Bangkok--19 Sep--Aziam Burson-Marsteller
Harmonizes the Bold & Advanced design concept and fully equipped with smart driving technology
Extensive standard safety features and eco-friendly with Eco Assist, Econ Mode, and E85 fuel support
More convenient to make more space in the cabin with One-Motion rear seat
Prices start from 1,164,000 Baht, now available at Honda showrooms nationwide
Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd. has announced a bold move ahead in the Thai automobile market with the launch of the all-new Honda CR-V, a sport utility vehicle (SUV) that has been wholly redesigned from the front to tail. The new-generation 2012 Honda CR-V comes complete with a strong and premium design, advanced technologies and an extensive range of standard safety features, while providing sedan-like driving comfort. It is also environmentally friendly with the ability to handle E85 fuel and provides greater fuel efficiency with Eco Assist and Econ mode.
The all-new CR-V is the ninth new model that Honda has launched into the Thai market over the past five months following the reopening of its Ayutthaya assembly plant in April 2012. Previously, Honda launched the all-new Civic, Jazz Hybrid, City CNG, and Brio S AT, along with four imported models - Odyssey, StepWGN SPADA, CR-Z and Freed. The launch of this many models sets a record for the most models introduced by an automobile manufacturer in Thailand this year.
According to Mr. Pitak Pruittisarikorn, Executive Vice President, Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd., “The all-new Honda CR-V is the fourth generation, and we’re very proud of it. The complete, head-to-tail redesign has resulted in a vehicle that offers the ideal match for the demand trends in its category. The all-new CR-V will set a new standard for the SUV segment in the Thai market.
“We are confident that the new CR-V will match the lifestyles of people in a dynamic and changing world, while embracing the concept of happy living and being ready to share with others. The all-new Honda CR-V will reflect the taste and personality of people who have their own uniqueness. These people tend to live a ‘mobility life’, which means they are highly mobile so can work at any time and anywhere, taking care of their families while becoming successful in their working life and enjoying new experiences in living. The all-new Honda CR-V is the perfect match for people who are looking for smart SUV that will make their life different from today,” added Mr. Pitak.
Mr. Satoshi Makino, Assistant Large Project Leader for Honda R&D Co., Ltd. (Japan), said, “We have created the all-new CR-V under a ‘Man Maximum, Machine Minimum’ concept that is based on a philosophy of embracing a driver and passengers with enhanced utility space that provides the highest level of comfort and convenience. The design concept for the new CR-V clearly reflects the ‘Bold & Advanced’ attributes.”
The all-new Honda CR-V is unrivalled in four areas including:
1. Exterior Styling: The redesigned exterior conveys enhanced rigidness and sophistication and features a striking look in its sporty SUV design. The body structure is strengthened by the engineering of higher-strength uni-body construction, making the new 2012 model the most streamlined SUV with unmatched driving vision.
The exterior portrays a bold, aggressive and sporty attitude through the large projector headlights; a horizontal three-bar front grille with chrome accents; new front and rear bumpers; oval-shaped fog lights; side mirrors with turn signals; multi-reflector tail lamps and brake lights located in the rear roof pillar; a shark fin antenna; and large 5-spoke alloy wheels.
2. Interior design: The interior of the all-new CR-V has a premium, high-class design with a spacious and open cabin; increased versatility; high-quality materials; reduced noise levels; and sedan-like comfort and a smooth driving experience throughout every journey. Another highlight is the One-Motion rear seat that is easily folded in a single motion to be almost as flat as the storage floor level, simply by pulling the lever or strap located on the side of the seat.
3. Advanced and green technology: The all-new CR-V is fully equipped with smart driving technologies including an intelligent i-MID display, gradually illuminated gauges, navigation system, DVD player, Bluetooth intuitive hands-free calling, an audio system with speed-sensitive volume control (SVC), and a One Push Ignition System and Honda Smart Entry System, The all-new CR-V is eco-friendly with Eco Assist and ECON Mode and can handle E85 fuel.
4. Safety: The comprehensive safety features of the all-new CR-V show Honda’s efforts to set a new benchmark in the Thai SUV market segment. It is fully equipped with extensive safety features including the G-CON safety body structure; VSA handling system with traction control; Motion-Adaptive EPS (MA-EPS); Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD); Hill Start Assist (HSA); air bags that offer enhanced protection against frontal collisions; side-airbags for the front seats, an Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and an Immobilizer remote safety key.
With its excellent safety features, the Honda CR-V has earned a 5-Star Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States. It has also been given good ratings in all tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), was chosen as the Top Safety Pick, and all generations of CR-V have won more than 130 leading awards around the globe.
Honda introduced the first generation of CR-V in 1995 and received great acceptance from customers in more than 160 countries worldwide with accumulated global sales exceeding 4.9 million units. In Thailand, the CR-V is one of Honda’s most popular models and the market leader in the SUV segment. Since it was introduced into the Thai market in 1996, the Honda CR-V has reached accumulated sales of 90,000 units.
Regarding to the marketing communication activation for the all-new CR-V, Mr. Sompop Patipanthada, Marketing Division Manager for Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd. said that Honda plans to introduce two new commercials based on the theme that the all-new CR-V is an automobile that can change users’ lifestyles, enabling them to discover new experiences with a more open viewpoint and fulfill the values of their lives as they want.
“The first commercial will highlight the changes in the all-new CR-V that will set a new standard for SUVs in Thailand. The second commercial will present how lifestyles will be changed with all-new CR-V’s advanced driving technologies, sophisticated high-class design and driving comfort. This marks another development in life to reach the new living standard, reflecting the ‘Life Will Never Be The Same’ message,” explained Mr. Sompop.
The all-new Honda CR-V is a 5-seat automobile powered by either a 2.0 liter SOHC i-VTEC engine that generates a maximum of 155 horsepower; or a 2.4 liter DOHC i-VTEC that generates a maximum of 170 horsepower. It comes equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission and a choice of 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive. The all-new Honda CR-V is available in four variants, which are the 2.0 S (2-wheel drive), priced at 1,164,000 Baht; the 2.0 E (4-wheel drive) priced at 1,274,000 Baht; the 2.4 EL 2WD (2-wheel drive) priced at 1,444,000 Baht; and the 2.4 EL (4-wheel drive), priced at 1,524,000 Baht.
“I expect the all-new Honda CR-V will drive the growth of the SUV category in Thailand. Sales are forecasted to be 20,000 units within one year. We believe the all-new CR-V is the right answer for people looking for a SUV that provides full utility, a stylish design, and high quality, all of which combine to perfectly reflect a unique lifestyle” added Mr Sompop.
Mr. Pitak concluded “Honda is committed to creating safe and environmentally-friendly vehicles that offer customers a fun driving experience. This is in recognition to the trust that Thai people have always given to us.”
The all-new Honda CR-V is available in six colors including two new colors: Twilight Blue (Metallic) and Orchid White (Pearl) (an additional 12,000 Baht), as well as Alabaster Silver (Metallic), Crystal Black (Pearl), Polished Metal Grey (Metallic) and Urban Titanium Brown (Metallic).
To experience the all-new Honda CR-V and get more information, visit any Honda showroom nationwide, visit www.honda.co.th/crv, or call the Honda Call Center at 02-341-7777, 02-341-7888, or 02-341-7999.
Media information, please contact:
Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Siriporn Srisuk
Tel.(0) 2341-7888 ext 2031
Email:
[email protected]
Sasiwan Tongdeelert
Tel.(0) 2341-7888 ext 2032
Email:
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Aziam Burson-Marsteller Co., Ltd.
Piyanuch Mungprasopporn
Tel.(0) 2252 9871-7
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Satida Sritunyatorn
Tel.(0) 2252 9871-7
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