Like many automakers with facilities in Japan and Thailand, Honda faced monumental challenges in 2011. Starting with the earthquake and tsunami in Japan early in the year and followed by record flooding in Thailand, many companies were forced to shutter the doors of their factories while simultaneously cleaning up the damage from these natural disasters. Here in America, many dealerships, including Tracy Honda faced inventory shortages as a direct result of these natural disasters. Of course, our thoughts continue to be with the people of these countries, who's cleanup efforts continue even now as many major companies have just gotten back on their feet.

Despite all this, we have some good news for you: Honda has no plans to slow down this year. With production levels back to normal, the Japanese automaker wants to reassure their fans that 2012 is going to be the year of Honda. "We want consumers to know we are back, and we are back in a big way," ¹ says John Mendel, Honda North America's Executive VP of Auto Sales.

How? To start, Honda's design language will see some refinements by way of the 2012 Honda CR-V, the 2013 Honda Civic and the new Accord. Already available at Tracy Honda, the  all-new CR-V boasts some pretty impressive upgrades, and we expect much of the same from the new Civic and Accord models.

Honda has also confirmed some updates to the powertrains available in their more popular models. Starting with the Accord, which will be offered with a new plug-in hybrid powertrain, as well as a direct-injection engine that offers improved fuel-economy. American Honda President Tesuo Iwamura says, "These new engines are very competitive in terms of fuel efficiency and performance. They will be a reminder of Honda's strong DNA as an engine maker."²

All Tracy Honda has to say about this is: bring it on, Honda! Be sure to stop in and see us at 3450 Auto Plaza Way Tracy, CA 95304 to see the entire lineup of impressively designed new Honda models. Or, contact us via our website to learn more, a member of our team will get right back to you!

Source: ^1,2http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/honda-plans-to-roar-back-in-2012.html