J.D. Power study: Honda has most useful automotive manufacturer website

Honda came out on top in J.D. Power and Associate’s recent study on the usefulness of automotive manufacturer websites.

The semiannual study measured 34 manufacturer websites for speed, appearance, navigation, information and content based on evaluations from more than 10,200 new-vehicle shoppers. When the study was fielded in November, participants said they would be in the market for a new vehicle within the next two years.

Honda scored highest with 836 points out of a possible 1,000. The study found that the site performed particularly well in the information, content and speed measures.

Overall, the study found that users who accessed a website through a model page were significantly more satisfied than those who entered through a home page. The highest-ranked websites performed consistently regardless of the entry point.

“Certain brands that perform consistently well among users who enter at the home page and through model pages—such as MINI and Porsche—have navigation schemes that remain the same throughout the website,” said Arianne Walker, director of marketing and media research at J.D. Power and Associates. “This makes it possible for website users to access relevant information from anywhere on the site. This certainly reinforces the fact that automotive brand websites need to be intuitive and should reduce the number of clicks it takes for the user to get to their desired destination.”

Honda Mall of Georgia is a proud dealer and partner of Honda delivering online access to what you need to know about every Honda vehicle at our web site and Honda’s web site.

2012 Honda Civic Turning Heads at NA Auto Show Last Week

The Honda Civic Si Concept coupe and Civic Concept sedan made world debuts at the North American International Auto Show last week, providing the first official glimpse at the styling direction of the all-new, ninth-generation 2012 model set to go on sale this spring, the company announced.

Inspired for the latest generation 2011 Civic. Honda Mall of Georgia could not be more excited to see the innovation continue and bring more value and performance. 

"The Civic is known for providing a balance of 'just-right' packaging, fun-to-drive character and outstanding fuel economy, at a price that even first-time buyers can afford," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "The redesigned Civic builds on this legacy and promises to be the best Civic yet."
The 2012 Civic embraces the company's vision as a "Civic for all people," a phrase originally expressed in defining the goal of the first-generation Civic. With the widest array of engine choices available in its class, the 2012 Civic lineup intends to meet the needs of an increasing group of compact-vehicle buyers with a renewed vision of a "Civic for all people." The diverse vehicle range includes a sedan and a coupe with conventional gasoline models, two sporty "Si" performance versions, along with one hybrid and a natural gas alternative-fuel variant.

Collectively the depth of the Civic line offers a compelling balance between fuel economy, low emissions and fun-to-drive performance unlike any other vehicle in the industry.

As a new interpretation of the current Civic's iconic "one-motion" mono-form shape, the upcoming, ninth-generation Civic conveys a more substantial, high-energy appearance. The exterior styling of both Civic concept models showcases the sedan's and coupe's clean-yet-powerful lines with steeply raked windshields, wide stances and pronounced character lines along the profile. The lower character line on both models broadens toward the rear fenders to enhance the dynamic feeling of forward energy. The front fender surface treatments form a complex, three-dimensional look to further enhance the image of sophistication and structural depth against the deeply set headlights.

The Civic Concept sedan takes on a sophisticated presence with a front grille defined by crisp lines and a solid bar that integrates a chrome Honda emblem. The look of the Civic Si Concept coupe conveys an aggressive demeanor with a more angular front fascia, mesh grille and a tapered rear roofline that flows smoothly into the trunk. The Civic Si Concept coupe is exclusively equipped with a rear air diffuser, a center-mounted exhaust outlet and a rear deck lid spoiler with dual vents. Each concept model has 19-inch machined alloy wheels.

Powertrain Technology
The Civic's family of engines with "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC®) technology become even more fuel efficient for 2012. The upcoming Civic Hybrid offers the latest generation of the compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist™ (IMA™) gasoline-electric hybrid system and features the first application of a lithium-ion battery in a Honda hybrid.

Building on its emphasis on fuel-economy, most upcoming Civic models receive Honda Eco Assist™ technology, already available in the CR-Z and Insight hybrids. The 2012 Civic is the first U.S. Honda model to employ Eco Assist technology in a gasoline-only powered vehicle. Eco Assist is just one example of how the new Civic can be customized and configured by the drivers to suit individual preferences.
Additionally, Honda is expanding retail sales of the natural gas-powered Civic GX model, which is the only OEM-built, dedicated CNG passenger car assembled in America. The increased availability of the Civic GX helps bring inherently clean-burning natural gas technology to an even broader audience while also supporting diversity in transportation energy resources.

Safety
The 2012 Civic continues to emphasize safety and is anticipated to score well in both the federal government's New Car Assessment Program1 (NCAP) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety2 (IIHS) vehicle evaluations. The 2001 Honda Civic Coupe was one of the first two passenger cars ever to earn the federal government's top 5-star crash safety rating3 for the driver and front- and rear-seat passengers in both frontal and side-impact crash tests.

All 2012 Civics are equipped with Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) as standard equipment. Additionally, the ninth-generation Civic continues to provide Honda's exclusive and innovative Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure for frontal collision energy management.

Accolades and Manufacturing
As a top-selling model for Honda, the current, eighth-generation Civic has sold more than 1.5 million units since the 2006 model went on sale in late 2005. The 2006 Civic earned both the prestigious Motor Trend "Car of the Year" and the North American Car of the Year awards.

The current-generation Civic continues to be a significant entry-point to the Honda brand for younger buyers, introducing on average more than 90,000 new-car customers under the age of 35 to the brand every year. More than 95 percent of all Civics sold in the U.S. as of calendar-year 2010 were made in North America at manufacturing facilities in either Greensburg, Indiana or Alliston, Ontario in Canada.

Honda Mall of Georgia can show you how the 2011 Civic delivers on performance, efficiency, ease and comfort. Stop by today and learn more about the current-generation Civic. And we can fill you on the rest of the scoop on the 2012 Civic coming to our lot this spring!

2011 Honda Accord Sedan - 5 Star Safety Rating

The 2011 Honda Accord Sedan has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) best-possible Overall Vehicle Score1 of five stars.

Helping the Accord achieve the top score were five-star ratings for overall frontal crash safety, overall side crash safety and rollover resistance. The Accord is one of only six vehicles to achieve a five-star Overall Vehicle Score to date, and is the first to achieve five stars in each of the three ratings categories: 5-star frontal crash rating, 5-star side crash rating (combined results of side barrier and side pole) and 5-star rollover rating.

The newly introduced Overall Vehicle Score is part of the federal government's more stringent New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) that is first being applied to 2011 models. As a convenience to new car shoppers, the Overall Vehicle Score represents the combined results of the overall ratings from the frontal crash tests, the side crash tests2 and the rollover-resistance3 into a single, summary score between one and five stars.

Revised for 2011, the frontal crash safety test incorporates a crash dummy representative of a small-size female in the front passenger's seat and, as before, an average-size male crash dummy in the driver's seat. The side-crash safety evaluations continue to include the side-barrier test used previously where a moving barrier strikes a stationary vehicle at an angle. However, a new side-pole test has been added where a moving vehicle strikes a stationary pole barrier. Ratings are provided for both of the individual seating positions in the side-barrier crash safety test, as well as a combined rating for both positions, while the side-pole rating is based on a test of the frontal seating position only. The front seating position side barrier crash safety test result also is combined with the side-pole crash safety test result for a front seat side impact rating, with the results of all of the tests combined into an overall side-crash safety rating.

The side-barrier crash test now implements a combination of male and female crash test dummies, with the male positioned in a front seating position (as before) and the small female (new) in a rear seating position. The newly introduced side-pole crash test exclusively uses the small female crash dummy in a front seating position.

Complete NCAP safety rating results for the 2011 Accord Sedan are:


All 2011 Accord vehicles utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. ACE is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment. Standard safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); side curtain airbags; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; a driver's front side airbag; and a front passenger's side airbag with an occupant position detection system.

The entire Honda Accord lineup has received updates and improvements for 2011, highlighted by increased fuel economy, enhanced exterior and interior styling, and the addition of a new Special Edition (SE) trim level. With a variety of models available in 4-cylinder and V-6 variations, each Accord model provides a unique balance of style, performance, efficiency and value.

Stop by and test drive one of the safest cars available - 2011 Honda Accord. Safe, efficient and affordable. Honda Mall of Georgia is proud to be part of a brand that puts you, our customer first. Stop by!

Honda Odyssey Selected as 2011 "All-Star"

AUTOMOBILE Magazine has named the 2011 Honda Odyssey as one of the winners of its prestigious 2011 AUTOMOBILE Magazine "All-Star" awards.The Odyssey has won the All-Star award a total of eight times in its history, winning votes from the magazine’s editorial staff for the vehicle’s versatile and comfortable interior, refined handling dynamics, family friendly features and fuel economy.

The all-new Odyssey represents the latest and best thinking that Honda has to offer in a minivan" said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The recognition from AUTOMOBILE Magazine as an All Star is an honor made possible by the hard work and passion that Honda associates have put into the design and construction of the vehicle"

The completely redesigned Odyssey improves for 2011 with greater interior functionality, a more distinctive style and higher fuel economy. Significant enhancements to the interior include a new "3-mode" second-row seat design that is more comfortable for center passengers (Odyssey EX and above). A more powerful and efficient 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine features Variable Cylinder Management (standard on all models for 2011) and produces 248 hp while delivering an EPA-estimated1 city/highway/combined fuel economy of up to 19/28/22 mpg on Odyssey Touring models.

New technology available on certain models includes a rear entertainment system with a 16.2-inch ultrawide split-screen display and an auxiliary High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) video input, an "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID) with customizable wallpaper, integration of FM traffic data on navigation models and much more.

The 2011 Odyssey is truly an American-made vehicle, designed, engineered and assembled in the United States. The Odyssey is produced exclusively at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) using domestic and globally sourced parts. The Odyssey previously won the AUTOMOBILE Magazine All-Star Award in 1995, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

The 2011 Odyssey is truly an American-made vehicle, designed, engineered and assembled in the United States. The Odyssey is produced exclusively at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) using domestic and globally sourced parts. The Odyssey previously won the AUTOMOBILE Magazine All-Star Award in 1995, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

Stop by Honda Mall of Georgia and test drive an Odyssey and see for yourself!

Last-Minute Holiday Shopping Tips

Okay, so what is still on your list? Or have you not even started yet? Christmas is 3 days away, so you deadline-pushers (that would include me), stop despairing. These quick tips can help you survive another holiday season and elate your friends and family as well.

1. Do your online shopping TODAY. If it’s important to you that people on your gift list have actual items in their hands by Dec. 25, then today’s the day to start clicking for two-day shipping, if available. Many online retailers promise to deliver presents by Christmas Day if you place your order by Dec. 21-22 using two-day shipping, there are still some lenient retailers will continue to guarantee on-time delivery if you use overnight shipping by noon Pacific time on Dec. 22. You can quickly check the shipping sections of stores’ Web sites to find out which deadlines you’ll have to hit.

2. Buy tangible, plastic gift cards. Stop by Honda Mall of Georgia and pick up a gift certificate for a nice accessory, oil change, tire rotation, car detail, etc. Most local businesses offer them, so you have plenty of opportunities to look thoughtful by tailoring your gift-card purchases to certain individuals. Just be sure to read the fine print before you buy. Some cards might have expiration dates and fees, particularly those bearing the logos of major credit card companies. Our gift cards do not have any hidden fees. If you’re not comfortable just handing over a card, wrap it inside a mug or put it in the arms of a small stuffed animal.

3. Send electronic gift certificates or gift cards. Another option is an online gift certificate that gets sent out via e-mail. Many retailers offer them, and their convenience to you is unparalleled – so long as you feel reasonably comfortable that your recipient won’t mistake your electronic gift for spam. Some retailers allow the certificates to be used only on their Web sites, not in their stores, so make sure the person on the receiving end is comfortable shopping online. You’ll often have until around noon on Dec. 24 to order the e-gift cards and guarantee their timely arrival.

4. Shop on Dec. 24. Most non-procrastinating types relax on Christmas Eve day – meaning traffic at the malls should be thinner then. Of course, this approach only will work for presents you can give in person locally, not for gifts that need to be mailed.

5. Think food and drinks. Consider “splurges” that your loved ones might not get for themselves – and that also won’t require you to step foot into a crowded mall. Some ideas: nice bottles of booze and liqueur; a case of wine; caviar; prosciutto; gourmet cheeses; fine chocolate; premium olive oils; hard-to-find hot sauces.

6. Give the gift of yourself. For a gift that’s both personal and easy to execute on a deadline, create “coupons” for services you can provide in the weeks to come. You can give coupons for an amazing multi-course meal, babysitting services, pet-care services, massages, Web site building, car repairs, painting and other handyman services around the home. Just be careful not to over-promise; you’re sure to be remembered for giving a “gift” and failing to deliver on it. Or maybe a coupon for someone to go pick out their very own Honda (You know Happy Honda Days is going on?!)

7. Opt for practical ideas. You can get large quantities of items your recipients are sure to use, such as art supplies for art lovers, prepaid calling cards for friends who travel a lot, or specialized emergency kits. For someone with chronic car problems, give them a gift certificate for a Honda emergency kit, a flashlight, gas can, jumper cables, flares and a membership to AAA.

8. Donate to charity in someone else’s name. Through the nonprofit Charity Checks, you can order a check in any dollar amount, then let your recipient select a charity from among 800,000 in the United States. Go to http://www.charitychecks.us/ or call toll-free 1-800-854-5601. (Once again, if you want your gift to show up by Christmas Day, it’s best to place your order by Dec. 21. You might be able to get away with waiting until Dec. 22 to order, so long as you’re willing to pony up for overnight delivery.)

Don’t despair, just get creative and there are lots of ways to bring holiday cheer! Honda Mall of Georgia is here to help! Stop by and we can help you put together a gift that will knock your Honda fan’s sock off!

Safety on the Long Road - Holiday Driving

AAA reports an estimated 33.8 million people travel during the last two weeks of December with more than 75 percent of those people driving. Estimates project an even higher number of travelers this year, causing our nation's highways to be more congested than ever, in potentially bad weather. Follow these tips, get prepared, and stay safe during those long hours behind the wheel this holiday season.

Prepare your vehicle. Make sure it is maintained and in good shape. Check your tire pressure, oil, and coolant. Honda Mall of Georgia is here to get your Honda humming for the long haul and often brutal winter haul. Call us and set up an appointment. We’ll be happy to get you rolling.

Be prepared for winter driving. In some areas of the country, you are dealing with snow, ice and unplanned conditions that you might experience at home. Carry a snow scraper and brush, a flashlight, blankets, booster cables, and a shovel, and make sure you have flares or emergency triangles.

Check on road conditions and weather in advance. First check TCC for our own real-time traffic reports. You may also want to try the Federal Highway Administration's site for traffic information and links to other traffic sites. Check the weather forecast before you go for the weather along major interstate highways.

Bring a cell phone(s) for emergencies, but don't ever use hand-held cell phones while driving, and even if you have a hands-free cell phone, use it only when absolutely necessary. Leave the calling to passengers, or better yet, when you've pulled over somewhere off the highway. And make sure you have a phone charger to keep your phone ready.

Wear a seatbelt. Make sure that every occupant of your vehicle is properly wearing seatbelts, even if you are in a van or RV.

Take regular breaks. Stop at least once every two hours-more frequently if it's snowing, as falling snow can have a hypnotic effect.

Don't speed. Speeding to try to cut trip time is especially risky when highways are packed with holiday traffic. Police will be out in full force to enforce posted limits.

Don't drink and drive! Watch out for other drunks on the road, and report any suspects to the police before they cause an accident. According to NHTSA data, more people are killed in accidents on holidays than any other time, and nearly half of the accidents involve drunk drivers.

Don't binge. Drinking or eating too much over the weekend will leave you tired for the drive back. Safely stow food in the trunk, rather than in the car where it's a distraction. Keep in mind that turkey contains a natural sedative, called L-tryptophan.

Cut distractions. Supply the kids with distractions so they don't distract you. Traditional games like travel bingo tend to be a lot less annoying on a long trip than the sounds of a Buzz Lightyear doll and a Game Boy.

Finally, read TCC's tips on Night Driving for more information. And get a sense of humor-if you're driving more than six hours, you're going to need it!

Happy holiday traveling!

Your friends at Honda Mall of Georgia

Read What Our Customers Had to Say…

At Honda Mall of Georgia, we believe the customer is #1. Here’s what one of our customers had to say about their experience with us.

While I realize that you probably send one to all new car purchasers, this is my third car to purchase from this dealership. The 2001 and 2004 Honda CRV's were purchased from Lanier Honda and have received all of their "checkups" and service at your dealership. I have been very pleased with the service I have received (although $3,000 for a new air conditioner for the 2001--ouch) and was happy to successfully negotiate the purchase of the Odyssey. I LOVE it and plan to drive it for many years to come and enjoy every mile!

I wanted to let you know how much I was impressed with the salesman, sales manager and finance manager who did the final paperwork. They were all very personable and professional. While they wanted to sell me a car I did not feel pressured or made to feel like I needed to take my brother with me to make sure I wasn't talked down to as I was at another car dealership when trying to buy one car. Needless to say I didn't purchase a car there!

I will not hesitate to recommend both Jim as the salesperson and Honda Mall of Georgia as the dealership to anyone I know who is looking for a new Honda. And, believe me, I don't make recommendations lightly or give praise where it isn't due.

Thanks again and please convey my thanks to your staff for their help in purchasing my new Odyssey.

Vickie R. Ezell

Come by and see us. We can help you make a qualified decision on your next new Honda. We want to help!

Happy Holidays! From your friends at Honda Mall of Georgia