Honda Car Dealership
April 18, 2010
Based on its vision of “Blue Skies for our Children”, Honda has worked for more than thirty years at reducing the environmental impact of the automobile, including industry-leading efforts to advance the hydrogen fuel-cell Used Cars Brandon electric vehicle (FCEV) — a technology that Honda believes holds the ultimate promise for a clean and sustainable transportation future. As always, Honda has sought to apply its latest technology in real-world settings and to exceed customers’ expectations for the performance, quality and safety of its fuel cell vehicles Used Cars Naples . Honda’s original technology has broken through technical barriers for FCEVs including cold-weather start-up, operating range and efficiency, and compact packaging. Uniquely, Honda is also developing technology to answer the “chicken and the egg” dilemma of the deploying hydrogen-powered vehicles and the refueling infrastructure to support them.
NEXT-GENERATION HONDA FUEL-CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY In November 2007, Honda introduced the all-new FCX Clarity — its next-generation fuel-cell electric vehicle that delivers Used Cars Sarasota performance, range, efficiency, and style previously unachievable in a FCEV. The FCX Clarity is being leased to retail customers on a regular and continuing basis — the first customer deliveries having taken place in July 2008.
The FCX Clarity is based on Honda’s all-new V Flow fuel-cell electric vehicle platform and is powered by the revolutionary Used Cars Tampa new Honda V Flow fuel cell stack that delivers more power in less space with improved efficiency, power output, driving range, reliability, and cold-weather performance.
The V Flow stack employs a revolutionary new cell configuration and vertical layout that more than doubles the stack’s power-to-weight density versus the previous Used Cars Venice generation Honda FC stack.
With the Honda V Flow fuel cell platform, the size of the total powertrain has been reduced by 45 percent to roughly the same size as a V6 hybrid powertrain, while vehicle fuel efficiency is up to an EPA combined city-highway fuel-economy rating of 160 miles per kilogram hydrogen (kg/H2). Based on this increase in efficiency and a 10-percent increase in fuel tank volume, driving range is increased to 240 miles.
The V Flow platform incorporates a compact and efficient new lithium ion battery pack that is 50 percent smaller and 40 percent lighter than the ultracapacitor in the previous FCX. It marks the first commercial deployment of lithium ion battery technology in an automobile as a source of motive power.
Honda aims to gain further real-world experience and exposure for advanced FCEV technology with the lease of FCX Clarity fuel cell cars to fleet and retail customers around the world, primarily in North America, over three years.
Production of the FCX Clarity on the world’s first dedicated FCEV assembly line began on June 16, 2008, at Honda’s New Model Center, in Takenazawa, Tochigi prefecture, Japan.
Deliveries of the FCX Clarity to selected retail customers in Southern California began in July 2008.
FUEL CELL ACHIEVEMENTS
Other pioneering achievements in the fuel cell arena include:
First government-certified FCEV: EPA and CARB certified, and certified to meet all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (July 2002)
First commercial lease of a FCEV(December 2002)
First FCEV to Venice Honda start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures (2003)
First long-term lease to customers in extreme climates (Las Vegas, New York – 2004)
First FCEV placed in the hands of an individual customer (June 2005)
Lease of FCX to the world’s youngest fuel cell customer (March 2007)
Start up of world’s first dedicated FCEV and powertrain production facility (June 2008)
In over five years of use with fleet and retail customers, including government entities in California, Nevada and the state of New York, and retail customers in California, VW Fort Myers the first-generation FCX has performed well under often harsh conditions, with minimal service support, even in the extreme heat of the Western deserts and the bitter cold of the Northeast.
HYDROGEN HOME ENERGY STATION & IMPROVED SOLAR-CELL TECHNOLOGY
Uniquely, Honda is also developing technology to answer the “chicken and the egg” dilemma of the hydrogen-powered vehicle and the refueling infrastructure.
This includes the fourth-generation of development of its experimental Home Energy Station and Honda-developed solar cell technology to power its own fuel cell vehicles in a completely carbon- free energy system.
Honda is testing the fourth-generation Home Energy Station developed in partnership with Plug Power, Inc., and in operation at Honda R&D America’s headquarters in Torrance, Calif. A second- generation system is also in Honda Finance operation at Plug Power headquarters in Albany, NY.
The Home Energy Station is aimed at the development of a home refueling unit that produces hydrogen from the natural gas to provide for fuel-cell electric vehicle refueling, as well as providing hot water and electricity for the home.
Home Energy Station IV is 75 percent smaller than the original unit with 30 percent less CO2 emissions.
Honda R&D is also operating an experimental solar cell powered hydrogen refueling station in Torrance, Calif. The station employs next-generation CIGS thin-film solar cells, developed by Honda Engineering Co., Ltd., and being mass produced and sold in Japan by Honda Soltec, LLC.
In January 2010 Honda R&D Americas began operating a next-generation prototype Solar Hydrogen Station at its Los Angeles R&D center. The new system is more compact and is designed with an eye toward eventual use as a home refueling appliance, providing convenient and energy-neutral overnight refueling of hydrogen-powered fuel-cell electric vehicles.
This new system no longer requires a compressor, significantly reducing the energy consumed in the refueling process, while providing enough hydrogen for daily commuting Honda of 30 miles per day via an 8-hour overnight refuel.
Used Car Dealer Sells Out of Honda’s
April 18, 2010
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted February sales of 80,671, an increase of 12.7 percent when compared to February 2009 results of 71,575, the company announced today. American Honda year-to-date sales of 148,150 represent an increase of 8.2 percent based on the daily selling rate. Honda Division posted February sales of 71,732, an increase of 12.2 percent versus February 2009. The Accord lineup Used Cars Naples resulted in the most sales of any Honda nameplate for the month with 22,456, an increase of 40.6 percent. Additional models with year-over-year sales increases included the Civic, up 5.0 percent to 16,471; and the Odyssey, up 11.4 percent to 7,452.
“A year ago the economy and our industry were at a low point marked with great uncertainty,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for Used Cars Sarasota American Honda. “While we remain cautious, we’re happy to see customers actively seeking Honda products like the all-new Accord Crosstour.” Acura Division sales increased 16.7 percent to 8,939. The MDX led the division with sales of 3,266, an increase of 64.9 percent.
*The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 24 days for February 2010 and 24 days for 2009. Year-to-date, the DSR is calculated with 48 days for 2010, versus 50 days for 2009. All percentages reflect DSR. J.D. Power and Associates has named the 2007 Honda CR-V, Fit Used Cars Tampa and Ridgeline as the “most-dependable” vehicles in their respective segments in its 2010 Vehicle Dependability Study℠ (VDS).
The study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old vehicles (2007 model year), includes 198 different Used Cars Venice problem symptoms across all areas of the vehicle. Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality. The industry average for all vehicles in the 2010 VDS survey measured 155 PP100.
The CR-V compact multi-activity vehicle received an overall score of 113 PP100. The Fit subcompact Venice Honda received an overall score of 137 PP100, and the Ridgeline midsize pickup received an overall score of 109 PP100. The Honda Accord was also among the top three models in the midsize car segment with a score of 103 PP100.
J.D. Power and Associates also measures initial quality of new vehicles. Last year the CR-V VW Fort Myers and the Honda Ridgeline pickup ranked highest in their respective segments in the company’s 2009 Initial Quality Study℠ (IQS). The Honda CR-V ranked highest for IQS in its segment for the third consecutive year, with an IQS score of 93 PP100, and the Honda Ridgeline truck ranked highest in the midsize pickup segment, with an IQS score of 81 PP100.
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The firm’s quality and satisfaction measurements Honda Finance are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on cell phone ratings, car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
Honda Car Dealership
April 18, 2010
The Honda Pilot earned its reputation as one of the original innovators in the crossover SUV segment, raising the prominence of on-road driving sophistication, three-row passenger capability and higher fuel efficiency compared to conventional SUV designs. Currently in its second generation, the Pilot continues to represent the refined, comfortable, Clearwater Honda and family-oriented vehicle choice with space for eight passengers and a wide variety of useful capabilities and premium features. New for 2011, the availability of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System expands to the Pilot EX-L model, a feature previously exclusive to the top-level Pilot Touring model.
“The Honda Pilot excels at providing the capabilities that people desire most from a family-oriented SUV,” said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of Product Planning for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The Pilot emphasizes safety, versatile cargo areas and comfortable space for adults and children, while also providing a smart balance between all-weather Clearwater Used Cars capabilities, refined driving dynamics and overall fuel efficiency.” The 250-horsepower V-6 engine provides both performance and enhanced efficiency with Variable Cylinder Management, a technology that can deactivate up to three of the engine’s six cylinders to save fuel when cruising or lightly accelerating.
The available Variable Torque Management 4-Wheel-Drive (VTM-4) directs power to the wheels with the most traction in rain, snow and slippery terrain. All models are equipped with a standard towing hitch receiver and a maximum tow rating of 4,500 pounds on 4WD models and 3,500 pounds on 2WD models1. Consistent with contemporary SUV styling, the exterior conveys a bold and substantial approach that also helps to maximize interior space, yet the Pilot still maintains a garage-friendly exterior length of less than 16 feet. The interior emphasizes an expansive feel with an efficient and modern design that supplies 152.7 cu-ft. of passenger space within three rows of seats. Adjustable storage compartments Tampa Dealers in the center console can accommodate items large and small from handbags to mobile phones. The instrument panel’s wide center stack intelligently groups similar controls for the audio system, climate controls and the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System and Honda DVD Entertainment System (if equipped). All models provide an auxiliary audio input jack for digital music players, and navigation-equipped models also include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink and a USB audio interface2.
The first row provides a commanding view of the road for the driver and the passenger. The 60/40 split second row bench seat accommodates three passengers and slides forward for increased ease-of-access Florida Used Cars to the third row. The third-row bench seat, also split 60/40, is designed to offer sufficient knee room for an average size adult. There are four Lower Anchor and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) attachment positions, which provide options for three child seats in the second row and one in the third row.
The 18.0 cu-ft of cargo space behind the third row matches or exceeds the trunk space of a typical large sedan and can accommodate items as large as a mid-size cooler or a folded stroller. The cargo area has a hidden storage well that provides 2.8 cu-ft. of space and can combine with the above floor storage area by securing the hinged cover against the Fort Myers Used Cars seatback. The Pilot Touring provides a load-supporting cargo net (20 pounds maximum weight) to further subdivide the rear cargo area. For maximum cargo space, the second and third rows fold flat into the floor to create 87.0 cubic feet of storage capacity, while also providing sufficient width for 4-foot-wide items. The tailgate features a lift-up glass hatch for access to the cargo area.
Safety technology includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure that helps redirect crash energy around the passenger cabin and can enhance frontal collision Ft Myers Used Cars compatibility. Additional safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), commonly referred to as Electronic Stability Control; 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); active front seat head restraints; and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist.
The Pilot is powered by an advanced 24-valve i-VTEC engine with “intelligent” Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) technology. As part of the Pilot’s i-VTEC technology, Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) allows the V-6 engine to operate in Fort Myers Honda six-cylinder mode for power and four- or three-cylinder modes for efficiency. Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated3 city/highway/combined fuel economy of 17/23/19 miles per gallon on two-wheel-drive models and 16/22/18 miles per gallon on four-wheel-drive models. A 21-gallon fuel tank can comfortably provide a driving range of more than 400 miles on the highway. The Pilot has a California Air Resource Board emissions rating of ULEV-2 and a Federal Tier 2, Bin 5 rating.
The 5-speed automatic transmission features Grade Logic Control to help maintain the most appropriate gear when going uphill or downhill, thereby avoiding gear “hunting.” The VTM-4 system (available) adds fully automatic Honda Auto Dealers four-wheel-drive capability. VTM-4 delivers seamless, “decision-free” application of four-wheel-drive when needed, a key benefit compared to conventional systems. The system also provides a “lock mode” – available when in first or second gears (up to 18 mph) and activated by a button on the instrument panel – that can deliver the maximum-possible torque transfer to the rear wheels to aid in extraction from extremely low traction or stuck conditions.
The unit-body construction makes extensive use of high-strength steel (52 percent) to minimize weight. The suspension is a fully independent system with front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link with trailing arm designs that contribute to responsive driving Honda Bradenton characteristics for an SUV. The 109.2-inch wheelbase facilitates a smooth ride and standard 17-inch wheels with P245 65 R17 all-season tires combine both on- and off-road performance. A turning diameter of 38.6 feet aids maneuverability in tight parking situations.
The Pilot is available in four model choices (LX, EX, EX-L and Touring); each offered in either a two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive configuration. Standard comfort and convenience features on the Pilot LX include a front and rear air conditioning system with Honda Fort Myers air-filtration system, keyless entry, tilt and telescope steering column, cruise control, power windows with auto-up/down driver’s and passenger’s window, power door and tailgate locks, AM/FM/CD stereo system with 7-speakers including subwoofer and Radio Data System (RDS), trip computer, digital compass, auto on/off headlights, heat-rejecting tinted glass, integrated class III towing receiver, and more.
The Pilot EX adds a tri-zone automatic climate control system with humidity control and air filtration, a power driver’s seat with 10-way power adjustment with lumbar support, 6-disc in-dash Honda Naples CD changer, security system, XM Radio, body-colored side mirrors and door handles, alloy wheels, roof rails, fog lights, exterior temperature indicator, HomeLink® Remote System, and more.
The Pilot EX-L adds leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front seats, 4-way power front passenger’s seat, one-touch power moonroof, acoustic windshield glass, automatic-dimming rearview mirror with rearview camera display (EX-L-exclusive), and the availability Venice Honda of either the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with rearview camera (navi display replaces backup monitor in EX-L rearview mirror) or the Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System with a 9-inch screen. The addition of either the navigation or the entertainment system also upgrades to the Premium Audio System with 10 speakers including subwoofer, and adds a 115-volt power outlet.
The top-of-the-line Pilot Touring comes standard with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with rearview camera, Premium Audio System, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, USB Audio Interface, the Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System, Multi-Information Display, Honda VW two-position memory seats, corner and backup sensors, exclusive alloy wheels, power tailgate, side-mirror integrated turn indicators, and more. The Pilot is assembled from domestic and globally sourced parts at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln, Alabama. Honda R&D Americas designed and developed the Pilot in Raymond, Ohio, and Torrance, California. Additional consumer information is available at honda. Additional media information is available at honda.
1 Maximum towing capacity for 4WD models is 4,500 lbs. Premium unleaded fuel is recommended when towing above 3,500 lbs. Maximum towing capacity for 2WD models is 3,500 lbs. Towing requires the addition of the Honda accessory towing kit, trailer harness and hitch ball. Trailer Naples Honda harness is standard on Touring models. Please see your Honda dealer for additional towing information. 2 The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your local Honda dealer for details on compatibility.
3 Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle. 4 Required XM Radio Naples Used Cars subscription sold separately after 90-day trial period. Subscriptions are governed by the XMCustomer Agreement available at xmradio.com/serviceterms. Other fees and taxes apply after trial period; see XM Customer Agreement for details. Fees and programming subject to change. Service not available in Canada, Alaska, or Hawaii. 2010 SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries Third-party disclaimers: Windows Media Audio is a trademark or registered North Port Used Cars trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. HomeLink is a registered trademark of Prince Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson Control. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any such use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.
