Page 2447

Royalton Luxury Resorts expands All-in Luxury® with Royalton Fit™, its professional fitness and wellness program

0

TORONTO, July 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — This year, as connoisseurs of the evolving all-inclusive model, Royalton Luxury Resorts is enhancing its award-winning All-in Luxury® concept to include Royalton Fit™, a program that brings guests a variety of fitness and wellness classes taught by professional and certified instructors.

Royalton Fit™ will offer over 500 fitness classes with nearly 120 each week at each resort in Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Saint Lucia.  Through fitness programming tailored to all levels of fitness, guests can look forward to classes that include Aqua Fit to Cross Fit, TRX, cycling, yoga and Zumba, and so much more. 

“Guests of Royalton Luxury Resorts have come to expect the best, and the fitness program should be no exception,” said Jordi Sole, Senior Director of Operations. “We have found a combination of fitness and health enhancing that our guests are very excited about.”

Developed by George and Belinda Kiriakou, Royalton’s award-winning team of fitness and health experts, Royalton Fit™ is dedicated to offering a premium health-promoting experience while on vacation. Since inception, Royalton’s signature All-in Luxury® has been offering guests a host of inclusions to support wellness that range from a dedicated gluten-free area in the buffet, to smoothie stations, and in-suite wellness features such as rain showers and custom handcrafted mattresses.  Wellness is undeniably an integral part of any guest’s Royalton experience.

“It’s wonderful to watch people of all ages and fitness levels embrace their health while on vacation,” said George Kiriakou, Sports & Fitness Director at Royalton Luxury Resorts.  “I’ve seen everyone from grandparents, to young children and their parents try out a single class, then keep it up for the rest of their stay. It’s the perfect way to change your routine and set yourself on a path to feeling great!”

For travellers ready to plan their 2018 Royalton Fit™ experience, save up to 50% off your All-in Luxury® stay if you book by July 30th! For more information about our early booking bonus visit our website.

To enjoy this new program on your next luxury all-inclusive vacation, visit www.royaltonresorts.com  or contact your travel agent.

About Royalton Luxury Resorts
Epitomizing modern elegance, award winning Royalton Luxury Resorts offer All-In Luxury® vacations in some of the world’s most popular tropical destinations, including Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Cuba. Boasting an array of world-class all inclusive features including the premium, handcrafted DreamBed™, unlimited reservation-free luxury dining, All-In Connectivity™ with complimentary Wi-Fi and in-room long distance calling, a Sports Event Guarantee™, and more.  Many of the resorts cater equally to families and couples alike, with industry-leading supervised kids and teen activities offered at no additional cost combined with family-friendly accommodation and dining options. Royalton Luxury Resorts will expand its offering of upscale and elegant vacation experiences with the addition of two new resorts, Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana, scheduled to open late 2017 and Royalton Bavaro, scheduled to open this coming Winter 2017/2018.

For further information: Natalie Walsh, Corporate Public Relations Manager, Blue Diamond Resorts, +1-647-545-6926, [email protected]

SOURCE Sunwing Vacations Inc.

Fresh and Furyous: New, Sporty and Feature Rich 2018 Honda Fit Goes on Sale Today

0
Fresh and Furyous: New, Sporty and Feature Rich 2018 Honda Fit Goes on Sale Today

TORRANCE, California, July 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The sporty and versatile new 2018 Honda Fit will begin to arrive at Honda dealerships today with a stylish new look, updated technology, available safety features and a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP1) starting at $16,190. The 2018 Honda Fit also adds a new Sport trim, as well as two new exterior colors, Helios Yellow and Orange Fury.

Fresh and Furyous: New, Sporty and Feature Rich 2018 Honda Fit Goes on Sale Today

The refresh of the third generation Honda Fit enhances the 5-door subcompact’s already best-in-class combination of passenger space, fuel efficiency, sophistication, practicality and affordability.

The all-new 2018 Fit Sport adds an extra dose of style and attitude thanks to an aggressive aero-form front spoiler and rear diffuser, bright orange pin-striping, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels with gloss-black finish, chrome exhaust-pipe finisher and side sill garnishes. Inside, the Sport features a black interior with orange contrast stitching.

Among the upgraded features, the Honda Sensing® suite of advanced safety and driver assistive features is available on all 2018 Fit models and is standard on EX and above trims, a first for the Fit. The suite includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Brake Braking System™ (CMBS™) incorporating Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW). Also new for 2018, is a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility, included on Fit Sport, EX and EX-L trims.

The 2018 Fit is equipped with a 1.5L DOHC direct-injected 4-cylinder i-VTEC™ engine with Variable Cam Timing (VTC) delivering up to 130 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm and up to 114 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm (both SAE net). The Fit’s top-of-segment driving dynamics have been improved for 2018 with retuned suspension dampers, a more rigid steering system and additional body reinforcements. In addition to dynamic improvements, Fit now benefits from increased cabin quietness with improved transmission and steering system mounting hardware, combined with the addition of acoustic-laminated glass and more insulation throughout the vehicle.

2018 Honda Fit Pricing and EPA Fuel Economy Ratings

Model

Transmission

MSRP

EPA Rating2
City/Hwy/Combined MPG

Fit LX

6-Speed Manual

$16,190

29 / 36 / 31

Fit LX

CVT3

$16,990

33 / 40 / 36

Fit LX with Honda Sensing®

CVT

$17,990

33 / 40 / 36

Fit Sport

6-Speed Manual

$17,500

29 / 36 / 31

Fit Sport

CVT

$18,300

31 / 36 / 33

Fit Sport with Honda Sensing®

CVT

$19,300

31 / 36 / 33

Fit EX

6-Speed Manual

$18,160

29 / 36 / 31

Fit EX

CVT

$18,960

31 / 36 / 33

Fit EX-L

CVT

$20,520

31 / 36 / 33

Fit EX-L with Navi

CVT

$21,520

31 / 36 / 33

The 2018 Honda Fit for the U.S. market is manufactured in North America at Honda’s Celaya, Mexico plant using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Additional media information including pricing, features and high-resolution photography of the 2018 Honda Fit is available at hondanews.com/channels/fit. Consumer information is available at www.automobiles.honda.com/fit. To join the Fit community on Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/hondafit.

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 35 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 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) excluding tax, license, registration, $875 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
2 2018 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.
3 Continuously Variable Transmission

Honda Logo.

Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/535968/American_Honda_Motor_Co_2018_Honda_Fit.jpg

Logo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/460855/american_honda_motor_co_inc_logo.jpg

SOURCE American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

New FYI Television Series “Kiki Mobile” to Premiere during Hispanic Heritage Month on Sunday, September 17 at 12pm ET

0

LOS ANGELES, July 12, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Latin Hollywood Films, a full-service production company and creator of hit shows like Showtime Networks’ “Kiki Melendez Hot Tamales Live,” will be producing 13 one-hour episodes of the new series “Kiki Mobile” for A+E Networks’ lifestyle network FYI this fall. Premiering during Hispanic Heritage Month, “Kiki Mobile” will debut Sunday, September 17 at 12pm ET and new one-hour episodes will air weekly nationwide.

“Kiki Mobile” will bring the Hollywood studio to fans and viewers with a mobile talk show operating out of a custom designed RV. The RV will be outfitted as a studio and travel around California to cover events like film premieres, award shows, concerts, conduct one-on-one interviews and more.

“This is my ultimate dream gig, to create a launching pad for multi-cultural talent in America. This show will be all about discovering new faces, while celebrating those already embraced in Hollywood,” said Melendez.

Melendez has successfully proven herself on both English and Spanish language television networks. In Spanish television, Kiki hosted one of the first bilingual shows in the U.S., “Kiki Desde Hollywood,” which became the #1 entertainment show for Galavision National Cable Network. Her next project, “Kiki Melendez Hot Tamales Live” on Showtime was a bonafide hit and aired from 2009-2011. Her docu-comedy A Journey of A Female Comic enjoyed a theatrical release through AMC Theaters’ independent program and was Oscar qualified in 2015.

“Kiki Mobile” is produced by Latin Hollywood Films for FYI. Sarkis Semeryan and Arsen Pananyan (JEAR Entertainment), Julia Carias-Linares (“Married Life,” “Married at First Sight”) and Melendez serve as executive producers. Kukhautusha Croom (“2017 BET Awards Digital Red Carpet Live,” “2017 NAACP Image Awards Red Carpet Live”) is the showrunner. Talent Executive is Queenie Donaldson (Viacom Network). Pejman Partiyeli, Charo Toledo (5 Time Emmy Nominee “East Los HIGH,” Univision’s “La Reina De La Canción”), Lino Garcia and Cindy Cowan (Red Lights) serve as producers.

About FYI

For your inspiration, for your imagination or for your innovation, FYI™ takes a modern spin on traditional lifestyle genres by embracing an adventurous and personalized approach to peoples’ taste, space, look, story and more. FYI covers a range of stories and experiences that reflect how people live their lives today, not defined by just one passion or interest. FYI has launched all-new genres, including trend-setting and brand-definitional series, such as Married at First Sight, Seven Year Switch, Tiny House Nation, He Shed She Shed and Food Porn hosted by Michael Chernow. FYI is a division of A+E Networks, a joint venture of the Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst Corporation. The network is available in nearly 65 million U.S. homes and is one of the most upscale entertainment brands in the media landscape. FYI has a young and affluent digital audience, including a robust social footprint that has recently tripled in size. The FYI website is located at fyi.tv, Twitter at twitter.com/fyi and Facebook at facebook.com/fyi. For additional press information and photography, please visit press.aenetworks.com.

Talent Booking:
Queenie Donaldson
[email protected]

Brand Partnerships:
Pejman Partiyeli
Plus Entertainment, Inc.
[email protected]

Press Inquiries for Kiki Melendez:
Jessica Cohen
JCPR
[email protected] 

For more information, please visit:
www.kikimobile.com
www.latinhollywoodfilms.tv
www.fyi.tv

Generated by Elif Cercel.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/534930/KKM_Mobile_HD_Logo.jpg  

SOURCE Latin Hollywood Films

Dramatic Design of Reimagined 2018 Honda Accord Signals New Direction for America’s Retail Best-Selling Midsize Sedan

0
The completely new 2018 Honda Accord was revealed to media in Detroit today. The dramatically restyled and re-imagined new Accord features an available new 2.0L turbo engine paired with either a new 10 speed automatic or 6 speed manual transmission, and an upscale new interior with a host of desirable features. The new Accord goes on sale this fall.

DETROIT, July 14, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Honda today showcased a new direction for America’s retail best-selling midsize sedan1 with the world debut of a more stylish, sporty and premium 2018 Honda Accord that launches this fall. The world debut event held today in Detroit can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/honda.

The completely new 2018 Honda Accord was revealed to media in Detroit today. The dramatically restyled and re-imagined new Accord features an available new 2.0L turbo engine paired with either a new 10 speed automatic or 6 speed manual transmission, and an upscale new interior with a host of desirable features. The new Accord goes on sale this fall.

The 10th-generation Accord is new from the ground up and features a lighter and more rigid body structure, an advanced new chassis design, two all-new, high-torque direct-injected and turbocharged engines, the world’s first 10-speed automatic transmission for a front-drive car and a new generation of Honda’s two-motor hybrid technology, along with a host of new safety, driver-assistive and connected-car technologies – all wrapped in a more sophisticated, sleek and athletic design with top class interior space and comfort.

“We are redefining the Honda Accord for a new generation of buyers by bringing something unexpected that challenges the idea of what a mainstream sedan can be,” said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president of the Automobile Division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Even as we advance core values like great driving dynamics, safety performance and efficiency, the distinctive design of this all-new 2018 Honda Accord will help it appeal to both head and heart in equal measure.”

Next-Generation Accord Design and Packaging
In reimagining the Accord for its 10th-generation rebirth, Honda designers and engineers went back to the fundamentals of proportion and stance with a sporting and athletic appearance, like a sprinter in the blocks. The approach reinvigorates classic Honda design principles, such as a low and wide body, expansive visibility and sporty seating position, and then translating them into a thoroughly modern, sporty and premium Accord sedan design. 

The new Accord features a longer wheelbase (+2.16 inches), a lower overall height (-0.59 inch) and wider (+0.39 inch) body, wider wheel tracks (+0.20 in. front, +0.79 in. rear), a shortened overall length (-0.39 inch) and lower, sportier seating position (-1.0 inch front and -0.79 inch back). A sweeping greenhouse positioned farther back on the body completes the new stance and proportion of the next-generation Accord. The combined effect of these changes is a more premium look, highlighted by shorter overhangs, a bold front fascia, a long and low hood, and a visual center of gravity moved closer to the rear wheels.

Viewed head-on, the new Accord’s greenhouse also angles in more dramatically from the window sills to the roof, further emphasizing the wide lower body, while inside the cabin the seats have been moved slightly inward that contributes to improved hip, shoulder and head room while enhancing occupants’ freedom of movement. Also, the longer wheelbase allowed designers to move the second-row seats substantially rearward, giving Accord almost 2 extra inches of rear leg room to offer one of the most spacious rear seating areas in its class. Overall passenger volume is increased by 2.5 cubic feet to 105.7 (based on LX). Trunk space has also been increased by nearly one cubic foot on the 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter engine powered Accords and by 3.2 cubic feet on the Accord Hybrid to a top level 16.7 cubic feet (+0.9 cu.ft.).

Elegant and modern exterior detailing compliments the Accord’s new, more dynamic design. The bold and upright front fascia is highlighted by Honda’s signature chrome wing front grille positioned above a large main air intake and flanked by available 9-lamp full-LED headlights and LED fog lights. The chiseled hood features a distinctive and aggressive raised center, and the deeply sculpted body sides enhance the visual length and strength of the lower body.

Further, a new laser brazing process that joins the dramatically arching roof to the body side panels creates a clean appearance with no garnish over the rain channels. The similarly low and wide rear view is finished off with an upswept decklid, distinctive LED light-pipe taillights and cleanly integrated dual exhaust ports. Overall aerodynamic efficiency is improved by approximately 3 percent (based on EX trim) to make it the most streamlined Accord yet.

Elegant and Tech Savvy Cabin
The 2018 Accord also boasts a larger, more premium and tech savvy interior that compliments its athletic and elegant body design, delivering a level of quality and premium feel that belies Accord’s mainstream sedan status.

The new Accord features a panoramic forward view that is enabled by its lower cowl and by front roof pillars that are 20 percent narrower and moved rearward relative to the driver’s seating position. The new soft-touch instrument panel features an ultra-thin profile and three-tier design with a strong upper deck that describes a continuous arc from its outboard section through the side door sills, giving a sense of strength and visual continuity.

A more intricately contoured sport inspired steering wheel with deep-set thumb rests and available paddle shifters compliment the Accord’s more sophisticated and sporty performance capabilities. Meticulous attention to the tactile and visual quality of surface materials and decorations communicates modernity and soft-spoken elegance throughout the cabin.

The inboard positioning of the seats provides for improved freedom of movement and is complimented by longer, wider and more deeply padded arm rests, front and rear; while the Accord’s newly designed seats feature taller shoulder bolstering for a more premium appearance and improved lateral support. New high-accuracy seat padding with variable firmness improves seating comfort and support. The driver’s seat now has available 12-way power adjustment with height-adjustable lumbar support, and passenger comfort is further enhanced by available new heated and ventilated front seats and by improved available rear seat heating with both seat bottom and seat back heating elements. 

The tech-savvy and easy-to-use 2018 Accord cabin also features an all-new HMI that includes an ultra-slim 7-inch TFT driver’s meter and a new 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen interface with physical volume and tuning knobs and more intuitive, smartphone-like features and functionality including customizable app tiles and home-screen shortcuts, along with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility. The Accord also will offer the next-generation of HondaLink telematics with new capabilities including emergency roadside assistance, remote locking/unlocking and engine start, stolen vehicle tracking, remote diagnostics, geofencing, speed tracking and more.

Touring trims of both 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter models also feature a new 6-inch driver’s Head Up Display with selectable information, including speed, engine rpm, turn-by-turn navigation, and Traffic Sign Recognition. Additional new or improved connected-car technologies available on the 2018 Accord include wireless device charging, automatic Bluetooth® phone pairing with Near Field Communication technology, 4G LTE in-car Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi-enabled over-the-air system updates.

Audio systems vary by trim, starting with 4 speakers and 160 watts on LX,
8 speakers and 180 watts on Sport and EX trims, and 10 speakers and 450 watts on EX-L and Touring trims. All models feature USB charging ports (two 2.5-amp ports on EX and above) along with Bluetooth connectivity.

Accord Performance: Turbocharged and Electrified 
The 2018 Accord takes an entirely new approach to performance by featuring three advanced new powerplants – two direct-injected and turbocharged 4-cylinder engines and the third generation of Honda’s two-motor hybrid powertrain technology. The 2018 Accord also features a new Honda-developed 10-speed automatic transmission (10AT) with the 2.0-liter turbo engine, the first of its kind for a front-wheel-drive car, and an available 6-speed manual transmission for both turbocharged engines.

The new 1.5-liter, 16-valve DOHC direct-injected turbo with dual Variable Timing Control (dual VTC) produces a peak 192 horsepower (HP) at 5,500 rpm and 192 lb-ft. of torque from 1,500 to 5,000 rpm, up from 185 HP at 6,400 rpm and 181 lb.-ft. at 3,900 rpm on the existing, normally aspirated 2.4-liter model. The new 1.5-liter turbo is mated to a Honda continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) or, in Sport trim, to a CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission (6MT).  

The Accord can also be equipped with a new 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC direct-injected turbo with i-VTEC® valvetrain paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission or, in Sport trim, to the 10AT or an available 6MT. The new 2.0-liter turbo, sharing much of its design with the race-bred 2017 Civic Type R, produces 252 HP at 6,500 rpm and 273 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm, compared to 278 HP at 6,200 rpm and 252 lb.-ft. at 4,900 rpm for the 3.5-liter V6 that it replaces. 

Both turbocharged engines utilize a host of new technologies, including high-efficiency low-inertia turbos, variable valve timing, low-pressure-loss air intake and high-accuracy direct injection, to deliver immediate and powerful response along while still anticipated to receive top level fuel economy ratings.  The two new automatic transmissions – the CVT for the 1.5-liter engine and new 10AT for the 2.0-liter engine – take greater advantage of available torque while maximizing quietness and efficiency during highway cruising. The redesigned CVT has an 11 percent lower ratio compared to the current version for more powerful launch performance, while the new 10AT is 22 lbs. lighter, has a 68 percent wider overall ratio range with a 43 percent lower first gear, and a 17 percent taller top gear compared to the current Accord’s six-speed automatic.

Production of New Accord Hybrid Returns to Ohio
An all-new, even more refined and fuel efficient Accord Hybrid will be again built in Marysville, Ohio after a couple of years of production in Japan, and will be powered by the third-generation of Honda’s innovative two-motor hybrid technology, offering improved power delivery with no compromise to interior or cargo space and packaging.

The new hybrid powertrain will utilize a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle engine with greater than 40 percent thermal efficiency, the highest for any mass-produced Honda engine, paired with Honda-developed electric motors that are the first drive motors in the world to use magnets containing no heavy rare-earth metals. As before, the Accord two-motor system operates without the need for a conventional automatic transmission.

Additionally, a new, more compact intelligent power unit (IPU), containing the hybrid battery pack and its control systems, is now mounted under the rear floor instead of in the trunk, preserving both cargo space (16.7 cu.-ft.) and the flexibility of a 60/40-split and folding rear seat, standard on all models and trims. Detailed specifications on the 2018 Accord Hybrid, including power and fuel-economy ratings, will be release closer to launch.

New Approach to Body and Chassis Design
The 2018 Accord’s new body structure is lighter and more rigid, utilizing 29 percent ultra-high-strength steel, the most extensive application of this weight-saving material in any current mass-produced Honda car. Overall, the new Accord employs 54.2 percent high strength steel (above 440 MPa).

Key body features include the latest generation of Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure with crash stroke front frame, tailor-tempered rear frame members for improved crash-energy absorption, and the extensive use of structural adhesives for increased rigidity, cabin quietness and weight reduction. Total vehicle weight is down between approximately 110 to 176 pounds, depending on trim, while body torsional and bending rigidity are improved 32 and 24 percent, respectively, aiding ride quality, cabin quietness, and dynamic performance. 

Mated to the new body is a more sophisticated new chassis design. The 2018 Accord’s lighter chassis features a new Macpherson strut front suspension with L-shaped aluminum control arms mounted to an all-aluminum front subframe. The new setup better isolates and manages varying road inputs, improving handling precision, ride quality and cabin quietness along with outstanding high-speed stability and control. The new, more space-efficient rear suspension is a multi-link design mounted to a more rigid, floating rear subframe. Fluid-filled compliance bushings at all four corners further improve ride comfort and absorption of road irregularities, and all new Accords also feature, for the first time, an Adaptive Damper System with the ability to adjust shock absorber damping force every 1/500 of a second, providing for a more compliant and controlled ride in all driving situations.

The new Accord has a 10 mm lower center of gravity. The adoption of lighter-weight turbocharged engines and other body design changes reduce the vehicle’s moment of inertia, resulting in crisper turn-in and steering response. All models now have near optimal FWD weight distribution of approximately 60/40 (front/rear). Accords with the new 2.0-liter i-VTEC turbo and 10AT check in at approximately 61/39, a significant improvement versus the current V-6 and 6AT Accord.

All new Accords will now come equipped with a Two-Mode Driving System featuring Normal and Sport settings, allowing the driver to dial-up/down the vehicle’s sporty reflexes depending on the driving environment. The system engages with multiple chassis and drivetrain components, including the new dual-pinion variable-ratio electric power steering (EPS), automatic transmission, drive-by-wire throttle, adaptive dampers and Active Sound Control system, to provide the driver with an expanded range of driving characteristics. An ECON mode is also available that helps improve fuel efficiency by modifying throttle mapping and HVAC operation.

Along with the first application of structural adhesives to Accord, cabin quietness is further enhanced by a comprehensive sound-insulating package that includes full underbody covers, which also aid aerodynamics, front and rear fender and engine compartment insulators, alloy wheels with Honda-proprietary resonator technology, sound-absorbing carpet, acoustic laminated windshield glass – plus front door acoustic glass on EX and above – and a new, three-microphone Active Noise Control system.

Advanced Safety and Driver-Assistive Technology
For 2018, all Accords will feature the full suite of Honda Sensing® safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard equipment. Honda Sensing includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and new Traffic Sign Recognition. Additional available driver-assistive technologies include Blind Spot Information, front and rear parking sensors, Cross Traffic Monitor and Driver Awareness Monitor; and all models feature a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with dynamic guidelines.

Standard advanced active and passive safety systems include Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, Anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), advanced front airbags, driver and front-passenger side airbags and new driver and front-passenger knee airbags. The Accord targets top U.S. government (NCAP) and IIHS collision safety ratings.

Accord Models and Trims
More detailed information will be provided closer to launch, but the 1.5-liter powered Accord will be available in six trims – LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, EX-L Navi and Touring. The 2.0-liter model has four trims available, which are Sport, EX-L, EX-L Navi and Touring. And the new Accord Hybrid will be available in five trims – Hybrid, EX, EX-L, EX-L Navi and Touring. Sport trims for both 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter engine variants will now feature available short-throw 6-speed manual transmissions.

Accord Manufacturing
All variants of the 2018 Accord will be produced at Honda’s Marysville, Ohio auto plant2, at which the company is investing with numerous enhancements to further advance quality and efficiency, including the introduction of additional technologies and processes. Accord was the first vehicle from a Japanese automaker to be made in America and has been in continuous production at the Marysville Auto Plant since November 1982, with cumulative U.S. production exceeding 11 million units over 35 years. 

The 2018 Accord’s 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter turbo engines will be produced at Honda’s Anna, Ohio engine plant, and its CVT transmission will be manufactured at the company’s Russells Point, Ohio plant. 

The all-new, Honda-designed 10-speed automatic transmission will be produced at the company’s Tallapoosa, Georgia plant2. Honda recently announced a combined $149 million investment in the Russells Point and Tallapoosa plants to facilitate production of the new 10AT. Additional details concerning new manufacturing technology and investments will be announced closer to launch.

For More Information
Additional media information including high-resolution photography of the 2018 Accord is available at hondanews.com/honda-automobiles/channels/accord.
Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com/future-cars/accord.
To join the Accord community on Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/hondaaccord.

About the Honda Accord
Since its launch in 1976, American car buyers have made Accord the best-selling car in America, purchasing more than 13 million Accords.

A perennial best-seller with American car buyers, the Accord has been the U.S. retail sales leader in the midsize sedan segment for four straight years (2013-2016)1. For the first six months of 2017, based on retail sales data, Accord is the top selling midsize sedan in America and the second best-selling passenger car overall, surpassed only by the new Honda Civic3. Accord also is an unprecedented 31-time recipient of Car and Driver magazine’s coveted 10Best award.

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 35 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 Urban Science retail sales data in the Midsize car segment for individual calendar years 2013-2017CYTD June
  2. Using domestically and globally sourced parts.
  3. Based on Urban Science retail sales data in the Midsize car segment and for all models in the industry for 2017CYTD June

[PRELIMINARY] 2018 HONDA ACCORD SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES

NOTE: Information provided is preliminary and subject to change. Some equipment may not be available on certain trims. 

ENGINEERING

1.5T

2.0T

Hybrid

Engine Type

In-Line 4-Cylinder with Mono-Scroll IHI RHF5 Turbo and Electric Wastegate

In-Line 4-Cylinder with Mono-Scroll IHI RHF5 Turbo and Electric Wastegate

In-Line 4 Cylinder

Engine Block/Cylinder Head

Aluminum-Alloy

Aluminum-Alloy

Aluminum-Alloy

Displacement

1498 cc

1996 cc

1993 cc

Horsepower (SAE net)

192 @ 5500 rpm

252 @ 6500 rpm

TBA

Torque (SAE net)

192 lb.-ft. @ 1500-5000 rpm

273 lb.-ft. @ 1500-4000 rpm

TBA

Fuel Injection

Direct

Direct

Multi-Point

Bore and Stroke

73.0 mm / 89.5 mm

86.0 mm x 85.9 mm

81.0mm x 96.7mm

Valve Train

16-Valve DOHC

16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC®

16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC®

Hybrid Battery

Lithium Ion

TRANSMISSIONS

1.5T

2.0T

Hybrid

6-Speed Manual Transmission

Available

Available

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Paddle Shifters

Available

10-Speed Automatic Transmission (10AT) with Shift-By-Wire (SBW) and Paddle Shifters

Electric Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT) with Shift-By-Wire

BODY/SUSPENSION/CHASSIS

1.5T

2.0T

Hybrid

Adaptive Damper System

Available

Available

Available

MacPherson Strut Front Suspension

Multi-Link Rear Suspension

Dual-Pinion, Variable-Ratio Electric Power Steering (EPS)

Standard Wheels / Tires

17 in. Alloy / 225/50R17

17 in. Alloy / 225/50R17

17 in. Alloys / 225/50R17

Available Wheels / Tires

19 in. Alloy / 235/40R19

19 in. Alloy / 235/40R19

EXTERIOR MEASUREMENTS

1.5T

2.0T

Hybrid

Wheelbase

111.4 in.

111.4 in.

111.4 in.

Length

192.1 in.

192.1 in.

192.1 in.

Height

57.1 in.

57.1 in.

57.1 in.

Width

73.2 in.

73.2 in.

73.2 in.

INTERIOR MEASUREMENTS  

1.5T

2.0T

Hybrid

Headroom (front/rear)

39.5 in. / 37.3 in.

37.5 in. / 37.2 in.

39.5 in. / 37.3 in.

Legroom (front/rear)

42.3 in. / 40.4 in.

42.3 in. / 40.4 in.

42.3 in. / 40.4 in.

Shoulder Room (front/rear)

58.3 in. / 56.5 in.

58.3 in. / 56.5 in.

58.3 in. / 56.5 in.

Hiproom (front/rear)

55.3 in. / 55.0 in.

55.3 in. / 55.0 in.

55.3 in. / 55.0 in.

Cargo Volume

16.7 cu. ft.

16.7 cu. ft.

16.7 cu. ft.

Passenger Volume

105.6 cu. ft.

102.7

105.6 cu. ft.

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

Curb Weight

TBA

TBA

TBA

Weight Distribution (% front / rear)

60 / 40 (approx.)

61 / 39 (approx.)

61 / 39 (approx.)

FUEL CAPACITY

1.5T

2.0T

Hybrid

Fuel Tank Capacity

14.8 gal.

14.8 gal.

12.8 gal.

Required Fuel

Regular Unleaded

Regular Unleaded

Regular Unleaded

SAFETY & DRIVER ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

1.5T

2.0T

Hybrid

Advanced Compatibility EngineeringTM(ACETM) Body Structure

HondaSensing®Driver Assistive Suite

Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)
with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) 

Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
with Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) 

Traffic Sign Recognition

Low Speed Follow

CVT Only

10AT Only

Advanced Front Airbags, Front Side Airbags 

Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor

Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Knee Airbags

Head-Up Display (HUD)

Available

Available

Available

Blind Spot Information System (BSI)16

Available

Available

LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

EXTERIOR FEATURES

1.5T

2.0T

Hybrid

Aluminum Hood

Active Shutter Grille

Available

LED Headlights with Auto-On/Off (low beam)

Full LED Headlights with Auto-On/Off (low and high beam)

Available

Available

Available

Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers

Available

Available

Available

Chrome Exhaust Finishers

Available

LED Fog Lights

Available

Available

LED Tail Lights

Smart Entry with Walk-Away Auto Lock®

Available

One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature

Available

Available

Front/Rear Parking Sensors 

Available

Available

Available

Courtesy Lights

Available

Available

Available

COMFORT & CONVENIENCE

1.5T

2.0T

Hybrid

Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control System

Driver & Passenger Front Power Windows with Auto-Up/Down

Sport Mode

Available

Available

Available

Sport Pedals

Available

Available

Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel

Available

Available

Leather-Wrapped Shift Knob

Available

Available (M/T only)

Push Button Start

Remote Engine Start

Available

Automatic-Dimming Rearview Mirror with HomeLink®

Available

Available

Available

Ambient Interior Lighting

SEATING

1.5T

2.0T

Hybrid

Leather-Trimmed Seats

Available

Available

Available

60/40 Split Fold-Down Rear Seatback with Center Armrest

Available

12-Way Power Driver’s Seat with 4-Way Power Lumbar Support

Available

Available

4-Way Power Front Passenger’s Seat

Available

Available

Available

Two-Position Driver’s Seat Memory

Available

Available

Available

Heated Seats – Front

Available

Available

Heated Seats – Front and Rear (outboard)

Available

Available

Available

Ventilated Front Seats

Available

Available

Available

AUDIO & CONNECTIVITY

1.5T

2.0T

Hybrid

7-Inch Color TFT Driver’s Meter

7-Inch High-Resolution WVGA (800×480) Screen with Customizable Feature Settings

8-Inch Display Audio with High-Resolution HD (1280P x 720P) Electrostatic Touch-Screen and Customizable Feature Settings

Available

Available

160-Watt Audio System with 4 Speakers

180-Watt Audio System with 8 Speakers

Available

Available

450-Watt Premium Audio System, 10 Speakers with Subwoofer

Available

Available

Available

Apple CarPlay™

Available

Available

Android Auto™

Available

Available

USB Smartphone/Audio Interface (2.5-Amp Ports)

Available

Available

Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic

Available

Available

Available

Mobile Hotspot Capability

Available

Available

Available

HondaLink® Subscription Services

Available

Available

Available

Wireless Device Charger

Available

Available

Available

 

Honda Logo

Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/535782/2018_Honda_Accord_Touring.jpg
Logo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/460855/american_honda_motor_co_inc_logo.jpg

 

SOURCE American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek Announces Extraordinary Line-up of Experiences Coming to Disney Parks around the Globe

0

Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar and a seventh cruise ship among the experiences coming for guests

ANAHEIM, Calif., July 15, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today at D23 Expo 2017, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced an extraordinary line-up of brand new attractions and experiences coming to its parks and resorts around the world as it continues to revolutionize the guest experience, starting from before guests even arrive for a Disney vacation to the many memories that last a lifetime.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek welcomed nearly 7,000 fans as he unveiled more than a dozen new experiences coming to Disney parks and resorts and gave a sneak peek at much-anticipated projects in development. Several Imagineers joined the presentation by providing details of the creativity, imagination and innovation in development around the world. Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter also shared his enthusiasm for plans to include a larger Pixar presence at Disneyland Resort.

In addition to the announcement that Fantasmic! will return to Disneyland Park tonight, two nights early in honor of the Expo, fans were treated to a glimpse of the new “Beauty and the Beast” musical production coming to the Disney Dream on Disney Cruise Line, currently in production in Toronto, and a special one-night-only medley of nostalgic entertainment numbers showcasing the heritage of Disney Parks.

“On the heels of the many new and incredibly popular experiences that just debuted this year, the best is yet to come. We have ambitious plans for our parks and resorts around the world,” said Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.  “We’re investing in the guest experience like never before, and we’re doing it all in way that is only possible at Disney!”

From new lodging and transportation options that make getting around more fun, to original storytelling and immersive experiences based on guests’ favorites, Disney continues to provide unparalleled vacation destinations for guests across the globe in even more exciting ways than ever before.

Immersive Theme Park Experiences and Attractions

An Unprecedented First Look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Fans were elated to hear their Star Wars stories will come to life in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the newly announced name for the Star Wars-themed lands. Chapek shared exciting new details and a glimpse inside the two anchor attractions, including one that puts guests right in the middle of a battle between the First Order and the Resistance where guests will feel like they are inside a hangar bay on a Star Destroyer. Guests will also have the chance to fly the Millennium Falcon, where each guest is critical to the mission’s success. Chapek also revealed many characters that guests will meet, including BB-8, Chewbacca, Rex and Kylo Ren. Representing the largest single-themed land expansion at 14 acres each, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open in 2019, with the first land debuting at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, then at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando.

Timeless Transformation of Epcot Revealed
Looking ahead to the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World, there are grand plans to complete the transformation that started with the debut of New Fantasyland in 2014. Chapek announced exciting plans across Epcot to realize the original vision of the park while making it more timeless and relevant than ever before. Patterned after the number one family attraction at Disneyland Paris, Ratatouille will be added in an all-new space in the France pavilion at World Showcase. Epcot will also see the addition of a brand new E-ticket attraction based on the rockin’ and action-packed world of Guardians of the Galaxy, the next step in how guests can encounter these characters at Walt Disney World Resort. In Future World, a new Green Mission at Mission: SPACE will take guests on a stunning tour around the Earth, and an updated Orange Mission will make the trip to Mars even more spectacular. Adjacent to Mission: Space will be a new restaurant that will invite guests to travel high above the earth for an unforgettable dining experience.

More Thrills than Ever Planned for Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom
Disney remains at the cutting edge of deeply immersive, creative storytelling that draws guests into new worlds, and it is a legacy that lives on in every new Disney Parks experience. The first-ever Mickey-themed ride-through attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, will come to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With a new original story and lovable attraction theme song, this new state-of-the-art ride-through attraction will take guests on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts using new technologies that transform the flat cartoon world into an incredible dimensional experience.

Chapek also announced that the highest rated attraction at Shanghai Disneyland is coming to Walt Disney World Resort. A thrilling, Tron-themed attraction will be added in a new area near Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom. Additionally, a new live entertainment theater coming to Main Street, U.S.A., based on the iconic Willis Theater in 1920s Kansas City, will bring world-class entertainment to the world’s most popular park.

Pixar Fun at the Happiest Place on Earth
In addition to announcing the summer 2018 opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Chapek was joined by Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter to unveil plans for Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure, where the pier will take on a brand new look as more favorite Pixar characters and stories come to life, from The Incredibles, to Inside Out to even more Toy Story. Chapek also announced there is more Pixar in store during Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort. Starting in 2018, this limited-time offering will include a new fireworks spectacular as well as special characters and entertainment moments.

As part of the celebration, the Pixar Play Parade will return to Disneyland Resort – this time at Disneyland Park – and the fan favorite Paint the Night Parade will move to Disney California Adventure, one of Disney’s longest parade routes.

Disney Cruise Line to Double the Size of its Fleet by 2023

Chapek surprised the crowd by announcing that Disney Cruise Line will add one more ship in its expansion to take family cruise vacations to a whole new level. Joining the other two new ships that were announced just last year, all three ships will be powered by one of the cleanest-burning fuels available, liquefied natural gas. When all three ships are completed by 2023, Disney Cruise Line will have nearly doubled the size of the fleet.

Immersive Hotel Concepts

Among the announcements were projects that infuse even more exciting experiences for resort hotel guests in ways that are only possible at Disney. To the delight of fans, Chapek confirmed ambitious plans to create the most experiential concept ever in an immersive Star Wars-themed hotel at Walt Disney World Resort. Dedicated entirely to the galaxy of Star Wars, it will be a one-of-a-kind experience where a luxury resort meets a multi-day adventure in a galaxy far, far away.

Adding to the immersive resort hotel slate, Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel at Disneyland Paris will transport guests to the action-packed world of Super Heroes, including Iron Man, The Avengers, Spider-Man and more. Guests will be able to explore the Marvel Universe through its comic art, films, Super Hero costumes and more, displayed in the style of a contemporary art gallery.

Leading up to the July 17 opening of Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, Chapek also announced the proposed 15th Disney Vacation Club property, Disney Riviera Resort, coming to Walt Disney World Resort near Epcot.

Seamless Transportation Options

Completing the immersion so guests never have to leave the story while on a Disney vacation, Chapek announced plans that will make getting around Walt Disney World Resort even more fun. An all-new Minnie Van service will provide a point-to-point transportation service in a way that only Disney can do, giving guests an even more seamless resort vacation from start to finish.

Additionally, a whole new transportation system called Disney Skyliner will give guests a birds-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort. This brand new system will connect Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century and Caribbean Beach resorts, as well as the proposed new Disney Riviera Resort, with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot.

Honoring the Heritage of Disney Parks

In a memorable tribute to the legacy of beloved attractions, entertainment and characters, fans enjoyed a special one-time-only performance of entertainment numbers from Disney Parks through the years. Following the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade, Chapek hinted there are even more fan favorites in store from Disney Parks’ storied past.

About Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts are where dreams come true. More than sixty years ago, Walt Disney created a new kind of entertainment families could experience together, immersed in detailed atmospheres and vibrant storytelling. His vision now includes a collection of six of the world’s leading family vacation destinations – Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, Calif.; Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; Tokyo Disney Resort, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan; Disneyland Paris, Marne-la-Vallée, France; Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, located on Lantau Island; and Shanghai Disney Resort, Pudong New District, Shanghai, China. In addition, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts includes the world-class Disney Cruise Line; Disney Vacation Club; Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa; Adventures by Disney, a guided group vacation experience to some of the world’s most popular destinations; and Walt Disney Imagineering, which creates and designs all Disney parks, resorts and attractions.

Media Contacts:
Angela Bliss
[email protected]
818-560-4107

Rachel Green
[email protected]
818-560-2218

SOURCE Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

Cala Enterprises and Datos Group Present the Corporate Happiness Scale, an Index That Measures Happiness in Companies

0

MIAMI, July 14, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Cala Enterprises, the company headed by Ismael Cala, will develop the Corporate Happiness Scale, an index that measures happiness in companies, in partnership with the international research organization Datos Group.

Latin American and U.S. companies have already joined the survey, which allows for quantitatively identifying the level of happiness of employees, with variables such as emotions, commitment, stress, creativity and achievements.

“The Corporate Happiness Scale is part of our commitment to corporate wellbeing. At the dozens of conferences that I conduct every year in companies all over the region, I have insisted that motivation and happiness are key to personal growth and an increase in productivity,” said Ismael Cala.

It has been shown that happier employees are twice as productive, have 65% more energy, are twice as engaged with their company, manage to increase sales up to 37% and creativity by up to three times more, and produce on average 31% more.

“Theoreticians agree that corporate happiness is the optimum human functioning making it possible for an organization’s members to be more productive, creative and healthy. However, the Happiness Scale differs from other indexes in that it incorporates into traditional positive psychological indicators the measurement of behavioral motivation and intrinsic motivation elements”, explained Datos Group’s CEO Luis Maturén.

More information: http://www.escaladefelicidad.com/

ABOUT ISMAEL CALA

Life and human development strategist, best-selling author and international speaker, for more than five years, Ismael Cala was the host of CALA on CNN en español.

He is currently the official contributor to the program “Despierta América” (Wake Up, America) on Univision, and writes a weekly column for more than 50 Latin American and U.S. publications. The New York Times has named him the “Latin Larry King”.

Author of the best-sellers “Despierta con Cala” (Wake Up with Cala), “La vida es una piñata” (Life Is a Pinata), “El analfabeto emocional” (The Emotional Illiterate), “El poder de escuchar” (The Power of Listening), “Un buen hijo de P…” (A Real Son of a B…) and “El secreto del bambú” (The Secret of Bamboo), Cala was born in Santiago, Cuba (1969), and holds a bachelor’s degree in Art History from Oriente University. He coauthored “Beat the Curve” with Brian Tracy. He is a graduate of the York University School of Communications in Toronto and has a diploma from Seneca in Television Production.

He has partnered with great mentors such as Deepak Chopra and John C. Maxwell and received training from coaches like Tony Robbins and Miguel Ruiz. Cala is part of the contributing faculty group at Atlantis University and Next University. He is the president of Cala Enterprises Corporation. Visit www.IsmaelCala.com

ABOUT DATOS GROUP

Since its founding in 1954, Datos Group seeks to understand and explore people’s knowledge, their relationship with their environment, markets and companies, by means of a holistic vision and with ever-present methodological precision. As a company specializing in information, it has distinguished itself by its passion in interpreting data, constantly managing innovative processes to understand realities and creating new opportunities.

 

SOURCE Cala Enterprises

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek Reveals Epic, Detailed Model of Star Wars-Themed Lands

0
Today at D23 Expo 2017, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek unveiled the epic detailed model of the Star Wars-themed lands coming to Disneyland park and Disney's Hollywood Studios, which will remain on display throughout the weekend as part of "A Galaxy of Stories" pavilion.

ANAHEIM, California, July 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — During a special preview of D23 Expo 2017, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek unveiled a first look at the epic, richly detailed model of the Star Wars-themed lands under development at Disneyland park in Anaheim, Calif. and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Fla. This stunning exhibition, on display in Walt Disney Parks and Resorts’ “A Galaxy of Stories” pavilion at D23 Expo, is yet another example of the breathtaking new worlds, immersive storytelling and transformational guest experiences that set Disney apart.

Today at D23 Expo 2017, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek unveiled the epic detailed model of the Star Wars-themed lands coming to Disneyland park and Disney's Hollywood Studios, which will remain on display throughout the weekend as part of "A Galaxy of Stories" pavilion.

“To say we are excited for the Star Wars-themed lands to open in 2019 is an understatement,” Chapek said. “All along, we have said this will be game-changing, and through the model we can begin to see how truly epic these immersive new worlds will be.”

Chapek plans to share exciting new details about the project during the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Hall D23 Presentation on Saturday. The model will remain on display at the pavilion throughout the weekend to give visitors an up-close look at what’s to come on this never-before seen planet. In addition, the pavilion will display models, artwork and media that provide a first-ever look at some of the locations, starships, creatures, and droids that guests will encounter when they visit this new planet.

At D23 Expo 2015, The Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced the Star Wars project to the delight of thousands of fans in attendance. The jaw-dropping new lands will open with two anchor attractions – one that gives guests the chance to pilot the Millennium Falcon on a customized secret mission, and one that puts guests right in the middle of a battle between the First Order and the Resistance. Representing the largest single-themed land expansion at 14 acres each, the Star Wars-themed lands will open in 2019.

However, guests don’t need to wait until 2019 to be immersed in the Star Wars galaxy. From special character encounters to fan-favorite attractions like Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, and interactive entertainment like Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, guests of all ages can experience Star Wars stories at Disney parks and resorts around the world. Learn more at http://bit.ly/2uj8WYV.

About Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts are where dreams come true. More than sixty years ago, Walt Disney created a new kind of entertainment families could experience together, immersed in detailed atmospheres and vibrant storytelling. His vision now includes a collection of six of the world’s leading family vacation destinations – Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, Calif.; Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; Tokyo Disney Resort, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan; Disneyland Paris, Marne-la-Vallée, France; Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, located on Lantau Island; and Shanghai Disney Resort, Pudong New District, Shanghai, China. In addition, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts includes the world-class Disney Cruise Line; Disney Vacation Club; Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa; Adventures by Disney, a guided group vacation experience to some of the world’s most popular destinations; and Walt Disney Imagineering, which creates and designs all Disney parks, resorts and attractions.

Media Contacts:
Angela Bliss
[email protected]
818-560-4107

Rachel Green
[email protected]
818-560-2218

 

Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/535794/A_Galaxy_of_Stories_Walt_Disney_Parks_and_Resorts.jpg

 

SOURCE Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

Honda Goes Fashion Forward with Debut Display of One-of-a-Kind “MINNIE VAN” – Custom-Designed Odyssey Created for Disney D23 Expo

0
American_Honda_Minnie_Van

ANAHEIM, California, July 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Attendees at this year’s Disney D23 Expo: Ultimate Fan Event will get to enjoy Minnie’s polka dots in a whole new way when Honda unveils its one-of-a-kind 2018 Honda Odyssey minivan in Anaheim. Inspired by the magic of Disney and the iconic character Minnie Mouse, Honda has created the MINNIE VAN for display at the 2017 D23 Expo: (https://youtu.be/eFNlHybYDWg). The MINNIE VAN is a one-of-a-kind, pink-polka dot design inspired 2018 Honda Odyssey minivan celebrating Honda’s partnership with Disney-ABC and the “Disney Unlock the Magic Sweepstakes”: www.Disney.com/unlockthemagic.

American_Honda_Minnie_Van

The sweepstakes and exclusive Mickey and the Roadster Racers custom content piece will air on Disney Channel and Disney Junior with special appearances by Disney characters and the 2018 Honda Odyssey minivan.

“The all-new Odyssey was developed for modern families offering high-tech features, flexible seating and new styling, all aimed at keeping everyone in the family happy,” said Susie Rossick, Assistant Vice President of Honda Marketing. “In creating the MINNIE VAN that will be on display at the D23 Expo, we’re proud to partner with Disney-ABC and be inspired by the style of the most fashionable gal around – Minnie Mouse.”

The MINNIE VAN presented by Honda Odyssey

The MINNIE VAN is a unique collaboration between Honda and Disney-ABC to create a one-of-a-kind minivan inspired by Minnie Mouse; a truly custom creation that everyone in the family will love getting to see. For this exclusive display, one all-new Honda Odyssey was transformed through a pink-polka dot design inspired by Minnie’s iconic style, including her oversized bow and highly recognizable ears perched atop the vehicle.

The MINNIE VAN will be on display for fans July 14-16 at the D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event (https://d23.com/d23-expo/) in Anaheim, Calif. The MINNIE VAN will be a part of the “Minnie’s Style: The Fashion House of Minnie Mouse” display presented by the all-new Odyssey, showcasing a selection of Minnie’s iconic dresses and accessories from throughout the years. Attendees may register at the Honda display to have their photo taken with the MINNIE VAN, and receive a special keepsake. The MINNIE VAN will be for display only and will not be for sale.

To introduce the 2018 Honda Odyssey to families across America, Honda’s partnership with Disney-ABC also features the “Disney Unlock the Magic Sweepstakes,” with one lucky winner receiving a grand prize vacation to Disneyland® Resort, plus an all-new 2018 Honda Odyssey. The campaign includes exclusive content that will feature the Odyssey minivan alongside Mickey Mouse, his pals and their personalized transforming vehicles from Disney Junior’s hit animated series Mickey and the Roadster Racers.

The Completely Redesigned 2018 Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey has been the best-selling minivan in America for the past seven years. The all-new 2018 Honda Odyssey continues its evolution to meet the needs of changing American families, raising the bar for performance, cabin quietness, family-friendly interior space, comfort and connectivity in the minivan segment. The new Odyssey has a more powerful engine, advanced new transmission and extensive body redesign that combine to deliver class-leading performance and cabin quietness. The all-new Odyssey provides the ultimate in family flexibility and connectivity with available new Magic Slide™ second row seating, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, CabinWatch™ and CabinTalk™ technologies, and Honda Sensing® technology, now standard on EX and above trims.

The Odyssey was developed by Honda R&D Americas in Ohio and California, and is produced exclusively at Honda’s Lincoln, Alabama, auto and engine plant, alongside the Pilot and Ridgeline, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Honda and Disneyland® Resort

Honda has a long-standing alliance with the Disneyland® Resort which began in 2005, with Honda’s sponsorship of Disneyland® Park’s fireworks, Grad Nite events and an exhibit in Tomorrowland that featured ASIMO, the world’s most advanced humanoid robot. The partnership also includes sponsorship of the classic Disneyland® Resort Autopia attraction, which dates back to the opening day of Disneyland® Park in 1955, and allows guests to get behind the wheel of a car and cruise on a winding road trip. Honda’s sponsorship of Autopia is “Honda powered” and includes an update to the attraction’s look and storyline that went into effect in 2016.

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 of 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 percent of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

About the Disneyland® Resort
Located on approximately 500 acres in Anaheim, California, the Disneyland® Resort includes the Disneyland® and Disney’s California Adventure™ theme parks, three hotels with a total of 2,238 rooms and the 310,000 square foot Downtown Disney® retail, restaurant and entertainment district. With 20,000 employees, the Disneyland® Resort is Orange County’s largest employer. In January 2004, the Resort welcomed its 500 millionth Guest since opening on July 17, 1955.

 

Honda_Logo

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/535625/American_Honda_Minnie_Van.jpg
Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFNlHybYDWg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/451598/Honda_Logo.jpg

SOURCE American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Plotagraph+ For iPad Now Available in App Store, Easily Add Motion to Any Photo

0
Plotagraph

SANTA BARBARA, California, July 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Plotagraph, Inc. an image animation software company, is excited to announce Plotagraph+ for iPad, available Thursday July 13 on the App Store with the iPhone version soon to follow. Plotagraph+ easily allows users to animate any still photo into a seamlessly looping video or animated PNG for iMessage. The Plotagraph+ app takes full advantage of the fast processing power of the all-new iPad Pro as well as all iPads and iPhones with 64Bit processors and up. Plotagraph+ was created with Metal to unlock its full potential.

Plotagraph

As a limited-time offer, Plotagraph+ is discounted at 50% off and on sale for $4.99. Visit the app store to download Plotagraph+ now: https://appsto.re/us/HDcmkb.i

As the first image animation software of its kind, Plotagraph offers a uniquely dynamic photo animating experience. Plotagraph, Inc. Founders Troy Christopher Plota and Sascha Scheider said, “We created Plotagraph+ to help consumers animate their own photos in a fun and easy way, bringing their images and memories back to life.”

Plotagraph+ takes photos to the next level and can easily be shared to top social media platforms and to Plotagraph, Inc.’s very own social platform, Plotagraph Social (www.plotagraphs.com), dedicated to dynamic looping content that will auto-play and auto-loop on all devices. The Plotagraph technique is the perfect tool for businesses to bring their Facebook cover photos to life, as Facebook now accepts looping videos for cover photos.

Plotagraph+ for iPad is available exclusively on the App Store (https://appsto.re/us/HDcmkb.i).  

About Plotagraph, Inc.:

Plotagraph is a professional image animation software and sharing platform that is now available in a lite version for iOS with iPad and soon to launch on the iPhone. The Plotagraph technique allows users to add motion to any still image. This exciting new medium sits in-between a still image and a traditional video. The loops are created from a photo, illustration or painting that is animated using proprietary algorithms creating an endlessly looping video or APNG (Animated PNG). Plotagraph is the evolution of art and photography and pushes the envelope for the future of dynamic looping content.

This animation technique was created by Troy Christopher Plota in 2009. Plotagraph was founded by partners Troy Christopher Plota and Sascha Scheider. Plotagraph is a family-owned software company that launched their pro paid beta on 4th of July, 2016 and had their official launch in October, 2016 at the Photo Plus Expo in New York.

Plotagraph Pro for desktop is available for Mac/PC at www.plotagraphs.com

Contact:
Nadja Reichardt
+1-212-564-4264 x2
[email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/535642/New_Plotagraph_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Plotagraph, Inc.

Altice USA To Be Presented With The 2017 Award For Corporate Leadership In Hispanic Television & Video At The 15th Annual Hispanic Television Summit

0
Altice USA To Be Presented With The 2017 Award For Corporate Leadership In Hispanic Television & Video At The 15th Annual Hispanic Television Summit

NEW YORK, July 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Altice USA, one of the largest broadband communications and video services providers in the United States, will be presented with the 2017 Award for Corporate Leadership in Hispanic Television and Video by leading television business publications, Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News, during the luncheon awards ceremony scheduled from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m., at the 15th Annual Hispanic Television Summit, to be held on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at the Sheraton New York Hotel.

Altice USA To Be Presented With The 2017 Award For Corporate Leadership In Hispanic Television & Video At The 15th Annual Hispanic Television Summit

Altice USA, which provides Optimum and Suddenlink-branded TV, phone and internet services in the U.S., is being recognized for its many products and packages for Hispanic customers.  These services include high-quality and attractively priced internet service, phone service with low rates for international calling, and TV packages that include a wide variety of Spanish-language channels as well as Spanish-language VOD content. The company is especially being acknowledged for their creative marketing approach, including a campaign that featured John Leguizamo, the well-known Latino actor / comedian, as well as a recently launched campaign featuring soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, both of whom are popular among Hispanic and general market consumers. In addition, Altice USA celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and recognizes the rich heritage of Hispanic Americans by administering a student essay contest across its footprint that asks students to write about a Latino, past or present, with whom they would like to spend the day. 

“Altice USA serves some of the most important Hispanic communities in our country. Their amazing commitment to Latino consumers sets an excellent example for all in the television and video industries. That’s why we are especially excited to honor them at this year’s Hispanic Television Summit.” said Louis Hillelson, NewBay Media’s Vice president and Group Publisher for Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News. 

Another award will also be presented at the luncheon ceremony. The 2017 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Hispanic Television honoree is actor/musician Rafael Amaya, star of hit Telemundo super series “El Señor de los Cielos.”

The Hispanic Television Summit is the most popular, and longest running annual event for executives in the business of television and video for Hispanic audiences, worldwide. It attracts nearly 500 executives from the U.S., Latin America and Europe. The Summit was created fifteen years ago by Joe Schramm, and has been produced every year since by Schramm Marketing Group for NewBay Media’s Broadcasting & Cable andMultichannel News. This year, the Summit will be one of a series of conferences and events to be presented by NewBay Media during NYC Television Week, October 16-19, 2017.    

To take advantage of the early bird rate for this Summit, register by Monday, September 11, 2017 at https://nbmedia.swoogo.com/TVWEEK2017.

To learn more about the 15th Annual Hispanic Television Summit, visit www.hispanictvsummit.com.

About NEWBAY MEDIA
NewBay Media is positioned at the center of the world’s most dynamic industries — Music, AV/Pro Audio, Consumer Electronics/Gaming, Video & Broadcast and Education. We connect and inform millions of constituents in these industries through our award-winning content, integrated media capabilities and high-profile network-building and informative events. NewBay proudly serves some of the broadest B-to-B professional and music enthusiast communities in the world through over 35 print and digital publications, more than 35 integrated web and mobile applications, more than 60 e-newsletters, over 50 conferences and conventions, custom marketing services and e-commerce capabilities. Find out more at www.newbaymedia.com.

About Schramm Marketing Group
Schramm is a marketing agency that specializes in multicultural and segmented marketing, ticket sales promotions, and producing conferences for the television and video industry. The company is recognized for its expertise in attracting large, sold-out crowds for international soccer and for driving pay TV subscription sales. They recently launched Fantastico.nyc where Latinos buy tickets online in Spanish. Schramm created and produces the Hispanic Television Summit as well as other internationally-recognized conferences. Schramm’s clients include the leading brands in sports, television, entertainment, telecommunications, and non-profits. For more information, visit www.schrammnyc.com.

For more information, contact:

Schramm Marketing Group
Navi Ramnarain
212.983.0219
[email protected]

NewBay Media
Chardia Christophe
212.378.0443
[email protected]

Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/535712/Altice_USA__Logo.jpg

SOURCE Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News