Honda to Focus on Small Environmentally Friendly Vehicles

In describing the company's ten year global strategy this week, Honda Motor Co.'s president and chief executive officer stressed the fact that Honda is enhancing the environmental technologies offered in its vehicles.

Ito suggested that consumer preference have shifted toward smaller-sized vehicles due to increasing environmental and economic concerns. Ito said "Honda must quickly respond to such changes in the times to achieve further growth and expansion in the future." Ito went on to say Honda's "most important" ideal is providing affordable, eco-friendly products to consumers in a timely fashion.

To address this shift inthe short term, Honda is building a plug-in hybrid systems designed for midsize to larger units. It is slated to roll these out in the U.S. in 2012. Moreover, the automaker plans to bring a battery-electric commuter vehicle here two years from now, as well.

Also impacting the U.S. market will be the all-new Honda Civic — slated to be launched next year . It will feature the automaker's first hybrid application of a lithium-ion battery

Honda will work with such parties as Stanford University, Google and the City of Torrance, Calif., to test these fuel innovations like battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. The tests will be part of the Advanced Technology Demonstration Program and will be conducted separately.
The City of Torrance is slated to be first on the docket. As such, a plug-in hybrid electric will be given to the city to test before the year closes.

May marks the seventh straight month of sales increases for Honda

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted May sales of 117,173 vehicles, an increase of 19.1 percent, the company announced today. American Honda year-to-date sales reached 487,282, an increase of 14.1 percent versus last year, based on the daily selling rate.

Honda Division posted May sales of 105,407, an increase of 18.6 percent versus May 2009, led by total car sales of 62,597, up 20.5 percent. The Accord was the top-selling Honda model with sales of 30,077, an increase of 33.1 percent compared to last year. The Civic posted sales of 28,458, an increase of 37.3 percent. Additional models with year-over-year increases included the CR-V, up 22.5 percent with sales of 17,820; the Pilot, up 32.7 percent with sales of 9,834; and the Ridgeline, up 26.8 percent to 1,853.

"May marks the seventh straight month of sales increases for Honda," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "This speaks to Honda's focus on long-term, steady growth as the market continues to regain momentum."

Visit Bernardi Honda to experience the unbeatable quality of Honda cars, minvans, pickup trucks, and SUVs. They are conveniently located just east of the Natick Collection on Route 9 East in Natick. For more information, please call Bernardi Honda at 800-254-0013.

2010 Honda CR-V Awards

Again in 2010 the automotive press has praised the 2010 Honda CR-V crossover vehicle as being the leader in its class.

Motor Trend
In March the CR-V was awarded first place in the Motor Trend compact crossover comparison, beating out many tough competitors.

Kelley Blue Book
The 2010 Honda CRV was also honored by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com which named it "Best Resale Value" in both the Compact Utility Vehicle and Top 10 categories.

Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com named the CR-V a 2010 "Top Recommended" vehicle because of its car-like driving manners, good value, cool technology and comfortable interior.

NHTSA
The 2010 CR-V received 5-star frontal and 5-star side-impact crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)[1]. Every CR-V comes equipped with standard features such as Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, anti-lock braking (ABS) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Plus, six airbags, including side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, help protect driver and passengers in sufficient impacts.

Polk
Recently, Polk recognized Honda for having the highest owner loyalty of any brand[2]. This means Honda had the highest percentage of households return to purchase another Honda—more than any other car brand

Visit Bernardi Honda's 2010 Honda CR-V page for more information on this award-winning crossover vehilce or call Bernardi Honda at 800-254-0013 or visit them at 960 Worcester Road in Natick - just down Route 9 East from the Natick Collection.

Honda Fit - Favorite of the Automotive Press

The fantastic Fit is once again a favorite of the automotive press.

Car and Driver's 10Best Cars List for 2010
Making another annual appearance, it is predicted to retain the highest percentage of its original price.

ALG's Residual Value Award
The Fit has won best Residual Value in the compact car category.

ACEEE Greenest Vehicles
Named one of 12 "Greenest Vehicles" by ACEEE, a widely regarded and pre-eminent buyer's guide to environment-friendly vehicles.

For more information about the 2010 Honda Fit, please call 800-254-0013 or stop by for a no-obligation test drive of the Fit at Bernardi Honda's conveniently located showroom at 960 Worcester Road in Natick, MA - just east of the Natick Collection on Route 9 East.

Special Honda APR Program for Graduates

American Honda is offering expectant and recent college graduates a generous APR program for the purchase of a new Honda car, minivan, or SUV.

For details on the innovative Graduate APR programs that are summarized in part below, please call Bernardi Honda at 800-254-0013 or stop by their showroom which is conveniently located at 960 Worcester Road in Natick, MA - just east of the Natick Collection mall on Route 9.

Eligibility Summary

• Graduation. Graduates of a U.S. accredited college master's, bachelor's, or associates degree program or a registered nursing school who:
  + expect to graduate within the next 4 months
  + have graduated within the last the last 2 years.
• Credit.
  + no adverse credit history
  + Verifiable prooof of employment with a start date of 120 days from the date of the finance contract.
  + Sufficent monthly income to cover current obiligations
  + Minimum down-payment of 5% plus a flat fee of $150 - $300 depending upon the amount being financed.

APR Rate Summary (24-36 months)

2010 Model	Super Preferred (899-710)	Preferred (709-660)	Standard (659-610)
Fit	0.9%	1.9%	2.9%
Pilot	0.9%	1.9%	2.9%
Accord	0.9%	1.9%	2.9%
Civic	0.9%	1.9%	2.9%
Odyssey	1.9%	2.9%	3.9%
Ridgeline	1.9%	2.9%	3.9%

NOTE: Periods of 37 - 60 months are available for an increased APR rate

Edmunds 2010 Top 10 Family Vehicle List includes Odyssey and Crosstour

Every year Edmunds puts together a list of the Top 10 Family Vehicles, evaluating an ever-lengthening list of eligible vehicles on such factors as resale value, fuel efficiency, capability and kid-friendliness. The 2010 list features vehicles in a range of sizes and prices.

Included in the 2010 Top 10 Family Vehicles are the Honda Odyssey and the Honda Accord Crosstour. He is what Edmunds had to say about these winning Honda vehicles:

Odyssey.
We've always thought an Acura badge would look right at home on the sharply styled, thoroughly refined Honda Odyssey. The most premium-like minivan on the market was also our editors' top pick in a recent segment comparison test, thanks to its ability to package versatility and amenities in a vehicle that is both comfortable and involving to drive.

Accord Crosstour.
The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour is everything we like about the Accord Sedan and more. It shares the same V6 engine, passenger room and overall styling with its sedan counterpart, but boasts almost twice the cargo capacity -- a big win for families -- thanks to its hatchback shape.

Bernardi Honda offers a full selection of the Honda Odyssey minivan and the Honda Accord Crosstour in all colors and body styles. Bernardi Honda is conveniently located at 960 Worcester Road in Natick, MA - just down the Route 9 East from the Natick Collection. For more infomation on these award winning family vehicles or on any of the other Honda cars, trucks, minivans, and SUVs, please call Bernardi Honda at 800-254-0013.

February Honda Sales Results

03/02/2010 - TORRANCE, Calif.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted February sales of 80,671, an increase of 12.7 percent when compared to February 2009 results of 71,575, the company announced today. American Honda year-to-date sales of 148,150 represent an increase of 8.2 percent based on the daily selling rate*.

Honda Division posted February sales of 71,732, an increase of 12.2 percent versus February 2009. The Accord lineup resulted in the most sales of any Honda nameplate for the month with 22,456, an increase of 40.6 percent. Additional models with year-over-year sales increases included the
+ Civic, up 5.0 percent to 16,471
+ Odyssey, up 11.4 percent to 7,452

"A year ago the economy and our industry were at a low point marked with great uncertainty," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "While we remain cautious, we're happy to see customers actively seeking Honda products like the all-new Accord Crosstour."

Improved Honda Sales: Accord and Civic

American Honda Reports January Sales
Accord, Civic and Acura MDX sales improve

TORRANCE, Calif. February 02, 2010

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., posted total January vehicle sales of 67,479, an increase of 2.9 percent compared to January 2009, based on the daily selling rate,* which involved two fewer selling days. Honda Division posted January sales of 60,347, an increase of 3.5 percent versus January 2009.

Leading Honda January total car sales of 37,736 were Accord, up 35.6 percent to 20,759, and Civic, up 12.1 percent to 14,693. Honda light-truck sales decreased 11.2 percent to 22,611.

"We're off to a steady start for 2010 and we're optimistic that we can build momentum," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "We look forward to launching the all-new CR-Z sport hybrid coupe later this year, and next week, we'll give everyone their first look at the exciting new Odyssey Concept at the Chicago Auto Show."

Bernardi Honda, located on Route 9 East in Natick, MA. offers a full selection of Honda cars, trucks, minivans, and SUVs.

Bernardi Honda Earns Honda’s Top Dealership Award

For More Information
Bernardi Honda
508 651-3033
Joel.Richards@BernardiAutoGroup.com

For Immediate Release

Bernardi Honda Earns Honda’s Top Dealership Award

Natick, MA February 22, 2010 – American Honda Motor Co., Inc., has announced Bernardi Honda of Natick as a recipient of its highest dealership honor – the President’s Award for 2009. The award is presented to Honda top-ranking dealerships across the country, based on their achievement of excellence in all areas of operation – customer service and satisfaction, sales, training, and facility operation.

The annual Honda President’s Award program has been in existence since 1995, with more than 1,000 Honda automobile dealerships participating in the President’s Award program during 2009. The program award objectives are established annually to address the changing economic environment and to encourage dealerships to continually strive to achieve even higher levels of customer satisfaction.

“Earning the Honda President’s Award takes a team of dedicated professionals unwavering in their pursuit of excellence and customer care,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of automobile sales for American Honda. “This year, 118 Honda dealerships are being recognized for their outstanding achievement. Bernardi Honda was the only dealership to be recognized in Massachusetts. We are extremely proud of their accomplishments, and invite you to experience for yourself the advantage of doing business with an award-winning Honda dealership.”

“I am proud that our teams continually work on improving the quality of services provided to our customers – demonstrating each day that “Bernardi For Now, Bernardi For Life” is more than just a slogan” said Joel Richards, General Manager, Bernardi Honda of Natick, MA.

Bernardi Honda carries the full line of Honda vehicles, including two alternative-fuel vehicles – the Civic Hybrid Sedan and the Insight Hybrid. For more information on these and all of Honda’s award-winning vehicles, visit www.BernardiHonda.com.

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Honda Accord - Named to Car and Driver' 10Best list - 24th Time!

For a record 24th time, the January issue of Car and Driver magazine has named the Honda Accord one of the 10Best Cars. An amazing record but not surprising when you consider the exceptional qualities the Accord has to offer, including an exceptional ride quality.

As Car and Driver puts it, "In '08, the redesigned Accord sedan vaulted into the EPA's large-car domain yet retained the taut, square-jawed underpinnings that make it so gratifyingly competent to drive."[1] And when you throw the sporty Accord Coupe V-6 into the mix, the driving enthusiasts at Car and Driver had even more reasons to celebrate, "Row through the velvety manual six-speed—barking the front tires something fierce as you shift into second—and 60 mph manifests in 5.6 seconds."[1]

Bernardi Honda, located in Natick on Route 9 East between Speen Street and Route 27, has a complete selection of 2010 Honda Accords in practically every color.

Download the article. (You need Adobe® Acrobat® to open this PDF document.)

[1] Car and Driver, January 2010

Honda Reveals the all new 2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid

The stunning new CR-Z sport hybrid made its formal debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Blending sporty, sleek styling and fun-to-drive performance, the CR-Z aims to rewrite hybrid history. It doesn’t look like a typical hybrid from the exterior—its sleek, aerodynamic shape is very appealing. The interior features stylish black and aluminum style trim accents. The instrument panel illuminates with 3-dimensional gauges giving a futuristic, multi-layered appearance.

It is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC® engine with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist. To provide a personal driving experience, Honda is unique in including a 6-speed manual as the standard transmission. Even the available CVT version comes with paddle shifters for an added level of control.

To customize your driving experience, the Honda CR-Z features an innovative 3- mode drive system (Sport/Normal/Econ). In “Sport” mode, the car’s systems are enhanced for performance, meaning the steering is more responsive, and the engine becomes more energetic. In “Econ” mode, the car’s systems are optimized for enhanced fuel efficiency. The electric motor assist gives priority to the air-conditioning system, helping reduce its overall load on the engine. “Normal” mode is a great compromise between the two, giving you a balanced level of performance and fuel economy.

While Honda does not notify its dealers of newly announced vehicles until the last minute, Motor Trend suggests that the Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid will be available in 2010 as a 2011 model. They also suggest that there will be a hybrid version of the Fit available in 2010 as a 2011 model.

Bernardi Honda will offer a complete line of the 2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid when it is available. Bernardi Parts will offer a complete line of 2011 Honda CR-Z Accessories and 2011 Honda CR-Z Parts for the 2010 Honda CR-Z when it is available. Bernardi Service Contracts will offer information on the Honda Service Contacts, backed by American Honda and honored by Honda dealers nationwide, for the 2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid when it is released.

To receive more infomation on the 2011 Honda CRZ as it becomes available, please call Bernardi Honda at 508 651-3033 and ask to be placed on the 2010 CRZ mailing list.

Honda and Toyota Share Dominance of KBB's 2009 Most Researched List

First published in book form in 1926, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) now offers a rich and trusted source of automotive information to the buyer of new and used vehilces on hte internet and in book form. For the 4th year in a row, traffic to KBB's web site increased - reaching nearly 180 million visits.

During 2009, five Honda vehicles were among the top 20 most-researched new vehicles on KBB's site:
#1 Honda Accord
#2 Honda Civic
#4 Honda CR-V
#10 Honda Pilot
#13 Honda Odyssey

The Honda Civic and the Honda Accord have ranked in the top 10 each year since 2004.

Further, Honda was tanked #2 in KBB's list of "Greatest Market Interest" - second to Toyota.

To learn more about Honda's quality new and used vehicles, visit Bernardi Honda's web site or visit the dealership - conveniently located at 960 Worcester Road (Route 9 East - just beyond the Natick Collection) in Natick, MA.

Bernardi Honda - Named Top Certified Used Car Dealer by Honda

Bernardi Honda is proud to be recognized by American Honda as the #1 dealer of Certified Used Cars in the New England region for 2009.

Cetified Pre-owned Cars must meet stringent American Honda requirements in regards to their condition. CARFAX Vehicle History Reports (available to you and no cost) and service records are carefully screened, and then each candidate vehicle is put through a comprehensive 150-point inspection. Virtually every part of the vehicle is checked by Honda-trained service technicians. A meticulous appearance inspection scrutinizes fit an finish - inside and out. Some of the key components that are checked include brakes, engine, exhaust, drivetrain, steering, suspension, tires/wheels, and body condition.

Each Certified Honda Used Car is backed by one of the most extensive used-car warranties in the business. The powertrain and components are covered up to 7 years or 100,000 miles - an extension of up to four years of the original new car coverage. Non-powertrain systems are covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles beyond the expiration of the standard 3-year/36,000 mile new car warranty. The warranty is honored by certified Honda Dealers nationwide and there is never a deductible on covered parts. The warranty is transferable when you sell your car.

Visit the Bernardi Honda web site to browse through its extensive inventory of certified used cars. If you don't see what you are looking for, call Used Car Manager Bob Cole at 508-651-3033. He will be happy to assist you in finding the Certified Honda that meets your requirements.

Bernardi Honda also offers a good selection of used vehicles that are selling for less than $11,000.

Honda CR-Z - the Next Hybrid from Honda

Honda made news at the at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show by providing a glimpse of its new CR-Z - a futuristic looking Hybrid coupe that will be sold in the second half of 2010. According to Honda, the new CR-Z will be displayed in production form at Detroit's North American International Auto Show in January 2010. The 2-seat CR-Z offers driving enjoyment and the latest in Honda hybrid technology. As striking as the car's sleek lines are, it's the environmental performance of Honda's latest hybrid technology that sets it apart. It is also reported the 2-seater will offer new levels of driver engagement and an advanced interior.

Once the new Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe is available,

• BernardiHonda.com will offer a full line of the Honda CR-Z Hybrid coupe trim levels
• BernardiParts.com will offer all available Honda OEM parts and accessories for the Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe
• BernardiServiceContracts.com will offer informaton about authentic Honda service contracts for the Honda CR-Z which are honored by American Honda dealers nation wide

Keep watching Bernardi's blog for more information about the all new 2010 CR-Z Hybrid Coupe!

Honda Ranked Second Most Valuable Brand by Business Week

NEW YORK — Late last week, BusinessWeek and Interbrand, a brand consultancy, released their ninth annual Best Global Brands list, which ranked 100 companies by brand value and included 11 automakers.

Among the auto brands that made the list, Honda was ranked highest (No. 18th), down only 7 percent from last year. Toyota was ranked 8th, down 8% from last year.

Ford was the lone domestic brand to make the list at No. 49.

BusinessWeek’s Best Global Brands ranking is based on Interbrand’s formula that computes a value for brands by making sure each one derives at least a third of its earnings from outside of its home country, is recognized beyond its base of customers, and has publicly available marketing and financial data. Those criteria eliminate most telecoms, heavyweights that sometimes operate under different brand names internationally (such as Wal-Mart), airlines (too hard to separate from factors such as routes and schedules), pharmaceutical brands (consumers typically relate to the product rather than the brand), private companies, and portfolios of brands.