Thursday, April 30, 2009

Honda's Prototype Walking Assist Devices

NEW YORK, U.S.A., April 14, 2009 - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is demonstrating its prototype walking assist devices for the first time in the U.S. The devices will be part of a technical exhibition at the 2009 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress at Detroit's Cobo Center April 20 - 23. Prior to the Detroit event, Honda will demonstrate the devices for selected media in New York.

Walking Assist PrototypeIntended to support walking for the elderly, people with weakened leg muscles the devices are currently being tested in real-world conditions to evaluate their effectiveness. The company has applied for more than 130 patents for the devices.

The first device, Stride Management Assist, is a lightweight, wearable device designed for people with weakened leg muscles, but who can still walk on their own. It obtains information about the user's walking motions from hip angle sensors. Based on the information, the CPU applies cooperative control and calculates the amount and timing of the assistance to be provided. With the device's assistance, the user's stride is lengthened compared to their normal stride and the walking pace regulated, thereby making it easier to walk.

The second device, Bodyweight Support Assist, is also designed to help people with weakened leg muscles, but may also be helpful during some physically demanding activities It supports bodyweight to reduce the load on the user's legs while walking, going up and down stairs, and while standing in a semi-crouching position. The load on leg muscles and joints (in the hip, knees, and ankles) is reduced. This device has a simple structure consisting of seat, frame, and shoes, and the user can put it on by simply wearing the shoes and lifting the seat into position.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Bill Aimed at Levying Online Sales Tax

Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) and Representative Bill Delahunt (D-Mass.) are expected to introduce a bill aimed at overturning Quill vs. North Dakota, a 1992 Supreme Court case that concluded states can only require retailers to collect state taxes in territories where they have offices or stores. If passed, the legislation could require all but the smallest retailers to collect sales taxes in the 23 states that are part of the so-called Streamlined Sales Tax Project, which unifies states that have agreed to simplify their sales tax laws. The number of states in the Project is expected to rise rapidly in the coming months.
Source: Business Week

Friday, April 10, 2009

2010 Honda Accord Crossover

As is typically the case, Honda never provides its dealers with formal announcements of future vehicles until they are about to ship. This is the case with the new 2010 Accord Crossover that will be available next year.

According to Consumer Guide Auto, this new Accord will be based upon the European-market Accord wagon that has been modified to offer elevated ride height, a few telling inches spliced into the body, and an Accord sedan nose.

They suggest that the new Accord Crossover will be built in Honda's Marysville, Ohio facility where the Accord is built and where the rumored new 2010 Acura Personal Wagon, based upon the Accord-derived Acura TL premium-midsize sedan, will be built.

Like the Venza, the Accord Crossover will have unique tall-body styling without traditional wagon boxiness, plus a slightly larger footprint than its sedan parent. It will also mimic the Toyota Venza with two-row seating for five passengers and no third-row option.

Left Lane News reports that the new Accord Crossover will be available withe Honda’s VTM-4 AWD system.

Left Lane News suggest the new Honda Accord Crossover will be named "Latitude" while Consumer Guide Auto suggests the "Passport" name will be recycled.

Bernardi Parts will offer a complete selection of Accord Crossover parts and Accord Crossver accessories as soon as they become available.

We don’t expect to see the new Honda Accord Crossover until next year.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

April Financing News from Honda

For April, Honda has made special financing available for the Odyssey, Civic, and Accord:
  • 2.9% for 2-3 years
  • 3.9% for up to 5 years.

If you're interested in leasing, the Civic and Accord programs are the strongest they've been in months.

For more information, please call Charles Sectish, Director of Internet Sales, at 774.290.1401

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Bernardi Honda, in Natick MA, has received its first shipment of the most affordable Hybrid car in the US - the all new 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid. Bernardi Parts, operated by Bernardi Honda, has a full selection of Insight parts and accessories in stock for immediate delivery.