Honda Humanoid and Mobility Device

In 1986 Honda engineers set out to create a humanoid robot that would have similar qualities of a human being.  The new humanoid is the first step in getting that functionality in a robot. ASIMO, which stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, is the only humanoid robot that can walk up and down stairs on its own and run at speeds up to four miles per hour.  This robot has advanced abilities that allow human interaction which allows it to understand and carry out more commands.  Tasks include carrying trays, pushing carts, and much more.

Honda hopes that some day it will help elderly or disabled people with day to day tasks like answering the door, getting the mail, remember to take pills or even some day to walk the dog.

This is truly an amazing robot, something out of a sci-fi movie. You have to check this new humanoid out. Watch the video below and check Honda.com for updates on ASIMO.

Also check out the new Personal Mobility Device from Honda. This stuff is fun!

This just reiterates why so many people continue to buy a Honda.

Tweet This Post

Honda Wins Commercial of the Decade

The mad men at Adweek recently voted for the Commercial of the Decade (Super Bowl commercials not included) and Honda took top honors over memorable ads from the last ten years by companies like Nike, Budweiser and Sony. That’s not a big surprise considering Honda often puts a huge amount of effort into its on-air spots. However, the Japanese automaker didn’t win for the commercial you might have expected: “Cog.” Though Honda’s famous commercial that breaks down a European Accord Tourer into a Rube Goldberg-esque machine was also a finalist, it was beaten by another Honda commercial called “Grrr” that’s narrated by Garrison Keillor of all people. You’ve probably never seen it.

Volkswagen also made the list of finalists, but the particular ad chosen out of all the comical VW ads we’ve seen was unexpected as well. Most surprising car maker with a commercial in the finals: Saturn. Who knew…

You can see all the finalists on Autoblog.com, including swear jar, the creepy-funky Philips clowns, a “rabbit panther thingy with turbines on ice,” and the most sad-but-hilarious IKEA commercial we’ve ever seen. As a bonus we included the Gears of War commercial since we think it deserves a mention, and because it’s almost the weekend and it doesn’t always have to be about cars, does it? Follow the jump for the ad-fest.

Source and Video Gallery: Autoblog

Tweet This Post

Accord, Fit and Odyssey Achieve Residual Value Awards

Three Honda Models Achieve Top Value Rating:
Accord, Fit and Odyssey receive ALG’s 2010 Residual Value Awards
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. announced on December 2, 2009 that it has received three Residual Value Awards from ALG. ALG’s 11th annual Residual Value Awards, for the 2010 model year, honored the vehicles in each industry segment that ALG predicts will retain the highest percentage of their original price after a three-year period.

The Accord won the award in the Best Midsize Car category, the Fit was the winner in the Best Compact Car category and the Odyssey prevailed in the Best Minivan category. Since 2001, the Honda brand has earned 20 model awards and six overall brand awards from ALG.

“In a challenging economy, residual value moves up on the list of buyer considerations,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “These ALG awards once again recognize Honda’s commitment to offer high-quality products with long-term value.”

ALG determines the award winners after carefully studying the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, and pricing strategies are among the key factors that affect ALG’s residual value forecasts.

Tweet This Post

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

When I was growing up, the station wagon seemed to be the way a family moved around.

I remember we had a 1986 Pontiac Parisienne Wagon that would now have qualified for the “Cash for Clunkers,”

but between the back and the luggage rack there was little we could not fit in it; though the ride was not the most comfortable from the pop-up third row seat.

Then came the Mini-Van, which every couple with children seemed to own.

I know my next door neighbor purchased a Honda Odyssey because it was the best, had the most amenities, and met the standard of the neighborhood.

I think I even caught some envious neighbors staring across their yards.

However, with the cost of gas fluctuating and America trying to go Green, it seems change is in the air.

At least according to Popular Mechanic’s Ben Stewart in an article he published nearly two years ago: The face of the American Family vehicle is changing again.

Have you heard the term CROSSOVER? Well, it is just that.

Take a sedan, add parts of the station wagon your parents loved and the Mini-Van you either rode in or drove, and “cross” them together.

So, will America really want the Crossover?

Honda is betting on it. The new 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour by American Honda Company is the latest of crossovers to be announced. Not ready for a test drive yet (due out in November), the Crosstour has an upscale interior for 5 passengers and an innovative storage compartment in the rear. It sports a 3.5 liter i-VTEC V-6 engine and is even available in a four-wheel drive version.

With an aerodynamic exterior, the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) keeps the sporty, low-profile of the Accord.

The interior styling provides a wide body feel with systems inset into the panels and overall a very roomy feel.

The question remains, is this what America wants? Honda rarely makes a mistake, so I am betting this vehicle will be a winner.

I know I am going to be one of the first to run down to the store and take a ride. See you there!

MotorWorld Honda 1.866.291.7917
150 MotorWorld Drive Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703

Heritage Westminster Honda 1.877.854.6351
580 Baltimore Blvd. Westminster, MD 21157

Heritage Honda Towson Service Center 1.866.781.8394
724 York Rd. Towson, MD 21204

Heritage Honda 1.888.471.7866
9213 Harford Road Baltimore, MD 21234

Hall Honda Elizabeth City1.800.628.5348
105 Tanglewood Parkway South. Elizabeth City, NC 27909

Hall Honda 1.866.813.5799
3516 Virginia Beach Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Tweet This Post

2009 Dodge Ram Wins The Highest Total Quality Award

San Diego – Volkswagen of America and Ford Motor Corporation were announced today as full-line corporate leaders in Strategic Vision Inc.’s (SVI) Total Quality Index® (TQI). Across their various brands, both corporations are consistently producing vehicles judged high in perceived quality and emotional delight, resulting in models that customers can love. Volkswagen of America also had the greatest number of TQI leaders across the segments being measured than any other brand: Rabbit, Jetta, CC, New Beetle, Tiguan and Audi A4. Ford has Focus as the leader in the popular Small Car segment.

The Total Quality Index® asks buyers to rate all aspects of the ownership experience from buying and owning to performance and driving – much more than simply counting problems. Results from studies that measure the number of problems or the overall satisfaction of a vehicle do not measure the customers’ commitment to, advocacy for or loyalty to their vehicles accurately. “In today’s difficult market, the difference between products that generate consideration, build brands and increase sales versus those that do not is often how much delight and love the product generates with its customers,” says Dr. Darrel Edwards, Chairman of Strategic Vision.

In a recently published survey conducted by another research company that only counted problems, MINI was rated the worst quality brand. However, our most recent research study which examines the entire ownership experience and MINI owners’ perceptions of quality, from styling to performance including what went wrong and what created delight; MINI is the highest rated brand in Total Quality in its price category. Therefore, it is not a surprise that MINI was one of the two brands to increase sales during last year’s start of the US and automotive recession. “When you have a product worthy of love, customers will come,” states Alexander Edwards, President of SVI.

The past twelve months have been rough for domestic manufacturers as constant negative news is delivered, bankruptcies are filed, and the mantra, “Why won’t Detroit build quality vehicles that people want to buy?” is stated again and again. However, it is important to note that four of the top ten-selling vehicles in the first quarter of this year were domestics. Ford, General Motors and Chrysler have all scored well with customers in Total Quality and in sales.

General Motors had four segment leaders: Pontiac G8, GMC Envoy, Yukon XL and the Chevrolet Corvette (which was the highest rated Total Quality Index of any vehicles this year). Customers report that these vehicles deliver what they want from each segment. These leaders have delightful interiors, performance and styling providing to customers an added sense of security, confidence, fun and excitement. It is also important to note that Saturn and Pontiac brands performed well in TQI across most of their models, with both brands tied for having the highest TQI scores in their price segment.

The Chrysler Group has increased in Total Quality from last year with the Dodge Ram leading the way with the highest Total Quality score of any truck in the history of the 15 year study. This is also the first time the Ram has achieved this honor since 1999 when it lost its title for the first time to competition. Customers specifically noted that the Ram has the best added storage capability along with the best truck interior ever rated by customers. “For truck buyers, the Dodge Ram has reclaimed its perceived leadership in innovation, a corporate hallmark,” states Alexander Edwards. “We have tracked innovation as a critical dimension in success since 1979 and have shown that it has been the single most powerful factor in success across categories, especially among automobiles.”

American Honda Motors, Nissan Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Sales each led in two segments with strong positions in many others. The Nissan Maxima tied with the G8 in the Large Car segment while the Infiniti FX and EX, both competing in the Near-Luxury Utility segment tied with each other. The FX and EX both delivered strong performance and exterior styling that led to a greater perception of quality leading to an enhanced sense of prestige and individuality for their owners.

For American Honda Motors, the Honda Ridgeline and Odyssey lead their segments with delightful capability and overall flexibility in each of the models. Both models show innovation that produces leadership. Odyssey became a leader among minivans when it offered the most innovative product in its segment years ago. Ridgeline burst onto the scene as Truck of the Year with innovation unmatched by competition in its segment. Although Ridgeline’s price has kept sales below that of competitors, those who buy it often report that they are delighted with almost every aspect. The innovation and delight delivered by each of these leaders lead owners to state that their next vehicle will be a Honda.

Toyota Motor Sales led with the all-new Toyota Venza and Toyota 4Runner. Both vehicles, as do most Toyota and Lexus products, delivered high levels of trust associated with the Toyota brand name and the brand’s attention to interior details. Customers reported that both of these vehicles showed increased thoughtfulness in their design. Few things-gone-wrong combined with higher expected durability and reliability provided a foundation for Toyota’s leadership position in these segments. With the added thoughtfulness and utility of the products, Toyota’s customers were truly delighted.

Having few problems (solid initial quality) can provide foundational assurance to customers, increasing brand trust and expected durability and reliability. As seen in similar studies, SVI found that the number of problems per vehicle found in the Lexus brand is statistically the lowest of all brands. Lexus’ goal should be to focus on enhanced products and communications to show customers that they are focused on delivering more than basic satisfaction as they build on their foundation.

Finally, in the Luxury categories the BMW X3 tied with the Infiniti FX and EX on Total Quality. The Mercedes S-Class has again defined luxury in its class, leading for the fourth time in the past six years. The Land Rover Range Rover is the leader in the Luxury utility segment. Many other Land Rover / Jaguar models also scored very well with models like the Range Rover Sport, Jaguar XF and Jaguar XJ scoring just below top positions in their segments.

Buyers rated the following vehicles tops in their segments:

Segment	Winner(s)	TQI Score
Small Car	Ford Focus Sedan	877
Small Multi-Function	Volkswagen Rabbit	889
Mid-Size Car	Volkswagen Jetta Sedan	891
Large Car	Nissan Maxima Pontiac G8	900 899
Near-Luxury Car	Volkswagen CC Sedan Audi A4 Sedan	923 922
Luxury Car	Mercedes-Benz S-Class	934
Specialty Coupe	Volkswagen New Beetle	924
Premium Coupe	Chevrolet Corvette Coupe	938
Minivan	Honda Odyssey	865
Entry Utility	Volkswagen Tiguan	914
Mid-Size Crossover Utility	Toyota Venza	925
Mid-Size Traditional Utility	GMC Envoy Toyota 4Runner	859 858
Large Utility	GMC Yukon XL	899
Near-Luxury Utility	Infiniti FX Infiniti EX35 BMW X3	906 904 904
Luxury Utility	Land Rover Range Rover	920
Standard Pickup	Honda Ridgeline	874
Full-Size Pickup	Dodge Ram 1500	899

*2008 Total Quality Award® winner

“We know Total Quality is strengthened by delighting customers and getting them to love you. We stand ready to include love in all the work that we do since measuring love is the next step in discriminating between winning and losing in today’s competitive environment,” states Dr. Edwards. “Since 1999, our exploratory studies have shown that the power of love wins customers, creates advocacy, strengthens commitment, and builds loyalty. It is critical how we measure quality, delight and love if we are going to be able to help companies deliver.”

The Total Quality Index® was calculated from 20,101 buyers who bought 2008 & 2009 models in September to December of 2008. Strategic Vision has presented Total Quality Awards® annually since 1995. Since its foundation in 1972 and incorporation in 1989, Strategic Vision has studied consumer and constituent decision-making for a wide variety of clients, including most auto manufacturers, Coca-Cola, American Airlines, Procter and Gamble, the White House, 10 Downing Street, and many advertising agencies. Its unique expertise is identifying consumers’ motivational hierarchies, including the values, emotions, and images that shape perceptions and behavior. The firm’s in-depth Discovery Interviews and ValueCentered Surveys provide comprehensive, integrated and actionable outcomes, linking behavior to attributes to consequences to values and emotions to images. For more information please visit www.strategicvision.com.

Tweet This Post

Prepare your Mercedes-Benz for fall

Rear-Seat Entertainment System¹

Bring along your favorite DVDs on your summer travels, and turn your back seat into a dynamic theater for passengers. The system includes two independently functioning 8″ LCD displays, two noise-reducing wireless headsets, one remote
control that can operate both displays and three auxiliary jacks that enable the use of gaming devices (devices not included). Vehicle applicability may vary.

Universal Media Interface or Nav + 4²

Nav + 4 is a multifunctional navigation system and entertainment center available as a standard audio system upgrade for most MY08 – MY09 C-Class and MY10 GLK-Class vehicles with an Audio 20 CD headunit. Together, Nav + 4s map navigation, with real-time traffic for life at no additional cost, and in-vehicle music integration allows you to keep your finger on your music streams and your commute routes – all accessed simply and conveniently through integrated steering wheel controls or the central controller.

Two-Tone Wheels*

Emphasize the exclusive style of your Mercedes-Benz, and update your look, with Genuine Mercedes-Benz Two-Tone Wheels. Each wheel is engineered with state-of-the-art technology and safety-tested to uphold our rigorous standards so that you can experience the superior performance and enhanced driving responsiveness along with the eye-catching style you expect from Genuine Mercedes-Benz. Available for select vehicles.

All-Season Floor Mats

Custom-designed rubber floor mats are the perfect way to protect the carpet of your vehicle this fall. Deep channels trap water, mud and melting snow. Easy to clean. Available in black, grey or beige for most vehicles.

Cargo Management Products

Keep items secure and your cargo area dry with the Cargo Area Tray and Cargo Boxes, designed to fit the contours of your Mercedes-Benz. Cargo Area Tray and Cargo Boxes are sold separately.

Side Running Boards

Enhance the look of your vehicle with Mercedes-Benz Side Running Boards. Surface made of stainless steel with rubber nobs prevents slipping on the surface and eases entry into your vehicle.

*Not available for AMG models or vehicles with AMG bodystyling. Cannot be installed on vehicles with Side Step Bars or Front Mud Flaps.

Please call or visit your authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealer today. To purchase select automotive and Lifestyle Accessories call  visit here.

Make every drop go further this fall. Schedule your fall vehicle inspection today.

Maintain the efficiency of your vehicle for better fuel economy and a cleaner environment, with a complete vehicle inspection. Call your local authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer today to get more out of every drop.

Preventive maintenance can save you valuable time and trouble down the road. Schedule your appointment today  at one of our conveniently located Mercedes-Benz dealerships online here.

Tweet This Post

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

2010 Accord Crosstour Styling Conceals Surprising Versatility. The next evolution of the crossover offers CUV attributes while maintaining a premium sedan feel and a sporty, bold appearance.

TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 1, 2009 – The all-new 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour evolves the Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) concept by integrating a sleek and aerodynamic shape that blends sporty, low-profile contours with versatile CUV functionality, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

“Our concept is to broaden the appeal of the Accord line-up by leveraging traditional Accord strengths of fun-to-drive performance and handling while also adapting to dramatic shifts in the light truck marketplace,” said Erik Berkman, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The Accord Crosstour accomplishes that by offering a modern interpretation of a CUV while integrating the refinement and efficiency of a premium sedan.”

Derived from the Accord Sedan, the Accord Crosstour maximizes car-like ride and refinement, yet maintains capabilities consistent with a CUV’s increased ride height and all-weather potential. The Accord Crosstour’s styling builds on the Accord’s familiar character lines and adds a bolder front grille complemented by a durable lower-body appearance, wedge-shaped C-pillars and an aggressive rear stance. The flowing roofline narrows smoothly into the rear of the vehicle to create an aggressive-looking design, which conceals a unique cargo area that can adapt to large objects that exceed the capacity of a sedan.

“We know SUV buyers like the commanding view of the road that comes with a high eye-point and like the comforts of living with an SUV,” said Berkman. “This vehicle meets the needs of buyers looking for those attributes yet at the same time want an image that is different from a conventional SUV.”

The Accord Crosstour will be positioned at the top of the Accord family when it goes on sale in fall 2009. Additional details will be announced later in the year. An Accord Crosstour Facebook page is available at www.facebook.com/accordcrosstour. Additional media information regarding all Honda products is available here. You may also access more information here.

Tweet This Post

Toyota Auris hybrid at Frankfurt show

Toyota will unveil a gasoline-electric hybrid concept of it Auris compact car at the Frankfurt auto show on September 15.

The concept, which is called the Auris HSD Hybrid, is a step forward in the carmaker’s plan to expand its hybrid lineup, the company said in a statement Tuesday.

Toyota will begin production of the Auris hybrid at its factory near Derby, about 200km north of London, starting mid-2010.

Toyota says the hybrid Auris uses 19 percent less fuel and emits 17 percent less carbon dioxide than the standard version.

The company builds most of its hybrid vehicles in Japan, but also produces a small number of Prius hybrids in China and the Camry hybrid in the United States.

In July, Toyota President Akio Toyoda said the carmaker would shift its focus in the diesel-heavy European market to hybrid vehicles as part of a new effort to use its resources more selectively.

Toyota Europe CEO Tadashi Arashima said making hybrids in Europe would help ensure that full hybrids “become more accessible to a wider range of customers.”

Toyota has a goal of selling at least 1 million hybrid vehicles a year within the next few years.

Toyota also will give its Prius plug-in electric car a world debut in Frankfurt. The car is based on the new, third-generation Prius.

The carmaker said it will offer 150 Prius plug-in cars to fleet customers to test next year.

Toyota will start making the Auris hybrid at its U.K. factory in mid-2010.

-AutoNews.com

Tweet This Post

MotorWorld Receives Chrysler 75 Years Award and Dodge Franchise

After 75 years of business, the MotorWorld Chrysler Franchise will be honored for their long-time partnership with Chrysler and has been approved as a Dodge new car and truck sales and service center for Wilkes-Barre and all of NEPA.

Wilkes-Barre, PA (PRWEB) August 13, 2009 — MotorWorld, a MileOne Company, will receive the Chrysler “75 Years” award for their Chrysler franchise which began selling and servicing Chryslers in 1924 as Howard “Duke” Isaacs Chrysler and was acquired by MotorWorld in 1994. In addition, MotorWorld announced today they have added Dodge to their Chrysler Jeep lineup and current Dodge owners can begin bringing their Dodges into MotorWorld’s state-of-the-art service center housing over 90 service bays, a quick lube center, and a full compliment of Dodge parts and accessories.

“We have wanted Dodge for quite some time now and have already started taking orders for the full size Dodge Ram truck, the new Dodge Challenger and the fuel efficient Dodge Caliber, which will hit the lot near the end of September,” said MotorWorld’s Divisional Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Rick Osick.

Dodge will be the 15th automotive brand being sold in the over 65,000 square foot dealership located on 77 acres and will be added to the newly renovated Chrysler Jeep showroom near the end of September. Through the MotorWorld website, customers can begin to browse and order new and used Dodge cars, trucks, vans and SUVs, as well as order official Dodge parts and accessories and schedule service.

About MileOne Automotive
MileOne Automotive operates 64 retail automotive franchises representing 28 different brands and 9 collision centers in Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia with a focus on the Baltimore-Washington, Hampton Roads/Virginia Beach, Nags Head/Elizabeth City and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton major metro areas. MileOne.com allows customers to research new, used and fuel-efficient luxury, import and domestic cars and trucks, send information about vehicles to their mobile device, schedule service appointments, buy parts and accessories, play automotive games, and download automotive wallpaper and mobile ring tones. For more information or to find a quality MileOne dealership near you, please visit www.mileone.com.

Tweet This Post

2001 Honda Accord, Civic recalled due to airbags that are even more explosive than normal

Honda is recalling some of its 2001 model year Accord and Civic models due to excessively pressurized airbags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that certain airbags in the affected vehicles can deploy so violently that the inflator will rupture. When the bag is deployed, NHTSA says that metal shards from the excessive explosion could act like shrapnel, shoot through the bag and possibly injure vehicle occupants. We’re no crash experts, but that sounds like it would hurt a lot.

Owners of affected 2001 Accords and Civics will be able to bring in their vehicle to their local Honda store where the inflator will be replaced free of charge. Honda hasn’t yet released a notification schedule or disclosed how many of each model will be recalled, but owners can find out more info by calling Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Hit the jump to read the official NHTSA press release.

[Source: NHTSA]

Tweet This Post

Next Page »