Honda and Acura Rearview Camera Systems First to be Recognized as Advanced Technology Features by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

TORRANCE, Calif., March 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Honda's efforts in the areas of enhanced driver visibility have been recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as part of its 5-Star Safety Ratings program (also known as the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)), with nearly all Honda and Acura models with rearview camera systems becoming the first vehicles in the industry to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation for having met its Advanced Technology Feature performance criteria (http://1.usa.gov/Pv0lKq).

Honda vehicles earning this first recognition from NHTSA for the application of recommended rearview camera systems (what NHTSA calls rearview video systems) include the Honda Accord Coupe, Sedan, Hybrid and Plug-In, Civic Coupe, Sedan, Hybrid and Civic Natural Gas, Crosstour, CR-V, CR-Z, Fit EV, Odyssey, Pilot and Ridgeline¹; as well as the Acura ILX and ILX Hybrid, MDX, TL, TSX, RDX, RLX and RLX Hybrid (see table below). Additional Honda and Acura models that have been equipped with standard rearview camera systems are expected to have their rearview camera systems recognized as Advanced Technology Features in the near future, including the all-new 2015 Fit subcompact car and 2015 Acura TLX midsize luxury sedan, both launching in spring 2014.

"Rearview cameras are an integral part of Honda's approach to enhance driver visibility," said Art St. Cyr, vice president of product planning and logistics at American Honda. "By the 2015 model year all Honda and Acura models will have rearview cameras standard on all models, yet another example of how our company is committed to enhancing the visibility and safety of our customers and everyone on the road."   

The addition of rearview video systems to NHTSA's list of recommended Advanced Technology Features was intended to encourage manufacturers to improve the rearview visibility of their motor vehicle fleet; the NCAP Advanced Technology Features also include Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems which also are offered on many Honda and Acura vehicles. More information about crash avoidance technologies that are part of the Government 5-Star Safety Ratings program can be found at safercar.gov.

Starting with the 2013 Honda Crosstour, American Honda has taken a comprehensive approach to enhancing driver visibility and confidence on the road, beginning with the widespread application of rearview cameras. More than 94 percent of Honda and Acura models sold in the U.S. in 2013 were equipped with standard rearview cameras.

Rearview cameras are just one aspect of American Honda's 360-degree approach to enhanced driver visibility and situational awareness, demonstrated by the broad application of technologies such as FCW and LDW systems on Honda models. These systems use a camera mounted behind the windshield or a front mount radar system to warn drivers of a potential collision with a vehicle detected in front of them, or to alert drivers if the car is unexpectedly moving out of a detected lane. Other available features aimed at improving driver visibility are the Expanded View Driver's Mirror, Honda LaneWatch display and Acura's Blind Spot Information (BSI) system.

In addition to applying the next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure to most of its models, American Honda has applied the following safety features on all its models as standard equipment: Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); side curtain airbags (most vehicles equipped with a rollover sensor as well); dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; and front side airbags. Other available safety and driver-assistive technologies available on Acura vehicles include the Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS). For more detailed information about Honda's history of leadership in the development and application of advanced technologies and vehicle designs that are meant to enhance the safety of all road users, please view our Safety Issue Brief.

Honda Safety Leadership
Honda has a long history of leadership in the development and application of advanced technologies and designs meant to enhance the safety of all road users, including automobile occupants, motorcycle riders, and pedestrians. The company operates two of the world's most sophisticated crash test facilities and is responsible for numerous pioneering efforts in the areas of crashworthiness, airbag technology, collision compatibility and pedestrian safety. American Honda leads the industry for 2014 in third party crash test ratings with more models rated TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) than any other manufacturer.

2014 NHTSA Recognized American Honda Vehicles with Standard Rearview Camera:

[1] Honda Ridgeline's rearview camera system on models with Navigation does not meet the requirements to be a recommended advanced technology feature. 

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SOURCE American Honda Motor Co., Inc.