Honda On Regent Blog

Four-time Stanley Cup champion, Anaheim Ducks captain and environmentalist becomes first professional athlete to lease Honda’s zero-emissions vehicle

ANAHEIM, Calif., U.S.A., January 6, 2010 – American Honda Motor Co., Inc., delivered a zero emissions hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle to its latest customer, 2010 Canadian Olympic hockey team captain, Scott Niedermayer. Also a team captain for the Anaheim Ducks National Hockey League team, Niedermayer is a leader both on and off the ice, promoting an environmentally responsible lifestyle and the protection of natural resources.

“My love for nature and the outdoors developed while growing up in Canada and I hope the generations after me get to experience nature as I have,” said Scott Niedermayer. “Everyday actions, like driving the zero-emissions Honda FCX Clarity, will help to make this dream a reality.”

Honda’s FCX Clarity produces electricity onboard from hydrogen via Honda’s innovative V Flow fuel cell stack with water vapor as its only emission. Significant advances include exhilarating performance, futuristic sedan packaging and a driving range of up to 240 miles*. FCX Clarity’s fuel efficiency is three times that of a comparable, modern gasoline-powered automobile.

“The FCX Clarity demonstrates Honda’s commitment to developing zero-emissions vehicles, and we believe that having drivers like Scott Niedermayer behind the wheel of a Honda FCX Clarity is a great way to reach out to a new audience of drivers,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. “We hope that Scott’s example of driving the FCX Clarity will inspire fans and other athletes to consider more environmentally responsible products.”

Niedermayer and his wife, Lisa, reside in Orange County, California, with their four sons. The family enjoys the outdoors together by camping and mountain biking. Their love of nature has inspired the family to seek a greener lifestyle that includes changes such as adding insulation around the family home and installing a radiant barrier on the roof to conserve energy. Niedermayer already carpools to games with his fellow teammates and promotes a recycling program around his team’s dressing room.

Honda’s advanced fuel cell electric vehicles have been tested and proven through a series of successful partnerships over the last seven years with various fleet users and retail customers. A small but growing network of hydrogen fuel stations in Southern California allow for vehicle refueling in about five minutes and offer a clean, domestic energy supply for transportation. Honda has gained extensive experience from the deployment of several generations of its fuel cell electric vehicle technology with the ultimate goal of achieving the mass-market commercialization of zero-emissions fuel cell vehicles.

*Fuel economy estimates and driving range based on EPA test data. Actual driving distance will vary depending on driving characteristics and vehicle maintenance.

TORRANCE, Calif., U.S.A., November 3, 2009 – American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced that the all-new 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour is set to debut on November 20 in the US.

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour EX-L

 The Accord Crosstour combines the sophisticated refinement of a premium sedan with versatile characteristics of an SUV to create an entirely distinct concept within the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) segment. Leveraging the many benefits of a car-based platform, the Accord Crosstour starts with the top-level refinement of the Accord V-6 Sedan and further expands utility with a sleek-yet-functional profile for increased cargo space.

The Accord Crosstour is designed to fulfill multiple roles for both style and function. A bold and sleek exterior conveys a prestigious presence from the outside, while premium interior styling extends from the passenger compartment into the cargo area. Increased functionality is provided by an under-floor storage area in the rear of the vehicle and reversible cargo floor panels ideal for dirty objects. Cargo area access is further enhanced by a tailgate with a large opening and a low lift-over height.

All Accord Crosstour models come standard with a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) designed for power and efficiency. The engine produces 271 horsepower at 6,200 RPM and 254 lb-ft. of torque at 5,000 RPM while achieving an EPA-rated city/highway fuel economy of 18/27 mpg1 on 2WD models. The VCM cylinder deactivation system is programmed to run on 3, 4 or 6 cylinders, based on current power requirements. A technologically advanced 5-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment. For CUV capability, the Accord Crosstour provides amble ground clearance and Real Time^TM 4WD drive is available.

The Accord Crosstour is available in two model choices, the EX and EX-L. Highlights of standard features on the Accord Crosstour EX include: dual-zone automatic air conditioning with second row ventilation, 360-Watt AM/FM 6-disc audio system with seven speakers, easy fold-down 60-40 split rear seat back, 17-inch aluminum wheels with 225/65 R17 all-season tires, hidden removable utility box, cruise control, moonroof, auto up/down driver and front passenger side windows, rear privacy glass, steering wheel-integrated audio controls, compass and outside temperature indicator, projector beam headlights with auto-off, fog lights, chrome door handles, body-colored power side mirrors with defrost, and more.

The Accord Crosstour EX-L adds or upgrades: leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats, leather steering wheel, leather gear shift knob, auto day/night dimming rearview mirror, 18-inch aluminum wheels with 225/60 R18 all-season tires, auto on/off headlights, memory driver-side seats, memory side mirrors with reverse tilting capability, cargo privacy cover, HomeLink^TM transmitter, Kevlar® cone speakers, aluminum dome-type front tweeter speakers and a USB audio interface.

Available features exclusive to the Accord Crosstour EX-L include the Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System2 and Real Time 4WD, available together or separately. The navigation system includes a backup camera with guidance lines integrated into the display.

Safety technology includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering^TM (ACE^TM) body structure, a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Additional safety equipment includes: Vehicle Stability Assist^TM (VSA®), commonly referred to as Electronic Stability Control; anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist; side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; driver’s and front passenger’s side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); dual-stage, multiple threshold front airbags; and active front seat head restraints.

The Accord Crosstour is assembled in Ohio at the Honda of America Mfg., Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant using domestic and globally sourced parts.
1 Based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle. 4WD models achieve city/hwy EPA fuel economy of 17/25 miles per gallon.
2 The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System^TM is available on the Accord Crosstour EX-L model in the United States, except Alaska. Please see the navigation system manual for details.

http://world.honda.com/news/2009/4091103Accord-Crosstour/

09/01/2009 – WINNIPEG, Manitoba – Birchwood Honda On Regent announced today that they would begin clearing out all remaining 2009 model year Honda vehicles. The clearout will begin now and run through until the end of September if supplies last. In support of this effort, Honda Canada has placed a number of customer cash incentives on the ’09 inventory reducing prices even further.

“We need to move this remaining stock by the end of month to make way for the incoming 2010 models that have already begun to land,” said Christian Goleski, General Sales Manager at Honda On Regent. “I have set a goal for my team to sell 99 of these new vehicles this month,” continued Goleski, “and I intend to hit that target by considering every reasonable offer in the market where the 09’s are concerned.”

2009 Honda Accord Sedan

And they should have no trouble moving these vehicles based on their steady performance this year and first look at their aggressive pricing strategy for the next 30 days.

When asked what’s different about offers now as opposed to the past 11 months, Nelson Gaspar, Sales Manager said, “The customer cash Honda is offering on these vehicles is unprecedented. Saving $3000 on a brand new Civic? That has been unheard of until now. I think many people who have been delaying their vehicle purchase will seize this opportunity and take advantage of the large cash discounts.”

Based on supply, the dealership expects the bulk of sales to be in the Civic, Accord, Fit, Odyssey and CR-V. “We have already sold out of 2009 Pilot and Ridgeline and have moved on to the 2010’s,” said Goleski

Next evolution of the crossover offers CUV attributes while maintaining a premium sedan feel and a sporty, bold appearance

“Our concept is to broaden the appeal of the Accord line-up by leveraging traditional Accord strengths of fun-to-drive performance and handling, while also adapting to shifts in the Canadian light truck marketplace,” said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc. “The all-new Accord Crosstour achieves this by offering a modern interpretation of a CUV, while integrating the refinement and efficiency of a premium sedan.”

Derived from the Accord Sedan, the Accord Crosstour maximizes car-like ride and refinement, yet maintains capabilities consistent with a CUV’s increased ride height and all-weather potential. The Accord Crosstour’s styling builds on the Accord’s familiar character lines and adds a bolder front grille complemented by a durable lower-body appearance, wedge-shaped C-pillars and an aggressive rear stance. The flowing roofline narrows smoothly into the rear of the vehicle to create an aggressive-looking design, which conceals a unique cargo area that can accommodate large objects, exceeding the capacity of a sedan.

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

“SUV buyers like the comforts of an SUV and the commanding view of the road that comes with a high eye-point,” said Chenkin. “The Accord Crosstour meets the needs of Canadian buyers looking for these attributes, while providing an image that is different from a conventional SUV.”

The Accord Crosstour will be positioned at the top of the Accord family when it goes on sale in fall 2009. Additional details and pricing will be announced later in the year.

Honda Canada, now in its 40th year of operation in Canada, manufactures the Honda Civic sedan and coupe, and the Acura CSX, ZDX and MDX at its two plants in Alliston, Ontario, and produces fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines at its engine plant adjacent to the Honda manufacturing facilities.

August 25th, 2009 – Honda On Regent is pleased to announce that the Honda Indy car will be on location right here at the dealership from September 21st to 24th. Come down and bring the family for this rare opportunity for pictures and to get a closer look!

The more I drive them, the more I like them.

Having been behind the wheel of several of the models in the Honda Civic line I’ve just begun to really appreciate this car.

Yes, I know. What took me so long?

It’s not like I’ve hated the Civic — far from it. It’s just that I’ve come to appreciate everything the Civic has to offer for a price that still remains competitive. Even as an entry level car there is so much to like about it.

The size is right; the entry level price is right; and, the performance is balanced nicely with fuel economy.

Equipped with a 1.8-litre four cylinder engine and five-speed automatic, the Civic is not at a loss for power. In fact, it was quite surprising to find out how much pep this little mill had. But don’t let the numbers fool you — 140 horsepower and 128 lb.-ft. of torque — there’s plenty to smile about when you get behind the wheel and give ’er the gas.

Sure it’s got enough giddy-up when you need it, but it also sips away at the tank. With a posted 7.4 litres per 100 km in the city and 5.4 on the hwy, it’s sure to grab the attention of anyone with a bank account. Driving mostly on city roads I managed to squeeze out 7.8 litres per 100k, which again, is nothing to sneeze at.

Shifting is quick through the five speed stick, but the clutch is light and takes a little getting use to. Granted you won’t feel like you’ve just spent your whole day giving your left leg a workout, but there isn’t much in the way of feedback. Really, it’s a minor thing.

The ride and handling is pretty good as well and thanks to its small size, the Civic feels almost sporty.

And since we’re on that topic, this Civic came in with the added mid-level Sport trim package and adds plenty of items over the base model. It includes 60/40 split rear seat, leather wrapped steering wheel, rear-seat centre armrest and power windows with auto-up/down driver side window, just to name a few.

While some may not like the wedge-like style of the Civic, I find it to be a sharp looking vehicle. Thanks again to the sports package for 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and colour-keyed door handles. Even with so many of these on the road, the design remains fresh.

Seating surfaces are comfy and nice to the touch and while actual seating space may look a bit tight, there is plenty of leg room in both the front and rear seats.

In the driver’s seat, you immediately notice the two-tiered gauge cluster — which I really like, but my wife doesn’t particularly. She says the speed indicator is way too big for her liking (or maybe she doesn’t feel the need to be reminded how fast she’s going?).

Trunk space is quite generous, and even shocking. There is little concern that you won’t have enough room for short trips or shopping outings. And if you do manage to run out of room, you can quickly pull the levers in the trunk to flip the rear seatbacks down. Just make sure your kids are not along with you.

I never felt out of place driving in the Civic. It’s not the biggest people mover out there, but it’s also far from the smallest. The performance is just right for me, the kids have lots of room and even my wife didn’t mind it.

Sounds like a winner to me.

Strong Points:

Weak Points:

TORONTO (July 6, 2009) – Honda Canada Inc. has been named one of Canada’s “Fifty Most Socially Responsible Corporations” in the Jantzi-Maclean’s 2009 Corporate Responsibility Report. The report appeared in a recent issue of Maclean’s magazine.

Jantzi Research Associates – an independent investment research firm –evaluates and monitors the social, environmental and governance performance of approximately 300 Canadian companies and income trusts. Jantzi uses a best-of-sector methodology to assess all constituents of the S&P/TSX Composite Index rather than excluding industries, and measures each firm against the standard of best practices in its industry.

According to Jantzi, the Fifty Most Socially Responsible Corporations are “selected on the basis of a broad range of social, environmental and governance indicators… [and] these companies are making Canada a better place.”

The Maclean’s brief highlights Honda’s 2010 Insight hybrid passenger car as being “the most affordable hybrid currently available in North America,” and gives prominence to Honda’s FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle which was awarded the “2009 World Green Car” award.

Other initiatives featured in the brief include Honda‘s new “Eco-Assist” system in the Honda Insight, which is designed to help drivers optimize fuel efficiency; and Japan-based Honda Soltec Co. Ltd, a Honda subsidiary which is developing its own line of ultra-thin, non-silicone solar cells for home and vehicle use.

Honda is recognized for being an environmental leader among automotive manufacturers worldwide. In 1972, the Honda Civic CVCC engine was the world’s first engine to comply with strict 1970 U.S. Clean Air Act emissions standard. Today, Honda is one of North America’s most fuel-efficient car companies and a global leader in advanced fuel-cell technology.

Now in its 40th years of operations in Canada, Honda Canada Inc. has sold more than 3,200,000 Honda and Acura passenger cars and light-duty trucks. Nearly half of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada in 2008 were made in Canada – a higher percentage than any other vehicle manufacturer in Canada.

Honda Canada makes the Honda Civic and the Acura MDX and CSX at its two manufacturing plants in Alliston, Ontario, and produces fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines at its engine plant, adjacent to its two plants.

 www.honda.ca

TORRANCE, California — American Honda confirmed Tuesday that its long-rumored (and much photographed) new midsize crossover vehicle will be called the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour. Essentially an Accord five-door hatchback, the Crosstour will arrive at U.S. dealers this fall as a 2010 model.

Judging from myriad spy photos snapped and posted in recent months, the Accord Crosstour bears a passing resemblance to the Acura ZDX that debuted earlier this year at the 2009 New York Auto Show, but the Temple of VTEC blog claims the two vehicles do not share a common platform.

Instead, as its name implies, the Accord Crosstour almost certainly shares all major underbody components with the Accord sedan. The 2010 Crosstour hatch is aimed at such rivals as the Toyota Venza.

Few powertrain details have emerged, but the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour will likely offer Honda’s 3.5-liter V6 and four-wheel drive. Pricing will be announced later in the year. Paul Lienert, Edmunds Inside Line

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=152086

• Styling: The 2010 Honda Pilot earns crossover cred by blending an SUV’s blocky profile and high ground clearance with a car-type unibody structure. Peel off its sheet metal and you’ll find not a truck frame but basically the same chassis used by Honda’s Odyssey minivan (and by the MDX crossover from Honda’s premium Acura division). The 2009 redesign wisely inflated Pilot’s exterior dimensions only slightly, so this wagon remains the most maneuverable eight-seat SUV on the market. It’s a garage-friendly 10- to 23-inches shorter than other eight-passenger SUVs. Unfortunately, Honda listened to first-generation Pilot owners who said they wanted tougher styling. So the 2010 Honda Pilot gamely wears a caboole of trucky cues: exaggerated fender flares, sapling-thick roof pillars, a pugnacious front end. The grille appears inspired by a tie clip filched from the set of “Mad Men.”
• Mechanical: The 2010 Honda Pilot boasts impressive engine and driveline engineering. Extracting the most efficiency from its lively, smooth 250-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 is Honda’s advanced Variable Cylinder Management system. This automatically transitions the engine back and forth between six, four, or three cylinders as sensors determine the best balance of fuel economy and power. All Pilots are available with Honda’s Variable Torque Management all-wheel drive. Pilot’s not designed for serious off-roading, so its AWD system does not have low-ranging gearing. It’s instead designed to improve grip in all conditions, even on dry roads. And pushing a dashboard button does lock in a front-rear torque split for maximum low-speed traction. The sole transmission for the 2010 Honda Pilot remains a five-speed automatic.
• Features: The 2010 Honda Pilot comes in four levels of trim: base LX, midrange EX, leather-upholstered EX-L, and top-of-the-line Touring. Honda doesn’t offer factory options, but does make the 2010 Pilot available just about every comfort and convenience feature. These include power heated front seats, sunroof, Bluetooth phone link, USB connection for iPod and other MP3 devices, navigation with voice recognition, rearview camera, and rear DVD entertainment. The 2010 Honda Pilot is among the few SUVs with anchor positions for four child safety seats. And folding the rear seats allows it to carry a 4-foot-wide plywood sheet laid flat. All models come with antilock four-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and an antiskid system. Standard are head-protecting curtain side airbags designed to deploy in side collisions as well as in impending rollovers. Front bucket seats and second- and third-row bench seats are standard; second-row captain’s chairs aren’t available. The second and third rows each hold three occupants, and both split and fold.

http://iguida.com/2010-honda-pilot