More than $57,000 Raised for Make-A-Wish Canada at Honda Indy Toronto

It was another successful year for Honda Canada and the Ontario Honda Dealers Association, who hosted the 4th annual Fan Friday last week at the Honda Indy Toronto.  Thanks to the charity of Toronto race fans, more than $57,000 was raised for Make-A-Wish Canada this year.  Since Fan Friday started 4 years ago, a total of $308,000 has been raised. Jennifer Ritter, CEO, Make-A-Wish Canada expressed her gratitude. “On behalf of everyone at Make-A-Wish Canada, I’d like to express our sincere thanks to Honda Canada, its dealers, and of course the fans.  This level of commitment and support is a huge part of how we can continue to grant wishes and bring happiness and strength to the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions.”

Honda-Indy-web

How Fan Friday works:

Each year, on the Friday of the Honda Indy Toronto, race fans are encouraged to make a donation to the Make-A-Wish foundation rather than pay an admission fee.  Additionally, all activities at the race accept donations including: the Blue Jays batting cages and all-new Honda Pit Stop Challenge and racing simulators.  Then, at the end of the race weekend, Honda Canada matches the combined contributions dollar for dollar.

Honda Canada would like to let everyone know that just because “Race” weekend is over, doesn’t mean the donations have to stop.  You can make a five dollar donation to Make-A-Wish anytime, by texting the word “DREAM” to 41010 from any mobile phone.

Please remember to visit www.imagehonda.com for details on current programs and events.

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Honda Canada

J.D. Power Awards Honda of Canada Mfg.

We have more good news resulting from the 2013 J.D. Power Awards.  Honda of Canada Mfg. Plant in Alliston, Ontario has been awarded the bronze plant ranking for North/South America in the 2013 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey. Not only has the plant been recognized individually, but the Honda Civic, Canada’s best-selling vehicle for the last 15 years won for initial quality in the compact car category.  Honda CR-V and Ridgeline also placed first in their categories for initial quality.

Betty Jones, Quality Division Manager for Honda of Canada Mfg was quoted the following: “These results are validation of the dedication of our Associates…our Associates work exceptionally hard to produce the best possible quality for our customers, so it is encouraging to see those efforts reflected in this year’s results.  We are particularly thrilled to see Civic win its category because the 2013 Civic has some significant changes from its predecessor.”

This annual survey, now in its 27th year, closely measures the number of problems on 2013 vehicles reported after 90 days from purchase and ran from February to May of this year.   This survey had many updates, including more consumer feedback with particular focus to newer technologies such as: lane departure warning, navigation and voice activated systems.

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Honda Canada, autos.jdpower.com

Honda Makes Changes to the 2014 Accord Line-up

Honda will be making changes to the Accord line-up this fall as they launch the 2014 Accord Hybrid.  The all-new Canadian version will feature exclusive detailing and unique hybrid badging along with a blue-accented grille and light lenses, LED lighting and a new wheel design and decklid spoiler.  Honda Canada expects the new car to be in Canadian dealerships by this October.

2014 accord hybrid

The Hybrid is projected to have class-leading fuel economy ratings with 45mpg on the highway and 45 mpg in the city.  Honda uses a new two-motor hybrid powertrain and the two-motor SPORT HYBRID Intelligent Multi Mode Drive Powertrain.  To break this down in simpler terms, the car will have 3 different driving modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive.

The inside of the Hybrid will have all the same features as the 2013 Accord including: Lane Departure and Forward Collision Warning, iMID display, HondaLink and Aha.

If you are interested in more information on this vehicle or any of the vehicles in the Honda line-up, please feel free to Contact Image Honda at 1-888-375-5914 or visit us at www.imagehonda.com

Make sure to follow Hamilton Auto Blog for the latest updates and information on everything Honda!

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Honda Canada

Honda, McLaren And The FIA Formula One (F1) World Championship

You may have heard already, but Honda is partnering once again with The McLaren Group to participate in the FIA Formula One (F1) World Championship for the 2015 season.  On the McLaren website, they announced their delight about the “new multi-year Formula 1 technology partnership with Honda, which is reuniting an association that became one of the most successful and powerful in Formula 1 history during the 1980’s and 90’s.”Formula One Announcement 002

With shared responsibilities, Honda will be responsible for the development, manufacture and supply of the power unit, including the engine.  McLaren will be responsible for the development and manufacture of the chassis as well as the management of the new team – McLaren Honda.

New F1 regulations have only furthered Honda’s excitement since it will inspire improvements to both the efficiency of a combustion engine and energy management technologies such as hybrid systems, something that Honda helped pioneer years ago. Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co Ltd., had the following to say: “Ever since its establishment, Honda has been a company which grows by taking on challenges in racing.  Honda has a long history of advancing out technologies and nurturing our people by participating in the world’s most prestigious automobile racing series.”  There is sure to be more exciting news in the upcoming months from this restored racing partnership.  For the latest updates, continue to follow us at Hamilton Auto Blog.com or visit us at www.imagehonda.com

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Honda News http://hondanews.ca/en/news/release/Honda-to-Participate-in-the-FIA-Formula-One-World-Championship Canada

McLaren http://www.mclaren.com/formula1/inside-the-mtc/mclaren-honda-reuniting-one-greatest-partnerships-formula-1-history/

2014 Chevrolet Silverado Introduces New Luxury Model

For 2014, The Chevrolet Silverado lineup will feature a new addition – The 2014 Silverado High Country. The new crew cab model will compete in the premium pickup segment. The luxury model features a unique chrome grille with horizontal chrome bars, halogen projector headlamps, unique 20-inch chrome wheels and much more. The all-new 2014 Silverado High Country will join the Chevrolet lineup this fall.Silveado High Country

Inside the High Country is an exclusive saddle brown interior with authentic materials, as well as heated and cooled leather seats with high country logos on the headrests. The truck also features MyLink connectivity with 8 inch touch screen, Bose premium audio, front and rear park assist and more.

“High Country will be the top model in the Silverado lineup, with a higher level of premium features and materials with a rich, Western themed appearance,” said Maria Rohrer, Silverado marketing director. “But at the same time, High Country is a 100-percent Chevy truck, with the capability and dependability customers have relied on for more than 95years.”

Silverado High Country Decal

The High Country Silverado’s standard engine is a 5.3L EcoTec V-8 with 355 horsepower and up to 23 mpg on highway. The all-new 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 will also be available. Both engines feature direct fuel injection, active fuel management and continuously variable valve timing and both engines switch to 4 cylinder mode to save fuel during light load driving.

This new addition to the Chevrolet family will definitely be one to look out for – especially for the many truck enthusiasts here in Ontario. Stay connected to AutoHwy.com  and Hamilton Auto Blog for further updates and visit us at www.queenstonchev.com for the upcoming arrival date.

By Nerissa Mohamed

Source: GM Canada