Honda Cars and Trucks are everywhere. And so are Honda Cars of Bradenton customers. On a recent outing it was my privilege to encounter some of my favorite people. Several officers of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, one of whom is a three time customer of our dealership.

After this brief encounter I realized that we share a common goal, Safety for Everyone!


For the all new 2012 Honda Civic you'll find the embodiment of these goals for safety! It's all about choice, but not when it comes to safety:

Every Civic features the same full array of safety systems.

Standard.

Active Systems: Control
To help keep you on course and away from danger, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)[1] helps sense oversteer or understeer, and then adjusts brake pressure at each wheel and/or reduces engine power to help restore driver control.

Standard 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), help you maintain control during hard braking. Properly inflated tires are crucial for safe operation, so the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)[2] alerts the driver when a tire's pressure reaches a significantly low level.

Passive Systems: Protection
The Civic has been engineered to help protect you and your passengers when a frontal collision just cannot be avoided. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute frontal crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle.

Airbags
Standard front, front side and side curtain airbags help reduce the likelihood of injuries in a collision.

Honda's Safety Philosophy
Honda is committed to providing safety for everyone—that means crash protection not only for our own drivers and passengers, but also for the occupants of other vehicles, and injury mitigation for pedestrians. Honda is dedicated to identifying and implementing advanced designs and features that help enhance the safety of vehicles on the road. Learn more.

[1] 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.

[2] 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.

2012 Civic Coupe - What's the Difference? - Five Trim Levels

What's the difference? A common question for Honda Car Shoppers. For 2012 there are five Models to choose from. Let's start with the trim levels for the Honda Civic Coupe. Which one do you think will be the most popular? And which one will you be driving? Here's the breakdown, no fluff, just the 'facts'. Beginnning with the DX Coupe, here you'll find the incremental replacements/additions for each successive trim level.

CIVIC DX
• 140-hp, 1.8-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine
• 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission (available)
• ULEV-2/PZEV7 CARB emissions rating
• EPA-estimated fuel economy3 (city/highway/combined): 5MT: 28/36/31 mpg; 5AT: 28/39/32 mpg
• Eco AssistTM system
• 15-inch wheels with full covers
• Six airbags
• Advanced Compatibility EngineeringTM (ACETM) body structure
• ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)6
• Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• Multi-reflector halogen headlights with auto-off
• Power windows
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Center console with armrest and storage compartment
• 12-volt power outlet (front)
• Driver’s seat with manual height adjustment
• Maintenance MinderTM system

CIVIC LX adds to DX or replaces:
• Security system with remote entry and trunk release
• Body-colored power side mirrors
• Intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID)
• Air conditioning with air filtration system
• Power windows with auto-up/down driver’s window
• Power door locks with auto-lock feature
• Illuminated driver’s window and door lock controls
• Cruise control
• Illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls
• Map lights
• 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with 6 speakers
• USB Audio Interface8
• MP3/auxiliary input jack
• MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA)9 playback capability
• Radio Data System (RDS)
• Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC)

CIVIC EX adds to LX or replaces:
• 4-wheel disc brakes
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• One-touch power moonroof with tilt feature
• Variable intermittent windshield wipers
• Bluetooth®5 HandsFreeLink®
• Passenger-side seatback pocket
• Rear-seat armrest with beverage holders
• 12-volt power outlet (front and center console)
• 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback
• 360-watt AM/FM/CD premium audio system with 7 speakers, including subwoofer
• Available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation SystemTM4 with Voice Recognition, XM® Radio10 and FM Traffic

CIVIC Si
• 201-hp, 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine
• Close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission
• Helical limited-slip differential
• EPA-estimated fuel economy3 (city/highway/combined): 22/31/25 mpg
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Body-colored decklid spoiler
• Chrome exhaust finisher
• Fog lights
• Bluetooth®5 HandsFreeLink®
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Aluminum shift knob with leather
• Textured aluminum pedals
• Deep-bolstered sport seats with red stitching
• 360-watt AM/FM/CD premium audio system with 7 speakers, including subwoofer
• Power monitor screen
• Tachometer with sequential rev-limit indicator
• Available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation SystemTM4 with Voice Recognition

CIVIC EX-L adds to EX or replaces:
• Standard 5-speed automatic transmission
• Heated side mirrors
• Multi-reflector halogen headlights with auto-on/off
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Leather-trimmed seats
• Heated front seats

Honda Kicks Off the Civic "Study Break" Social Marketing Tour

College students enter to win a 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe

TORRANCE, Calif., April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Honda announced today that it has launched the Civic "Study Break" social marketing tour to promote the six all-new models of the 2012 Honda Civic at select universities on the West Coast. The tour, hosted on the Honda Civic's Facebook page, http://facebook.com/hondacivic, aims to connect with college students in a fun and engaging manner by providing them with the opportunity to explore the Civic lineup and the chance to win a 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe.


"The goal of the Civic 'Study Break' tour is to engage with young buyers and introduce them to the all-new Civic," said Tom Peyton, brand manager at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "It offers a unique and fun way for students to learn about the Civic's new interactive technologies and personalization features."

The Civic "Study Break" tour kicks off on April 21, 2011 at the Arizona State University campus and continues on to five other universities through May 12, 2011. Students will have the opportunity to explore various Civic models and receive a free lunch by texting special codes found on the vehicles. They can also register at www.civicstudybreak.com for the chance to win a 2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe. The tour stops include: University of Arizona (April 28); University of Southern California (May 3); University of California, Los Angeles (May 5); Stanford University (May 10) and University of California, Berkeley (May 12).

Connect with Honda:

Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda Future Vehicles (for consumers): http://automobiles.honda.com
Honda on YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda on Twitter: @honda


SOURCE American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Honda News - There for YOU!

About Honda in the News

Honda is one of the most dynamic automakers in the industry. While many automakers struggle to provide consumers with exactly what they want in a time when consumers are rapidly changing their buying habits, Honda is pushing forward with products that new car buyers truly want. In addition, Honda is introducing breakthrough technology and “green” designs that set the bar for the auto industry. Honda in the News is dedicated to keeping up with all the latest news from Honda as well as Acura. Keep checking back for the latest Honda information. From corporate news to dealer trends, it’s all here at Honda in the News! Check it out at at http://www.hondainthenews.com

Jazzy - World Debut of Honda Fit EV Concept Electric Vehicle

World Debut of Honda Fit EV Concept Electric Vehicle and Plug-in Hybrid Platform at



Honda Fit EV Concept



The Fit EV Concept hints strongly at the direction and styling for Honda's upcoming production Fit EV all-electric vehicle, which will be introduced to the U.S. and Japan in 2012. The all-new plug-in hybrid platform showcases Honda's next-generation, two-motor hybrid technology set to debut in 2012.

"Honda's long history with electromotive technologies has enabled us to understand customer requirements," said Takanobu Ito, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. President and CEO. "In Honda's view, an electric vehicle must offer great utility and be fun to drive. Fit EV's urban commuting capability will be a perfect addition to the full-function mobility of the plug-in hybrid and FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle."

Honda Fit EV
The Fit EV is designed to meet the daily driving needs of the average metropolitan commuter and utilizes the same 5-passenger layout found in the popular Fit hatchback. When the Fit EV production model is introduced, it will be powered by a lithium-ion battery and coaxial electric motor.

The high-density motor, derived from the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, delivers excellent efficiency and power while remaining quiet at high speeds. The Fit EV will have a top speed of 90 mph.

The Fit EV will achieve an estimated 100-mile driving range per charge using the US EPA LA4* city cycle (70 miles when applying EPA's adjustment factor). Driving range can be maximized by use of an innovative 3-mode electric drive system, adapted from the 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid. The system allows the driver to select between Econ, Normal, and Sport to instantly and seamlessly change the driving experience to maximize efficiency or improve acceleration. While in Econ mode, practical driving range can increase by as much as 17 percent, compared to driving in Normal mode, and up to 25 percent compared to driving in Sport mode. Acceleration improves significantly when in Sport mode, generating performance similar to a vehicle equipped with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine.

In addition to the 3-mode E-Drive system, the Fit EV will include several interactive coaching systems to assist the driver in maximizing battery range.

A special meter display advises the driver when to shut off air conditioning and other accessories to conserve battery power.

To help the driver manage the electric vehicle ownership experience, the Fit EV will have a standard connectivity system that allows the driver to stay connected through a smartphone and personal computer, or the Honda-exclusive interactive remote, while away from the vehicle. The pocket-friendly, interactive remote provides connectivity to the vehicle without the need for an internet connection or mobile phone signal. Through the connectivity system, drivers will be able to remotely view the vehicle's state of charge, initiate charging and activate the air conditioning, even while connected to the grid, to reduce the drain on the battery at start-up. The mobile application and website also offers the ability to set charging notifications and alerts to optimize utility rates, and provides 24-hour roadside assistance, along with a public charging station locator. The Fit EV will come equipped with a standard Honda Satellite Linked Navigation System™ that includes a public charging-station locator capability.

The Fit EV is designed to be easy and convenient to charge. Battery recharging can be accomplished in less than 12 hours when using a conventional 120-volt outlet, and less than six hours when using a 240-volt outlet.
The Fit EV Concept displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show features an exclusive Deep Clear Blue Pearl exterior color and distinctive five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with blue inserts. The Concept has unique LED headlights, a chrome front fascia, aerodynamic bumper, clear LED taillights and EV decals. Inside, the Fit EV Concept is outfitted in an eco-friendly gray bio-fabric on the seating surfaces.

Displayed alongside the Fit EV Concept at the show is a prototype Honda charging stand. To begin charging, the driver swipes a card in front of the screen and then connects the charger to the vehicle. The Honda charging stand provides a glimpse at the future of an electric-charging infrastructure that is easy to use and intuitive for consumers.

Honda Plug-in Hybrid
Honda also unveiled a plug-in hybrid platform, which showcases Honda's next-generation two-motor hybrid system. Integrated into a mid-size sedan platform, the plug-in hybrid is designed to be compatible with daily driving habits, allowing for short, frequent trips in all-electric mode, while providing long-distance driving capability when needed. The Honda two-motor system continuously moves through three different modes to maximize driving efficiency: all-electric, gasoline-electric and a unique, engine direct-drive mode. The plug-in hybrid also uses regenerative braking to charge the battery.

In all-electric mode, the vehicle uses a 6kWh lithium-ion battery and a powerful 120 kW electric motor. The all-electric mode achieves a range of approximately 10-15 miles in city driving and a top speed of 62 mph. Fully recharging the battery will take 2 to 2.5 hours using a 120-volt outlet and 1 to 1.5 hours using a 240-volt outlet.

The vehicle can also run in a gasoline-electric hybrid mode, the platform features a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, i-VTEC® inline 4-cylinder, Atkinson cycle engine, paired with an electric Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). An onboard generator adds to the battery powering the electric motor.

For more efficient high-speed cruising, the vehicle can engage in a direct-drive mode, in which only the engine drives the front wheels.

Advanced Technology Demonstration Program
Honda will launch an Advanced Technology Demonstration Program this year to provide real-world testing of its new vehicles, as well as research into customer behavior and usability, public charging infrastructure planning and sustainability initiatives. Partners in the program will include Stanford University, City of Torrance, Calif. and Google, Inc.

Honda Electric Mobility Network and Energy Management
Together with the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, the Fit EV and the future plug-in hybrid vehicle are a part of the company's comprehensive approach to reducing CO2 emissions. Honda is unique in its efforts to create both environmentally-responsible products and the renewable energy solutions to power them. Honda is currently producing and marketing thin-film solar panels in Japan, and an installation is planned at Honda Performance Development in Southern California in early 2011. Honda is also using innovative ways to produce and distribute energy through sustainable methods, such as using solar power to produce hydrogen fuel from water. Additionally, Honda is developing home energy-management systems that utilize micro-cogeneration technology and solar cell modules to power and heat homes as well as charge electric vehicles. The Honda Electric Mobility Network joins clean vehicle technology, renewable energy production and energy management solutions for the benefit of customers and society.

Honda Environmental Leadership
The Fit EV and a plug-in hybrid sedan will be introduced to the U.S. and Japan in 2012, joining Honda's diverse lineup of environmentally-responsible vehicles, which include the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, the Civic GX compressed natural gas-powered sedan (U.S. only) and four distinct gasoline-electric hybrid models: Civic Hybrid; CR-Z sport hybrid; Insight hybrid and Fit Hybrid (Japan and Europe only).

Honda was recently named America's "Greenest Automaker" for the fifth consecutive time by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). The award is earned by the company with the lowest combined smog-forming and greenhouse-gas emissions (primarily CO2) in its U.S. automobile fleet.

Honda has led the UCS rankings of overall vehicle environmental performance since the first UCS study in 2000, marking a decade of Honda leadership in reduced vehicle emissions. Honda earned the recognition this year with an industry-best score based on model year 2008 data, the latest available for analysis.