Autodeadline.com: Latest Press Releases

American Honda Reports April Auto Sales: CR-V Sets April Record, Accord Sees 41-Percent Gain, All-New 2013 Acura RDX Fast Out of the Gate

Tue, 01 May 12 00:00:00 CST

American Honda today reported April 2012 U.S. sales of 122,012 units, an increase of 10 percent based on the daily selling rate*. The Honda division posted April 2012 sales of 109,837, an increase of 9.2 percent compared to April 2011. Acura's U.S. April sales of 12,175 were up 18 percent compared to April 2011. Honda - Honda Accord sales up more than 40 percent compared to April 2011, demonstrating the strength of Accord, even as an all-new version is set to debut this fall. - New April sales record for CR-V. Accord, CR-V, Odyssey and Ridgeline all post double-digit percentage sales gains compared to last year. - Honda Civic Hybrid sales up more than 600 percent on heightened fuel-price sensitivity. "With double-digit sales growth ...

Honda Announces Leviton as Preferred Electric Vehicle Charging Solution

Mon, 23 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today announced that Leviton Manufacturing Company, the global leader in connectivity solutions, has been selected as Honda's preferred Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment provider for customer and dealer EV charging. "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." Honda will be introducing ...

Acura Announces $25,900 Starting Price for 2013 ILX

Fri, 20 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

The all-new 2013 Acura ILX will go on sale at Acura dealerships May 22, 2012, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP*) starting at $25,900 Acura announced today. The ILX offers remarkable value for the money with robust feature content and premium appeal. "The 2013 Acura ILX will serve as the gateway to the Acura brand," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "At the leading edge of a new, sporty compact segment, the ILX delivers style, value, performance and connectivity to younger buyers looking to move into the luxury market. "The all-new Acura ILX features a windswept exterior design with 5-passenger cabin, a choice of three powertrain options, including Acura's first-ever gasoline-electric hybrid, and a well ...

Acura Awarded Edmunds.com Best Retained Value Award for a Luxury Brand

Thu, 19 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

Acura has earned the 2012 Best Retained Value® Award for a luxury brand from Edmunds.com. The Acura MDX also captured the model award for best SUV Over $45,000. Acura was given the awards for maintaining the highest projected residual values after five years of ownership as a percentage of value when new. "It is an honor for Acura to win this award from Edmunds.com," said Jeff Conrad vice president of Acura sales. "Acura is committed to the philosophy of smart luxury, offering customers vehicles with robust feature content and premium appeal providing lasting value on a luxury scale." "With Acura beating out all other luxury brands" said Joe Spina, Director of Remarketing at Edmunds.com. "Acura's family of vehicles continues to expand ...

Honda Earns Edmunds.com Best Retained Value Award for the Second Consecutive Year

Thu, 19 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

Honda has captured the 2012 Best Retained Value Award for the second consecutive year from Edmunds.com. Honda was named the top non-luxury brand in the Best Retained Value Awards for maintaining the highest projected residual value after five years of ownership as a percentage of value when new. "Honda's focus on retail sales has always benefitted our most important client: Honda customers," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "This valuable award from Edmunds.com is recognition of Honda's unending mission of providing true value to customers - one that extends well beyond the showroom." "Honda has long had a reputation for dependable used vehicles, and that is reflected in today's booming used car ...

2012 Honda Civic Named One Of The 10 Best Green Cars of 2012 By Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com

Wed, 18 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

The 2012 Honda Civic sedan is one of the 10 Best Green Cars of 2012, according to Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. The Civic's latest accolade is particularly timely due to rising gas prices, but standout fuel efficiency alone is not enough to win a spot on Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com annual 10 Best Green Cars list, as its editors also weigh factors such as value, features and comfort. "The 2012 Honda Civic sedan is the complete package for any consumer, and one that also provides a host of fuel-efficient powertrain options," said Art St. Cyr, vice president of corporate planning for American Honda. "We're delighted that Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com editors acknowledged the most versatile offering in the class." The editors of Kelley Blue Book's ...

2012 Mitsubishi i Named a 10 Best Green Car by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com

Wed, 18 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has seen its breakthrough 100% electric-powered 2012 Mitsubishi receive yet another prestigious accolade with today's announcement by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com that the Japanese auto manufacturer's all-new EV has made its "10 Best Green Cars of 2012" list. In naming the 2012 Mitsubishi i to the 2012 list of "10 Best Green Cars," Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com proclaimed that "the newest all-electric car on the block is also the least expensive and has the best mile per gallon equivalent of them all." The 2012 Mitsubishi i has a starting net value of $21,625* for the well-equipped entry-level ES model (the premium-grade SE version begins at $23,625*) and has been rated the #1 most fuel-efficient ...

Mitsubishi Motors Giving Consumers a Chance to "Get Replaced" and Take an All-Day Test Drive with New "Temp Drive" Campaign

Tue, 17 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today announces its "Temp Drive" marketing campaign, which will give a few fortunate consumers the opportunity to take a break from work and spend an entire day test driving a new 2012 Outlander Sport. Consumers are encouraged to visit mitsubishicars.com/tempdrive where they may apply for a temp to replace them at their job for one day and, instead of work, enjoy a whole day "at play" test driving the stylish and versatile 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport crossover for themselves. "A car is the second largest purchase decision for consumers. You should get to know your car before you buy it," says Francine Harsini, Director of Marketing at MMNA. "We know that once people spend some time with ...

Linkin Park and Incubus Co-Headline 2012 Honda Civic Tour

Mon, 16 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

Honda announced today that multi-platinum alternative rock bands Linkin Park and Incubus will be co-headlining the 2012 Honda Civic Tour. The tour will kick off August 11th in Bristow, Virginia at the Jiffy Lube Live amphitheatre. In addition to the two headliners, the Civic Tour will also feature the Grammy(R)-nominated electrorock band Mutemath. Tickets go on-sale to the general public the weekend of April 27, but those who pre-order the new Linkin Park album, "Living Things" through their website will be able to buy tickets for the tour beginning April 24. Additionally, Linkin Park fan club members will be able to buy tickets starting April 23 and will have the opportunity to gain early access to the venues and are eligible for meet ...

Off-Road Racer Beccy Gordon to Pilot 2012 Mitsubishi i in this year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Sat, 14 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today announced that professional SCORE International off-road series race-winning driver Beccy Gordon will pilot the 100% electric-powered 2012 Mitsubishi i race car in this year's annual running of the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) on July 8. Beccy Gordon comes from a family with a rich history in auto racing – brother Robby had a distinguished career in Indy, NASCAR and off-road racing; sister Robyn is the first woman to score an overall win in the Baja 1000; father Bob was a longtime combatant in off-road racing; and great-grandfather Huntley was an Indy car driver in the early 1900s. Beccy's husband, Ryan Hunter-Reay, is currently a driver for Andretti ...

Acura Teamed With Marvel's The Avengers as Official Sponsor of Red Carpet World Premiere

Fri, 13 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

Thousands watched with amazement as actor Robert Downey Jr. ("Tony Stark") drove onto the red carpet in a custom Acura-created sports car at the Marvel's The Avengers Hollywood premiere on Wednesday, April 11, at the El Capitan Theater. The premiere, co-sponsored by Acura, featured militarized S.H.I.E.L.D.-Edition Acura MDX and TL models that were used in the film to escort the actors on Hollywood Blvd. In addition to Downey's impressive arrival, Marvel's The Avengers stars Chris Evans (Captain America), Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk), Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye) also arrived in a fleet of Acura vehicles. "Acura is excited to continue our presence as the official vehicle of S.H.I.E.L.D. in Marvel films (Captain ...

Mitsubishi Motors Delivers Electric-Powered 2012 Mitsubishi i to First Retail Customer in Texas

Fri, 13 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has made the first delivery of the all-new 2012 Mitsubishi i to a retail customer in Texas, the second-most populous state in America. South West Mitsubishi of Weatherford, Texas, had the honor of delivering the first 2012 Mitsubishi i electric vehicle (EV) to a retail customer in the Lone Star state when dealership representatives handed the keys over to Edward Wallace of Fort Worth, Texas. Mr. Wallace is an award-winning automotive journalist and radio personality, hosting the prominent "Wheels" automotive-focused radio program out of Dallas, Texas, every week since March, 1993, and has a weekly automotive column in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "Of all the electric vehicles I've driven, ...

IBM, Honda, and PG&E Enable Smarter Charging for Electric Vehicles

Thu, 12 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that it has teamed with American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) on a new pilot project that will allow communication between electric vehicles (EVs) and the power grid. This project will demonstrate and test an electric vehicle's ability to receive and respond to charge instructions based on the grid condition and the vehicle's battery state. With visibility into charging patterns, energy providers will have the ability to more effectively manage charging during peak hours and create consumer-friendly programs to encourage electric vehicle adoption. The energy requirements for electric vehicles will challenge the current power grid as plug-in vehicle counts continue to ...

Zipcar to Feature Latest Advanced Technology Vehicles from Honda

Wed, 11 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

Zipcar, Inc. (Nasdaq:ZIP), the world's leading car sharing network, and American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today announced that Honda has become a Zipcar preferred vehicle manufacturer with a focus on hybrid and electric vehicles. The agreement will give Zipcar members access to Honda's most technologically advanced, lowest emission vehicles, making an already transformational service even more sustainable. The agreement will include the expansion of Honda's Insight hybrid, the all-new CR-V compact SUV, as well as the introduction of Fit EV battery electric vehicles (BEV) this fall and Accord Plug-In Sedans, a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) version of its popular Accord Sedan, to select Zipcar locations beginning in early 2013. Zipcar's ...

Acura Wins Best Luxury Campaign from Nielsen Automotive Advertising Awards

Fri, 06 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

The 2012 Acura TL campaign was awarded Best Luxury Campaign earlier this week at the Nielsen Automotive Advertising Awards event held at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. Created by Acura's agency of record, rp&, a division of RPA, the campaign relied on visual metaphors to communicate the refined yet bold performance of the 2012 Acura TL sedan¡ª"aggression in its most elegant form." Two 30-second TV and in-theater spots ("Football Player," "Skier") featured two well known athletes: Detroit Lions football player Calvin Johnson and 2010 Olympic gold medal winning skier Ashleigh McIvor. Johnson and McIvor were made over into their most elegant selves to represent the aggression and elegance inherent in the luxury TL. "2012 has ...

Acura and Marvel Entertainment Announce Exclusive Co-Promotion Campaign for Marvel's The Avengers

Thu, 05 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

Acura and Marvel Entertainment, LLC, announced today the details of their promotional campaign for this summer's most anticipated film, Marvel's The Avengers. Following the luxury automaker's integration with THOR last summer, Acura is building on its established role as the official vehicle of S.H.I.E.L.D. S.H.I.E.L.D., the international peacekeeping agency of the Marvel Universe, has a leading role in this film portrayal of the iconic comic book series. Throughout Marvel's The Avengers,S.H.I.E.L.D. agents drive various Acura vehicles, including the MDX, ZDX and TL models; the completely redesigned 2013 RDX will make a cameo appearance. In addition, an Acura convertible sports car was created specifically for the film. "Acura is ...

Honda Earns 2012 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards for Best Value Brand and Most Trusted Brand

Thu, 05 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

Honda has earned the Best Value Brand and Most Trusted Brand categories in the 2012 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards. Based on consumer perception data from the company's Brand WatchTM study, the Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards honor the automotive brands that have most successfully captured positive consumer attention. American Honda's Executive Vice President of Sales John Mendel accepted both awards yesterday at the New York Auto Show from Kelley Blue Book President Jared Rowe. "We are honored to accept two awards that point so directly to Honda's core tenets," Mendel said. "With Honda constantly striving to earn trust by providing the finest overall ownership value, it's inspiring to see those efforts resonating with consumers....

Honda Unveils 2013 Crosstour Concept at New York Auto Show

Wed, 04 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

Honda unveiled the 2013 Crosstour Concept today at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), providing the first official glimpse of a more capable-looking exterior styling direction for the luxurious mid-size CUV. Set to go on sale this fall, the Crosstour's defined lines will resonate more clearly with the active consumers that form the largest portion of the premium crossover segment. The 2013 Crosstour V-6 will feature improved fuel economy thanks to its new 6-speed automatic transmission, while both four-cylinder and V-6 versions will benefit from a host of safety and visibility upgrades. "Fueled by a combination of versatility, luxury, and efficiency, owners have demonstrated remarkable devotion to the Honda Crosstour," said ...

Honda Takes Comprehensive Approach to Enhancing Driver Visibility with Widespread Application of Rearview Cameras

Wed, 04 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

Honda is taking a comprehensive approach to enhancing driver visibility and confidence on the road beginning with the widespread application of rearview cameras on 2013 models. Over 94 percent of Honda's 2013 model lineup1 will be equipped with rearview cameras, with 100 percent of Honda's truck lineup (Crosstour, CR-V, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline) as well as CR-Z, Accord and Crosstour providing rearview cameras as standard equipment. "At Honda, we feel that this visibility feature will be important to many families and we're widely applying it even before we may be required to do so," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning for American Honda. "In addition to the wide application of the rear-view camera technology, ...

Acura RLX Concept Makes World Debut in New York

Wed, 04 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

Acura today held the world debut of the Acura RLX Concept at the New York International Auto Show, providing luxury buyers with a first look at the design and engineering direction for its all-new Acura RLX flagship sedan, slated for launch at the beginning of 2013. The RLX Concept employs an extraordinary array of new Acura technologies, including the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, in combination with sophisticated styling and smart packaging to deliver an entirely new level of performance, sophistication and comfort. Utilizing highly efficient packaging, the RLX Concept delivers the interior space of a large luxury sedan with the footprint and agility of a midsize luxury sedan. The RLX Concept's all-new 3.5L direct-injected VTEC® V-6 ...

Mitsubishi Motors Unveils Enhanced 2013 Outlander Sport at 2012 New York International Auto Show

Wed, 04 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has unveiled an enhanced and improved 2013 Outlander Sport compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV) today at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. Beginning in July, the 2013 Outlander Sport will be built in the United States at the company's advanced automobile manufacturing facility in America's heartland in Normal, Illinois. The updated, American-made Outlander Sport models produced here in the U.S will not only supply Mitsubishi dealers in the states but also be shipped to foreign markets. With composed handling, a comfortable ride and roomy seating for 5 adults, this stylish crossover is currently the best-selling car in Mitsubishi Motors' North American model lineup. The 2013 ...

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport At-A-Glance

Wed, 04 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

Entering into its third year of production, Mitsubishi's popular Outlander Sport compact crossover receives numerous new styling improvements and design features for the 2013 model year. Beginning this July, the 2013 Outlander Sport will be built in the United States at the company's advanced automobile manufacturing facility in America's heartland in Normal, Illinois. The updated, American-made Outlander Sport models produced here in the U.S. will not only supply Mitsubishi dealers in the states but also be shipped to foreign markets. With composed handling, a comfortable ride and roomy seating for 5 adults, this stylish crossover is currently the best-selling car in Mitsubishi Motors' North American model lineup. Changes to the 2013 ...

Mitsubishi Motors Reports Record Outlander Sport Sales In March

Tue, 03 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today reported March 2012 sales, including 1,634 sales of the Outlander Sport CUV. This marks the largest number of Outlander Sport sales in a single month since the model was introduced in October 2010, exceeding the previous high (July 2011) by 4.6 percent. "We're pleased that U.S. consumers are choosing our fuel-efficient and stylish Outlander Sport in record numbers," said MMNA President & CEO Yoichi Yokozawa. "We're looking forward with excitement to the beginning of domestic production of the Outlander Sport - now our most popular model - in Normal, Illinois, in July." This weekend at the New York International Auto Show, consumers will get their first look at the 2013 Outlander Sport to be ...

Acura Announces March 2012 Sales

Tue, 03 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

Acura today announced March 2012 new-vehicle sales of 11,166 units, a decrease of 14.6 percent compared to March 2011 based on Daily Selling Rate* (DSR). Year-to-date sales posted 30,805 units, down 4.3 percent compared to 2011. The TSX reported 3,355 units, up 15.1 percent and the TL 2,923 units, down 29.4 percent. Total car sales reported 6,316 units, down 13.0 percent versus March 2011. The MDX was Acura's best selling model with 3,755 sales for the month, down 12.0 percent. Total truck sales tallied 4,850 units, a decrease of 16.6 percent. *The Daily Selling Rate (DSR) is calculated with 28 selling days for March 2012 and 27 selling days for March 2011. **Year-to-date sales based are on 77 days for 2012 and 75 days for 2011....

American Honda Reports March Sales As 2012 CR-V Sets All-Time Monthly Record

Tue, 03 Apr 12 00:00:00 CST

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today reported March 2012 monthly new-vehicle sales of 126,999, a decrease of 8.4 percent over March 2011, based on the daily selling rate*. The Honda Division posted March 2012 sales of 115,833, a decrease of 7.7 percent year-over-year. Honda's year-over-year decline is in reference to an exceptionally strong sales month in March 2011. The all-new 2012 Honda CR-V continued its record-setting sales pace, up 35.3 percent from last year and posting an all-time monthly sales record of 30,868 sales compared to last year's total of 21,998 units. "We knew we had a home run with the all-new CR-V," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. "And to launch it right as our supply chain is ...

Statement by American Honda Regarding Low Beam Headlight Recall: 2002-2004 Honda CR-V and 2003 Pilot

Fri, 30 Mar 12 00:00:00 CST

Honda will voluntarily recall approximately 554,000 model-year 2002-2004 CR-V and model-year 2003 Pilot vehicles in the United States to inspect and replace components of the headlight wiring system. There is a potential failure with the wiring of the headlight switch which may cause the low beam headlights to become inoperative. The loss of the low beam headlights may increase the risk of a crash. No crashes or injuries have been reported related to this issue. Honda is announcing this recall to encourage owners of all affected vehicles to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Honda. Mailed notification to customers will begin in late-April 2012. In addition to contacting ...

Mitsubishi i Electric Vehicle Owners Benefitting from Expansion of EV Charging Network in Hawaii

Thu, 29 Mar 12 00:00:00 CST

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today has announced that the company will be installing an ultra-fast DC electric vehicle (EV) quick charger that will be available for use by the public. The Japanese auto manufacturer, along with invaluable aid from Eaton Corporation (NYSE:ETN) and the State of Hawaii, are helping to lay the foundation for a bright future for 100% electric-powered vehicles in America's island paradise through the development and ongoing expansion of a safe and convenient electric vehicle (EV) charging network. Mitsubishi Motors and Eaton Thanks to the cooperative efforts of Mitsubishi Motors and diversified power management solutions company Eaton Corporation - an official electric vehicle charging ...

Honda Begins Construction of New Auto Plant in Celaya, Mexico

Wed, 28 Mar 12 00:00:00 CST

Honda de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (HDM) laid the foundation stone for the construction of its new vehicle production plant in Celaya, Guanajuato at an event attended by Felipe Calderon Hinojosa, president of Mexico and Takanobu Ito, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. The plant will begin operation in 2014 with production of the Honda Fit subcompact model. With this new facility in Mexico, Honda continues to advance its commitment to invest and grow its operations in North America. With growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, the new plant will increase Honda's ability to meet customer needs for subcompact vehicles from within North America. Expected to employ approximately 3,200 associates at its full annual capacity of 200,000 ...

New Acura Flagship to Debut at the New York International Auto Show

Wed, 28 Mar 12 00:00:00 CST

Announced today, Acura's new flagship sedan will make its world debut at the New York International Auto Show. Employing an array of new Acura technologies, including the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system, the concept vehicle will deliver an entirely new level of performance, sophistication and comfort. Tetsuo Iwamura, president and CEO of American Honda Motor Co., will introduce the concept vehicle at a press conference held on April 4, 2012 at 1:50 PM (EST) in the Acura booth. The press conference will be webcast live on www.acuranews.com. Press materials will be posted at www.acuranews.com immediately following the press conference. Additional ways to connect with Acura: Media Information: www.acuranews.com Consumer Information: www....

2013 Acura RDX - Safety

Mon, 26 Mar 12 00:00:00 CST

SAFETY OVERVIEW As a direct result of Acura's "Safety Through Innovation" initiative, the design of the 2013 RDX emphasizes safety for everyone- from the driver and passengers, to the occupants of other vehicles, as well as injury mitigation to pedestrians. The RDX is equipped with a comprehensive array of the latest technologies and designs to enhance active safety (collision avoidance) and passive safety (crash safety performance). Standard features such as Vehicle Stability Assist