November 10, 2010 (Toronto) – The Honda Indy Toronto, taking place from July 8-10, will feature an exciting and diverse race schedule in 2011. In celebration of 25 years of racing on the streets of Toronto, Ontario’s single largest annual sporting event will feature the highest levels of Indy, stock, touring and, for the first time, exotic car racing.
The marquee attraction continues to be the IZOD IndyCar Series with its lineup of popular drivers including Dario Franchitti, series champion and winner of the 2010 Indy 500; Will Power, winner of the 2010 Honda Indy Toronto; Helio Castroneves and Scott Dixon, past winners of the Indy 500; Marco Andretti, son of Michael Andretti, driver with the most wins in Toronto; Danica Patrick, as well as Graham Rahal, son of Bobby Rahal, winner of the inaugural Indy car race in Toronto in 1986.
“Fans appreciate diversity, accessibility and quality in our weekend schedule,” said Charlie Johnstone, vice president and general manager for Honda Indy Toronto. “We could not hope for a better lineup to celebrate 25 years of racing on the streets of Toronto.”
Returning races include the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, Firestone Indy Lights and the Acura Sports Car Challenge that will feature the Canadian Touring Car Championship. An exciting new addition will be the debut of the Ferrari Challenge, a unique racing series that allows Ferrari owners and enthusiasts to see the legendary cars in their natural environment – the race track. This is the first year the Toronto event has featured an exotic car race.
“The Ferrari Challenge is a premium series with universal appeal,” said Kim Green, co-owner of Green Savoree Toronto, ULC, promoters of the Honda Indy Toronto. “Its addition to our schedule speaks volumes to the prestige and heritage of this Toronto hallmark event.”
TORONTO, Aug. 4 /CNW/ – Combined July sales of 11,615 units by the Honda and Acura divisions represented an 11% decrease over last year. The Honda Automobile Division reported July sales of 10,184 units, down 10% from last year. The Acura Division reported July sales of 1,431 units, a 13% decline over last year.
For July sales, 93% of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada were built in North America, including the two Honda of Canada Mfg. assembly plants in Alliston, ON.
Honda Canada Inc. has sold more than 3,300,000 Honda and Acura passenger cars and light-duty trucks in Canada over the past 37 years. A record high 91 per cent of the Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada in 2009 were produced at the company’s assembly plants in North America, up nearly 3 per cent from 2008.
As the May sales reports filter in today, they seem to be pretty positive overall. Every press release I’ve received so far have shown improvements, until Honda’s numbers appeared.
The press release reads: TORONTO, June 1 /CNW/ – Combined May sales of 11,587 units by the Honda and Acura divisions represented a 26% decrease over last year. The Honda Automobile Division reported May sales of 10,084 units, down 28% from last year. The Acura Division reported May sales of 1,503 units, down 5% from last year. The Canadian-built Acura MDX reported record May sales of 509 units.
For May sales, 91% of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada were built in North America.
Honda Canada Inc. has sold more than 3,300,000 Honda and Acura passenger cars and light-duty trucks in Canada over the past 37 years. A record high 91 per cent of the Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada in 2009 were produced at the company’s assembly plants in North America, up nearly 3 per cent from 2008.
While a slight decrease might not be overly worrisome, a decrease of 26% in a rising market is truly a bad sign. On top of that, sales in May 2009 were 17% behind 2008. Given that Honda hasn’t had the PR nightmare that Toyota has had to deal with, Honda’s execs must be wracking their brains trying to find a way out of these doldrums.
Toronto, ON (May 25, 2010) – Canadian Paul Tracy’s KV Racing Technology car will be sponsored by Honda Canada for a second year, and will support Make-A-Wish Canada, at the Honda Indy Toronto, July 18, on the streets of Toronto.
Tracy, the 2003 Champ Car World Series champion, is one of the most successful and exciting drivers in the history of open-wheel racing. The native of Scarborough, Ontario, will pilot the #15 Make-A-Wish Canada / KV Racing Technology / Honda / Dallara / Firestone car.
“Honda is a company built on the dreams of its founder and all of its Associates, which is why Honda’s corporate slogan is The Power of Dreams,” said Arch Wilcox, vice president of advertising and sponsorships. “It’s the power of dreams that has led us to innovations and new technologies over the years. We are very pleased to be associated with Make-A-Wish Canada which is helping to turn the wishes and dreams of Canadian children living with life-threatening medical conditions into a reality.
“We believe Make-A-Wish Canada and Honda Canada are a perfect fit because of our shared belief in and pursuit of the power of dreams.”
Commenting on the support, Jennifer Ritter, CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Canada, said, “Because of this generous support, we will be able to promote awareness of our vital mission and to continue to fulfill the dreams of our courageous ‘wish children’ across Canada.
“Make-A-Wish exists for one reason only – to grant wishes to children living with life-threatening medical conditions. We impact our wish families’ lives at a time when they need to know that their community cares about what they are going through, as their child battles for his or her life.
“To a child living with a life-threatening medical condition, a wish is more than a desire – it is an experience that can create a life-changing impact, not only for the wish child and their family, but for other families, friends, volunteers, donors and entire communities. We believe that Make-A-Wish, through our mission, volunteers and supporters, is helping to nurture a kind and caring Canada.”
According to KV Racing Technology co-owner Jimmy Vasser, “We are extremely pleased that Paul Tracy will pilot a KV Racing Technology entry with sponsorship from Honda Canada in support of Make-A-Wish Canada. Having Paul drive in front of his countrymen with an organization like Make-A-Wish Canada on the sidepods of a KVRT car is an honor and a privilege. I personally want to thank Honda Canada for making this possible.”
Tracy, whose talent and determination have made him a fan favorite, will be contesting his 18th race in Toronto. In 17 previous starts on the streets of Toronto he has finished in the top-10 a total of 11 times with eight top-five showings, five podium performances, two wins (1993 and 2003) and one pole.
“I want to thank Honda Canada, Kevin Kalkhoven and Jimmy Vasser for the opportunity to race in front of my hometown fans,” Tracy said. “I am especially thankful because it is a tremendous honor to represent Make-A-Wish Canada. I am proud to be able to support and raise awareness for this organization that assists Canada’s children in need of wishes coming true.”
Now in his 20th season, Tracy has crafted a career that has established him as one of the top drivers ever to step into the cockpit of an open-wheel car. The resident of Las Vegas is among the top-10 in almost every Champ Car career statistical category including wins, 31 (tied for seventh all-time), poles, 25 (ninth all-time), and laps led, 4,238 (sixth all-time).
Tracy has 75 career podium performances, 102 top-five finishes and 144 top-10 showings in 270 starts (262 in Champ Car and eight in IndyCar, tied for seventh all-time). In the 15 seasons in which Tracy has competed in over 80 percent of the races, he has finished in the top-10 in the championship standings 10 times including eight times in the top-five, four in the top-three and captured the championship in 2003.
About Honda Canada Inc.:
Honda Canada (www.Honda.ca) has sold more than 3,300,000 Honda and Acura passenger cars and light-duty trucks in Canada over the past 38 years. A record high 91 per cent of the Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada last year were produced at the company’s assembly plants in North America, up nearly 3 per cent from the previous year. In addition, 52 per cent of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada last year were built at the two Honda of Canada Mfg. plants in Alliston, Ontario, which has built more than 5,300,000 Honda and Acura cars and trucks since 1986.
About Make-A-Wish Canada:
Make-A-Wish Canada (www.makeawish.ca) is a dynamic wish-granting organization that brings hope, strength and joy to children across Canada living with life-threatening medical conditions. Along with the national office, seven independent regional chapters grant magical wishes to children in need from coast-to-coast. Make-A-Wish Canada is an affiliate of Make-A-Wish® International, the largest wish-granting organization in the world, making dreams and wishes come true for more than 240,000 children since 1980.
About KV Racing Technology:
KV Racing Technology (www.kvracingtechnology.com) was established in 2003. The Indianapolis-based team is contesting its eighth open-wheel season and third in the IndyCar Series in 2010. KVRT is owned by successful venture capitalist Kevin Kalkhoven and 1996 Series Champion, Jimmy Vasser. Veteran motorsports manager Mark Johnson is the team’s General Manager. KVRT has earned two victories the first by Cristiano da Matta in Portland in 2005 and the second by Will Power at Long Beach in 2008. They have captured two poles, Tristan Gommendy at Mont Tremblant in 2007 and Vasser at Milwaukee in 2005 (Will Power captured the pole at the 2008 Surfers Paradise, Australia exhibition race).
KV Racing has contested five races, making nine starts in Toronto. They have finished in the top-10 a total of three times, with three top-five showing, two podiums and a best finish of second by Vasser in 2004 and Neel Jani in 2007. The team has participated in all four races in Edmonton making eight starts. They have finished in the top-10 a total of three times with two top-five showing and a best finish of fourth by Oriol Servia in 2006.
May 20, 2010 (Toronto) – A business model comprising the fastest racing series on the planet, celebrity athletes and three action-packed days of live entertainment and interactive activities is a winning formula. That’s what Kim Green and Kevin Savoree believed when they secured the rights to the Honda Indy Toronto. They were spot on. In year two of their ownership, the 2010 Honda Indy Toronto has successfully attracted more than 15 major sponsors and secured significant growth in sponsorship revenues versus last year.
“Several factors are coming together to help us attract leading partners,” said Charlie Johnstone, vice president and general manager of the Honda Indy Toronto. “Sponsors from the private and public sector are recognizing our status as the largest annual sporting event in Ontario and are looking to associate their brands with such a marquee property.”
Honda has maintained its status as title sponsor and is followed by a long list of leading companies that includes the Ontario Honda Dealers Association, Budweiser, Schick, Telus, Motorola, Dr Pepper, Mattel Canada, Pizza Pizza, Delta Chelsea Hotel and the Toronto Sun. The Ontario Government and Tourism Toronto are also important supporters of the event.
“Our sponsorship of the Honda Indy Toronto reflects numerous aspects of our business and benefits several audience groups,” said Arch Wilcox, vice president of advertising for Honda Canada. “We like the event very much and feel that it mirrors many of Honda’s values.”
The Honda Indy Toronto is the largest annual sporting event in Ontario and is watched by viewers in more than 195 countries.
About Honda Indy Toronto
The 24th edition of the Honda Indy Toronto takes place from July 16 to 18 on the streets surrounding Exhibition Place near Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto. The event has become one of the most respected motorsports events in North America and features a festival-like atmosphere that includes concerts, exhibits, numerous food stands and interactive activities and games for all ages. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.HondaIndyToronto.com or call 877.503.6869.
TORONTO, April 1 /CNW/ – Combined March sales of 14,389 units by the Honda and Acura divisions represented a 15% increase over last year. The Honda Automobile Division reported March sales of 12,565 units, up 11% from last year, led by all-time record sales of Honda CR-V with 3,427 units. The Acura Division reported March sales of 1,824 units, up 51% from last year, with record monthly sales for Acura RDX and the Canadian-made Acura MDX.
“We are pleased to see the continuing improvement in consumer confidence which is resulting in increasing vehicle sales in the Canadian market,” said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc., “and we are cautiously optimistic for this upward trend to continue throughout the coming year. This anticipated growth is part of the rationale for our announcement to resume second-shift production early next year at Plant 2 of our assembly facility in Alliston, Ontario, which will result in more than 400 new positions. We also are encouraged to see strong Civic sales this month, restoring Civic to the number one position for all passenger car sales in Canada.”
For the first quarter of 2010, 93% of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada were made in North America – up from 91% for the same period in 2009.
Honda Canada Inc. has sold more than 3,300,000 Honda and Acura passenger cars and light-duty trucks in Canada over the past 37 years. A record high 91 per cent of the Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada in 2009 were produced at the company’s assembly plants in North America, up nearly 3 per cent from 2008.
automotive updates:
Pretty good post. I hope you create more in the future..
TORONTO , Jan. 19 /CNW/ – Honda today announced a donation to the Red Cross of more than $300,000 , as well as portable generators, water pumps and other Honda products for use during humanitarian relief and recovery efforts in Haiti .
The donation represents the collective contribution of the Honda family of companies in North America , which consists of sales, manufacturing, finance and research and development operations in Canada , the United States and Mexico , with employment of more than 31,000 associates.
“We want to help address the dire human need that Haiti is experiencing as a result of this disaster,” said Manabu Nishimae, president & CEO of Honda Canada Inc. “Honda has supported the Red Cross in the past and will continue to work with them to assist with the effort to provide much-needed relief.
“The disaster in Haiti deeply affects Canada , since a large number of Haitians have made this country their home and many still have families in Haiti . Additionally, Canada has sponsored significant humanitarian efforts in Haiti for many years, which has strengthened the bond between our two countries.”
The Red Cross has emphasized that the greatest current need is funding to support on-site emergency response teams. Honda has also been in close communication with the Red Cross regarding its need for material and equipment such as generators and water pumps on site, and Honda will continue to work with the Red Cross to determine its need for such support in Haiti .
The Honda donation consists of more than $300,000 in cash. This pledge will be augmented by a company matching gift available at various Honda companies, with funds designated to the Red Cross Haitian earthquake relief fund.
The captain of the 2010 Canadian Olympic hockey team, Scott Niedermayer, has just taken delivery of his new Honda FCX Clarity. Niedermayer, who is also Captain of the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks, is a firm believer in green living. His family home already uses green technologies and Niedermayer actually car pools with his team mates!
Now, that drive will be even greener when they all pile into the FCX!
Honda press release with more photos after the break. More
Of all the cars the tuner kids love, none is more popular than the Honda Civic. Part of the reason they love them so much is that they can buy a 10 year old model and still have a reliable car that is fun to drive. Those 10 year old cars have to come from somewhere though.
For many of the same reasons, new car buyers of all ages have chosen the Civic for years. So many buyers and so many years in fact that the Civic has now been the top selling car in Canada for 12 years running. For 2009 that equals 62,654 new Civics on Canadian roads! Many of those were also built in Canada.
Originally scheduled to be in dealers by December 15th, the all new 2010 Acura ZDX began rolling off the production line on the 16th. More importantly, Acura’s new 4 door is being built in Ontario at Honda’s Alliston plant. This ensures that 4,300 Ontarians are continuing to be employed, building world class vehicles.
More details about the ZDX in Acura press release after the break More
automotive updates: Pretty good post. I hope you create more in the future..