Preventive Maintenance - A Priceless Practice

Preventive Maintenance

Meet "Million-Mile Joe": We call him that because he just drove his 1990 Accord to an extraordinary milestone: one million miles. Congratulations, Joe. Way to go!
Driving a Honda for a million miles is an extraordinary feat. So how did Joe do it? For starters, he's read and followed his owner's manual and maintenance schedule to the letter. He's also a stickler for fluids, he checked them weekly, switched them seasonally (10W-30 in summer and 5W-30 in winter), and changed them every 5,000 miles. He's been loyal to the same brand of oil and never let it go below a quart low. You know how most people let their fuel go to almost empty? Joe never did. He's also a creature of habit, using only Honda air, oil and fuel filters. Joe never rode heavy on the brakes, and changed the fluid every few years. He's also replaced the fuel pump, both cooling fans and the radiator twice. Besides his fastidious maintenance, Joe's Accord made it to one million miles because he's loved it. He's treated it with respect and always drove it responsibly. In fact, Joe has only gotten one speeding ticket in a million miles—that must be some kind of record. When it comes to driving, Joe's the man.

The All-New CR-V - UP FOR anything!

Are you?

In a Nutshell:

• Sleeker Styling



• More Fuel Efficient
  


• More Powerful



• More Technologically Savvy
  


• Clever New Cargo Features



• The perfect balance between a car-like feel and SUV Utility

We're pleased to announce, the 2012 Honda CR-Vs have started to arrive and we have them in stock for you to see and drive. The pricing details on the 2012 CR-V are available. Our first glimpse of the new CR-V was on December 5, when a Honda Corporate trainer brought one here to Honda Cars of Brandenton as part of Sales Training that was conducted here at the dealership.

Pricing for the 2012 Honda CR-V will start at $21,895 for the base CR-V LX 2WD to $30,095 for the top-of-the-line CR-V EX-L AWD with Navigation. This pricing does not include destination and handling charge of $810 per vehicle.

Honda's Executive VP of Sales summarized the new CR-V as follows, "For 2012, we’ve made critical upgrades to virtually every aspect of CR-V’s winning formula." Further stating, “The CR-V represents an excellent value for customers with pricing remaining relatively unchanged compared to the outgoing model despite the addition of numerous new features, improved fuel economy."

Honda says that the 2012 CR-V adds between $400 and $1,000 worth of standard features and technologies to each trim compared to the outgoing model it replaces. Even with loaded options, the 2012 Honda CR-V sees a modest price increase of $181 and on models equipped with navigation.

Power, i.e. HP is up +5, for the 2012 Honda CR-V it comes from a 2.4 liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder making 185-hp with a maximum torque of 163 lb-ft. EPA rated fuel-economy comes in at 23/31/26 mpg (city/highway/combined) for the 2WD model and 22/30/25 mpg for the AWD model.

We have the product now. They are ready to be driven. So stop in soon for a complete presentation of the product and a review of our pricing.

Honda Environmental Vision

Realizing “the Joy and Freedom of Mobility” and “a Sustainable Society where People Can Enjoy Life”

In 2010, Honda announced within and beyond its organization that the company’s direction in the period leading to the year 2020 would be “to provide good products to our customers with speed, affordability and low CO2 emissions.”By “good products” we mean to embody customers’ wants and needs in attractive products using Honda’s unique technologies, knowledge and ingenuity. Such good products must be delivered with speed without making our customers wait, and at affordable prices that make our customers happy with their purchase. This is the direction Honda will take.“With low CO2 emissions” represents our conviction based on the strong sense of crisis that, as a manufacturer of personal mobility, Honda will have no future unless we achieve a significant reduction of CO2 emissions.This focus is encapsulated in the Honda Environmental Vision of a future in which environmental initiatives will allow people to realize “the joy and freedom of mobility” and “a sustainable society where people can enjoy life.” In this vision, Honda has expressed its strong determination to contribute to a society based on sustainability and harmony so that it can continue to offer excitement to its customers through products and services used for personal mobility and in people’s everyday lives.Honda is determined to turn this vision into reality by actively implementing environmental initiatives on a global level. Particular emphasis will be placed on the following aspects:
At each stage of its products’ life cycles (products, corporate activities), Honda aims toMinimize the use of fossil fuel and resources newly recovered from the EarthMinimize environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions
Honda aims to reduce to zero greenhouse gas emissions from Honda products used for mobility and in people’s everyday lives

Honda global environmental slogan

Blue Skies for Our Children

“Blue Skies for Our Children” is the global environmental slogan adopted by Honda to express its commitment to the realization of this environmental vision through expanded environmental initiatives.The Honda engineers who took on the challenge to meet the stringent new emissions standards of the 1970s U.S. Clean Air Act, used the phrase “blue skies for our children” as a passionate rallying cry to devote themselves to this effort. Honda wants to pass on the “joy and freedom of mobility to the next generation” (for our children), therefore, we want to realize a sustainable society where people can enjoy life (blue skies). This slogan continues to represent Honda’s passion toward its environmental commitment which has not wavered and will remain resolute in the future.The Honda global environmental symbol shown on the above was chosen as the symbol for the environmental slogan. The environmental slogan and environmental symbol will be used in future environmental activities and communication throughout the world, both within and beyond the Honda Group.

“Earth Dreams Technology”

A Revolutionary Next-generation Engine Technology

Bottom line?

Honda's latest strategy embodies a new plan that calls for top-of-industry fuel efficiency in every vehicle class within 3 years.
This plan is an outline for a revolutionary next-generation technology for automobiles called "Earth Dreams Technology."

Newly developed 2.4L class engine

Earth Dreams Technology Logo

"Earth Dreams Technology" is a next generation set of technological advancements which greatly enhance both driving performance and fuel efficiency at a high level, using as its base advanced environmental technologies to pursue the joy of driving unique to Honda. It is a series of measures in which efficiency of internal combustion components including engine, and transmission, as well as electric-powered motor technology, is further improved.
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.

Inspiration of the "Earth Dreams Technology" name:
"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”
1. A gasoline engine which realizes top level driving performance and fuel efficiency.
2. A compact diesel engine which realizes the world's lightest body*1, top-of-class*1 acceleration performance and fuel efficiency.
3. CVT which combines at a high level the fun of driving and fuel efficiency.
4. A two-motor hybrid system which realizes top-of-industry efficiency*1.
5. A high-efficiency, high output electric SH-AWD hybrid system which combines superior driving and environmental performance.
6. 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