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Motor Trend has named the 2015 Honda CR-V as their 2015 2015 Sport/Utility of the Year. This all-new model has been upgraded from the previous year with a variety of new technologies including Honda Sensing™ safety and driver assist technologies, Earth Dreams Technology™ and a new Touring trim level. Motor Trend editor-in-chief Ed Loh, said, "The 2015 Honda CR-V impressed our judges with its extensive list of delightful design and thoughtful engineering improvements. Our editors were especially impressed by Honda's responsive and efficient continuously-variable transmission and sophisticated safety systems – particularly the smart and seamlessly integrated Lane Keeping Assist system. Efficient, practical, and a joy to drive; the 2015 Honda CR-V does virtually everything well." For this award, Motor trend evaluated models that have been newly released or significantly redesigned within 12 months of November 1st of the year before. There is a three step evaluation process used by Motor Trend as well. Step One - A baseline for data on braking, acceleration and handling is determined and the model is put through a full weigh-in and tech check. Step Two - Models are put through three days of testing loops on various road conditions including off-roading to evaluate the model’s road handling. Step Three -  Motor Trend judges fully evaluate each model through six specific categories; Design Advancement, Efficiency, Performance of Intended Function, Value, Safety and Engineering Excellence. We carry the 2015 Honda CR-V here at D’ELLA Honda of Glens Falls where we serve customers from Queensbury, Saratoga, Clifton Park and Glens Falls, NY.  Go online and schedule a test drive with us today!

The official voting for #ProjectFit will end next week on October 22. Project Fit was first launched last month, when Honda issued a challenge inviting teams to create their own custom Honda Fit. The six competing teams are from Kenny Vinces, MAD Industries, Kontrabrands, Bisimoto Engineering, Spoon Sports USA and Tjin Edition. Fans have been able to follow the progress of each team online at hondaloves.tumblr.com through #ProjectFit. Additionally, videos and photos were also posted on Honda’s Facebook and Twitter pages. The finished vehicles will be showcased on November 4 at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. After the showing, the official winner will be announced.

Honda has officially launched the 2015 Honda CR-V which will soon be available in Honda dealerships across the country. This new model has been given several upgrades in terms of both power, fuel efficiency, comfort, convenience, safety and more. The 2015 CR-V is powered by a new 185 hp Earth Dreams Technology™ 2.4-liter direct-injected DOHC i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder engine that generates 181 lb.-ft of torque paired with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) with G-design Shift. EPA estimate for this model is 27 MPG city/ 34 MPG highway* The 2015 Honda CR-V is equipped with an array of new available technological and driver assist features such as  7-inch touchscreen Display Audio telematics interface, new rear console heat/air ventilation ducts, re-styled front and rear bodywork, mirrors and wheels, 7-inch Display Audio, Honda LaneWatch™, 10-way power driver's seat, LED daytime running lights, heated front seats,  Smart Entry/Push-Button Start and much more. Be sure to look out for the official arrival of the 2015 Honda CR-V here at D’ELLA Honda if you live near Queensbury, Saratoga, Clifton Park or Glens Falls, NY. *Based on 2015 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

In addition to providing you with vehicles that set new standards in technology, convenience, and comfort, Honda has been doing its part to help make the environment strong. Just six months ago, they installed two power-producing wind turbines at Honda transmission Manufacturing of America Incorporated. In addition to being a leap forward for conservation, there was another great story that came as a result of their installation. The two turbines, which stand at 260 feet tall are producing 6.3 percent more power than what was initially anticipated. This has helped reduce CO2 emissions. It played a big part in Honda reaching its voluntary goal of reducing the environmental impact of its products and manufacturing operations by 2020. The Ohio based plant that they were installed at is now the first major automotive facility in the USA to receive a substantial amount of its power from on site wind turbines. This makes Honda a leader in developing cars and greener practices.

Recently at a special ceremony American Honda President & CEO Takuji Yamada presented 15 of the companies top suppliers with a 2014 Premier Partner Award. These 15 winners were chosen from over 1,000 eligible companies and were awarded for their strong dedication to American Honda Motor Co., Inc’s core principles of quality, customer service and value. Each honored recipient is a company that plays an integral role in Honda and the company’s various businesses. This Year’s Recipients Include: Sinclair Printing Company Maritz Inc. OC Tanner Recognition Company Resource One RMI International Inc. Urban Science flexis North America, Inc. Atlantic Container Line Delta Air Lines, Inc. Pacific Technology Solutions CH2M Hill Accenture, LLP BI Worldwide Targetbase ADP Lightspeed "Amid record sales and continued strength across Honda companies, we are asking our suppliers to renew their commitment to exceptional quality and service," said Charles Harmon, American Honda's senior manager of procurement and corporate services. "We thank the outstanding organizations recognized today for answering that call and helping Honda to deliver on our own promise to our customers."

The 2015 Honda Civic has recently been released and this new model now includes a new Special Edition (SE) sedan trim level that falls between the available LX and EX trims. This trim comes with a variety of specialty features for comfort, convenience, audio and telematics and a variety of style upgrades. The new 2015 Civic is powered by a 1.8-liter i-VTEC® engine that is paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT depending on the trim level. Available features found on this model include 7-inch Capacitive Touch-Screen Display Audio, Rearview Camera with Guidelines, LaneWatch™ Display and Smart Entry with Push Button Start, Expanded View Driver’s Mirror, HondaLinkTM Next-Generation Connected-Car Technology and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®. The SE trim comes standard with Honda LaneWatchTM, Additional Tweeter Speakers, 15-inch Aluminum Alloy Wheels with Black Painted Inserts, Display Audio with Next-Generation HondaLink and Automatic Climate Control.

In the continuation of Honda’s innovative “What Makes a Honda is Who Makes a Honda” series, this past month Honda chose to highlight the accomplishments of an assistant manager in Honda’s Customer Support Center in Chino, CA, Cynthia Simons. This is an ongoing 12-part series where each month Honda chooses a valued employee and features them in a short piece that outlines the individual's personal and professional accomplishments. A few years ago Simons went through a personal battle with Cancer and experienced an overwhelming amount of support from her local community which inspired her to continue giving back to others. Through her position with Honda, Simons works with the national customer support network for Honda customers. She also started the Cynthia's Heart Foundation through which she partners with Honda Associated to help distribute food, water and additional household items to individuals in need. "What was most impressive to me is that a company as large as Honda would have respect for the individual as part of its Honda philosophy," Simons said. "Respect for the individual is so important because we have to have that same spirit with the customers every day."

Honda will now be providing the soundtrack to the 2014 college football season through its all-new Honda Stage Platform. The brand recently signed a multi-year agreement with ESPN to launch this new marketing campaign.  In doing so, Honda is attempting to years a new younger audience by integrating themselves into this popular sport season. Throughout the 2014 season, Honda will be seen Honda will appear as part of a musical montage played during halftime games on Saturday afternoon games on ABC, serve as presenting sponsor for the “Helmet Stickers” segment on ESPN2 and display custom content on the SportsCenter 8am segment. "ESPN college football is among the most-watched live television programs and represents a great opportunity to leverage our investment in music and sports to connect the Honda brand with an engaged audience of young and active viewers while showcasing the latest Honda vehicle offerings, including the all-new 2015 Honda Fit," said Tom Peyton, assistant vice president of marketing, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "ESPN pioneered the integration of music into sports programming and the addition of exclusive Honda Stage performance music to its college football line-up allows Honda the opportunity to connect with an expanded audience and introduce them to new music through our online platform."

Banyan Air Service will be providing HondaJet sales and service in a territory of Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee and South Carolina. The company has been in business for over 30 years, and was founded in 1979 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Their repair station is incredibly qualified. It is Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Administration (EASA) certified. It provides 24-hour Fixed Based Operation (FBO) services, Heavy Aircraft Maintenance, Full Avionics Capabilities and Turbine Engine Services.

Honda recently introduced Senior Manager of Logistics and Materials Control at Honda Aircraft Company Jon Wells as the next associate profile for its 12-part What Makes a Honda is Who Makes a Honda video series.  Jon is being recognized for using his piloting skills for the benefit of his community. Wells has been with Honda for 12 years.  He works at the Honda Aircraft Company in Greensboro, NC.  He and his team are responsible for ensuring the manufacturing of the HondaJet goes smoothly. "The aircraft first flew in 2003 and I was actually at American Honda on the automotive side. When I saw it fly, I knew that my ultimate goal was to combine what I do with my passion for aviation," Wells said. When not working, Wells is using his own personal aircraft to benefit his community.  He has used it to transport over 200 patients in need of medical treatment through a program called Angel Flight.  He’s also worked with the Pilots ‘n Paws Program to transport animals to new homes. "Honda challenges us to be a company that society wants to exist and one of the ways we can do that is by giving back to the community," said Wells. "You can get your pilot's license but after you get it, then what? This was an opportunity to put it to work, to do something good and to show how useful aviation can be." The video series focuses on individual who possess the core values of Honda’s approach to business; they are innovators with an youthful spirit and respect for the individual.  The What Makes a Honda is Who Makes a Honda series also highlights the career opportunities available within the company.

American Honda recently announced its collaboration with Razorfish, a digital agency that will work with the brand to enhance marketing innovation and efficiency.  Razorfish will work with RPA and Mullen to develop digital platforms and support both Honda and Acura online properties.  This collaboration comes after nearly eight months of reviewing how the company can increase Honda’s competitiveness in the online landscape. This new marketing structure will still require RPA to be responsible for all consumer-facing content, both traditional and digital, as well as social media support for the Honda Brand.  Mullen, an agency appointed for Acura’s consumer-facing content in 2013, will continue its job of creating traditional and digital advertising. Razorfish will work with both agencies to optimize the brand’s websites while maintaining the brand characteristics of each site.  They will also be responsible for both owner websites and some social media support for Honda America.

Automakers, including Honda, and utilities collaborated to develop a platform for vehicle-grid functionality that can create value for drivers and reduce emissions. Honda participates in a vehicle-to-grid demonstration with the University of Delaware Honda is now joining a group of eight other major automakers and 15 utilities organized by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).  This group plans to demonstrate an open-grid integration platform for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs).  The plan for the platform includes streamlining of V2G communications which would enable PEVs to provide grid service.  It would also increase the value of PEVs. Large-scale collaboration of global automakers and 3,300 utilities across North America is necessary to maximize the potential of grid integration of PEVs. "This project is an important step in enabling plug-in vehicles to reach their potential as a valuable distributed resource that can increase grid stability, improve power quality and reduce demand peaks," said Steven Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda. "Honda is participating in several projects aimed at accelerating vehicle-to-grid integration, which has the potential to reduce the total cost of owning a plug-in vehicle while enabling higher concentrations of renewable energy." This is not the first project of this nature that Honda has collaborated on.  Honda has been at the forefront of expanding its knowledge of V2G systems through participation in several projects, including one with IBM in which Honda demonstrated a PEV’s ability to receive and respond to charge instructions based on grid conditions and the vehicle’s battery state. Phase II of this project also explored expanding the use of the grid to schedule charge times based on drivers’ needs and incorporated the use of renewable energy sources for charging. Also, Honda supplied the University of Delaware with its PEV, an Accord Plug-In Hybrid.  Collaboratively, Honda will research the potential of V2G technology to benefit not only the vehicle owners, but also the grid and society as a whole. Finally, in March 2014, Honda launched another project at the University of California, Davis--Honda Smart Home US.  This project will continue to investigate the integration of the home with distributed renewable energy, the electric vehicle, and the smart grid.