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

Enter now

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!

Honda Sets Up Support with the Red Cross

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 who may wish to donate at: http://american.redcross.org/hondaacura-emp

"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."

Two weeks ago Honda Motor Co., Ltd., in Japan 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.

Honda has been in close communication with the Red Cross regarding its need for material and equipment. The company has supported the Red Cross in previous disaster relief efforts through cash, product, and in-kind donations.

The American Red Cross name and emblem are used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion or political position. For more information about the Red Cross, please visit www.redcross.org.

We are so proud to be part of a brand that supports our neighbors around the world. Join us in the support at Honda Mall of Georgia.

All-New Odyssey Receives NHTSA 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) toughened up its crash-safety tests for 2011, and the Odyssey passed with flying colors. In fact, the Odyssey earned 5-stars in each seating position of all three crash-safety tests, as well as earning a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score[1].

The Odyssey comes equipped with sophisticated technology that can help you avoid accidents and help protect occupants with an amazing array of safety features.


5-Star Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) toughened up its crash-safety tests for 2011, and the Odyssey passed with flying colors. In fact, the Odyssey earned 5-stars in each seating position of all three crash-safety tests, as well as earning a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score[1].

Active Safety Features
Standard active safety features include the anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), which helps the driver retain steering control when braking hard, and Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)[2] with traction control, which helps to detect and correct oversteer and understeer.

Active front head restraints help reduce the likelihood of whiplash injuries in the event of a rear impact. The head restraints are designed to tilt forward in a fraction of a second to decrease the space between the back of the occupant's head and the head restraint.

To help you avoid accidents in the first place, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)[3] uses a warning icon that will illuminate within the gauge cluster, notifying the driver that significantly low pressure has been detected in one or more of the tires. Also for 2011, the

Odyssey features up to five Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) seating positions, making the Odyssey an excellent baby mover.

Peace of Mind
If the unthinkable happens, the Odyssey helps protect its passengers with the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, which is designed to absorb impacts of vehicles of various sizes in the event of front-end collisions. Front 3-point seat belts with automatic tensioning system, and front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) all help to protect you and your passengers in sufficient impacts.

Honda's Safety Philosophy
Honda is committed to providing safety for everyone—that means crash protection not only for our own drivers and passengers, but also for the occupants of other vehicles, and injury mitigation for pedestrians. We are dedicated to identifying and implementing advanced designs and features that help enhance the safety of vehicles on the road.

Honda Mall of Georgia is a family-oriented business. We cater to busy families that are looking for safety, savings and performance in a vehicle. The 2011 Odyssey is a great example of offering all of those needs in addition to hi-tech features like hands-free voice controls and user-friendly engineering like multi-view rear window.

Stop by to test drive an Odyssey and the other family-friendly vehicles. We’ll help you get everything you need out of a car for your busy family – performance, safety, and saving s in one.

[1] Based on frontal crash- and side crash-safety ratings and Overall Vehicle Score in the NHTSA NCAP testing. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). Model tested with standard side airbags (SABs). Vehicles tested under the new program cannot be compared to MY10 and earlier vehicles.

Gas Prices Go Up Again: What to Do?

With the recent turmoil in the Middle East, we are hit again with aggressive fuel charges. The reality is fuel prices will continue to go up and down, and they will continue to rise. What do you do?

Fuel efficiency needs to come from all ends – manufacturers, dealers and drivers. Honda has been committed to fuel efficiency much longer than most manufacturers. Honda has been named the “Greenest Car Maker” in the U.S. for the past five years.

Everyone is not ready to go to a hybrid, so as a driver what can you do to support your wallet and the planet at the same time?

Here are some tips to help you reduce the amount of gas you use and getting the best gas mileage your car can deliver.

• Drive more efficiently
• Keep your car in shape
• Plan and combine trips
• Choose a more efficient vehicle

DRIVE MORE EFFICIENTLY
Drive Sensibly
Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.

Observe the Speed Limit
While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas. Observing the speed limit is also safer.

Remove Excess Weight
Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.

Avoid Excessive Idling
Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than do cars with smaller engines.

Use Cruise Control
Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.

Use Overdrive Gears
When you use overdrive gearing, your car's engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces engine wear.

KEEP YOUR CAR IN SHAPE
Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned
Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done.

Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.

Keep Tires Properly Inflated
You can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.

The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb or the glove box and in your owner's manual. Do not use the maximum pressure printed on the tire's sidewall.

Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil
You can improve your gas mileage by 1–2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1–2 percent. Using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower your gas mileage by 1–1.5 percent. Also, look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.

Combining errands into one trip saves you time and money. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Trip planning ensures that traveling is done when the engine is warmed-up and efficient, and it can reduce the distance you travel.

PLAN AND COMBINE TRIPS
Commuting

• Stagger your work hours to avoid peak rush hours.
• Drive your most fuel-efficient vehicle.
• Consider telecommuting (working from home) if your employer permits it.plan-car-trips

Take advantage of carpools and ride-share programs. You can cut your weekly fuel costs in half and save wear on your car if you take turns driving with other commuters. Many urban areas allow vehicles with multiple passengers to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes which are typically less congested, further improving your fuel economy.

Consider using public transit if it is available and convenient for you. The American Public Transit Transportation Association has links to information about public transportation in your state.

Traveling
A roof rack or carrier provides additional cargo space and may allow you to meet your needs with a smaller car. However, a loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 5 percent. Reduce aerodynamic drag and improve your fuel economy by placing items inside the trunk whenever possible.

Avoid carrying unneeded items, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 lbs in the trunk reduces a typical car's fuel economy by 1-2 percent.

CHOOSE A MORE EFFICIENT VEHICLE
Below is a list of all the new Honda vehicles that, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, cross the magical 30 miles per gallon mark in highway driving.2011-Honda-corolla-image

• Honda Civic Hybrid
• Honda Civic GX
• Honda CR-Z
• Honda Accord
• Honda Element
• Honda Fit
• Honda Insight

Honda focuses on fuel efficiency on all its models. Stop by today and we can show you the model that fits your needs for power, performance and fuel efficiency. In addition, we can always help you get the performance and efficiency out of your current Honda. We are your resource for expertise, advice and insight into getting the most out of your Honda.

Your fuel-efficient focused friends at Honda Mall of Georgia

The Really Big Thing!!!!

Honda Mall of Georgia is offering one of the biggest Honda events of the year, The Really Big Thing Sales Event.

We are carrying offers on 16 models during this event that include $0 due at signing, $0 security deposit, $0 for the first month’s payment and $0 down payment with payments as low as $179/month on a New Honda Civic LX 4-Door Automatic. Historically, Honda has not offered such aggressive lease and sales specials. “The Really Big Thing” Sales Event is a game changer.

With gas prices rising everywhere in America, this year’s The Really Big Thing Sales Event should prove to be even bigger than usual, with many customers looking to trade in their gas guzzler for a fuel efficient Honda model. Honda Mall of Georgia has overstocked our enormous Honda inventory to meet the increased demand throughout the area.

During The Really Big Thing Sales Event, qualified Honda Mall of Georgia Honda customers may be able to get:

• $0 due at signing
• $0 down payment
• $0 first month’s payment
• $0 security deposit
• Financing as low as 0.9% APR
• Financing for up to 60 months
• Payments starting as low as $179 per month

These options are available on many popular Honda models, including the Accord, Civic, Fit, Insight, Odyssey, Pilot, and Ridgeline. For example, pay $0 at lease signing and $0 first month’s payment on a fuel-efficient Civic Hybrid or Insight – a great deal, especially with gas prices shooting up across the country. SUV lovers also pay nothing at signing on a new Pilot or CR-V. Sporty Civic Si sedans and coupes are going for only 0.9% APR\ for 20-60 months. Or you can choose a brawny Ridgeline and get 1.9% APR for 24-36 months.

Don’t let this sales event pass you! The Really Big Thing Sales Event at Honda Mall of Georgia