Honda Pilot Receives "Family Car of the Year" Award From Cars.com

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 17, 2012 – American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced that the 2012 Honda Pilot has received the Cars.com"Family Car of the Year," award. The Pilot SUV received a wide range of upgrades for 2012, including a sleeker front-end design, enhanced interior features and improved fuel economy. The 2012 Pilot had already earned the top spot in the"USA Today, MotorWeek and Cars.com $37k and Under SUV Shootout,"with the editor-in-chief touting the Pilot as"the perfect SUV for buyers who want to comfortably haul the entire family and all of their gear."

"We're delighted to see the eight-passenger Pilot's versatility and family-friendly attributes recognized with this prestigious award,"said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning, American Honda Motor Co. "The newly refined and more fuel-efficient Pilot provides real value and surprising sophistication for anyone shopping in the segment."

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Cars.com Family Car of the Year award, which was presented last year to the Honda Odyssey. Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is an online destination for car shoppers that offers information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car. For more information on the Best of the Year Awards, visit http://www.cars.com/awards/.

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Honda EB6500 Industrial Portable Generator Earns Most Innovative Product Award

Rental Equipment Register (RER) magazine has named the Honda EB6500 industrial portable generator as a recipient of the prestigious 2011 Innovative Product Award. The EB6500 earned first place in the magazine's generators and welders category, selected by a panel of industry experts as displaying innovation in rental industry products.

The RER Innovative Product Award was established in 2003 to honor excellence in new product development in the equipment rental industry. The 2011 awards showcased the most innovative products introduced to the marketplace between August 1, 2010 and July 31, 2011.

Honda industrial generators have earned a leading reputation in the construction and rental industries for their rugged reliability and outstanding performance. In 2011, the company launched a newly expanded line of industrial generators that reinforces core focus areas of the Honda Power Equipment team: continuous improvement of technology and the integration of innovation into product offerings for customers in both residential and commercial sectors.

The EB6500 is well positioned to offer premium features and benefits at an outstanding value. Not only does the EB6500 incorporate Honda's intelligent and recently redesigned iGX engine, but power output has been increased as well. All Honda EB generators models incorporate the iAVR Power advantage - a Honda Generator exclusive system that realizes a 50 percent reduction in voltage fluctuation over current AVR systems. For up to ten seconds, the Honda iAVR allows for increased wattage above the maximum rating to start high-amp load applications. Specifically, the EB6500 will provide an output of up to 7,000 watts for up to 10 seconds.

A combination of factors creates the additional iAVR power in the EB generator line. They include the iGX Honda engine with Digital Capacitive Discharge Ignition (DCDI); Self-Tuning Regulator (STR) governor; and Current Transformer (CT) sensor coupled with the new Digital Auto Voltage Regulator (DAVR) alternator.

"Taking into account the advanced, innovative technological features integrated into the design of the Honda EB6500 generator, the model appeals to a wide range of consumers and industrial applications while meeting increasingly stringent environmental regulations," said Scott Conner, vice president, Honda Power Equipment. "The EB6500 specifically meets the rigorous needs of our rental customers while providing greater value, and Honda is both honored and pleased by this RER Magazine recognition."

Honda is the world's largest engine manufacturer, having sold more than 27 million units in 2010 across all of its global product lines. The company's generators are characterized by the same fuel-efficient technology that is behind the Honda reputation for unparalleled durability, quality and reliability.

Statement by American Honda Regarding Front Suspension Damper Bolt Recall: 2012 Odyssey

Honda has voluntarily recalled nine model-year 2012 Odyssey vehicles in the U.S. to inspect a front suspension damper bolt, which may not have been tightened properly in this small number of vehicles. In the worst case, the wheel assembly attached to the damper could shift to an extreme inward angle, resulting in a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash. All of the recalled vehicles, of which most were in dealer inventory, have now been inspected and repaired as necessary. No crashes or injuries have been reported related to this defect.

The four-cylinder model delivers an EPA-estimated 29 mpg highway

Two new four-cylinder, two-wheel-drive Honda Crosstour® models are set to go on sale next month, broadening the vehicle's appeal through a lower price point and EPA-estimated fuel economy that increases 3 mpg¹ in the city and 2 mpg¹ on the highway.

Equipped with a 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline four-cylinder engine producing 192 horsepower, the newest Crosstour is available in two trim levels, including the Crosstour EX and leather-upholstered Crosstour EX-L. A Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System² is available on the Crosstour EX-L.

EPA-estimated fuel economy on the four-cylinder Crosstour is 21 mpg¹ city and 29 mpg¹ highway, a significant increase from the 271-horsepower 2WD V6 model's EPA estimated 18 mpg¹ city and 27 mpg¹ highway.

With the launch of the new four-cylinder Crosstour models, some useful features are now standard across the entire Crosstour family, which first debuted for the 2010 model year with V6 power. The four-cylinder Crosstour models join the current 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 Crosstour models already available. Standard features now include an automatic dimming rearview mirror, a rearview mirror back-up camera display for improved rear visibility (non-Navigation models), convenient auto-on/off headlights, Bluetooth®³ HandsFreeLink® and USB audio interface.

Bold Exterior and Functional Interior
Honda Crosstour approaches the crossover SUV formula from a distinctively sleek, sporty and fuel-efficient perspective, while also maximizing the interior's cargo capacity, versatility and premium feel.

The exterior design emphasizes a bold, aerodynamic look that also conceals an accommodating rear cargo area. The four-cylinder model includes body-color door handles and unique 17-inch alloy wheels with P225/65 R17 all-season tires. Two new colors are available on all 2012 Crosstour models: Twilight Blue Metallic replaces Glacier Blue Metallic, and Basque Red Pearl II replaces Tango Red Pearl.

Premium interior styling, appointments and details extend from the passenger compartment all the way through the cargo area. An under-floor storage area in the rear of the vehicle adds functionality, while reversible cargo floor panels accommodate dirty objects.

Efficient Four-cylinder Powertrain
The new four-cylinder Crosstour models come with a 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® engine for power and efficiency. The engine produces 192 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 162 lb-ft. of torque at 4,400 RPM, while achieving an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy of 21/29/24 mpg¹. To maximize efficiency, a technologically advanced 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control is standard equipment.

Comprehensive Feature List
In addition to auto-on/off headlights, Bluetooth³ HandsFreeLink®, USB audio interface and rearview mirror back-up camera display with integrated guidelines, additional standard features on the new four-cylinder Crosstour EX include projector-beam headlights, a moonroof, body-colored power side mirrors with defrost, auto-up/down driver and front passenger side windows, and rear privacy glass. Inside are air conditioning with second-row ventilation, a 360-watt AM/FM 6-disc audio system with seven speakers, steering wheel-mounted cruise, audio and phone controls, an easy fold-down 60-40 split rear seatback, a hidden removable utility box and more.

Crosstour EX-L adds leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heated front seats, a memory driver-side seat and memory-linked side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down capability, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, an automatic dimming rearview mirror, a premium audio system with Kevlar® cone speakers and front aluminum dome-type tweeter speakers, XM® Radio and more. Also available on the Crosstour EX-L is the Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System² which includes a rearview camera with guidelines integrated into the display.

Safety Assets
Safety technology includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Additional safety equipment on the Crosstour includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, driver's and front passenger's side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, and active front seat head restraints.

The Crosstour is assembled in Ohio at the Honda of America Mfg., Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Warranty
The 2012 Honda Crosstour is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new-car limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty.

Additional media information including detailed features and high-resolution photography of the 2012 Honda Crosstour is available at www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com.

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¹Based on 2012 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
²The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ is available on the Crosstour EX-L model in the United States, except Alaska. Please see the navigation system manual for details.
³The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.

Honda Surpasses $75 Million in Ohio Philanthropy

Recent grant to local YMCA helps company reach milestone

With its latest round of charitable giving announced today, Honda of America Mfg., Inc. surpassed $75 million in philanthropic contributions to local communities in Ohio. This total includes more than $50 million in direct corporate grants to non-profit organizations, $22 million from Honda associate contributions and $3 million in donated products and services.

Honda reached this milestone with the recent announcement of nearly $300,000 in new grants to several Central Ohio organizations. Earlier today, company officials recognized this accomplishment at a small celebration at the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA, which was granted $100,000 for its capital campaign.

Since 1979, Honda's charitable giving programs have supported numerous local needs and programs. These include major grants to hospitals, community centers, theaters, food banks, after-school programs, nature preserves and parks.

"From the beginning, our aim has been to be a good neighbor and to support the many organizations that are dedicated to improving the communities around us," said Honda of America Vice President Rick Schostek. "By partnering with great organizations like the YMCA, we've been able to support a number of important initiatives that have enriched many lives."

While Honda has engaged directly with a wide range of charitable organizations, it is the company's associates that have been instrumental to carrying out its community initiatives. Over the past 30 years, Honda associates have contributed more than $22 million to hundreds of United Way agencies. In addition, associates have also volunteered more than 660,000 hours of service to local non-profit organizations of their choice through the company's Honda Hero program. Honda has directly supported these associates by providing nearly $1.6 million to their organizations.

"Beyond the number, $75 million in philanthropy really represents the efforts of thousands of Honda associates who genuinely care about our communities and want to make a difference by getting involved," said Caroline Ramsey, government and community relations manager for Honda of America. "Our philanthropic donations have assisted a wide variety of community needs and we remain committed to ongoing partnerships with non-profit organizations throughout the region."

About Honda in Ohio
Honda started motorcycle production in 1979 and opened its first auto plant in the U.S. in 1982, in Marysville, Ohio, and today has the capacity to build 680,000 passenger cars and light trucks at its two auto plants in Marysville and East Liberty, Ohio. Honda also manufactures automobile engines in Anna, Ohio, and automatic transmissions in Russells Point, Ohio.

Honda plants have the capacity to manufacture 1.63 million automobiles at its seven auto plants in North America. Approximately 90 percent of the Honda and Acura products sold in the U.S. are built in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Last year, Honda purchased more than $17.5 billion in parts and materials from more than 600 North American suppliers, including approximately 150 in Ohio.

More information about Honda of America's charitable giving programs can be found at: http://www.ohio.honda.com/community/giving.cfm

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