Oh New York, Honda’s Here to Make a Statement

Two big debuts from Honda at the New York Auto Show last week – here’s the scoop.

Civic Options

If you did not review Gearlog’s review two weeks ago about the new 2012 Civic, they called it the best compact again – read more. And them come in for a test drive at Honda Mall of Georgia - it's here!

Honda made the big debut at the New York International Auto Show in multiple versions: gas-engine sedan or coupe, high-efficiency gas-engine sedan, sporty sedan or coupe, hybrid, and natural gas vehicle the only production natural gas vehicle available to the consumer. The i-MID 5" LCD display in front of the driver at the base of the windshield is almost as good as a $1,200 head-up display. There's a USB jack standard.

Why the Honda Civic matters: The new version of the benchmark compact car adds two important technology features (i-MID, USB). The redesigned Civic lineup gets better gas mileage than the outgoing model, which is a plus for any first-time driver. When equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission, the Civic gets 28/39 mpg city/highway and the five-speed manual gets 28/36 mpg

See the live debut footage at the show and then come in and see it for yourself!

Doggy Dog Features
Also, Honda debuted dog-friendly Honda Element Concept, featuring a package of canine travel enhancements. The Dog Friendly Concept is a preview of a dealer-installed option package aimed at dedicated dog owners. As displayed at the Javits Center, this includes a cushioned mesh “dog containment system” for the cargo area; a collapsible entry ramp that stores underneath; a dedicated Fido cooling fan; a spill-proof water bowl; a secondary “containment system” for the back seat (to accommodate smaller breeds); special pet restraints; a rubber mat in a dog-bone pattern; and a special collar, leash and dog tag. The dog-friendly features will be available as a dealer-installed option on the Element EX (2009 or later models) this fall.

Honda Mall of Georgia is looking forward to bring these innovative vehicles and features to you.

Could Not Come at a Better Time –2012 Honda Civic

Today’s gas prices are making us all choke at the pump? And guess what, Honda offers two 2012 Civic models offer 40+ mpg that emphasize style, performance and fuel economy.

All-New 2012 Honda Civic features the widest array of engine choices available in its class, the 2012 Civic is designed to even better meet the diverse needs of the compact-vehicle buyer when it launches this spring. The entire redesigned ninth-generation Civic lineup will become more fuel efficient with two models – the all-new Civic HF and the Civic Hybrid – each delivering fuel economy estimates of more than 40 mpg on the highway.

Built on the tradition of Honda fuel efficiency, the economical Civic HF model will be the most fuel-efficient gasoline-only powered Civic in the lineup when it launches this spring. Equipped with a 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine, the Civic HF is targeted to earn EPA-estimated fuel economy1 of 41 mpg on the highway. The 2012 Civic Hybrid, which will be outfitted for the first time with a lithium-ion battery and a larger 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine, is expected to achieve an EPA-estimated city/highway combined fuel economy1 of 45 mpg, an improvement of 4 mpg compared to the current Civic Hybrid. Both the Civic HF and Civic Hybrid models will be equipped with aerodynamic components for improved efficiency and Honda ECO Assist™ technology, an innovation that can enhance efficient vehicle operation while providing feedback to promote more efficient individual driving styles.

"The Civic is the only model in the industry that can deliver on all fronts – fuel economy, sporty performance, smart packaging, alternative fuel and long-term value," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda Motor Co.,Inc. "For the ninth-generation Civic, we are emphasizing improved fuel economy across the board, from the hybrid sedan to the sporty Si model."

In addition to the Civic HF and Civic Hybrid models, the Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe and Civic GX Natural Gas models are also estimated to achieve improved fuel economy compared to the current models. The Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy2 of 39 mpg on the highway, an improvement of 3 mpg when compared to the current model. The Civic Natural Gas vehicle is anticipated to earn a 7 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to the current model. The Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe and Civic Natural Gas models will all be equipped with the Honda ECO Assist technology.

Along with improved fuel economy, the new Civic lineup also delivers more performance, particularly with the Civic Si. The Civic Si sedan and coupe models will be equipped with a larger, more powerful 2.4-liter engine as well as a new 6-speed manual transmission. The new engine is anticipated to deliver 200 horsepower with 170 ft-lb of torque. Even with the larger engine and a 22 percent increase in torque, Civic Si is targeted to achieve an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy1 of 31 mpg; an increase of 2 mpg when compared to the current model.

The 2012 Civic lineup includes a sedan and a coupe with conventional gasoline models, a new "HF" high fuel economy version, two sporty "Si" performance versions, along with one hybrid and a natural gas alternative-fuel variant.

Additional information on the new 2012 Civic will be announced closer to the on-sale date. For more information on the current 2011 Civic and other Honda models, please visit stop by Honda Mall of Georgia. We’ll keep you informed and remember 2011 models offer great fuel efficiency and performance.

Civic HF, Sedan, Coupe and Natural Gas Specifications

• 140 horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine
• 5-speed automatic transmission
• ECO Assist technology
• EPA-estimated Civic HF highway fuel economy: 41 mpg
• EPA-estimated Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe highway fuel economy: 39 mpg

Civic Hybrid Specifications

• 110 horsepower, 1.5-liter i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine (combined gasoline + electric)
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
• Lithium-ion battery
• ECO Assist technology
• EPA-estimated Civic Hybrid city/highway combined fuel economy: 45 mpg

Civic Si Specifications

• 200 horsepower and 170 lb-ft, 2.4-liter i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine
• 6-speed manual transmission
• EPA-estimated Civic Si highway fuel economy: 31 mpg

April News - Honda Mall of Georgia

April is a sign of blooming flowers, spring cleaning, fresh air, Easter and more. Hope you are enjoying a beautiful month! Here’s the latest news with Honda Mall of Georgia and Honda:

• The Really Big Thing Sales Event Ends Soon
• Red Cross Honda Web Site Dedicated for Japan and How the Earthquake is Affecting Production
• The Fastest Seat in Sports Sweepstakes

The Really Big Thing Sales Event Ends Soon
Three more weeks and the deals are gone: $0 down payment, security deposit, first month payment and due at signing. Have you ever walked off a lot without paying a dime with a new Honda? Now here’s your chance, if you have not taken advantage yet.

Your Buford-Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Marietta Honda Connection

Honda Red Cross Donation Site Open for Customers, Suppliers and Others
Friends of Honda may donate to Japan recovery effort through special link: American Honda Motor Co., Inc., has established a special website to channel donations to the American Red Cross from customers, suppliers and others interested in supporting the Japan disaster recovery effort through the Red Cross. Originally established to accept donations from Honda and Acura automobile dealers, and Honda motorcycle and power equipment dealers, Honda has opened the site to the public for donations.

"We are making this special website available for contributions based on the outpouring of support and messages of sympathy and concern we have received from so many friends of Honda," said Stephan Morikawa, Assistant Vice President of Corporate Community Relations at American Honda. "We are humbled and deeply appreciative of the concern shown for our Japanese associates, their families, and all those affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami."

In March, Honda announced that it will provide $3.7 million toward the relief and recovery effort, along with 1,000 generators. The Honda family of companies in North America has announced that it will match its associates' personal donations to the Red Cross relief and recovery effort on a dollar-for-dollar-basis.

In regards to production, Honda is made some recent announcements. None of the Honda auto plants in Japan sustained significant damage, but a number of our suppliers were impacted, which has slowed the supply of some key parts and componentsmost auto production resumed on April 11.

In North America, more than 80% of Honda and Acura products sold in the U.S. are produced in North America. And, the vast majority of the parts and materials Honda uses to build products in America come from 600 suppliers based in North America. However, for global efficiency, a few critical parts continue to be supplied from Japan. Thus, the unstable parts supply situation in Japan is impacting Honda’s ability to operate our automobile plants here in North America at full strength. Honda has announced that temporary levels of reduced production will continue through the week of April 18-22 – and Honda anticipates that additional production adjustments will be required after that date. Honda is working closely with Honda Mall of Georgia to make every effort to meet the needs of our customers both for new and certified used Honda products, as well as the service parts to keep you on the road.

The Fastest Seat in Sports Sweepstakes
It's back. And this time you have six chances to win a ride in an IndyCar® 2-seater driven by an Indy® 500 champion.

Enter for your chance to win an incredible trip to one of these six races: Honda Indy® Grand Prix of Alabama presented by Legacy Credit Union, Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, Firestone Twin 275s Fort Worth, TX, Honda Indy® 200 Lexington, OH, Indy® Grand Prix of Sonoma, and Baltimore Grand Prix.

Each trip includes:

• A ride in the IZOD IndyCar® 2-seater driven
• by an Indy® 500 champion
• 2 credentials to the race
• 3-day/2-night hotel accommodations
• Roundtrip airfare for 2
• $1,000 worth of IZOD gear

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Honda Mall of Georgia is proud to serve the vehicle needs of Honda customers from throughout the Atlanta market. Conveniently located near the Mall of Georgia, our dealership features an excellent inventory of new Honda and used Honda vehicles. With our dealership located in Buford, GA and just a minute or two from I-85, our customers come from throughout Gwinnett County, Forsythe County and Fulton County. We are focused on serving the vehicle needs of their Honda - whether it be preventative maintenance service, exciting new Honda accessories or genuine Honda parts for the do-it-yourself customer. We look forward to you visiting Honda Mall of Georgia!