Dubai, UAE November 27, 2006 - Honda continues to change the rules. Honda Motor Company Middle East Office today launched the all-new Aerosports SUV CR-V at Grand Hyatt Hotel - Baniyas Ballroom in Dubai. CR-V retains its highly versatile city use SUV image with a spacious five-passenger interior. Enhanced flexibility, new stylish body design, aerodynamic shape, improved performance, is this new CR-V a - SUV or Sports Car?  

The All New Honda CR-V moves away completely from the conventional SUV models. New Honda R&D team has achieved to create a highly-versatile crossover SUV with sedan-like handling and ride comfort, sports car like instant acceleration and design, and class leading flexibility like a SUV with all three rear seats independently foldable offering a wide range of seating arrangements.

Mr Takagi Managing Director Honda Motor Company said, "CR-V is a world car and is sold in more than 160 countries and total cumulative sales have reached 2.5 million. CR-V has remained true to this original concept, but this new 3rd. generation model has evolved to incorporate a more emotional and up market design. The All New Aerosport CRV has reinvented the benchmark in the premium segment of compact SUV and sets a new standard for ride comfort and refinement. We are confident All New Aerosport CRV will continue to carry the "world hit" flag by creating new value for both existing and prospective customers".  Mr. Takagi went on to say, "During last year, our distributors of GCC countries sold Honda products to over 84,000 customers through its activities in the power products, motorcycles and automobile business. This year, Honda vehicle sales will approach 40,000 units, representing an increase of 18% as compared to same period last year,"  "This will firmly establish GCC countries as a very important market amongst Europe, Middle East and Africa region. We will be increasing our focus on this market to try and ensure our customers receive excellent products and world class service."

Speaking on expansion plans in the region Mr. Hajime Yamada General Manager, The Middle East and Africa Sales Division at Honda Motor Company Limited added: "GCC countries still has room for growth and we aim to continue to improve our performance in the near future. In 2001, the SUV segment was 20% of the total market and in 2005 it grew up to 25%. Moreover, among the various SUV types, city ride compact SUV, in which CR-V is positioned, is growing faster than other conventional 4x4 vehicles. Therefore All New Aerosport CRV's estimated sales for 2007 are 3600 units, which is 43% up on this year. Since small SUV segment is growing faster than the general market, we are confident that CRV will emerge as the 3rd pillar in the Honda range following Accord and Civic".

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The Aerosport SUV 
The Aerosports SUV Honda CR-V injects a dynamic sense of style and refinement, bridging the space between sport and utility better than any CR-V yet - while adding segment leading safety features like High Intensity Discharge Headlights (HID) and Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS). In addition to that, CR-V is also equipped with ABS (Antilock Braking Systems), EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), driver & passenger airbags side airbags and side curtain airbags with roll over sensors to ensure all passengers are safe.  CR-V is also equipped with passenger-side Occupant Positioning Detection System (OPDS).  

The previous generation CR-V (2002 - 2006) set a new standard for vehicle safety when the 2002 CR-V became one of the first few vehicles ever to earn U.S. federal government's top five-star crash safety rating for both frontal and side impacts. The 2007 CR-V builds on Honda's industry-leading emphasis on safety and leaves the competition behind by implementing new technology and features that go beyond conventional industry standards with innovations.

A highly rigid body and fully independent suspension result in a quiet cabin and smooth, agile handling performance. The improved 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and standard 5-speed automatic transmission provide an excellent power (170 ps i.e. 6% higher than the previous CRV) and superb     fuel efficiency.

A dynamic and emotional forward cabin blends the familiar CR-V identity into a sculpted lower body with a rugged lower body appearance. A new aggressive dual grille and a side profile with an arched window shape accent the CR-V's distinctive and upscale presence and makes the All New Aerosport CR-V an alternative to premium SUV's available in the market. Adding to the clean lines, the spare tire now resides under the rear cargo floor as opposed to the exterior of the tailgate; benefiting aesthetics, visibility and garage-ability.

The 2007 CR-V has an entirely new body design. The exterior width has increased by 37 mm while the body length has decreased by 80 mm slightly with relocation of the spare tire from the rear bumper to underneath the rear cargo area.

The unit-body construction features extensive use of strategically strengthened areas with expanded use of high strength steel to provide high levels of rigidity. Improved NVH was also targeted and the new model features extensive use of the latest noise absorption materials to help reduce engine and road noise for an ultra-quiet cabin.

Comprised of a front MacPherson strut layout and a rear multi-link suspension, the highly rigid body and independent suspension offer an engaging driving experience rare for this class of vehicle.

The Aerosport CR-V is available in two trim levels - the well-equipped Rvi, and the upscale RVSi. Within the RVSi version customers have an option to choose leather upholstery with HID lights and AFS to fully enjoy the All New Aerosport CRV. 

© Press Release 2006