TORRANCE, California, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Honda today announced a competitive introductory lease price of $369 a month for 36 months (plus tax) for the Clarity Fuel Cell sedan, which is coming to dealerships in California by the end of 2016. The lease requires $2,499 plus first month’s payment at lease signing (not including tax, registration or official fee). The lease terms include an attractive mileage allowance of 20,000 per year, up to $15,000 of hydrogen fuel, up to 21 days of an Avis Luxury Rental in California, and 24/7 roadside assistance.

“Launching the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell at an affordable lease price will enable more consumers to enjoy the benefits of this spacious and well-equipped fuel cell vehicle,” said Steve Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “With an EPA driving range rating of 366 miles, fast refueling and a growing network of hydrogen stations in key California markets, the Clarity Fuel Cell offers an experience on par with traditional gasoline vehicles.”

Retail leasing will be available to residents who live or work near Honda’s network of 12 approved fuel cell vehicle dealerships located in select California markets. This network includes six dealerships in Southern California, five in the Bay Area and one in Sacramento. Honda will further develop its dealer network as consumer friendly hydrogen fueling stations become available.

The Clarity Fuel Cell received an EPA driving range rating of 366 miles and fuel economy rating of 68 MPGe (miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent) combined[1], giving it the best range rating of any zero-emission vehicle, which includes fuel cell and all-electric cars, in the United States.

Customers interested in the Clarity Fuel Cell are encouraged to visit http://automobiles.honda.com/clarity, where they can receive more information and sign up for the opportunity to become a Clarity Fuel Cell customer.

About the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell

Technological innovations to the Clarity Fuel Cell have created a fuel cell stack that is 33 percent more compact than its predecessor with a 60 percent increase in power density compared to the outgoing Honda FCX Clarity. The more compact fuel cell and integrated powertrain, comparable in size to a V-6 engine, now fits entirely under the hood of the car, allowing for a more spacious cabin with seating for five passengers. The Clarity Fuel Cell features a class-leading driving range rating for zero-emission vehicles with its EPA range rating of 366 miles, with a refueling time of approximately three to five minutes.

As the next progression in Honda’s dynamic FCV styling, the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell features a low, wide aerodynamic body with clean character lines. The interior achieves a refined and harmonious experience using rich materials and intuitive, streamlined controls. Additional features include the Honda Sensing™ suite of safety and driver assistive technologies, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ for smartphone connectivity, distinctive LED exterior lighting and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The Clarity Fuel Cell will be available in Crystal Black Pearl, White Orchid Pearl and signature Bordeaux Red Metallic exterior paint schemes.

Honda Fuel Cell Vehicle Leadership

Honda has led the industry for nearly two decades in the development and deployment of fuel cell vehicle technology through extensive real-world testing and customer deployments, including the world’s first government fleet customers and first-ever retail fuel cell vehicle consumer leasing program. Through this effort, Honda has collected valuable feedback concerning real-world use of both fuel cell vehicles and public hydrogen refueling stations.

Since the introduction of its first-generation fuel cell vehicle, the FCX, in 2002, Honda has made significant technological advancements in fuel cell vehicle operation in both hot and sub-freezing weather while meeting customer expectations and safety regulations.

Honda’s second-generation fuel cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity, launched in July 2008 and was quickly heralded as a technological breakthrough in the areas of design, packaging and efficiency. As the world’s first dedicated platform fuel cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity was powered by the smaller and lighter Honda V-flow fuel cell stack positioned in the center tunnel of the vehicle, with the smooth high torque front-wheel drive electric motor, providing performance on par with a gasoline powered sedan, including a 240 miles driving range rating.

Honda has deployed fuel cell vehicles in the U.S., Germany and Japan, including the FCX Clarity, which was named the 2009 World Green Car.

Honda Fuel Cell Vehicle Firsts

Honda fuel cell technology firsts include:

• The first EPA- and CARB-certified fuel cell vehicle (July 2002)
• The world’s first production fuel cell vehicle, introduced to the U.S. and Japan (December 2002)
• The first fuel cell vehicle to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures (2003)
• The first fuel cell vehicle leased to an individual customer (July 2005)
• The first manufacturer to build and produce a dedicated fuel cell vehicle (FCX Clarity) on a production line specifically made for fuel cell vehicles (2008)
• The first manufacturer to create a fuel cell vehicle dealer network (2008)

Honda Commitment to the Environment

Based on its vision of “Blue Skies for our Children,” Honda is working to advance technologies that address society’s environmental and energy concerns. Honda is targeting a 50 percent reduction in its total company CO₂ emissions on a global basis by 2050, compared to 2000 levels.  Starting in 2016, Honda will begin introduction of a new generation of the Honda Clarity series of vehicles, with the hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle, followed by a new Clarity Electric and Clarity Plug-In Hybrid in 2017, as the company strives to realize significant growth in sales of electrified vehicles.

[1] 69 city / 67 highway / 68 combined miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) rating; 366-mile driving range rating. Based on 2017 EPA ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe and driving range will vary based on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, powertrain condition, and other factors.

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LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Honda and the National Hockey League (NHL) announced today that the automaker will serve as the title sponsor of the 2017 NHL® All-Star Game in Los Angeles. The announcement was made today at the Los Angeles Auto Show with a special appearance by NHL icon Wayne Gretzky and the unveiling of a custom-wrapped 2017 Honda NHL® All-Star Ridgeline. Honda will present a new 2017 Ridgeline truck to the most valuable player of the 2017 Honda NHL® All-Star Game on Sunday, Jan. 29 at the Staples Center.

“Honda shares a love for the game of hockey with millions of fans around the world, and we are pleased to support the effort to host this ultimate showcase of the NHL and its incredibly talented players in our backyard,” said Jeff Conrad, Honda’s Senior Vice President & General Manager. “We look forward to working with the NHL to create some fun for fans throughout the 2017 All-Star Weekend including the intersection of Hockey and Hollywood that will be arriving at LA Live the last weekend of January.”

Honda will award the MVP of the 2017 NHL All-Star Game with an all-new 2017 Honda Ridgeline pickup truck at the conclusion of the game. To help celebrate the event, Honda will showcase a custom-wrapped 2017 Honda Ridgeline truck replete with the All-Star Game logo at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, running Nov. 18-27 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Attendees at the auto show will be able to take a photo with the “MVP Ridgeline” at the Honda booth.

Honda’s presence during the 2017 NHL All-Star festivities in Los Angeles also will include serving as a sponsor of one of the skills in the 2017 NHL All-Star Skills Competition™ on Saturday, Jan. 28, where the greatest players in the League will face off in a series of on-ice contests. NHL All-Stars will show off their best moves in the Honda NHL Breakaway Challenge™ with the winner determined by fan vote.

“The 2017 NHL All-Star Weekend marks Honda’s third straight year as title sponsor and demonstrates their commitment to hockey fans – both in Southern California and across North America,” said Brian Jennings, NHL Executive Vice President and Chief Branding Officer. “Honda shares our goal to make each All-Star Weekend more entertaining than the last, and are amazing partners in the continued growth and success of the NHL.”

Gretzky, the NHL’s all-time leader in goals (894), assists (1,963) and points (2,857) as well as numerous other records, currently serves as the official Centennial Ambassador of the NHL’s year-long celebration of its Centennial in 2017. He will make appearances at various events throughout the calendar year as the league marks 100 years of the NHL, including the 2017 NHL All-Star festivities in Los Angeles.

“The NHL All-Star Game and the NHL All-Star Skills Competition are the greatest showcases of hockey talent in the world and I’m excited to have the game and fan events in my home of Los Angeles,” said Gretzky.  “With the Honda Ridgeline truck going to the most valuable player, I’m tempted to wear number 99 to win the award.”

Honda is celebrating nine years as the Official Vehicle of the National Hockey League, and will support the NHL throughout the 2016-2017 season as the exclusive automotive partnership of the NHL. Honda’s award-winning vehicles, including the all-new 2017 Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, Pilot SUV and CR-V crossover, will be featured at key events including NHL Centennial Classic™, NHL Winter Classic®, NHL® All-Star Weekend, NHL Heritage Classic™, NHL Stadium Series™, NHL Awards™, and NHL Draft™, as well as throughout the Stanley Cup® Playoffs and Stanley Cup® Final.

The 2017 NHL All-Star festivities in Los Angeles include the NHL All-Star Skills Competition™ Saturday, Jan. 28 and the NHL® All-Star Game will be on Sunday, Jan. 29 at Staples Center. Additionally, a special ceremony set for Friday, Jan. 27 in Los Angeles will feature the unveiling of the 100 Greatest NHL Players that played from 1967 to present, an important part of the NHL’s year-long Centennial celebrations announced in September. The Los Angeles Convention Center, located next to STAPLES Center, will host the 2017 NHL Fan Fair™, the official fan festival of the All-Star celebration.  For more information, visit NHL.com or follow the official hashtag #NHLAllStar on Twitter and Facebook.

About the 2017 Honda Ridgeline: Official Vehicle of the 2017 Honda NHL All-Star Game
The all-new Honda Ridgeline, now available at Honda dealerships nationwide, builds on the unique and still industry-exclusive features that debuted in the award-winning first-generation Ridgeline in 2005. With superior on-road manners and a spacious, flexible interior — the 2017 Ridgeline adds a truck bed audio system to the already industry-first In-Bed Trunk® and Dual-Action Tailgate. Ridgeline joins an expanded lineup of innovative Honda light-truck models, including the HR-V crossover, the CR-V and Pilot SUVs and the Odyssey minivan.

The Ridgeline 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 Odyssey.

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

Honda has been producing automobiles in America for more than 30 years and currently operates 19 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2015, more than 99 percent of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

About the NHL
The National Hockey League (NHL®), founded in 1917, will celebrate its Centennial anniversary in 2017. The year-long celebration will pay tribute to 100 years of NHL hockey by honoring the past, commemorating the present, and celebrating its future. In 2017 the League will also celebrate 125 years of the most revered trophy in professional sports – the Stanley Cup®. Comprised of 30 Member Clubs, the NHL is represented by players from more than 20 countries across team rosters. Each year, the NHL entertains hundreds of millions of fans around the world. The League broadcasts games in more than 160 countries and territories through its rightsholders including NBC/NBCSN in the U.S., Sportsnet and TVA in Canada, and Viasat in the Nordic Region. The NHL reaches fans worldwide with games available online in every country including via its live and on-demand streaming service NHL.TV™. Fans are engaged across the League’s digital assets on mobile devices via the free NHL® App; across nine social media platforms; on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio™, and on NHL.com, available in eight languages and featuring an enhanced statistics platform powered by SAP, providing the definitive destination for hockey analytics. The NHL is committed to giving back to the community through programs including: Hockey is for Everyone™ which supports nonprofit youth hockey organizations across North America; Hockey Fights Cancer™ which raises money and awareness for hockey’s most important fight; NHL Green™ which is committed to the pursuit of sustainable business practices; and a partnership with the You Can Play Project, which is committed to supporting the LGBT community and fighting homophobia in sports. For more information, visit NHL.com.

NHL, the NHL Shield, Stanley Cup and the word mark NHL Winter Classic are registered trademarks and the NHL All-Star logo, NHL All-Star Skills Competition name and logo, NHL Breakaway Challenge, NHL Fan Fair name and logo, Hockey Fights Cancer, NHL Face-Off, the NHL Winter Classic logo, NHL Heritage Classic name and logo, NHL Stadium Series name and logo, NHL Awards name and logo, and NHL Draft name and logo are trademarks of the National Hockey League.  © NHL 2016.    All Rights Reserved.

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LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — An exciting next chapter in Toyota’s storied North American product history has been revealed under the lights of the Los Angeles Convention Center. Stylish, athletic, and tech-filled, the all-new 2018 Toyota C-HR – or, Coupe High-Rider – represents a leap forward in design, manufacturing, and engineering for Toyota. When it arrives at dealerships next spring, the C-HR will serve as a solid springboard of excitement, adventure, and pride for its fashion-forward, trendsetting owners.

Last year at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Scion debuted its stunning C-HR Concept. That well-received design study set the stage for the Toyota C-HR, which, nearly to the tee, carries on the concept’s avant-garde physique; modern, comfortable cabin; and bold, outgoing character.

The C-HR will be available in two grades at launch, XLE and XLE Premium, each equipped with a long list of standard premium features that includes 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, supportive bucket seating, 7-inch audio display, and Toyota Safety Sense PTM (TSS-P).

But, the C-HR doesn’t only look great – it’s got the sportiness to impress thanks to Deputy Chief Engineer, Hiro Koba, who is a diehard racer at heart. He and his team made it their mission to ensure the C-HR exhilarates its driver anytime, anywhere. Like its uncanny looks, the C-HR’s comprehensive and cohesive blend of comfort, control, consistency, and responsiveness that was cultivated on the famed Nürburgring is as impressive as it is unique.

POLISHED DIAMOND STYLE

Toyota’s team of global designers expounded on one theme: “Distinctive Diamond.” The iconic gemstone evokes universal notions of luxury, attractiveness, sophistication, and strength. Designers translated these traits into a physical form that’s collectively matchless, sexy, muscular, and edgy. From the get-go, they strived to sculpt an urban-dwelling crossover that would effortlessly navigate tight city streets and stand out, with an agile, dynamic expressiveness.

At the C-HR’s nose, two slim projector-beam halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights wrap deep into its toned shoulders – nearly all the way into the front quarter panels. Because of this, the vehicle looks wider than it is, and possesses an assertive fascia that’s uncommon in the segment.

Deep, curvy character lines emerge from a prominent Toyota badge that’s flanked by the headlamps, and lead into the narrower core body. They run below the slender windows, and continue above the rear wheel where they marry to a high beltline and distinctive C-Pillar with integrated door handle.

Look closely at the silhouette to see the clear resemblance of a diamond set on its side. Powerful arches housing the extra-large 18-inch aluminum wheels accentuate the C-HR’s sturdy posture and compact cabin.

The rear is a cohesive melding of its elaborate lines and 3D shapes. The tail lamps protrude outward, and the hatchback – outfitted with a lip spoiler and functional top wing – tapers neatly inboard, adding to the C-HR’s futuristic look, and, once more, surprising girth.

CUTTING-EDGE CABIN

Opening a door reveals a modern, spacious, and uncluttered interior having a keen placement of diamond accents and a driver-centric “MeZONE” orientation. Along with the soft-touch materials covering surfaces throughout, the diamond pattern influences the designs of the dual-zone climate controls, speaker surrounds, and black headliner above the front passengers.

The slightly angled dashboard and amenity controls allows for the driver to have a clear view of the road ahead and intuitive access to instrumentation – a nod to the C-HR’s sports car influence. The 7- inch audio display is positioned centrally atop the dash, rather than in it, so as to help reduce a driver’s eye movements. An informative twin-ring gauge cluster resides behind the leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel. The wheel, with its slender profile, small diameter, and compact center pad, is reminiscent of a sports car’s easy-to-grip helm. The satin-plated shift knob exudes a high- quality feeling, and once in-hand, has a solid shift movement. A bright 4.2-inch color Multi- Information Display sits between the twin-ring cluster.

Key XLE standard features include a premium leather steering wheel; power fold and heated mirrors; auto-dimming rearview mirror with backup camera; electric parking brake; and dual-zone climate control. The XLE Premium builds upon the XLE’s amenities and adds Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert; heated front seats; power lumbar driver’s seat; auto fold, heated side mirrors with puddle lamps that project “Toyota C-HR”; fog lamps; and Smart Key with Push Button Start. Both grades are equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen display having AM/FM/HD Radio™, Aha™ app, USB port and AUX jack, Bluetooth®, and Voice Recognition with voice training.

Bolstered bucket seats help keep passengers snug and comfortable, no matter their commute’s duration or dynamism. All passengers will appreciate the generous amount of small item storage space and cup holders. Designers used scalloped seatbacks, foot well cubbies carved below the front seats, and a chamfered headliner to create a spacious backseat environment. Sound insulating materials placed on the carpet, headliner, A-pillars, and door trim to help keep all unwanted noises out and the good conversations in. For extra cargo carrying versatility on weekend trips or errand runs, the rear 60/40 seat can split and fold flat.

SURPRISE ATHLETE

The Toyota C-HR scores high on style points, but it is also a hit when it comes to thrilling fun and impressive comfort. Deputy Chief Engineer Koba took full advantage of the C-HR’s adaptable Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) to craft an engaging character that goes well beyond just a cool appearance. The C-HR’s core driving personality incorporates the ingredients of a well-sorted sports car – one that seamlessly melds cunning responsiveness, linearity, consistency, and comfort.

Years were spent developing the C-HR’s driving performance and ride quality on some of the world’s most curvaceous and challenging roads, including the Nürburgring Nordschleife, an iconic racing circuit. Doing so took a mix of innovation, creativity, and trial and error. As a result, the TNGA platform – with an inherent low center-of-gravity, high strength, and low weight – benefitted from extra rigidity through added spot welding, gussets, braces, and adhesives in and on key connection structures.

The newly developed MacPherson strut front suspension with SACHS dampers has angled strut bearings and a large diameter stabilizer bar to help the C-HR’s front end respond quickly and precisely at initial corner turn-in. And at the rear, an all-new double-wishbone suspension utilizes SACHS shock absorbers with urethane upper supports – a first for Toyota. The material, together with an aluminum-cast upper support housing, aids in the dampers’ absorption efficiency, and therefore, greatly benefit passenger comfort, cabin quietness, and vehicle agility.

Feeling connected to the road is characteristic of a sporty drive, and the C-HR delivers with its column-type Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system. As is the case with other EPS systems, a tilt of the steering wheel will return light feedback at low speeds, and at higher speeds, drivers will notice stronger feedback for increased confidence while behind the wheel. The C-HR’s steering system’s feel, however, relies on a highly rigid rack-and-pinion steering gearbox that is installed directly to the front suspension.

For all of its sportiness, the C-HR’s ride quality is well-sorted, civilized, and highly capable in absorbing the nastiest of unkempt pavement. The end result is a C-HR that finds itself as at home on congested boulevards as it does on serpentine roads.

COMPACT PUNCH

The C-HR’s engine, a punchy 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 144 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque, sends all power to the front wheels via continuously variable transmission (CVT). The engine employs many of Toyota’s latest generation of technologies, including Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and Valvematic, both of which have received extensive optimization to enhance fuel economy and smooth operation. Valvematic offers a broader range of continuously variable valve timing (lift and phasing) to provide optimal intake valve (not on exhaust side) operation relative to engine demands. Furthermore, to reduce exhaust emissions, the catalyst is warmed earlier during the engine’s ignition cycle.

The all-new CVT received much attention by engineers, and utilizes redesigned pulleys to enhance acceleration and fuel economy; a new belt structure to reduce cabin noise; and, a world’s-first coaxial two-port oil pump system that allows for continuous oil pressure modifications in various driving conditions. A Preload Differential helps to distribute torque between the left and right wheels during low-speed operation to make for easier, composed driving.

Of course, drivers and passengers will appreciate the powertrain’s fuel efficiency, impressive smoothness, and quiet operation, but they’ll love Sport mode and the simulated 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic. Engaging the Sport mode via the MID increases the responsiveness of the throttle, quickens the CVT’s automatic artificial “step-up” shifts, and maintains high engine speed to enhance acceleration. The EPS’ feedback is weightier for a more confidence-inspiring feel. Pushing the gearshift over to the left while in Drive engages Sequential Shiftmatic, and lets drivers shift simulated gears at their convenience.

STATE-OF-THE-ART SAFETY

No matter its grade, the C-HR comes equipped with standard Toyota Safety Sense PTM (TSS-P). This multi-feature advanced active safety suite bundles cutting edge active safety technologies including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection function (PCS w/PD) featuring forward collision warning and Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist function (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), and Full Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).

Complementing TSS-P are 10 standard airbags, standard Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) and rear backup camera, as well as available Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which are only available on the XLE Premium grade.

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