Honda Marine BF225 Named Pacific Coast Sportfishing's "Best Outboard of 2009"
Pacific Coast Sportfishing magazine has named the Honda Marine BF225 horsepower (hp) outboard its "Best Outboard Engine of 2009." Unveiled in the publication's July issue, the "Best Of" list reveals the editorial team's favorite boats, motors, tackle, and anglers. "Unlike [consumer research company] J.D. Power & Associates, the PCS 'Best Of' list is more of a shoot-from-the-hip approach," said Drew Lawler, President and Editorial Director, Pacific Coast Sportfishing. "We went with what we knew and what we liked."
The award is an exceptional honor for Honda Marine. "On the heels of our fourth receipt of the J.D. Power award, being recognized by our peers in the boating industry is further testament to Honda Marine's commitment to producing an outstanding, high-quality outboard," said John Fulcher, senior manager, Honda Marine. "Our flagship BF225 has long been the crown jewel in Honda Marine's stable of award-winning four-stroke outboards, and we're grateful to the Pacific Coast Sportfishing family for this honor."
Ideal for pontoons, large sport fishing and cruising boats, and commercial applications, the advanced technology of these high-horsepower (hp) engines delivers a perfect balance of power, torque, and fuel economy in any environment. Honda-exclusive technologies such as VTEC™, BLAST, and Lean Burn Control contribute to the engines' outstanding performance and fuel efficiency, while a best-in-class 90-amp alternator provides ample battery charging (60 amps) for multiple electronic accessories.
The BF225 is available in 20-, 25- and 30-inch shaft models, while the BF200 is offered in 20-inch and 25-inch shaft lengths. All new Honda outboard engines sold for recreational use offer an industry-best True 5-year, non-declining limited factory warranty that is the same on the last day as it is on the first.
Honda Marine pioneered four-stroke engine technology, setting a new benchmark for fuel efficiency, quiet operation, and low emissions. Honda's outboards share the same unparalleled durability, quality, and reliability of its legendary automobiles. With models ranging from 2 to 225 horsepower, Honda Marine's full line of current production models meets rigorous California Air Resources Board (CARB) 3-Star standards, ensuring their availability and regulatory compliance in all 50 states.
# # #
Editor's Note:
Honda Marine, a division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., markets a complete range of outboard marine engines. Its comprehensive product line is powered exclusively by four-stroke engines.
Information for media regarding Honda Marine products is available at www.hondanews.com.
Consumer information, including model overviews and updates, video clips, and complete specifications regarding Honda products, is available at www.honda.com.
For product inquiries and dealer locations, please visit www.hondamarine.com.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Honda Commemorates 50 Years of Innovation in America
Honda Commemorates 50 Years of Innovation in America
Honda (NYSE: HMC) today marked its first 50 years in America, commemorating the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., in a small Los Angeles storefront on June 11, 1959. Honda associates observed the occasion with a brief ceremony at the company's Torrance, Calif. headquarters.
"On behalf of the tens of thousands of Honda associates in America, past and present, we offer our deepest thanks to our customers for placing their trust in Honda over the past 50 years," said American Honda President & CEO Tetsuo Iwamura. "Today, in the face of new challenges, including the preservation of our environment, we renew our commitment to exceed the expectations of our customers and society."
Starting in 1959, with the fuel-efficient Honda 50 motorcycle, to the newly launched 2010 Honda Insight gas-electric hybrid vehicle, Honda has introduced new technologies and business strategies that have shaped the industry and the growth of Honda, including:
* First automaker to meet U.S. Clean Air Act without a catalytic converter - Civic CVCC (1974)
* First vehicle to top U.S. EPA list of most fuel efficient cars - Civic (1977)
* First Japanese automaker to build motorcycles (1979) and automobiles (1982) in America - Marysville, Ohio*
* First Japanese automaker to establish a luxury automobile brand -- Acura (1986)
* First mass produced gas electric hybrid car introduced in America -- Insight (1999)
* First government-certified hydrogen fuel cell vehicle -- FCX (2002)
Honda has steadily expanded its U.S. presence to encompass a broad range of products and operations. Today, Honda employs more than 27,000 U.S. associates engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, sale and servicing of Honda and Acura products including automobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, personal water craft, power equipment, and an advanced light jet.
Honda operates 10 U.S. manufacturing plants with two new plants under construction, along with 14 R&D facilities and more than 12 regional sales, parts and service, and finance offices around the country. The company's network of U.S. parts suppliers comprises 545 companies in 34 states with annual purchases exceeding $17.5 billion in 2008.
Honda History in America
American Honda was the first overseas subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., established eleven years after HMC's inception as a small motorcycle manufacturer in Japan. Honda entered the U.S. market in 1959 with the step-through Honda 50 motorcycle and helped spur the dramatic growth of the U.S. motorcycle market, as it became the best-selling brand in America.
The introduction of the fuel-efficient Civic in 1973 paved the way for Honda's entry into the U.S. auto industry. As America faced the first oil crisis in 1973 and then the U.S. Clean Air Act tightened air emissions standards in 1975, Civic became both the first automobile to meet the Clean Air Act without the need for a catalytic converter and was ranked number one on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's first list of America's most fuel efficient cars (1977).
Based on its longstanding commitment to develop and build products close to the customer, Honda established research and development operations in America in 1975, and U.S. manufacturing in 1979, starting with production of motorcycles in Marysville, Ohio. Honda became the first Japanese automaker to build cars in America with the start of Accord production at the Marysville Auto Plant in November 1982. In May 2009, Honda reached the 15 million unit milestone in U.S. automobile production.
In 1986, the company expanded into the luxury automobile market with the creation of the Acura brand, the first luxury nameplate from a Japanese automaker. Acura earned a top rating in J.D. Power and Associates' Customer Satisfaction Index for four consecutive years (1986-1989).
In the 1990s, Honda introduced the U.S. automobile industry's first low-emissions vehicles, meeting challenging new emissions requirements in California while also enhancing fuel efficiency. In 1999, Honda introduced America's first mass production hybrid vehicle, the Insight, followed in 2002 by the Honda FCX, the first fuel cell vehicle certified by the U.S. government for daily use and the first to be placed in the hands of an individual consumer.
In 2008, the company began leasing its next-generation FCX Clarity fuel cell sedan, the industry's most advanced zero-emissions vehicle. In March 2009 Honda introduced the 2010 Honda Insight, America's most affordable hybrid, with plans to launch another all-new hybrid within the next several years based on the company's sporty CR-Z hybrid concept vehicle.
"Looking to the future, we are committed to advancing Honda's legacy of environmental leadership to help address the twin challenges of global climate change and energy sustainability," said Iwamura. "Along with a renewed focus on quality, we begin our next fifty years by accelerating our efforts to develop and deploy new technologies that put Honda at the forefront of this global challenge, to create a cleaner and more sustainable future for generations to come."
Honda's multimedia newsroom including historical photos and video: http://www.hondanews.com
*using domestic and globally sourced parts
Honda (NYSE: HMC) today marked its first 50 years in America, commemorating the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., in a small Los Angeles storefront on June 11, 1959. Honda associates observed the occasion with a brief ceremony at the company's Torrance, Calif. headquarters.
"On behalf of the tens of thousands of Honda associates in America, past and present, we offer our deepest thanks to our customers for placing their trust in Honda over the past 50 years," said American Honda President & CEO Tetsuo Iwamura. "Today, in the face of new challenges, including the preservation of our environment, we renew our commitment to exceed the expectations of our customers and society."
Starting in 1959, with the fuel-efficient Honda 50 motorcycle, to the newly launched 2010 Honda Insight gas-electric hybrid vehicle, Honda has introduced new technologies and business strategies that have shaped the industry and the growth of Honda, including:
* First automaker to meet U.S. Clean Air Act without a catalytic converter - Civic CVCC (1974)
* First vehicle to top U.S. EPA list of most fuel efficient cars - Civic (1977)
* First Japanese automaker to build motorcycles (1979) and automobiles (1982) in America - Marysville, Ohio*
* First Japanese automaker to establish a luxury automobile brand -- Acura (1986)
* First mass produced gas electric hybrid car introduced in America -- Insight (1999)
* First government-certified hydrogen fuel cell vehicle -- FCX (2002)
Honda has steadily expanded its U.S. presence to encompass a broad range of products and operations. Today, Honda employs more than 27,000 U.S. associates engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, sale and servicing of Honda and Acura products including automobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, personal water craft, power equipment, and an advanced light jet.
Honda operates 10 U.S. manufacturing plants with two new plants under construction, along with 14 R&D facilities and more than 12 regional sales, parts and service, and finance offices around the country. The company's network of U.S. parts suppliers comprises 545 companies in 34 states with annual purchases exceeding $17.5 billion in 2008.
Honda History in America
American Honda was the first overseas subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., established eleven years after HMC's inception as a small motorcycle manufacturer in Japan. Honda entered the U.S. market in 1959 with the step-through Honda 50 motorcycle and helped spur the dramatic growth of the U.S. motorcycle market, as it became the best-selling brand in America.
The introduction of the fuel-efficient Civic in 1973 paved the way for Honda's entry into the U.S. auto industry. As America faced the first oil crisis in 1973 and then the U.S. Clean Air Act tightened air emissions standards in 1975, Civic became both the first automobile to meet the Clean Air Act without the need for a catalytic converter and was ranked number one on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's first list of America's most fuel efficient cars (1977).
Based on its longstanding commitment to develop and build products close to the customer, Honda established research and development operations in America in 1975, and U.S. manufacturing in 1979, starting with production of motorcycles in Marysville, Ohio. Honda became the first Japanese automaker to build cars in America with the start of Accord production at the Marysville Auto Plant in November 1982. In May 2009, Honda reached the 15 million unit milestone in U.S. automobile production.
In 1986, the company expanded into the luxury automobile market with the creation of the Acura brand, the first luxury nameplate from a Japanese automaker. Acura earned a top rating in J.D. Power and Associates' Customer Satisfaction Index for four consecutive years (1986-1989).
In the 1990s, Honda introduced the U.S. automobile industry's first low-emissions vehicles, meeting challenging new emissions requirements in California while also enhancing fuel efficiency. In 1999, Honda introduced America's first mass production hybrid vehicle, the Insight, followed in 2002 by the Honda FCX, the first fuel cell vehicle certified by the U.S. government for daily use and the first to be placed in the hands of an individual consumer.
In 2008, the company began leasing its next-generation FCX Clarity fuel cell sedan, the industry's most advanced zero-emissions vehicle. In March 2009 Honda introduced the 2010 Honda Insight, America's most affordable hybrid, with plans to launch another all-new hybrid within the next several years based on the company's sporty CR-Z hybrid concept vehicle.
"Looking to the future, we are committed to advancing Honda's legacy of environmental leadership to help address the twin challenges of global climate change and energy sustainability," said Iwamura. "Along with a renewed focus on quality, we begin our next fifty years by accelerating our efforts to develop and deploy new technologies that put Honda at the forefront of this global challenge, to create a cleaner and more sustainable future for generations to come."
Honda's multimedia newsroom including historical photos and video: http://www.hondanews.com
*using domestic and globally sourced parts
Acura Vehicles Qualify
Acura Vehicles Qualify For New Government Purchase Program
Three Acura models expected to qualify for "Cash for Clunkers" Program
Following the announcement that President Obama signed the newly enacted Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save (CARS) program, three Acura luxury vehicle models are expected to qualify for government credit vouchers under the stimulus program. The CARS program, also known as "Cash for Clunkers," is a government subsidy that encourages drivers to purchase a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle to replace an older, less fuel-efficient vehicle.
Under the CARS program, government vouchers will be issued to participating dealers for $3,500 or $4,500 (the amount depends on the difference in fuel economy between the older vehicle replaced versus the new model purchased) for new vehicles purchased by qualifying customers. Acura vehicles likely to qualify for government vouchers are the 2009-2010 TSX four-cylinder sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV, and certain models of the 2010 MDX luxury sport utility vehicle that will become available later this year.
The NHTSA1 has created a dedicated website (www.cars.gov) to assist consumers and dealerships in determining program eligibility and to answer questions about the program. Consumers are encouraged to visit this website for more information, and sign up for program updates. The EPA2 also has information about "CA$H FOR CLUNKER$" on their website (www.fueleconomy.gov). Final program details will be issued by the government within the next few weeks.
In addition to offering top tier luxury and safety, Acura vehicles employ numerous technologies that promote clean, efficient power which is the core objective of the CARS program. An example of such technology, all Acura engines employ VTEC® (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) valvetrain timing and a Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system that team to help generate excellent power and fuel efficiency. In addition to delivering good fuel efficiency, all Acura engines comply with the latest EPA TIER 2-BIN 5 and CARB LEV II ULEV emissions standards.
In addition to excellent fuel efficiency, Acura prides itself on exceptional safety as evidenced by recently becoming the first (and only) vehicle manufacturer to simultaneously receive 5-star crash safety ratings from NHTSA* and Top Safety Pick from IIHS for every vehicle in its lineup. The NHTSA 5-star crash safety rating and IIHS "GOOD" ratings are a direct result of Acura's "Safety Through Innovation" initiative that is based on the brand's commitment to leadership in safety.
The Acura brand also ranked first in overall luxury brand residual value in the Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) 2009 Residual Value Awards. According to ALG, Acura's line of luxury performance vehicles is expected to retain the highest percentage of its purchase price after a traditional three-year lease.
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The 2009 Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.
For media information and high-resolution photos and video of all Acura vehicles, please visit www.acuranews.com. For consumer information, please visit www.acura.com.
*Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). All models tested with standard side-impact air bags (SABs).
1National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
2U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Three Acura models expected to qualify for "Cash for Clunkers" Program
Following the announcement that President Obama signed the newly enacted Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save (CARS) program, three Acura luxury vehicle models are expected to qualify for government credit vouchers under the stimulus program. The CARS program, also known as "Cash for Clunkers," is a government subsidy that encourages drivers to purchase a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle to replace an older, less fuel-efficient vehicle.
Under the CARS program, government vouchers will be issued to participating dealers for $3,500 or $4,500 (the amount depends on the difference in fuel economy between the older vehicle replaced versus the new model purchased) for new vehicles purchased by qualifying customers. Acura vehicles likely to qualify for government vouchers are the 2009-2010 TSX four-cylinder sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV, and certain models of the 2010 MDX luxury sport utility vehicle that will become available later this year.
The NHTSA1 has created a dedicated website (www.cars.gov) to assist consumers and dealerships in determining program eligibility and to answer questions about the program. Consumers are encouraged to visit this website for more information, and sign up for program updates. The EPA2 also has information about "CA$H FOR CLUNKER$" on their website (www.fueleconomy.gov). Final program details will be issued by the government within the next few weeks.
In addition to offering top tier luxury and safety, Acura vehicles employ numerous technologies that promote clean, efficient power which is the core objective of the CARS program. An example of such technology, all Acura engines employ VTEC® (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) valvetrain timing and a Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system that team to help generate excellent power and fuel efficiency. In addition to delivering good fuel efficiency, all Acura engines comply with the latest EPA TIER 2-BIN 5 and CARB LEV II ULEV emissions standards.
In addition to excellent fuel efficiency, Acura prides itself on exceptional safety as evidenced by recently becoming the first (and only) vehicle manufacturer to simultaneously receive 5-star crash safety ratings from NHTSA* and Top Safety Pick from IIHS for every vehicle in its lineup. The NHTSA 5-star crash safety rating and IIHS "GOOD" ratings are a direct result of Acura's "Safety Through Innovation" initiative that is based on the brand's commitment to leadership in safety.
The Acura brand also ranked first in overall luxury brand residual value in the Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) 2009 Residual Value Awards. According to ALG, Acura's line of luxury performance vehicles is expected to retain the highest percentage of its purchase price after a traditional three-year lease.
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The 2009 Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.
For media information and high-resolution photos and video of all Acura vehicles, please visit www.acuranews.com. For consumer information, please visit www.acura.com.
*Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). All models tested with standard side-impact air bags (SABs).
1National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
2U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Honda Debuts New
Honda Debuts New
Short-Film Documentary for Corporate Brand Campaign
"Dreams vs. Nightmares" Directed by Joe Berlinger and Featuring Clive Barker and Deepak Chopra Launches at http://dreams.honda.com
A new short-film documentary, "Dreams vs. Nightmares," breaks on Mon., June 29 at http://dreams.honda.com, as the latest installment in Honda's "DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE Documentary Series." Launched in January, the "DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE Documentary Series" is intended to speak to both the hearts and minds of consumers by endeavoring to reveal the essence of Honda's corporate philosophy in an intimate multimedia, interactive Web site. The campaign strategy was developed by RPA, Honda's longstanding agency of record.
"Dreams vs. Nightmares" was directed by Joe Berlinger, whose credits include numerous TV and documentary projects. Berlinger teamed with award-winning producers @radical.media to explore the tension between dreams and nightmares — both literal and metaphorical – and how they can be catalysts to act or think differently. Featured in the seven-minute film are observations from author, film director and artist Clive Barker; renowned leader in mind-body medicine, Deepak Chopra, M.D.; and Honda associates. Barker intuitively comments, "The waking dream is a kind of problem-solving."
"Our newest film is about seeing the opportunities and sharing the experiences of visionary leaders and Honda associates who are living their dreams – even when the challenges seem insurmountable. This approach is part of Honda's DNA, and we hope to inspire our customers to see the possibilities beyond the nightmares they may read in the news," said Barbara Ponce, manager of corporate advertising for Honda.
"Dreams vs. Nightmares" is the fourth installment of the "DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE Documentary Series," which has received hundreds of press and online mentions since it launched. Two more films are in production and will launch in the coming months. The Web site, http://dreams.honda.com has surpassed target goals for site visitation and exceeded industry benchmarks of film completion rates and time spent on the website, with users watching the films in their entirety.
"People have responded very positively to the films in the DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE Documentary Series. Many people have sent e-mails, or left comments on the dreams.honda.com web site, to let Honda know how the films have inspired them in some way. We've heard accounts of engineers, in other fields, showing the films to their teams as a motivational tool. And we've also heard that some educators are showing the films in their classes to inspire students," said Todd Carey, associate creative director at RPA.
The campaign targets 25- to 49-year-old adults with a youthful spirit, who are comfortable with technology, who value authenticity, and who are drawn to brands they can relate to, connect with, or admire.
Online media will generate awareness for the campaign via a two-minute trailer, 30- and 15-second spots and will aid in creating buzz among consumers. Assets will run on sites including ABC com, CBS.com, TV.com and Hulu. Online media also features high impact units and sponsorships, such as unique page takeovers and pre-roll placements on Web sites that appeal to the target: technology, news and entertainment. Executions will run on ESPN360, Wired and Sony's Crackle.
On Xbox LIVE, the Honda Corporate spots will direct consumers to a branded Honda channel featuring the full-length documentaries and photo galleries.
Credits
Film
Chief Creative Officer: David SmithÂ
Copywriters: Todd Carey, Curt Johnson
Agency Producer: Gary PaticoffÂ
Execuive Producers: Barbara Ponce, Jon Kamen, Frank Scherma, Frank Stiefel, Justin Wilkes
Producer: Andrew Flakelar, Todd Carey, Curt Johnson
Director: Joe BerlingerÂ
DP/Lighting/Cameraman: Andrij Parekh
Editor: Joshua L Pearson/Outpost DigitalÂ
Original Soundtrack: Q Department.
Post Production: Outpost DigitalÂ
Graphic Designer: Dave Dimeola, Chris Rubino
Photographer: Davi Russo, Jima Atsushi Nishijima
Interactive
Chief Creative Officer: David Smith
Executive Producer, Content: Gary Paticoff
Creative Director/Art: Curt Johnson
Associate Creative Director/Copy: Todd Carey
Senior Art Director/Art: David Mesfin
Senior Copywriter: Brenna Hajek
User Experience Lead: Alex Yra
Technology Director: Scott Westerfield
Technologist/Flash: Jeff Siegal
About Honda
Honda is the world's largest engine maker, producing a vast array of products, including automobiles, motorcycles, power equipment and, jet aircraft – all designed to advance mobility and improve the lives of people through continued innovations in technology and design. June 2009 marks Honda's 50th anniversary of doing business in America.
Honda Web site: http://www.honda.com
Honda multimedia newsroom: http://www.hondanews.com
Honda on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/alicia_at_honda
RPA, headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif., is a leading independent advertising agency, with more than $1 billion in billings. RPA builds momentum for brands by offering its clients truly integrated campaigns that resonate throughout its disciplines, which include traditional advertising, interactive, and direct and event marketing. RPA's client list includes American Honda, both the Honda and Acura brands, La-Z-Boy, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and PENTAX Imaging Company, and it is the media planning and buying agency for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Lenox Financial Mortgage and Reily Foods. For more information, visit http://www.rpa.com.
About @radical.media
@radical.media is a multi-platform integrated entertainment and media company that produces and distributes television, feature films, commercials, digital content and design. @radical.media has produced award-winning projects, including the Academy Award®-winning documentary "The Fog of War"; the Grammy Award-winning "Concert for George"; the pilot episode of the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning series "Mad Men"; the Emmy-winning "10 Days That Unexpectedly Changed America" for the History Channel; the critically acclaimed series "Iconoclasts" for the Sundance Channel; and the recent MTV documentary "Britney: For The Record," among many others. For more information, visit: www.radicalmedia.com.
Short-Film Documentary for Corporate Brand Campaign
"Dreams vs. Nightmares" Directed by Joe Berlinger and Featuring Clive Barker and Deepak Chopra Launches at http://dreams.honda.com
A new short-film documentary, "Dreams vs. Nightmares," breaks on Mon., June 29 at http://dreams.honda.com, as the latest installment in Honda's "DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE Documentary Series." Launched in January, the "DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE Documentary Series" is intended to speak to both the hearts and minds of consumers by endeavoring to reveal the essence of Honda's corporate philosophy in an intimate multimedia, interactive Web site. The campaign strategy was developed by RPA, Honda's longstanding agency of record.
"Dreams vs. Nightmares" was directed by Joe Berlinger, whose credits include numerous TV and documentary projects. Berlinger teamed with award-winning producers @radical.media to explore the tension between dreams and nightmares — both literal and metaphorical – and how they can be catalysts to act or think differently. Featured in the seven-minute film are observations from author, film director and artist Clive Barker; renowned leader in mind-body medicine, Deepak Chopra, M.D.; and Honda associates. Barker intuitively comments, "The waking dream is a kind of problem-solving."
"Our newest film is about seeing the opportunities and sharing the experiences of visionary leaders and Honda associates who are living their dreams – even when the challenges seem insurmountable. This approach is part of Honda's DNA, and we hope to inspire our customers to see the possibilities beyond the nightmares they may read in the news," said Barbara Ponce, manager of corporate advertising for Honda.
"Dreams vs. Nightmares" is the fourth installment of the "DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE Documentary Series," which has received hundreds of press and online mentions since it launched. Two more films are in production and will launch in the coming months. The Web site, http://dreams.honda.com has surpassed target goals for site visitation and exceeded industry benchmarks of film completion rates and time spent on the website, with users watching the films in their entirety.
"People have responded very positively to the films in the DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE Documentary Series. Many people have sent e-mails, or left comments on the dreams.honda.com web site, to let Honda know how the films have inspired them in some way. We've heard accounts of engineers, in other fields, showing the films to their teams as a motivational tool. And we've also heard that some educators are showing the films in their classes to inspire students," said Todd Carey, associate creative director at RPA.
The campaign targets 25- to 49-year-old adults with a youthful spirit, who are comfortable with technology, who value authenticity, and who are drawn to brands they can relate to, connect with, or admire.
Online media will generate awareness for the campaign via a two-minute trailer, 30- and 15-second spots and will aid in creating buzz among consumers. Assets will run on sites including ABC com, CBS.com, TV.com and Hulu. Online media also features high impact units and sponsorships, such as unique page takeovers and pre-roll placements on Web sites that appeal to the target: technology, news and entertainment. Executions will run on ESPN360, Wired and Sony's Crackle.
On Xbox LIVE, the Honda Corporate spots will direct consumers to a branded Honda channel featuring the full-length documentaries and photo galleries.
Credits
Film
Chief Creative Officer: David SmithÂ
Copywriters: Todd Carey, Curt Johnson
Agency Producer: Gary PaticoffÂ
Execuive Producers: Barbara Ponce, Jon Kamen, Frank Scherma, Frank Stiefel, Justin Wilkes
Producer: Andrew Flakelar, Todd Carey, Curt Johnson
Director: Joe BerlingerÂ
DP/Lighting/Cameraman: Andrij Parekh
Editor: Joshua L Pearson/Outpost DigitalÂ
Original Soundtrack: Q Department.
Post Production: Outpost DigitalÂ
Graphic Designer: Dave Dimeola, Chris Rubino
Photographer: Davi Russo, Jima Atsushi Nishijima
Interactive
Chief Creative Officer: David Smith
Executive Producer, Content: Gary Paticoff
Creative Director/Art: Curt Johnson
Associate Creative Director/Copy: Todd Carey
Senior Art Director/Art: David Mesfin
Senior Copywriter: Brenna Hajek
User Experience Lead: Alex Yra
Technology Director: Scott Westerfield
Technologist/Flash: Jeff Siegal
About Honda
Honda is the world's largest engine maker, producing a vast array of products, including automobiles, motorcycles, power equipment and, jet aircraft – all designed to advance mobility and improve the lives of people through continued innovations in technology and design. June 2009 marks Honda's 50th anniversary of doing business in America.
Honda Web site: http://www.honda.com
Honda multimedia newsroom: http://www.hondanews.com
Honda on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/alicia_at_honda
RPA, headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif., is a leading independent advertising agency, with more than $1 billion in billings. RPA builds momentum for brands by offering its clients truly integrated campaigns that resonate throughout its disciplines, which include traditional advertising, interactive, and direct and event marketing. RPA's client list includes American Honda, both the Honda and Acura brands, La-Z-Boy, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and PENTAX Imaging Company, and it is the media planning and buying agency for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Lenox Financial Mortgage and Reily Foods. For more information, visit http://www.rpa.com.
About @radical.media
@radical.media is a multi-platform integrated entertainment and media company that produces and distributes television, feature films, commercials, digital content and design. @radical.media has produced award-winning projects, including the Academy Award®-winning documentary "The Fog of War"; the Grammy Award-winning "Concert for George"; the pilot episode of the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning series "Mad Men"; the Emmy-winning "10 Days That Unexpectedly Changed America" for the History Channel; the critically acclaimed series "Iconoclasts" for the Sundance Channel; and the recent MTV documentary "Britney: For The Record," among many others. For more information, visit: www.radicalmedia.com.
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Press Releases
PrintFriendly Format
06.22.09
J.D. Power and Associates Ranks Honda CR-V and Ridgeline Highest in Segments in Initial Quality Study
Honda's East Liberty Plant earns Gold Plant Award
The Honda CR-V, the top-selling CUV in the U.S., and the Honda Ridgeline pickup ranked highest in their respective segments in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study℠ (IQS), American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. Honda's East Liberty, Ohio manufacturing facility, which assembles the Honda CR-V, also received a coveted Gold Plant award, ranking it as the top factory in the Americas.
IQS serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership and captures problems experienced by owners in two distinct categories - quality of design and quality of production (defects and malfunctions). The study ranked nameplates and vehicles based on survey reports of Problems Per Hundred (PP100 studied).
Honda vehicles averaged only 99 PP100, an improvement of 11 PP100 over 2008. The Honda CR-V ranked highest in the Compact Multi Activity Vehicle segment for the third consecutive year, with an IQS rating of 93 PP100, and the Honda Ridgeline truck ranked highest in the Midsize Pickup segment, with an IQS rating of 81 PP100.
# # #
For more information about Honda vehicles, please visit www.honda.com. For media inquiries, please go to www.hondanews.com.
About J.D. Power and Associates:
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. Find more detailed findings on new-vehicle quality performance as well as model photos and specs by watching a video, reading an article and reviewing quality ratings at www.JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
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06.22.09
J.D. Power and Associates Ranks Honda CR-V and Ridgeline Highest in Segments in Initial Quality Study
Honda's East Liberty Plant earns Gold Plant Award
The Honda CR-V, the top-selling CUV in the U.S., and the Honda Ridgeline pickup ranked highest in their respective segments in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study℠ (IQS), American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. Honda's East Liberty, Ohio manufacturing facility, which assembles the Honda CR-V, also received a coveted Gold Plant award, ranking it as the top factory in the Americas.
IQS serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership and captures problems experienced by owners in two distinct categories - quality of design and quality of production (defects and malfunctions). The study ranked nameplates and vehicles based on survey reports of Problems Per Hundred (PP100 studied).
Honda vehicles averaged only 99 PP100, an improvement of 11 PP100 over 2008. The Honda CR-V ranked highest in the Compact Multi Activity Vehicle segment for the third consecutive year, with an IQS rating of 93 PP100, and the Honda Ridgeline truck ranked highest in the Midsize Pickup segment, with an IQS rating of 81 PP100.
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For more information about Honda vehicles, please visit www.honda.com. For media inquiries, please go to www.hondanews.com.
About J.D. Power and Associates:
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. Find more detailed findings on new-vehicle quality performance as well as model photos and specs by watching a video, reading an article and reviewing quality ratings at www.JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
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06.22.09
J.D. Power and Associates Ranks Honda CR-V and Ridgeline Highest in Segments in Initial Quality Study
Honda's East Liberty Plant earns Gold Plant Award
The Honda CR-V, the top-selling CUV in the U.S., and the Honda Ridgeline pickup ranked highest in their respective segments in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study℠ (IQS), American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. Honda's East Liberty, Ohio manufacturing facility, which assembles the Honda CR-V, also received a coveted Gold Plant award, ranking it as the top factory in the Americas.
IQS serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership and captures problems experienced by owners in two distinct categories - quality of design and quality of production (defects and malfunctions). The study ranked nameplates and vehicles based on survey reports of Problems Per Hundred (PP100 studied).
Honda vehicles averaged only 99 PP100, an improvement of 11 PP100 over 2008. The Honda CR-V ranked highest in the Compact Multi Activity Vehicle segment for the third consecutive year, with an IQS rating of 93 PP100, and the Honda Ridgeline truck ranked highest in the Midsize Pickup segment, with an IQS rating of 81 PP100.
# # #
For more information about Honda vehicles, please visit www.honda.com. For media inquiries, please go to www.hondanews.com.
About J.D. Power and Associates:
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. Find more detailed findings on new-vehicle quality performance as well as model photos and specs by watching a video, reading an article and reviewing quality ratings at www.JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
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06.22.09
J.D. Power and Associates Ranks Honda CR-V and Ridgeline Highest in Segments in Initial Quality Study
Honda's East Liberty Plant earns Gold Plant Award
The Honda CR-V, the top-selling CUV in the U.S., and the Honda Ridgeline pickup ranked highest in their respective segments in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study℠ (IQS), American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. Honda's East Liberty, Ohio manufacturing facility, which assembles the Honda CR-V, also received a coveted Gold Plant award, ranking it as the top factory in the Americas.
IQS serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership and captures problems experienced by owners in two distinct categories - quality of design and quality of production (defects and malfunctions). The study ranked nameplates and vehicles based on survey reports of Problems Per Hundred (PP100 studied).
Honda vehicles averaged only 99 PP100, an improvement of 11 PP100 over 2008. The Honda CR-V ranked highest in the Compact Multi Activity Vehicle segment for the third consecutive year, with an IQS rating of 93 PP100, and the Honda Ridgeline truck ranked highest in the Midsize Pickup segment, with an IQS rating of 81 PP100.
# # #
For more information about Honda vehicles, please visit www.honda.com. For media inquiries, please go to www.hondanews.com.
About J.D. Power and Associates:
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. Find more detailed findings on new-vehicle quality performance as well as model photos and specs by watching a video, reading an article and reviewing quality ratings at www.JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
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06.25.09
Nearly Every Honda Model Meets "Cash for Clunkers" Fuel Economy Requirements
Honda offers nine car and truck models from Ridgeline to Insight expected to qualify
With one of the most fuel-efficient vehicle lineups in the industry, nearly every new Honda model will help customers qualify for a federal "Cash for Clunkers" credit, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
Depending on the trade-in vehicle, customers will be able to choose one or more of Honda's diverse model line including the Ridgeline pickup, its most-rugged vehicle; the Accord, Honda's best-selling U.S. model; and the all-new Insight, the most-affordable hybrid in the United States.
"You don't really need a complicated chart to find a qualifying vehicle at a Honda dealer," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "We hope that this program will help consumers make the move into vehicles that are easier on both their wallets and the environment."
The federal Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009 was enacted on June 24 of this year. More commonly referred to as "Cash for Clunkers," this program is designed to stimulate vehicle sales and reduce overall fuel use by providing up to a $4,500 credit to consumers who trade in their current eligible vehicle for one that achieves greater fuel economy.
The only vehicles in the Honda lineup that will not qualify for a credit are the limited-production S2000 roadster, the Accord V6 Coupe with manual transmission and the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle (the latter is excluded by the program's five year lease requirement).
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is expected to issue final rules for program implementation by July 23. Further detail on the federal program can be found on the U.S. Department of Transportation's web site at http://www.cars.gov.
Honda cars that have a combined EPA fuel-economy rating of 22 MPG or more and may be eligible for payments under this program include1:
* 2009 Fit - All models
* 2010 Insight - All models
* 2009 Civic - All models
* 2009 Accord - All models except V6 Coupe with manual transmission
Honda category 1 trucks that have a combined EPA fuel-economy rating of 18 MPG or more and may be eligible for a credit under this program include:
* 2009 CR-V - All models
* 2009 Element - All models
* 2009 - 2010 Pilot - All models including 2WD and 4WD
* 2009 - 2010 Odyssey - All models
Honda category 2 trucks that have a combined EPA fuel-economy rating of 15 MPG or more and may be eligible for a credit under this program include:
* 2009 Ridgeline - All models
For more information or downloadable high-resolution images of Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.honda.com.
1NHTSA has not yet adopted rules for the CARS program, but is expected to do so by July 23, 2009. It is Honda's understanding, based on information currently available to it, that the purchase or lease of the listed Honda models will qualify for a credit under the program if the customer trades-in a qualified clunker.
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06.25.09
Nearly Every Honda Model Meets "Cash for Clunkers" Fuel Economy Requirements
Honda offers nine car and truck models from Ridgeline to Insight expected to qualify
With one of the most fuel-efficient vehicle lineups in the industry, nearly every new Honda model will help customers qualify for a federal "Cash for Clunkers" credit, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
Depending on the trade-in vehicle, customers will be able to choose one or more of Honda's diverse model line including the Ridgeline pickup, its most-rugged vehicle; the Accord, Honda's best-selling U.S. model; and the all-new Insight, the most-affordable hybrid in the United States.
"You don't really need a complicated chart to find a qualifying vehicle at a Honda dealer," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "We hope that this program will help consumers make the move into vehicles that are easier on both their wallets and the environment."
The federal Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009 was enacted on June 24 of this year. More commonly referred to as "Cash for Clunkers," this program is designed to stimulate vehicle sales and reduce overall fuel use by providing up to a $4,500 credit to consumers who trade in their current eligible vehicle for one that achieves greater fuel economy.
The only vehicles in the Honda lineup that will not qualify for a credit are the limited-production S2000 roadster, the Accord V6 Coupe with manual transmission and the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle (the latter is excluded by the program's five year lease requirement).
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is expected to issue final rules for program implementation by July 23. Further detail on the federal program can be found on the U.S. Department of Transportation's web site at http://www.cars.gov.
Honda cars that have a combined EPA fuel-economy rating of 22 MPG or more and may be eligible for payments under this program include1:
* 2009 Fit - All models
* 2010 Insight - All models
* 2009 Civic - All models
* 2009 Accord - All models except V6 Coupe with manual transmission
Honda category 1 trucks that have a combined EPA fuel-economy rating of 18 MPG or more and may be eligible for a credit under this program include:
* 2009 CR-V - All models
* 2009 Element - All models
* 2009 - 2010 Pilot - All models including 2WD and 4WD
* 2009 - 2010 Odyssey - All models
Honda category 2 trucks that have a combined EPA fuel-economy rating of 15 MPG or more and may be eligible for a credit under this program include:
* 2009 Ridgeline - All models
For more information or downloadable high-resolution images of Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.honda.com.
1NHTSA has not yet adopted rules for the CARS program, but is expected to do so by July 23, 2009. It is Honda's understanding, based on information currently available to it, that the purchase or lease of the listed Honda models will qualify for a credit under the program if the customer trades-in a qualified clunker.
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