Makita Creates A New Class In Cordless With 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless

November 2, 2016

Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless tools, a new class in cordless, are the most compact and lightest weight in the 18-volt category.

LA MIRADA, Calif., Nov. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Makita® has created a new class in cordless tools with the release of 18V LXT® Sub-Compact Brushless. The new 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless are the most compact and lightest weight tools in the 18V category, giving contractors the size and handling of a 12-volt tool with the performance, power and compatibility of 18 volt.

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT0YtOxFWgo&feature=youtu.be

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161101/435017

The Latest in a Series of Cordless Milestones

“When nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries dominated cordless tools in 2005, Makita dumped this old battery technology and created the world’s first lithium-ion tool system with 18-volt slide batteries,” said Wayne Hart, Communications Manager, Makita USA. “Makita followed up with the first 18-volt Compact category, brushless motor technology for power tools, and 18V X2 LXT, the industry’s first tools powered by two 18-volt batteries. With the new 18V LXT Sub-Compact, Makita has created another new class in cordless with the most compact and lightest weight tools in the category – and they carry a new black trade dress to mark this new innovation and to distinguish them from similarly-sized Makita 12-volt tools.”

It’s all part of Makita’s expanding 18V LXT system. With over 150 solutions, LXT is the world’s largest cordless tool system powered by 18-volt lithium-ion slide-style batteries.

Do More with Less in One Battery Platform

The new 18V Sub-Compact driver-drill and impact driver are a welcome solution to contractors managing both 12-volt and 18-volt battery platforms, or for anyone seeking less bulk and weight in cordless tools for drilling, driving and fastening.

“Research on commercial and residential job sites showed us that many contractors own both 12-volt and 18-volt tools, and if a job requires the power of a 12-volt tool then they’ll definitely reach for the most compact tool first,” said Carlos Quintana, Sr. Product Manager, Cordless, Makita USA. “18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless tools give contractors the compact size of a 12-volt tool while remaining in the 18-volt battery platform, and they deliver the performance to cover most applications on the job site. The expansive breadth-of-line of the Makita LXT System means an 18-volt battery from any LXT tool will power the 18-volt Sub-Compact driver-drill and impact driver.”

Purpose-Built Brushless Motors

Both tools feature brushless motors purpose-built for the product and related applications, combining power and efficiency in a more compact size. Makita brushless motors are engineered for up to 50% longer run time, increased power and speed, and longer tool life.

18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless ½” Driver-Drill (XFD11ZB)

At only 6-3/8 in. and 2.8 lbs. (with 2.0Ah battery) the 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless Driver-Drill offers superior comfort and handling, and is built for a broad range of applications. For users running drill bits, spade bits, and fastening bits – or for electricians running the commonly-used 1-3/8″ hole saw – the XFD11ZB is a more compact solution for these widely-used applications. The XFD11ZB has a mechanical variable 2-speed transmission (0-500 & 0-1,700 RPM) and dual L.E.D. lights to illuminate the work area.

18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless Impact Driver (XDT15ZB)

The 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless Impact Driver has two speed settings and 1,240 in.lbs. of Max Torque for a full range of fastening applications. The new Assist Mode (A-mode) setting helps eliminate “screw cam-out” and “cross threading” by driving at low speed until tightening begins, and is ideal for driving longer fasteners. At only 5-5/16 in. and 2.6 lbs. (with 2.0Ah battery) it is an ultra-compact fastening solution with superior comfort and handling.

Specifications

The 18V Sub-Compact Driver-Drill and Impact Driver available as a tool-only and also in a combo kit (CX200RB) that includes two 18V LXT Lithium-Ion 2.0Ah batteries, Rapid Optimum Charger, and tool bag.

About Makita®

Makita® is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools and outdoor power equipment, and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita utilizes leading-edge technology and innovation to engineer tools that are more compact with less weight yet deliver industrial power and results. Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S.A. Contact Makita: 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or makitatools.com. Follow Makita: facebook.com/makitatoolspage, twitter.com/makitatools, youtube.com/makitapowertools, instagram.com/makitatools.

Website: www.makitatools.com
Facebook: @makitatools
Instagram @makitatools
Twitter: @makitatools

Inter-American Foundation CEO Announces Plans to Step Down

November 2, 2016

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WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Inter-American Foundation (IAF) today announced that President and Chief Executive Officer Robert N. Kaplan has decided to step down, effective May 2017, after more than six years of successful leadership, to pursue personal interests outside of the organization.

“We are grateful to Bob for his leadership and unwavering commitment to citizen-led development efforts across the Hemisphere,” said IAF Board Chairman Eddy Arriola on Kaplan’s decision. “His expertise, passion, and vision for the region have not only taken IAF to a new level but inspired those that have had the pleasure to work with him. We are particularly appreciative of Bob’s willingness to ensure a smooth transition to his successor so that IAF’s important work can continue uninterrupted.”

Kaplan’s tenure at the IAF has been marked by an emphasis on empowering local citizens’ organizations across the region and helping them connect and collaborate with each other. By bringing the power of these relationships to the center of the IAF’s efforts, the foundation has stayed true to its long-standing commitment to helping local people take charge of their communities’ development in partnership with a wide array of public and private organizations.

Kaplan said: “The mission of the IAF to support thriving communities across Latin America and the Caribbean has been both a professional pursuit and personal passion for me. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to work alongside such a talented and dedicated group of colleagues and partners across the region. I especially want to thank the Board of Directors for their commitment to the IAF and their steadfast support during my tenure.”

Kaplan joined the Inter-American Foundation on November 1, 2010, as President and Chief Executive Officer. Before joining the IAF, he served for many years at the Inter-American Development Bank in a number of leadership positions.

About IAF
The IAF, an independent U.S. government agency, was created in 1969 to channel development assistance directly to the organized poor in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IAF has carried out its mandate by providing financial and other support for the best self-help initiatives developed by local grassroots groups and non-governmental organizations. It also encourages partnerships among community organizations, business and local government directed at improving the quality of life for poor people and strengthening democratic practices. The IAF is governed by a board of directors appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. A president, appointed by the board, serves as the IAF’s chief executive officer, managing a small group of professional staff in Washington, D.C. The IAF is currently active in 20 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Media Contact:
Manuel A. Nuñez
202-683-7185
[email protected]
www.iaf.gov

Fresh Avocados Join American Heart Association’s National Eating Healthy Day Campaign

November 2, 2016

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Fresh Avocados Join American Heart Association's National Eating Healthy Day Campaign

MISSION VIEJO, California, Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Aguacates Frescos-Saborea Uno Hoy^® proudly joins forces with the American Heart Association to challenge Americans to commit to healthier eating. Starting today, National Eating Healthy Day, and throughout the month, there will be bilingual activations around the country integrating the goodness of healthy avocados to encourage families to add one extra cup of fruits and vegetables, which is two servings, to their daily diets. It is estimated that if Americans ate the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables every day, approximately 39,900 deaths would be prevented each year from cardiovascular diseases, stroke and diabetes.¹

For U.S. Hispanics, where the family’s well-being is culturally central, National Eating Healthy Day is also an opportunity to emphasize that the foundation to a heart-healthy lifestyle starts in the home and when children are young, still forming their food preferences.

“The American Heart Association recognizes that children who have positive early experiences with fruits and vegetables are more likely to choose and consume those foods later in life,” said Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, Chief Medical Officer for Prevention and Center for Heath, American Heart Association. “Early exposure to fruits like fresh avocados, already a big favorite for many, can encourage healthy nutrition habits that will carry through to adulthood and help safeguard against preventable diseases.”

“National Eating Healthy Day is a good reminder for Hispanic families that we influence the long-term food choices of our children based on what we serve them when they are still developing their taste buds,” said Sylvia Melendez– Klinger, R.D. “Fresh avocados – soft, deliciously creamy and nutrient-dense – can be a healthy, ideal first food for infants and toddlers and promising gateways to helping children establish nutritious eating patterns across their lifespan.”

Fresh avocados are a Hispanic staple, already enjoyed 1.5 times more often in a Hispanic household than in the general market.²They can be a delicious part of a heart-healthy eating pattern because they contain naturally good fat and are sodium and cholesterol free. Avocados are a good source of fiber and folate and contribute nearly 20 nutrients including vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.

1.	American Heart Association, March 2015
2.	Hass Avocado Board, 2016 Hispanic Tracking Study

The American Heart Association recognizes that avocados can be part of a heart-healthy diet. There are now 25 family-friendly Aguacates Frescos-Saborea Uno Hoy^®recipes available to help make it easier for families to reach the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables every day. To learn more about the heart-healthy benefits of fresh avocados and explore the gallery of Heart-Check certified avocado recipes, visit SaboreaUnoHoy.com/mascolor for Spanish language or for English, visit LoveOneToday.com/pluscolor.

About the Hass Avocado Board

The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) is an agriculture promotion group established in 2002 to promote the consumption of Hass Avocados in the United States. A 12-member board representing domestic producers and importers of Hass Avocados directs HAB’s promotion, research and information programs under supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. Funding for HAB comes from Hass avocado producers and importers in the United States. In 2010, HAB established a nutrition research program to increase awareness and improve understanding of the unique benefits of avocados to human health. For a comprehensive collection of published nutrition and scientific literature, authoritative reports and other articles on or related to avocados, their nutrients and eating patterns that include them, visit avocadonutritioncenter.com. For tips and recipes in Spanish, visit SaboreaUnoHoy.com or in English visit LoveOneToday.com. Follow HAB on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube.

About the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association

The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association are devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. The American Stroke Association is a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact:	Vickie Fite for Hass Avocado Board
	[email protected]
	(310) 613-0937

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161031/435206

Let’s Celebrate ¡Vive Tu Vida! Get Up! Get Moving!® 10th Year Anniversary in Houston!

November 1, 2016

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HOUSTON, Nov. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — This Saturday, November 5, 2016, the National Alliance for Hispanic Health and the Hispanic Health Coalition, present the 10th Annual ¡Vive tu vida! Get Up! Get Moving!^®Houston at Mason Park. The event promotes Hispanic family physical activity and good nutrition for better health and wellness for all. This FREE, open to the public event, is made possible by an extraordinary group of partners and volunteers.

“We are so proud to be celebrating our 10^th year having this event in Mason Park. This community is very interested in knowing how to stay healthy,” said Daisy Morales, President of the Hispanic Health Coalition. “We have individuals that come every year to get their flu shots and high blood pressure screenings. Last year we had 42 individuals to follow up with a provider based on their health screenings. Legacy Health Clinic was there and helped them schedule appointments with a doctor at their clinic. It was so satisfying to know that 42 individuals are getting the medical care they need before suffering a stroke or heart attack”

What:

Health Screenings and Flu Shots : FREE Cholesterol, glucose, kidneys, and more!
Fitness: Wellness Walk (8:00 am-9:00am), Tennis Clinics, Soccer, Basketball, Hip-Hop Dancing
Health Information: Health Education on the Health insurance Marketplace
Nutrition: Fresh fruits, vegetables and healthy snacks available
Family fun: Mechanical Bull, Obstacle Course, Games, Raffles and Giveaways, Music,

Where: Mason Park, 541 South 75^th Street, Houston, TX
When: Saturday, November 5, 2016 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Cost: FREE!

“We are celebrating a 10-year anniversary of ¡Vive to Vida! Get Up! Get Moving!, the nation’s largest annual event series promoting healthy lifestyles in Hispanic communities,” said Dr. Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, the nation’s leading Hispanic health advocacy group. “Driven by a “can-do” volunteer spirit, ¡Vive to Vida! Get Up! Get Moving! is working neighbor-to-neighbor to support healthier environments.”

“We are proud to support ¡Vive to Vida! Get Up! Get Moving!® events across the country,” said Robert Forrester, president of Newman’s Own Foundation. “The Foundation places a high priority on improving nutrition access, and National Alliance for Hispanic Health is working at the community level to advance the health and wellness of individuals.”

2017 Acura NSX GT3 Driver Lineup Features Talent, Experience

November 1, 2016

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2017 Acura NSX GT3 Racing Drivers (From Left to Right): Ryan Eversley, Peter Cunningham, Art St. Cyr, Michael Shank, Katherine Legge, Oswaldo Negri Jr., Andy Lally, Jeff Segal

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Acura Motorsports today announced that Michael Shank Racing (MSR) and RealTime Racing will field impressive and experienced driver lineups in the 2017 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and SCCA Pirelli World Challenge.

MSR full-season drivers running the IMSA circuit will include Andy Lally, Katherine Legge, Oswaldo “Ozz” Negri, Jr., and Jeff Segal. The full-year RealTime lineup in the Pirelli World Challenge includes the returning Ryan Eversley and Peter Kox. Each team will field a pair of new Acura NSX GT3 race cars. The NSX GT3 will make its race debut in the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway in January.

“It was an arduous selection process, but we’re extraordinarily pleased with the dynamic and experienced driver lineup which will launch our 2017 Acura Motorsports program with the new NSX GT3,” said Art St. Cyr, president of Honda Performance Development. “We believe we’ve assembled a group of drivers who have the skill and experience to take the Acura NSX GT3 to Victory Circle, and who will proudly represent the performance DNA of the Acura brand for our many fans.”

The drivers, along with team owners Michael Shank and Peter Cunningham and St. Cyr, will be available for a meet-and-greet from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 1. The Acura display is located at booth 24877, in the Central Hall.

IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
Lally, 41, is a three-time Grand-Am class champion, with more than 30 career sports car racing victories. He is a five-time class winner of the Rolex 24, most recently winning GTD at 2016 Daytona International Speedway. The New York native also won Rookie of the Year honors in NASCAR Sprint Cup competition in 2011.

British-born Legge became the first woman to lead the Rolex 24 overall, in 2016, and the first woman to lead an American Le Mans Series Race, at Road America in 2013. Legge, 36, is a two-time Indianapolis 500 starter, most recently driving at The Brickyard for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports in 2013.

Negri has anchored the MSR driver lineup since joining the team in 2004, scoring podium finishes each season and five career victories, including the 2012 Rolex 24 and the 2016 season-ending Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, which secured the North American Endurance Championship manufacturers’ title for Honda. The 52-year-old native Brazilian makes his home in Miami.

Segal became the youngest champion in Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge history in 2006. The 31-year-old Miami-based driver has a dozen North American sports car class victories to his credit, winning the Grand-Am GT championship title in both 2010 and 2012. He was part of the winning GTD driver lineup at the 2014 Rolex 24 and in GTE-Am at the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Operating for the past two seasons as a customer team fielding a Honda-powered Ligier chassis in IMSA’s prototype division, Michael Shank Racing has been a consistent front-runner in the headline category of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, with two race wins and four podium finishes this season. The Columbus, Ohio-based operation will run a pair of Acura NSX GT3s in the GTD class of the endurance racing series.

SCCA Pirelli World Challenge
Returning for his third season with RealTime Racing and Acura, the 33-year-old Eversley recorded three Pirelli World Challenge GT race victories driving an Acura TLX GT for RealTime in 2015-16, including a race weekend sweep of the two PWC GT events at Road America in June. The Georgia native has also been a multiple race winner driving a variety of Honda Civic Si’s in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge

Veteran GT racer Peter Kox, 52, joined the Acura Motorsports effort earlier this year as test and development driver for the NSX GT3. The Dutch driver has a long history with various European Honda Racing programs, including three years in the British and European Touring Car championships from 1998-2000. He is a previous class winner at Le Mans, in 2003, and was part of the winning lineup at the 24 Hours of Brno in the Czech Republic earlier this month.

Long-time Acura Motorsports partner RealTime Racing will again contest the Pirelli World Challenge, switching to the new NSX GT3 from the Acura TLX GT, which the Wisconsin-based team drove to three victories during the past two seasons. RealTime has a long history of success in racing a wide range of Acura and Honda products, including 88 World Challenge race victories and 14 championships since 1993.

Acura NSX GT3
The Acura NSX GT3 racecar features custom bodywork and aero components including a rear wing, underbody diffuser and enlarged hood vents for efficient engine cooling. The NSX GT3 utilizes the production NSX’s ultra-rigid and lightweight multi-material body with aluminum-intensive space frame, which is produced at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, the exclusive worldwide manufacturing facility for the NSX.[i]

The NSX GT3 is powered by a 3.5-liter, 75-degree, twin-turbocharged DOHC V-6 engine, also manufactured in Ohio. [ii] The racing powerplant uses the same design specifications as the the production 2017 Acura NSX, including the block, heads, valve train, crankshaft, pistons and dry-sump lubrication system. The engine is paired with a 6-speed, sequential-shift racing gearbox, delivering power to the rear wheels.

The Acura NSX GT3 will add to a rich legacy of Acura sports car racing campaigns and championships, including the 1991, 1992 and 1993 IMSA Camel Lights manufacturer and driver championships, and the 2009 American Le Mans Series manufacturer, driver and team championships in both the LMP1 and LMP2 classes.

About the Acura NSX
Created to bring a new sports experience to the supercar segment, the next-generation Acura NSX challenges conventional beliefs about supercars, with cutting-edge and world-first technologies. Much as the first generation NSX did a quarter century ago, the 2017 NSX breaks the mold through a first-of-its-kind Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive^™ power unit, a multi-material body structure, advanced aerodynamics and a cockpit that supports performance driving on every level without sacrificing comfort. The 2017 Acura NSX is the only supercar designed, developed and manufactured in the U.S. with production exclusively at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio[iii].

About Acura
Acura is a leading automotive luxury nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance through advanced product design and innovative technologies like Acura Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD^®) and Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS^®). On March 27, 2016, Acura will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its launch as the first luxury nameplate from a Japanese automaker.

The Acura lineup features five distinctive core models – the RLX luxury flagship sedan, the TLX performance luxury sedan, the ILX sport sedan, the 5-passenger RDX luxury crossover SUV, and the Acura MDX, America’s all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV. This spring, Acura launched the next-generation, electrified NSX supercar as a new and pinnacle expression of Acura Precision Crafted Performance.

For More Information
Consumer information is available at http://www.acura.com. To join the Acura community on Facebook, visit http://www.facebook.com/acura. Additional media information including pricing, features and high-resolution photography is available at acuranews.com/channels/acura-automobiles.

[i] Assembled in the U.S. using domestically and globally sourced parts
[ii] Assembled in the U.S. using domestically and globally sourced parts
[iii] Assembled in the U.S. using domestically and globally sourced parts

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161101/434670
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100923/ACURALOGO

Two Royalton Luxury Resorts ranked among best in the Caribbean by Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards

November 1, 2016

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TORONTO, Nov. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — One of the most respected and credible luxury travel publications, Conde Nast Traveler has ranked Royalton Punta Cana and CHIC Punta Cana among the Top Resorts in the Caribbean for its 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards.

“Royalton Punta Cana has been operating for nearly four years and CHIC just under two, so we are extremely proud of our dedicated management and staff who have achieved this honor in a short period of time,” said Mauricio Zarate, General Manager of Royalton Luxury Resorts in the Dominican Republic.

An award based strictly on traveler feedback, the Reader’s Choice Award is a strong acknowledgement of each resort’s dedication to customer service. Between April and July of 2016, over 300,000 people cast their vote on more than 20,000 experiences, and chose to rank both Royalton Punta Cana and CHIC among the top 60 luxury resorts in the Caribbean.

“Royalton Luxury Resorts is still establishing itself and remains an emerging brand,” said Jordi Pelfort, Managing Director of Blue Diamond Resorts. “However, as Royalton has been the recipient of numerous industry-leading accolades so far, we are thrilled to see how Royalton will grow over the next few years.”

Royalton Luxury Resorts offer guests an unforgettably elegant vacation experience in some of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations. With signature All-in Luxury® features including the premium, handcrafted DreamBed™, Unlimited Reservation-Free Luxury Dining, All-In Connectivity™, a Sports Event Guarantee™, elegantly styled rooms, splash parks, superb culinary options and entertainment for guests of all ages, Royalton Luxury Resorts are confirmed leaders in luxury vacation experiences. In each of these modern and contemporary hotels in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, Diamond Club™ upgrades are available for the most discerning guest offering butler service, premium in-suite liquor, exclusive pool and beach areas and the Diamond Club™ Lounge for private hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.

To book 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 five new resorts, Royalton Blue Waters which opened on October 15^th and Royalton Saint Lucia, Royalton Negril and their adults only Hideaway will open January 15, 2017.

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

Car and Truck Balance Continues to Power American Honda Sales in October

November 1, 2016

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The 2016 Honda CR-V set a new October sales record to help power Honda trucks to a best-ever October.

TORRANCE, California, Nov. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported October sales of 126,161 Honda and Acura vehicles, a decrease of just 4.2 percent versus October 2015 reflecting two less selling days than a year ago. American Honda trucks set a new October record, gaining 2.1 percent while overall sales at the Honda Division dipped slightly, by 2 percent. Both Honda and Acura trucks enjoyed a brisk October pace, setting new records for the month with gains of 1.1 and 8.4 percent respectively.

Honda
Honda light trucks enjoyed the largest gains for the month, setting a new October record with CR-V also reaching a record high and HR-V posting a substantial gain. The new Ridgeline also continued to gather strength as inventory continues to grow. Civic remained on pace to post a new annual record while Fit sales jumped in triple digits, and Accord had a strong month with over 25,000 sales in the challenging mid-size segment.

Honda trucks gained 1.1 percent on sales of 56,573 for a new October record.
CR-V also set a new October record with an increase of 4.4 percent on sales of 30,306 units.
HR-V sales climbed 46.5 percent on sales of 6,596 units.
The best-selling Civic sales crested 26,000 in October to stay on pace for a record year, buoyed by the new Civic Hatchback.
Fit sales leaped 240.5 percent on sales of 4,641 vehicles, while Accord posted another competitive month with sales of more than 25,000 units.

“The strength of the CR-V in its final days is building great momentum for the upcoming debut of the all-new 2017 model,” said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. “But unique to the industry, the Honda story continues to be one of balanced strength between passenger cars and light trucks.”

Acura
Acura light trucks set a new October sales record, led by the redesigned MDX with a double digit gain, even with two fewer selling days in the month. RDX returned to its record ways, surpassing its previous best October (2015) for another new record. The new NSX supercar posted its best month to date as the Performance Manufacturing Center, the exclusive global home for the only supercar made in America, continues to work to meet demand for this customized model.

Acura trucks climbed 8.4 percent with sales of 8,996 to set a new October record.
The new MDX posted a gain of 14.7 percent on sales of 5,052 in October.
RDX had it best October in history, rising 1.4 percent on sales of 3,944 vehicles.

“With sales of the redesigned MDX continuing to gather strength and the all-new NSX earning the Road & Track 2017 Performance Car of the Year award, we are excited about the continued momentum of the Acura brand,” said Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager of the Acura division. “We will continue to point Acura in a strong performance direction.”

		American Honda Vehicle Sales for October 2016
						Month-to-Date				Year-to-Date
						October 2016	October 2015	DSR** % Change	MoM % Change	October 2016	October 2015	DSR** % Change	YoY % Change
		American Honda Total				126,161	131,651	3.2%	-4.2%	1,354,541	1,320,217	3.4%	2.6%
		Total Car Sales				60,592	67,425	-3.2%	-10.1%	689,603	679,750	2.2%	1.4%
		Total Truck Sales				65,569	64,226	9.9%	2.1%	664,938	640,467	4.6%	3.8%
		Honda Total Car Sales				56,719	59,642	2.4%	-4.9%	644,303	621,909	4.4%	3.6%
		Honda Total Truck Sales				56,573	55,930	8.9%	1.1%	577,642	550,210	5.8%	5.0%
		Acura Total Car Sales				3,873	7,783	-46.4%	-50.2%	45,300	57,841	-21.1%	-21.7%
		Acura Total Truck Sales				8,996	8,296	16.8%	8.4%	87,296	90,257	-2.5%	-3.3%
		Total Domestic Car Sales				52,819	66,637	-14.6%	-20.7%	635,868	673,480	-4.8%	-5.6%
				Honda Division		49,039	58,999	-10.5%	-16.9%	591,718	617,590	-3.4%	-4.2%
				Acura Division		3,780	7,638	-46.7%	-50.5%	44,150	55,890	-20.4%	-21.0%
		Total Domestic Truck Sales				65,569	64,226	9.9%	2.1%	664,938	640,462	4.6%	3.8%
				Honda Division		56,573	55,930	8.9%	1.1%	577,642	550,205	5.8%	5.0%
				Acura Division		8,996	8,296	16.8%	8.4%	87,296	90,257	-2.5%	-3.3%
		Total Import Car Sales				7,773	788	962.3%	886.4%	53,735	6,270	763.7%	757.0%
				Honda Division		7,680	643	1,186.3%	1,094.4%	52,585	4,319	1,127.1%	1,117.5%
				Acura Division		93	145	-30.9%	-35.9%	1,150	1,951	-40.6%	-41.1%
		Total Import Truck Sales				0	0	0.0%	0.0%	0	5	-100.0%	-100.0%
				Honda Division		0	0	0.0%	0.0%	0	5	-100.0%	-100.0%
				Acura Division		0	0	0.0%	0.0%	0	0	0.0%	0.0%
MODEL BREAKOUT BY DIVISION
		Honda Division Total				113,292	115,572	5.6%	-2.0%	1,221,945	1,172,119	5.1%	4.3%
			* ACCORD			25,551	30,121	-8.6%	-15.2%	284,170	294,935	-2.9%	-3.6%
			* CIVIC			26,359	27,789	2.2%	-5.1%	310,142	277,538	12.6%	11.7%
			CR-Z			168	316	-42.7%	-46.8%	2,032	2,521	-18.8%	-19.4%
			* FIT			4,641	1,363	266.7%	240.5%	47,896	45,509	6.1%	5.2%
			INSIGHT			0	53	-100.0%	-100.0%	63	1,406	-95.5%	-95.5%

			CROSSTOUR			1	737	-99.9%	-99.9%	726	7,964	-90.8%	-90.9%
			* CR-V			30,306	29,032	12.4%	4.4%	293,799	288,531	2.6%	1.8%
			HR-V			6,596	4,502	57.8%	46.5%	64,866	33,727	93.8%	92.3%
			ODYSSEY			7,622	8,746	-6.1%	-12.9%	102,457	107,580	-4.0%	-4.8%
			PILOT			8,677	12,913	-27.6%	-32.8%	99,676	111,893	-10.2%	-10.9%
			RIDGELINE			3,371	0	0.0%	0.0%	16,118	515	3,054.3%	3,029.7%

			***		Memo: Accord FHEV	1,296	442	215.8%	193.2%	4,176	10,553	-60.1%	-60.4%
					Memo: Accord PHEV	0	0	0.0%	0.0%	0	62	-100.0%	-100.0%
					Memo: Civic Hybrid	14	455	-96.7%	-96.9%	869	4,385	-80.0%	-80.2%
					Memo: Fit EV	0	1	-100.0%	-100.0%	0	1	-100.0%	-100.0%
		Acura Division Total				12,869	16,079	-13.8%	-20.0%	132,596	148,098	-9.8%	-10.5%
			ILX			999	1,860	-42.2%	-46.3%	12,746	15,218	-15.6%	-16.2%
			NSX			67	0	0.0%	0.0%	150	0	0.0%	0.0%
			RLX / RL			93	142	-29.5%	-34.5%	1,146	1,916	-39.7%	-40.2%
			TL			0	1	-100.0%	-100.0%	0	87	-100.0%	-100.0%
			TLX			2,714	5,777	-49.4%	-53.0%	31,254	40,585	-22.4%	-23.0%
			TSX			0	3	-100.0%	-100.0%	4	35	-88.5%	-88.6%

			MDX			5,052	4,405	23.5%	14.7%	44,630	47,862	-6.0%	-6.8%
			RDX			3,944	3,891	9.2%	1.4%	42,666	42,393	1.4%	0.6%
			ZDX			0	0	0.0%	0.0%	0	2	-100.0%	-100.0%

			***		Memo: ILX Hybrid	0	0	0.0%	0.0%	1	22	-95.4%	-95.5%
					Memo: RLX Hybrid	13	14	0.0%	-7.1%	171	221	-22.0%	-22.6%
					Memo: TSX Wagon	0	0	0.0%	0.0%	0	2	-100.0%	-100.0%
		Selling Days				26	28			255	257
		**** Hybrid				1,558	1,280	31.1%	21.7%	7,462	19,170	-60.8%	-61.1%

	* Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic & global sourced parts
	** Daily Selling Rate
	*** Memo line items are included in the respective model total
	**** Hybrid includes FHEV, PHEV, CR-Z, Civic Hybrid, Insight, ILX Hybrid, RLX Hybrid, RLX Sport Hybrid, MDX Sport Hybrid and NSX

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161101/434781
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100923/HONDALOGO

Mazda Reports October Sales

November 1, 2016

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Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported October U.S. sales of 22,711 vehicles, representing a decrease of 10.8 percent versus last year. Given that there were 26 selling days this October, versus 28 last year, sales were down 3.9 percent on a daily selling-rate (DSR) basis. Year-to-date sales through October are 246,978 vehicles.

Key October sales notes:

Sales of the Mazda CX-3 remained strong in the month of October with 1,550 vehicles sold, resulting in an increase of 12.2 percent over October of last year.
Following a record sales month in September, total year-to-date sales of the Mazda CX-5 sit at 91,381 units, with 8,942 vehicles sold in the month of October.
The all-new Mazda CX-9 continues to post strong year-over-year results with 1,842 vehicles sold in October. This represents an increase of 24.1 percent year-over-year (YOY).
Total sales of Mazda’s CX crossover SUVs in October were 12,334 vehicles, marking a steady increase of 1.7 percent YOY and representing 54.3 percent of total sales.
Mazda reported Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales of 2,507 vehicles, down 19.7 percent YOY.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported October sales of 4,394 vehicles, down 6.5 percent versus October of last year. Year-to-date sales for MMdM are 43,053 vehicles sold.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

	Month-To-Date				Year-To-Date

	October	October	%	% MTD	October	October	%	% YTD
	2016	2015	Change	DSR	2016	2015	Change	DSR

Mazda2	–	1	(100.0)%	(100.0)%	3	293	(99.0)%	(99.0)%
Mazda3	6,946	8,342	(16.7)%	(10.3)%	81,077	90,641	(10.6)%	(9.8)%
Mazda5	2	330	(99.4)%	(99.3)%	367	8,088	(95.5)%	(95.4)%
Mazda6	2,924	3,563	(17.9)%	(11.6)%	38,786	50,641	(23.4)%	(22.8)%
MX-5 Miata	505	1,085	(53.5)%	(49.9)%	8,345	7,153	16.7%	17.6%
CX-3	1,550	1,382	12.2%	20.8%	15,556	3,420	354.9%	358.4%
CX-5	8,942	9,264	(3.5)%	3.9%	91,381	91,277	0.1%	0.9%
CX-9	1,842	1,484	24.1%	33.7%	11,463	15,644	(26.7)%	(26.2)%

Total Vehicles

CARS	10,377	13,321	(22.1)%	(16.1)%	128,578	156,816	(18.0)%	(17.4)%
TRUCKS	12,334	12,130	1.7%	9.5%	118,400	110,341	7.3%	8.1%

TOTAL	22,711	25,451	(10.8)%	(3.9)%	246,978	267,157	(7.6)%	(6.8)%


Selling Days	26	28			255	257

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131205/MM28870LOGO

SEMA 2016: Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Kuro and MX-5 Speedster Concepts Debut in Sin City

November 1, 2016

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LAS VEGAS, Nov. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) is no stranger to the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, providing its designers the opportunity to let their imaginations run wild to create some truly stunning dream cars. This year proves no different with its two concepts: the lighter, more ruthlessly efficient MX-5 Miata Speedster Evolution and the stealth-like MX-5 RF Kuro, based on the 2017 MX-5 RF retractable fastback that will be going on sale early next year in the U.S.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161031/434625

MX-5 Speedster debuted at the 2015 SEMA Show as an ode to the lightweight, frills-free, pure driving experience of 1950s sports cars. Weighing just 2,080 lbs., MX-5 Speedster’s 150-lb. weight loss—an 11-percent reduction versus a stock MX-5 soft top—propelled its performance and elevated the open-air experience for which the roadster is known.

Following last year’s SEMA Show, MX-5 Speedster spent the summer at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the U.K., where it ran the 1.16-mile hill climb. MX-5 Speedster then returned to Mazda Design Americas, where the Irvine, California-based team that created it experimented to see just how much lighter they could make their project. Led by Design Manager Ken Saward, the team extracted what remained underneath its dashboard and replaced its gauges with a digital display. They swapped its Brembo front brakes with the lighter rotors and calipers from the MX-5 Sport and Grand Touring models to further the weight reduction. Its 25.1-lbs. stock battery was replaced with a Braille GreenLite G20 Lithium battery that weighs just 4.5 lbs.

Ultimately, the design team shaved an additional 100 lbs. from the MX-5 Speedster—a total of 350 lbs., or 15 percent from the original MX-5 soft top’s starting weight. Now, it weighs a scant 1,980 lbs.

Painted White Ether, MX-5 Evolution further hones Mazda’s performance heritage, complete with an adjustable suspension from the MX-5 Global Cup racecar and BFGoodrich g-Force Rival R1 grooved racing slick tires, sized 225/45R17—the same model of tire used as the race cars competing in the Battery Tender Mazda Global MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich Tires.

“With MX-5 Speedster Evolution, our goal was to further deliver the essence of what MX-5 has represented for the past 27 years—lightweight engineering and pure driving joy,” said Saward, who also owns and races a Spec Miata. “In the future, we might see if there is anywhere else we could take out weight.”

Joining MX-5 Speedster Evolution on the Mazda stand is a new concept based on the 2017 MX-5 RF that will be going on sale early next year. Called MX-5 RF Kuro, it is a car that also adopts much of the MX-5 Global Cup technology but in a much more street-focused package. MX-5 RF Kuro also shares its adjustable suspension with the MX-5 Global Cup racecar as well as its Brembo dual-piston front brake calipers. It is painted Satin Black Metallic, a semi-matte black metallic color.

“We wanted to give MX-5 RF Kuro a stealth look to complement its sleek profile, providing subtlety and purpose,” said Saward. “As we move our brand in a direction we call ‘Mazda Premium,’ we want to embrace our longstanding motorsports heritage and reach forward with breathtaking designs like the MX-5 RF.”

Both vehicles were built using parts that Mazda autocross and racecar drivers can purchase via MazdaMotorsports.com for their MX-5s. Specifications are as follows:

MX-5 Speedster Evolution
DESCRIPTION	PARTS
EXHAUST	Racing Beat Custom Center Exit Exhaust
GRAPHICS	Sticky Fingers Design
WHEELS	RAYS 57 Transcend Gram Lights 17 x 8.5 wheel 40mm offset
TIRES	BFGoodrich Rival G force R1 225/45R17
CONCEPT COLOR	White Ether
DASH	AIM MXS DATA LOGGER
AERO KIT	Carbon Fiber Mazda Design Aero Kit
INTERIOR	Custom Trim Seats w/Carbon fiber Delta Seat
BRAKES	Stock MX-5 Brake package
SUSPENSION	Mazda Global MX-5 Cup Adjustable Suspension: Dampers (Multimatic) and Springs (Hyper Coil)
BATTERY	Braille Lithium G20

MX-5 RF Kuro
DESCRIPTION	PARTS
EXHAUST	OpenFlash Performance center exit exhaust (1 lb. lighter; approximately 6-7 horsepower increase)
GRAPHICS	Sticky Fingers Design
WHEELS	RAYS 17-inch Global MX-5 Cup Wheel
TIRES	BFGoodrich Rival G force 215/45R17
CONCEPT COLOR	Satin Black Metallic
BRAKES	Brembo Dual piston Front calipers (Global MX-5 Cup Brake Setup)
SUSPENSION	Mazda Global MX-5 Cup Adjustable Suspension: Dampers (Multimatic ) and Springs (Hyper Coil)

MX-5 Speedster Evolution and MX-5 RF Kuro concepts are on display at the SEMA Show on November 1-4 at the in the Mazda booth, #11647 in the North Hall.

Find additional photos of the MX-5 Speedster Evolution and MX-5 RF Kuro by visiting: insidemazda.mazdausa.com/press-release/sema-2016-mazda-mx-5-miata-rf-kuro-mx-5-speedster-concepts.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131205/MM28870LOGO

Texas home sales maintain steady increases in volume and price over third quarter of 2016

November 1, 2016

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AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Texas home sales volume rose slightly in the third quarter of 2016 while median home prices continued to increase, according to the 2016-Q3 Texas Quarterly Housing Report released today by the Texas Association of Realtors.

“Texas home sales in 2016 continue to edge out last year’s record-breaking sales volume, and in many local markets, growth is still very strong,” said Leslie Rouda Smith, chairman of the Texas Association of Realtors.

According to the report, 91,248 homes were sold in Texas in the third quarter of 2016, a 0.2 percent increase from 2015-Q3. In addition, the median price for homes in Texas increased in the same timeframe by 7 percent, to $214,000.

Dr. Jim Gaines, chief economist at the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, added, “Given the recent slowdown in the Texas economy, the performance of the Texas housing market in the third quarter is remarkable.

The demand for housing in Texas continues to exceed supply, driving home prices upward. We just haven’t been building homes fast enough, and the rising land and development costs have made it difficult to build new homes at lower price points.”

Housing inventory continued to edge upward in 2016-Q3 to 3.9 months, an increase of 0.1 months from the same quarter of the previous year, and active listings rose 4.2 percent to 103,109 active listings. Texas homes spent slightly more time on the market in 2016-Q3, averaging 53 days, which is one day longer than the same quarter of 2015.

Chairman Smith concluded, “Texas real estate and housing affordability are at the center the Texas economy and our state’s future growth. In the upcoming session of the Texas Legislature, it’s critical that we continue to take steps to keep homeownership affordable in Texas. The Texas Association of Realtors will continue to be the largest organization actively advocating on behalf of homeowners at the state Capitol to support that goal.”

About the Texas Quarterly Housing Report
Data for the Texas Quarterly Housing Report is provided by the Data Relevance Project, a partnership among local REALTOR® associations and their MLSs, the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, and the Texas Association of REALTORS®. The report provides quarterly real estate sales data from a statewide perspective and for 25 metropolitan statistical areas in Texas. To view the 2016-Q3 Texas Quarterly Housing Report in its entirety, visit TexasRealEstate.com.

About the Texas Association of REALTORS®
With more than 100,000 members, the Texas Association of REALTORS® is a professional membership organization that represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. We advocate on behalf of Texas REALTORS® and private-property owners to keep homeownership affordable, protect private-property rights, and promote public policies that benefit homeowners. Visit TexasRealEstate.com to learn more.

CONTACT:
Danielle Urban
Pierpont Communications
512-448-4950
[email protected]