http://arabnews.com/economy/corporat...icle625084.ece
Fourth generation Honda CR-V debuts
Abdullah Hashim Co. Ltd. (AHC), sole distributor of Honda vehicles in Saudi Arabia, has introduced the all-new Honda CR-V, which is available for customers in LX, EX and EX-Leather grades.
Tabish Akhtar, DGM, Abdullah Hashim Group, said, "Globally, the CR-V has been recognized as a pioneer of compact SUV. Since its first launch in 1996, over 5 million CR-Vs have been sold so far, which amply proves its global appeal in terms of design, quality, refinement and popularity. Building on this solid reputation, the all-new CR-V now enters into its 4th generation with enhanced exterior aesthetics, car like interior comfort, innovative features and a smoother and quieter ride, and is designed to offer urban sophistication and exceed customer expectation of a 5-seater compact SUV."
The previous generation CR-V's refined styling, size and proportions contributed a lot to its success since its launch in 2006.
"Compared to the previous-generation CR-V, the 2012 model takes on a more aggressive and aerodynamic stance with deeper sculpting of the bodylines 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 with fog lights (only for EX & EX-Leather grades) now integrates more smoothly with the fascia for improved aerodynamics," he said.
=============================
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/04/446...i_rss=Business
Maita adds Citrus Heights Honda dealer
The Sacramento-based Maita Automotive Group has added to its dealership empire along Auburn Boulevard.
Maita this week closed on its purchase of the Carmichael Honda car dealership at 6151 Auburn Blvd., in Citrus Heights.
Dealer Norris Rancourt, who started the dealership more than 40 years ago, is retiring. The pending purchase became official with formal approval from Honda. Financial details were not disclosed.
Maita's auto row along Auburn Boulevard already includes a newly built Toyota-Scion store in the 2500 block, a recently built Nissan dealership in the 2800 block and a Mazda/Subaru store at 2410 Auburn Blvd.
A new Subaru store is being built adjacent to that site and is scheduled to open this summer.
When the new Subaru store opens, the 2410 Auburn Blvd., building will be devoted solely to Mazda. Maita also oversees Maita Chevrolet in the Elk Grove Automall.
"We're extremely excited about having the Honda lineup available for our customers," said Steve Maita, Maita group president. "The Honda brand offers an exceptional lineup of vehicles."
Maita group veteran Chuck Baccarella, now general manager of the Honda store, said the Citrus Heights dealership has amassed "many loyal customers" over two generations.
"We intend to build on their tradition of service under the Maita banner," Baccarella said.
Maita Honda is part of a crowded Honda landscape in the Sacramento-area market.
In 2009 alone, Mel Rapton Honda moved into a new 77,000-square-foot dealership along the Capital City Freeway, and Don Palombi launched his 70,000-square-foot Folsom Lake Honda store in the Folsom Automall.
Also in the mix are Auto-West Honda in the Roseville Automall and Elk Grove Honda in the Elk Grove Automall.
However, officials with Torrance-based American Honda Motor Co., the U.S. arm of Toyko-based Honda, maintained even during the recession that they were betting big on California once the economy improved.
They predicted that Honda's mix of fuel-sipping passenger cars and hybrids would prove popular among Golden State motorists.
That bet appears to be paying off.
According to the Sacramento-based California New Car Dealers Association, the Honda Civic was California's best-selling passenger car in 2011 with 37,475 unit sales. The Honda CR-V was the state's top-selling light truck, with 21,863 units sold.
Last year, Honda, General Motors and Ford each had statewide new-car market share of about 12 percent, trailing only Toyota's 19.2 percent.
Jesse Toprak, an analyst for the Santa Monica-based TrueCar.com, called California "one of the best markets for Honda."
=================================
http://www.hondainthenews.com/honda-...les-to-zipcar/
Honda to Bring High-tech Vehicles to Zipcar
One of the world’s premier car-sharing services will soon be featuring four of the world’s premier fuel savers: That’s because Zipcar and Honda have teamed up to offer vehicle sharers access to a quartet of the automaker’s most advanced new products.
“The future of mobility is being shaped by economic forces, evolving technology and global trends, from increased urbanization to concerns about climate change to how the newest generation of drivers thinks about transportation,” said Scott Griffith, chairman and CEO of Zipcar. “This win-win partnership with Honda adds to Zipcar’s array of smart and sustainable transportation options and by introducing Zipsters to Honda’s newest hybrid and electric vehicles we can help increase overall awareness of these exciting new technologies.”
Specifically, the new agreement calls for expanded Zipcar availability of the Honda CR-V, which is capable of 26 mpg in combined driving and is one of the most fuel-efficient crossovers in the U.S., as well as the Honda Insight, rated by the EPA at 41 mpg city/44 mpg highway/42 mpg combined. Then, by 2013, the Zipsters will be able to enjoy the new Honda Fit EV and Honda Accord plug-in hybrid. The former is expected to deliver an all-electric, zero-emissions driving range of 123 miles per charge, along with a charging time of about three hours using a 240-volt connection; the latter will feature a three-mode propulsion system that seamlessly combines all-electric travel (of up to 15 miles), gas-electric hybrid driving and traditional gas-only power for optimum fuel economy and performance.
“Honda provides the most comprehensive lineup of vehicles that offer improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced vehicle and pedestrian safety, while producing a consistently high level of product quality and value,” said Steven Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda. “As the car sharing market leader, Zipcar is the best choice for us to showcase our newest energy-efficient transportation technologies, given the strength of their brand, their tech-savvy, conscious and connected members and the geographic reach of their operations.”
=================================
http://www.hondainthenews.com/hertz-...s-at-airports/
Hertz to Offer Civic Natural Gas at Airports
In a major step forward for proponents of compressed natural gas, Hertz will begin renting the Honda Civic Natural Gas to travellers at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City. This marks the first time Hertz has offered CNG vehicles at a U.S. airport, and it kicks off a pilot program that could see similar efforts throughout the country.
“Hertz is committed to providing our customers with a full spectrum of vehicle options to suit their rental needs including clean emission vehicles such as CNG, electric vehicles, as well as other fuel-efficient vehicles included in our Green Traveler Collection,” said Mark P. Frissora, chairman and CEO of Hertz. “As more low emission, fuel efficient vehicles become available for general use we will continue to expand our rental fleet, reflecting our dedication to offering sustainable travel options.”
The Civic Natural Gas, of course, is an ideal choice for the program, since it’s still the only factory-built CNG-powered car produced in America. It also happens to be the 2012 Green Car of the Year, as well as the cleanest internal-combustion vehicle to be certified by the EPA.
“By renting a CNG vehicle, Hertz customers will cut their fueling costs in half, while driving a vehicle that is better for the environment,” said Aubrey K. McClendon, CEO of Chesapeake Energy Corporation, an Oklahoma-based company that is a leader in natural-gas production. “We hope the success of Hertz’s program in Oklahoma City leads to adoption of this program nationwide.”
Just remember, you don’t have to fly to Oklahoma City to get in on the action. As part of its own effort to offer customers more ways to decrease their reliance on gasoline, Honda now sells the 2012 Civic Natural Gas in more than 200 dealerships in over 35 states.
=================================
http://www.hondainthenews.com/honda-...rging-partner/
Honda Picks EV, Plug-in Hybrid Charging Partner
As Honda prepares to launch two new electrically powered vehicles for U.S. drivers—the all-electric Honda Fit EV and Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid—the company has now chosen the Leviton Manufacturing Company as its preferred supplier for charging solutions—for both customers and dealers alike.
“As leaders in the fields of advanced technology for mobility and energy solutions, Leviton and Honda both have unique missions to create a more sustainable future,” said Steven Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda. “Pairing Leviton’s EV charging solutions with Honda’s advanced Fit EV and Accord Plug-In Hybrid Sedan electric vehicles will enable a more convenient and seamless ownership experience for our customers.”
Simple, affordable charging solutions are vital to helping customers get the most out of these new Hondas, and they certainly have a lot to give: The Fit EV will boast a range of 123 miles of all-electric, zero emissions city driving on a single charge, and can then recharge its battery in as little as three hours when using a 240-volt circuit. The Accord Plug-in, boasting a brand-new two-motor hybrid system, will deliver a 15-mile electrically powered driving range, as well as superior fuel efficiency in both its gasoline-electric hybrid mode and traditional gas-only operation.
“Leviton is excited to work with American Honda as they launch their electric vehicle program here in America. At a high level we share a very similar overall mission; to supply products of the highest quality at a reasonable price for complete customer satisfaction,” said Michael Mattei, vice president and general manager for Leviton’s Commercial and Industrial Business Unit. “In addition, we hope to continue to enable the electric and hybrid electric industry through simple, easy to purchase, easy to install and easy to use products, while providing the highest level of consumer safety.”
The Honda Fit EV is slated to begin arriving in dealerships this summer, with the Accord Plug-in scheduled for launch in the winter.
================================
Fourth generation Honda CR-V debuts
Abdullah Hashim Co. Ltd. (AHC), sole distributor of Honda vehicles in Saudi Arabia, has introduced the all-new Honda CR-V, which is available for customers in LX, EX and EX-Leather grades.
Tabish Akhtar, DGM, Abdullah Hashim Group, said, "Globally, the CR-V has been recognized as a pioneer of compact SUV. Since its first launch in 1996, over 5 million CR-Vs have been sold so far, which amply proves its global appeal in terms of design, quality, refinement and popularity. Building on this solid reputation, the all-new CR-V now enters into its 4th generation with enhanced exterior aesthetics, car like interior comfort, innovative features and a smoother and quieter ride, and is designed to offer urban sophistication and exceed customer expectation of a 5-seater compact SUV."
The previous generation CR-V's refined styling, size and proportions contributed a lot to its success since its launch in 2006.
"Compared to the previous-generation CR-V, the 2012 model takes on a more aggressive and aerodynamic stance with deeper sculpting of the bodylines 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 with fog lights (only for EX & EX-Leather grades) now integrates more smoothly with the fascia for improved aerodynamics," he said.
=============================
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/04/446...i_rss=Business
Maita adds Citrus Heights Honda dealer
The Sacramento-based Maita Automotive Group has added to its dealership empire along Auburn Boulevard.
Maita this week closed on its purchase of the Carmichael Honda car dealership at 6151 Auburn Blvd., in Citrus Heights.
Dealer Norris Rancourt, who started the dealership more than 40 years ago, is retiring. The pending purchase became official with formal approval from Honda. Financial details were not disclosed.
Maita's auto row along Auburn Boulevard already includes a newly built Toyota-Scion store in the 2500 block, a recently built Nissan dealership in the 2800 block and a Mazda/Subaru store at 2410 Auburn Blvd.
A new Subaru store is being built adjacent to that site and is scheduled to open this summer.
When the new Subaru store opens, the 2410 Auburn Blvd., building will be devoted solely to Mazda. Maita also oversees Maita Chevrolet in the Elk Grove Automall.
"We're extremely excited about having the Honda lineup available for our customers," said Steve Maita, Maita group president. "The Honda brand offers an exceptional lineup of vehicles."
Maita group veteran Chuck Baccarella, now general manager of the Honda store, said the Citrus Heights dealership has amassed "many loyal customers" over two generations.
"We intend to build on their tradition of service under the Maita banner," Baccarella said.
Maita Honda is part of a crowded Honda landscape in the Sacramento-area market.
In 2009 alone, Mel Rapton Honda moved into a new 77,000-square-foot dealership along the Capital City Freeway, and Don Palombi launched his 70,000-square-foot Folsom Lake Honda store in the Folsom Automall.
Also in the mix are Auto-West Honda in the Roseville Automall and Elk Grove Honda in the Elk Grove Automall.
However, officials with Torrance-based American Honda Motor Co., the U.S. arm of Toyko-based Honda, maintained even during the recession that they were betting big on California once the economy improved.
They predicted that Honda's mix of fuel-sipping passenger cars and hybrids would prove popular among Golden State motorists.
That bet appears to be paying off.
According to the Sacramento-based California New Car Dealers Association, the Honda Civic was California's best-selling passenger car in 2011 with 37,475 unit sales. The Honda CR-V was the state's top-selling light truck, with 21,863 units sold.
Last year, Honda, General Motors and Ford each had statewide new-car market share of about 12 percent, trailing only Toyota's 19.2 percent.
Jesse Toprak, an analyst for the Santa Monica-based TrueCar.com, called California "one of the best markets for Honda."
=================================
http://www.hondainthenews.com/honda-...les-to-zipcar/
Honda to Bring High-tech Vehicles to Zipcar
One of the world’s premier car-sharing services will soon be featuring four of the world’s premier fuel savers: That’s because Zipcar and Honda have teamed up to offer vehicle sharers access to a quartet of the automaker’s most advanced new products.
“The future of mobility is being shaped by economic forces, evolving technology and global trends, from increased urbanization to concerns about climate change to how the newest generation of drivers thinks about transportation,” said Scott Griffith, chairman and CEO of Zipcar. “This win-win partnership with Honda adds to Zipcar’s array of smart and sustainable transportation options and by introducing Zipsters to Honda’s newest hybrid and electric vehicles we can help increase overall awareness of these exciting new technologies.”
Specifically, the new agreement calls for expanded Zipcar availability of the Honda CR-V, which is capable of 26 mpg in combined driving and is one of the most fuel-efficient crossovers in the U.S., as well as the Honda Insight, rated by the EPA at 41 mpg city/44 mpg highway/42 mpg combined. Then, by 2013, the Zipsters will be able to enjoy the new Honda Fit EV and Honda Accord plug-in hybrid. The former is expected to deliver an all-electric, zero-emissions driving range of 123 miles per charge, along with a charging time of about three hours using a 240-volt connection; the latter will feature a three-mode propulsion system that seamlessly combines all-electric travel (of up to 15 miles), gas-electric hybrid driving and traditional gas-only power for optimum fuel economy and performance.
“Honda provides the most comprehensive lineup of vehicles that offer improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced vehicle and pedestrian safety, while producing a consistently high level of product quality and value,” said Steven Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda. “As the car sharing market leader, Zipcar is the best choice for us to showcase our newest energy-efficient transportation technologies, given the strength of their brand, their tech-savvy, conscious and connected members and the geographic reach of their operations.”
=================================
http://www.hondainthenews.com/hertz-...s-at-airports/
Hertz to Offer Civic Natural Gas at Airports
In a major step forward for proponents of compressed natural gas, Hertz will begin renting the Honda Civic Natural Gas to travellers at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City. This marks the first time Hertz has offered CNG vehicles at a U.S. airport, and it kicks off a pilot program that could see similar efforts throughout the country.
“Hertz is committed to providing our customers with a full spectrum of vehicle options to suit their rental needs including clean emission vehicles such as CNG, electric vehicles, as well as other fuel-efficient vehicles included in our Green Traveler Collection,” said Mark P. Frissora, chairman and CEO of Hertz. “As more low emission, fuel efficient vehicles become available for general use we will continue to expand our rental fleet, reflecting our dedication to offering sustainable travel options.”
The Civic Natural Gas, of course, is an ideal choice for the program, since it’s still the only factory-built CNG-powered car produced in America. It also happens to be the 2012 Green Car of the Year, as well as the cleanest internal-combustion vehicle to be certified by the EPA.
“By renting a CNG vehicle, Hertz customers will cut their fueling costs in half, while driving a vehicle that is better for the environment,” said Aubrey K. McClendon, CEO of Chesapeake Energy Corporation, an Oklahoma-based company that is a leader in natural-gas production. “We hope the success of Hertz’s program in Oklahoma City leads to adoption of this program nationwide.”
Just remember, you don’t have to fly to Oklahoma City to get in on the action. As part of its own effort to offer customers more ways to decrease their reliance on gasoline, Honda now sells the 2012 Civic Natural Gas in more than 200 dealerships in over 35 states.
=================================
http://www.hondainthenews.com/honda-...rging-partner/
Honda Picks EV, Plug-in Hybrid Charging Partner
As Honda prepares to launch two new electrically powered vehicles for U.S. drivers—the all-electric Honda Fit EV and Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid—the company has now chosen the Leviton Manufacturing Company as its preferred supplier for charging solutions—for both customers and dealers alike.
“As leaders in the fields of advanced technology for mobility and energy solutions, Leviton and Honda both have unique missions to create a more sustainable future,” said Steven Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda. “Pairing Leviton’s EV charging solutions with Honda’s advanced Fit EV and Accord Plug-In Hybrid Sedan electric vehicles will enable a more convenient and seamless ownership experience for our customers.”
Simple, affordable charging solutions are vital to helping customers get the most out of these new Hondas, and they certainly have a lot to give: The Fit EV will boast a range of 123 miles of all-electric, zero emissions city driving on a single charge, and can then recharge its battery in as little as three hours when using a 240-volt circuit. The Accord Plug-in, boasting a brand-new two-motor hybrid system, will deliver a 15-mile electrically powered driving range, as well as superior fuel efficiency in both its gasoline-electric hybrid mode and traditional gas-only operation.
“Leviton is excited to work with American Honda as they launch their electric vehicle program here in America. At a high level we share a very similar overall mission; to supply products of the highest quality at a reasonable price for complete customer satisfaction,” said Michael Mattei, vice president and general manager for Leviton’s Commercial and Industrial Business Unit. “In addition, we hope to continue to enable the electric and hybrid electric industry through simple, easy to purchase, easy to install and easy to use products, while providing the highest level of consumer safety.”
The Honda Fit EV is slated to begin arriving in dealerships this summer, with the Accord Plug-in scheduled for launch in the winter.
================================
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