Honda Accord Named Automobile Magazine All-Star

Accord recognized as one of the best and most significant models of 2013

The Honda Accord was the only midsize sedan named to the prestigious 2013 Automobile Magazine All-Star's list.Automobile Magazine editors used a combination of factors to determine the list of ten All-Stars including results from performance testing, feature evaluation and overall value analysis.

"The Accord continues to demonstrate it's the one to beat in the hyper competitive mid-size sedan segment," said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president of auto operations at American Honda. "And to be recognized by a top automotive publication like Automobile Magazine as one of the most significant models of the year further validates our effort to deliver a best-in-class vehicle experience for our customers."

Since its introduction last fall as an all new model, the Accord has captured numerous industry accolades including being named a Car and Driver Magazine's 10 Best, Ward's 10 Best Engines and a North American Car of the Year Finalist.  Prior to being named an All-Star, the Accord won Automobile Magazine's highly competitive eight sedan comparison test where editors applauded the model's ability to 'aspire to standard's that should apply to more expensive machinery.'

This is the 18th time a Honda vehicle has been named an Automobile Magazine All-Star since the awards inception in 1986, and this is the first time the Accord has been awarded an All-Star designation. Past Honda All-Stars include the Civic, Element, Prelude, Odyssey, Fit and Ridgeline.

For more information on the Automobile Magazine All-Star list, please visit:http://www.automobilemag.com/features/awards/1307_2013_automobile_magazine_all_stars/.

All-New 2016 Honda Pilot SUV Begins Mass Production in Alabama

More than 1,500 associates at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) today celebrated the start of mass production of the all-new, thoroughly redesigned and reimagined 2016 Honda Pilot, slated to go on-sale next month at Honda dealerships nationwide. HMA is the exclusive manufacturer of the family friendly, up to 8-passenger Honda Pilot SUV and its advanced direct-injected i-VTEC V-6 engine.

"Today we celebrate the incredible dedication of our Alabama team to delivering an outstanding new Pilot that will set the course for others to follow," said Jeff Tomko, president of HMA.  "I want to congratulate our associates for their unqualified commitment to building a new Pilot of the highest quality that exceeds the expectations of our customers."

Designed, developed and manufactured in America, the all-new 2016 Honda Pilot SUV is improved in every imaginable way – with dynamic new styling, an even more spacious and family-friendly cabin, a more powerful and efficient new powertrain, and more advanced technology and premium features than ever before.

All three generations of the Honda Pilot have been designed and developed in America by Honda R&D Americas, Inc. at its Los Angeles design studio and Raymond, Ohio R&D center.

"Our U.S.-based development team lives with the midsize family SUV everyday and we have applied our deep understanding into the development of this best ever, third-generation Pilot," said Marc Ernst, chief engineer at Honda R&D Americas in Raymond, Ohio and development leader for the new Pilot. "We advanced Pilot's dual-purpose character by increasing both family utility and personal sophistication to meet the needs of the driver and passengers in every dimension of their life."

The Pilot is designed to achieve the highest safety ratings of any vehicle in its class, and offers Honda Sensing™, a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies that can help drivers avoid a collision or mitigate its severity.

The new Pilot joins a reinvigorated Honda light-truck lineup that includes America's best-selling SUV and 2015 Motor TrendSport Utility of the Year, the 2015 Honda CR-V, and the just-launched Honda HR-V crossover, the new gateway model in Honda's triple-threat SUV/CUV lineup. The Pilot is produced alongside the Honda Odyssey, which is leading all other minivans in sales to individual American retail car buyers in 2015.  Honda's Alabama-built light-truck lineup will be further strengthened when HMA begins production of an all-new Honda Ridgeline pickup early next year.

Since its market debut in the 2003 model year, the Pilot has continuously advanced its unique combination of smooth ride comfort, accommodating interior packaging and overall efficiency that traditional SUVs lacked. The Pilot helped transform the SUV segment with better ride quality, top crash safety ratings, more interior space and increased fuel efficiency.

Beauty, Brawn and Brains: The 2016 Honda Pilot is the Triple Threat Poised to Top the Three-Row SUV Segment

The all-new, third generation 2016 Honda Pilot will go on sale this summer ready to take the mid-size SUV segment by storm, with more of what active families seek in a three-row SUV – sleek and athletic styling, outstanding power, sophisticated technology and, new for 2016, an all-new Elite model with a panoramic roof and a vast array of other standard features.

Building on the solid reputation established from the June 2002 introduction of the first generation 2003 model, the 2016 Pilot brings a whole new level of refinement and available content to the segment. This includes a more powerful direct injected 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC EarthDreams® Technology engine producing 280 horsepower1 and 262 lb-ft of torque2, and new 6-speed and 9-speed automatic transmissions. Providing outstanding dynamic handling are a new Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (i-VTM4™) AWD System and all-new selectable Intelligent Traction Management system featuring Normal, Mud, Sand, and Snow modes on the AWD model and Normal and Snow modes on the 2WD model. Also significantly upgraded are the Display Audio and navigation systems. The available Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver assistive technologies brings available features that include Collision Mitigation Braking System™3 with Forward Collision Warning4, Road Departure Mitigation System5, Lane Keeping Assist System6 with Lane Departure Warning7 and Adaptive Cruise Control8.

Providing customers with a greatly increased range of trim levels, the 2016 Pilot is available in a new top-of-the-line Elite trim together with LX, EX, EX with Honda Sensing, EX-L, EX-L with Honda Sensing™ and Touring trims. Honda Sensing is standard on both Touring and Elite trims. The Pilot Elite offers an extensive feature content list, including a panoramic glass roof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, LED headlights with auto high-beam, rain sensing windshield wipers and much more. And these are in addition to a long list of standard features throughout the Pilot trim range.

Model Trim Summary

Pilot LX Prominent Features

Direct-injected 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM)

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

Hill Start Assist

Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (i-VTM4™) AWD System (available)

18-inch aluminum alloy wheels

Brake Assist

Multi-Angle Rearview Camera9 with guidelines

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)10 with Tire Fill Assist and Location and Pressure Indicators

Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure

LED Brake Lights

Remote Entry

Push Button Start

5-Inch Color LCD Screen

200-Watt Audio System with 7 Speakers, including Subwoofer

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®11

Bluetooth® Streaming Audio11

MP3/Windows Media®12 Audio (WMA) Playback Capability

USB Audio Interface13 [Center Console w/High-Speed Charging (1 Port)]

Pilot EX Prominent Features - Changed or added from LX

Intelligent Traction Management, Normal/Snow (2WD), Normal/Mud/Sand/Snow (AWD)

Remote Engine Start

Multi-Angle Rearview Camera9 (HS) with dynamic guidelines

LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

Honda Sensing™ (available)

Honda LaneWatch™14

Programmable Remote Entry

Smart Entry

Fog Lights

HomeLink® Remote System15

Driver's Seat with 10-Way Power Adjustment, including Power Lumbar Support

USB HondaLink/Audio Interface13 [Front w/Charging (1 Port) and Center Console w/High-Speed Charging (2 Ports)]

225-Watt Audio System with 7 Speakers, including Subwoofer

8-Inch Display Audio with High-Resolution WVGA (800x480) Electrostatic Touch-Screen and Customizable Feature Settings

HondaLink® Next Generation16

SMS Text Message Function17

SiriusXM® Radio18

Pandora®19 Compatibility

Song By Voice® (SBV)

Pilot EX-L Prominent Features - Changed or added from EX

Acoustic Windshield Glass

One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature

Power Tailgate

Rear Entertainment System with HDMI interface20 and 115V power outlet (RES) (available)

Automatic-Dimming Rearview Mirror

Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel

One-Touch 2nd-Row Seats

Front Passenger's Seat with 4-Way Power Adjustment

Leather-Trimmed Interior

Heated Front Seats

Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition21 and Honda HD Digital Traffic (available)

Pilot Touring Prominent Features - Changed or added from EX-L

9-Speed Automatic Transmission with Shift-By-Wire (SBW) with Paddle Shifters

20-inch Aluminum Alloy Wheels

Honda Sensing™

Acoustic Windshield and Front Door Glass

Body-Colored Power Side Mirrors. Heated (AWD) with Memory and Integrated LED Turn Indicators

Driver's Seat with 10-Way Power Adjustment, including Power Lumbar Support with Two-Position Memory

Idle-Stop

Roof Rails

Blu-Ray Rear Entertainment System

Blue Ambient LED Lighting

Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition21 and Honda HD Digital Traffic

540-Watt Premium Audio System with 10 Speakers, including Subwoofer

USB Ports [Additional 2nd-Row w/2.5-Amp Ports] (5 Ports Total)

Pilot Elite Prominent Features - Changed or added from Touring

Auto High-Beam Headlights

Blind Spot Information System (BSI) with Rear Cross Traffic Monitor22

Rain Sensing Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers

Panoramic Roof

LED Headlights with Auto-On/Off

Heated Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel

Front and 2nd-Row Illuminated Beverage Holders

Heated and Ventilated Front Seats

Heated 2nd-Row Captain's Chairs

HD Radio™23

EarthDreams™ Technology Powertrain 
The 2016 Pilot delivers more refined, powerful and fuel-efficient performance than ever before courtesy of its new 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation technology. The engine's peak output of 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque is up 30 hp and 9 lb.-ft. over the previous model. The engine is matched to a choice of two new advanced transmissions – a Pilot-first 6-speed automatic transmission or, on upper trims, a Honda-first 9-speed automatic transmission – both delivering more refined, responsive and fuel-efficient performance.

Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) AWD SystemThe Pilot's available new Intelligent VTM4 (i-VTM4) is the most sophisticated and technologically advanced all-wheel-drive system offered in a mainstream, three-row SUV. This entirely more capable system progressively distributes optimum torque between the front and rear axles and, for the first time ever in a Honda vehicle, dynamically distributes engine torque between the left and right rear wheels using the new, lightweight rear drive unit. Benefits include superior all-weather handling and neutral, accurate steering under power that is unmatched by front-drive, rear-drive or conventional all-wheel-drive systems.

Intelligent Traction Management 
This new Pilot features a new button-operated Intelligent Traction Management System that offers different operating modes, for the AWD: Normal, Mud, Sand and Snow; and for the FWD: Normal and Snow. Reflecting Pilot's role as a key U.S. export model, this system was developed, tuned and tested at various locations in the U.S. and around the world – including Imperial Dunes “Glamis”, California; Moscow, Russia; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Intelligent Traction Management system allows the driver to select the operating mode that best suits the driving conditions by simply pushing a button on the vehicle's center console. Based on the setting selected, the system adjusts the drive-by wire map, transmission shift map, Vehicle Stability Assist™ and i-VTM4 torque distribution for AWD equipped models for optimal performance in varying road or surface conditions.

Display Audio and Navigation
Honda's latest thinking for advanced, family-friendly technology is embodied in the new Pilot. New features include the available 8-inch capacitive touchscreen Display Audio telematics interface with Android operating system and all-new Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ developed in cooperation with the experts at Garmin®24.

Exterior Colors
All 2016 Pilot trims are available in eight exterior colors including three metallic and five pearl colors. All colors have a strong character, offering expressive contrasts that complement the Pilot's body-panel curves and angles, while also exhibiting a smart luxury appearance. The colors are:

Modern Steel Metallic*	White Diamond Pearl
Lunar Silver Metallic*	Crystal Black Pearl
Steel Sapphire Metallic*	Obsidian Blue Pearl
Black Forest Pearl*	Dark Cherry Pearl

* New color for Pilot

The exterior colors are keyed to the 2016 Pilot's three new available interior colors: Black, Gray, Beige.

Honda Debuts Sportiest Civic Design in Brand History with 10th-Generation Civic Concept at New York International Auto Show

Honda unveiled its ultra-sporty Civic Concept at the New York International Auto Show as the brand prepares to launch its completely reimagined 10th-Generation Civic models beginning this fall. With a sharper focus on spirited performance and class-leading versatility, the new Civic lineup will include Civic Sedan, Coupe and Si models along with the return of the Civic hatchback, followed by the launch of a new Civic Type-R as the performance flagship of the Civic lineup. The new Civic also will be the first U.S. model to apply new VTEC® Turbo engines from the company's Earth Dreams Technology™ powertrain series.

"The new Civic will be, flat out, the most dynamic, the most technologically advanced and the most refined and stylish Civic we've ever made," said John Mendel, executive vice president, Automobile Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.  "In every way, this will be an epic Civic."

The Civic Concept provides a tantalizing glimpse forward to the thrilling design direction for the all-new 10th-generation Civic lineup launching in the U.S. this fall. Featuring a longer wheelbase and lower, wider stance, the new Civic emphasizes its aggressive personality and the engaging experience it will provide behind the wheel. Proportionally it boasts a longer hood, a shorter front overhang, a more set-back greenhouse and a shorter rear deck, lending the Civic a more athletic and "in motion" appearance.

The low and wide proportions are underscored by its more aggressive wheel-to-body relationship and pronounced fender arches. Its sporty and expressive face is highlighted by bright new LED headlights flanking the "Flying H" Honda grille which is supported by deeply sculpted lower air intakes.

"Charismatic, connected and athletic, our goal was to create a design that is emotional and sporty yet with a sense of timelessness and simplicity," said Guy Melville-Brown, Exterior Design Leader of the Civic concept, Honda R&D Americas, Inc. "In this we set out to create a vehicle that goes beyond the superficial and embraces the very philosophy of what a true Civic should be; it’s a real game changer."

The 10th-generation Civic is based on a compact platform that targets benchmark levels of efficiency, dynamic performance, safety and manufacturing productivity. Leveraging this new platform in conjunction with new Earth Dreams Technology™ powertrains – including a new 1.5-liter VTEC® Turbo engine with direct injection, a short-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, and a new, more sporty and efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT) – the Civic will target class-leading fuel economy ratings and fun-to-drive performance with near-luxury levels of cabin quietness and ride refinement.

The new Civic will also target class-leading levels of safety performance and will offer the Honda Sensing™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, including Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control and Honda LaneWatch™, along with Honda's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure.

The new Civic marks the first time that global development of both the sedan and coupe models is being led by a North American R&D team, with design led by a team from Honda's Los Angeles design studio and development centered in the company's Raymond, Ohio vehicle development center. The North American version of the Civic Sedan will be produced in Greensburg, Indiana, and in Alliston, Ontario. The Civic Coupe and Si models will also be manufactured in Alliston. The VTEC Turbo engine will be produced in Anna, Ohio with engines also produced in Alliston. The CVT will be produced in Russells Point, Ohio. Together, these four Honda plants have invested in new equipment, processes and training to prepare for new Civic production, which will use domestic and globally sourced parts. Production of the five-door hatchback will take place at the company's Swindon, UK plant.

Honda is in the midst of a series of major product launches that began with the freshened CR-V – 2015 Motor Trend Sport Utility of the Year – and continues with the spring launch of the all-new 2016 Honda HR-V crossover and the summer launch of the redesigned 2016 Honda Pilot SUV. This will be followed by the new Civic release beginning this fall.

Honda Supports Creation of a New Law to Increase Vehicle Recall Completion Rates

Honda announced its support for legislation that would require any outstanding safety recall to be completed before a vehicle could be legally registered in a state, thereby increasing vehicle recall completion rates. The bill was introduced today by Senators Edward Markey (D- Mass) and Richard Blumenthal (D- Conn.).

"Our goal is to achieve a 100 percent repair rate for every recall in order to prevent injuries and save lives, and this legislation will help achieve that. We look forward to working with Senators Markey and Blumenthal, the Congress and other safety stakeholders as this proposal works its way through the legislative process," said Rick Schostek, executive vice president of Honda North America, Inc.

About a third of all cars and trucks recalled in America for safety defects are never brought to the dealer for repair. While newer vehicles enjoy higher completion rates when a safety recall is initiated, the completion rate is much lower for older vehicles. As a result, too many of the required repairs are never made and, unfortunately, drivers and passengers in the affected vehicles are unnecessarily exposed to the risk of death or injury. This legislation provides an additional avenue to ensure recalled vehicles are brought in for repair.

Honda first called for this this type of legislation on November 20, 2014, in testimony before the Senate Committee on Energy and Commerce, on which both Senators Markey and Blumenthal sit. Prior to the hearing, Schostek met Stephanie Erdman, who was seriously injured by a ruptured Takata airbag inflator in a 2002 Honda Civic.

In support of the new Markey-Blumenthal bill, and based on their shared concern for the safety of the driving public, Schostek and Erdman co-authored a commentary that appears in today's edition of Automotive News.

"We are working together on a proposal that we believe will help prevent injuries and save the lives of others by significantly increasing the repair rates for vehicles recalled in America," Erdman and Schostek write. "In the coming days, we will work together to move this proposal forward. When it comes to ensuring that safety-related recalls are completed, automakers, government and concerned citizens need to work together to protect drivers, passengers and others on the road. Everyone has an important stake in making sure these vehicles are repaired." (A full copy of this commentary is attached to this news release.)

Honda has been taking significant steps to encourage owners of Honda and Acura vehicles affected by a recall or safety improvement campaign due to Takata airbag inflators to take immediate action to make the needed repairs at an authorized dealership. This has included millions of mailed notifications in both English and Spanish, phone calls, the use of social media, sending notices by registered mail and overnight delivery services and even enlisting the services of special investigative firms to locate registered owners.

"Unfortunately, far too many affected vehicles remain unrepaired. Honda believes that requiring the resolution of open recalls before completing registration would greatly reduce the risk of death and injury that can occur to people in unrepaired older model vehicles equipped with Takata airbag inflators," Schostek said.

All-New 2016 Honda Pilot Makes World Debut and Redefines the Midsize, Three-Row SUV at 2015 Chicago Auto Show

• Modern, refined and confidently capable new Pilot launching this summer
• Advanced and efficient Earth Dreams Technology™ powertrains
• Class-leading safety features, fuel efficiency and driving dynamics
• A host of new technologies and even more packaging flexibility

The all-new 2016 Honda Pilot SUV made its global premiere today at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. Reengineered and redesigned in America, the 2016 Honda Pilot delivers more family-friendly utility, more advance technology and more premium attributes and amenities than ever before, boasting class-leading safety features, fuel efficiency and confident driving dynamics in a thoroughly modern, stylish and sophisticated new package.

The all-new 2016 Pilot, launching at Honda dealerships nationwide this summer, is the third generation of Honda's three-row midsize SUV to be designed, developed and manufactured in America. Reinforcing 2015 as the "Year of Honda," Pilot further strengthens Honda's SUV/CUV triple threat by joining the exceptionally well received 2015 CR-V (2015 Motor TrendSUV of the Year) and greatly anticipated new 2016 HR-V.

"With looks that command attention and the powerful presence of true functionality, the 2016 Pilot sets a new benchmark in the midsize SUV class with an unmatched combination of sophistication and utility," said Jeff Conrad, Honda Division senior vice president and general manager. "This means the all-new Pilot will comfort, entertain and assist active families in all aspects of their lives, whether it's an evening out for two, a road trip adventure for all or just the chores of everyday life."

Premium Style and Features
The all-new design of the 2016 Pilot sports a modern, sleek, yet commanding and muscular form incorporating new premium features, including optional brighter and more efficient LED projector headlights with auto high beam technology, available signature LED daytime running lights and taillights, plus available 20-inch wheels and a first-ever panoramic roof option. The premium quality of the new Pilot carries over to the interior, where designers have applied high-quality, soft- touch materials throughout the cabin and added thoughtful details such as LED map lighting.

Additional high-end amenities include available heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats. For the first time, upper-trim Pilot models will have available two second-row captain's chairs, providing for easy walk through between the second and third rows, in addition to the standard second-row three-person 60/40 split seat for 8-passenger seating capacity.

Advanced Technology 

The new Pilot delivers the connectivity and power access that the modern family demands, including up to five USB ports, four that provide better recharging with 2.5-amp output, to charge iPads or smartphones while in use. Additional ports and plugs include an auxiliary jack for nearly any audio player, an HDMI port for a gaming console, two headphone jacks, two 12-volt power outlets and a 115-volt outlet to power just about anything.

The new Pilot also incorporates Honda's latest thinking for advanced, family-friendly technology, including an upsized 8-inch capacitive touchscreen Display Audio telematics interface powered by a new Android-based operating system and more powerful processor, along with an available all-new embedded Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™. The new navigation system features improved graphics and new capabilities, including 3D renderings of terrain, buildings and road signs, improved lane guidance, live search function, 911 emergency services and more.

The Pilot's Display Audio system enables simplified smartphone connectivity making for easier access to all the features and connectivity options of the HondaLink™ connected-car system. A 9-inch rear entertainment system with DVD and new Blu-Ray disc™ capability is available.

Family-Friendly Utility
The new Pilot builds on its reputation for best-in-class interior space, versatility and utility with 3.5 inches of added overall vehicle length, enabling a larger cargo area that can hold an 82-quart cooler without compromising third-row seating capability, a segment-exclusive feature. Third-row entry and exit is made even easier and more intuitive courtesy of an available one-touch walk-in second-row seat that slides and tilts to its forward-most position at the touch of a button. As compared with the current Pilot, the width of the lower portion of the third-row entryway has been increased by 2.5 inches with 1-inch lower step-over height.

The Pilot's new center console features a cavernous storage compartment capable of accommodating items as large as a full-size iPad or large purse. And with its seamless cover in the closed position, the console provides a convenient, non-slip surface for items that the driver or front passenger may need close at hand.

Earth Dreams Technology™ Powertrain
The 2016 Pilot delivers more refined, powerful and fuel-efficient performance than ever before courtesy of its new 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC® V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) cylinder deactivation technology. For improved fuel efficiency, the Pilot will include available Idle Stop technology that shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped, instantly and smoothly restarting the engine when the driver lifts their foot off the brake pedal. The new engine is mated to one of two advanced new transmissions – a Pilot-first 6-speed automatic transmission, or on upper trims, a Honda-first 9-speed automatic transmission – both delivering notably refined, responsive and fuel-efficient performance. The new Pilot will be available in front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations and will feature a completely new Honda all-wheel-drive system that delivers even more confident, efficient and dynamic all-weather performance.

The new Pilot is almost 300 pounds lighter than the outgoing model; its more rigid, tightly sealed yet lighter body in combination with new, efficient powertrains, a new all-wheel-drive system and class-leading aerodynamics result in class-leading dynamic performance and fuel efficiency along with a new level of cabin quietness befitting its status as a premium family SUV. 

Advanced Safety Performance
In keeping with Honda's commitment to safety, the new Pilot will feature the most comprehensive set of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies ever offered on a Honda vehicle. Together these technologies make up Honda Sensing™, a suite of technologies designed to expand the driver's situational awareness while sensing and responding to potential road hazards, including other vehicles, road obstacles and even pedestrians, mitigating the possibility or severity of a collision. It includes Honda's popular LaneWatch™ display, Blind Spot Indicators, a standard Multi-Angle Rear View Camera, and available Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, Adaptive Cruise Control and a Honda-first Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system.

The new Pilot is expected to deliver the highest safety ratings in its class and targets a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a GOOD rating in all crash modes. The new Pilot incorporates Honda's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, designed to more efficiently absorb and disperse the energy from a frontal collision, along with a new ultra-high-strength door ring designed to help better protect occupants. The 2016 Pilot also incorporates an all-new 3-bone platform while also utilizing high and ultra-high strength body materials, which together reduce noise, vibration and harness (NVH), improve handling, increase rigidity and reduce weight. 

Standard safety and driver-assistive features include four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist; Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control; an Expanded View Driver's Mirror; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, driver and front passenger SmartVent™ side airbags and side-curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions; and a new Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with real-time display of individual tire pressures.

For more photo's on the all new 2016 Honda Pilot, click here.

2016 Honda Pilot debuting at the Chicago Auto Show

With the introduction of the HR-V subcompact crossover coming this spring, Honda turns its attention to the Pilot midsize crossover. Based on the teaser photo and what Honda is saying ahead of the debut, the three-row Pilot looks to be getting an overhaul from the wheels up. 

The redesigned Pilot, scheduled to arrive this summer, sports a more aerodynamic look than the current version. Honda says the 2016 Pilot will offer class-leading fuel economy and advanced safety features. 

For more information on the Chicago Auto Show, click here. 

2015 Honda Fit and CR-V Named 'Best Resale Value' Vehicles by Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com

Honda has received two Best Resale Value Awards from trusted vehicle valuation source Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com. The 2015 Honda Fit (automobiles.honda.com/fit/) earned the top award in its segment for projected resale value after five years of ownership. Additionally, the 2015 Honda CR-V (automobiles.honda.com/cr-v/) was honored as one of the overall Top 10 Best Resale Value vehicles in America.

2015 Honda Vehicles Honored with Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards

• 2015 Honda Fit – Best Resale Value: Subcompact Car
• 2015 Honda CR-V – Best Resale Value: Top 10

"The Fit is a premium small car with a healthy appetite for passengers and cargo, representing tremendous value well beyond its exterior footprint," said David Hendley, assistant vice president of sales at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "It's great to see the all-new Fit, our brand's entry model, join the much-honored CR-V among KBB.com's Best Resale Value Award winners this year."

Honda to Highlight Zero-Emissions FCV Concept in the Nation’s Capital

• Honda FCV Concept, offering a glimpse of the next-generation Honda fuel-cell vehicle, to anchor the Honda booth at the 2015 Washington Auto Show
• Next-generation Honda FCV intends to provide significant gains in packaging, interior space, cost reduction and real-world performance, including an anticipated driving range in excess of 300 miles
• Green Car Journal honors the 2015 CR-V and the 2015 Fit's 1.5-liter Earth Dreams™ Technology engine as finalists for its green technology awards to be announced at the show

Fresh from its North American debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the zero-emissions Honda FCV Concept will be the highlight of the Honda display at the 2015 Washington Auto Show opening on Jan. 21. Continuing more than a decade of Honda leadership in fuel-cell vehicle (FCV) technology, the Honda FCV Concept showcases the styling evolution of Honda's next fuel-cell vehicle, anticipated to launch in the U.S. in 2016.

Additionally, Green Car Journal is honoring the 2015 Honda CR-V as a 2015 Green SUV of the Year award finalist and the 1.5-liter Earth Dreams™ Technology engine featured in the 2015 Honda Fit as a 2015 Green Car Technology Award finalist for the role the technology plays in enabling improved environmental performance in Honda vehicles on the market today.

"Fuel-cell vehicles are a critical pillar for meeting our mid- to long-term carbon cutting goals," said Robert Bienenfeld, assistant vice president of environment and energy strategy for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "With renewed attention to the development and thoughtful rollout of a fueling infrastructure, it's a very exciting time for both the technology and the promise it holds."

As the next progression in Honda's dynamic FCV styling, the Honda FCV Concept features a low and wide aerodynamic body with clean character lines. The interior strives to achieve harmony between man and machine by taking advantage of new powertrain packaging efficiencies delivering even greater passenger space than the Honda FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle, including seating for up to five people.

The Honda FCV Concept made its world debut in Japan on Nov. 17, 2014, followed by its North American debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show earlier this month.

Honda also recently announced a $13.8 million financial contribution to FirstElement Fuel that will be used to build additional hydrogen refueling stations throughout the state of California in an effort to support the wider introduction of fuel-cell vehicles.

Honda Fuel-Cell Vehicle Firsts:

• The original Honda FCX was the first EPA- and CARB-certified fuel-cell vehicle in July 2002.
• The FCX was the world's first production fuel-cell vehicle, introduced to the U.S. and Japan in December 2002.
• The Honda FCX was the first fuel-cell vehicle to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures (2003).
• The FCX was the first fuel-cell vehicle leased to an individual customer (July 2005).
• The Honda FCX Clarity made Honda the first manufacturer to build and produce a dedicated fuel-cell vehicle on a production line specifically made for fuel-cell vehicles (2008).
• Honda was the first automaker to create a fuel-cell vehicle dealer network (2008).

Green Car Journal Green Car Awards
In addition to the Honda FCV Concept vehicle displayed at the Washington Auto Show, Green Car Journal will honor the 2015 Honda CR-V as one of five finalists for the 2015 Green SUV of the Year award. The 2015 CR-V received the most significant mid-cycle model refresh in its history, with a new direct-injected Earth Dreams™ Technology i-VTEC® engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT), two major contributors to the CR-V's improvement in fuel efficiency that result in 27/34/29 mpg EPA fuel economy rating1 (city/highway/combined) for front-wheel-drive models and 26/33/28 mpg rating1 for Real Time AWD models.

Further, Honda's 1.5-liter Earth Dreams™ Technology engine will also be honored at the show as a finalist for Green Car Journal's 2015 Green Car Technology Award. The Honda Earth Dreams™ Technology 1.5-liter engine, featured on the all-new 2015 Fit, is paired with either a new six-speed manual transmission (6MT) or a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and keeps with Honda's commitment to provide customers with both fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive character at a high level. The new engine contributes to the Fit receiving class-leading (LX) EPA fuel-economy ratings of 29/37/321 for manual transmission models, 33/41/361 for the LX trim with CVT and 32/38/351 for the EX and EX-L trims with the CVT.

The Green Car™ awards honor important enabling technology helping to create a new generation of fuel-efficient, alternative-fuel, or low-emission vehicles. Technologies considered for the award range from advanced powerplants and drivetrain components to on-board systems that work toward increasing efficiencies, reducing petroleum use or improving environmental impact. Qualifying technologies must be in use by vehicle models currently on the market today. The award winners will be announced during a press conference at the show's Green Car Awards exhibit on January 22 where both the 2015 Fit and CR-V will be on display until the end of the show's public days on February 1.

Honda FCV Concept to Make North American Debut at 2015 North American International Auto Show

• Honda FCV Concept demonstrates the exterior and interior styling evolution of the next-generation zero emissions Honda fuel-cell vehicle
• Next-generation Honda FCV is intended to provide significant gains in packaging, interior space, cost reduction and real-world performance, including an anticipated driving range in excess of 300-miles

The Honda FCV Concept will make its North American debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show on Jan. 12. Continuing more than a decade of Honda leadership in the area of fuel cell vehicle (FCV) technology, the Honda FCV Concept showcases the styling evolution of Honda's next fuel-cell vehicle, anticipated to launch in the U.S., following its introduction in Japan, which is scheduled to occur by March 2016.

As the next progression in Honda's dynamic FCV styling, the Honda FCV Concept features a low and wide aerodynamic body with clean character lines. The interior strives to achieve harmony between man and machine by taking advantage of new powertrain packaging efficiencies delivering even greater passenger space than the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle, including seating for up to five people. 

The Honda FCV Concept made its world debut in Japan on Nov. 17, 2014, followed by an announcement that Honda will provide FirstElement Fuel with $13.8 million in financial assistance to build additional hydrogen refueling stations throughout the state of California in an effort to support the wider introduction of fuel-cell vehicles.

Honda Fuel-Cell Vehicle Firsts:
The original FCX became the first EPA- and CARB-certified fuel-cell vehicle in July 2002. The FCX also was the world's first production fuel-cell vehicle, introduced to the U.S. and Japan in December 2002.

Additional highlights include:

• The Honda FCX was the first fuel-cell vehicle to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures (2003).


• The FCX was the first fuel-cell vehicle leased to an individual customer (July 2005).


• With the FCX Clarity, Honda was the first manufacturer to build and produce a dedicated fuel-cell vehicle on a production line specifically made for fuel-cell vehicles (2008).


• Honda was the first manufacturer to create a fuel-cell vehicle dealer network (2008).

HONDA ODYSSEY RECEIVED HIGHEST RATING

 The 2014 Honda Odyssey is the only minivan to earn the highest possible ratings of GOOD in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) stringent small overlap frontal crash test and is a 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation when equipped with optional front crash prevention. The Honda Odyssey became the first minivan to earn the TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating in August of 2013. The IIHS created the small overlap frontal crash test to replicate what happens when the front corner of a car collides with another vehicle or an object such as a tree or utility pole.

"Honda's commitment to the safety of its customers is clearly demonstrated by the segment-leading safety ratings of the Odyssey," said Art St. Cyr, vice president of auto operations at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "As the only minivan to offer the highest possible IIHS-rated protection in small overlap crashes, car buyers can look to the Honda Odyssey to securely and safely transport what's most important – their families."

Already the benchmark minivan in terms of fuel efficiency and innovative features, occupant safety for the 2014 Honda Odyssey is further enhanced through the next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. The second-generation of the ACE™ body structure has also been applied to the 2014 Honda Accord Coupe and Sedan and the 2014 Civic Sedan models that previously achieved the TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating.

The next-generation ACE™ body structure improves frontal crash energy management through a wider range of offset and oblique collision modes. In addition, other body reinforcements work in tandem with the strengthened body structure to better maintain the occupant compartment volume during frontal collisions by providing additional crash energy pathways to help mitigate the forces transmitted to the passenger compartment.

Standard safety equipment on all Honda and Acura models include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); side curtain airbags (some vehicles equipped with a rollover sensor as well); dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; and front side airbags.

While Honda has made structural improvements to the 2014 Odyssey, Honda also has applied a new type of side curtain airbag that includes a front chamber design providing additional protection in situations where occupants move in a more angled outboard trajectory, such as those that might occur in oblique or offset crashes.

The company also is offering advanced driver-assistive technologies such as LaneWatch™, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning as available technologies to a broad segment of its product lineup. Also, Honda has applied rearview cameras as standard equipment to 100-percent of its vehicle lineup for the 2015 model year.

Boldly Restyled and Significantly Enhanced 2015 Honda CR-V Gets New Powertrain, Advanced Features and New Premium Touring Trim

2015 Honda CR-V

Launching at Honda dealerships nationwide on October 1, 2014, the new 2015 Honda CR-V receives the most significant mid-model cycle refresh in its history, with a new direct-injected Earth Dreams Technology™ i-VTEC® engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT), a new suite of Honda Sensing™ safety and driver assistive features, significantly enhanced exterior and interior styling, a long list of new standard and available features and a new premium Touring trim.

Starting with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $23,320², the 2015 CR-V has increased EPA fuel economy ratings of 27/34/29 mpg³ (city/highway/combined) for front-wheel-drive models and 26/33/28 mpg³ for Real Time AWD models, both increasing +4/+3/+3 mpg over 2014 models.

New for the 2015 CR-V:

• More efficient direct-injected engine with torque up 11 percent
• New seamless and sporty CVT for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency
• Bold new exterior design plus chassis, braking system and sound isolation improvements
• New standard features include a center console armrest, sliding sunvisors and rear console ventilation ducts
• New available features include a power tailgate, 10-way power and heated driver's seat with memory, LED daytime running lights, and Display Audio
• Available Honda Sensing™ suite of advanced safety and driver assistive features that includes Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)⁴, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)⁵, Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS)⁶, Lane Departure Warning (LDW)⁷ and Honda LaneWatch™⁸

The CR-V is notably enhanced with multiple functionality upgrades, including a new configurable center console, new rear console heat/air ventilation ducts, and an available 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio telematics interface. A redesigned high-quality and high-tech interior further increases the CR-V's sophistication. Exterior design changes, including re-styled front and rear bodywork, mirrors and wheels, lend the CR-V a bolder, sportier appearance with unique Honda style. 
For 2015, the CR-V includes a longer list of standard features on all trims. The CR-V EX, for example, adds 7-inch Display Audio, a 10-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, Honda LaneWatch™, Smart Entry/Push-Button Start and LED daytime running lights.

A new top-of-the-line Touring trim includes the first Honda application of two advanced driver-assistive technologies, Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and the first CR-V adoption of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). These systems, plus Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Honda LaneWatch™ are part of the new Honda Sensing™ suite of safety and driver assistive technologies that, together with other high-end features, such as a power tailgate, bring a new level of sophistication to America's top-selling SUV¹.

These improvements, especially the significant feature upgrades and new line-topping Touring trim, provide customers with more value and choice than ever before. Add in its car-like interior comfort and smooth, quiet ride, and the enhanced and upgraded 2015 Honda CR-V once again sets a new benchmark for the highly competitive compact SUV segment. Customers can view, build and price at 2015 Honda CR-V at automobiles.honda.com/cr-v.

2015 CR-V Pricing and EPA Fuel Economy Ratings
Trim	Wheel Drive	MSRP2	EPA mpg3 (city/highway/combined)
LX	FWD	$23,320	27/34/29
LX	AWD	$24,570	26/33/28
EX	FWD	$25,420	27/34/29
EX	AWD	$26,670	26/33/28
EX-L	FWD	$28,020	27/34/29
EX-L	AWD	$29,270	26/33/28
EX-L Navi	FWD	$29,520	27/34/29
EX-L Navi	AWD	$30,770	26/33/28
Touring	FWD	$31,520	27/34/29
Touring	AWD	$32,770	26/33/28

Telematics
The 2015 CR-V includes easy-to-read instrumentation and, for the first time on CR-V, Honda's new 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio telematics interface. Display Audio, standard on EX and above trim levels, allows the user to tap, pinch, and swipe – just like on a smart phone or tablet – to control audio and other telematics features, including the available next-generation HondaLink™⁹ and the Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System™¹⁰. All CR-Vs retain the full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) that offers a range of customizable features via fingertip controls on the steering wheel. The CR-V's audio and telematics systems offer a high level of connectivity, including a standard Pandora®¹¹ internet interface and SMS text messaging function, Bluetooth®¹² HandsFreeLink® phone interface.

Powertrain
The 2015 CR-V's new Earth Dreams Technology™ 2.4-liter direct-injected DOHC i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder engine produces 181 lb-ft of torque, an 11-percent increase over the previous engine's 163 lb-ft¹³ while making the same 185 horsepower¹⁴. The new lighter-weight engine is mated to a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) with G-design Shift that provides smooth, seamless ratio changes and contributes to increased EPA fuel economy ratings of 27/34/29 mpg³(city/highway/combined) for front-wheel-drive models and 26/33/28 mpg³ for the Real Time AWD models.

Chassis
An updated suspension design, and features such as Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)¹⁵ and Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) all contribute to the 2015 CR-V's quality driving experience, which is enhanced further on the EX and above trims with wider front and rear track dimensions due to wider wheels (+0.5 inches). The CR-V uses front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension systems that benefit from tuning changes. The rear multi-link system helps maximize rear seating and cargo space while providing stable and comfortable handling and ride quality. Newly revised shock absorber tuning helps deliver a refined driving feel.

Safety and Driver-Assistive Technology
As with all Honda vehicles, safety is a primary focus, starting with the CR-V's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure that helps make the CR-V highly effective at absorbing and dispersing the energy of a frontal collision crash. Overall, the body receives more than 60 changes to improve stiffness and collision performance, and the 2015 CR-V is targeted to achieve top safety ratings, including a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a NCAP 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA. Standard safety equipment on all models include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) electronic stability control system, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist, frontal airbags, side-curtain airbags, SmartVent® front-side airbags, and a front seat design that can help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. The newly available Honda Sensing™ suite of safety and driver assistive features includes Honda LaneWatch™, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). These systems benefit from the adoption of new sensor fusion technology that integrates the capabilities of a windshield-mounted monocular camera and millimeter wave radar to provide enhanced sensing with ability to identify and anticipate multiple collision scenarios, including a pedestrian collision, and initiate warnings and, in some cases, emergency braking.

Warranty
The 2015 Honda CR-V is covered by a comprehensive 3-year/36,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Honda Roadside Assistance, which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance during the 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty term. CR-Vs are manufactured at the Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio using domestic and globally sourced parts.

2015 Honda CR-V Feature Upgrade Summary
Trim	New 2015 Features
LX	- Earth Dreams Technology™ 2.4-liter direct-injected i-VTEC engine - Earth Dreams Technology™ continuously variable transmission (CVT) - Exterior and interior styling upgrades  - Center console with armrest with rear air ducts - Sliding sunvisors

Trim	New 2015 Features	Upgrades from Preceding Trim
EX	Changed or added from CR-V LX:
	- 7-inch Display Audio - 10-way power driver's seat - Heated front seats - Honda LaneWatch™  - Smart Entry/Push Button Start - LED daytime running lights	- 17-inch aluminum wheels - Sunroof - Privacy glass - Fog lights - Security system - Cargo cover - Fully automatic headlights - Tweeter speakers - Body colored door handles - Body colored side mirrors - Variable speed windshield wipers - Additional USB16 jack - Seatback pockets - Illuminated vanity mirrors
Trim	New 2015 Features	Upgrades from Preceding Trim
EX-L	Changed or added from CR-V EX:
	- Auto-dimming rearview mirror	- Leather seating surfaces - Leather steering wheel cover - Dual zone auto HVAC - Roof rails - SiriusX® Radio17 - Heated side mirrors - Subwoofer speaker - Audio amplifier
EX-L Navi	Changed or added from CR-V EX-L:
	- HD Radio™18	- Honda Navigation System
Trim	New 2015 Features
Touring	Changed or added from CR-V EX-L Navi:
(new trim)	- Forward Collision Warning (FCW) - Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) - Power tailgate - Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) - Lane Departure Warning (LDW) - Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) - Larger 18-inch wheels - Driver's memory seat - Side mirror turn signal lights - HomeLink remote system - Projector headlights - Special badging