USA - The 2018 Honda Odyssey, now with a rear roof mounted internal screen to steam with.

• Odyssey with 4G LTE Wi-Fi offers unlimited data for $20/month
• Odyssey owners can stream video and music content and browse the web

The all-new 2018 Honda Odyssey fulfills its mission to keep everyone in the family happy, in part by being the first minivan to offer 4G LTE in-vehicle Wi-Fi to support streaming video, music and more. 

Owners of the 2018 Odyssey Elite and Touring trims in the U.S. can now purchase both prepaid1 and postpaid2 unlimited data plans from AT&T for as low as $20 month. These data plans will take the Odyssey's in-car connectivity experience to a new level, where on-the-go, in-vehicle entertainment is nearly limitless.

AT&T data plans enable Odyssey passengers to stream video content to the all-new 10.2-inch, ceiling-mounted Rear Entertainment System with DVD, CD and Blu-ray™ disc capability. In addition, the available in-vehicle 4G LTE with data capability allows for internet radio, web browsing and more on up to seven devices – enough for the whole family.

The AT&T data plans are available on the Odyssey Touring and Elite models and include a 3-months/3GB complimentary trial3, followed by the customer-paid subscription plan.

"As any parent can tell you, keeping everyone connected is a big part of modern family happiness," said Jeff Conrad, Senior Vice President, Automobile Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "With our new CabinWatch™ and CabinTalk™ technologies, reconfigurable Magic Slide™ seats and 4G LTE Wi-Fi, the new Odyssey is all about keeping everyone connected and comfortable."

Honda is the most recent automaker to offer these data plans for in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspots. Both the prepaid and postpaid plans are already available to 2018 Honda Odyssey owners.

"Honda owners are some of the most loyal customers in the world and we're pleased to support them by helping create an even better travel experience with unlimited data2 for their vehicles," said Joe Mosele, vice president, Internet of Things Solutions, AT&T. "By accessing the internet through AT&T's wireless network, passengers now can enjoy all of their content and endless entertainment on the go."

USA - Honda launches the next generation 2018 Odyssey minivan from Spring onwards.

• Advanced connectivity and entertainment with new Display Audio, CabinWatch, CabinTalk & streaming video with 4G LTE Wi-Fi
• New CabinControl app enables smartphone control of key vehicle systems, audio and rear entertainment features
• New Magic Slide™ second-row seat provides the ultimate in family-friendly versatility and comfort
• New 10-speed transmission joins DI V-6 engine in powertrain lineup
• Honda Sensing™ standard on trims expected to represent 95 percent of sales

Honda today took the wraps off a sleek, sophisticated and innovative new 2018 Odyssey minivan, launching at dealerships nationwide this spring. 

Already the most popular minivan with individual American car buyers for seven years running, the next-generation Odyssey brings a host of new features and technologies for 2018, including a uniquely versatile new Magic Slide™ second-row seat; new CabinWatch and CabinTalk technologies; new Display Audio touchscreen with Honda-developed OS; 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity; new Rear Entertainment System with streaming video; and Honda Sensing™ safety and driver-assistive technologies, now offered standard on EX and above trims.

"This new Odyssey raises the stakes for family-friendly packaging, performance and technology in the minivan segment," said John Mendel, Executive Vice President of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "In all aspects of its design, the new Odyssey is made to keep every member of the family happy, no matter the seating position, no matter the destination."

Sophisticated and Family-Friendly Design

The Odyssey's sophisticated and modern new styling adopts Honda's signature flying wing front grille flanked by available LED front headlights. The bold and sporty front fascia also conceals a new Active Shutter Grille for improved fuel efficiency when cruising. 

The Odyssey's signature lightning bolt beltline now provides an even more elegant design element with the sliding door tracks hidden in the lower portion of the rear quarter windows. At the rear there are LED taillights and an available new hands-free power tailgate with foot activation.

Inside, the new Odyssey features high-grade materials including a soft-touch instrument panel. The driver's meter features a new 7-inch, full-color TFT display, and in the center of the dash there is an available 8-inch high-resolution Display Audio touchscreen interface (EX and above). In upper grades, stain-resistant leather first- and second-row seating surfaces and door trim and black carpeting and black seatbelts are designed to conceal stains, while a new grooveless tambour lid on the spacious and versatile center console resists the accumulation of crumbs and debris.

In-vehicle Connectivity

In-vehicle connectivity is taken to a whole new "family connectivity" concept.  Old-fashioned family connectivity – sometimes called a conversation – is made easier than ever with the quietest cabin in the class, and is augmented with a multitude of new connected-vehicle features and technologies, including:

• New Display Audio – featuring a new Honda-developed operating system, more intuitive menus and customizable app tiles, this 8-inch high-resolution (720P) touchscreen interface serves as the nerve center for a multitude of new audio and telematics options, including Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility, and adds a physical volume knob for improved usability.
• System updates – users can download available updates to the Display Audio operating system and rear entertainment system at their convenience via 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, or USB.
• CabinWatch – using a camera, CabinWatch lets the driver and front passenger keep tabs on passengers both day and night via the 8-inch Display Audio screen.
• CabinTalk – enables the driver to talk to second - and third-row passengers though the second-and third-row speakers and rear entertainment system headphones.
• Connected Rear Entertainment System – second- and third-row passengers can enjoy streaming video on the ceiling-mounted, 10.2-inch WSVGA Rear Entertainment System, including PBS Kids, iHeart Radio, Spotify and more, through the available in-vehicle 4G LTE Wi-Fi, public Wi-Fi or user's cellphone data plan. A new "How Much Farther?" app lets passengers track the family's trip progress.
• CabinControl – using a downloadable app, users can use a smart phone to control the rear entertainment system, rear cabin heat and air conditioning, and send destinations to the embedded Honda navigation system.
• Social Play List – part of CabinControl, Social Playlist operates like a virtual jukebox, allowing up to eight family members to upload their music choices to the audio system via their smartphones.

Cabin quietness is enabled by new features and technologies including triple door seals, available acoustic front and side glass, and increased use of sound deadening materials under the floor, in the engine compartment and under the fenders, along with standard Active Sound Control technology.

New Magic Slide™ seats

A major innovation to family-friendly cabin seating flexibility is the Odyssey's new Magic Slide™ second-row seat, easily reconfigurable for optimal passenger comfort, people- and cargo-hauling flexibility, and easy access to third-row seating – even when one or two rear-facing child seats are placed in the second row. Use modes include:

• Easy Access mode – with the center seat removed, the outboard seats slide laterally through five selectable positions, allowing for easy access to the third row even with one or two rear-facing child seats installed in the second row. And with the center-most seat slid forward, a child is put within easy reach of the front seat occupants.
• Super mode – like Easy Access mode but with the driver's side seat set to walk-in position (slid full forward with the seatback tilted) for maximum access to the third row.
• Wide mode – with the center seat removed and two outboard seats in their outer most positions, providing a wide center walkthrough to the third row (and no more "Dad, he's touching me again!").
• Buddy mode – with the center seat removed and two outboard seats abutting one another in the center of the vehicle, putting two people in close proximity and within easier reach of the front seat occupants.

Safety for the Family

All 2018 Odysseys in EX and above trims, expected to comprise about 95 percent of all Odyssey sales, will feature the Honda Sensing™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard equipment, including Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS™), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). 

Combined with the Odyssey's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and advanced airbags, including new driver and front passenger knee airbags, the Odyssey targets the highest available safety ratings – an NCAP 5-star Overall Vehicle Score and an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating.

Additional Features and Technologies

Additional new standard and available features include LED headlights, heated and ventilated front seats, heated side mirrors and steering wheel, auto high-beam headlights, rain-sensing wipers, blind spot information (on all models with Honda Sensing), front and rear parking sensors, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, Electric Parking Brake with Brake Hold, three-zone automatic climate control, wireless device charging, multi-zone audio, Sirius 2.0, Pandora compatibility, HD Radio™, and HondaVac® in-vehicle vacuum.

Advanced new powertrains, body and chassis

The 2018 Honda Odyssey will be powered by a 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC™ V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™). Peak engine output is 280 SAE net horsepower (+32 HP) and benefits from the advanced capabilities of its two available new transmissions – a 9-speed automatic and, for upper grades an all-new, Honda-developed 10-speed automatic, the first of its kind in a minivan, providing more confident and refined performance.

These advanced new powertrains, together with a more rigid and lightweight body, new chassis technology, and Odyssey's sleek and aerodynamic new design are expected to result in class-leading performance and top-in-class EPA fuel economy ratings. 

Honda's Intelligent Traction Management system adds normal and snow modes and combines with Agile Handling Assist and a more powerful braking system for improved all-weather traction and control.

Advanced new body and chassis

An all-new body and chassis design underpins the new Odyssey's incredibly quiet cabin and class-leading steering precision, handling prowess and ride comfort. 

The Odyssey body utilizes advanced materials, including ultra-high-strength steel, aluminum and magnesium to simultaneously minimize weight and improve body rigidity. Vehicle weight is down by up to 96 pounds, depending on trim, and torsional body rigidity is up 44 percent from the outgoing model.

New chassis features include a highly-responsive new Dual-Pinion Electric Power Steering (EPS) with .44 fewer turns lock-to-lock for increased response and easy maneuverability; and a compact new trailing arm rear suspension with stabilizer bar that not only enables improved handling and ride comfort, but also provides for the most spacious rear cargo area in the class.

Design, Development and Manufacturing

The all-new 2018 Honda Odyssey was designed and developed by Honda R&D in North America. The Odyssey and its 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine will be manufactured exclusively at the company's Lincoln, Alabama plant using domestic and globally sourced parts. 

The new 10-speed transmission will be produced at the company's transmission plant in Tallapoosa, Georgia. The 2018 Odyssey is the second generation Odyssey to be designed and developed in North America and the fourth generation to be manufactured exclusively in North America

USA - 20 reasons why the new Chevy Trax is the wise buyers choice.

Chevy’s small SUV rolls into U.S. with versatility, technology and maneuverability

With the utility of an SUV and agility of a compact car, the 2015 Chevrolet Trax is a city-smart vehicle ready for almost any adventure.

Packed with the technology city dwellers depend on for their connected lifestyles – including 4G LTE Wi-Fi and Siri Eyes Free – Trax is also an efficient performer, with a standard turbocharged engine delivering power on demand and segment-leading EPA-estimated 34 mpg on the highway.

“Chevrolet is making a huge inroads with small cars around the world and Trax is the latest example,” said Steve Majoros, Chevrolet director of car marketing. “It is the right vehicle at the right time in the U.S., building on Chevrolet’s strong SUV heritage with a package of features combining value, versatility, technology and maneuverability.”

Trax is Chevrolet’s seventh small vehicle launch in four years, a diverse lineup that’s seen the brand’s share of the small-, compact- and mini-car segments more than triple. In fact, the Chevrolet Cruze recently surpassed 3 million global sales, while the Spark reached the 1-million sales milestone.

Getting a head start on the competition, the Trax goes on sale in the United States in early 2015, where the emerging small-SUV segment is estimated to grow more than 80 percent in the next few years. Trax is already on sale in 66 global markets, where it has generated approximately 180,000 sales since its 2012 introduction.

TRAX VERSATILITY

1. Seating for up to five with up to eight seating/cargo-carrying configurations.

2. A 60/40-split, flat-folding rear seat and a segment-exclusive fold-flat front passenger seat combine to allow storage of long items such as skis or a surfboard, up to eight feet long.

3. Up to 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded – and 18.7 cubic feet of storage space behind the split-folding rear seatbacks. That’s more than Nissan Juke and comparable to Kia Soul and Jeep Renegade:

• Nissan Juke – 35.9 cu. ft. total / 10.5 cu. ft. behind rear seat
• Kia Soul – 49.5 cu. ft. total / 18.8 cu. ft. behind rear seat (with luggage tray)
• Jeep Renegade – 50.8 cu. ft. total / 18.5 cu. ft. behind rear seat.

4. Segment-leading 15 interior storage compartments including upper and lower storage in each door, upper and lower glove box, upper and lower center stack, left and right of the center stack and left of the steering wheel.

5. Standard and dealer-available cargo management features. Standard features include a rigid, removable cargo security cover and a storage area under the rear cargo floor. Dealer-available accessory items include a collapsible cargo organizer and cargo net.

TRAX TECHNOLOGY

6. Chevrolet MyLink Infotainment with a 7-inch-diagonal color touch screen is standard. Trax’s next-generation MyLink provides easy, intuitive operation of basic functions, and is highly customizable and capable of linking devices such as smartphones and MP3 players. The system includes Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phone, as well as Pandora, TuneIn radio and Stitcher.

7. OnStar with 4G LTE and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot is standard. It provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected – allowing the connection of multiple personal devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets to high-speed wireless Internet. The hotspot is on whenever the vehicle is on and comes with a three-month/three gigabyte data trial (whichever comes first), after which the customer can purchase additional data.

8. Siri Eyes Free for iPhone iOS 6, iOS 7 and iOS 8 users enhances connectivity and convenience. It enables voice-controlled connectivity so customers can keep phones stored and their hands on the wheel. Trax is the first vehicle in its class to offer Siri Eyes Free.

9. Standard USB port with MP3 playback/iPod music device support. The USB port also enables users to upload photos and videos on the MyLink screen.

10. Available BringGo navigation app and Sirius XM Satellite Radio. The available BringGo app brings smartphone-enabled navigation that can be displayed on the large MyLink screen – including using the touch screen to control the navigation. Sirius XM Satellite Radio is standard on LT and LTZ models and for three months of trial service. Sirius XM Travel Link and Tune Select are available for an additional cost.

TRAX MANUEVERABILITY

11. Trax is powered by an Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine that’s backed by an efficiency-enhancing six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is rated at an SAE-certified 138 horsepower (102 kW) and 148 lb-ft of torque (200 Nm), between 1,850 and 4,900 rpm. The wide rpm range for the maximum torque helps Trax deliver a more confident driving experience, with a strong feeling of power across the rpm band. Most importantly, it contributes to the Trax’s EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway efficiency.

12. Available all-wheel drive enhances driving confidence in slippery conditions. The automatically engaging system seamlessly splits torque between the front and rear wheels, when required, for better traction and handling.

13. Dimensions designed for confidence and maneuverability. A 100.6-inch wheelbase and wide stance – 60.6-inch front and rear track – contribute to a planted stance that fosters a more-confident driving experience, while a tight 36.7-foot turning circle enhances maneuverability and nimbleness in tight urban environments, helping make the Trax easy to park.

14. MacPherson-strut front suspension and compound crank rear suspension deliver driving agility. The strut-type front suspension is used with coil springs, a large stabilizer bar and side-load-compensated front strut modules – a combination that delivers ride comfort with sporty, direct responsiveness. The rear compound crank (torsion beam) design, with a double-wall, tubular V-shape beam profile and gas-charged twin-tube shocks combines all the advantages of a conventional torsion beam axle, including minimal space requirements, with low weight and consistent camber control. Noise-damping urethane spring isolators dampen noise.

15. Direct-acting, fuel-saving column-mounted electric power steering system. All models feature an electric power steering system that helps save fuel by drawing energy only when the steering wheel is turned. Designed to complement Trax’s balance of responsiveness and comfort, the EPS’s feel is light yet direct, enhancing the vehicle’s feeling of maneuverability – particularly at low speeds and during parking.

TRAX VALUE

16. Starting price of $20,995 for LS trim level includes standard Chevrolet MyLink infotainment with a 7-inch-diagonal touch screen, OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, segment-leading 10 standard air bags, segment-exclusive standard rearview camera system (excluding other GM vehicles), rear fold-flat and front-passenger fold-flat seats, USB port, air conditioning, power locks and windows, power outside mirrors and remote keyless entry.

17. LS, LT and LTZ trim levels, with premium features offered across the range, including:

• Sixteen-inch wheels are standard on LS and LT models; 18-inch aluminum wheels are standard on LTZ
• Rear park assist – available on LT and standard on LTZ
• Contemporary interior environment featuring an instrument cluster with a large, performance-style analog tachometer combined with a prominent digital display for the speedometer and other readouts; also includes 3.5-inch-diagonal driver information center display with ice blue backlighting
• Heated front seats with leatherette trim – standard on LTZ
• Deluxe cloth/leatherette seating trim – available on LT
• Bose seven-speaker sound system – available on LT and standard on LTZ
• Leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel – available on LT and standard on LTZ
• Fog lamps – standard on LTZ
• Roof rails – standard on LT and LTZ
• Six-way power driver seat adjuster – available on LT and standard on LTZ
• Power sliding sunroof – available on LT and LTZ
• Heated power-adjustable mirrors – standard on LT and LTZ
• Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror – standard on LTZ.

18. All-wheel drive is offered for $1,500 – the most affordable AWD option in Chevrolet’s portfolio is available on all trim levels.

19. Strong roster of safety features – including class-best 10 standard air bags. Trax’s body structure forms a protective cage around the passenger compartment, with 66 percent of it composed of high-strength steels – including ultra-high-strength steel in strategic areas. That strength is complemented by technologies that help avoid crashes and protect occupants in case one occurs, including:

• Driver and front passenger frontal air bags
• Driver and front passenger knee air bags
• Front and rear thorax air bags for all outboard positions – including the segment’s only rear-seat-mounted thorax air bags
• Side curtain air bags for front and rear outboard passengers
• Standard rearview camera
• Standard front safety belt pretensioners
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control, incorporating traction control and rollover mitigation features
• ABS and electronic brake force distribution, as well as cornering brake control and brake assist
• Rear park assist is available on LT and standard on LTZ.

20. Chevrolet Complete Care includes two years/24,000 miles (whichever comes first) of scheduled maintenance, which complements the three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty – whichever comes first.