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Honda Power Equipment is enhancing the premium HRX lawnmower product line featuring its unique and popular Versamow™ System. The Versamow™ technology easily enables simultaneous distribution of clippings to both the bag and the ground, and also allows the user to convert between mulching and bagging modes without changing equipment or using any tools.

New to the HRX product line for 2008 is the premium HRX217K2VKA model, equipped not just with Versamow™, but also featuring the exclusive Honda SMART Drive™ Transmission. The newest HRX model allows the user to easily control the mower’s speed simply by resting his or her hands on the handlebars - adding even more convenience and ease of use to what already is the most user-friendly 21-inch mower on the market today.

The new HRX217K2VKA is available nationwide through Honda Power Equipment dealers and The Home Depot retail stores at an MSRP of $699.00.

The Honda HRX217K2VKA also features a mowing deck made of advanced Nexite™, the extremely durable material used in a variety of demanding applications such as car bumpers, football helmets and computer cases. Nexite™ does not dent, rust or corrode over time. The easy-to-clean mowing deck also allows clippings to circulate naturally for maximum mulching.

“The new Honda HRX217VKA is a durable, low-maintenance, high-quality lawnmower designed to provide an infinitely easier mowing experience through several key design features in addition to the Versamow™ technology and new SMART Drive™ Transmission,” said Honda Power Equipment vice president Steve Bailey.

These design features include a Zone Start Safety System, Ergo-ActiveTM, easy-folding handlebars, a single rear height adjuster, larger wheels, a higher cut height and increased bag size.

“The result is a lawnmower with virtually effortless operation, speed control and better maneuverability - all at an affordable price point,” added Mr. Bailey.

In addition, the HRX217VKA is designed to:

Attain best-in-class performance in both mulching and bagging modes; (mulching or bagging normally requires two separate mower models, each designed for the respective purpose);
Increase the convenience for the user to convert between mulching and bagging modes without the use of any tools or the removal or addition of any equipment;
Provide enhanced functionality by allowing a partial, simultaneous mulching/bagging operation that allows the user to choose what percentage of grass clippings are mulched or bagged;
Improve bagging performance by increasing the distance the operator can mow between bag cleanings while maintaining the high grooming standards that homeowners - and their neighbors - demand.
The HRX217K2VKA is powered by the fuel-efficient Honda GCV190 OHC/OHV 4-stroke engine, providing exceptionally reliable starts and quiet operation. Its overhead cam layout, along with a lightweight and durable uniblock construction, create a lighter and more compact package than anything in its class, delivering excellent power-to-weight ratio.

Honda is the world’s largest engine manufacturer, having sold nearly 24 million models in 2007 across all of its global product lines. Its mowers are characterized by the same clean, fuel-efficient technology that is behind the company’s reputation for unparalleled durability, quality and reliability.

Honda Power Equipment produces and markets a complete line of lawnmowers for commercial, premium residential, and consumer applications. The product line consists of 10 models in four different series, including Honda HRS, Honda HRR, Honda HRX™, and Honda HRC Commercial.

Each product family incorporates a number of features and accessories for versatility and convenience. They include a variable height adjustment system; an ErgoActive™ handle; a large capacity standard rear easy on/easy off grass bag; the exclusive, twin-blade Honda MicroCut or QuadraCut System™; discharge chute and leaf shredder options; and a choice of mowing decks. Honda mowers are the only of their kind to offer advanced and durable maintenance-free Cruise Control hydrostatic transmissions that allow for infinite drive speed variation while maintaining maximum engine speed.

In keeping with Honda’s tradition of technological and environmental leadership, all Honda lawnmower models feature Honda’s easy-starting engines that deliver smooth, quiet, reliable four-stroke power. The compact, lightweight OHC (overhead cam) GC Series offers maximum power and high-efficiency combustion for home use, and the OHV (overhead valve) GX Series delivers rugged, commercial grade performance.

The Honda HRR Series

The Honda HRR Series consists of three different models, each containing a number of standard features and benefits, including:

An easy-starting 4-stroke, single cylinder GCV160 OHC engine designed to reduce weight and increase mower maneuverability;
The world’s first internal timing belt on a mower with reserve power for the most demanding mowing conditions;
The exclusive twin-blade QuadraCut System™ that uses four cutting surfaces for superior mulching and bagging;
The Honda HRR steel mowing deck;
An easy on/easy off grass bag for low-effort emptying;
An ErgoActive™ handle incorporating easily accessible controls, designed to maximize safety, comfort and convenience;
A height adjustment system, offering seven mowing height adjustments ranging from ¾” to 4″ (depending on the model) for different mowing needs;
Variable and three-speed transmissions (depending on the model).
Introduced in 2006, the all-new HRR Series lawnmower line is designed to deliver exceptionally easy operation, high performance and superior fuel efficiency. The HRR216K5VXA model is equipped with the revolutionary, variable speed SMART Drive™ transmission system and new ErgoActive™ easy-folding handlebars - delivering an infinitely easier lawnmowing experience at an affordable price. HRR Series models - the HRR216K5VXA and HRR216K5TDA - are available nationwide through Honda Power Equipment dealers and The Home Depot retail stores.

The HRR216K5VXA incorporates Honda’s newest technological innovation, the SMART Drive™ transmission system. Developed and tested by Honda R&D, in conjunction with a professional ergonomic specialist for the most comfortable operation, this unique Variable Speed Transmission (VST) allows the user to easily control the mower’s speed simply by resting his or her hands on the handlebars. By placing either one or both thumbs on the lever, the operator can easily control the mower’s speed and even mow with one hand.

The new HRR Series, powered by Honda’s GCV160 OHC engine, replaces the HRR216K2SDA/TDA and HRZ216TDA models and incorporates a number of ergonomic design elements that make easy work of mowing.

Honda offers the following three mowers in the HRR Series:

Model Propulsion Standard Design Features
HRR216K5PDA
Push type
3-speed Rear bagger/mulcher, 4-in-1 (mulch, bag and side discharge, optional chute and leaf shredder)
HRR216K5TDA Self-propelled
3-speed Rear bagger/mulcher, 4-in-1 (mulch, bag and side discharge, optional chute and leaf shredder)
HRR216K5VXA SMART Drive™ Transmission Rear bagger/mulcher, 4-in-1 (mulch, bag and side discharge, optional chute and leaf shredder)

The Honda HRX™ Series

Introduced in 2004, the Honda HRX Series pioneers the unique Versamow™ System that, for the first time on any mower, easily enables simultaneous distribution of clippings to both the bag and the ground. New for 2008 is the premium HRX217VKA. Equipped with the SMART Drive™ Transmission, the newest HRX model allows the user to easily control the mower’s speed simply by resting his or her hands on the handlebars - adding still more convenience and ease of use to what already is the most user-friendly 21-inch mower on the market today. All HRX models are available nationally through Honda Power Equipment dealers.

The HRX models use the 4-stroke, single-cylinder GCV190 OHC engine. The HRX electric start model, introduced in 2005, also features advanced Cyclon sealed lead-acid battery technology. The battery is mounted on the mower’s handlebar and integrated with a convenient automotive-style key switch. Depending on use, the battery should only require charging twice a year, delivering up to 300 starts on a single charge. Electricity is fed to a small starter motor incorporated in the GCV190 engine.

The Honda Versamow System has been designed to be a complete four-in-one mowing system delivering the ultimate in flexibility. A Clip Director lever located behind the engine cowling operates a sliding door between the mower deck and the grass bag allowing the operator to easily:

Rear discharge;
Mulch 100 percent of clippings;
Bag 100 percent of clippings;
Simultaneously mulch and bag or rear discharge in varying degrees through 10 separate settings.
The system also offers a setting for leaf shredding where leaves are recirculated until they are small enough to pass into the bag. All this can take place without a conventional mulch plug and labor-intensive conversion associated with most mowers.

Targeting best-in-industry bagging performance, HRX is able to mow 40 percent further before the bag is full, allowing the operator to empty the bag 40 percent less often. This is accomplished through the use of a 2.5 bushel grass bag, and Honda’s new MicroCut™ offset twin-blade cutting system that results in finer clippings that pack the bag more efficiently. Additional HRX features and benefits include:

The exclusive, easy-to-clean Xenoy® mowing deck, which allows clippings to circulate naturally for maximum mulching; the deck comes with a five-year non-commercial warranty;
A hydrostatic transmission that offers infinitely variable speed control for individual pace;
A blade brake clutch for quick blade stopping without shutting off the mower - allows for bag emptying without restarting the engine.
Model Propulsion Standard Design Features
HRX217K2VKA Variable speed SMART Drive™ Transmission Mulcher/bagger; Flywheel brake and auto choke system
HRX217K2HXA Hydrostatic drive Mulcher/bagger with blade brake clutch
HRX217K2HMA Hydrostatic drive; electric start system featuring Cyclon sealed lead-acid battery technology Mulcher/bagger with blade brake clutch

The Honda Commercial Series

Completely re-engineered from the ground up are Honda’s HRC Commercial Series mowers. First introduced in 1989, the existing HRC series has been replaced by two models: the self-propelled, hydrostatic drive HRC216K2HXA and push-type HRC216K2PDA. For the first time, the HRC Series’ legendary mowing performance is enhanced by offering Honda’s exclusive MicroCut™ twin-blade mulching technology.

Both all-new HRC mowers are stronger, faster, lighter, more efficient, and incorporate a number of key features:

Dome shaped deck design that facilitates both bagging and mulching while delivering finer clipping particles;
Offset twin blade MicroCut System (the only 2-blade 21″ commercial mower);
New Hydrostatic Cruise Control transmission that has been redesigned for increased durability and higher top speed; (HXA model only)
Improved handlebars that are now adjustable for height;
Front bumper provides mower deck and engine protection; also allows convenient transport tie down.
Durable, lightweight Xenoy wheels with axle protectors.
Model Propulsion Standard Design Features
HRC216K2PDA Push type Zone start, Honda GSV engine with aluminum uniblock construction, cast iron sleeve dual-stage air filter, MicroCut™ twin blades
HRC216K2HXA Hydrostatic Cruise Control transmission Rear bagger with Honda GXV engine upgrade and Roto-Stop® blade brake clutch, MicroCut™ twin blades

In addition, the introduction of the push model HRC216K2PDA marks the U.S. debut of Honda’s GSV160 overhead cam (OHC) engine, while the self-propelled HRC216K2HXA utilizes Honda’s legendary GXV160 engine. Both engines feature all-aluminum construction and a cast-iron cylinder sleeve.

“At the heart of every Honda mower is a world-renowned, easy-starting engine that delivers smooth, quiet, reliable 4-stroke power and low emission levels,” said Steve Bailey, Honda Power Equipment assistant vice president. “All Honda mowers offer the same exceptional level of quality, performance and reliability as every product that carries the Honda name.”

Honda has long been recognized as a leader in the development and application of new technologies designed to reduce the environmental impact of its products through improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

Honda Power Equipment is no exception to this legacy of environmental leadership. All Honda Power Equipment products are powered by advanced-technology, 4-stroke engines that are quieter, more fuel efficient and cleaner burning than the engines powering some competing products.

Corporate Leadership

Honda recognizes that conservation of the natural environment is not only a corporate responsibility but also an important company fundamental. Reducing the burden on the environment at every stage in a product’s life cycle - from research and development through manufacture, sale, usage and disposal - is a goal at the core of Honda’s corporate culture and business philosophy.

Beyond the development of cleaner products, Honda also has sought to reduce the environmental impact of all its activities. Honda’s Green Factory planning concept, launched in 1998, is the foundation of the company’s eco-friendly manufacturing practices, which seek to minimize factory emissions and waste throughout the manufacturing process. Further, Honda’s commitment to environmental responsibility is reflected in its portfolio of ISO certifications. All of the company’s facilities throughout Japan, and its major manufacturing facilities in the rest of the world, have obtained ISO 14001 certification - an internationally recognized set of standards for environmental management systems. In addition, in 1999, Honda launched its Green Dealerships program, the goals of which have been to put Honda dealerships at the forefront of customer and community service as well as acquire ISO 14001 certification, based on environmentally responsible disposal of used cars, improved energy efficiency, and other measures.

Environment and Technology Milestones

Developing cleaner products is not a new mandate at Honda. Coupled with world-class quality and technology, Honda has routinely incorporated environmentally advanced features into all of its products for more than 30 years. A few examples include:

In 1971, Honda introduced the controlled vortex combustion chamber (CVCC) engine. The CVCC was the world’s first automobile engine capable of meeting the 1970 Clean Air Act without the weight, cost, and complexity of a catalytic convertor.
Since 1973, Honda has manufactured only 4-stroke outboard motors, which are approximately 90 percent cleaner, 50 percent more fuel-efficient and 50 percent quieter than typical 4-stroke outboard motors. More important, 4-stroke motors do not release oil directly into the water.
In 1998, Honda became the first company to introduce an entire line of high-performance outboard motors that met the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) year 2006 emission standard.
In 1998, Honda entered the handheld power-equipment market with a noticeably quieter, fuel-efficient and virtually smoke-free trimmer/brush cutter powered by the world’s first 360-degree inclinable, 4-stroke mini-engine.
In 2000, Honda became the first auto company to receive the EPA’s Climate Protection Award for development of the Honda Insight, the first gas-electric hybrid vehicle sold in the United States.
In 2001, Honda became the first automaker in the world to market a fuel cell vehicle certified by the U.S. EPA and the state of California. Honda has also developed its own fuel cell stack that debuted in the 2005 FCX capable of cold weather operation.
In 2003, Honda introduced the HRX217, the first lawnmower in the world that easily enables simultaneous distribution of grass clippings to both the bag and the ground with no addition extra equipment required; the unique, Variable Mowing System (VMS) - or Versamow™ - of the HRX allows the user to select bagging, mulching or any combination of the two configurations by simply rotating a lever called the Clip Director. Whether the user chooses to mulch or to compost or dispose of the bagged clippings, all of the options provided by the HRX are better for the environment than conventional disposal of clippings.
In 2007, One Engine for All: Honda Engines certified to the new, lower CARB 2007 and existing EPA Phase 2 emission requirements by offering 50 state compliant engines only beginning January of 2007. New Honda overall emission levels will be reduced by more than 37 percent. This means that in addition to meeting California emission requirements, Honda engine emission levels will be well below the EPA 2007 requirements. The development of one engine for use in all 50 states continues to reflect Honda’s forward thinking with regards to emission regulations, air quality and the needs of our customers.
Environmental Sponsorships

Honda is a dedicated partner to the following environmental organizations all over the U.S. whose members work and volunteer to protect our planet’s natural resources:

Assateague Coastkeeper, Berlin, Maryland
www.actforbays.org/coastkeeper/coastkeeper.htm
The organization is an on-the-water, privately funded advocate for the coastal bays. The mission of the Coastkeeper Program is to protect the quality of the coastal bays for generations to come.

Cape Lookout Education Center, Greensboro, North Carolina
www://cleec.org/
The group was started by educators to provide a place where people could learn about barrier islands and the importance of protecting this rare natural resource. CLEEC conducts programs about barrier islands and associated marine ecology systems for adults and children.

Catalina Seabass Fund, Avalon, California
www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/directory/resdirectory/t_orgs/thecatalinaseabassfund.html
Catalina Seabass supports research, grow-out and release of California White Seabass in conjunction with the California Department of Fish and Game O.R.H.E.P.

Living Lands & Waters Foundation, East Moline, Illinois
www.livinglandsandwaters.org
The mission of this organization is to aid in the protection, preservation and restoration of the natural environment of the nation’s major rivers and their watersheds.

South Riverkeeper, Annapolis, Maryland
www.southriverfederation.net
This is a dedicated group of more than 500 members whose mission is to preserve, protect and restore the South River and its ecosystem through monitoring and assessment, education and enforcement, restoration, outreach and promotion of responsible stewardship.

Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Atlanta, Georgia
www.chattahoochee.org
The Riverkeeper’s mission is to advocate and secure the protection and stewardship of the Chattahoochee River, its tributaries and watershed, in order to maintain its environmental integrity and to preserve the natural, scenic and recreational character of the river corridor.

We are Here Foundation, St. Clair Shores, Michigan
www.weareherefoundation.com

The mission of this organization is to create cleaner and healthier southeastern Michigan waterways while providing young people with interactive science kits and character- building programs.

The Honda Environment Statement

As a responsible member of society determined to help preserve the global environment, Honda makes concerted efforts to contribute to human health and preservation of the global environment in each phase of its corporate activities and to stay at the forefront of such endeavors.

Editor’s Note:

Honda Power Equipment, a division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., manufactures and markets a complete range of outdoor power equipment, including outboard marine engines, general purpose engines, generators, lawnmowers, pumps, snowblowers, tillers and trimmers for commercial, rental and residential applications. Its comprehensive product line is powered exclusively by environmentally advanced 4-stroke engines.

HOUSTON – Whether the idea of a perfect Fourth of July celebration includes a sneak peek at hot concept cars and trucks, hanging out with NASCAR’s finest 200 mph race cars, enjoying a brilliant fireworks display, or kicking back with friends and family to the sounds of electrifying live entertainment, Chevrolet and the City Of Houston have everything covered for “Chevy’s Freedom Over Texas” July 4 at Eleanor Tinsley Park.

“Chevrolet has proudly held the title sponsorship to Freedom Over Texas for four years, and we’re coming back to Houston again and bringing an even bigger celebration,” said Jay Allen, Chevrolet marketing manager for GM’s South Central region. “We are excited to present the Chevy music stage which will be ignited with three phenomenal female country music artists, as well as provide fantastic concept cars and a host of fun-filled, interactive activities for the entire family.”

Festival-goers can experience some of Chevy’s hottest 2008 cars and trucks, as well as show-stopping concept cars like the Bumblebee Camaro – star of the 2007 summer blockbuster movie Transformers. The Cobalt Wide Body and the Time Attack Supercharged Cobalt SS with its race record-setting pedigree round out Chevy’s sizzling concept vehicle display.

For race fans, Chevy is showcasing Team Chevy’s Championship-winning authentic NASCAR race cars, including: Jimmie Johnson’s #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet; Jeff Gordon’s #24 DuPont Chevrolet; and Kevin Harvick’s #29 Shell Oil Chevrolet. If simply checking out these race cars isn’t enough, festival attendees can climb into one of the Chevy Racing Simulators and race their favorite NASCAR drivers at speeds and motion that simulate up to 200 mph on Texas Motor Speedway’s 1.5 mile oval track.

With fuel prices soaring, Chevy’s Alternative Fuels display is sure to catch some attention. From the Tahoe Hybrid to the Malibu, Chevrolet offers plenty of gas-friendly driving options to learn about. The Chevy Tahoe Hybrid – which was recently named Green Car Journal’s 2008 Green Car of the Year® – is one of two all-new hybrid models for 2008 (the other being the Malibu Hybrid sedan) featuring the affordable GM Hybrid System.

This year, Chevy’s Main Stage will play host to three of country music’s hottest female entertainers: Jo Dee Messina, Miranda Lambert, and Sara Evans.

Sara Evans, a Missouri native, began her career singing country music with her family’s band when she was five years old. The award-winning artist has won numerous accolades including the Academy of Country Music’s Female Vocalist of the Year, the Country Music Association’s Video of the Year for “Born to Fly,” and 2006 Female Vocalist of the Year in the R&R Reader’s Poll. Her hits include “I could not ask for more,” “Born to Fly,” and “No Place That Far.”

A small-town girl from Texas, Miranda Lambert burst onto the music scene as a finalist in the 2003 season of the NASHVILLE STAR television series. She didn’t win the show, but did win a recording deal with Columbia Nashville. Lambert hasn’t looked back since and debuted her latest album Crazy Ex-Girlfriend to rave reviews leading to her nomination for CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, and has received several CMT Music Award nominations.

Kicking off the show is award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist, Jo Dee Messina. Honored by The Country Music Association, The Academy of Country Music and The Grammy Awards, Jo Dee was the first female country artist to score three multiple-week #1 songs from the same album. Her newest album, entitled Delicious Surprises, includes hits like “My Give A Damn’s Busted,” and “It Gets Better.”

When the concerts come to a close at approximately 9:30 p.m., eyes will turn skyward for an extraordinary fireworks display. Perfectly set to a selection of patriotic songs to rock ‘n’ roll hits and classic bestsellers, this year’s show will be the largest to date.

Chevy’s Freedom Over Texas will begin when gates open at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 4. Admission for the festival, which benefits the Central Houston Civic Improvement, Inc., is $6.00 at the gate for adults; children under 10 are free.