Operation Shaving Cream

 

Here are some ways we can continue to help the troops:

 

1. Bring shaving cream, as many cans as you can spare! The troops need shaving cream to "mark and show" where the lED's are located so the squad can move through the area safely. Once the squad is through the area, the saving cream dissipates into the soil, so the Taliban doesn't know the Marines were there. lED's are the number one threat and cause of casualties in Afghanistan. Visit operationmend.ucla.edu for some powerful pictures and motivation to send cans of shaving cream. If we can save one injury it will be worth our effort.

 

2. Put together a box with your family, children, club, team, church, etc. Your box can include some of the following wish list items: Shaving cream, beef jerky, summer sausage, freeze dried camping food, Gatorade or Crystal Light (both powdered or crystals), candy that will not melt (no chocolate), boot socks, books or magazines, letters and cards. Include a note to the troops and a self addressed return note too.

 

Milton Martin Honda Is an official collection site for the Gainesville/Hall County Operation Shaving Cream. We will gladly accept donations and see that the items are coordinated with other donations in the area to be shipped to the troops overseas. Collection containers located in the New Car Showroom.

 

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All-New, More-Refined 2012 Honda Civic Improves with Purposeful Technology for Personalization, Safety and Efficiency

To each their own - Civic offers wide variety of choices

The all-new, ninth-generation 2012 Honda Civic, arrived at Milton Martin Honda on April 20, 2011, with a new, sleek style and a fuel-efficient, technologically advanced lineup.

"The all-new Civic builds on the tremendous popularity of the previous generation with a complete technology makeover and a higher level of refinement and style," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Only the Civic provides the most diverse car lineup in the industry to best meet the needs and preferences of individual customers."

The Civic range consists of sedans and coupes powered by conventional gasoline, high-performance, hybrid, and compressed natural gas engine choices. Technology and features new to the Civic include an available "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID), an available Eco Assist™ system and a new Motion Adaptive Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system that works in conjunction with Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), included as standard equipment on all models. All Civic models achieve higher EPA fuel economy ratings compared to the 2011 models, up by as much as 8 percent on the highway in Civic Sedans and Coupes equipped with automatic transmissions.

For 2012, the Civic Sedan and Coupe continue to be available in trim level choices of Civic DX (basic features), LX (popular features), EX (full features) and EX-L (luxury features). The new i-MID on Civic LX-and-above models provides a convenient platform for integration of vehicle information and compatible personal electronics with a driver-oriented 5-inch color LCD display and intuitive steering wheel controls. All 2012 Civic models, except the Civic Si, receive Eco Assist™ technology, an innovation that can enhance efficient vehicle operation at the touch of a button while also providing visual feedback to promote or confirm an efficient driving style.

With the best city, highway and combined EPA-estimated fuel economy rating1 for any currently available sedan (44 mpg), the Civic Hybrid introduces the latest generation of the fuel-efficient Integrated Motor Assist (IMA®) system – now with a lithium-ion battery for the first time on a Honda hybrid vehicle. Plus, an entirely new model, the Civic HF, debuts as a value-oriented, high fuel-economy sedan with the best highway fuel economy rating1 (41 mpg) for a conventional, gasoline-only powered vehicle with an automatic transmission. The Civic Natural Gas (previously named Civic GX) remains the only manufacturer-built, natural gas-powered car currently available in the United States and is now available with a navigation system that includes public refueling stations for compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. The performance enthusiast-inspired Civic Si Coupe and Civic Si Sedan, each with a larger 2.4-liter engine with 201 horsepower and 22 percent more peak torque than before, debut as the most powerful production Civic Si models ever introduced.

The 2012 Civic represents another important milestone for Honda's best-selling compact vehicle, and reconfirms the company's commitment to excellence with efficient i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine technologies for economy and performance, along with an engaging driving experience and advanced standard safety features. Notable traits include its distinctive "one-motion" aerodynamic exterior styling from front to rear bumper and a functional, spacious interior.

The i-MID provides access to multiple information screens and customizable features. Compatible music players attached through a USB audio interface can display available track information and artwork on the i-MID, with album and track selection possible through steering wheel controls.

Futuristic "One-Motion" Profile

Designed with a sleek windshield rake, a sweeping roofline and a new interpretation of the previous generation's "one-motion" profile, the lines of the 2012 Civic Sedan suggest a sophisticated and athletic appearance. The Civic Coupe with its shorter length and unique front and rear styling result in a more aggressive and dramatic styling demeanor. Both vehicles feature a low and wide stance that contributes to a distinctive visual presence, while thinner A-pillars stretch further toward the front of the vehicle than before to improve visibility and the perception of interior space. The C-pillars also stretch further toward the rear of the vehicle compared to the previous generation to better complete the flowing one-motion appearance.

The 2012 Civic embraces Honda's tradition of making its vehicles fun to drive by continuing to use a fully independent suspension design, a premium and exceptional feature in the entry compact segment. The front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspensions are tuned for sporty driving fun, yet provide refined ride comfort. Ride and handling improvements are made possible by a 10-percent more rigid unit-body structure resulting from enhanced structural designs and increased use of high-strength steel (55 percent on the sedan compared to 50 percent on the previous model).

For safety, a wide variety of standard equipment includes Honda's exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure for enhanced frontal collision energy management and vehicle-to-vehicle frontal crash compatibility. ACE enhances frontal collision energy management through a network of load bearing structures in the front of the vehicle. Standard safety equipment includes VSA that integrates with the new Motion Adaptive EPS system; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; front side airbags with occupant position detection system (OPDS); side curtain airbags; and a 4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The Civic's hood and front fender areas are designed to deform if contacted by the head of a pedestrian in a frontal collision.

Advanced Interior Design

The Civic's 5-passenger interior is a careful blend of form and function, with an intuitive "two-tier" layout that prioritizes frequently referenced instruments like the speedometer up high in the driver's line of sight with less frequently referenced information positioned down lower. A "smart interface" approach divides the vehicle controls into smartly grouped zones for audio, air conditioning and vehicle controls. Ergonomically shaped dials, buttons and the gear shifter operate with solid precision and have a tactile feel.  Building on the successful packaging of the previous generation, the 2012 Civic Sedan passenger volume of 94.7 cubic feet (Civic LX Sedan) increases by 3.7 cubic feet, and gains have also been made in front shoulder room (+2.9 inches) and rear legroom (+1.6 inches).

Civic LX and above models are equipped with audio systems that range from a 160-watt AM/FM/CD unit (Civic LX, EX Sedan, EX-L Sedan, HF and Hybrid) to a 360-watt AM/FM/CD unit with a subwoofer (Civic EX Coupe, EX-L Coupe, Si). Standard audio features include WMA and MP3 audio file capability, Radio Data System (RDS), Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC), an audio input jack and a USB audio interface. The Civic EX and above models add Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and audio streaming, front tweeters, and the availability of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with voice activation and a 6.5-inch TFT color touch display. The navigation system can now overlay FM Traffic data on its maps, a free public resource available in participating major metropolitan areas for freeway congestion, collisons and construction zones.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System debuting on the 2012 Civic features 16 GB of flash memory in place of the DVD-based system used previously. Like other Honda navigation systems, this new system allows simple, intuitive operation and has an extensive on-board database. The system features more than 10 million points of interest and the voice activation is capable of recognizing numbers, street names and cities. For ease-of-reference, the i-MID can display turn-by-turn directions in conjunction with the navigation screen.

Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe

The Civic Sedan and Coupe models are designed to provide an optimal balance of comfort, value and performance. The Civic Coupe with its 1.9-inch-shorter wheelbase than the Civic Sedan offers a more sporty character, although both share nearly identical chassis construction. The Civic Sedan and Coupe models are powered by a 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with a 16-valve i-VTEC valvetrain and a dual-stage intake manifold. The engine produces 140 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 128 lb-ft. of torque at 4300 rpm. Both models receive an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy rating1 of 28/39/32 miles per gallon when equipped with an automatic transmission (standard on Civic EX Sedan and all EX-L models). A manual transmission is standard on the Civic DX and LX (automatic transmission available).

 

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Honda Marks a Decade of Environmental Leadership with Fifth Consecutive "Greenest Automaker" Award from Union of Concerned Scientists

Honda has been named America's "Greenest Automaker" for the fifth consecutive time by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). The award is earned by the company with the lowest combined score of its smog-forming and greenhouse gas emissions (primarily CO2) in its U.S. automobile fleet.

Honda has led the UCS rankings of overall vehicle environmental performance since the first UCS study in 2000, marking a decade of Honda leadership in reduced vehicle emissions. Honda earned the recognition this year with an industry-best score based on model year 2008 data, the latest available for analysis.

"As with the past four awards, we accept this fifth honor as both recognition of our success and a challenge for the future," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "We continue to accelerate our efforts to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions that contribute to global climate change."

"Honda's decade-long claim to the Greenest Automaker title has set a high bar for the industry," said Jim Kliesch, a senior engineer with the Union of Concerned Scientists. "The companies that do best in our analysis continually strive not only to sell the greenest vehicles, but also to green their best-sellers."

Honda's efforts to improve fuel efficiency have resulted in a 1 mpg gain in the company's U.S. corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) for model year 2009, up 3.3% over the previous model year to 31.3 mpg, and 9.8% above the MY2009 industry average of 28.8 mpg, as determined by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Since MY2005, Honda's CAFE has increased 7.2%, outpacing the company's voluntary goal, established in May 2006, to achieve a 5% gain in CAFE over 2005 levels by 2010.

More recently, Honda has taken a number of important steps in advancing the fuel economy and emissions performance of its U.S. automobile fleet. This includes the introduction of the Insight as the world's most affordable hybrid car and the CR-Z as the world's first production sport hybrid coupe. Further, the all-new 2011 Odyssey minivan and redesigned 2011 Accord made significant gains in fuel economy through the use of more efficient low-friction engines and improved vehicle aerodynamics.

Honda also continues its leadership in the area of alternative-fuel vehicles. Retail sales of its natural gas-powered Civic GX Sedan were recently expanded to dealers in Oklahoma and Utah, in addition to California and New York. Honda's FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, currently leased to a limited number of customers in Southern California, is arguably the world's most advanced zero-emissions automobile with zero tailpipe emissions and fuel efficiency three times that of a comparable, gasoline-powered automobile.

Additionally, in July 2010, the company announced plans to introduce a battery-electric commuter-sized vehicle and plug-in hybrid technology for mid-size and larger vehicles in the U.S., both beginning in 2012. These market initiatives will be preceded by U.S. demonstration programs beginning in 2010 and continuing in 2011 with Stanford University, Google Inc., and the City of Torrance, California.

Honda is also developing its own infrastructure solutions to the alternative-fuel vehicle equation. To address the opportunity for zero-emissions commuting in a fuel cell electric vehicle, in January of this year Honda began operating a next-generation solar-powered hydrogen production and refueling station on its Los Angeles R&D campus. The station uses power derived from Honda-developed and -manufactured thin-film solar cells to provide fuel for daily commuting in a carbon-free energy cycle.

About the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is the leading science-based non-profit organization working for a healthier environment and a safer world. UCS conducts an analysis of major U.S. automakers every two years. This year's report analyzes fuel economy and emissions certification standards of each company's car and light truck fleet to determine its overall contribution of smog-forming and heat trapping emissions. Honda also topped the rankings in the 2007, 2004, 2002 and 2000 UCS reports.
 

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Honda Returns to Austin City Limits Music Festival as Official Eco-Partner

In the tradition of American Honda's sustainability efforts at music festivals, Honda will once again serve as an official eco-partner at 2010 Austin City Limits Music Festival  (ACL) in Austin, Texas taking place October 8 through 10. Honda will sponsor one of the main stages, called the Honda Stage, at the annual music festival and present the Honda Hybrid Zone, which will feature Honda's entire hybrid vehicle lineup: the CR-Z sport hybrid coupe; Insight hybrid sedan; and the Civic Hybrid sedan.

As one of the premier contemporary music festivals in the country, Austin City Limits is a three-day event held in Austin's historic Zilker Park. The festival brings together more than 130 bands on eight stages and draws more than 200,000 attendees to experience noteworthy music in a sustainable, environmentally friendly atmosphere. These two priorities match well with Honda's long-term support of the arts and overall environmental leadership. Over the course of the three-day festival, 15 bands are scheduled to perform on the Honda stage, including headliners Sonic Youth, Matt and Kim, and The National.

"It was a natural fit for Honda to return to ACL with an even bigger presence this year considering our deep commitment to environmental initiatives and long standing contribution to the arts community," said Tom Peyton, senior manager of Honda national advertising.

Along with the stage, there will be a special Honda Hybrid Zone display which will feature the entire lineup of Honda hybrid vehicles and several eco-minded activities such as a mobile device "charging center" powered by bicycles. Attendees to the Hybrid Zone will also have the opportunity to enter to win an all-new 2011 CRZ sport hybrid coupe.

American Honda is continuing its industry-leading efforts to address the environmental challenges of global climate change, emissions reduction, and energy sustainability through a comprehensive approach. This approach involves further improvements to gasoline-engine fuel efficiency; the development of real-world alternatives to gasoline, including natural gas and the hydrogen-powered fuel cell car; and technology for refueling alternative fuel vehicles. Over the past 33 years, Honda has remained a fuel-efficiency leader, including 24 years at the top of the EPA's automobile fuel-economy rankings.
 

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Pasadena Tournament of Roses® Announces American Honda as Presenting Sponsor of the Rose Parade

Pasadena Tournament of Roses President Jeffrey L. Throop announced last night that American Honda Motor Co., Inc. will become the first Presenting Sponsor of the Rose Parade. The announcement was made at the annual membership kickoff celebration at the Rose Bowl stadium. The 122nd Rose Parade, Presented by Honda, will be themed: "Building Dreams, Friendships & Memories."  Although the 2011 Parade will be the first Rose Parade officially presented by Honda, it represents a 50-year collaboration between American Honda and the Tournament of Roses.

"Welcoming Honda as Presenting Sponsor of the 2011 Rose Parade is an organic evolution of our long-standing partnership," said Throop. "For five decades, we have worked side-by-side with Honda to develop the Rose Parade into what it is today, and we are proud Honda is such a significant member of the Tournament family."

In support of this new step in its partnership with Honda, the Tournament of Roses will launch a new trademark composite logo recognizing and incorporating the Honda brand logo. In addition, Honda will have the lead float in the Rose Parade each year along with full usage of Tournament of Roses rights and marks as the official Presenting Sponsor.

"Innovation, creativity and community service are values we share deeply with the Rose Parade," said Tetsuo Iwamura, president and chief executive officer, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Elevating our role to serve as the Presenting Sponsor was a very natural decision for us. For the past 50 years, we have worked with the Tournament of Roses to bring entertainment and tradition to people around the world and to enhance the Southern California communities where we all work and live."

For the 2011 Rose Parade, Honda and the Tournament of Roses are employing Honda's innovative environmental technologies to help the Rose Parade function more efficiently and reduce its carbon footprint. For the first time, Honda will power its Rose Parade float with a specially-configured hybrid, low-emissions power plant. In addition, Honda's fuel-efficient CR-Z will be used as the Pace Car for the Parade.

History of the Rose Parade's Relationship with Honda:

The 1960s: Honda's partnership with the Tournament of Roses began in 1961 when the company first supplied two-wheeled vehicles for the 1962 Rose Parade operations.

The 1970s: Honda entered the company's first float, themed "Visions of Tranquility," in the Rose Parade in 1977. Since then, Honda float entries have highlighted iconic images, including astronauts, trains, fire-breathing dragons, robots and space ships. Honda's entries have garnered awards in 15 of the past 16 Rose Parades, including consecutive wins in the last 12.

The 1980s: In 1981, Honda's "Air Show" featured airplane movements directly controlled by Art Scholl, one of the world's leading stunt pilots, rather than being controlled by a driver in the chassis underneath. Honda's 1983 "Fantastic Flight" was powered by the Human Powered Vehicle Association, activated by a group of people turning propellers, fans and the wheels of the float itself. Both entries were awarded the "Mayor's Trophy."

The 1990s: In 1994, American Honda became the official vehicle of the Tournament of Roses, and began providing the Pace and Sound vehicles that lead the Rose Parade. Honda also began providing the motor scooters, vans and cars necessary to support Tournament of Roses planning, logistics, operations and transportation.

The 2000s: In 2005, Honda made Rose Parade history with its entry "Families Across America." This was the longest float ever entered -- 30-feet high, 207-feet long and featuring a full fireworks display.

The 2010s: Honda becomes the first Presenting Sponsor of the Rose Parade.

 

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Honda Begins Production of 2011 Odyssey Minivan in Alabama

Honda marked the start of production of the all-new, Alabama-built 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan today with an end-of-the-line celebration that included participation by more than 1,200 associates at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA).

The Odyssey minivan has been the top-selling minivan in the U.S. for the past two years and is considered the benchmark vehicle in the minivan class. The completely-redesigned 2011 Honda Odyssey improves on its already award-winning, class-leading design with a more-distinctive style, higher fuel efficiency and greater interior versatility. Improvements to the fourth-generation Odyssey represent a new Honda vision for the "ultimate in family transportation."

"In about four weeks, our Honda dealers will have this new Odyssey on their showroom floor. But I don't think it will be there for long," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning for American Honda Motor Co. "Whether you're driving in Oregon or Orlando, Milwaukee or Mobile - everyone in this great, glorious nation of ours will know that every 'American Odyssey' has its roots right here in Lincoln, Alabama."

Tuesday's event at the assembly line celebrated the start of mass production of the new Odyssey, which has received a total makeover for the 2011 model year. HMA is the exclusive global production source of the Odyssey minivan, the Pilot sport utility vehicle and the Ridgeline pickup. The Lincoln plant also shares production of the Accord V-6 Sedan with the Marysville Auto Plant in Marysville, Ohio and builds the V-6 engines that power each model.

"What a beautiful vehicle we have created together," said Art StCyr, chief engineer for the 2011 Odyssey at Honda R&D in Raymond, Ohio. "It's called the American Odyssey because - for the first time - the Odyssey minivan was designed, developed, and manufactured in the U.S. What a great sense of pride that brings to all of us."

The 2011 Odyssey's more-aerodynamic shape with a lower roofline contributes to class-leading fuel efficiency; yet improved interior packaging maintains similar vertical functionality as the previous model. A wider stance creates a more accommodating interior while accenting the exterior's dynamic appearance. The 2011 Odyssey will go on sale this fall at Honda dealerships across the U.S.

Also, on Friday, Sept. 3, the $1.4 billion Lincoln plant will mark another milestone with production of the 2 millionth Honda vehicle to be built in Alabama. HMA employs more than 4,000 associates and has the capacity to produce 300,000 vehicles and V-6 engines each year.

 

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2011 Honda Ridgeline Offers Unique Pickup Truck Utility

The five-passenger Honda Ridgeline half-ton pickup truck is built with a closed-box, unitized body structure for a unique combination of capability, interior spaciousness and comfortable ride performance.

The Ridgeline delivers a wide range of conventional pickup capabilities with a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds and a half-ton payload rating, all while offering unique features like a large In-Bed Trunk® and an independent front and rear suspension.

“The Honda Ridgeline focuses on delivering the most-popular features and capabilities that a majority of recreational truck buyers typically use and need,” said Erik Berkman, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “As a company that also builds world-class motorcycles, ATVs, marine engines and power equipment, many features in the Ridgeline represent the best thinking from Honda.”

The four-door, five-passenger Ridgeline is powered by a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine. A 5-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission and a Variable Torque Management® 4-wheel drive system (VTM-4®) are standard. The EPA rates city/highway/combined fuel economy1 at 15/20/17. A MacPherson strut front suspension in the front and a rear multi-link suspension design contribute to a smooth ride and responsive handling. Standard equipment for towing includes an integrated tow hitch, transmission and oil coolers, heavy duty brakes, dual radiator fans and a wiring harness for a 7-pin trailer hook up (pre-wiring only on RT).

A 5-foot-long composite cargo bed with eight tie-down locations provides a half-ton payload rating of 1,100 pounds. Four cargo area lights illuminate both the bed and the in-bed trunk. A dual-action tailgate opens down for traditional access to the cargo area or to the side for ease-of-access to the 8.5 cubic-foot In-Bed Trunk. The Ridgeline is available with a wide variety of accessories and can conveniently accommodate motorcycles and ATVs.

The all-aluminum, 60-degree, SOHC 3.5-liter VTEC engine produces 250-horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 247 lb-ft. of torque at 4,300 rpm. The Ridgeline’s variable valve timing enhances low rpm torque while extending high rpm horsepower for a broad, confidence-inspiring power band. The 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission features Grade Logic Control to help maintain the most appropriate gear when going uphill or downhill to avoid gear “hunting.” The fully automatic VTM-4 system provides confident operation in rain, snow, ice, sand and mud, while also improving on-road and towing performance by distributing torque to all four wheels as needed. The system operates predominately in front-wheel-drive during dry-pavement cruising conditions and continuously proportions torque to the rear wheels during acceleration and low traction situations.

The Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) system, commonly referred to as electronic stability control, can apply braking force to a wheel with low traction and direct driving force to the wheel with more traction. For the rear differential, a "VTM-4" lock button located on the instrument panel allows the driver to temporarily hold engagement of both rear wheels to aid traction while in gears “1” and “2” at speeds of up to 18 mph.

The Ridgeline integrates an independent suspension with MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link with trailing arm design in the rear. The VSA system with active yaw control monitors lateral (cornering) stability and can integrate traction control, four-wheel drive, anti-lock braking, throttle control and stability control functions by modulating brake power at each wheel and controlling throttle input.

The heavy duty braking system includes 12.6-inch front and 13.1-inch rear 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Steel wheels on the Ridgeline RT measure 17x7.5-inch; the Ridgeline RTS upgrades to alloy.

All-season P245/65 R17 tires are standard on the Ridgeline RT and RTS. The Ridgeline RTL is equipped with 18x7.5-inch alloy wheels and all-season P245/60 R18 tires.

The unit-body architecture is designed for vastly superior rigidity compared to traditional body-on-frame designs and provides the foundation for the Ridgeline's spacious interior cabin and bed, outstanding safety performance and class-leading ride and handling performance. The Ridgeline’s modern and athletic design incorporates a solid, one-piece appearance with no separation between the bed and the cab. Large truck-style side mirrors enhance rear vision while towing. The windshield wipers have a heated wiper zone to enhance wiper performance in cold, winter driving conditions and minimize ice scraping.

The cargo area measures 49.5 inches wide between the wheel wells, 20.7 inches deep and 60.0 inches long (79.0 inches with the load-supporting tailgate in the down position). The tailgate can easily close with contaminates like sand, snow or mud in the space between the bumper and the tailgate.

The interior takes advantage of the Ridgeline's unit-body packaging efficiency to deliver full-size interior space dimensions while maintaining a garage-friendly, mid-size exterior footprint. The driving position provides ergonomically comfortable access to large and easy-to-use controls.

The large multi-function console features a sliding armrest and sliding lower tray – each with a hidden storage area. Other console storage areas accommodate items both large and small like mobile phones, beverages, compact discs and portable digital music players.

The 60/40 lift-up rear seats feature a storage area underneath large enough to accommodate a golf bag. Plus, the rear seating area can quickly convert for cargo duty by lifting the seats up to create enough room for a full-size mountain bike with the front tire removed. The rear seat incorporates three LATCH positions for compatible child safety seats.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™2 with Voice Recognition and Zagat Survey® restaurant information is available on RTL models and includes XM Radio3. A backup camera display appears from the navigation screen when the vehicle is in reverse.

All Ridgelines are equipped with standard anti-lock brakes; VSA; brake assist; advanced multiple-threshold driver's and front passenger's SRS airbags; front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System(OPDS); two-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; front seat active head restraints; a tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.

Standard comfort and convenience features on the Ridgeline RT include: integrated trailer hitch, pre-wiring for 7-pin trailer wiring, trip computer with instantaneous and average fuel economy; air conditioning; tilt steering wheel; power windows and door locks; power sliding rear window; cruise control; keyless entry; automatic heated wiper zone; a six-speaker, 100-watt audio system with CD player and MP3/WMA playback capability; 60/40 split lift-up rear seat with under-seat storage.

The Ridgeline RTS adds or upgrades: alloy wheels; a 7-pin trailer wiring connector; body-color painted door handles; painted inner grille surfaces; a seven-speaker 160-watt audio system with subwoofer and six-disc in-dash audio system; steering wheel-mounted controls; an auxiliary audio input jack; dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support; privacy glass; and all-weather floor mats.

The RTL adds or upgrades: leather-trimmed interior with heated front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels; fog lights, moonroof, a 115-volt power outlet, XM Radio, HomeLink® remote system, carpeted floor mats, and a compass in the rearview mirror. A Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition is available (and replaces the rear-view mirror interior compass). Vehicles equipped with the navigation system also include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, a multi-information display and a back-up camera.

 

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Honda Provides Dog Friendly Elements to The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., presented two Dog Friendly Honda Elements to the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation last month. Designed with pet safety and comfort as top priorities, both Elements will be used to transport rescued dogs throughout the Western U.S.

“Honda’s Dog Friendly Element is the perfect vehicle to support The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation’s mission,” said Steve Center, vice president of marketing operations for American Honda. “Honda is thrilled to be able to support their effort to transport rescue dogs and help find them new homes."

“It’s so great Honda has figured out how to make the car rides for dogs – one of their favorite pastimes – even better,” said Katherine Heigl, co-founder of the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation. "These pet-friendly vehicles will be a big help for our work with homeless shelter animals who need rescue and medical treatment."

The Dog Friendly Element’s equipment enhances comfort by providing a soft floor surface for the dog's legs and paws along with a dedicated fan and a spill resistant water bowl. Convenience is improved for owners with an integrated ramp that is stored underneath the bed platform and can be easily accessed when the rear tailgate is down. The car kennel was designed and is being constructed by Takata Corporation, one of the world's leading automotive safety systems suppliers. The Dog Friendly equipment group has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $995.

About The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation
The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation was founded by Nancy and Katherine Heigl in memory of a wonderful son and brother. Jason loved all animals, especially dogs, cats and monkeys and lived his short life extending compassion and kindness to all creatures great and small.

The Foundation is his legacy. The focus of the Foundation is to increase awareness of inhumane treatment of animals, support non-pro�t rescue efforts, assist homeless shelter animals with rescue and medical treatment, fund and encourage free spay/neuter clinics, place rescue dogs and cats in loving homes, and educate the public about the horrors of puppy mills and dog �ghting.

For more information, please visit http://www.jasonheiglfoundation.org.

For more information and downloadable high-resolution images of other Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information on the Dog Friendly Element is available at www.dogfriendly.honda.com