Friday, September 30, 2011

Maximize Your trade In

I want to let you know about a unique opportunity that may be about to end. You may not realize it, but for several months now there has been a shortage of new Hondas, due to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan back in March. A plant that manufactured computer chips for Hondas produced and sold all over the world was flooded, causing a halt to Honda production for several months. There was already a shortage of pre-owned Hondas due to slower sales and fewer leases during the recession that has lasted 3 years now. And with little to no new inventory to sell, Honda dealers quickly started snapping up what few pre-owned Hondas they could find. This has caused the values of pre-owned Hondas to skyrocket! We’re seeing book values on some later model Hondas that are higher than the price the customers paid for the cars when they were new!


What does this mean for you? With values of pre-owned Hondas at an all-time high, combined with incentives and special finance rates (from 0.9%) currently being offered by Honda, many of our customers are finding that they can trade up to a  NEWER MODEL Honda, often with MORE EQUIPMENT, and actually LOWER their payments!


But Honda is producing cars again, and promising to make up for lost ground during the fourth quarter. More inventory is already on the way, so resale values are bound to start dropping soon, and this unusual opportunity will soon disappear; so, if you are even remotely considering trading anytime in the near future, NOW IS THE TIME!


If you would like to explore the possibility of upgrading now, while you can get maximum trade-in value for your Honda, stop by at your convenience. Or, if you can’t get by the dealership, give us a call and we’ll bring you a new Honda of your choice to look at, appraise your car, and present you with your best deal right in the comfort of your home or office!


We look forward to hearing from you and continuing to serve you. And again, thank you for your business!


Neill Nelson
General Manager

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

2012 Honda CR-V Concept Makes World Debut

2012 Honda CR-V Concept Makes World Debut
Concept version of upcoming production model reveals dynamic, new look

09/22/2011 - ANAHEIM, Calif.
The 2012 Honda CR-V Concept made its public debut at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim, Calif., today, and introduced the styling direction for the all-new, fourth-generation CR-V. The 2012 CR-V is set to go on sale in the United States by the end of the year and will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

"The 2012 CR-V Concept strongly hints at the more dynamic and refined look of the upcoming model," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "As the best-selling SUV in each of the past four years, the 2012 CR-V promises to build on its highly successful formula with even more style, innovative features and higher fuel economy."

The CR-V Concept embraces a distinctive and bold styling direction for the top-selling1 SUV in the United States. Compared to the current-generation CR-V, the concept model takes on a more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The front bumper's smooth-flowing lines are highlighted by a horizontal three-bar grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability with a generous approach angle, while the lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly with the fascia for improved aerodynamics.

The CR-V's signature vertical rear taillights remain for 2012 with a more three-dimensional style that wraps further into the design of the vehicle. The CR-V Concept's large 5-spoke machined alloy wheels and bold fender flares emphasize the vehicle's dynamic presence and capability.

The all-new 2012 CR-V will improve upon the current model in a variety of ways, and will feature a more fuel-efficient engine and reduced body weight. In addition to all-new exterior styling, the 2012 CR-V will have an all-new interior with a more accommodating and spacious design.

Currently in the fifth year of its model cycle, the CR-V continues to sell at a record pace. The 2011 CR-V was among the highest-ranked vehicles in its segment for initial quality in J.D. Power & Associates' 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS), where it finished second to the Honda Element in the compact SUV segment. The CR-V is sold globally in more than 160 countries throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. In the U.S., CR-V is manufactured in Ohio at the East Liberty Auto Plant of Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., using domestic and globally sourced parts. The East Liberty Auto Plant earned a Silver Award for outstanding quality in the recently released J.D. Power 2011 Initial Quality Study. The 2012 CR-V Concept will be at the Orange County International Auto Show from September 22 to 25 in the Honda display.

Honda Transmission Mfg. Invests Additional $50 Million to Expand Ohio Aluminum Casting Operations

Current Honda Construction Projects In Ohio Now Exceed $400 Million

09/21/2011 - RUSSELLS POINT, Ohio
Building on a series of recent investments at Honda manufacturing facilities across the state of Ohio, Honda Transmission Mfg. of America, Inc. today announced a $50 million expansion to increase capacity for the casting of aluminum transmission cases. This latest project brings Honda's total new capital investment in its Ohio operations to more than $400 million, and more than $8 billion since the company started manufacturing in the state in 1979.

The 75,000-square-foot expansion at the Russells Point plant will house high-pressure die-casting operations to support the addition of a third transmission assembly line that began construction in December 2010. The new assembly line announced earlier, part of a 200,000-square foot plant expansion, will increase the plant's capabilities to manufacture Honda's latest transmission technologies.

The two projects together will create more than 100 jobs by 2013 as production begins at these two new operations. In addition, earlier this year, Honda Transmission added 60 new jobs to support the start of a second shift to produce automatic transmissions for the all-new 2012 model Honda Civic.
"This latest investment in Ohio is another example of how we intend to meet the needs of our global customers by implementing advanced technologies in our production operations and in our products," said Honda Transmission President Yuji Takahashi. "It also demonstrates our commitment to Honda's Ohio production operations to reduce the environmental impact of our facilities while positioning this facility to compete at the highest levels on a global basis."

The expansion will house advanced aluminum casting machines to support production of Honda's latest transmissions, and introduces an efficient melting furnace to the plant's operations. Honda Transmission now receives approximately 100,000 pounds of molten aluminum per day from two aluminum mills in Indiana.

"The new melting furnace will implement technologies that will improve efficiencies and reduce our environmental impacts," said Plant Manager Gary Hand. "These improved efficiencies will reduce waste and energy consumption."

Already a zero waste-to-landfill facility, Hand adds that the plant will continue reusing and recycling all leftover materials from its operations, sending no waste to landfills.

The investment also includes construction of a new associate entrance, along with a new lobby entrance and activity center, at the south end of the facility. When completed, Honda Transmission's extensive casting, machining, forging and assembly operations will encompass 1 million square feet.

These projects are the latest in a series of investments at this state-of-the-art transmission facility.

Earlier this year, Honda Transmission completed a $25 million renovation of the plant's aluminum machining lines, steel gear production, and to increase flexibility on the current assembly lines. These modifications resulted in adding domestic production of six-speed automatic transmissions this year for some Honda Odyssey models.

Since starting production of automatic transmissions in 1996, Honda Transmission has steadily expanded to keep pace with Honda's growth in the new passenger car and light truck model segments. Production of transmission gears was added in 2006 and four-wheel-drive assemblies in 2007. Those projects, which doubled the plant's size, localized production of most steel gears and four-wheel-drive assemblies for Honda's North America operations.

Honda Transmission currently employs approximately 1,000 associates who manufacture transmissions and four-wheel-drive assemblies for automobiles produced at the Marysville and East Liberty auto plants in Ohio, as well as other plants in North America. The impact of Honda Transmission's production extends to some 50 domestic suppliers that provide more than 500 parts for the plant's production.

Other Major Honda Construction In Ohio
Since November 2010, Honda has undertaken a series of plant innovation projects in Ohio exceeding $355 million. These projects are central to Honda's future in Ohio and its ability to compete globally.
  • Construction is under way on a 155,000-square-foot expansion at the East Liberty Auto Plant for new door and instrument panel sub-assembly lines, and extension of its automobile assembly line. Additionally, construction began this year on a 40,000-square-foot expansion to consolidate the plant's Vehicle Quality Department.
  • At the Marysville Auto Plant, a new stamping press is under construction that will increase the speed, precision and capacity of the plant's metal-forming capabilities. The $64 million project encompasses 24,000 square feet in the plant.
  • On-site parts consolidation centers under construction at the Anna Engine Plant and East Liberty plant will improve efficiency by reducing parts handling and truck shuttles.
  • Beginning operations in early 2012, the $31 million consolidation center at the Anna plant, encompassing 320,000 square feet, will eliminate approximately 2.8 million pounds of CO2 emissions per year by reducing truck traffic.
  • The 396,000-square-foot center at the East Liberty facility will eliminate 2.5 million pounds of CO2 emissions per year - when fully operational in 2014.
More About Honda's Ohio Operations
Since starting auto production in 1982 using domestic and globally sourced parts, Honda has produced more than 14 million vehicles at it's two Ohio auto plants. In Anna, Ohio, Honda's largest auto engine plant in the world manufactures four-cylinder and V-6 engines for automobile production in Ohio, Indiana and Canada.

In addition to its manufacturing operations, Honda has established substantial R&D and engineering operations in Ohio, along with a large regional parts distribution center and other operations that support product development, manufacturing and sales in North America. Among all its operations, Honda directly employs approximately 13,400 Ohioans and tens of thousands more through its suppliers and other business partners.

Honda purchased $6.7 billion in parts from 150 Ohio suppliers last year, and a total of $17.5 billion in parts purchases from nearly 600 domestic suppliers in North America.

Honda Earns Highest Disclosure Scores Among Japanese Companies in Carbon Disclosure Project 2011 Global 500 Report

09/19/2011 - TOKYO, Japan
The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) commended Honda in its 9th annual report, the 2011 Global 500 Report, which analyzes the responses of the world's 500 largest companies to a CDP questionnaire regarding the company’s strategies and corporate governance to address climate change and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Honda was recognized for its comprehensive information disclosure and listed as one of only 52 companies in the CDP's "Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index" (CDLI) with the highest score among all Japanese companies included in the survey. The CDLI features companies which have demonstrated the most professional approach to corporate governance regarding the disclosure of climate change information.

Honda was also featured as one of only 29 companies in CDP's "Carbon Performance Leadership Index" (CPLI). The CPLI was first established last year and highlights companies which have demonstrated a strong commitment to strategy, governance, stakeholder communications and emissions reduction in their CDP responses.

The CDP was established in the United Kingdom in 2000 as an independent not-for-profit organization and now represents 551 institutional investors with $71 trillion in assets. It has been operating with support from the governments of European countries and the U.S. as well as investors from all around the world. The CDP sends out standardized questionnaires to private-sector businesses and collects responses to analyze and disclose climate change information. The CDP now holds the largest database of primary corporate climate change information in the world.

Honda realizes that its proactive efforts in addressing climate change issues resulted in this recognition by CDP simultaneously in CDLI and CPLI. Honda will further enhance its environmental activities globally and locally in each region while at the same time taking a proactive approach to further advance its information disclosure practices.

In June of this year, Honda announced the Honda Environmental Vision: Realizing "the Joy and Freedom of Mobility" and "a Sustainable Society where People Can Enjoy Life." Toward the realization of this vision, Honda also introduced a global environmental slogan – "Blue Skies for Our Children." Honda will continue its company-wide effort to realize its environmental vision.

2012 Honda Odyssey Offers Class-Leading Fuel Economy, Best-Possible Safety Ratings and High-Tech Features

Family-friendly minivan seats up to eight people in comfort and styleFamily-friendly minivan seats up to eight people in comfort and style

09/08/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.
Completely redesigned for the 2011 model year, the 2012 Honda Odyssey remains the class-leading minivan for fuel economy and safety ratings, while continuing to offer the refinement, space and engaging driving experience that people have come to expect from this highly acclaimed family vehicle.

Class-leading achievements include the highest EPA highway fuel economy rating for an eight-passenger minivan of 28 mpg for Odyssey Touring. Plus, all Odyssey models achieve the best possible safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) with a TOP SAFETY PICK, an achievement that no other currently-tested minivan can match.

Designed and built1 in the United States, the five available models consist of the Odyssey LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite, with each providing a unique combination of features, value, luxury and in-vehicle entertainment technology. Changes for 2012 include the addition of select features to the Odyssey EX that were previously exclusive to the Odyssey EX-L. For 2012, the Odyssey EX now includes Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, the intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) with an 8-inch TFT screen, a 2-GB CD Library and a USB Audio Interface. The 2012 Odyssey Touring receives an exclusive exterior color, White Diamond Pearl, replacing Taffeta White on the prior model.

Body
The Odyssey body uses a tapered cabin design with a signature "lightning bolt" character line to create a dynamic and distinctive appearance. Additionally, the styling cue creates a relatively large third-row window that enhances the outward perspective for third-row passengers. Engineered for a quiet interior, the Odyssey's highly-rigid body with 59 percent high-strength steel (an exceptional amount by industry standards) helps enhance the effectiveness of the vehicle's sound-deadening material to isolate road noise. The high-strength steel also helps to reduce body weight for better fuel economy and optimize body rigidity for agile handling.

Interior and Features
The interior offers multiple modes for accommodating child seats, adult passengers and cargo, along with offering a comprehensive range of in-vehicle entertainment technology. To fulfill its design goal to be the ultimate family vehicle, the interior provides three rows of comfort-oriented seating with generous sedan-like legroom in each row; along with providing up to five Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) positions for child seats (the Odyssey LX has four LATCH positions). The passenger volume measures 172.6 cu-ft. (Odyssey LX and EX) and the cargo volume ranges between 38.4 cu-ft. cargo volume (all seats up) to 148.5 cu-ft. depending on the seating configurations. A 4x8 sheet of plywood can fit inside the Odyssey's cargo bay with the second-row seats removed, and 10-foot-long 2x4 studs can fit inside the vehicle with the available front console removed.

To help enhance driver comfort, especially on long trips, the driver's seat features 10-way power adjustable seating (8-way power adjustable on Odyssey LX). A "3-mode" second-row seat design provides the ability to attach up to three child seats across the second row (Odyssey EX and above) by relocating the outboard seats to alternate positions closer to the doors. The one-motion, 60/40 split third-row Magic Seat®, one of the Odyssey's original concepts and most versatile features, affords legroom for average size adults and is easy to open and close with one hand.

Highlights of standard features on all models include air conditioning with manual front and rear controls, power driver's seat, power windows with auto-up/down driver's and front-passenger's windows, tilt and telescopic steering column, a maintenance minder system and more. Odyssey EX models and above come standard with power sliding rear doors, an "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID) with customizable wallpaper, center console storage, a flip-up trash bag ring, conversation mirror and more. Odyssey EX-L models include leather-trimmed seating surfaces (front and outboard second row), heated front seats, XM Radio®, power tailgate, a cool box, rearview camera and much more. Standard equipment on the Odyssey Touring includes the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System2, a Rear Entertainment System with a 9-inch display, driver's seat with two-position memory, 115 Volt power outlet, fog lights, parking sensors, six-speed automatic transmission and much more. The Odyssey Touring Elite adds an Ultra-Wide Rear Entertainment System (RES), blind-spot information system, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights and more.

Technology
Technology features available on certain models include a Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System2 with Voice Recognition, which is available on the Odyssey EX-L and standard on the Odyssey Touring. The system features an 8-inch, high-resolution VGA color display and GPS technology to provide turn-by-turn guidance to a destination, in addition to other features including subscription-free FM Traffic data and a Zagat® restaurant guide.

Standard on the Odyssey Touring Elite is the state-of-the-art, factory-integrated Rear Entertainment System that includes an ultra-wide 16.2-inch flip-down LCD screen and a 12-speaker, 650-Watt sound system capable of reproducing Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound in 360-degree detail. A High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) video input and two wireless headphones for rear passengers are also provided. The Odyssey Touring Elite also includes the Blind Spot Information system (BSI), which helps alert the driver via indicators near the side mirrors when other vehicles are detected in set zones to the left and right of the Odyssey.

Powertrain
An advanced 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) provides a balanced combination of performance, fuel economy and low emissions. The engine produces 248 hp (the most ever for Odyssey) and 250 lb-ft. of torque, while delivering an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy2 of 19/28/22 mpg on Odyssey Touring models (18/27/21 mpg on Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L models). A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard on Odyssey LX, EX and EX-L models. Odyssey Touring models feature a 6-speed automatic transmission for enhanced driving refinement.

Chassis
A 118.1-inch wheelbase, a fully independent suspension design and features such as Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) with traction control contribute to the Odyssey's confident driving performance and comfortable ride. The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension allows each wheel to maintain its own contact patch with the road, which is a significant benefit compared to less sophisticated torsion beam-style rear suspensions often used on other minivans.

Safety
The Odyssey was recently named a TOP SAFETY PICK from IIHS, the institute's highest safety rating. The rating recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting vehicle occupants involved in front, side and rear crashes, plus rollover performance based on ratings in IIHS tests, as well as having a standard electronic stability control system. The Odyssey earned the highest-possible score of GOOD in all four ratings, including the rigorous roof-strength test. In addition to earning the TOP SAFETY PICK designation, the Odyssey was one of the first vehicles to achieve NHTSA's best-possible "Overall Vehicle Score" of 5 stars. The Odyssey achieved its top "Overall Vehicle Score" with 5-star ratings for the frontal crash safety test and both side crash safety tests4 in all evaluated front and rear seating positions and scenarios. The Odyssey also received 4 stars for the rollover rating.

An extensive list of safety equipment includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Additional standard safety equipment includes: Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®); anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; three-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; driver's and front passenger's side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags.

Manufacturing and Awards
The 2012 Odyssey is truly an American-made vehicle that is designed, engineered and assembled in the United States1, and represents the expanding capabilities of Honda in North America. Virtually every aspect of the Odyssey was envisioned, developed, tested and finalized by Honda associates throughout California, Ohio and Alabama. The Odyssey is produced exclusively at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) using domestic and globally sourced parts. The Lincoln, Alabama, plant conducts synchronous production of vehicles and engines and is the exclusive global producer of Odyssey minivans, Pilot SUVs and Ridgeline pickup trucks.

Awards and accolades for the 2011 Odyssey include About.com "Readers Choice Award" for the best minivan, ALG "2011 Residual Value Award for Best Multi-Purpose Vehicle," Automobile Magazine "All-Star" award, Cars.com "Family Car of the Year," Edmunds.com "2011 Top Recommended(SM) vehicle" and "Best Retained Value Award" for a minivan, Edmunds InsideLine "Editor's Most Wanted(SM)" award for 2011, Kelley Blue Book "Top 10 Family Cars" for 2011 and "Best Redesigned Vehicle for 2011," and more.

Additional media information including detailed pricing features and high-resolution photography of the 2012 Honda Odyssey is available at www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com.

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda Odyssey (for consumers): automobiles.honda.com/odysseyHonda Odyssey on Facebook: www.facebook.com/hondaodysseyHonda on YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda on Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda

1Honda products are produced using domestic and globally sourced parts.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.
2Certain functions that rely on a satellite signal will not work correctly in Hawaii and Alaska. These functions include but are not limited to automatic clock updates and time zone adjustments.
4Model tested with standard side airbags.
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. Zagat Survey® is a registered trademark of Zagat Survey, LLC. Edmunds, Inside Line and Editors Most Wanted are proprietary trademarks of Edmunds.com, Inc. Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc.

Statement by American Honda Regarding Seat Belt Stitching Recall: 2009-2011 Honda Pilot

09/09/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.
Honda will voluntarily recall 310,773 Pilot vehicles from the 2009 through 2011 model years in the U.S. to inspect and potentially replace the driver’s and/or front passenger’s seat belt.

Honda initiated this voluntary recall due to a manufacturing error on a small number of front seat belts, where the stitching connecting the lap section of the belt to the outboard anchor webbing may be incomplete or missing. In a crash, affected seat belts may become disconnected from the anchor webbing, increasing the risk of injury. No injuries or deaths have been reported related to this condition.

Honda is announcing this recall to encourage all owners of affected vehicles to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Honda. The only way to concretely determine whether the seat belts in an affected vehicle were properly completed is through a specific inspection process conducted by an authorized dealer; the inspection (and any necessary seat belt replacement) will be conducted for free. Written notification to customers will begin in early October 2011.

When Honda identifies concerns of this nature, nothing is more important to the company than fulfilling its obligation and responsibility to alert customers. To this end, in addition to contacting customers by mail, after early October, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by going on-line to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option 4.

Statement by American Honda Regarding Two Recalls: 2006 Honda CR-V; 2011 Honda CR-Z with Manual Transmission

09/04/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.
Honda will notify affected owners of two voluntary recalls in the U.S. in late September 2011.

Honda will voluntarily recall 80,111 CR-V vehicles from the 2006 model year in the U.S. to replace the power window master switch. The design of the power window master switch can allow residue from interior cleaners to accumulate, which can, over time with switch use, cause the electrical contacts to degrade and may lead to a fire in the switch. No injuries or deaths have been reported related to this condition.

Additionally, Honda will voluntarily recall 5,626 CR-Z vehicles from the 2011 model year in the U.S. that are equipped with manual transmissions to update the software that controls the hybrid electric motor. In the affected vehicles, when the gasoline engine has stalled with the IMA battery in a very low state of charge and the transmission in gear, it is possible for the electric motor to rotate in the direction opposite to that selected by the transmission. If this occurs and the driver has not engaged the brakes, the vehicle may slowly roll in an unexpected direction (e.g., backwards when the transmission is in a forward gear), potentially leading to a crash. A software update will add further controls to correct the problem. No injuries or deaths have been reported related to this condition.

Honda is announcing these recalls to encourage all owners of affected vehicles to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of a recall from Honda. Notification to customers will begin in late September, 2011.

When Honda identifies concerns of this nature, nothing is more important to the company than fulfilling our obligation and responsibility to alert our customers. To this end, in addition to contacting customers by mail, after late September, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by going on-line to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option 4.