News and Events

TROPHY FOR HONDA CR-Z AT WHAT CAR? GREEN AWARDS

The Honda CR-Z has won Best Sports Car at the What Car? Green Awards, held on the 16th July 2010 at Twickenham Stadium, where it was commended for its best-in-class economy and value for money.

The CR-Z, priced from £16,999, won praise for its sharp handling, efficient engine and sporty looks, as well as its unique design.

What Car? editor-in-chief Steve Fowler said: "The CR-Z is small and light and looks just right, and it's powered by hybrid technology which means it's clean and efficient to run too. The CR-Z is the greenest and most cost effective sports car available in the market place today."

As the first hybrid with a sporty 6-speed manual gearbox, the CR-Z stands out from other green cars on the market and offers true driving thrills thanks to an agile chassis, direct steering, a low driving position and boosts of torque from the petrol-electric drivetrain.

Demand for the car has been strong since its release in June, with over 500 cars sold in the UK in the first month. Most customers have chosen the top spec GT model, priced at £19,999.

The What Car? Green awards, now in their third year, look for the best eco-friendly cars to buy. Rather than centre exclusively on emissions or miles per gallon, the awards take in a range of factors including value for money, safety and the driving experience, but maintain a core focus on environmental impact.

Click Here to view our page on the new Honda CR-Z!

Honda (UK) is delighted to launch two stunning Special Edition CBR1000RR Fireblades – one ‘Hutchy’ and one ‘McGuinness’ – to commemorate the achievements of these two legendary TT road racers.

Both bikes feature awesome special-edition paintwork celebrating Honda’s amazingly successful Isle of Man TT campaigns with two record-breaking riders: Ian Hutchinson and John McGuinness.

Ian Hutchinson tore-up the record books at this year’s TT races with an unprecedented five out of five solo wins in the Superbike, Superstock, Senior and two Supersport races. To mark his success on his Padgetts Honda race bikes, the ‘Hutchy’ CBR1000RR celebrates that amazing feat with a brilliant pearlescent white paint scheme that features a map of the 37.73-mile Isle of Man TT course, outlined around the top of the bike. A red line faithfully follows the twists and turns of the historic mountain course, complete with corner names. Both side fairings of the Fireblade are emblazoned with a commemorative decal illustrating all five of Hutchinson’s victories at this year’s TT races and, his overall TT Championship victory. There is also Ian’s unique ‘Hutchy’ graphic on the tank, along with his signature.

The John McGuinness special-edition makes an ingenious play on the fastest man around the TT course’s name. John has traditionally used a representation of a pint of the black stuff on the back of his leathers, and the ‘McGuinness’ CBR1000RR takes this a stage further by turning the Fireblade into a two-wheeled pint of it! A beautiful and intricate paint-scheme replicates the look of a pint, complete with dew-drops of condensation on the fairings and the creamy white head that only the perfectly poured pint has. John’s bike is also adorned on the fairings with a gold map of the TT course and his lap record of 131.578mph and, each bike is also autographed by John, enhancing its exclusivity even further.

Both riders are made up that their Island exploits are being celebrated in such a way. Hutchy said: “It’s exciting and really nice of Honda to make these Special Edition bikes. Better still, I’ve been given the first one which is such a lovely gesture. It’s an awesome bike to ride the Fireblade – how we did in the Superstock race shows how good it is. I won’t be riding mine though: it will be going straight in the living room! On the paintwork, the skill and attention to detail is just stunning. When you go up close, you can see just how pearlescent the white paint is, it’s an amazing piece of work.”

McGuinness remarked: “I’m so proud to have a Special Edition bike like this. I’m honoured that Honda has recognised my achievements at the TT in this way and it cheers me up after a 2010 Isle of Man campaign that was hit by bad luck. I feel part of the Fireblade programme now with my wins on the current ‘Blade and previous versions, so it’s very special to know people can buy this bike. With the one that Honda has given me, like Hutchy, I’m not going to use it, it will join my collection. I’ve got an older style ‘Blade, a V-twin SP-1 and a number of other Hondas. I’m always going to keep hold of it. The paintwork is amazing and every owner’s bike will be unique, as each of the bubbles on the bodywork is done by hand and different every time. It’s a work of art.”

Both bikes are available now to order, from Honda motorcycle dealerships across the country, in both standard and ABS-equipped versions. The ‘Hutchy’ or ‘McGuinness’ Special Edition ‘Blades are just £1,000 above current Fireblade on-the-road prices, meaning these truly memorable editions are priced at £11,725 OTR, or £12,375 OTR with the added comfort of Honda’s amazing electronically-controlled C-ABS braking system developed specifically for sports bikes. Both machines are also available with Honda’s current great 0% APR and 2/9% APR finance offers which end on 30 September 2010.

To find out more about the Special Edition Fireblades or for further information about Honda’s great range of scooters and motorcycles, genuine parts, accessories, latest offers and forthcoming events call our sales team today.

Life is Better on Two – Wheels so ‘Get On’ and Celebrate National Motorcycle Week 2010

Join Suzi Perry in celebrating National Motorcycle Week 18 – 24th July 2010 This annual campaign aims to create awareness amongst the public, media and politicians of the benefits of motorcycling and at the same time emphasise the important point that owners are from all walks of life and that riding a bike or scooter can make positive social, environmental and economic contributions.

This year the slogan is ‘ Get On - Life is Better on Two-Wheels‘ and is encouraging riders to get more active and get the most out of their bikes and also encouraging new riders to promoting to give bikes a go, by participating in a free one-hour taster session at with a local trainer

RIDE TO WORK DAY takes place on Wednesday 21st July - this is the day when all bike and scooter owners and encouraged to ride to work, and if they can, take a friend or colleague with them. The day will highlight that motorcycling cuts congestion, pollution, journey times and is convenient and flexible.

What Can I Do In National Motorcycle Week?

There is plenty of fun to be had during National Motorcycle Week. Riders and non-riders can join together to enjoy the world of two-wheeled machines.

Get Active
Why not do something different? There are so many opportunities for riders so why not sign up for something new and different like an off-road course, a BikeSafe assessment, further training or a touring break. Join an Owners Club to get really involved and find some like minded aficionados to share the experiences with.

Get On – If you haven’t got a bike or licence but are excited about giving it a go. Now is the time to sign up for your free one-hour riding experience. You can find your nearest participating trainer by simply going to the website www.geton.co.uk which will keep you up to date on everything you need to know when you are first getting into bikes and scooters.

Get A Licence - The first step to getting a licence is the CBT (compulsory basic training).If you have already had a go or know that you are ready to take the next steps into the world of biking why not book now. Contact your local trainer to book or find out more from the industry’s fact sheet ‘How to Get A Licence’ in the resources section of the industry’s website www.mcia.co.uk

Pillion Ride – If you’ve got friends, relatives or even work colleagues with a bike ask them to take you out for a spin. Ride to Work Day is on 21st July so why not see how many people at work can travel by bike. Ride to Work Day, so this is the time to show your non-riding friends or work colleagues just what they are missing. Give them a lift to work and try to get all of your keen friends to do the same. Why not try and get the oldest and youngest member of staff to take the pillion challenge?

Participate
Hold an event yourself, such as a bikers barbecue or ride out. Get others involved, talk to your local dealer or contact clubs.

Club Classics
There are hundreds of motorcycle clubs across the UK that plan trips, events and get involved in charity work. If you are already a member see if you can get more involved and help keep motorcycling alive in the UK. If you haven’t got membership why not join – you can find out more from bike mags and websites including www.maguk.org and www.bmf.co.uk.

Group Riding
Celebrate the arrival of the weekend with your buddies and go out together to enjoy the summer evening and relish in your shared passion for the two-wheeled experience.

Watch the Professionals
Get some friends round, turn on the TV and admire the skills of the professionals in the comfort of your own home. The MotoGP in Germany takes place on the 18th July followed by the USA race on the 25th.

To find out more about how we are celebrating National Bike Week call us today!

Chiswick Honda 0845 337 3473
Dunstable Honda 0844 372 8702
Norton Way Honda on 0845 337 3452

Fleet demand for the Mazda3 and continuing strong Mazda6 registrations have contributed to the marque's corporate sales rising significantly in the first half of 2010.

Mazda is firmly focused on 'net fleet' sales, which totalled 2,977 units in the six months to June 30, up over 18 percent compared to the same period in 2009.

Mazda fleet and remarketing director Peter Allibon said: "We have experienced a significant growth in our 'net fleet' channels - registrations by contract hire and leasing companies, Mazda Contract Hire, end-user fleets and Mazda Local Business Centres - a deliberate strategy that compliments Mazda's strong appeal within the retail sector.

"We are undertaking fleet business as a result of demand, we have not 'pushed' vehicles out to mass volume and high cost fleet channels and that strategy continues in the second half of 2010."

The rise in fleet volumes in 2010 comes with total Mazda new car half-year sales standing at 24,873 registrations - up 21.4 percent on last year's six-month total of 20,491 units, according to Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' data.

Last month Mazda sales totalled 4,031 units - up more than 41 percent on June 2009 - with fleet registrations accounting for 929 vehicles of which 598 cars were categorised as 'net fleet'.

2010 marks the first full-year of new Mazda3 sales and Allibon said: "Demand for the Mazda3 is fuelling increased fleet sales, while registrations of the recently freshened Mazda6, which has led corporate interest in the brand, continue to be strong."

The Mazda3 1.6 diesel with on-the-road prices starting at £16,505 for the TS trim level is the best-selling model accounting for around two-thirds of sales due particularly to its low benefit-in-kind tax rating thanks to carbon dioxide emissions of 119 g/km.

Allibon said: "Competitive list prices, a high specification, low CO2 emissions, excellent fuel economy and strong residual values have all been key to winning fleet business with the Mazda3."

He added: "Fleet business is rebounding as the economy recovers from recession. While a number of fleets extended fleet replacement cycles into a fourth year as the economy slowed, they realise that extending further into a fifth year is often not viable as residual values reduce and service, maintenance and repair costs rise.

"Consequently, businesses are renewing their vehicles fleets and Mazda is benefiting with sales of the 129ps Mazda6 2.2 diesel with emissions of 138 g/km also strong as it is favoured by user-choosers."

HM Plant Honda’s Steve Plater and John McGuinness have experienced some highs and lows during this week’s practices for Saturday’s North West 200 races, with both riders securing leading positions in the practice timesheets but also with Steve Plater sustaining a broken arm leaving him unable to compete on Saturday

Steve and team-mate John entered today’s Superbike practice session in first and second positions respectively following Tuesday evening’s practice. However on the second lap of his outing, Steve crashed at the last corner, Quarry Hill, when he lost the front end of the bike and slid heavily into the safety fencing.

Steve was immediately attended to by marshals and medics on the course and taken to Coleraine hospital where he underwent a full examination. It was quickly evident that his head, main body and legs were fine and that the main injury was to his left arm.

X-rays have confirmed that Steve has a broken left arm at the mid forearm point - with clean breaks to both the ulna and radius bones – and he will need an operation to have both bones plated. Steve’s arm has been plastered and he will remain in hospital overnight as a precautionary measure, ahead of his operation tomorrow.

Steve is fortunate to have come away from his high speed crash with relatively minor injuries and this is testament to the FIM approved safety bales which absorbed the majority of the impact, the quality of Steve’s leathers and helmet and also his quick thinking, as when he knew he was sliding towards the kerb he picked his legs up to minimise any further injury.

Steve remembers the whole accident and, although in pain, was talking to paramedics and HM Plant Honda’s team manager, Harvey Beltran, before being taken to hospital by ambulance – in fact the first thing he said was to ask Harvey to call Vicky (his wife) and reeled off her number!

Whilst being incredibly disappointed to be missing Saturday’s North West 200 races, Steve would like to thank everyone for the numerous good wishes already received. And, in his true determined spirit, Steve plans to watch Saturday’s races from the pits and is already focusing on what he needs to do get back on the seat of his HM Plant Honda Fireblade as quickly as possible in order to retain his current lead in the British Superstock Championship

In the meantime, John McGuinness will line up on the grid for an action packed day of North West 200 racing, with two Superbike races, two Supersport races on the CBR600RR and one Superstock race.

Today’s ‘free day’ at the North West 200 road race event saw Honda’s Steve Plater undergo an operation to plate the two broken bones in his left forearm and, team-mate John McGuinness get mobbed by hundreds of children at an autograph signing session, hosted by the NW200, for all primary schools in the local area.

Steve’s operation was a success, with both bones in his arm bedding back together well with the help of plates and screws, although Steve is currently experiencing some numbness, tightness and loss of movement in this fingers. Whilst this is likely to be due to the swelling and interruption to the nerves in his arm during the crash and operation, this will be monitored over the next twenty four hours and the wound opened up with a second operation to relieve the pressure, if necessary.

With the famous Plater smile and positive spirit, Steve said, “I’m gutted to not be able to race tomorrow but I’m very thankful the operation seems to have gone well. I can’t feel my fingers at the moment but we’re hopeful that just a temporary thing and that the feeling will start to come back once the swelling starts to go down. I’ve been overwhelmed by all the well-wishes via text, phone calls and email and can’t thank everyone enough for their kind words and support or, thank all the medical staff enough, both at the hospital and the trackside, who have played a part in helping me feel more comfortable since Thursday evening.

“From here I just want to focus on making sure my arm has the chance to completely recover but I’m also determined to be back on my Honda Fireblade as soon as possible to be able to try and protect my current lead in the British Superstock Championship. Me being able to compete at the TT is highly unlikely and I’m also gutted about that too, but at the moment I’ll take each day as it comes and will have to settle, annoyingly, for watching tomorrow’s North West 200 races from the live BBC feed on my laptop!”

Road racing legend John McGuinness flew the flag for the HM Plant Honda team today at numerous off-track activities, including a Q&A and autograph signing session for 500 children from schools in the local area. John took to the microphone to chat about his thoughts about motorcycle racing, before being mobbed with questions, autograph and photo requests from the excited visiting school children.

John commented, “This week’s practices have gone well so far and it’s been great today to have some time off the track as well to spend talking to and meeting the fans, competition winners, team guests and also the schools who visited. It was mega to see so many kids really interested in the motorbikes and the racing and I think they asked me the hardest to answer, but probably the most simple questions out of everyone! I’ve really enjoyed this week so far and the atmosphere today is really building, so I can’t wait to get on the bike tomorrow and hopefully see the podium at least a few times over my five races.”

John will take part in this evening’s live BBC Northern Ireland pre-race show starting at 10.35pm, with the first part of the show being broadcast from the HM Plant Honda team awning in the NW200 paddock.

Tomorrow’s racing action from the North West 200 starts at mid morning, with an action packed day in store for John with two Superbike races, two Supersport races and one Superstock race.

Track action and behind the scenes images of the HM Plant Honda team and riders are available to view and download from the new look www.honda-racing.co.uk website, along with wallpapers, behind the scenes videos and virtual tours of the team’s workshop. Exclusive competitions are also available for supporters who register on the website, with email and SMS updates also free to subscribe to, to ensure you keep up to date with all the latest news and happenings from the team.

To find out more call out team today at Norton Way Honda on 0845 338 9711.

Opening a new chapter in the history of both Peugeot and of compact coupes, the new Peugeot RCZ is now available to view and test drive at Norton Way Peugeot.

A triumph in style and technical prowess, the Peugeot RCZ opens a new chapter in the history of both Peugeot and of compact Coupes. The module exudes emphatic style, with its immaculate interior and efficient engine options offering a totally new driving experience.

The designers and engineers at Peugeot wanted to create a sports coupe in a class of its own. Striking , elegant and dynamic, the sleek lines of this compact car produce subtle play of light which serve to accentuate its shapely silhouette.

The RCZ sets itself apart with its unqiew style and by the attention paid to both the interior and exterior finish. the use of exceptional materials blends harmoniously with the elegant, rounded body shape, giving the Peugeot RCZ its own distinctive identity.

To find out more call out team today at Norton Way Honda on 0845 338 9711.

Honda’s acclaimed Ron Haslam Race School has moved venue for 2010 to the ‘Home of British Motorsport’ at Silverstone, which now hosts the world’s and Britain’s top-class two-wheel championships with MotoGP and both the British and World Superbike championships.

Now in its fourteenth year, the Ron Haslam School carried out its first riding day on the central England circuit at the end of last month to familiarise and train its fifty experienced instructors on Silverstone’s new 2.1 mile International Circuit. 70 of Honda’s and the Haslam’s most loyal customers then took to the track in the afternoon to try it out and provide valuable customer feedback ahead of the inaugural public day next Wednesday, 28 April.

Whilst believing that Silverstone’s circuits and facilities are first-class, Ann Haslam admitted to being ‘slightly nervous’ before the test, but was overwhelmed to receive such positive feedback from the instructors and customers.

Ann commented, “The feedback we received was fantastic. Our clients and instructors loved it. They enjoyed the circuit more than they thought they would and commented that due to the fast but technical nature of the track, there is a great opportunity to learn many new riding skills. The Honda Ron Haslam Race School is proud to be at Silverstone with its top-class track and off-track facilities.”

“Silverstone provides a new challenge and we’ve got 16 dates during 2010 for customers to come down and fine-tune their track and general riding skills at the new circuit. Throughout the year we will run courses for riders of all ages and abilities - at a grass roots level we cater for beginners and riders as young as 12 years of age, while our premier course customers and the elites will receive expert guidance aboard the new Honda CBR600RR ABS and the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.”

The move to Silverstone means the legendary ‘Rocket’ Ron Haslam returns to the track where he made his Grand Prix debut in 1977 and where he finished third, behind Randy Mamola and Eddie Lawson, in the 1984 British Grand Prix.

The Honda Ron Haslam School offers an introduction to performance bikes with experienced instructors, providing customers with expert tuition on how to improve their skills and understanding of the finer points of riding. A full motorcycle licence is not needed to take part and the three courses offered – On-Track, Premier and Elite – which enable riders from 12 years old to the most advanced, to become safer, more controlled and aware riders, or be introduced to and experience motorcycling with everything provided.

Using Honda CBR125 machines, 12 to 13 year olds can gain an introduction to riding bikes and over 14s can use one of the School’s fleet of excellent CB500s. The Premier and Elite courses offer more advanced sessions with longer track time and tailored tuition, using Honda’s class-leading CBR600RR ABS equipped version (new to the School in 2010) and CBR1000RR Fireblade. Data logging is further available on the Elite course to provide customers with analysis of their performance.

The School’s 16 available days in 2010 are April 28, May 4 / 11 / 25, June 14, July 15 / 21 / 28, August 2 / 10 / 17 / 25, September 8 / 10 and October 13 / 15. A special new venue introductory discount of 15% is being offered for the first two dates on 28 April and 4 May.

Steve Martindale, General Manager of Honda (UK) Motorcycles, commented, “We are delighted the Honda Ron Haslam School has its new home at Silverstone. Ron, Ann and their team have built up one of the most successful track based motorcycle school experiences over the years and the new venue is certain to provide new riding challenges and learning opportunities for their customers. The CBR600RR ABS and CBR1000RR Fireblade machines are renowned for their great performance, but also ease to ride, whatever level of experience a rider has. Places across the School’s 16 days are filling up fast so we’re confident this will be another great year for the Honda Ron Haslam School.”

For further information about the Honda Ron Haslam School, or to book a place on one of the sixteen available days in 2010, visit www.haslamraceschool.com or call 01332 883 323.

For further information about Honda’s great range of scooters and motorcycles, genuine parts, accessories, latest news and offers, as well as forthcoming events call us today at Chiswick Honda on 0845 337 3473 or Norton Way Honda on 0845 337 3452.

Josh Brookes secured his BSB maiden victory at Thruxton today with the HM Plant Honda team in race two by just 0.391 seconds, on the back of running a close second to the series leader Tommy Hill in the opening race.

Team-mate Ryuichi Kiyonari, on the second HM Plant Honda Fireblade, had a more challenging time. The Japanese race ace started from 13th on the grid following a red flag filled qualifying, but made his way up to ninth at the chequered flag of race one.

In race two, Josh and Kiyo were elevated to third and fifth on the grid following their healthy race one lap times. Kiyo was also able to better his position in race two to finish just outside a podium place in fourth.

Steve Plater took the top step of the podium for a second consecutive race in the National Superstock 1000 Championship to further extend his series lead.

Joshs win gave the HM Plant Honda team its first BSB race victory since the penultimate round in 2008, with Josh also becoming the first Australian to win a BSB race since Troy Bayliss at Cadwell Park during the 1999 season. He had previously secured his first podium position of the season with a second place in the opening race after an epic five-way battle for supremacy following some sensational passes and having led the race.

Josh said, "I was feeling confident for the races, I didn't quite get qualifying right but I knew we would have the pace to be up there in the races as I know the HM Plant Honda Fireblade has the speed. There were some tough moves out there in the first race but I made them stick and when I got in the lead I had plus zero on my board and I knew it was going to be close. BSB is so competitive this season so I was expecting someone to have a go back at me. I was happy for second though and my first podium of the year, I just wanted to go one better in the second race.

"To win the second race felt good as I have been waiting a long time to win a BSB race. In race one I rode the best I could and finished second and I proved I could be consistent and not make mistakes. It was great for me to lead the race from the start to the finish and I know Tommy was breathing down my neck and was right on my tail so I just got my head down and stayed consistent. Its amazing to have finished the day like this and I hadn't put any pressure on myself to win as I knew I was capable of it, but at least now I have a trophy to prove it."

Kiyo said, I am still having some set-up issues but we are trying to improve certain areas to help me feel more confident and push harder. We made a few changes for race two which helped a lot. I wanted podiums so I am disappointed today, but it has been challenging as we also lost time during qualifying when we could have made some more progress. It was important to score some good points here and we did that, I just want to improve my position now at Oulton Park.

Steve said, That was a tough race and I had to put in some hard moves after I didnt make the best of starts off the line, but we got there and another win is good for me and the HM Plant Honda team. We put in a lot of hard work during practice and qualifying and that definitely paid dividends today. I am happy to leave Thruxton with the championship lead and I am now looking forward to Oulton Park.

Team Manager, Havier Beltran said, We are pleased to have finished on the top step of the podium twice today with Josh and Steve winning a race each. For Josh he is ecstatic to take the BSB win and for the team we are pleased to be celebrating a victory for the first time in 18 months. He knew he had the pace and it has come together for him today so he is now feeling very confident.

For Kiyo it has been a challenging weekend and there are areas we need to improve to make him feel more comfortable as he lost some confidence at the start of the weekend in the front of the bike, but we saw him really show fighting spirit in the second race. It was unfortunate that we lost some time, especially during qualifying where we could have possibly made further progress. We made some changes between the races and we saw a real change in Kiyo and a fourth place gave him some good points after a difficult start.

Steve did another fantastic job and despite not getting a good start, really battled his way though and that race definitely made for some good viewing! He showed good race pace and another win is a great result for the whole team and his championship lead.

For further information about Honda, the HM Plant Honda team and its riders please call our team at Chiswick Honda on 0845 337 3473 or
Norton Way Honda on 0845 337 3452.

28th April and 4th May 2010.

The Ron Haslam Race Academy is currently operating at Silverstone, home of the British Motorcycle GP and British F1 GP.

They currently have spaces available on 28th April and 4th May and are offering our customers 15% discount for these days.

This is an ideal opportunity for you to experience the exciting new Silverstone circuit on ABS equipped CBR600RRs, at a discounted rate, so please spread the word.

The Ron Haslam Race School offers you the experience of riding on a Grand Prix racing circuit, an introduction to high performance bikes and the opportunity to improve your skills and understand the finer points of riding.

They offer expert tuition with race experienced instructors at Silverstone, the Home of British Motorsport.

Their aim is to give you an enjoyable and memorable time. We know that you will leave them having improved your riding skills and have better knowledge of these magnificent machines and circuit.

Together with Honda they have designed a program to suit all needs from the introductory through to a more advanced level.

For full details and to make bookings, click here or call 01332 883 323.