2013 Honda Accord Sedan is a Top Performer in Aggressive New IIHS Test Earning TOP SAFETY PICK+ Rating

Honda Canada leads industry with three TOP SAFETY PICK+ rated vehicles;
13 additional Honda Canada models named TOP SAFETY PICK

MARKHAM, ON, Dec. 20, 2012 /CNW/ - The all-new 2013 Honda Accord Sedan was one of two midsize sedans to earn an overall GOOD rating in the aggressive, new small overlap frontal crash test conducted by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Under the more stringent testing guidelines by the IIHS, the new small overlap frontal crash test—sometimes called a "narrow offset" test—is designed to replicate what happens when the front corner of a car collides with another vehicle or an object such as a tree or utility pole. Additionally, both the 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe are among the first vehicles in the industry to earn the highest possible safety rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the IIHS.

As a manufacturer, Honda leads the industry with three TOP SAFETY PICK+ vehicles which include the 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe and 2013 Acura TL. Additionally, thirteen 2013 model year Honda vehicles earned TOP SAFETY PICK status: Honda Civic Sedan; Fit; Crosstour; CR-V; CR-Z; Insight; Pilot; Odyssey; and Ridgeline; plus the Acura ILX, TSX, MDX and RDX. All models earned the top rating of GOOD in all four rating areas by the IIHS, including the more rigorous roof-strength test.

"By achieving the highest possible rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+, the all-new 2013 Honda Accord lineup offers a distinct advantage among mainstream competitors in its class," said Dave Jamieson, assistant vice president of sales and marketing at Honda Canada. "As one of the industry safety leaders, Honda offers Canadians a well-rounded line-up of vehicles that are not only fuel efficient and fun-to-drive, but that also offer top safety ratings."

Beginning with the 2013 Honda Accord, Honda is applying the second generation of Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering^™ (ACE^™ II) body structure to its models. This reinforced front frame structure provides further enhanced frontal crash energy management through a wider range of offset and oblique crashes. The result of these efforts provides the capability for the Accord Sedan to achieve a GOOD rating in the new IIHS small overlap frontal testing.

The new IIHS test is more challenging, as it requires additional vehicle cabin structure and front structure outboard of the main frame rails—the primary energy absorbing structure. Through the re-engineering of the vehicle structure, Honda has incorporated enhancements that minimize the possible adverse effects on handling and ride comfort, fuel efficiency and overall body vibration, while increasing the safety performance of the vehicle for its passengers.

Standard safety equipment on all Honda and Acura models include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); side curtain airbags (some vehicles equipped with a rollover sensor as well); dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; and driver and passenger side airbags. All 2013 Honda and Acura models earning recognition from the IIHS, with the exception of the Ridgeline, utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure.

Honda has a long history of leadership in the development and application of advanced technologies and designs to enhance the safety of all road users, including automobile occupants, motorcycle riders, and pedestrians. The company operates two of the world's most sophisticated crash test facilities and is responsible for numerous pioneering efforts in the areas of crashworthiness, airbag technology, collision compatibility and pedestrian safety. This commitment to safety is rooted in Honda's goal to be a company that society wants to exist, and it complements the company's leadership in reducing vehicle emissions, improving fuel efficiency and advancing alternatives to gasoline.

2013 Honda Canada TOP SAFETY PICK+:
Honda                 Honda Accord Coupe Honda Accord Sedan		Acura Acura TL
2013 Honda Canada TOP SAFETY PICKS:
Honda                 Honda Fit Honda Crosstour Honda Civic Sedan Honda CR-Z Honda CR-V Honda Insight Honda Pilot Honda Odyssey Honda Ridgeline		Acura Acura ILX Acura TSX Acura MDX Acura RDX

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.ca
Honda for consumers: www.honda.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hondacanada
Twitter: @hondacanada
YouTube: www.youtube.com/hondacanada

Connect with Acura:
Acura Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.acuranews.ca
Acura for consumers: www.acura.ca
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AcuraCanada
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AcuraCanada
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/AcuraCanada 

SOURCE: Honda Canada Inc.

Maki Inoue [phone]
Laura Heasman [phone]