Honda Civic Goes on Tour with Gen Y This Summer

RACINE, Wis., May 29, 2012 – Though its compact Civic has always appealed to younger buyers, Honda upped its dedication to Gen Y when it released the ninth generation of the car last year. Featuring improved fuel economy with the same low starting price of its predecessor, the 2012 Honda Civic is making appearances at events where plenty of people in their 20s will be found this summer: the country's top music festivals.

Fresh off its gig at the Sasquatch! music festival in Washington state last weekend, the Honda Civic will make additional rock pilgrimages to The Governors Ball in New York City this June and the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Texas this October. At both festivals, bands will play on a sponsored Honda Stage, while fans will be able to check out the 2012 Honda Civic and other fun activities in the Honda Zone. Plus, Honda is offering music fans a chance to register to win a 2012 Civic Si Coupe, either at the festivals or online at www.civicmusicsweeps.com. For those in other areas of the country, a separate Honda Civic Tour will bring bands Incubus and Linkin Park to venues nationwide in August.

"The Honda Civic is a natural fit for the festival crowd; it offers great fuel economy on road trips to see your favorite bands, and it's priced so that you can still pay off those college loans," said Joe Jardina, Sales Manager of Gentile Honda, a Racine, WI Honda dealership. "The variety of models also let you make the Civic your own too, whether it's the innovative Civic Hybrid or the sporty Civic Si."

In its annual Gen Y automotive survey released earlier this year, Deloitte LLP found that 57 percent of respondents favored hybrids when considering a new ride. Defined by Deloitte as those between 19 and 31 years old, Gen Y was found to have a large affinity for fuel efficiency in general, with 89 percent saying they were looking at vehicles that get better mileage.

Featuring two models rated above 40 mpg on the highway, the 2012 Honda Civic lineup is well positioned to meet Gen Y's desire for savings at the pump. The 2012 Civic Hybrid uses a lithium-ion battery for the first time, returning 44 mpg whether drivers are in the city or on the highway. Meanwhile, the new-for-2012 Honda Civic HF uses just gasoline to net 41 mpg on the highway with its efficient 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine.

Recognizing that Gen Y isn't just about penny-pinching and environmental responsibility, Honda offers its 2012 Civic Si to young driving enthusiasts seeking a dose of customized performance. The Civic Si that festival goers will be trying to win this summer features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 201 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, as well as a helical limited-slip differential typically featured in high-performance models that allows for enhanced handling around corners. A unique version of Honda's i-MID display also allows drivers to monitor just how much engine output is being used as a percentage of peak horsepower.

"Today's youth may be more environmentally conscious than past generations when it comes to their buying habits, but that doesn't mean they don't want their car to be fun to drive," added Jardina. "The Honda Civic Si covers both angles by offering a highly responsive ride and returning up to 31 mpg on the highway."

About Gentile Honda:
With more than three decades of serving Wisconsin motorists, Gentile Honda strives to deliver a high-quality car-buying experience that is second-to-none. Their knowledgeable Honda sales team adheres to a no-pressure mantra, so Wisconsin car shoppers can make an informed decision and purchase the vehicle that is right for them. With a broad selection of Honda parts and a state-of-the-art service center, Gentile Honda's expert technicians also get customers back on the road quickly and effectively. Visit their Racine, Wisconsin Honda dealership at 6801-C Washington Ave., view their inventory online at www.gentilehonda.com or call 866-944-9831 to schedule a test drive. Gentile Honda can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GentileHonda