrian Lund. "It's tough to win, and we commend auto manufacturers for making safety a top priority."
That commitment to protecting people in crashes is evident in the fast pace of design improvements automakers have made during the past year. Initially 66 vehicles qualified for last year's award as less-than-perfect rollover ratings held back many contenders. Later the number climbed to 100 as manufacturers redesigned roofs to make them stronger or introduced new models to win. The Institute's rolling test schedule allows for recognition of additional winners throughout the year, so many 2012 models qualified for a 2011 Top Safety Pick.
Honda improves: Ten of the 18 new additions are Honda/Acura models, including the midsize Accord sedan, which hasn't earned Top Safety Pick since the Institute toughened criteria to win the 2010 award by adding a test to assess roof strength in a rollover crash.
Vehicles rated good for rollover protection have roofs more than twice as strong as the current federal standard requires. The Institute estimates that such roofs reduce the risk of serious and fatal injury in single-vehicle rollovers by about 50 percent compared with roofs meeting the minimum requirement. A new federal standard for roof strength will phase in beginning with 2013 models.
Roofs on the 2009 Honda CR-V and 2010 Pilot scored marginal ratings in prior Institute tests, while earlier models of the Accord, CR-Z, Fit, and Insight rated acceptable. Now all of these 2012 models earn good ratings and Top Safety Pick.
"Honda/Acura deserves credit for most-improved status," Lund says. "The automaker buckled down and upgraded roofs on 10 models that missed winning last year because of rollover protection. Now, the automaker has winners in the minicar, small car, midsize car, small SUV, midsize SUV, minivan, and large pickup categories."
About the award: The Institute awarded the first Top Safety Pick to 2006 models and then raised the bar the next year by requiring good rear test results and ESC as either standard or optional equipment. In 2010, the Institute toughened criteria by adding a requirement that all qualifiers must earn a good rating for performance in a roof strength test to assess protection in a rollover crash.
The Institute groups winners according to vehicle type and size. Lund advises consumers to keep in mind that size and weight influence crashworthiness. Larger, heavier vehicles generally afford better occupant protection in serious crashes than smaller, lighter ones. Even with a Top Safety Pick, a small car isn't as crashworthy as a bigger one.
How vehicles are evaluated: The Institute's frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash tests. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a 50th percentile male Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.
Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on 2 instrumented SID-IIs dummies representing a 5th percentile woman, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle's structural performance during the impact.
In the roof strength test, a metal plate is pushed against 1 side of a roof at a displacement rate of 0.2 inch per second. To earn a good rating for rollover protection, the roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle's weight before reaching 5 inches of crush. This is called a strength-to-weight ratio.
Rear crash protection is rated according to a 2-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry — the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average-size man.
Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can't be positioned to protect many people.
2012 Winners Include:
Honda Fit, Honda Civic 4-door, Honda CR-Z, Honda Insight, Honda Accord, Honda CR-V, Honda Pilot, Honda Odyssey, and Honda Ridgeline.
** Courtesy of IIHS News
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept to Make World Debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show
A concept vehicle revealing the styling direction of the next-generation Honda Accord Coupe will debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show January 10, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
A leader in style, performance, safety, efficiency and value since the introduction of the first generation model in 1976, the Accord remains one of the best-selling cars in America. The 2012 Accord was recently named to Car and Driver Magazine's '10Best' list for a record 26th time and was ranked as having the highest initial quality in its segment in the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS). The introduction of the ninth-generation Accord marks 30 years of U.S. production of the model at the Marysville Auto Plant in Marysville, Ohio, the first Japanese car assembly plant in the U.S.
** Courtesy of Honda Media Newsroom
Monday, December 12, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Honda Accord and Fit Receive Car and Driver Magazine's "10Best Cars" Awards
Car and Driver magazine has named the 2012 Honda Accord 4-cylinder and the 2012 Honda Fit as two winners of its prestigious and highly competitive, annual "10Best Cars" award. Now in its eighth generation, the Accord has achieved "10Best Cars" status 26 times in the 30 years that Car and Driver editors have been conducting the competition, more than any other vehicle in the award's history. The Honda Fit has been honored with "10Best Cars" status in each of the six years that it has been on sale in the United States.
The Fit has been sold in the U.S. since the 2007 model year and is manufactured in Sayama, Japan. The Accord has been sold in the U.S. since the 1976 model year and has been manufactured in Marysville, Ohio since 1982.
** Courtesy of Honda Media Newsroom
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
2012 Honda Civic Si Makes Racing Debut At 25 Hours of Thunderhill
Honda Performance Development, in partnership with the Ohio-based Honda of America Racing Team (HART), gave the 2012 Honda Civic Si a successful competition debut at this year’s 25 Hours of Thunderhill. Developed for racing in the Grand-Am’s Continental Tire Challenge Series, SCCA World Challenge and similar categories, the HART/HPD Civic finished seventh in the E0 class at the season-ending National Auto Sport Association (NASA) endurance race, held at the three-mile Thunderhill Raceway road course north of Sacramento, California.
Starting fifth in the E0 class, a field that included a half-dozen BMW M3s and an FFR Cobra Daytona Coupe replica, the Civic ran competitively throughout the first quarter of the 25-hour contest. At the six-hour mark, the equivalent of multiple Continental Tire/World Challenge races for which the car was designed, the Civic was ranked sixth in E0, and continued to run without any mechanical issues.
In the early hours of Sunday morning, however, transmission issues sent the Civic behind the wall for repairs. But the HART/HPD team returned to competition after replacing the transmission, and the Civic Si went on to a seventh-place finish in E0.
“This was an encouraging race debut for the 2012 Civic Si,” said Lee Niffenegger, HPD senior engineer. “The HPD-developed parts and K-24 engine all ran flawlessly throughout the event. The one issue we did encounter, with the transmission, only developed after the equivalent of two Grand-Am race weekends, which isn’t completely unreasonable. We’ll be able to take what we learned this weekend and apply it to future HPD-developed cars and parts.”
In addition to the HART/HPD Civic effort, Team Honda Research-West (THR-W) – comprised primarily of California-based Honda R&D associates who compete regularly in NASA events – also campaigned an Acura RSX in the E1 class., one of the largest of the six classes at the 25 Hours.
The RSX started strong, leading its class through the six-hour mark and building a lead of more than a lap at 8 hours. But shortly before half-distance, an off-course excursion – due to oil on the track – cost the team time behind the wall replacing a broken damper. After repairs were completed, the THR-W Acura returned to finish fifth in E1.
Honda Performance Development (HPD) is the Honda racing company within North America. Founded in 1993 and located in Santa Clarita, Calif., HPD is the technical operations center for high-performance Honda racing cars and engines. HPD served as single engine supplier to the IZOD IndyCar Series from 2006-2011 and spearheaded championship-winning efforts in the 2009-2010 American Le Mans Series, 2010 Le Mans Series and the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans.
HPD offers a line of race engines for track applications from prototype sports cars to karting; for professional, amateur and entry-level efforts.
** Courtesy of Honda Media Newsroom
Friday, December 2, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Honda Earns 22nd Overall Baja 1000 Motorcycle Victory
The Johnny Campbell Racing Team of Kendall Norman, Quinn Cody and Logan Holladay sealed another chapter in Baja racing history this past weekend by securing the overall victory in the 44th Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race. Armed with the No. 1x JCR Honda Racing CRF450X, the three riders covered the exceptionally rough and rugged 705-mile course in the fastest time of all 278 starters in the race to give Honda its 22nd overall motorcycle win in the world-famous Baja 1000 race, and also its 15th consecutive victory. It was the sixth overall career Baja 1000 win for Norman and his fifth straight, while Cody picked up his fourth career Baja 1000 overall motorcycle victory and his third straight. For Holladay, a Hollywood stunt rider, it was his first SCORE Baja race win.
Nine of the top 10 motorcycle finishers rode Hondas, including the Johnny Campbell Racing second support team of Colton Udall, David Kamo and Timmy Weigand on a CRF450X, who trailed behind the winners by a scant 17 minutes. This strong finish earned Udall the SCORE championship for the season. In the ATV classes, the first overall ATV and Class 25 winner was the team led by veteran Wayne Matlock on a Honda TRX700XX, while the winner of the ATV Class 24 (and second overall ATV finisher) was the team led by Brandon Brown on a Honda TRX450R.
** Courtesy of Honda Media Newsroom
Monday, November 28, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Honda Debuts Completely Electric Fit EV at LA Auto Show
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Showcasing a driving range of 123 miles on a single charge in the EPA’s city-cycle testing—and expected to net a combined-driving range of 76 miles—the 2013 Honda Fit Electric Vehicle recently made its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The gas-free Fit will retain the tidy dimensions and impressive interior versatility of the traditional model, but host a power train specifically designed to maximize efficient driving. The heart of the matter is a 20-kWh lithium-ion battery mated to a 92-kW coaxial motor, with the latter based on the same proven unit used in Honda’s FCX Clarity fuel-cell EV. Then, to enhance appeal even further, the Fit EV will feature a three-mode driving system adapted from the one used in the sporty Honda CR-Z hybrid.
In Econ mode, key vehicle systems are automatically re-calibrated for optimum efficiency and can deliver up to a 17 percent improvement in driving range; Sport mode adds a notable power boost to allow drivers to take advantage of the Fit’s nimble proportions. The Normal driving mode delivers an ideal mix of both characteristics.
Honda is taking a cautious approach to launching the Fit EV, and will begin by offering the vehicle for lease in the summer of 2012 in select California and Oregon markets. Availability will expand to a number of East Coast regions by early 2013, with Honda carefully monitoring customer acceptance to determine future sales plans. Pricing will start at $36,625 before any federal, state or local incentives, with lease rates beginning at $399 per month.
** Courtesy of Honda in the News
Monday, November 21, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Automobile Magazine has Dubbed the 2012 Honda Odyssey an "All-Star" Once Again
The annual Automobile Magazine All-Stars are often picked from the upper echelons of the industry, with this year’s team including cars like the Audi TT RS, Ferrari 458 Italia and Spyder, and Porsche Boxster and Cayman—and the 2012 Honda Odyssey. And not only is the Odyssey the only minivan on the All-Star team, but it’s now made the squad two years in a row.
Plenty of credit goes to the Odyssey’s interior, which is versatile enough to hold up to eight passengers or multiple 4’ x 8’ pieces of plywood. In addition, as Automobile Magazine’s Phil Floraday points out, the 2012 Odyssey also “raises the standard” for rear-seat entertainment system. The range-topping Odyssey Touring Elite boasts an integrated setup with a 16.2-inch LCD monitor that can display output from two different sources on the same split screen, along with a 12-speaker, 650-watt audio system with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound.
“However, what really makes the Honda Odyssey stand out from the rest of the minivan segment is how well it drives while executing the usual chores,” according to Floraday. “Steering weight and feel are about as good as it gets for a van, as are ride and handling. Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management system enables the 3.5-liter V6 to run on as few as three cylinders, resulting in an EPA rating of up to 28 mpg on the highway.”
That’s best-in-class highway fuel economy that is a full 4 mpg higher than in the four-cylinder rival from Toyota. Also best-in-class are the Odyssey’s safety ratings, as it was the first—and remains the only—minivan to achieve both a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Top Safety Pick status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
“One of our drivers called our Four Seasons Odyssey ‘the best family road-trip vehicle’ in the fleet, but that’s just one of the many hats this Honda can wear, including cargo van, soccer shuttle, pulse accelerator, and sensible commuter,” wrote Floraday. “Capability, capacity, comfort, and efficiency in the same package? An All-Star, indeed.”
** Courtesy of Honda in the News
Monday, November 14, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Power Equipment Trade Magazine Recognizes Honda Engines Training System with 2011 Dealers Choice Award.
Power Equipment Trade magazine has named the Honda Engines Training and Certification System (TACS) as a recipient of its 2011 Dealers Choice Award. The TACS system was designated as the winner within the business services category, selected by Power Equipment Trade dealer readers and other qualified dealers via an online and in-person ballot system in conjunction with the 2011 GIE+EXPO trade show.
The editors of Power Equipment Trade solicited product nominations from all GIE+EXPO exhibitors and selected up to five finalists in each category for this sixth annual award competition. This year, nearly 400 lawn and garden power equipment dealers participated in the award voting process.
The Honda Engines TACS system provides web-based service training and certification to Honda Engine distributors and more than 14,000 Honda Engine dealers nationwide. The easy-to-use system allows dealer and distributor personnel to complete the latest Honda Engines product and technical training at their own pace while at the dealership. For dealers and distributors, participating in flexible, online educational modules and eliminating the need to travel to an off-site training facility can save significant time and money.
"Being named a dealers choice award winner by Power Equipment Trade dealer participants is certainly an honor for Honda Engines, and the recognition is testament to the efforts and innovative thinking of our entire team of product developers," said Honda Power Equipment vice president, Scott Conner. "The TACS platform, designed specifically for our in-dealership personnel, is an easy-to-navigate, cost-effective module that provides our broad dealer and distributor network vital product technical training."
Honda received the award at the GIE+EXPO trade show in Louisville, Kentucky during the last week of October.
Honda is the world’s largest engine manufacturer, having sold more than 27 million units in 2010 across all of its global product lines. The company’s general purpose engine products are characterized by the same technology that is behind the Honda reputation for unparalleled durability, quality and reliability.
** Courtesy of Honda Media Newsroom
Friday, November 4, 2011
Don't Miss This Month's Exclusive Coupon For Facebook Fans!
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Fans, be sure to check out how you can save this month with our exclusive Facebook coupon just for you! ‘Like’ us on Facebook and head to the ‘Coupons Tab’ under our profile picture to see our latest offer!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
The Final Eight Bands Are Chosen for Honda's 10th Annual Battle of the Bands!
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The nation's marching band fans have spoken, and have chosen the top eight marching bands at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for the 2012 Honda Battle of the Bands. Now marking 10 years of celebrating the heritage, showmanship and scholarship of HBCU bands, the Honda Battle of the Bands will bring "The Homecoming" to the Georgia Dome in Atlanta for the Invitational Showcase, Saturday, January 28, 2012.
Following are the HBCU marching bands that will earn a $20,000 grant for their music education programs and an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2012 Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase:
Albany State University "Marching Rams Show Band" (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference)
Bethune Cookman University "Marching Wildcats" (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)
Jackson State University "Sonic Boom of the South" (Southwestern Athletic Conference)
Prairie View A&M University "Marching Storm" (Southwestern Athletic Conference)
South Carolina State University "Marching 101" (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)
Tennessee State University "Aristocrat of Bands" (Independent)
Virginia State University "Marching Trojan Explosion" (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association)
Winston-Salem State University "Red Sea of Sound" (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association)
For the eight winning bands, the journey to the Invitational Showcase involved months of practice and training, all in preparation for their Georgia Dome performances, where each band will have 12 dazzling minutes to showcase the musical excellence, distinctive style and superior showmanship that earned them a place in the 2012 Invitational Showcase. The Showcase bands are chosen via online voting, with votes by fans, students and alumni accounting for one-third of the selection criteria, and band directors and school presidents accounting for the balance of the selection process.
This year's event theme, "The Homecoming," reflects on the 10th anniversary of the Honda Battle of the Bands and calls for all HBCU marching band alumni, current HBCU students and the many fans of the event to meet in Atlanta for this special anniversary showcase event. The homecoming theme also highlights the importance of marching band culture to black college homecoming celebrations.
We are excited to be celebrating 10 years of the Honda Battle of the Bands as we continue to support the music education programs of our nation's HBCUs" said Marc Burt, senior manager, Office of Inclusion and Diversity for American Honda. "We hope that Black college marching band fans and alumni will attend this year's Invitational Showcase as we anticipate a great community turnout and even greater performances by the top eight HBCU marching bands."
The Honda Battle of the Bands website is the sole online destination and clearing house for all HBOB information, updates, polling status, photos and video footage, and is a one-stop resource for all questions about the program. Fans are encouraged to also follow Honda Battle of the Bands on Twitter (@the_honda) and to become a fan of the Facebook page (Honda Battle of the Bands) where they can share memories, photos and engage in trivia, and get updates on the 2012 program.
** Courtesy of Honda Media Newsroom; for more information please visit Honda News.com
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Thanks to Our Great Customers For Taking Time to Share About Coggin Honda of Orlando
lvin Santana made car buying experience fun and easy! I bought an Accord Coupe EX-L here and I love the car. Alvin got me a great deal and I will definitely be shopping here in the future.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Don't Miss This Month's Exclusive Coupon For Facebook Fans!
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With the end of the month approaching, don’t forget to use the exclusive October coupon under the ‘Coupons’ tab, below our profile picture on our Facebook page, just for becoming a Fan!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Honda Is Set to Debut Two New Models at November's Los Angeles Auto Show
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Honda will debut two all-new models, the 2012 CR-V and 2013 Fit EV, at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16th at 1:05 pm PST. As one of the best-selling SUV's in the United States, the fourth-generation 2012 CR-V will showcase new exterior and interior styling, improved fuel economy and added technology features. The all electric zero-emissions Fit EV concept vehicle debuted at last year's Los Angeles Auto Show and the production model will be revealed this year.
**Courtesy of Honda Media Newsroom; for more information please visit hondanews.com.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
The 2012 Honda Insight Debuts Upgraded New Features
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A significantly updated 2012 Insight hybrid debuts today with new exterior styling, an enhanced interior, additional features on select models and an EPA fuel economy-rating1 improvement of 1 mpg.
The Insight’s city/highway/combined EPA fuel economy rating1 of 41/44/42 mpg, up from 40/43/41 on the prior model, continues to offer the highest EPA fuel economy rating of any new vehicle currently available with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting under $20,000.
The aerodynamically styled, five-passenger, five-door dedicated hybrid vehicle receives extensive changes inside and out for 2012. Exterior changes include a more distinctive grille design that introduces a thin, blue accent bar representative of the Insight’s high-tech hybrid identity. Restyled front and rear bumpers, along with changes under the vehicle, contribute to a 2-percent increase in aerodynamic performance. New designs for the headlight and brake light internal reflectors further complete the refreshed look. Insight and Insight LX models have new 15-inch wheel covers and the Insight EX has newly styled 15-inch alloy wheels. Slightly wider 185/60R15 tires, up from 175/65R15 tires on the prior model, contribute to confident driving performance.
The Insight’s interior refinements for 2012 include a reconfigured rear seat area for better leg and head room; a redesigned gauge cluster background with a more technically sophisticated appearance; reshaped center-console beverage holders that accommodate larger drinks; and a more supportive front armrest (Insight LX and EX).
The Insight LX has new, more premium seat fabric, while the Insight EX is upholstered with a combination of synthetic leather (new) and premium fabric. Rear-seat headroom improves by 0.6 inches with changes to the rear headliner shape and deeper sculpting of the rear seat cushion to improve rear passenger comfort. Rearward visibility improves with a more compactly mounted rear-wiper motor housing and a thinner rear spoiler that creates a larger viewing area out the lower back window. The Insight becomes quieter for 2012 with increased thickness to the vehicle’s existing noise-insulation materials and additional insulation panels in the cargo area.
Available on Insight EX models, the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with voice recognition2 receives several notable upgrades including the addition of a rearview camera. The system provides routing and guidance to individual addresses and more than 7-million points of interest within the continental United States. A 16-GB flash memory system replaces the 4.7-GB DVD-based system used on the prior model. The new system offers faster route calculation and includes FM traffic, a subscription-free service that alerts drivers to traffic conditions.
The Insight is powered by an Integrated Motor Assist™ (IMA™) system comprised of a 1.3-liter i‑VTEC® gasoline 4-cylinder engine and a 10-kilowatt electric motor. The combination develops 98 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 123 lb-ft. of torque at 1000-1700 rpm. For 2012, friction-reducing measures in the engine and the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) contribute to the new model’s increased fuel economy. A 10.6-gallon fuel tank provides an estimated maximum driving range exceeding 400 miles.
The Insight features the Eco Assist™ System, an innovation that can enhance efficient vehicle operation while providing feedback related to individual driving styles. Eco Assist can help drivers improve fuel efficiency, both by altering vehicle functionality and providing driver feedback, with fuel economy dependent on their given set of driving conditions. Pressing the ECON button can further enhance the efficiency of multiple vehicle systems: throttle control, CVT operation, idle-stop duration, air conditioning and cruise-control operation (if equipped). Eco Assist also provides feedback about driving style via a 3D-like background within the speedometer. The background changes colors from green to blue to reflect how efficiently or inefficiently the driver is accelerating or braking (green is more efficient).
Aerodynamic refinements for 2012 include changes to the shape of the engine bay underbody cover and the addition of air diffusers under the rear bumper to smooth airflow exiting behind the vehicle. The strakes ahead of the front wheels have been extended by 0.4 inches to better direct air around the wider front tires.
Standard safety features on all Insight models include dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbag system; anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD); driver’s and front-passenger’s active head restraints; and a front body structure designed to mitigate pedestrian injuries. The Insight also features Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, which provides improved occupant protection and crash compatibility between vehicles of different sizes and ride heights in frontal crashes.
The 2012 Insight is offered in three distinct models. The value-oriented base model, simply designated as "Insight," is well equipped with a 160-watt, two-speaker audio system, automatic climate control, power windows, remote entry and more.
*Courtesy of Honda Press Information; for more information please visit Honda.com
Monday, October 17, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Introducing the 2012 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe
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Two-passenger coupe features an aggressive exterior, driver-focused cockpit and three-mode drive system
All new for 2011 when it was named the "Most-Efficient Two Seater" by the EPA1, the 2012 CR-Z debuts today with one available feature change – a new black seat fabric becomes an option on cars with the Crystal Black Pearl exterior color, replacing the standard silver mesh sport seats. The 2012 CR-Z starts at $19,545, plus a destination and handling2 charge of $770.
The CR-Z is available in two models – the well-equipped CR-Z and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available. Standard features on the CR-Z include Vehicle Stability Assist, an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more.
The CR-Z EX adds High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights with Auto-On/Off, fog lights, a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD Premium Audio System with seven speakers including subwoofer, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. The CR-Z EX is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System3 with voice recognition.
**As seen on the Honda News website; for more on the 2012 Honda CR-Z please visit Honda.com
Introducing the 2012 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe
Two-passenger coupe features an aggressive exterior, driver-focused cockpit and three-mode drive system
All new for 2011 when it was named the "Most-Efficient Two Seater" by the EPA1, the 2012 CR-Z debuts today with one available feature change – a new black seat fabric becomes an option on cars with the Crystal Black Pearl exterior color, replacing the standard silver mesh sport seats. The 2012 CR-Z starts at $19,545, plus a destination and handling2 charge of $770.
The CR-Z is available in two models – the well-equipped CR-Z and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available. Standard features on the CR-Z include Vehicle Stability Assist, an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more.
The CR-Z EX adds High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights with Auto-On/Off, fog lights, a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD Premium Audio System with seven speakers including subwoofer, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. The CR-Z EX is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System3 with voice recognition.
**As seen on the Honda News website; for more on the 2012 Honda CR-Z please visit Honda.com
Monday, October 10, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Honda Debuts Its 2012 CR-V
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Honda introduced the newest edition to their family at the Orange Country International Auto Show in Anaheim, California. The 2012 Honda CR-V was introduced with a more dynamic and refined look, and promised to build upon its already high reputation of the number one SUV in America. Some of the new features which Honda has included on this new model are: it will feature a more fuel-efficient engine, new exterior styling, and will have a more spacious design. To read more about this innovative new vehicle, please visit the link.
