All-new Honda Ridgeline Pickup to Debut Within Two Years

  Design sketch reveals styling direction for Next-Gen Honda truck

Current Ridgeline production will end mid-2014

Sales of Ridgeline up 29 percent in 2013

An all-new Honda Ridgeline pickup truck will come to market in less than two years and, today, Honda shared a sketch expressing the new truck's styling direction. Honda also confirmed that production of the current Ridgeline (http://automobiles.honda.com/ridgeline/), built exclusively by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC, in Lincoln, Alabama, will conclude in mid-2014.

Check out Honda's ninth annual North American Environmental Report

Highlights include:

• CO2-adjusted fuel economy of Honda and Acura automobiles up 9.5%
• CO2 emissions intensity of automobile production in N.A. down 16.2%
• CO2 emissions intensity of product shipments in the U.S. down 8%
• CO2 emissions intensity of service parts shipments in the U.S. down 13.5%

And here's the BIG PICTURE of Honda's commitment to our environment:

Earlier this month, Honda released its ninth annual North American Environmental Report. Honda's ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its products and business operations resulted in a number of significant advancements, including a 9.5% year-over-year increase in the CO2-adjusted fleet average fuel economyi of model year 2012 Honda and Acura automobiles sold in the U.S., to 26.4 miles per gallon (mpg); a 16.2% year-over-year reduction in the CO2 emission intensity of automobile production in North America; and an 8% year-over-year reduction in CO2 emissions resulting from the shipment of finished products from factories to dealers in the U.S.

The 2013 Honda North American Environmental Report also details Honda's ongoing actions to effectively minimize the company's impact on the environment, including waste reduction, resource conservation and energy efficiency improvement. The report covers the period from April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013 (fiscal year 2013) and is published digitally. The 2013 Honda North American Environmental Report is available for viewing and can be downloaded at http://corporate.honda.com/environment/2013-report.

Preventative Maintenance is Good - Preventative Advice is too.

Have you ever heard an annoying clicking sound while you are driving. There's a good chance it is a CV joint failure.

The CV joints allow your wheels to rotate and bend in all directions as it is a ball joint. These joints are lubed with high temperature grease that is protected by a CV boot. Due to factors such as aging, abuse, and weather, the CV boot can crack or tear allowing the oil to deplete and contaminants to enter. Therefore it is important to replace a damaged boot before there is damage/failure to the CV joint.

Here's an easy way to check for CV joint failure. Pull your windows down and listen while driving slowly at a walking pace. Turn from side side, if there is loud clicking during the turns, there is very likely a damaged CV joint that needs to be replaced. Try on both locks, hard left and hard right. Usually you'll hear which one has failed. If you are inclined to look under your car you can also check the CV boot for any tears or splits.

Your service advisor will gladly show you the signs of damage or failure to the outer CV joint, and advisse you of your option of either replacing the entire CV half shaft or the damaged outer CV joint. That would entail the same procedure as repairing the CV boot except you are replacing the old outer CV joint as well.

Beware and be advised, when it fails, you have about 500 miles or less before the joint separates and break loose. Ask your advisor when and if you should consider any preventative measures.

Hindsight is 20/20 - And costly at times

Now you don't have to wait until you experience that tendency to pull to one side? Or worse vibration from the steering wheel. If the answer to either of these questions is yes, your car might be due for an alignment. Most car handling problems can be solved with a total wheel alignment. If all system components are properly aligned after a wheel alignment service, shock will be significantly lessened and more efficiently absorbed, which produces a more even ride.



Our opinion is that there’s no better technology or car alignment equipment available than Hunter Alignment. Our mechanics use Hunter Alignment equipment during every alignment procedure for precise adjustments and accurate measurements. Hunter Alignment equipment is what makes it possible for us to guarantee the best wheel alignment service available.



Alignment equipment technology is constantly updating, but the most current version is the Hunter HawkEye Elite Alignment Machine. The HawkEye Elite includes new designs for the adapter, target, and console, as well as high-res cameras and an integrated steering system reset. Some other features of the HawkEye Elite include convenient storage, a customized column cap, a drive-on camera, a TouchRemote, and TPMSpecs. The HawkEye Elite can recall specs in a snap, and the HawkEye Elite also features QuickComp.

Hunter Alignment equipment’s state-of-the-art technology allows for greater productivity, and our mechanics are able to locate alignment issues within a brief 90-second procedure. Alignment results print out automatically after the wheel alignment procedure, so that our mechanics may make the necessary alignment adjustments with exact precision.



With Hunter Alignment equipment, including the HawkEye Elite Alignment Machine, we can guarantee the most precise wheel alignments performed right the first time. You never have to second-guess a wheel alignment performed using Hunter Alignment equipment. For the best wheel alignment services available, performed using the Hunter HawkEye Elite Alignment Machine, contact us online to schedule an appointment.

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Accord recognized for record 28th time since 1983

Honda Accord Wins Car and Driver Magazine's 2014 '10Best Cars' Award


Amid an increasingly competitive mid-size field, Car and Driver magazine has once again named the Honda Accord as a winner of its prestigious annual '10Best Cars' award. The achievement marks the twenty-eighth time in the award's 31-year existence that Accord has won-more than any other vehicle and the seventeenth year in a row for Honda's flagship sedan.
"The editors at Car & Driver have long appreciated Accord's almost singular mix of dynamic excellence and fuel efficiency balanced by a well-equipped, comfortable and practical package," said Michael Accavitti, vice president of marketing operations for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "They know that it's difficult to balance these attributes and yet it's something the Accord has done consistently for more than three decades."
"Once again, the Accord became the stand­ard by which the largest and most competitive class of passenger cars is judged," said Car and Driver.
Now in its ninth generation, the Accord has been sold in the U.S. since the 1976 model year and this year marks 31 years of Accord manufacturing in America.




And we've been here before, across the product line



Fuel Cell Concept Debuts At 2013 L.A. Auto Show

Honda FCEV Fuel Cell Concept

Once again a picture says a thousand words. And maybe more to those of us that have been driving a Hybrid Automobile for any length of time. This photo may suggest where we are going. The Honda FCEV Concept car shown, while clearly a "Form follows Function" creation, there's a fantastic dose of "style" there too.

2014 Honda Civic Coupe Ignites Opening Day of 2013 SEMA Show

The 2014 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show was recently held in Las Vegas. (November 4–November 7)

It is the premier automotive specialty products trade event. It draws an international attendence that include 100,000 industry leaders from over 100 countries. The sky is the limit in terms of profit oppotunity in the truck, SUV, automotive powersports and RV markets. In 2012 the SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers.

So needless to say having the spotlight on your product has it's advantages. Honda owners cantake pride in the recognition for what they drive. Not just by ownership but by association. As I Honda Car and Truck Sales Associate I am proud of the product that we represent here at Hendrick Honda Bradenton.

A significantly updated 2014 Honda Civic Coupe (http://automobiles.honda.com/2014-civic/) made its world debut today at the 2013 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, offering a first look at new exterior styling updates to America's best-selling1 compact car. Honda also announced that the performance-oriented Civic Si will benefit from increased power and larger wheels and tires, making both the two- and four-door varieties even more fun to drive.

Honda also surprised performance enthusiasts by announcing plans to begin sales of street-oriented performance parts developed by Honda Performance Development, Inc. (HPD), Honda's U.S.-based race engineering company, starting with a full range of performance accessories for the CR-Z sport hybrid coupe (http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-z/hpd.aspx) that go on-sale at Honda dealerships today. A power-boosting CR-Z supercharger package will follow in the spring of 2014. In the longer term, HPD engineers are also investigating other models and platforms in order to expand Honda's street performance product line.

"With the further advancement of the 2014 Civic Coupe and Si models and an exciting path forward for performance parts drawing on our racing experience we are making a statement about our commitment to the fun to drive character of the Honda brand", said John Mendel, executive vice president auto sales for American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

The 2014 Civic Coupe and Coupe Si

Following a major refresh of Civic Sedan styling for 2013, Honda turns its attention to the Civic Coupe and Coupe Si, implementing a host of exterior design changes that include a more aggressive grille, hood, front fenders and headlight design. Additional Coupe exterior changes include new taillight lenses, sportier front and rear bumpers, new side mirrors and new wheel designs.

The Civic Si Coupe benefits from the same styling enhancements as the standard Civic Coupe but adds Si-exclusive design cues, including a unique lower front bumper garnish, larger rear decklid spoiler, a distinctive front spoiler and sporty rear air diffuser. The Civic Si Sedan picks up on these same cues, and both the Si Coupe and Si Sedan get larger, 18-inch (+1 inch) wheels and tires with new wheel designs.

The performance-tuned Civic Si Coupe and Si Sedan also get a retuned exhaust system that helps boost peak output to 205 horsepower2 (+4 horsepower) and 174 lb-ft of torque3 (+4 ft-lb).

More details about the full 2014 Civic lineup will be made available at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show.

Civics on Display

On display at Honda's SEMA showcase are a 2014 Civic Si Coupe, a 2014 Civic Coupe EX-L equipped with a Honda Genuine Accessories aero kit and 18-inch wheels, the HPD Civic Si Coupe Race Car and the HPD Civic Street Performance Concept, an aggressive street performance concept featuring many HPD racing parts that currently only are available for sanctioned race cars.

2014 Honda Accord Hybrid - 9th Generation

1976 was the year America celebrated its 200th birthday and the year we first introduced the Accord. This year, we celebrate another Honda milestone: our 31st year of manufacturing the Accord here in the United States (using domestic and globally sourced parts).

Thirty-one years ago, our first American-made Accord came off the production line at our Marysville, Ohio plant. It was the first Japanese-nameplate assembled in the U.S. Since then, we've built millions of Accord vehicles in America, growing the Honda culture and opportunities across the country. We're proud that we've been able to grow here and share our success with the communities in which we operate. With its smart size and excellent fuel economy ratings, the first-generation Accord was a hot seller in the 1970s.The second-generation Accord was the first Honda automobile to be assembled in the U.S.A.1986 marked the introduction of a notably sleeker Accord, picking up styling cues from its sporty sibling, the Honda Prelude.Beginning in 1990, the Accord was classified as a mid-size sedan and featured a more powerful 2.2-liter engine.The fifth-generation Accord featured a more ergonomic interior, and boasted more standard safety features than ever, including dual front airbags.In 1998, the sixth-generation Accord Sedan became the largest Accord ever. For the first time, the Coupe was treated to its own sportier look, with exclusive front fascia, wheels and lights.In 2003, the Accord grew in size, power and refinement again. It continued to garner spots on Car and Driver's 10Best list[1]. In 2005, the Accord Hybrid was introduced.Another green technology breakthrough: The Accord Hybrid becomes the world's first V-6-powered hybrid vehicle. Advancements in Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist IMA® hybrid system and the new Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) cylinder deactivation technology delivers V-6 fuel efficiency that’s on par with a 4-cylinder, compact-class Civic.With its stately presence, the 2008 Accord was the first to be classified as a full-size car—and yet this latest generation is still as nimble and fun to drive as ever. It offers more luxury, more features and better fuel efficiency. Plus, V-6 models feature new fuel-saving technologies like Variable Cylinder Management™.We've taken high tech, high performance and high style to the next level. The ninth-generation Accord is our most luxurious Accord yet, while still retaining its hallmark value. New technology abounds from bumper to bumper, inside to outside, and both the hybrid and coupe have a bolder style than ever before.

2013 Honda Accord Hybrid

The all-new Accord Hybrid represents our return to the midsize hybrid segment, and we intend to take the industry by storm. The Accord Hybrid not only has a refined, elegant style—and all the comforts, conveniences and technology of our latest Accord Sedan—but it also boasts the impressive mpg ratings of a Honda hybrid. It’s everything the hybrid driver was waiting for.

Jimmie Johnson wins sixth Sprint Cup title

Back on top with two NASCAR greats left to catch, Jimmie Johnson won his sixth championship in eight years this past Sunday and he is clearly one of the most dominant competitors in sports history.

Honda IndyCar Fontana Race Report - Are You Following The Leaders

Dixon Survives Race of Attrition To Claim Indy Crown



On a night where crashes and mechanical failures claimed more than half of the 25-car starting field, Scott Dixon did exactly what was needed to claim his third career IZOD IndyCar Series Drivers’ Championship, as the Honda-powered driver finished fifth in Saturday night’s MAVTV American Real 500 to claim the title over rival Helio Castroneves.


Scott Dixon (#9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda Dallara) started 2nd, finished 5th, wins the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series Drivers’ Championship: “It was a crazy race. We started well back and had to work on the car a fair bit in the early stages of the race to make it better. Just a huge credit to the team, the changes we made all worked and the car was quite quick, until we had an issue with some overheating towards the end. I still can’t believe we won the championship. Mid-year, I did not think we had a chance of doing this, but it all turned around at Pocono [where Dixon scored Honda’s 200th Indy car victory]. We dug deep and Honda stepped up, and together we made it happen.”


Dixon came to the 19th and final race of the 2013 season with a 25-point lead over Castroneves, including a series-leading four wins this year. A finish of fifth or better would have secured the title for Dixon, but he worked his Target Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara Honda to the front of the field, and battled for the lead for much of the night, until backing off in the final laps due to rising engine temperatures as Will Power went on to claim the victory.



Overheating issues affected several cars, as sand and debris affected both Honda and Chevrolet-powered entries and resulted in several retirements during the course of the 500-mile contest. A multi-car crash on Lap 110 eliminated five more cars, including four Hondas, and resulted in Dale Coyne Racing driver Justin Wilson being transported to a local hospital for further examination of a possible hip injury.



Despite the attrition, the race was fiercely contested, with 11 different drivers leading one or more laps, including Mid-Ohio race winner Charlie Kimball, who led three times for a total of 22 laps, and appeared to be in contention for the victory until a late-race mechanical problem sent him to the pits. Kimball still was scored 10th, despite dropping out of the contest with 12 laps remaining.



Stepping in for the injured Dario Franchitti, veteran Honda driver Alex Tagliani also ran near the front of the field for much of the night, and led five laps before spinning and making light contact with the wall to end his race on lap 209.



Driving for Bryan Herta Autosport, JR Hildebrand appeared headed for at least a second-place finish in the closing laps, as he ran in lock-step behind fellow Honda driver Kimball until he, too, was felled by debris-related overheating issues with just 13 laps remaining.



Tonight’s race concludes the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series with Chevrolet winning the Manufacturers’ Championship and Honda-powered Scott Dixon claiming his third drivers’ title. Dixon’s other titles came in 2003 and 2008. Honda-powered Tristan Vautier also claimed series Rookie of the Year honors.

Honda Contributing to our economy - How and How Much?

Honda has deep roots in America and a long history of contributing to the U.S. economy through U.S. manufacturing, sales, R&D and finance, with cumulative capital investment of more than $21 billion, since the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., as Honda's first overseas subsidiary in 1959. The company also makes positive contributions to society and quality of life through its pioneering efforts to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance vehicle and pedestrian safety, while providing a consistently high level of product quality and value to its customers.

2014 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe Offers Sleek Exterior Design, Feature Rich Interior and Outstanding Fuel Efficiency

Sport hybrid offers fun to drive performance with 39 mpg highway EPA fuel-economy rating (CVT)1

Available with a sporty manual transmission or engaging CVT

The 2014 CR-Z combining sleek styling, numerous standard features and sporty handling while maintaining terrific fuel efficiency. The CR-Z was thoroughly updated for the 2013 model year with a more powerful battery pack, increased power and styling improvements, while also earning a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). For 2014, the CR-Z remains the only hybrid vehicle offered with a sporty manual transmission.

Using Honda 's highly efficient, compact Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system, the CR-Z has an EPA rating of 31/38/34 mpg2 city/highway/combined (MT) and 36/39/37 mpg2 city/highway/combined (CVT), and is rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in states that adhere to California Air Resource Board (CARB) ZEV standards (EPA Tier 2, Bin 2 in all states).

Two models are available, the standard CR-Z with a starting MSRP of $19,9952, and the feature-rich EX with a starting MSRP of $21,8402. Both models come equipped with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an available CVT. Additional standard features on every new 2014 CR-Z include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, Bluetooth® Audio, rearview camera, an Expanded View Driver's Mirror, AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry and cruise control. View, build and price a 2014 Honda CR-Z at http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-z.

Honda Accord Hybrid - It's Back!

Well-equipped Accord Hybrid offered in three grades

Loaded with premium standard features including LaneWatch™, rearview camera, and LED DRL lighting

Highest EPA-rated city mpg of any 4-door sedan in America

Fuel prices can be scary, but the EPA-rated 50 mpg1 city 2014 Accord Hybrid will take some of the fright out of going to the gas pump when it debuts at U.S. dealers nationwide on Halloween (October 31). With a host of standard equipment, the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) ranges from $29,155 for the well-equipped Accord Hybrid to $34,905 for the luxurious Accord Hybrid Touring model, plus a destination and handling charge2 of $790.

"With advanced technologies standard on every Accord Hybrid we've given customers an incredible combination of fuel efficiency, technology and value," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales at American Honda. "The addition of the Accord Hybrid to the lineup will further advance Accord's position as America's most popular passenger car with individual buyers."

Every new 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid is equipped with numerous standard features including Honda's exclusive LaneWatch™ blind spot display system, a premium feature not even available on any competitive hybrid models. Additional standard features include a rearview camera, LED daytime running lights (DRL), an Expanded View Driver's Mirror, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, USB/iPod® integration, Pandora® compatibility, SMS text message function, dual-zone automatic climate control, alloy wheels, a driver's seat with 10-way power adjustment, and a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system.



The Accord Hybrid EX-L is equipped with advanced safety technologies such as Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) along with leather-trimmed and heated front seats and the HondaLink™ cloud-based media and connectivity system featuring Aha® compatibility. Power driver's seat memory, front passenger seat with 4-way power adjustment and one-touch moonroof are also standard on the EX-L trim.

The top-of-the-line Accord Hybrid Touring adds the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and FM traffic data, LED headlights with blue tinted chrome bezels, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and hard disk drive (HDD) audio memory.

With EPA fuel-economy ratings1 of 50 mpg city / 45 mpg highway / 47 mpg combined, the 2014 Accord Hybrid is the top rated 4-door sedan in America in the EPA city cycle. Highlighting both form and function, it blends the sophisticated exterior styling and spacious interior packaging of the Accord Sedan with a highly efficient two-motor hybrid system from Honda's Earth Dreams™ Technology advanced powertrain series.

The 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid is the first Honda hybrid vehicle produced in Ohio, at the company's Marysville Auto Plant, and joins the Greensburg, Indiana-built Civic Hybrid as the second Honda hybrid model built in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts. Honda invested $18.8 million in a 94,000-square-foot expansion of the Marysville Auto Plant, along with the addition of 50 new full-time jobs to handle the special processes specific to the production of this advanced hybrid model.

The 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile Limited Vehicle Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile Corrosion Limited Warranty. The hybrid battery pack is covered by a 8-year/100,000-mile or 10-year/150,000 mile limited warranty, depending on the state of purchase/registration.

When's the last time you went to a Drive-In Theatre?

Did you know that Hundreds of Drive-In Theaters Face Closure?

And that Honda Launches Project Drive-In to Save Drive-Ins Across the Country

End of 35mm film distribution puts many drive-in theaters in jeopardy of closure
Honda sponsors national campaign to save drive-in's from possible closure with donation of digital projectors and raising community awareness
The end of 35mm film distribution by the close of 2013 could shut down hundreds of drive-in theaters because of the costly switch to digital projection, estimated at $75,000+ per screen. Project Drive-In, a newly launched national effort sponsored by Honda to save as many drive-ins as possible, is raising community awareness across the nation, supplying at least five drive-ins with digital projectors and giving people easy ways to get involved and ensure that this historic part of American cinema and car culture lives on.

Safety for Everyone - What does that mean?

Honda Demonstrates Advanced Vehicle-to-Pedestrian and Vehicle-to-Motorcycle Safety Technologies

Consider this: Safety not just limited to the occupants of a Honda car or truck, and not just limited to every model and trim level.

On August 28th, Honda demonstrated two experimental safety technologies aimed at reducing the potential for collisions between automobiles and pedestrians and between automobiles and motorcycles. These advanced Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P) and Vehicle-to-Motorcycle (V2M) technologies, while still in the research and testing phase, demonstrate Honda's vision to advance safety for all road users, including pedestrians and motorcycle riders, as well as automobile occupants.

"While these are still experimental technologies, they provide a strong indication of the future potential for the kinds of advanced collision sensing and predictive technologies Honda is developing to further reduce the potential for serious accidents, injuries and even fatalities," said Jim Keller, chief engineer for Honda R&D Americas, Inc. "These V2P and V2M systems are part of Honda's broad vision for smarter and safer vehicles and roadways."

Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P) Technology Honda R&D has successfully demonstrated the ability of a car equipped with Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) technology to detect a pedestrian with a DSRC enabled smartphone. This vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) technology uses cooperative communication between an individual's smartphone and nearby vehicles and provides auditory and visual warnings to both the pedestrian and drivers. The system is designed to mitigate the potential for a collision between the vehicle and pedestrian. Using the pedestrian's smartphone GPS, its dynamic sensing capability and DSRC wireless technology in the 5.9GHz band, the pedestrian's smartphone and nearby vehicles establish a communications channel to determine if the pedestrian is in danger of being struck by an oncoming car.

The V2P system is effective even when the pedestrian is not easily detectable by the driver, such as when stepping off a curb from behind a parked vehicle or other traffic obstruction. Vehicle-to-Motorcycle (V2M) Technology Using the DSRC communication system, Honda's Vehicle-to-Motorcycle (V2M) technology can determine the potential for a collision between a motorcycle and an automobile. The V2M system's advantage is its ability to sense the presence of a motorcycle even when it is obstructed from the view of nearby automobile drivers. The system provides auditory and visual warnings to the automobile driver. This system is being researched and tested in cooperation with the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.

And there's more..

2013 IIHS Top Safety Picks - Small Cars

The 2013 Honda Civic coupe and sedan both scored the top rating of "good" in the test and were the first small car models to receive the designation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=G8elevprV5A

Something for Everyone - Looking for a Classic?

Hendrick Performance features rare, classic, and high-performance cars from the Hendrick Heritage Collection, all of which have been restored, customized, or hand-crafted to exceed the expectations of the world’s most passionate customers. Each Hendrick Performance vehicle has been thoroughly inspected by one of our trained specialists, so you can have peace of mind driving and enjoying these amazing cars. Included with the purchase of each Hendrick Performance vehicle is the rare opportunity for you and up to 3 of your friends to tour and take delivery inside the breath-taking Hendrick Heritage Center. Stepping inside this private museum, that very few have had the privilege to experience, will take you back in time to when the American muscle car ruled the streets, and show you the story of Rick Hendrick’s heritage and his amazing collection of rare and high-performance cars. Vehicles may be seen BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Award-Winning Honda Accord Lineup Gets Even Stronger for 2014

Launched in fall 2012, Accord was the most popular midsize passenger car in America for the first six months of 2013, based on sales to individual (non-fleet) car buyers, according to new vehicle registration data from R.L. Polk. The all-new 2013 Accord has earned a host of awards for setting new benchmarks for fuel efficiency, fun-to-drive performance, customer-friendly connectivity, advanced safety features and overall value.

GoPro Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma - August 25th

ENGINE MANUFACTURER COMPETITION With seven race victories and 105 points apiece, Honda and Chevrolet now are tied in the battle for the 2013 INDYCAR Manufacturers' Championship, with five races remaining. Honda drivers and teams have won the last four IZOD IndyCar Series events. The streak began at the Pocono Indy 400 in July, and has extended through the doubleheader race weekend at the Honda Indy Toronto, and the Honda Indy 200 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course earlier this month. Target Chip Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon has won three of the last four races, beginning at Pocono and continuing through both rounds of the Toronto weekend. His Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing teammate, Charlie Kimball, won at Mid-Ohio. Of Honda's seven wins this year, four have included podium sweeps: Long Beach, a one-through-four finish led by Takuma Sato, Graham Rahal, Justin Wilson and Dario Franchitti; The second of two races at Detroit, a one-through-five result led by Simon Pagenaud, James Jakes, Mike Conway, Scott Dixon and Franchitti; Pocono, won by Dixon with Kimball second and Franchitti third; Mid-Ohio, with Kimball winning, followed home by Pagenaud and Franchitti Dixon's Pocono win in July was Honda's 200th victory in Indy car competition. With three wins, Dixon is second in the driver's championship, 31 points behind current points leader Helio Castroneves. Honda's 203 Indy car victories include 104 race wins in seasons with manufacturer competition, as well as 99 victories in the six-year period (2006-2011) when Honda supplied engines to the entire IndyCar Series field. Honda's remaining race win this season, in the first Detroit race, was recorded by Dale Coyne Racing's Mike Conway. Teammate Wilson finished third, with Dixon fourth.

“Without racing, there is no Honda.” - Soichiro Honda

Soichiro Honda (本田宗一郎 Honda Sōichirō; November 17, 1906 – August 5, 1991) was a Japanese industrialist born in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan. He founded Honda Motor Company. I've quoted him for the title of this post. HI13RT SERIES: Honda’s engine for the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series, the second year of the turbocharged V6 era, is designated the HI13RT. Honda and Chevrolet will compete for the IndyCar Manufacturers’ Championship in 2013. Honda’s HI13RT is designed to meet IndyCar’s technical regulations for racing engines, calling for a maximum of six cylinders and 2.2-liters displacement. Cylinder bore is restricted to a maximum of 95mm, while stroke is free. Maximum revolutions per minute (RPM) for the engine will be a series-mandated 12,000, an increase over the previous limit of 10,300 rpm. In addition to using direct fuel injection and a single Borg-Warner turbocharger, other features of the HI13RT include “Drive-by-Wire” throttle technology and a series-spec McLaren Electronics Engine Control Unit (ECU). An innovative Refueling Safety Interlock System, introduced by Honda for 2011, will continue to be used by both IndyCar Series engine manufacturers. This system prevents the transmission from engaging while the refueling hose is attached to the car. It is designed to help prevent fires that have resulted from a car leaving its pit stall with the fuel hose still attached. In addition to the Refueling Safety Interlock System, HPD engineers worked with IndyCar transmission supplier XTRAC to introduce reverse-gear functionality within the ECU for 2010. This feature continues to be used by all teams in the series. In 2012, Honda-powered drivers scored four race victories, including Honda’s ninth consecutive Indianapolis 500 triumph, scored by Dario Franchitti, marking his third triumph in the Memorial Day classic. Other Honda-powered winners included Scott Dixon at Detroit and the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course; and Justin Wilson at Texas Motor Speedway.

Beyond that 'Can Do' attitude - Hendrick Culture

Our 'can do attitude' is an often overshadowed trait of the Hendrick culture, yet it's a pillar of that culture. Partly due, I suppose, to being in that winners circle so frequently. A recent video biography, that aired on ESPN is the most profound illustration of that attitude. In this case at an individual level, a story about one member of one of the winniest teams in NASCAR history. Richie Parker has been a member of Jimmie Johnson's team at Hendrick Motorsport for 9 years now. He's an engineer and has contributed to Jimmie Johnson's team winning 5 Championships in a row. Richie Parker, has who was born without arms, has something more than a 'can do' attitude...he has a 'will do' attitude. Please check out this video. You'll be inspired to give up that 'can't do' attitude and adopt that 'will do' attitude.

Fleet Sales less than 2% saves Honda Customers

Accord, Civic, CR-V and Odyssey rank #1 in retail sales in their respective segments, according to latest Polk data Honda brand sales of 668,597 up 6.5 percent year-to-date through June More than 98 percent of brand sales to retail customers, protecting resale values; many competitor brands exceed 20 percent in fleet sales

Hendrick Motor Sports Talk - Recent Race Recap

Hendrick Motorsports drivers finish in top 10 at Indianapolis

 

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Kobalt Tools Chevrolet SS, came home with a second-place finish on Sunday afternoon at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Johnson, who started second, scored his league leading 14th top-10 finish of the 2013 season with the result. Joining Johnson inside the top 10 were Hendrick Motorsports teammates Kasey Kahne who finished third, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon, who finished sixth and seventh, respectively.

Here are the race recaps by driver:
Kasey Kahne, No. 5 Great Clips Chevrolet SS
Race finish: Third.
Standings: Ninth.
Recap: Kasey Kahne started Sunday’s race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway from the seventh position and kept his No. 5 Great Clips Chevrolet SS inside the top 10 throughout the first run of the 400-mile event.  Following the first round of green flag pit stops on Lap 27, Kahne returned to the track in the sixth position, battling with Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon. Kahne would remain inside the top 10 until the first caution period of the afternoon came out on Lap 59. On the ensuing restart, Kahne would maneuver the No. 5 Chevy SS into the top five for the first time and would run there until a four-tire pit stop during the second caution on Lap 80 shuffled him back to 16th position. When the race restarted, Kahne methodically worked his way back towards the front, moving his way back into the top five just 12 laps after the race went back to green.   Kahne would continue his charge towards the front, moving up to the third position just prior to the completion of the third round of green flag pit stops. Following the pit stops, Kahne would keep the No. 5 Chevy SS inside the top 10, battling with teammates Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Gordon. In the end, Kahne was able to come home with a third-place finish, utilizing a four-tire change on the final round of green-flag pit stops. This is the sixth top-five finish for Kahne in the 2013 season.
Jeff Gordon, No. 24 Pepsi Max Chevrolet SS
Race finish: Seventh.
Standings: 10th.
Recap: Jeff Gordon rolled off the grid in the ninth position on Sunday afternoon at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Gordon maintained his top-10 position throughout the first run of the race, battling with Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kasey Kahne.  Gordon remained inside the top 10 following the first round of green flag pit stops and was able to move into the lead for the first time during the second round of green flag pit stops. Gordon would hold onto the lead until the first caution period of the afternoon came out on Lap 59. During the yellow, Gordon came to pit road for four-tires and adjustments, returning to the track in the eighth position. On the ensuing restart, Gordon would battle with teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. for position inside the top 15. Gordon remained in the top 15 until the second caution of the afternoon came out on Lap 80. While under caution, crew chief Alan Gustafson made the call to keep the driver of the No. 24 Pepsi Max Chevrolet SS out on the track in order to gain track position. Gordon was able to maintain that track position inside the top 10 until having to pit for an overheating issue with 60 laps remaining. Following the stop, Gordon returned to the track in the 14th position and quickly worked his way back into the top 10. At the end of the day, Gordon was able to remain inside the top 10 and come home with a seventh-place finish, his 16th top-10 finish at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Jimmie Johnson, No. 48 Kobalt Tools Chevrolet SS
Race finish: Second.
Standings: First.
Recap: Jimmie Johnson lined up from the second position on Sunday afternoon at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and kept the No. 48 Kobalt Tools Chevrolet SS inside the top three throughout the first run of the 200-lap event. Following the first round of green flag pit stops, Johnson was able to erase a 2.9 second deficit and take the lead for the first time on Lap 31. Johnson would hold on to the top spot until the second round of green flag pit stops took place on Lap 55. He would then regain the lead following the first caution period of the afternoon on Lap 59. Johnson remained the race leader until the second caution came out on Lap 80. When the race went back green, Johnson sat in the fourth position but only needed 11 laps to make his way back to the front of the field.  He would remain in the lead until the final round of green flag pit stops. During the final stops, crew chief Chad Knaus called for a four-tire change while other teams chose to take two for track position. In the end, Johnson charged back towards the front and was able to earn a second-place finish. With the finish, Johnson now leads the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in top 10 finishes with 14.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., No. 88 National Guard Chevrolet SS
Race finish: Sixth.
Standings: Fifth.
Recap: Dale Earnhardt Jr. rolled off from the 14th position on Sunday afternoon at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the 20th annual 400-mile event. While maintaining his position inside the top 15, the driver of the No. 88 National Guard Chevrolet SS reported to crew chief Steve Letarte that he had a loose wheel and decided to come to pit road at the completion of Lap 12. Despite falling off of the lead lap, Letarte praised Earnhardt for the decision to pit: “great call. We had a right-rear that was a little loose there. Ride it out. It’s a long race.” During the following fuel run, Earnhardt was able to make his way back into the top 15 as the race leaders on a different pit strategy came to pit road. Earnhardt would remain on the track while the leaders pitted and was able to earn his way back onto the lead lap following the first caution period of the afternoon on Lap 59.  Earnhardt would remain inside the top 15 until a Lap 80 caution allowed crew chief Letarte to make the call to keep the No. 88 Chevy SS out on the track for track position. Earnhardt took the restart in fourth position but quickly moved his way into the top three before coming to pit road for four-tires on Lap 98.  When the pit stops cycled back around Earnhardt was able to maintain his track position inside the top five. In the end, Earnhardt was able to hold off a charge from Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon to come home with a sixth-place finish.

What's the best way to reach our Market?

Along with the Honda Summer Clearance... Honda will launch a unique social media campaign in which the brand will directly engage with Twitter users utilizing real-time Vine videos. Launching July 15, Honda will respond to tweets with the #wantnewcar hashtag with live Vine videos encouraging users to ditch their old car and purchase a new Honda through the Summer Clearance Sales Event. In addition to the social media component, the Summer Clearance event will be supported by television, print, digital and radio advertising leveraging the #wantnewcar conversation and user-generated tweets.

"Starting today, Honda will promote #wantnewcar, urging Twitter users to vent about their need for a new car for a chance to receive personalized Vine video responses directly from Honda, all shot and uploaded that day," said Susie Rossick, Senior Manager at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "This campaign provides a new and unique way to remind people that summer is the best time to get a great deal on a Honda."

These Vine videos will include news of the Honda Summer Clearance Sales Event in an organic way specific to the users concern.  According to Rossick, "If a user mentions needing a new car to pick up a pizza, that Vine video response may feature a Honda dealer offering a great deal…with a mouth full of pepperoni."

In addition to the social media promotion, the Summer Clearance Sales Event campaign will feature eight TV spots that show various Honda dealers humorously responding to real tweets, while finding alternative cars and deals for viewers to consider.  The TV spot "Super Fan" addresses an actual tweet from actor Neil Patrick Harris ("How I Met Your Mother," "The Smurfs") in which @ActuallyNPH asks for advice on selecting a minivan.  "Dance Party" highlights standard features such as Pandora® when the dealer has a sudden dance party in a Civic based on a tweet from @KasiJackson.

Spots will air during national prime network programs such as "Shark Tank," "Extreme Makeover, Home Edition," "CSI," "Vampire Diaries," "Two Broke Girls," "America's Got Talent" and cable networks, including A&E, Animal Planet, Bravo, AMC and TBS. Print creative will run in top consumer weekly publications such as "Entertainment Weekly," "People," "Sports Illustrated," "Bloomberg Businessweek," and "TIME" as well as top-tier daily newspapers that include the "The New York Times," "Wall Street Journal" and "USA Today."

Online ads will run in top automobile and consumer websites, including AOL Autos, Edmunds, MSN Autos, Autobytel, AutoTrader and Cars.com, with a home-page takeover on "USA Today" that will pull in @Honda's live Twitter feed for viewers to keep up with the Vine video responses. The #wantnewcar promoted trends on Twitter will take place on 7/15.

Protecting your Investment - Hendrick Autoguard

Hendrick Autoguard is committed to giving you every option you may need to get maximum value from your vehicle. At the same time we promise to provide the highest level of service in the industry. All Hendrick Autoguard vehicle protection programs are available as single products or value-packaged for added savings. So choose one or all of our protection programs based on the specific needs for your automotive investment.

Honda Accord, Odyssey and CR-V Named to KBB.com's 10 Best Family Cars of 2013

Honda has more vehicles on the list than any other automaker

The 2013 Honda Accord, Odyssey and CR-V were all named to KBB.com's list of the 10 Best Family Cars of 2013. The three family-friendly Honda models were recognized for their leadership in the key areas of safety, roominess, comfort and value. 

I wonder what other factors rank in the 'buying' decision..not just the ratings.  For instance, where would 'style' rank in your list of priorities?  Or embedded technology for that matter.  And how do these factors appeal to the 'family'? 

Depreciation - The Hidden Cost of Car Ownership

Depreciation should be an important criteria in your car purchase agenda.  Here's some great news for Honda owners...and compelling information for prospective Honda owners.

Honda models have captured three 2013 Best Retained Value Awards from Edmunds.com. The Honda Civic was honored in both the Sedan and Coupe $20-$30k categories and the Honda Odyssey led the minivan segment for maintaining the highest projected residual value after five years of ownership as a percentage of value when new.

"Honda models definitely punch above their weight when it comes to value with class-leading quality, safety ratings, standard features and a company commitment to avoid value-sapping fleet sales" said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president of automobile operations for American Honda. "Updates to the 2013 Civic took it from best-selling in 2012 to undeniably best-in-segment this year, and with a significantly-updated Odyssey on the way this summer, we're looking forward to providing even more value to American families."

Big Safety in a Small Package 2013 Honda Civic

The Civic Sedan, significantly reengineered for 2013, is equipped with Honda's  next  generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, which plays a critical role in making Civic the first small car to earn a TOP SAFETY PICK+ crash safety rating. 

The 2013 Honda Civic is also the first to earn the highest rating of GOOD in the IIHS' new small overlap frontal crash test (sometimes called a 'narrow offset' test).

This aggressive test is designed to simulate what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or an object such as a tree or utility pole at high speed. The reinforced ACE™ body structure found on the 2013 Civic further enhances frontal crash energy through a wider range of these offset and oblique collision scenarios.

Our Customers - Getting to know you

If you were born between the late 70s...maybe into the early 80s...you are a member of a powerful consumer category known as Generation Y, aka, Millennial Generation, a demographic  chronologically following Generation X.   Experts in the field suggest Gen Y having birth dates roughly around the late 70s...possibly early 80s to the early 2000s.   While we have a better definition of Gen X in terms of age, as they were born between the early 60s through the early 80s.  BTW, Gen X was preceeded by the "baby boomers".  

The dates for the 'Millennials' is not that well defined.

It's believed that Gen Y has an evolved method of shopping.  This process is influenced as much by the 'shopping experience' as it is by the product itself.  While it's wise to be neutral in many situations, Gen Y expects more.  Earlier models for the prioritization of their buying motivations,

 

Historically we've focused on the following buyer motivations:

 

• Quality and Durability
• Safety and Security
• Performance and Engineering
• Comfort and Convenience

These still stand as a reliable framework for adapting a presentation to the customer's, Gen Y customer's, needs.  As it turns out...Gen Y, Millennials have their own framework based upon a new level of research that they carry out before they visit the showroom.

Before making a purchase, Gen Y conducts research—a lot of it:

• 86% use search engines
• 87% visit the auto manufacturer's website before visiting a dealership
• 88% visit vehicle-reference sites to compare features and prices before making a purchase

By the way these stats hold for all demographics these days.  The big difference with the Millenials is that the actual experience, that begins with the first contact with the dealership...carries much more weight with them.

Interesting concept, i.e., a great 'experience' may have just as much, maybe more influence over the buying decision than the pure feature, function, benefit orientation of generations of the past.

HPD (Honda Performance Development) - Need Some Proof?

How great is it to be driving a Honda with the knowledge that much of the inherent reliability is performance/stress tested for the entire world to see.  I'm talking about the testing that takes place on the IZOD IndyCar Series circuit, where Honda is one of two engine suppliers.

Honda Performance Development (HPD) is the Honda racing company within North America. Located in Santa Clarita, Calif., HPD is the technical operations center for high-performance Honda racing cars and engines. As one of two engine suppliers to the IZOD IndyCar Series, Honda won the 2012 Indianapolis 500 with driver Dario Franchitti; and competes in prototype sports-car racing under the HPD banner in the American Le Mans Series and the FIA World Endurance Championship. HPD offers a variety of race engines for track applications from prototype sports cars to karting; and showcases "fun-to-drive" products for professional, amateur and entry-level racers.

This month, May, HPD celebrated 20 years of on-track achievements and innovation.  Over the following weeks,  HPD will mark this occasion with remembrances of the early days at HPD; the evolution of the company from struggling motorsports newcomer to dominant force in CART and IndyCar competition; and its eventual expansion into an all-encompassing auto racing company. 

In my experience, yes Honda cars and trucks are indeed "fun-to-drive", and drive any Honda car or truck and you can experience the quality of the product.  Here at Hendrick Honda Bradenton we've mapped out a six mile demo drive course that exposes the customer to a wide variety of driving situations.  You are invited to stop by our dealership anytime you find it convenient for a no obligation test drive of any one of our 500+ vehicles.  Then you can be the judge of quality, performance, comfort and convenience, and value..in a nutshell the best overall quality product in the car market today. Just sayin'!  Have some fun...drive a Honda today!

An Economic Engine for the U.S. Economy - Honda

Honda has been an engine of growth for the U.S. economy for more than 50 years

Following an operational strategy of building products close to its customers, Honda has invested $1.2 billion into its U.S. manufacturing plants over the last two years alone, bringing Honda¹s total U.S. capital investment to more than $14 billion.

At Hendrick Honda Bradenton we certainly realize and have benefited from Honda's investment in the U.S.  And so too have the businesses that support them,  and us in conducting our business of making happy customers. 

Our unique customer orientation

What do you suppose the Honda customer wants in a car?  Most of our customers know what they want and we have a product line to fit their diverse requirements.

Then...what motivates the new car buyer most, to even begin looking for a new car or truck?  Is it:

• Style,
• Comfort/Convenience,
• Performnace/Engineering,
• Safety? 

Or a combination of these.

What factors will most influence your decision to take action?  3rd party sources, friends, relatives, industry experts, your sales person, your own experience?

Honda has given us a high quality product, a superior product by many measures.  A productd  that's drawn a smart market.  Our customers are savvy.  Energetic, wise, smart, successful.  They deserve the facility we've built to service their automotive needs.  We've built a welcoming store to sell from and we just keep growing. 

Time and methods change.  Do you find the sales process has become more a process of  'matchmaking' than force fitting product to people?   Less emotion, and more common sense.  Topics like TCO..Total Cost of Ownership are the factors that the smart buyer recognizes.  Our profession has evolved into a consultive business.  Training is ongoing...as the product evolves, driven clearly by customer demands not by disjointed guesswork, as more technology is embedded into the process...the consultive process goes beyond the sale/delivery.

International Motorsports Hall of Fame - Rick Hendrick is now a Member!!!

 The International Motorsports Hall of Fame is  in Talladega, Alabama.  It  is the Canton, Ohio of motorsports.  (The Professional Football Hall of Fame is in Canton, Ohio) 

It is a place where the best of the best in Motorsports are enshrined. 

On May 2, 2013,Rick Hendrick, chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group and owner of Hendrick Motorsports, was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame as a member of the 2013 class.  Other inductees included Dale Inman, Don Schumacher and Rusty Wallace.

As stated in the International Motorsport Hall of Fame website, " They are the drivers, riders and pilots that took us along as mankind continued its quest to break through new limits.  They are the designers, engineers, and builders that shaped the motorsports world.  They are the great leaders like Henry Ford, Enzo Ferrari and Ferdinand Porsche that built empires that still achieve at the highest level today."

All of us at Hendrick Honda Bradenton take great pride in our leadership. 

Congratulations Mr. Hendrick!

2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite® Makes World Debut in New York with Host of Safety Upgrades and Innovations Including HondaVAC™, the First In-Car Vacuum

The segment's benchmark minivan cleans up with bevy of safety improvements, sleek new styling and intuitive, family-friendly technologies

 

 

 

The 2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite® is making its debut at the 2013 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), setting the new 'ultimate family vehicle' standard. Thoroughly refreshed for 2014, the Odyssey Touring Elite® provides core safety upgrades, sharpened exterior styling and a revised interior with a host of new features and technologies designed to make the segment's benchmark minivan even better.

Demonstrating trademark Honda innovation, the 2014 Odyssey Touring Elite®  will also mark the debut of HondaVAC™, the first-ever in-vehicle vacuum system. Available exclusively in the Odyssey Touring Elite® trim, the all-new HondaVAC™ system is part of a thorough refresh of the Honda Odyssey for the 2014 model year, adding to its already class-leading fuel economy ratings and unmatched safety ratings. The 2014 Odyssey will go on sale at Honda dealerships nationwide this summer.

Mobility from Point A to Pont B and beyond...

And now Honda is building? the 'Points', not just the transportation!

The Honda Smart Home (HSH) US will feature advanced sustainability technology to greatly reduce the amount of energy consumed by individual households, including the use of solar power to charge a Honda Fit EV battery electric vehicle. The home will be a true showcase for environmental innovation and personal mobility.

Located on the campus of the University of California, Davis, HSH will use less than half the energy for heating, cooling and lighting than a similarly sized home in the area. In fact, HSH is likely to produce more energy than it consumes, while allowing its residents to remotely monitor and adjust all aspects of energy use in real time.

For more than three decades, Honda has been working to advance environmental technology—not just for vehicles but also in regard to energy production and distribution. With a low CO₂ footprint, state-of-the-art energy management and the direct photovoltaic (PV)-to-car charging system, HSH is a working example of this research.

Be sure to check back after the groundbreaking on April 23 to see videos of the construction process and to learn more about the various technologies used in the home.

Honda Donation Helps Preserve Baseball and Softball Season for Staten Island Little League

 

Did you know?  that Little League Baseball and Softball is the world's largest organized youth sports program, with nearly 2.4 million players and one million adult volunteers in every U.S. state and scores of other countries.

 

Honda, the official vehicle sponsor of Little League®, donated $50,000 to the Staten Island Little League to help rebuild their baseball facilities, which were severely impacted by Hurricane Sandy. With Honda's donation, storm ravaged fields, bleachers and dugouts will be repaired in time for the league's 32-team opening day on April 20th. On opening day, Honda will present the Staten Island Little League with a ceremonial check and host several fundraising events in an effort to increase community awareness. The additional money raised through these events will help replace damaged scoreboards and field lighting plus fund other needs throughout the season.

AND....

"For 17 years Honda has enjoyed a relationship with Little League Baseball and Softball. We're proud to play a part in getting Staten Island Little League up and running to make it possible for kids to play ball this year," said Susie Rossick, Sr. Manager, Honda Regional Marketing. "Though much still needs to be done, they are off to a good start, and we look forward to helping them with opening day and beyond."
The Honda hosted fundraising activities on opening day include, "Sing Badly for a Good Cause: Car-e-oke" in which parents will be encouraged to sing their worst rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" inside an Odyssey minivan with Honda donating up to $50 to the Staten Island Little League for each parent who participates. Other games will include, "Musical Car Seats" in an Odyssey, charades events and kids' activities with similar donation incentives.


"I was extremely surprised when I was notified by Honda about receiving the $50,000 grant. Everyone sees on the news how Staten Island was affected structurally, but no one thinks of the families and kids that the storm affected," said Michael Colini, president of the Staten Island Little League. "I cannot think of a better way to express our gratitude than by making sure our kids can get out on the diamond and play ball!"

The Honda Mile Makers Club - 100,000+

 There are memories behind every mile in a Honda, and Honda and Hendrick Honda Bradenton would love to hear yours. I frequently pass throught our service department here and poll our waiting customers, "how many people here have more that 100,000 miles on their Honda?"   There's always a show of hands!

 If your odometer has reached a notable milestone, we'd love for you to share your journey with others who have done the same.  And here's the link to share that story directly with Honda. 

Click Here To Share Your Story with Honda 

And Congratulations—not every Honda travels 100,000 miles and beyond. The stories here don’t represent the average expectancy of every Honda. Everyone’s experience is different based on vehicle, driving manner and conditions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honda is the 'Most Trusted Brand' for second consecutive year

Honda Named Most Trusted Brand, Best Value Brand and Best Overall Brand by Thousands of New-Car Shoppers in KBB.com's 2013 Brand Image Awards

 

New-car shoppers have once again recognized the Honda brand as the 'Most Trusted Brand' and 'Best Value Brand' in Kelley Blue Book's 2013 Brand Image Award study. This is the second year Honda was named the 'Most Trusted Brand' and the third consecutive year as the 'Best Value Brand'. Additionally, Honda captured the top honor of 'Best Overall Non-Luxury Brand,' thus receiving more awards than any other brand in the 2013 Kelley Blue Book study.

"We are honored to be recognized by American car buyers for two tenets of the Honda brand: trust and value," said Mike Accavitti, vice president of national marketing operations, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "These awards demonstrate how customers recognize the tremendous quality and value of our products, reflecting the incredible competitive strength of the Honda brand."
The 2013 Brand Image Awards are based on consumer automotive perception data from Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence's Brand Watch™ study. Brand Watch taps into more than 12,000 in-market new-vehicle shoppers annually on Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. The Brand Watch study offers insight into in-market new-vehicle shoppers' perceptions of brands, including important factors driving their purchase decisions while they are in the midst of the shopping process.  Honda was named 'Best Overall Non-Luxury Brand' by securing the highest average score across ratings of all non-luxury models, and the weight of importance of each of the factors in the study.
"Honda was named Best Overall Brand by non-luxury shoppers, which speaks to Honda's stellar reputation and brand leadership in the minds of consumers," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst, Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. "In addition, Honda was awarded Most Trusted Brand for the second year in a row, and Best Value Brand for the third year running. Receiving consecutive awards in key categories like 'Trust' and 'Value' demonstrates the positive attributes of the Honda brand continue to resonate with the new-car buying public."

Additional comments from the Editors of Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com regarding Honda's Brand Image Award Wins:

2013 Honda - Best Value Brand
"Affordability, reliability and good resale value are key facets of new-car value, and Honda scores at or near the top in all three, earning from KBB.com visitors another Best Value Brand award."

2013 Honda - Most Trusted Brand
"This is the second year we've asked visitors to name their Most Trusted Brand, and it's the second year in a row they've named Honda.  With a reputation that precedes it and vehicles that seemingly never fail to deliver on the promise, Honda is like the perpetual motion machine of brand trust."

2013 Honda – Brand Image Awards: Best Overall Brand
"We saved the biggest award for last, but after its wins in the Best Value Brand and Most Trusted Brand categories, Honda's win as Best Overall Brand among non-luxury shoppers hardly comes as a surprise.  We admire the refined and reliable vehicles, but also the manner in which Honda promotes itself.  You do too, apparently."

Time Flies...2014 Honda Odyssey on the horizon?

2014 Honda Odyssey to Debut with Innovative New Features at the 2013 New York International Auto Show

2014 Odyssey, 2013 Honda Fit EV and 2013 Accord Plug-In Hybrid to highlight Honda's New York auto show display

 

Honda will reveal details of the refreshed 2014 Odyssey, including some innovative new features, at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). The 2014 Odyssey further strengthens the Honda minivan's position as the segment's most coveted family-friendly vehicle, and adds to its status as the strongest overall ownership value in its class.
The 2013 Odyssey is already an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK, an AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Award winner, an ALG Residual Value award winner, and one of the Best Family Cars of 2012 according to the editors of Parents Magazine/Edmunds.com and Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.
The 2014 Odyssey along with Honda's complete line-up of fuel efficient, innovative and fun-to-drive cars and trucks, including the 2014 Accord Plug-In Hybrid and 2013 Fit EV, will be on display at the Honda booth during NYIAS press and public days. Both the 2014 Accord Plug-In and the fully-electric Honda Fit EV were recently launched at select Honda dealerships in New York.
With an EPA fuel economy rating of 115 MPGe in electric-only mode, the Accord Plug-In is the most efficient sedan in America, and also the first production car to meet the U.S. EPA's more stringent LEV3/SULEV20 vehicle emissions standard. The five-passenger all-electric 2013 Honda Fit EV delivers 189 lb-ft of torque from its electric motor and features a fully independent, multi-link rear suspension that serves as the foundation for Honda's fun-to-drive EV with an EPA combined city/highway estimated driving range rating of 82 miles.

PLUS!!!! Not Just TOP SAFETY PICK...but TOP SAFETY PICK "PLUS" +

2013 Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe First Small Cars to Achieve TOP SAFETY PICK+ Rating in IIHS Safety Testing

Honda leads industry with four TOP SAFETY PICK+ rated vehicles

3/7/2013 2:00:00 PM

 

 

 

The new 2013 Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe have received the highest available safety rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This recognition makes the Civic Sedan and Coupe the first and only IIHS Small cars in the industry to earn a TOP SAFETY PICK+.

Honda leads all other brands in achieving TOP SAFETY PICK+ ratings with four models – Civic Sedan and Coupe, and Accord Sedan and Coupe.  Further, for the 2013 model year, all Honda and Acura models tested¹ by the IIHS have received a TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating.

"If you want a compact car with a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating, the 2013 Honda Civic is the only choice," said Art St. Cyr, vice president of product planning and logistics at American Honda. "We believe this is a distinct competitive advantage, especially as more and more consumers place a premium on crash rating performance."
The new Civic Sedan, equipped with the second generation of the Honda Advanced Compatibility Body Structure™ (ACE™II), is not only the first Small car to earn TOP SAFETY PICK+ in the industry, but also the first and only to earn the highest possible rating of GOOD on the IIHS' new small overlap frontal crash test (sometimes called a 'narrow offset' test). This aggressive test is designed to simulate what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or an object such as a tree or utility pole at high speed.  The ACE™II reinforced body structure found on the 2013 Civic further enhances frontal crash energy through a wider range of these offset and oblique collision scenarios.
Additional standard safety equipment on all Civic models include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); side curtain airbags; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; and driver and front passenger side airbags.
Honda Safety Leadership
Honda has a long history of leadership in the development and application of advanced technologies and designs to enhance the safety of all road users, including automobile occupants, motorcycle riders, and pedestrians. The company operates two of the world's most sophisticated crash test facilities and is responsible for numerous pioneering efforts in the areas of crashworthiness, airbag technology, collision compatibility and pedestrian safety. This commitment to safety is rooted in Honda's goal
to be a company that society wants to exist, and it complements the company's leadership in reducing vehicle emissions, improving fuel efficiency and advancing alternatives to gasoline.
2013 American Honda TOP SAFETY PICK+:

Honda                 Honda Accord Coupe Honda Accord Sedan Honda Civic Coupe Honda Civic Sedan

Acura Acura TL

2013 American Honda TOP SAFETY PICKS:

Honda                 Honda Fit Honda Crosstour Honda Civic Sedan Honda CR-Z Honda CR-V Honda Insight Honda Pilot Honda Odyssey Honda Ridgeline

Acura Acura ILX Acura TSX Sedan Acura MDX Acura RDX

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists) http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-safety
Honda for consumers: www.automobiles.honda.com
Honda on YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda on Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Honda on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/honda
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/honda
Instagram: http://instagram.com/honda
Honda on Google+: https://plus.google.com/+honda

Connect with Acura:
Acura (for consumers): www.acura.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Acura
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Acura_Insider
YouTube: www.youtube.com/acura

¹Acura ZDX, Honda FCX Clarity and Honda Fit EV have not been completely tested by the IIHS for the 2013 Model Year.