Many of you Honda lovers may remember the Honda Prelude, a fun yet affordable coupe modeled loosely after the Accord. To the dismay of many drivers, it was retired back in 2001 when Honda put their efforts towards the SUV market. However, the Prelude might be making a tiny comeback, according to Adam Krentzman of AutoBlog, who recently test drove the 2016 Honda Civic Coupe and became convinced this vehicle is the “spiritual successor of the Prelude.” Krentzman makes several valid points, as the 2016 Civic Coupe has many distinct Preludian qualities both inside and out. For starters, the two have nearly identical length (178 inches and 176.9 inches) and width (69 inches and 70.8 inches). As far as styling goes, the new Civic Coupe channels the Prelude design with its longer hood, short rear deck, and low wide stances, giving it a cab forward design. Finally, the Honda Prelude was often a technology guinea pig that Honda used to test out their latest technologies on, including torque vectoring and four wheel steering. The new Civic Coupe is following suit as the first U.S. Honda car featuring a turbocharged engine, available safety technology, and connectivity features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Once upon a time, Car and Driver named the Honda Prelude the best handling car for under $30,000. Now, we hope the 2016 Honda Civic Coupe will be given the same title! Stop by Clinton Honda to test drive this incredible vehicle and decide for yourself. "2016 Civic Coupe: The Prelude Is Back!" Autoblog. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 May 2016. <http://www.autoblog.com/2016/04/27/return-of-prelude-2016-honda-civic-coupe/>.
Honda Expands into EV Market with 2017 Accord and Clarity
To continue their commitment to making electric vehicles account for two-thirds of global sales by 2030, Honda will introduce the 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid and Clarity to their lineup. Honda discontinued to the Accord Hybrid for the 2016 model year in order to move production from Ohio to Japan, which should allow Honda to double sales. To provide powerful efficiency, the vehicle will use Honda’s two-motor hybrid system that will provide you with 49/47 mpg city/highway* as well as 212 horsepower. It has also received some exterior updates, including blue accent headlights and taillights and hybrid badging. The Accord Hybrid will be available in three models and will be the top of the line model, available this spring. The price has not yet been announced. The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell five-passenger sedan is perhaps Honda’s biggest innovation yet, relying on hydrogen stations in California. Right now, there are only 15, but in two months there will be 20, and by 2020, there are expected to be 100. This model will be available in the United States later this year, while the all-electric Clarity will launch next year, although the states have not yet been decided. Lastly, Honda will add the expected volume leader, the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, which will be able to travel 40 miles** before extended range. This is expected to be available at the end of 2017. Pricing is expected to begin around $60,000. *49 city/47 highway/48 combined mpg rating. Based on 2017 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery-pack age/condition and other factors. **Anticipated range determined by Honda; production-vehicle range rating to be determined. "2017 Honda Accord Hybrid, Clarity Series Show EV Commitment." Motor Trend. N.p., 21 Apr. 2016. Web. 29 Apr. 2016. < http://www.motortrend.com/news/2017-honda-accord-hybrid-clarity-series-show-ev-commitment/ >.
Honda Employee Receives 2016 STEP Ahead Award
Yesterday, the 2016 STEP Ahead Awards took place in Washington, D.C. to honor and celebrate women in the manufacturing industry. The Manufacturing Institute created the STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Production) awards to recognize women who encourage and support other women who have dreams of pursuing a career in manufacturing. This initiative aims to close the disparity between the percent of women in the labor force (47 percent) and women in the manufacturing workforce (only 27 percent). Jan Gansheimer, AVP of plant operations for Honda of America Mfg., Inc. was recognized for her long and successful career in Honda’s manufacturing plants, during which time she has been working to advance the footprint of women in this industry. "I love the variety that manufacturing offers at Honda because it provides the opportunity to create, to solve problems and to work constantly to improve products for the customer," said Gansheimer, who was recently named Assistant Vice President of Human Resources for Honda North America, Inc. "I'm honored to be recognized for supporting an industry that has significantly impacted my life and is so important to the fabric of the country." "Honda Associate Honored as Leading Woman in Manufacturing." Honda Newsroom. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2016. < http://www.hondanews.com/releases/honda-associate-honored-as-leading-woman-in-manufacturing >.
Clement D’Souza Featured on Honda’s Video Series
In the latest episode of Honda’s video series, “What Makes a Honda is Who Makes a Honda,” we meet a longtime Honda mechanical engineer named Clement D’Souza. Having spent over 26 years with Honda of America Mfg., Inc., D’Souza is now spearheading the creation of the new Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio. This will be home to the exclusive global production of the 2017 Acura NSX supercar. In his native country of India, D’Souza was known as a field hockey champion. However, upon immigrating to America, he discovered his passion for motorcycles, which made his career at Honda a match made in heaven. Back in 2012, he was offered the opportunity of a lifetime: to be a project leader for the NSX. Since then, D’Souza has been working tirelessly to create this innovative and exciting new vehicle. D’Souza’s unwavering commitment to this project is derived from the spirit that Honda inspires in their employees. "You can produce something in a new way," he said. "The ability to dream and try something that nobody else has, I think that's the reason I've been with Honda 26 years." Watch the video below! "New Video Features Project Leader for Production of 2017 Acura NSX Supercar, the Only Supercar Made in America." Honda Media Newsroom. N.p., 15 Apr. 2016. Web. <http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hondanews.com%2Freleases%2Fnew-video-features-project-leader-for-production-of-2017-acura-nsx-supercar-the-only-supercar-made-in-america>.
Honda announces 2016 Honda Civic Tour Headliners
The 15th anniversary of the Honda Civic Tour will kick off on June 24, 2016. Since 2001, the tour has included over 68 artists, including stars like Maroon 5, One Direction, Fall Out Boy, Linkin Park, The Black Eyed Peas, blink-182, Panic! At The Disco, and Incubus. Last week at the 2016 New York International Auto Show, Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas announced they will be headlining the 2016 Honda Civic Tour called Future Now. "We want our fans to step into our worlds and to feel like they're a part of Honda Civic Tour: Future Now from the moment they enter the venue 'til the moment they leave," says Demi Lovato. Nick Jonas adds, "We're looking forward to creating an unforgettable experience that's unlike anything else." The 2016 Honda Civic Tour is also offering a sweepstakes called The Power of Dreams, where fans can enter for an ultimate VIP backstage experience, which includes an arena and tour bus tour, plus a private meet and greet with Nick and Demi. You can purchase your tickets to the 2016 Honda Civic Tour now. Plus, now through midnight on March 28th, when you buy two tickets you get two tickets when using the special access code “DemiNickCIVIC” on the checkout page. "Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas to Headline 15th Anniversary Honda Civic Tour This Summer." Honda Newsroom. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2016. <http://www.hondanews.com/releases/demi-lovato-and-nick-jonas-to-headline-15th-anniversary-honda-civic-tour-this-summer>.
Headliners of the Honda Civic Tour Have Been Announced
Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas, both multi-platinum selling music artists, made an appearance at the Honda Press Preview at the New York Auto Show to announce that they will be headlining the 2016 Honda Civic Tour. The tour, Future Now, will be promoted exclusively by Live Nation and launches on June 24th in Miami and will stop in 37 cities throughout the U.S. "We want our fans to step into our worlds and to feel like they're a part of Honda Civic Tour: Future Now from the moment they enter the venue 'til the moment they leave," says Demi Lovato. Nick Jonas adds, "We're looking forward to creating an unforgettable experience that's unlike anything else." The Honda Civic Tour is also getting fans involved with the concert experience through The Power of Dreams sweepstakes. From now through August 27th a single ticket holder and a guest will be selected for a backstage VIP experience. Interested fans can enter here: Honda.us/tix. "Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas to Headline 15th Anniversary Honda Civic Tour This Summer." Honda Newsroom. N.p., 22 Mar. 2016. Web. 25 Mar. 2016.
Honda Engineers Highlighted In What Makes A Honda is Who Makes a Honda Series
Honda engineers Kenton Williams and Hideaki Takahashi are the latest individuals to be featured in the “What Makes a Honda is Who Makes a Honda”. This series highlights Honda employees from all different areas of the company that play an important role in helping to reflect the brand’s motto of “The Power of Dreams”. Takahashi is originally from Japan where he spent time working on the ASIMO project before transferring to Honda R&D Americas in Raymond, Ohio in order to work on the Walking Assist Device Project. Williams studied robotics at MIT and was motivated to make this his career after seeing an ASIMO demonstration while at school. He also watched his grandmother lose much of her mobility due to a stroke which motivated him to help improve the quality of life of others through increased mobility. These two engineers come from very different backgrounds, but came together thanks to a common desire to develop technology and assist individuals with disabilities through their work. The Walking Assist Device has been designed to help individuals with physical disabilities who are going through physical therapy. This project has been in effect since 1999 and utilizes many of the same technologies as the Honda ASIMO. Takahashi said Williams brings a compassionate perspective and understanding to the project, which is necessary. "We have a language barrier, and we also come from different cultural backgrounds," Takahashi said. "But of course, the common language is technology." "Honda Engineers Are Who Makes a Honda." Honda Newsroom. N.p., 28 Jan. 2016. Web. 29 Jan. 2016. < http://www.hondanews.com/releases/honda-engineers-are-who-makes-a-honda >.
Super Bowl 50 to Serve as 2017 Honda Ridgeline Television Debut
After its world debut at the North American International Auto show during January in Detroit, the new 2017 Honda Ridgeline will make its television debut on Sunday, February 7th, during Super Bowl 50. The commercial will be seen by over 100 million viewers and Honda will promote the 2017 Ridgeline across a multitude of platforms. "The big game is the largest and most coveted stage to show the world that Honda is back in a big way with an all-new Ridgeline truck," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Automobile Division. "Super Bowl 50 is the right time and the right venue to communicate Honda's continued leadership in light trucks. The multiplatform approach will enable Ridgeline to come out of the gate strong in 2016."This marks Honda’s first official Super Bowl commercial spot since their “Hugfest” commercial in 2014. The 2017 Ridgeline will be available at Honda dealerships during the first half of 2016 and will join Honda’s current line of innovative light truck models. Currently, Honda is on track to for a new record in light truck sales, with sales reaching almost 600,000 units as November came to a close. Currently, the Ridgeline is being further worked on by Honda’s North American design and engineering team and is set to be manufactured at Honda’s auto and engine plant in Lincoln, Alabama. "All-New 2017 Honda Ridgeline Pickup to Make Television Debut During Super Bowl 50." Honda Newsroom. N.p., 18 Dec. 2015.
2016 Honda Accord Featured In New TV Spot
When you drive a 2016 Honda Accord you are sitting behind the wheel of a vehicle that has been designed to offer the ideal combination of function, power, and efficiency. For starters, the 2016 Accord was given an aggressive redesign for the new model year that gives it a bolder, more daring look. In addition to the redesigned exterior, the interior is also equipped with a 278 horsepower V-6 engine and a number of new technologies. In a new two-minute spot that the brand released for the 2016 Honda Accord, we see this model put to the test by a man who is using it to help him complete an important mission. Throughout the spot, we see him take advantage of several of this model's new driver-assist features such as Standard Bluetooth®, Lane Keeping Assist System, Standard Rearview Camera, Collision Mitigation Braking System, and Honda LaneWatch™. The 2016 Honda Accord can be found in our showroom here at Clinton Honda where we serve customers from Annandale, Clinton, and Somerville, NJ, or Easton, PA. Stop by 1511 US Highway 22 East in Clinton, NJ to take it out for a test drive today!
Honda Releases New Short Film “Paper”
introduced, the brand has built their identity around the idea of this phrase, using it to show not only the future innovative goals of the company, but the impressive steps throughout the brand’s history that have led to the dreamers of today. Recently, the brand debuted a new short film called “Paper” that provides a unique look into the innovative history of the Honda Corporation. This spot shows a paper-flipping montage that is made up of thousands of hand-drawn color illustrations created by a number of different artists. As the illustrations flip through, they tell the story of the different advancements that the Honda brand has made over the course of six decades. It starts out telling the story of how the company’s founder Soichiro Honda got his start by using a radio generator to power his wife’s bicycle and continues on through to the advancements of today which include the HondaJet, ASIMO, Indy Racing and much more. "The goal is for the marketing itself to become a demonstration of Honda thinking and all the people that touch our wide range of products along the way," said Tom Peyton, Assistant Vice President of Marketing for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "This commercial stands for the courage and conviction to imagine and make dreams a reality and speaks to Honda's innovative nature and respect for personal achievement and contributions." You can see the new spot for yourself in the video above.
Honda Vehicle Production In North America Reaches 30 Million
On November 1, 1982, Honda opened its first auto production plant in North America in Marysville, Ohio. Now, nearly 33 years later, the brand is celebrating the production of the 30 millionth vehicle produced in North America. "The production of 30 million automobiles in North America is the result of the support we have received from our customers and the communities that serve as a strong foundation of our operations in North America," said Takuji Yamada, president of Honda North America, Inc. "This is an incredible achievement by Team Honda – including the tremendous dedication and teamwork of our associates, past and present, together with our suppliers, dealers and business partners – all focused on creating joy for our customers." When the Marysville plant first opened, Honda officially became the first Japanese automaker to start producing vehicles in the U.S. Over the years, the brand has opened plants in East Liberty, Ohio; Lincoln, Ala.; Greensburg, Ind.; Alliston, Ontario; Canada; El Salto, Jalisco, Mexico and Celaya, and Guanajuato, Mexico. Just last year alone, 97 percent of the Honda and Acura vehicles that were sold in the U.S. were produced at one of the company’s North American plants.
Glamping the 2016 Honda Pilot Way
While it may be the end of summer there’s still plenty of time for the great outdoors and the 2016 Honda Pilot is happy to help! One outdoor activity that the Pilot is great for is “Glamping”. What is “glamping” you ask? Glamping or “glamorous camping”, pairs destinations with the intimacy of camping and the world of luxury travel. It is quickly becoming the ultimate travel experience and because of that we can’t think of any other vehicle better suited for it than the Pilot. Take a look at the short video and the vine below for a quick “how-to” on “glamping” with Honda. Glamping With The Pilot: