Celebrating 30 Years of U.S. Production, Honda Rolls Out First 2013 Accord

READING, MASS. (08/31/2012)(readMedia)-- Honda celebrated 30 years of U.S. production on Aug. 20, as the first all-new 2013 Honda Accord rolled off its Marysville, Ohio assembly line. Following in the footsteps of the more than 9 million American-made Accords that came before, the 2013 model aims to push the boundaries of fuel efficiency, comfort and style in the midsize segment when it goes on sale this fall.

A big part of the Accord's drive for greater fuel economy is the debut of Honda's Earth Dreams powertrains, which are comprised of completely new engines and transmissions. The 2013 Honda Accord will be available with a direct-injected four-cylinder engine that is mated to a continuously variable transmission, as well as a new V6 unit that comes paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Both powerplants offer the promise of increased fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive performance.

"Honda has always been a leader in drivetrain design, and the new Earth Dreams technology is the result of decades of experience building engines and transmissions that are responsive, efficient and highly reliable," said Frank McLaughlin, general manager of Greater Boston Honda dealership Honda Gallery. "The Accord is one of the top-selling midsize sedans on the market, and with its new looks and expected fuel-economy improvements, the 2013 model should make a move even further up the sales charts."

Outside, Honda says the ninth generation of the Accord has the most sculpted design yet from the nameplate, and the prominent crease running down the flanks bears out that claim. While the vehicle's new styling is more expressive, it errs more to the side of sophistication than aggression, with multi-lens headlights pulling back toward the sides of the car. The new midsize Honda is also noticeably shorter in length than the outgoing model, making parking in the city easier, but interior space has actually grown thanks to clever engineering.

The forward thinking of Honda's engineers extends to the 2013 Accord's safety technology, which not only includes Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning, but also debuts an available LaneWatch blind-spot display that increases driver visibility out the passenger side. Meanwhile, features like a rearview camera and an Expanded View Driver's Mirror will be standard across all trim levels, along with Bluetooth connectivity, a Pandora Internet Radio interface and an SMS text message function.

Even with its replacement waiting in the wings, the current-generation Honda Accord remains popular in U.S. showrooms, with more than 183,000 units sold year-to-date through July, an increase of 28 percent year-over-year. July sales of the Accord were even more impressive, up 70 percent compared to the same month last year, with 28,639 units finding new homes.

"The current Accord continues to deliver everything that buyers expect, whether it's value, reliability or comfort, but the next generation will bring an extra dose of style, fuel efficiency and fun this fall," added McLaughlin. "The 2013 Accord will come packed with technology that makes your daily driving safer and more convenient, but outside, it looks bolder than ever before."

About Honda Gallery:

Massachusetts drivers have come to rely on Honda Gallery for all their motoring needs, which are consistently met thanks to their Greater Boston Honda dealership's dedication to customer service. Featuring an extensive inventory of new and used models ranging from the Honda Accord and Civic to the Odyssey minivan, Honda Gallery has the selection and expertise needed to find the right model for each shopper. Whether it is for a test-drive or a prompt and thorough repair, visit them at 88-98 Walkers Brook Dr. in Reading, MA, call them at 877-554-6301 or find them online at www.thehondagallery.com. Honda Gallery can also be liked on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HondaGallery.