Family cars outperform luxury models in rigorous new crash test

Family cars outperform luxury models in rigorous new crash test;

strong performance earns 13 midsize cars highest safety accolade

ARLINGTON, Va. — A group of moderately priced midsize cars outperformed most of their luxury counterparts in a challenging new frontal crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) on 2013 models. Of the 18 midsize family cars evaluated in the small overlap test, two earn the top rating of good, 11 earn acceptable, three earn marginal, and two are poor.

In contrast, just 3 of 11 midsize luxury and near-luxury cars evaluated in the inaugural round of small overlap tests earned good or acceptable ratings. Midsize moderately priced cars are the second group to be tested. The best performers in this group are the Honda Accord 4-door and Suzuki Kizashi. Both earn a good rating.
Building on its long-running vehicle ratings program for consumer information, IIHS introduced the small overlap test in 2012 to further improve occupant protection in frontal crashes. Most automakers design their vehicles for good performance in the IIHS moderate overlap frontal test and the federal government's full-width frontal test, but many haven't addressed the problem of small overlap crashes. In a 2009 IIHS study of vehicles with good ratings for frontal crash protection, small overlap crashes accounted for nearly a quarter of the frontal crashes involving serious or fatal injury to front seat occupants.
The small overlap test replicates what happens when the front corner of a car collides with another vehicle or an object like a tree or utility pole. In the test, 25 percent of a car's front end on the driver side strikes a 5-foot-tall rigid barrier at 40 mph. A 50th percentile male Hybrid III dummy is belted in the driver seat.

"It's remarkable that this group of midsize family cars did so much better than the midsize luxury car group," says Adrian Lund, IIHS president. "The difference is stunning. Thirteen of these midsize cars offer better crash protection than all but three of their luxury counterparts, and at a price that's easier on the wallet."
New safety award

To reward 2013 models with superior crash protection, IIHS has created the Top Safety Pick+ award, with the + indicating good or acceptable performance in the new small overlap test. Top Safety Pick+ winners must earn good ratings for occupant protection in at least 4 of 5 evaluations, with no less than acceptable in the fifth test. IIHS rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal or poor based on performance in a moderate overlap frontal crash, small overlap frontal crash, side impact and rollover, plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts.
So far, 13 models qualify for the accolade. Winners include: the Dodge Avenger and its twin, the Chrysler 200 4-door; Ford Fusion; Honda Accord 2-door; Honda Accord 4-door; Kia Optima; Nissan Altima 4-door; Subaru Legacy and its twin, the Subaru Outback; Suzuki Kizashi and Volkswagen Passat. Two previously tested luxury models, the Acura TL and Volvo S60, also earn Top Safety Pick+. IIHS will announce additional winners as it continues to test models. Results for small SUVs are expected in the spring.
Meanwhile, 117 additional vehicles earn Top Safety Pick for 2013. To qualify for Top Safety Pick, vehicles must have good ratings for occupant protection in the moderate overlap frontal test, side impact, rollover and rear tests, regardless of their small overlap rating. IIHS first gave the Top Safety Pick award to 2006 models and has tightened criteria twice since then. Good rear test results and availability of electronic stability control became a requirement starting with 2007 models, and a good roof strength rating became a deciding factor for the 2010 model year. Stability control is no longer a separate requirement since all 2012 and later vehicles must have the feature as standard under federal rules.

IIHS gives manufacturers advance notice of planned changes. Automakers in the past have been quick to factor new IIHS evaluations into their designs, and many are on track to do the same with the introduction of the small overlap test and Top Safety Pick+.

"We've seen automakers make structural and restraint changes in response to our small overlap test," Lund says. "Five manufacturers redesigned their midsize cars to enhance small overlap crash protection."
Honda engineered both versions of the Accord to do well in the test. Ford and Nissan made running structural changes to 2013 models already in production. Subaru and Volkswagen changed airbag control modules on the production line so side curtain airbags would deploy for improved head protection.

Toyota falls short
Shoppers looking for a midprice family car will recognize some perennial bestsellers on the Top

Safety Pick+ winners' list, including the Accord, Altima and Fusion.
One nameplate they won't find is Toyota. The Camry, which is the top-selling midsize car in the United States, and the Prius v, a 4-door hybrid wagon, earn poor ratings for small overlap protection and are the worst performers of the midsize group. The Camry was redesigned for 2012, and the Prius v was an all-new model for 2012.

The Camry and Prius v illustrate what can go wrong in a small overlap crash, despite good ratings in IIHS tests that qualify the cars for Top Safety Pick.

Most modern cars have safety cages built to withstand head-on collisions and moderate overlap frontal crashes with little deformation, and the two Toyotas are no exception. Crush zones help manage crash energy to reduce forces on the occupant compartment. The main crush-zone structures are concentrated in the middle 50 percent of the front end. When a crash involves these structures, the occupant compartment is protected from intrusion, and front airbags and safety belts can effectively restrain and protect people inside.

View the Full Article here - http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr122012.html
The Suzuki Kizashi (above left) earns a good overall rating and is the only midsize moderately priced car with a good rating for structure. There was only minor intrusion into the occupant compartment. In contrast, survival space for the driver in the Toyota Prius v (above right) was seriously compromised. The side curtain airbag also deployed too late to offer protection. The Prius v earns a poor rating.

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For many vehicles, a 25 percent overlap frontal impact misses the primary structures designed to manage crash energy and results in crash forces going directly into the wheel, suspension system and firewall. Such crashes often have high levels of occupant compartment intrusion. It is not uncommon for the wheel to be forced rearward into the footwell, contributing to even more intrusion in the occupant compartment and resulting in serious leg and foot injuries. Since the impact occurs toward the car's outer edge, the vehicle has a tendency to rotate during the collision, resulting in the driver's head moving outboard, away from the frontal airbag. Real crashes of this type result in head injuries from contact with outboard structures or intruding objects such as trees or poles.

In the Camry, the force of the impact shoved the front wheel back into the footwell, bending the windshield pillar and pushing the parking brake pedal and the left outer edge of the instrument panel rearward into the driver's survival space. Likewise, there was significant intrusion in the Prius v, along with high forces on the dummy's legs and feet. The Prius v is the only car in the midsize test group to earn a poor rating for hip and thigh protection.

The Camry's driver airbag and side curtain airbag deployed, but the steering wheel moved so far to the right that the dummy's head made only minimal contact with the front airbag. The side curtain airbag didn't extend far enough forward to help prevent the dummy's head from hitting the instrument panel. In the Prius v, the side curtain airbag deployed too late in the crash to offer protection.
"Toyota engineers have a lot of work to do to match the performance of their competitors," Lund says.

Demanding crash

The small overlap frontal test represents a severe crash. When cars strike the test barrier they tend to move sideways away from it, and the interior structures including the driver door, side window and windshield pillar move in the same direction. The dummy, however, continues forward into the path of the sideways-moving interior structures. At the same time, the steering column and driver airbag move inboard in many vehicles as the front end and occupant compartment deform. If the dummy misses the airbag or slides off it, its head and chest are unprotected.

Front airbags are calibrated to deploy in these crashes. Side airbags, especially head-protecting curtains, don't always deploy because they are designed mainly for direct side impacts. When they do deploy, they don't always do so early enough or extend far enough forward to adequately protect people. The result is an airbag gray zone with gaps between what front airbags cover and what side airbags do — if they deploy at all.

Without airbag protection, people in real-world small overlap frontal crashes can sustain head injuries from direct contact with the windshield pillar, dashboard or window sill or by hitting trees, poles or other objects. Chest injuries happen when people contact the steering wheel, door or other intruding structures.

The Accord sedan shows how safety belts and airbags work together to provide exemplary protection. The dummy stayed engaged with the Accord's front airbag, and the steering wheel remained relatively stable because there was only moderate intrusion into the occupant compartment. That meant that the driver airbag was in the right position to cushion the dummy's head and chest. The side curtain airbag extended far enough forward to prevent the dummy's head from hitting interior components.

Every midsize car evaluated earns good ratings for head, neck and chest injury risk based on measurements from dummy sensors. Similar real-world crashes, however, often result in serious upper body injuries. One possible reason for the differing results is that real people move more during a crash and are prone to be out of position at the start, compared with relatively stiff and precisely positioned crash test dummies. Not all drivers are the same size as the dummy or seated the same way. A close call for the dummy could mean an actual injury for a person. Another reason is that the frontal crash dummy IIHS uses in the small overlap test isn't good at measuring risks from lateral forces. Side crash dummies do a better job of this but can't record much of the frontal action in these tests.

"The dummy doesn't always tell us everything," Lund says. "The crash damage in these tests is like the damage we see in real-world crashes where heads and chests are injured."

Unexpected outcomes

In the Jetta test, engineers at the Vehicle Research Center witnessed a first for IIHS crash testing when the driver airbag module detached from the steering column. It happened relatively late in the crash and didn't affect the dummy's movement. Still, airbags should stay in place in crashes, so engineers had to lower the restraints and kinematics score for the marginal-rated Jetta. IIHS isn't aware of a problem with Volkswagen's airbag module in real-world crashes, and Volkswagen is investigating further.

The Kizashi's results also are unique. The car, which Suzuki introduced in the 2010 model year, is the only midsize moderately priced car to earn a good rating for structure in the small overlap test. The Kizashi also earns good ratings in the moderate overlap frontal test, side test and seat/head restraint evaluation. Its roof strength rating, however, is acceptable, so it has never qualified for Top Safety Pick.

"The Kizashi is a rare case. Its good small overlap test performance outweighs its acceptable rollover rating, so the car is a Top Safety Pick+. So far this is the only model we have evaluated to be in this situation," Lund explains. Suzuki Motor Corp. in November said it would stop selling cars in the United States.

Midsize moderately priced cars                         Midsize luxury/near luxury cars

Chrysler 200 4-door                                         Acura TL
Dodge Avenger                                                Volvo S60
Ford Fusion
Honda Accord 2-door
Honda Accord 4-door
Kia Optima
Nissan Altima 4-door
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Suzuki Kizashi
Volkswagen Passat

Honda's Latest Concept Car to be Unveiled in January

Honda Compact "Urban SUV Concept" to Make World Debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced on Tuesday December 11, 2012, that an all-new Honda compact "Urban SUV Concept" vehicle will make its world debut in January at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) inDetroit.

 

Honda Urban SUV Concept

The Urban SUV Concept, teased in a sketch released today, is a global concept model combining a sporty and dynamic SUV profile with a spacious, functional interior. The concept will be introduced during Honda's NAIAS press conference, which will also be broadcast live via a webcast at hondawebcast.com.

I'd like to know how many viewers will be drawn to the 'webcast'.  If you have time and visit the 'webcast' please let me know. 

2013 Honda Civic Debuts Here, Now at Hendrick Honda Bradenton

Well sort of.  We just received our first 2013 and here's how that actual debut was documented at the LA Auto Show last month. 

"The 2013 Honda Civic debuted today at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show sporting extensive interior and exterior design upgrades, enhanced dynamics, and a host of new standard features. Honda also announced that the 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid earned a class-leading EPA-certified 115 MPGe rating and will go on sale in New York and California on January 15 with an MSRP of $39,780¹. Separately, the Accord Hybrid, featuring Honda's new two-motor hybrid system, will launch nationwide next summer with anticipated class-leading² fuel economy of 49/45/47 city/hwy/combined. The thoroughly revised 2013 Honda Crosstour and 2013 Honda CR-Z also made their auto-show debuts.

2013 Honda Civic at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

"Our industry has never been more competitive or fast changing, and a significant refresh of Civic, America's best-selling compact car, just one model year after its debut as an all-new model shows true speed to market," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of Sales. "Our corporate direction is to provide our customers with great products with speed, affordability and low CO₂ emissions. There is no better example of this direction than today's introduction of the 2013 Honda Civic."
The 2013 Honda Civic Sedan, the nation's best-selling compact car which celebrates its 40th anniversary in America next year, goes on sale today with extensive changes to further reinforce its market leadership. While still maintaining all the efficiency and value that has made the Civic an automotive icon, the 2013 Honda Civic Sedan receives all-new front and rear exterior styling, while all Civics sport extensive interior upgrades including more luxurious finishes, and a host of new standard equipment.

• Retuned steering and suspension sharpen the Civic's handling,
• Extensive chassis upgrades including Honda's ACE™ II body structure
• Improve safety,
• ride comfort and
• interior quietness,

AND EVERY Civic model has More popular standard features including

• Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®,
• rearview camera, Pandora® Interface,
• SMS text message feature, and
• steering wheel audio controls.

Based on 2013 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Naughty or Nice List - Honda in the Top Ten - Nice!

Consumer Reports

"November 19, 2012 -- Santa's not the only one checking who's been naughty and nice this year. Consumer Reports is out with its third annual Naughty and Nice list highlighting company policies that deserve a thumbs up --or raspberries.

This time of year, whether you're madly shopping, traveling for the holidays, or looking for a good hotel, Consumer Reports says some companies make life a lot easier. Others don't. That's why it's compiled its annual "Naughty and Nice" list.

"It's looking at company policies, and in some cases practices, to see if we like them or not, based on how consumer-friendly they are," said Consumer Reports' Tod Marks. "

 

I caught a glimpse of the Nice list last year (2011) on the Today Show.  Some great companies for sure.

 

 

 

This year I was estactic to see that Honda had made the list...

 

Having been in retail for the past 15 years or so...to be on a list with Nordstrom, alone is an incredible testimonial to the strong consumer orientation that Honda lives up to.  In fact in the most recent regimen of TV Advertisements seem to convey the message that we are here for our customers.  And 'knowing our customers' will empower us to make the right cars and trucks for their needs. 

 

 

 

 

On Creating Jobs In a Global Market - Made In America

Proudly Making Hondas in America for 30 Years

11/1/2012 9:00:00 AM

Our Perspectives
Rick Schostek, SVP Honda of America Mfg., Inc.

As we celebrate Honda's 30th year of making cars in the U.S., I am reminded of a story I was told by a Honda associate - that's what we call all our employees - at our auto plant in Alabama.

Whenever a new project began at his previous employer, he said that everyone received explicit instructions on how to do their jobs: "Here's how to build a forging line, follow this blueprint!" This associate told me he was very surprised when he received a new assignment at Honda and his instruction was simply: "Go to the Honda engine plant in Ohio and see what they have done. Then make sure this new one is better."

This has been our path in North America over the past 30 years, ever since that first Honda Accord rolled off the line at our Marysville, Ohio auto plant on November 1, 1982. There is no cookbook at Honda, no predetermined way of doing things that would dampen the initiative and creativity of our associates. This makes the "Honda Way," a bigger challenge in some respects, but it also creates a bigger opportunity by encouraging innovative thinking and fostering the growth of our people - our most precious asset.

I clearly remember from my early days in Ohio, how we opened our doors to the leadership of factories from the Detroit automakers. After all, many skeptics thought it was a risky move for Americans to build Honda products in America. Well, the skeptics were wrong. Soon our competition wanted to tour our new Marysville Plant to understand how we built high quality vehicles in the U.S. with such efficiency and flexibility. It didn't take long before the industry, and our customers, began to view Honda as the benchmark auto producer in North America. We have never looked back.

Today - we have seven auto plants in North America with an annual capacity of 1.63 million units. This spring, we broke ground for a new plant in Mexico that will build Honda sub-compacts like Fit, and increase our capacity to 1.92 million in 2014. And we are expanding and innovating our existing production operations in Ohio, Alabama and Indiana. Over the past 18 months alone, we've invested more than $2 billion. So in the coming years, well above 90 percent of the Honda and Acura vehicles our customers purchase will be made in North America.

In an auto industry whose history is pockmarked with plant closures, Honda's story in North America has been one of continued growth and ongoing investment in our existing plants to keep them on the leading edge of quality, efficiency and flexibility. It's really an investment in the nearly 26,000 people working in our plants. And it's a never-ending commitment.

Through the years we have worked to keep our original Marysville Auto Plant state-of-the-art. This includes major investments over the past decade in all-new weld, paint, assembly and stamping operations. In fact, about the only thing that hasn't changed about the Marysville Auto Plant is that it still builds the Honda Accord, the car that started it all back in 1982. We just launched production of the all-new 2013 Accord. Through it all, we've navigated through good economic times, and bad, without a single associate layoff.

So, I think it's significant that, 30 years later, the Marysville Auto Plant took home the Silver award in this year's J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study. When you consider that our production associates achieved such high quality while coping with the stops and starts caused by two unprecedented natural disasters last year -- a tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and devastating floods in Thailand -- it's really an extraordinary achievement. Our associates constantly seek to exceed our customers' expectations. Their pride is on display every day.

In the coming years, our associates will take on a new role that is unprecedented for an international automaker in the U.S., a role that is both challenging and humbling. In the past, our team has been responsible for the launch of numerous products that are developed and built exclusively in America, including the Honda Odyssey minivan, Ridgeline truck and Pilot SUV. This new responsibility calls on Honda associates in North America to set the standards for production processes for key global products that also are made in other regions - and then to share their knowledge and expertise with those Honda plants all around the globe.

Based on this new leadership role, we also will increase exports from North America to global markets. This fall, Honda will reach the one million mark in total automobile exports from the U.S. Further, we're expecting an almost 70 percent increase this year in the export of major auto parts from the U.S. to Honda plants in South America, Europe and Asia. This is a substantial increase in business for North American suppliers that will grow even greater in the coming years.

The continued expansion of our North American manufacturing operations, combined with the new leadership role we will play, speaks volumes about our confident outlook for the future.
After three decades of building cars in America, using both domestic and globally sourced parts, what's important is not so much a major milestone like the 30th anniversary of Honda auto production in Ohio, but what it represents - through deep associate involvement and teamwork we are committed to our original vision: achieving the highest levels of quality for our customers in America and around the world.
That's the only blueprint Honda will ever need. # # #

2012 Randy Dorton Hendrick Engine Builder Showdown

Part of our unique corporate culture

The Randy Dorton Hendrick Engine Builder Showdown event was created 11 years ago as a way for Rick Hendrick to recognize the talents of his engine employees within Hendrick Motorsports and the Hendrick Automotive Group.

For customers of Hendrick Honda of Bradenton we hope that you have benefitted from this culture.  From the top down, and spanning organizations as well as automobile nameplates, our culture is something that we can all take pride in.  Customers and employees alike.  And everyday we benefit from that pride.  You can see it in their faces.

This is an important event and it is BIG!  This year hosted Twelve teams of two from Hendrick Automotive Group and Hendrick Motorsports.  They go head-to-head building a Chevrolet RO-7.2 engine.

You can follow this culture, here are the links to the Hendrick Automotive Group and Hendrick Motorsports Facebook pages.

HendrickAutomotiveGroup

Hendrick Motorsports

And of course...

Hendrick Honda Bradenton

A Real Deal is a Balanced Deal - aka - Win/Win

Buying a car is part and parcel to the American life experience.  For all you Lifetime Fans you may be interested in an episode airing this month on the Balancing Act.

The Balancing Act is America’s premier one-hour women’s morning show that is ambitious and inspiring — while illuminating new ways for women to achieve success in all areas of their lives.  Make the right automobile selection and purchase is a big part of that success Gestaldt and image.

 The Balancing Act is dedicated to creating trusted solutions — for women facing today’s greatest challenges.

On October 31 at 7 a.m., one of our own, Sherry Thomas, a corporate instructor at Hendrick University will be featured on the program.

"The Balancing Act" and their entertaining hosts not only bring you the most current and hot topics — they also bring in some of the hottest celebs from the sports and entertainment industry. "The Balancing Act" studio has been graced with sports stars like Evander Holyfield, as well as singing sensations John Secada, Belinda Carlisle, David Archuleta and Olivia-Newton John. Actors making their "Balancing Act" debut include celebrities Kim Kardashian, Mario Lopez, Suzanne Summers, Jamie Lee Curtis and Blair Underwood to name a few.

Sherry's in some good company.  "Break a Leg" Sherry!

Check out this teaser: Sherry Thomas, featured on The Balancing Act

2013 Accord - A new base camp for the Multimedia Afficianado

 

The 2013 Accord’s available HondaLink™ system featuring Aha® opens up a spectrum of connectivity features.

Have a favorite podcast?

You can listen to it and thousands of others in the new Accord.

 The smart touch-screen interface makes it easy to choose the content you want – to keep you engaged on the road.

See HondaLink™ in action below:

 

Attention Florida Honda Owners..Sports Fans..Tailgaters! - Enter to Win!!!

We've dodged the bullet for the last few Hurricane Seasons.  So we haven't had to use our household generators due to a hurricane.  A lightning strike however can have the same impact.  A strike dimmed the lights here at Hendrick Honda Bradenton recently.  More that an inconvenience, losing power at a business establishment can be costly.   It can be costly in a household as well.  Both in a monetary sense and emotionally.   Just think about all the possible damage and cost a long term power outage can cause in your household and you may find a justification to own a generator.   Consistent with the Honda Automobile brand....many know that Honda makes the best generators around.  You may pay a little more for one...but you have a quiet, reliable, economical source of power should you lose power in your home or small business.

Many of you may already own one and therefore know firsthand that Honda makes a great generator.  That divison of the company is sponsoring a contest where the prize is a state-of-the-art Honda EU2000i Super Quiet Series generator.  I just thought you all would be interested in this, knowing the quality of our automotive product, you can count on the best in a Honda generator.

Follow the link below for all the background and  details on the contest:

Honda Power Equipment, a division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and marketer of a complete range of outdoor power equipment, has launched the third annual ESPN Plus Honda Generator Giveaway. Charlotte, N.C.-based ESPN Regional Television (ERT) is a television sports marketing, syndication, event management and production company. With efforts divided among television production, college sports syndication, event ownership and corporate sponsorships/entitlement, ERT utilizes the term 'ESPN Plus' to brand regional programming the company produces.

By submitting tailgating pictures or videos via Facebook, Twitter or email, college football fans have the chance to win a Honda EU2000i Super Quiet Series generator. Twelve winners will be chosen during the 2012-2013 football season; the contest ends November 24, 2012. Entries will be judged on originality, creativity and school spirit. Complete contest rules, entry details, and Terms and Conditions are available at www.espnplus.com/home/honda.

When you enter....and how easy is this...Please share your pictures with us too! 

"Having these Honda generators as part of the ESPN Plus promotion is an innovative way for Honda Power Equipment to give college football fans a way to show off their tailgating creativity while competing with other imaginative college football tailgaters," said Ed Harris, national sales manager, Honda Power Equipment. "Loyal college football enthusiasts enjoy finding news outlets for showing their team spirit, and Honda EU2000i generators can be part of the fun."

Enter To Win! You Can Win! It's All About Winning!

Start Your Engines Sweepstakes

Sponsors of the No.5 Chevrolet driven by Kasey Kahne have joined forces to offer the Farmers Insurance Start Your Engines Sweepstakes. The eight week long sweepstakes, which ends November 15, will be hosted on the Farmers Racing Facebook.

Please....visit the Farmers Racing Facebook page at:   Click Here

And...enter to WIN!!!!

Notice that there's a grand prize of $35,000 toward a Chevrolet of your choice courtesy of  Hendrickcars.com.  And also visit the Hendrickcars site and you  may be a lucky winner of an Instant Win prize. Click here to go to the the Hendrickcars site!  and when you see the image shown below..click on the blue box labelled; 'ENTER TO WIN'

Grab a virtual key off a wall and insert it into the ignition. 'IF' the key starts the car you will instantly win gift certificates to the NASCAR.com Superstore, and will be entered into the grand prize drawing. Good Luck!

If the engine does not start, you will be entered into the grand prize drawing and will then see one of six hilarious consolation videos featuring Kasey. REMEMBER!!!! THE MORE YOU PLAY (up to one time per day), the more chances YOU get to win!

This weekend the No. 5 Chevrolet and Kasey Kahne will be racing at Dover International Speedway. Kasey Kahne will be introducing the sweepstakes during interviews during the weekend. The entire sweepstakes is housed on the Farmers Racing Facebook

Hendrick Automotive Group Contributes to The National Corvette Museum

The National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park project recently got a major boost.  NASCAR great, Rick Hendrick, through the Hendrick Automotive Group, is making a $100,000 contribution to the NCM Motorsports Park. As owner of Hendrick Motorsports, his teams have collected 10 Sprint Cup Series Championships and over 200 NASCAR victories. While Rick knows racing, he is also a great friend to the National Corvette Museum with a real interest in the Motorsports Park as a recreational and educational facility.

“The National Corvette Museum celebrates an American original and one of the most iconic cars ever made,” said Rick Hendrick, chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group and owner of NASCAR’s Hendrick Motorsports. “Racing is in the Corvette DNA, so the addition of the Motorsports Park is an exciting next step for the NCM facility. Being associated with the track’s message of education and safety is something we’re proud of, and we look forward to taking some laps when it’s completed. The Museum is already a very special place for Corvette and racing enthusiasts, and this new project will grow that reputation even more.”

Museum Executive Director, Wendell Strode, is thankful for the support and all that it means.  “We are grateful for this generous contribution and thrilled by what this donation represents. Coming from one of the most successful individuals in NASCAR history, this is a real confirmation that all of our hard work, planning, and fundraising activity is beginning to get the attention of people who understand and appreciate the full potential of the NCM Motorsports Park. As we continue to move forward, we are confident that validations like this one will lead to increased involvement from sponsors, race teams, and motorsports organizations who will want to be a part of this exciting project.”

In other exciting news, Steve Crawford has been selected as the park’s track designer. Steve’s first track opened nearly 40 years ago, and since then he has designed the Thunderhill Motorsports Park in Willows, CA and more recently, The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, WA.

“We were immediately impressed by Steve’s initiative while still in the interview phase,” said Wendell. “He had already started coming up with sketches as soon as he saw the layout of the land that we had to work with. He was on board from the beginning with the idea of working with Corvette Racing to build in features from Le Mans, Watkins Glen and the Nurburgring.”

With the uniqueness of the track and special features recommended by Corvette Racing designed into it, the track can be used as a test facility for all of the American Le Mans and Grand Am teams. The possibility of some NASCAR teams using it for road course practice has also been discussed.

In addition to the track design and facilities, the close proximity to hotels, restaurants, shopping and such is also appealing to motorsports enthusiasts.

Steve plans to have the track design finished by the end of the year. He will then work with the Museum’s local civil engineering firm, DDS Engineering, to prepare bid documents for the track – a process which is expected to take two to three months to complete. Bid packages should be ready by the end of the first quarter of 2013.

“Of course, continued fundraising is the key issue that will influence whether we send those bid packages out and have our ground breaking in time for the Bash,” said Wendell.  “At this point we are still confident that this will happen but need individuals and clubs to keep the momentum going with donations of any amount. We had six new participants step forward to take part in our Buy an Acre Campaign during our last event. Each time someone steps up to do this, whether it is an individual, a club or organization, it not only gives us the ability to move forward financially, but it also shows prospective sponsors something about how much the Corvette community wants this track to happen. You built this world-class Museum, so your support of this track is a powerful endorsement to potential sponsors,” he added.

For more information on the National Corvette Museum’s Motorsports Park and to see a short video on the plans, visit www.motorsportspark.org.

All-New 2013 Accord 'It Starts With You'...'Start Right Here!'

Honda's Customer- Focused Approach to Engineering works. 

And 

YOU will be the judge of that. 

The 2013 Accord ad Campaign embeds that message and debuts with Honda's first-ever 90-second spot.  (have you seen any yet?)

The all-new 2013 Honda Accord  launched September 19, with an emotionally driven, integrated multimedia campaign designed to artfully highlight the new Accord's sophisticated design, dynamic performance, rich feature content and value.

The 'It Starts with You' campaign, was built around the Honda philosophy of designing the Accord around the needs of the driver and occupants. The Accord campaign highlights numerous new technologies that enhance the model's dynamic driving experience, as well as, the styling cues that improve visibility and efficiency.

"This campaign demonstrates how Honda's deep understanding of the customer allowed our engineers to perfect the midsize sedan in the new Accord," said Mike Accavitti, vice president of automotive marketing at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The new Accord excels in all areas that are important to the midsize buyer so we created an emotionally engaging launch campaign that delivers that message while showing what makes Honda different from the competition and the smart choice."

Here's one spot:

Starting this week, the Accord will maintain a heavy presence on TV with spots that have a decidedly real and earnest feel and are meant to capture everyday people living their busy lives.

Just Sayin'....

And we have over 100 reasons why..

All-New 2013 Honda Accord Brings Remarkable Levels of Luxury, Agility, Efficiency and Sophistication to Midsize Segment's Legendary Nameplate

New Accord Technology

• Honda's first use of direct injection (DI) in North America contributes to the 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine's excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions.
• A new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), available with the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, contributes to the Accord's improved fuel efficiency. Honda's unique G-Design Shift logic creates a connected feel and provides a more immediate acceleration response than conventional automatics or other CVT designs.
• New MacPherson-strut front suspension improves ride and handling qualities, while also reducing interior noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The new lighter aluminum and steel front subframe also uses a proprietary Honda friction-stir welding process.
• Three features highly coveted by consumers are now standard on every new Accord: Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, USB/iPod® integration and rearview camera. No other manufacturer provides this level of standard equipment. Honda's Expanded View Driver's Mirror is also now standard equipment on every Accord.
• All Accord models feature standard Econ button with Eco Assist™
• Included on Accord EX, EX-L and Touring Sedan models and EX-L Coupe, Honda LaneWatch™ Blind Spot Display provides an expanded rear view of the passenger side roadway through the intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID).
• All-new Smart Entry & Push Button Start included on Accord EX, EX-L and Touring models.
• Included on EX-L and Touring Sedan and EX-L Coupe models, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) alerts the driver when a potential collision with another vehicle ahead is detected.
• Included on Accord EX-L and Touring models, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) alerts the driver when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use.
• New SmartVent™ side airbags mitigate the risk of excessive airbag deployment force while eliminating the need for the prior Accord's Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS). SmartVent also allows improved heating of the passenger seatback on EX-L and Touring models.
• The Accord Touring Sedan offers Honda's first light emitting diode (LED) projector headlights for improved visibility. In addition, LED daytime running lights (DRLs) are found on V-6 powered models, while LED brake lights come on all EX-L and Touring models.
• Exclusive to the Touring Sedan, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows the driver to set a desired speed and a distance interval behind the vehicle ahead.
• The all-new available HondaLink™ connected-car system allows owners to put their smartphones away and still stay connected to their favorite digital content.

Sales, Accolades and Manufacturing History - The Honda Accord

The Honda Accord, currently in its eighth generation, is one of Honda's best-selling vehicles worldwide and remains one of the top-selling automobiles in the U.S. The Accord was launched in 1976 with subsequent major re-designs in 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2003 and 2008. More than 11 million Accords have been sold in the U.S. since 1976.

Since its introduction nearly 36 years ago, the Accord has been honored for its quality, reliability and superior drivability. Car and Driver magazine has awarded the Honda Accord its prestigious and highly competitive annual '10Best Cars' award a record 26 times. No other vehicle in the award's history has been honored as frequently as the Accord. The Accord was also recognized for the highest initial quality in the mid-size sedan segment in the 2011 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey.

In 2012, Honda will celebrate 30 years of Accord production in the U.S. The first Accord Sedan rolled off the Marysville, Ohio assembly line on November 1, 1982 and was the first Japanese-nameplate car assembled in the U.S. Since then, more than eight million Accords have been produced5 at Honda's first U.S. auto plant in Marysville, Ohio. More about Honda in America is available at http://www.hondainamerica.com.

Want a Chance to Win-A-Corvette For a Year

Hendrickcars.com will be the primary sponsor for the HendrickMotorsports No.5 Chevrolet and  Kasey Kahne this Saturday night, August 24^th at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.  

Plus, the No. 5 will be promoting the just launched (yes, it’s live on the site today) Win-A-Corvette For a Year sweepstakes promotion. In addition, Hendrickcars.com will be the sponsor again next week for the Labor Day weekend race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, September 2.

Here's the TV schedule:

Bristol: Saturday, August 25 at 7:00 pm, ET on ABC

Atlanta: Sunday, September 2 at 6:30 pm, ET on ESPN

Sweepstakes entrants will attempt to correctly guess Kasey Kahne’s average lap speed on lap 163 (halfway point) of the Atlanta race. The entrant with the guess closest to the actual speed, without going over, will be declared the winner.

Official rules are provided on the “About Us” page of www.Hendrickcars.com.

Hendrickcars.com launched the HENDRICKCARS.COM’S 2012 CORVETTE YEAR-LONG TEST DRIVE PROMOTION. Hendrick Motorsports included the promotion in their weekly e-mail to media on Tuesday.  Driver Kasey Kahne will also be featured in a pre-race interview Saturday on SPEED’s “RaceDay.”

Kahne and Rick Hendrick will also be doing interviews throughout the week between the two races promoting the contest. Mr. Hendrick will be featured on SIRIUS Satellite Radio on Monday, August 27 and on SPEED’s “RaceDay” on Sunday, Sept. 2. Kahne will also be on SIRIUS Satellite Radio on Tuesday, August 28, as well as several radio stations in the Atlanta area that day. He’ll shoot a SPEED “RaceHub” feature in front of the Corvette from Hendrick Motorsports on Tuesday as well.

For the Atlanta race, the two Atlanta area Chevrolet dealerships Rick Hendrick Chevrolet in Duluth and Rick Hendrick Chevrolet in Buford, as well as Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet in Tallahassee, are running radio ads around the promotion with a trailer from Kasey Kahne. Plus, the No. 5 show car will be at each Atlanta dealership leading up to race weekend in Atlanta. On race day, the two Atlanta Chevrolet stores, along with the new Dale Earnhardt Jr. dealerships and Gwinnett Place Honda, will have an employee event at Atlanta Motor Speedway with visits from Kasey Kahne, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Mr. Hendrick.

The actual 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, worth $58,000, that one lucky fan will win, will be on display at Atlanta Motor Speedway throughout the race weekend. There will also be two iPad kiosks available at the Corvette display for fans to make their guesses and register to win on site.

A Public debut at a hot-air balloon festival - 2013 Honda Accord

And we're waiting for the first to arrive.  September?  Maybe?  And while we wait....according to Car & Driver..

Honda has started unveiling the redesigned 2013 Accord sedan and coupe, the company’s duo of mid-size moneymakers, by releasing two photos of each and a skosh of info. We already know a fair amount about what to expect from the new Accord—including details on its conventional engines, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, and infotainment technology—much of which we summarized when we spied both the coupe and sedan.

As for the new photos, you probably howled the same thing we did when you saw them: “They look the same!” Still, that’s hardly a surprise—the concept that dropped at this year’s Detroit auto show resembled a slightly tarted-up contemporary Accord coupe and the aforementioned spy shots revealed that the general shape of both the two- and four-door would carry over.

At least the new Accord eschews most of the current model’s clumsier detailing, including the sedan’s bustle tail and bulging lamps. A more upright grille and a hood with a slight bulge lend the front end a more purposeful look, while the sides are slightly more sculpted. Out back, the sedan’s taillights now extend to the trunklid, making the Accord’s hindquarters look wider and lower. Just as the outgoing coupe was easier on the eyes than the sedan, so is the new one. Although its front-end now more closely mimics the sedan’s, the rear styling remains quite a bit different. The new coupe’s taillights are slimmer than before, and work in concert with reflectors set wide in the bumper to perform an optical widening trick.

The headlights on both Accord variants are sleeker and a strip of LED daytime running lights will be available on more posh models, which also can be fitted with full-LED exterior lighting. (The rear view also shows that Honda will adopt the Touring name; it currently uses that badge on its top-spec Odyssey and Pilot models.) It’s worth mentioning that LED headlights aren’t currently available in the mid-size-sedan segment; the tech still is largely the province of luxury cars.

Honda did not release any hard figures along with these images, but claims the new Accord has more interior and trunk space than before despite being shorter in overall length. The company also says the car will be “sportier.” Ignoring its visual similarity to the current one—altered dimensions or no, the resemblance is so strong that it’s hard to call the new look even evolutionary—we’re keen to find out if Big H speaks the truth. Only the four-cylinder version of the once all-conquering Accord made our 2012 10Best Cars roster, and it’s suffered losses in recent comparison tests.

We’ll drive the new Accord—and probably see its interior, too!—in the near future, so watch this space for our impressions.View Photo Gallery

Thanks Car And Driver

Next Generation Cruise Control - Baseline Analysis

Having just taken a road trip, crossing the state of Florida in my 2010 Honda Insight I achieved my personal best for fuel economy on my return from Boca Raton to Bradenton.  At my first chance I enabled/set my cruise control. 

This is the scenic route, which lends itself to a diverse set of driving terrain and protocol.  Fuel economy as it turns out  is a multidimensional phenomenom.  So claims of high fuel economy can be affected by a myriad of factors.  For starters and for the purposes of this posts I'll keep it simple.  I won't bring in climatic factors, altitude, or grade...  as much as I'd like to do that, I will stick to the basic metrics and variables: time, distance, speed, fuel consumption.

This is one of those, 'here's what I learned on my most recent roadtrip' posts.

And this photo nearly says it all.  What is not shown is the average speed for this sample.  (by the way that figure is unknown)  Ha Ha....let's see, could it be 191.7 miles / hours driving?  Hmmmm...roughly 3 hours...64 mph?  Wow! 

So here's what I learned.  Cruise control may not be the best way to maximize fuel efficiency.  I found that I could do better managing my speed and adjusting according to all those factors mentioned earlier.  However....the convenience of cruise control has that advantage...it's convenient.  So I would use it when the was no grade and my instantaneous mpg hovered over 50 mpg.  When approaching a small town, like Indiantown and Arcadia, I'd go into manual mode...likewise I'd cancel cruise in fast moving traffic situations.  When I needed to accelerate I learned to avoid multiple taps on the ACC, that is, if I needed to increase my speed by 3 or 4 mph, I would tap 1 and go a mile before tapping for my next increment.  So to increase my speed 3 mph...I'd travel 2 miles. 

Unfortunately there's also a 'social' factor in maximizing fuel economy.  That is I found other drivers will tailgate, make gestures, flash their lights, honk their horns, until they had a safe window to pass me.  Even when I was going the speed limit or greater.  I felt a little guilty for slowing them down..but that may have to be the price one pays to acheive that 50 mpg milestone.

Now here's the exciting 'Eureka' moment I had.  I realized that I could outperform the cruise control when it comes to saving fuel.  AND you don't have to be a genius to do that...AND soon I'd bet we'll have a next-generation cruise control.  And with all the intrumentation and metrics that are available on the hybrids we have the technology to have an I-ECO mode for cruise control, or what I'd called an intelligent mode.  With sensors like those that enable Grade Logic Control, and conventional cruise control, to VSA, and ECO-Assist....this next generation cruise control MUST be in the works now....DON'T YOU THINK?

2013 Accord true to it's commitment to Fun!

The word about the 2013 Honda is trickling in.  We don't have the exact date yet, nonetheless we're expecting that the redesigned 2013 Honda Accord will go on sale this fall. 

We're expecting a shorter length,a new family of engines  and a continuously variable transmission(CVT) on select models.  These are indeed huge engineering changes for our signature car. 

Honda released the first images of the production version of the Accord sedan and coupe recently but provided few specific details about the cars. Here's what
the word is on the street. 
1) The 2013 sedan -- weighing less than the outgoing model, it will have
2)  more passenger and cargo room -- features nearly
3) flush windshield glass,
4) flush-mounted windshield wipers and
5)available LED daytime running lights,headlights and taillights.

These changes are solidly aimed at those U.S. Honda buyers that have been attracted to the current Hyundai Sonata,Kia Optima,Toyota Camry and 2013 Ford
Fusion.   This Accord is expected to be the "most sculpted and dynamic Accord ever."

From the photos one can glean the side flanking and rear-window kink at the C-pillar resemble the styling of BMW's 3 series. Yet the front and rear fascias clearly signal a Honda product. And it's not always just about style. It's about advancing the technology too.  With that, in addition to a new sportier styling,the 2013 Accord is being used to introduce several key pieces of Honda technology. The first generation of the automaker's "Earth Dreams" engines -- offering improved fuel economy and lower emissions -- debut featuring
direct injection and double overhead cams. A hallmark of the Accord since its 1976 U.S. debut as a hatchback -- leading fuel economy -- is under attack by rivals such as the Sonata and Camry. The base engine will be a 2.4-liter inline-four with more than 181 hp and 177 pound-feet of torque,Honda said in January. That would mean a slight horsepower increase but considerably more torque,with at least 10 percent better fuel economy. 

All four-cylinder versions of the Accord equipped with an automatic transmission -- a huge percentage of the model's sales mix-- will be equipped with a
continuously variable transmission. 

A revamped V-6 Honda has also re-engineered the Accord's 3.5-liter V-6 engine and paired it with a new six-speed automatic transmission or an available
six-speed manual gearbox. Honda has said the V-6 will produce more horsepower than the current model while targeting class-leading fuel economy and an
overall gain in fuel efficiency over the 2012 model.

Word has it that the 2013 Accord will also be offered with a two-motor plug-in hybrid system that features three modes –all-electric,gasoline-electric and
direct-drive. What inquiring minds still want to know is what the latest Accord looks like inside. Honda did not release images of the 2013 Accord's interior ,but
somewhat reliable sources say say the cabin is an upgrade from the current generation.

While the coupe will remain similarly sized,Honda says the sedan will feature a more compact exterior footprint. Both models will feature "increased passenger
and cargo space," Honda said in a statement. The automaker said previously the 2013 Accord would be offered with lane departure warning,forward collision
warning technology,blind spot detection,and a standard rearview back-up camera. In January,John Mendel,head of sales for American Honda,vowed the
ninth-generation Accord would "raise the bar again through a tour de force of new Honda powertrain and safety technologies,geared to ensure that Honda and
the Accord continue to lead in fuel economy,safety and fun-to-drive performance."

Global Achievement! CR-Z Wins 2012 Design Award

Honda CR-Z Wins 2012 Design Award

TULLAMARINE, AUSTRALIA – July 24, 2012: The Honda CR-Z has added another trophy to its cabinet, winning a 2012 Design Award in the Automotive and Transport category of the prestigious Australian International Design Awards.
At a ceremony in Sydney on Friday 20 July, Honda Australia’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Satoshi Matsuzawa and Principal Adviser, Mr. Lindsay Smalley accepted the award on behalf of Honda Australia.
“The Australian International Design Awards are a respected and prestigious award within the design industry. It is a great honour to receive an award of this calibre for the CR-Z.
“The CR-Z is truly in a class of its own, with styling that turns heads, advanced fuel efficiency and a drive that is fun, exciting and engaging. We are very proud to add another important and prominent award to our trophy cabinet,” Mr. Smalley said.
The 2012 Design Award joins a long list of awards received by the CR-Z; Australia’s Wheels Magazine Car of the Year 2011 and Green Car of the Year in the ‘Sports’ category, Japan Car of the Year 2010-11 and U.K. Top Gear Magazine’s Green Car of the Year.
Capturing Honda’s joyful spirit, the CR-Z leads the way to the future of motoring, responding to an increase in environmental awareness and changes in the world economy. “The CR-Z is an example of how Honda is realising its vision for an exciting, cleaner future without compromising on the joy of driving,” Mr. Smalley said.
Honda was the world’s first car manufacturer to announce voluntary global targets for the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and has been implementing proactive measures in sustainability for over five decades.
Honda is the world’s biggest engine manufacturer, a leader in automotive research and development and consistently rated a top performer in customer satisfaction. There are more than 400,000 Hondas on the road in Australia and millions of happy customers worldwide.

How Many SUV's In Your Family...Count them now!

OK...So the real message is: "The 2012 CR-V wins again!...in the most recent Compact SUV Shootout, sponsored by USA Today, cars.com and MotorWeek...the completely reengineered 2012 Honda CR-V took the NUMBER ONE place with a top score of 809 out of 1,000"  The best way to appreciate the ample qualities of the 2012 CR-V is to drive one.  Guess what?  We have them!

The staticsics are staggering.  The next time you are on the road just take a visual count and you'll appreciate just how popular  SUVs are with U.S. families.  From singles, to newlyweds, to empty nesters and even retirees...where the CR-V is the most popular 'dinghy' that they tow behind their six figure RV.

I've always believe that the smart buyer drives a Honda.  And even for families on a budget these downsized people/cargo haulers are getting more affordable even as they offer more standard features and get better gas mileage.  Some argue that we offer too much technology.  NOT FOR ME.

"To see which offers the most value for a family, experts from USA TODAY, car-shopping site Cars.com and PBS' MotorWeek— plus a real Chicago family — compared six models that met a mainstream price limit and were EPA-rated at least 30 miles per gallon for our $25,000 Compact SUV Shootout."

USA Today.

Check out the rankings in this morning's USA Today...or online.  What's your favorite and why?  What comprises 'affordability' to you?  Hint: not price.

40+ MPG with My 2010 Insight...IMAGINE 118 MPGe

2013 Honda Fit EV Rated by the EPA at 118

MPGe; Receives Best-Ever Consumption

Rating of 29 kWh/100mi

The 2013 Honda Fit EV tops all other EV offerings in efficiency ratings, providing the most mileage for your electric dollar

The 2013 Honda Fit EV, has received a combined adjusted Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mile-per-gallon-equivalency rating of 118 MPGe, and an unprecedented low consumption rating of just 29 kilowatt hours (kWh) per 100 miles. With an EPA rated annual fuel cost of only $500 , the fun-to-drive 2013 Honda Fit EV can help consumers get more miles for each charging dollar. Full EPA MPGe ratings¹ for the Fit EV are 132/105/118 city/highway/combined.

With such an efficient drivetrain, the Fit EV 's 20-kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery provides the capacity to earn an EPA combined city/highway estimated driving range rating of 82-miles, allowing the Fit EV to surpass the EPA efficiency and range ratings of the Ford Focus Electric (105 MPGe, 76-mile range), Nissan Leaf (99 MPGe, 73-mile range), and Mitsubishi i-MiEV (112 MPGe, 62-mile range). The Fit EV 's exceptionally efficient design – encompassing everything from savvy powertrain design, weight-conscious engineering and effective aerodynamics – makes the most of the Fit EV 's smaller battery. Additionally, the Fit EV battery can be recharged in less than 3 hours from a low charge indicator illumination point when connected to a 240-volt circuit.
"Just as important as the industry-leading fuel-efficiency and fast recharging time, as a Honda, the 2013 Fit EV will be an absolute kick to drive," said Steve Center, vice president of the American Honda Environmental Business Development Office.
The Fit EV 's 92 kilowatt (123 horsepower) coaxial electric motor generates 188 ft-lb of torque, and is teamed to a chassis with a fully-independent suspension and a driver-selectable 3-mode electric drive system adapted from the CR-Z Sport Hybrid.
Honda debuted the 2013 Fit EV at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show and announced plans to begin leasing the battery-electric commuter vehicle to customers in select California and Oregon markets during the summer of 2012, followed by an East Coast rollout in 2013. The Fit EV will be offered with three-year $389/month lease².