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The 2011 Honda CR-V Concept made its public debut at the Orange County
International Auto Show in Anaheim, Calif., yesterday, and introduced the
styling direction for the all-new, fourth-generation CR-V. The 2012 CR-V is set
to go on sale in the United States by the end of the year and will debut at the
Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
"The 2011 CR-V Concept strongly hints
at the more dynamic and refined look of the upcoming model," said John Mendel,
executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "As the best-selling SUV
in each of the past four years, the 2012 CR-V promises to build on its highly
successful formula with even more style, innovative features and higher fuel
economy."
The CR-V Concept embraces a distinctive and bold styling
direction for the top-selling SUV in the United States. Compared to the
current-generation CR-V, the concept model takes on a more aggressive stance
with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The front
bumper's smooth-flowing lines are highlighted by a horizontal three-bar grille
and deeply set multi-reflector headlights. The lower front bumper wraps smartly
upward to convey SUV capability with a generous approach angle, while the lower
front bumper design now integrates more smoothly with the fascia for improved
aerodynamics.
The CR-V's signature vertical rear taillights remain for
2012 with a more three-dimensional style that wraps further into the design of
the vehicle. The CR-V Concept's large 5-spoke machined alloy wheels and bold
fender flares emphasize the vehicle's dynamic presence and capability.
The all-new 2012 CR-V will improve upon the current model in a variety of ways,
and will feature a more fuel-efficient engine and reduced body weight. In
addition to all-new exterior styling, the 2012 CR-V will have an all-new
interior with a more accommodating and spacious design.
Currently in the
fifth year of its model cycle, the CR-V continues to sell at a record pace. The
2011 CR-V was among the highest-ranked vehicles in its segment for initial
quality in J.D. Power & Associates' 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS), where it
finished second to the Honda Element in the compact SUV segment. The CR-V is
sold globally in more than 160 countries throughout North America, South
America, Europe, Asia and Africa. In the U.S., CR-V is manufactured in Ohio at
the East Liberty Auto Plant of Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., using
domestic and globally sourced parts. The East Liberty Auto Plant earned a Silver
Award for outstanding quality in the recently released J.D. Power 2011 Initial
Quality Study. The 2011 CR-V Concept will be at the Orange County International
Auto Show from September 22 to 25 in the Honda display.