The most fuel-efficient sedan available in the U.S. takes style, comfort and technology to a higher level
04/20/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.
The all-new 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid combines the sophistication of the Civic Sedan with the latest version of the Honda Integrated Motor Assist (IMA®) hybrid drivetrain.
Now with added features, new technology and the best EPA-estimated fuel economy of any sedan in the United States, the 2012 Civic Hybrid offers a higher fuel economy rating of 44/44/44 mpg1 city/highway/combined, up from 40/43/41 in the 2011 Civic Hybrid. Like other members of the Civic family, the 2012 Civic Hybrid gains new features and sleeker styling. Exclusive styling includes the front grill, headlights, taillights, wheels and side mirrors. The two available models are the Civic Hybrid with cloth seats and a Civic Hybrid with leather seating surfaces. Either version can be equipped with a navigation system.
"The Civic Hybrid provides the advantages of hybrid technology while maintaining the look and feel of a familiar sedan," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The car's fuel economy rating can be summed up quite easily – 44 miles per gallon says it all."
For 2012, the Honda IMA system uses lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries, replacing the nickel-metal hydride batteries used in the previous two generations of Civic Hybrid. The gasoline engine is the primary source of power and the electric motor, positioned in-line between the engine and transmission, provides additional power and electricity regeneration capability.
The 2012 Civic Hybrid uses a larger 1.5-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, up from 1.3 liters for improved mid-range torque, which incorporates extensive friction-reducing technologies for greater efficiency. It is connected to a lighter, larger and more powerful electric motor that provides up to 23 horsepower. Total combined horsepower for the gasoline engine and electric motor is 110 at 5500 rpm and torque is rated at 127 lb-ft. at 1000-3500 rpm.
During acceleration, the engine or the engine and electric motor together propel the vehicle. During cruising, the gasoline engine and/or the electric motor can propel the vehicle. During braking, the gasoline engine deactivates and the electric motor acts as a generator to replenish the battery pack. At a stop, the engine can shut off to save fuel and reduce emissions. The engine restarts the moment the brake pedal is released.
The battery pack, located behind the rear seatback, is used to capture and store electricity for the electric motor. The 20-kW lithium-ion battery is more powerful by 5 kW and lighter than the previous generation's battery. The IMA system's greater power and the battery's 35-percent increase in efficiency allow the Civic Hybrid to operate more frequently on the electric motor's power alone in certain low-speed cruising situations. A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) helps maintain engine rpm for optimal efficiency while eliminating the "stepped" gear transitions associated with conventional transmissions.
Along with the rest of 2012 Civic line, the Civic Hybrid offers a new interpretation of the current Civic's "one-motion" mono-form shape. A sleekly raked windshield, wide stance and exclusive styling features give the Civic Hybrid a sophisticated, high-tech presence. In front, there is a unique hybrid grille design with blue accents, and within the sleek headlight assemblies are blue bulb covers that provide additional distinction. Special five-spoke alloy wheels, a decklid spoiler and LED brake lights further differentiate the Civic Hybrid from other Civic models.
The Civic Hybrid's interior features a fresh take on the previous-generation Civic's highly functional two-tier instrument layout. The design puts the most frequently referenced information up high and close to the driver's line of sight. The new intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) is positioned in the upper tier and can present audio system information including album artwork. It can also display personal wallpaper backgrounds uploaded via the standard USB port. A unique feature of the Civic Hybrid's i-MID is a driver-feedback Eco Guide screen that monitors driving style and displays how it affects fuel efficiency. Together with the blue/green Eco Assist indicators located to the sides of the digital speedometer, the displays help drivers build awareness of and confirm fuel-efficient driving styles. The Civic Hybrid's i-MID contains an exclusive hybrid power-flow meter display in addition to the standard information screens.
The interior of the Civic Hybrid uses exclusive seat fabric and unique door panel covers for a distinctive appearance and feel. As with all Civics, high-quality materials are used throughout the cabin. Available leather-trimmed models include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift lever. Automatic climate control is standard on the Civic Hybrid, and the hybrid-style air conditioning compressor can continue to function on electric power when the engine is in idle-stop mode.
The Civic Hybrid offers a range of standard and available audio and navigation technologies. A 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers is standard and Civic Hybrid models equipped with the navigation system include XM Radio. The available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™2 with voice recognition has a 6.5-inch touch screen within reach of both the driver and passenger. Turn-by-turn direction information appears on both the navigation screen and the i-MID, where it's convenient for the driver to see. The system features a new 16 GB flash memory database for quicker response time and has FM traffic. FM traffic is a no-fee service that shows freeway traffic information and incident data on the map display in participating metropolitan areas.
The standard Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® system enables Civic Hybrid owners to make and receive mobile phone calls using the vehicle's audio system and a compatible mobile phone. Audio streaming is also supported with compatible devices.
The Civic Hybrid embraces Honda's tradition of making its vehicles fun to drive by continuing to use a fully independent suspension design, a premium and exceptional feature in the entry compact segment. The front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension is tuned for sporty driving fun, yet provides refined ride comfort. Ride and handling improvements are supported by a 10-percent more rigid unit-body structure resulting from enhanced structural designs and increased use of high-strength steel (55 percent compared to 50 percent on the previous model).
For safety, a wide variety of standard equipment includes Honda's exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure for enhanced frontal collision energy management and vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility. ACE enhances frontal collision energy management through a network of load bearing structures in the front of the vehicle. Standard safety equipment includes VSA that integrates with the new Motion Adaptive EPS system; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; front side airbags with occupant position detection system (OPDS); side curtain airbags; and a 4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
All Civic Hybrid models are produced and assembled in the Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Suzuka, Japan manufacturing facility. The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new car limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Based on 2012 EPA mileage estimates. 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.
2 Third-party trademarks: The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.
Friday, April 22, 2011
2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas Represents Proven Alternative
America's only manufacturer-built natural gas passenger car provides a stylish and viable alternative to gasoline and electric vehicles
04/20/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.
The all-new 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas leverages the style and refinement of the Civic Sedan with the wide-ranging environmental and historical operational cost advantages of a vehicle run exclusively on compressed natural gas (CNG).
"The Civic Natural Gas builds on the company's 15-year legacy of offering viable, alternative fuel-powered vehicles by adding popular features and expanding its retail availability," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Inherently clean-burning natural gas has a proven track record as an extremely low-emission, domestically produced transportation fuel. The new Civic Natural Gas makes it even more convenient to tap into this desirable and abundant resource."
The Civic Natural Gas (formerly named Civic GX) has been offered to fleet customers nationwide since the 1998 model year. Since 2005 it has also been marketed to retail customers starting in California, and then later in New York, Utah and Oklahoma. For 2012, the Civic Natural Gas is poised to broaden retail access as it becomes available nationwide1 through qualified Honda dealers.
Multiple benefits exist to using natural gas as a vehicle fuel. From a value standpoint, natural gas has historically cost about 30-percent less per gasoline-gallon-equivalent compared to gasoline when purchased at public fueling stations. As an alternative fuel vehicle with extremely low smog-forming emissions, the Civic Natural Gas currently qualifies for a state-issued decal allowing single-occupant access to high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) "carpool" lanes in California and several other states.
For 2012, the Civic Natural Gas receives enhanced feature content found in the other all-new Civic models. The new "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID) provides a convenient platform for integration of vehicle information and compatible personal electronics with a driver-oriented 5-inch color LCD display and intuitive steering wheel controls. Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® for compatible mobile phones and a USB audio interface for compatible music players are also standard.
For the first time ever, the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation with voice recognition and FM Traffic is available in the Civic Natural Gas. The navigation system database uniquely includes retail fueling locations for CNG.
A CNG-version of the same 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine found in the Civic Sedan and Coupe models powers the Civic Natural Gas. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment. The Civic Natural Gas has a Honda-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy rating2 of 27/38/31 miles per gallon (gasoline-gallon equivalent). Compared to the 2011 model, city fuel economy improves by 12.5 percent, and highway fuel economy is up by 5.5 percent. The Civic Natural Gas includes Honda's ECO Assist™ technology, an innovation that can enhance efficient vehicle operation at the touch of a button while also providing visual feedback to promote and confirm an efficient driving style.
The Civic Natural Gas engine incorporates unique features to operate exclusively on CNG. The compression ratio increases to 12.7:1, compared to 10.6:1 in the Civci Sedan's gasoline-powered engine. Exclusive fuel injectors, intake and exhaust valves, and valve seats accommodate the unique properties of natural gas. Stronger connecting rods and special pistons are used in consideration of the higher compression ratio.
The Civic Natural Gas has its 3600 p.s.i. fuel tank located between the rear wheels. The safety-engineered aluminum-lined composite fuel tank can contain the gasoline-gallon equivalent (GGE) of 7.8 gallons of gasoline when filled to 3600 p.s.i. with CNG.
Designed with a sleek windshield rake, a sweeping roofline and a new interpretation of the previous model's "one-motion" profile, the lines of the 2012 Civic Natural Gas suggest a sophisticated and athletic appearance. A low and wide stance contributes to a distinctive visual presence, while thinner A-pillars stretch further toward the front of the vehicle than before to improve visibility and the perception of interior space. The C-pillars also stretch further toward the rear of the vehicle compared to the previous generation to better complete the flowing one-motion appearance. Aerodynamic features such as flat under-body construction and functional aerodynamic strakes in front of the tires help to increase fuel-efficiency.
The redesigned interior offers more style with new functionality and new features. An intuitive "two-tier" layout prioritizes frequently referenced instruments like the speedometer up high in the driver's line of sight with less frequently referenced information positioned down lower. The i-MID can present audio information including album artwork, custom vehicle settings, and personal wallpaper backgrounds. A four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system is standard, and it can stream music wirelessly via a Bluetooth connection with a compatible player, or via a wired USB connection. A Bluetooth HandsFreeLink system offers convenient device pairing and lets the driver make calls using pre-assigned voice tags and steering wheel controls.
Building on the successful packaging of the previous generation, the passenger volume of 94.7 cubic feet increases by 3.7 cubic feet, and gains have also been made in front shoulder room (+2.9 inches).
The 2012 Civic embraces Honda's tradition of making its vehicles fun to drive by continuing to use a fully independent suspension design, a premium and exceptional feature in the entry compact segment. The front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspensions are tuned for sporty driving fun, yet provide refined ride comfort.
For safety, a wide variety of standard equipment includes Honda's exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure for enhanced frontal collision energy management and vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility. ACE enhances frontal collision energy management through a network of load bearing structures in the front of the vehicle. Standard safety equipment includes VSA that integrates with the new Motion-Adaptive EPS system; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; front side airbags with occupant position detection system (OPDS); side curtain airbags; and a 4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
The Civic Natural Gas engine produces almost zero smog-forming emissions and is the cleanest internal-combustion vehicle certified by the EPA (Tier-II, Bin-2 and ILEV certification as of August 2010). It is also recognized by the state of California as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) by meeting SULEV standards and maintaining its emissions durability for at least 150,000 miles or 15 Years. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) named the 2011 Civic GX "America's Greenest Vehicle" for the eighth time in its Green Book® ranking of environmentally responsible vehicles.
All Civic Natural Gas models are produced at Honda Manufacturing of Indiana (HMIN) from domestic and globally sourced parts. The 2012 Honda Civic is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new car limited Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Nationwide, in states that have sufficient CNG stations within close proximity to authorized Civic Natural Gas dealers.
2 Preliminary mileage estimates determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
04/20/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.
The all-new 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas leverages the style and refinement of the Civic Sedan with the wide-ranging environmental and historical operational cost advantages of a vehicle run exclusively on compressed natural gas (CNG).
"The Civic Natural Gas builds on the company's 15-year legacy of offering viable, alternative fuel-powered vehicles by adding popular features and expanding its retail availability," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Inherently clean-burning natural gas has a proven track record as an extremely low-emission, domestically produced transportation fuel. The new Civic Natural Gas makes it even more convenient to tap into this desirable and abundant resource."
The Civic Natural Gas (formerly named Civic GX) has been offered to fleet customers nationwide since the 1998 model year. Since 2005 it has also been marketed to retail customers starting in California, and then later in New York, Utah and Oklahoma. For 2012, the Civic Natural Gas is poised to broaden retail access as it becomes available nationwide1 through qualified Honda dealers.
Multiple benefits exist to using natural gas as a vehicle fuel. From a value standpoint, natural gas has historically cost about 30-percent less per gasoline-gallon-equivalent compared to gasoline when purchased at public fueling stations. As an alternative fuel vehicle with extremely low smog-forming emissions, the Civic Natural Gas currently qualifies for a state-issued decal allowing single-occupant access to high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) "carpool" lanes in California and several other states.
For 2012, the Civic Natural Gas receives enhanced feature content found in the other all-new Civic models. The new "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID) provides a convenient platform for integration of vehicle information and compatible personal electronics with a driver-oriented 5-inch color LCD display and intuitive steering wheel controls. Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® for compatible mobile phones and a USB audio interface for compatible music players are also standard.
For the first time ever, the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation with voice recognition and FM Traffic is available in the Civic Natural Gas. The navigation system database uniquely includes retail fueling locations for CNG.
A CNG-version of the same 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine found in the Civic Sedan and Coupe models powers the Civic Natural Gas. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment. The Civic Natural Gas has a Honda-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy rating2 of 27/38/31 miles per gallon (gasoline-gallon equivalent). Compared to the 2011 model, city fuel economy improves by 12.5 percent, and highway fuel economy is up by 5.5 percent. The Civic Natural Gas includes Honda's ECO Assist™ technology, an innovation that can enhance efficient vehicle operation at the touch of a button while also providing visual feedback to promote and confirm an efficient driving style.
The Civic Natural Gas engine incorporates unique features to operate exclusively on CNG. The compression ratio increases to 12.7:1, compared to 10.6:1 in the Civci Sedan's gasoline-powered engine. Exclusive fuel injectors, intake and exhaust valves, and valve seats accommodate the unique properties of natural gas. Stronger connecting rods and special pistons are used in consideration of the higher compression ratio.
The Civic Natural Gas has its 3600 p.s.i. fuel tank located between the rear wheels. The safety-engineered aluminum-lined composite fuel tank can contain the gasoline-gallon equivalent (GGE) of 7.8 gallons of gasoline when filled to 3600 p.s.i. with CNG.
Designed with a sleek windshield rake, a sweeping roofline and a new interpretation of the previous model's "one-motion" profile, the lines of the 2012 Civic Natural Gas suggest a sophisticated and athletic appearance. A low and wide stance contributes to a distinctive visual presence, while thinner A-pillars stretch further toward the front of the vehicle than before to improve visibility and the perception of interior space. The C-pillars also stretch further toward the rear of the vehicle compared to the previous generation to better complete the flowing one-motion appearance. Aerodynamic features such as flat under-body construction and functional aerodynamic strakes in front of the tires help to increase fuel-efficiency.
The redesigned interior offers more style with new functionality and new features. An intuitive "two-tier" layout prioritizes frequently referenced instruments like the speedometer up high in the driver's line of sight with less frequently referenced information positioned down lower. The i-MID can present audio information including album artwork, custom vehicle settings, and personal wallpaper backgrounds. A four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system is standard, and it can stream music wirelessly via a Bluetooth connection with a compatible player, or via a wired USB connection. A Bluetooth HandsFreeLink system offers convenient device pairing and lets the driver make calls using pre-assigned voice tags and steering wheel controls.
Building on the successful packaging of the previous generation, the passenger volume of 94.7 cubic feet increases by 3.7 cubic feet, and gains have also been made in front shoulder room (+2.9 inches).
The 2012 Civic embraces Honda's tradition of making its vehicles fun to drive by continuing to use a fully independent suspension design, a premium and exceptional feature in the entry compact segment. The front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspensions are tuned for sporty driving fun, yet provide refined ride comfort.
For safety, a wide variety of standard equipment includes Honda's exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure for enhanced frontal collision energy management and vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility. ACE enhances frontal collision energy management through a network of load bearing structures in the front of the vehicle. Standard safety equipment includes VSA that integrates with the new Motion-Adaptive EPS system; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; front side airbags with occupant position detection system (OPDS); side curtain airbags; and a 4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
The Civic Natural Gas engine produces almost zero smog-forming emissions and is the cleanest internal-combustion vehicle certified by the EPA (Tier-II, Bin-2 and ILEV certification as of August 2010). It is also recognized by the state of California as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) by meeting SULEV standards and maintaining its emissions durability for at least 150,000 miles or 15 Years. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) named the 2011 Civic GX "America's Greenest Vehicle" for the eighth time in its Green Book® ranking of environmentally responsible vehicles.
All Civic Natural Gas models are produced at Honda Manufacturing of Indiana (HMIN) from domestic and globally sourced parts. The 2012 Honda Civic is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new car limited Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Nationwide, in states that have sufficient CNG stations within close proximity to authorized Civic Natural Gas dealers.
2 Preliminary mileage estimates determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
Honda Breaks Ground for Financial Services Facility in North Carolina
American Honda Finance Corporation to Lease 25,000-Square-Foot Facility in Charlotte Office Park
04/19/2011 - CHARLOTTE, N.C
American Honda Finance Corporation (AHFC) today marked the groundbreaking for its new 25,000-square-foot North Carolina regional office that will support the company's growing family of customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. AHFC will lease the space at Ballantyne Corporate Park, a 535-acre master-planned Class "A" office and business community in Charlotte.
"We look forward to the positive contributions our new facility will make to the further growth and economic success of this area," said American Honda Finance Corporation (AHFC) Regional Manager Dean Hardesty. "Our new offices will enhance our ability to serve our Honda and Acura customers with the highest quality financial products and services."
AHFC also announced that it will seek to certify the facility to the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy Efficient Design (LEED) standards.
Charlotte is already home to AHFC's current regional office. The office's 120 associates will relocate to the new facility once it is completed in 2012. AHFC's regional office in Charlotte currently serves more than 334,000 Honda and Acura automobile customers with new-vehicle financing and lease programs.
American Honda Finance Corporation (dba Honda Financial Services and Acura Financial Services), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., helps to satisfy the financing needs of consumers of Honda and Acura vehicles, Honda and Acura accessories, as well as Honda motorcycles, power equipment, and marine products. AHFC offers financing in the form of both retail installment sales contracts and leases, depending on the product and the needs of the particular customer.
About Honda
Honda is one of the world's leading producers of mobility products including its diverse line-up of automobiles, motorcycles and ATVs, power products, and marine engines. Over 80% of Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. are produced in North America, using global and domestically sourced parts. Since the establishment of America Honda Motor Co., Inc., in the U.S. in 1959, Honda has invested more than $9 billion in its North American operations with 14 major manufacturing facilities, employment of more than 33,000 associates, and annual purchases of more than $17 billion in parts and materials from suppliers in North America.
04/19/2011 - CHARLOTTE, N.C
American Honda Finance Corporation (AHFC) today marked the groundbreaking for its new 25,000-square-foot North Carolina regional office that will support the company's growing family of customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. AHFC will lease the space at Ballantyne Corporate Park, a 535-acre master-planned Class "A" office and business community in Charlotte.
"We look forward to the positive contributions our new facility will make to the further growth and economic success of this area," said American Honda Finance Corporation (AHFC) Regional Manager Dean Hardesty. "Our new offices will enhance our ability to serve our Honda and Acura customers with the highest quality financial products and services."
AHFC also announced that it will seek to certify the facility to the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy Efficient Design (LEED) standards.
Charlotte is already home to AHFC's current regional office. The office's 120 associates will relocate to the new facility once it is completed in 2012. AHFC's regional office in Charlotte currently serves more than 334,000 Honda and Acura automobile customers with new-vehicle financing and lease programs.
American Honda Finance Corporation (dba Honda Financial Services and Acura Financial Services), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., helps to satisfy the financing needs of consumers of Honda and Acura vehicles, Honda and Acura accessories, as well as Honda motorcycles, power equipment, and marine products. AHFC offers financing in the form of both retail installment sales contracts and leases, depending on the product and the needs of the particular customer.
About Honda
Honda is one of the world's leading producers of mobility products including its diverse line-up of automobiles, motorcycles and ATVs, power products, and marine engines. Over 80% of Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. are produced in North America, using global and domestically sourced parts. Since the establishment of America Honda Motor Co., Inc., in the U.S. in 1959, Honda has invested more than $9 billion in its North American operations with 14 major manufacturing facilities, employment of more than 33,000 associates, and annual purchases of more than $17 billion in parts and materials from suppliers in North America.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Go Elbert!
Elbert Fisher was wonderful and was not a "high pressure" salesman, which was greatly appreciated. He was respectful of our requests/wishes. -Robert & Tiffany Langston
The Extra Mile
I feel everyone goes the extra mile to make sure you are satisfied. i feel confident that you all will help with any problem that may arise. That is why we keep coming back! -Elizabeth Hunter
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)