The Volkswagen Golf was honored as the 2009 World Car of the Year. A jury comprised of fifty-nine international automotive journalists from twenty-five countries around the world chose this year’s World Car of the Year, which was announced this morning at a news conference during the New York International Auto Show.
New dog transportation features turn Element into the alpha dog of pet travel
TORRANCE, Calif., Apr. 8, 2009 – New dog-friendly transportation concepts designed for the Honda Element add canine-specific enhancements to one of the most dog-friendly vehicles available, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today at the New York International Auto Show.
Developed specifically for the Element, the Dog Friendly™ components demonstrate the potential for a dedicated pet restraint system designed to meet the needs of dog owners. A finalized version of the Dog Friendly Element is scheduled to debut this fall. Major components will likely include:
a cushioned pet bed in the cargo area with an elevated platform;
second row and cargo area pet restraint systems;
an extendable cargo area load-in ramp;
a 12V DC rear ventilation fan;
second-row seat covers with a dog pattern design (matches the bed fabric);
all-season rubber floor mats with a toy bone pattern;
a spill-resistant water bowl; and
Dog Friendly exterior emblems.
“In an interesting turn of events, cars are now chasing dogs,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. “Factory integration of a cushioned pet bed, restraint systems and other components are intended to transform the Element into the ultimate dog car.”
The Dog Friendly equipment, engineered specifically for the Element, is designed to accommodate the transportation of dogs in the second-row passenger seats or in the cargo area. The restraint system concepts were designed and fabricated by Takata Corporation, one of the world’s leading automotive safety systems suppliers, exclusively for display on the Dog Friendly Honda Element concept vehicle. The restraint concepts are intended to complement the potential of the vehicle’s existing restraint systems by helping to protect the dog and helping to prevent injuries to other vehicle occupants due to an unrestrained dog impacting them in a collision. For convenience, a ramp is included to help dogs access the rear cargo area. The ramp stores underneath the bed platform and can be conveniently accessed when the rear tailgate is down.
“In-vehicle pet restraints should be part of every dog owner’s safe travel practices,” said Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. “The expanded availability of manufacturer-based restraints and features can help elevate pet comfort and convenience for owners. Good ventilation and access to water on longer trips should also be primary concerns.”
The Element has long been recognized for its dog-friendly interior with an easy-to-clean urethane floor and expansive, flat cargo area (up to 74.6 cu-ft. with rear seats removed), wide-opening side cargo doors, low lift-in height, and accommodating dimensions for tall items. The consumer pet travel advice Web site, Dogcars.com, honored the 2007 Honda Element with its first-ever “Dog Car of the Year” award.
According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Inc., 39 percent of all households own at least one dog with an estimated total U.S. dog population of 74.8 million. All pet purchases and related products and services comprise an estimated total market value of more than $43 billion (2008 est.).
Substantially restyled for the 2009 model year and available with new features, the Honda Element builds on its spacious and versatile SUV character with a more chiseled exterior appearance and a refreshed interior design. Three unique Element styles are available that range from the rugged and simple Element LX, to the more refined Element EX, to the sporty Element SC.
Powered by a 2.4-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine, the Element is available with either a 5-speed manual transmission (standard) or an available 5-speed automatic transmission. Available Real Time 4WD™ can enhance all-weather traction. The interior provides seating for up to four people along with a cargo area that adapts to large items with its flip-up rear seats that fold flat, fold up and to the side, or can be removed altogether (64-plus seating arrangements). The Element EX has a water resistant urethane-coated utility floor that wipes down for ease-of-cleaning and seat fabric that resists moisture.
For 2009, all Elements incorporate significant exterior styling changes that include new front grille and bumper designs, restyled front fenders (now metal, previously composite material), a new hood design, squared wheel arches, and new headlight and taillight configurations. Interior enhancements include revised dashboard color combinations with titanium-look side linings, new fabric patterns, and enhanced switchgear designs and instrument panel meter graphics. The Element EX exclusively adds a new convertible center console with a removable cooler/storage box.
About Honda
The Element is assembled in Ohio at the Honda of America Mfg., Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant using domestic and globally sourced parts. Honda is the world’s largest engine maker, producing a vast array of products, including automobiles, motorcycles, power equipment and jet aircraft – all designed to advance mobility and improve the lives of people through continued innovations in technology and design. For more on Honda visit www.honda.com. Honda’s online multimedia newsroom: www.hondanews.com.
About The Humane Society of the United States
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal-protection organization – backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, the HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty – On the Web at www.humanesociety.org.
Josh Hartnett hospitalized with stomach trouble
via Josh Hartnett hospitalized with stomach trouble.
People keep asking me for tickets to TV shows. Well here you are: http://www.tvtickets.com/fmi/xsl/shows/recordlist.xsl? Select the show and now you can get the tickets.
Good Morning World. Here are the fun and interesting topics for the day.
Portland: Portland Latest to Join M.L.S. From a boy who lived football all his life, this is a smooth home coming. Oh, when I say football I mean Soccer http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/20/portland-latest-to-join-mls/ and it’s all about March Madness. You have no idea how many people (Most of Whom I only talk to once a year) have E-mailed me asking me to join their Pool. It’s Madness I tell you. It makes it even madder since some of the games are being played here in Portland!
Not The News, News: This was the first story to catch my eye. Disney Kills — Lawsuit Claims http://www.tmz.com/2009/03/20/disney-kills-lawsuit-claims/ Magical, Only in Hollywood baby. This is NOT funny I tell you, NOT at all funny: Cover your ex-girlfriend’s car in silly string, syrup, oatmeal, toilet paper, and plastic wrap … then key it, write nasty stuff all over it and pee in the vents? Your better believe THAT’S a felony http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/orl-bk-teens-prank-arrests-032009,0,3559779.story are people going madd. What was this next woman thinking : Woman Gives Ohio Cruiser the Boot http://www.officer.com/online/article.jsp?siteSection=1&id=45891 Crazy People!
Star Power: Well, as you may get from reading today’s blog I am into Top 10 lists and twitter in a big way. So lets combine. Top 10 stars that you would follow on twitter Top 10 Stars We’d Follow on TwitterNow onto Americas Nest Top Model. As many of you know by now we had a casting call in Portland. All the 700 Girls who showed up wanted to be Americas Next Top Model. We ll we processed 251 girls and posted the best pics on line. http://www.portlands32.com/pages/antm I have to tell you that today my Favorites are Emily Galash who is just too cute and Lauren Olson because she rocks and her friends was so cool. But who do you think should be in the next Americas Next Top Model? Go to the site and Vote
Food: With Lunch time always less than 24 hours away it’s always good to have your Top 10 sandwiches list ready to go. What is your top Sandwich pic? Let me know at nik.j.miles@gmail.com And with Summer just around the corner what about your Top 10 BBQ or Grilling food. Top 10 foods for grilling that list is right here on my blog too. Now I want to know a cool place to get dinner this week? Ideas? And Check out Portland Cooks Sunday at 4:30 on Portland’s CW or at www.Portlandcookstv.com. And if you want a good food deal try this http://krcw.incentrev.com/ I have to say that I am in love with More than the Food at Gracies at the Hotel Deluxe. If you go to that website you can get $50 gift certificate for $25. Deal or Big Deal!!!!
Cars: This is not my list but it sure got me thinking. What would your list be? Top 10 car makes of all time. Lets Turn to Kia. I have to say I love the new SOUL and Kia Motors announced that the all-new 2010 Kia Soul and 2009 Borrego (known as Mohave in some markets) LX have been included in the US’ Kelley Blue Book’s weekly ‘5 Great Deals’ list at kbb.com. The two newest vehicles to join Kia Motors’ ever-expanding lineup were lauded for offering attractive pricing on top of an impressive combination of capabilities and value. and the 2009 Green Car of the Year Finalists are: http://www.portlands32.com/pages/photo_gallery_landing/?galleryID=3766#48974
E-mail me what you are thinking at nik.j.miles@gmail.com
Baby sitting Gorgeanna for a few days http://short.to/2lqc
