BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Following one of the worst hurricane seasons in years and record-setting rainfall in many areas of the country, flooding has taken its toll on vehicles. It is important for those considering the purchase of a used vehicle to be car care aware and check for signs of water intrusion or contamination, says the non-profit Car Care Council.

“Purchasing a used vehicle and later learning it has been flood damaged can be very problematic and lead to costly issues down the road. Worst yet, these vehicles can be unhealthy to occupy because of mold and bacteria growing in the carpet and ventilation system,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

The Car Care Council and the Car Care Professionals Network (CCPN), a network of professional automotive service providers, say it all comes down to how much water the vehicle took in and where it can be reached and together recommend taking the following steps to determine if a vehicle has been flood damaged:

• Take the sniff test. Close all the windows and doors and let the car sit for about five minutes then crack open a door and sniff. Mildew and mold have very distinctive smells and it doesn’t take long for that smell to present itself.
• Try the touch test. Get some paper towels and press them against the low spots in the carpet. The paper towels will draw the moisture out and reveal if the carpet is wet under the surface. Some carpets can be several inches thick to insulate from heat and sound. If the paper towel becomes wet it could mean water has gotten into the car.
• Investigate the interior. Look under the seats and dash for corrosion and rust and look for exposed metal that is untreated. There are metal springs under the front seats that are usually not painted. If they are rusted that is a sign the interior has been wet. Look for mud and debris in places it does not belong.
• Inspect the instrument panel. Turn on the key and perform a bulb test. Make sure every bulb lights up. If a system has an issue, removing the warning bulb can hide it. Many times vehicles that have flooded have malfunctions in their anti-brake and air bag systems. Ensuring the light comes on and then goes out after the bulb test is an indicator that the system is on and has no active faults.
• Take it to a professional. Let a service and repair technician inspect your vehicle. They can raise the car and look underneath to see if there is any mud, sticks or rocks in the suspension. A professional can check the oil in the differentials to make sure they contain no water in them.  Spend a few dollars to have it looked over to give you peace of mind.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council’s Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

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SOURCE Car Care Council

IRVINE, California, Oct. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — With the all-new 2018 Rio arriving in showrooms, Kia Motors America (KMA) is launching a comprehensive marketing campaign to reinforce the age-old adage that big things can indeed come in small packages.

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The centerpiece of the campaign, entitled “Small Can Do Big”, is a 90-second spot which makes its broadcast debut tonight during Game One of the NBA Tip-Off between the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers on TNT. Directed by viral video sensation, online producer and musician, Julian Smith, the spot features a Rio 5-door and a group of percussionists, musicians and DJs using Kia’s versatile, stylish and capable new subcompact as the main musical instrument. From the revving engine to the hood release latch and tailgate, nearly every part of the Rio that opens, closes or moves – doors, windows, center console, glovebox, door locks, turn signal, windshield wipers, chimes and horn – are incorporated into an unexpected high-decibel musical score.

A 30-second spot, entitled “Bird’s Eye” and airing simultaneously on national and local broadcast properties, rounds out the television component of the campaign. This manifesto-style ad conveys the message that size should never be considered a factor when it comes to achievement.

Produced in conjunction with David&Goliath, KMA’s advertising agency of record, this inspirational campaign challenges viewers to think beyond perceived limitations and dream big. Additional campaign elements include 60-, 30- and 15-second general and Hispanic market versions, as well as online and digital assets including integrations with Spotify and Snapchat.

“As the youngest mainstream car company in America, this new campaign is a metaphor for Kia’s key attributes – youth, innovative spirit and nimbleness. The concept of the musical orchestra, utilizing the Rio as the primary instrument, demonstrates the relentless attitude that took Kia to the top spot in the entire automotive industry in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study1 the past two years¹,” said Saad Chehab, vice president, marketing communications, KMA. “While the Rio has, and still does, represent a tremendous value, this all-new Rio gives car buyers so much more than any other offering in its class. The unbeatable combination of quality, style and performance coupled with our industry-leading 10-year limited warranty² makes Kia today’s world-class automaker. And there are even bigger things ahead with the launch of the all-new 2018 Stinger just a few weeks away³.”

About Kia Motors America

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly built in West Point, Georgia*

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert. 

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SOURCE Kia Motors America

TORRANCE, California, Oct. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The 2018 Honda CR-V, America’s best-selling SUV over the past 20 years¹, went on sale today at dealerships nationwide. The 2018 model year CR-V starts at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $24,150² for the LX (2WD) with the range-topping Touring (AWD) at $34,050². With its premium design, big versatility and fun-to-drive persona, CR-V has collected numerous accolades including the J.D. Power “2017 U.S. APEAL Study Award”, the “2017 Best New Car for Teens” by U.S. News & World Report and earned the “Must Test Drive” Award by Autotrader.  

2018 CR-V Trims, MSRP & EPA Data

Similar to the other vehicles in the Honda line-up, the 2018 Honda CR-V provides drivers with premium features for a more convenient and comfortable in-vehicle connectivity experience. Available premium features include Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM^®, HD Radio™ and Pandora^® capabilities.

Powertrain and Chassis Technology
All new in 2017, the 2018 CR-V returns with a responsive and fuel efficient 1.5-liter DOHC direct-injected and turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder engine rated at 190 peak horsepower (SAE net), available in EX and higher trims. Paired with the intelligently tuned continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Honda G-Shift control logic, 1.5-liter front-drive CR-Vs garner the highest EPA fuel economy ratings in the compact SUV class. A 2.4-liter DOHC, direct-injected in-line 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine with 184 peak horsepower (SAE net), also backed by the CVT, powers LX trims.  

Designed and tuned to be fun-to-drive, yet quiet and comfortable, CR-V’s sophisticated chassis features a MacPherson strut front suspension, multi-link rear suspension with floating subframe, dual-pinion variable-ratio electric power steering, fluid-filled suspension compliance bushings, front and rear stabilizer bars and more. Backed by a rigid yet light body structure, the CR-V makes short work of twisty country roads, broken urban streets and everything in between.    

Premium, Spacious and Technologically Advanced Interior
The 2018 CR-V sets the bar for interior refinement, utility and premium features in the compact SUV class. It’s spacious cabin, with the best rear seat legroom in its class and large, flexible cargo area, features upgraded materials throughout, including a soft-touch instrument panel and intricately stitched seats. Additionally, it offers the latest in-vehicle connectivity and audio performance with a host of advanced technologies. Available features include a 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio interface with Android operating system that features a physical volume knob as well as an available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ developed in cooperation with the experts at Garmin^®. 

Some of the key comfort and convenience features available on the 2018 Honda CR-V include remote engine start, dual-zone climate controls, heated side mirrors, a space-saving and convenient Electric Parking Brake (EPB), rear USB charging ports, front passenger seat with 4-way power adjustment and driver’s seat with 8-way power adjustment and 4-way power lumbar support, and heated front seats.

Advanced Safety and Driver-Assistive Technology
The 2018 CR-V offers Honda Sensing™ as standard equipment on EX and higher trims, including features such as Collision Mitigation Braking (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and pedestrian sensing capability, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow and Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS). Additional driver-assistive technologies include the available blind spot Information (BSI), Rear Cross Traffic Monitor and Auto High Beam headlights.

More Information
Editors: For more in-depth information, plus video and high-resolution images, please visit www.hondanews.com/channels/cr-v.
Consumer information is available at www.automobiles.honda.com/cr-v.

About Honda
Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles with advanced safety technologies sold through over 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Fit, Civic, Accord and Clarity series passenger cars, along with the HR-V, CR-V and Pilot sport/utility vehicles, the Ridgeline pickup and the Odyssey minivan.

Honda has been producing automobiles in America for 34 years and currently operates 19 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2016, more than 95% of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

¹ Based on Autodata cumulative total sales for all SUV and CUV models in America 1997-2017CYTD September
² MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $940 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
³ Based on 2018 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.

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SOURCE American Honda

SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Learning to drive is an exciting time for a teen. But facts have shown it can be extremely dangerous.  A short video that promotes safe driving habits might be all that it takes to become aware of dangerous driving situations. That is why Toyota and Discovery Education launched the 2018 TeenDrive365 Video Challenge.

Now in its sixth year, the challenge, sponsored by Discovery Education, invites teens to submit an original 30-60 second Public Service Announcement for 9-12 grade students about safe driving habits.  The grand prize includes $15,000 cash and the opportunity to work with a Discovery Film Crew to re-shoot the entry video into a TV-ready PSA. Teens can register and submit their entries today through February 28, 2018 at TeenDrive365inschool.com.

“This contest continues to encourage students, parents and teachers to have critical conversations about the importance of making smart choices behind the wheel,” said Mike Goss, general manager, Toyota Social Innovation. “Every year we are amazed by the variety of unique and inspiring videos we receive and look forward to seeing this year’s entries.”

This year, a panel of judges comprised of community leaders, educators, communications experts and Toyota representatives will convene to select challenge winners. Since the inception of the competition, thousands of video submissions have been considered, and the effort has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in student grants and prizes. The top ten finalists’ videos – some amusing and others more serious in tone – communicate the importance of maintaining safe driving habits and avoiding fatal distractions while behind the wheel.

“The TeenDrive365 Video Challenge inspires meaningful peer-to-peer conversations across digital learning environments, with the goal of empowering young drivers with the tools they need to help other students develop safer driving habits,” said Lori McFarling, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Discovery Education.

This year’s challenge grants include:

• Grand Prize– $15,000 and the chance to work with a Discovery film crew to reshoot the winning video as a TV-ready PSA;
• Second Place– $10,000;
• Third Place– $7,500;
• Fourth through Tenth Places– $2,500 each;
• Four Regional Prizes– $1,000 each; and
• One People’s Choice Prize– selected online through public vote – $5,000 and a trip to attend a taping of a show that airs on Discovery Communications’ Velocity Network.

Visit TeenDrive365InSchool.com to learn more about the annual Teen Video Challenge to help promote safe teen driving! For more information about the TeenDrive365 Video Challenge or to watch winning videos from the 2016-2017 challenge, visit TeenDrive365InSchool.com or click HERE.

About Toyota TeenDrive365
TeenDrive365: In School is a comprehensive program designed by Toyota and Discovery Education to help teens avoid distractions and stay safe behind the wheel. The initiative offers a range of content, tools and resources designed specifically for educators and teens.

Available at no cost to classrooms nationwide, these resources include: standards-aligned lesson plans for grades 9-12, activities that teach appropriate behaviors for young drivers and passengers, Heads Up! – an Interactive Road Distraction Challenge that allows teens to virtually experience some of the dangers of distracted driving, and a collection of online events, tools and social media elements that underscore how teens can make a difference by driving safely.

About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital content for K-12, transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content, professional development, and the largest professional learning community of its kind. Serving 4.5 million educators and over 50 million students, Discovery Education’s services are in half of U.S. classrooms, 50 percent of all primary schools in the UK, and more than 50 countries. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that increase academic achievement. Discovery Education is powered by Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the number one nonfiction media company in the world. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

For more information about Discovery Education’s Streaming Plus, digital content and professional development services, visit discoveryeducation.com. Stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Facebook, follow us on Twitter at @DiscoveryEd, or find us on Instagram and Pinterest

Contacts
Discovery Education
Charmion N. Kinder
[email protected] 

Toyota Media Line
469-292-5100

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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America