Honda Australia has extended its partnership with one of Australia’s favourite doctors, reappointing Dr Andrew Rochford as a brand ambassador.
The Project co-host has received Australia’s very first all-new CR-V, hot off the docks.
A long-time Honda owner and advocate, Dr. Rochford was excited to get behind the wheel of the highly anticipated all-new CR-V.
“I’ve enjoyed working with Honda Australia over the past year and it’s great to be one of the first people to experience the new CR-V.
“The CR-V has loads of space for my family and fits perfectly with our busy life. The fact it has a five-star ANCAP rating means we can get out on the road in style and comfort and safety,” Dr. Rochford said.
Honda Australia’s Director and General Manager Sales and Marketing, Mr. Stephen Collins said; “We are really looking forward to another year with Dr. Rochford. He’s the right fit for our brand and the all-new CR-V.”
The all-new CR-V is now available in Honda dealerships across the country.
With more than five and a half million sold worldwide, the fourth-generation CR-V has raised the bar even higher, with standard features including the one-touch motion folding rear seats, integrated Bluetooth, reversing camera and huge cargo area.
For the first time in Australia, the CR-V is available in both two and four-wheel drive, with the two-wheel drive available in two variants and the four-wheel drive available in three.
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The heat was on during both heats in the final round of the Bosch Australian Rally Championship in Victoria last weekend. The only official factory team in the championship for this year, Honda had already wrapped up the two-wheel drive championship with Evans and Weston, but second place was still open for the taking.
The Honda Jazz of Mark Pedder and Claire Ryan rallied hard for the two days and secured second outright two-wheel drive by the end of the event. The win made it 1-2 for Honda and Evans Motorsport with all the hard work of the team paying off after only one year in the new cars.
“Second for the weekend and second for the championship is a fantastic result,” Pedder said.
“The team, Honda and the cars have been fantastic.”
Rally Victoria started with Heat One on Friday, where Pedder and Ryan come out on top. This secured them second outright for the two-wheel drive category. Heat Two also saw the duo place well all day however they missed out on the heat win by one point, pipped by teammates Evans and Weston.
Ryan said; “I feel wonderful for winning second in the championship but a little disappointed we missed out on the win of the event by one point. That’s rallying and these things happen. If anyone had to beat us, I’m glad it was Eli and Glen.”
Evans and Weston again demonstrated their consistency and focus, winning yet another rally to cap off what has been an amazing year.
“I’m a bit shocked I guess, to win this rally was a surprise,” Evans said. 
“I honestly didn’t think it was possible to win it, as we had a flat tyre early on. But we stuck to our plan, played with a few things early and tried to drive as fast as we could. Consistency is the winning formula.”
Weston added; “I’m in a bit of a daze really. It’s sad the season has finished because we’ve had such a good time with great competition. After we got the flat tyre, we decided to go as fast as we could and see what we could do with the car. We were able to do that for the whole heat and got lucky and in front again.”
Next year, the ARC will be two-wheel drive, meaning the Hondas are in a great position. The team is excited.
“We want to be number one again,” said Weston.
“It will be much harder next year as there will be more depth in the field, with new cars and new crews. We’ll have to work hard in the off-season to stay ahead.”
Pedder added; “I was really lucky to be able to drive the Jazz this year and get a head start on everyone for next year. 2013 will be great!”
Evans is looking forward to the challenge. “This is the year I had to win, because I had more experience. Next year is the one I really want to win.”
All agree that competition in 2013 is going to be strong. “Rallying has never looked so promising,” Evans remarked.
“Mark and Claire have improved consistently, which is crucial for next year. We want to be 1-2 again.”
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Anticipation is high for Honda’s expo stand at the Australian Motorcycle Expo in Melbourne on November 23-25, 2012 and for good reason. Honda will be revealing the all-new, learner approved CBR500R and CB500F along with the 2013 CBR600RR and three Special Edition CBR250Rs, a Repsol, Moriwaki and Mugen Edition.
Two parts of Honda’s new 500cc trio, the sporty CBR500R and naked CB500F will be joined by the adventurous CB500X in 2013 offering the perfect bridge between the 250cc and the 600cc machines. While sharing their core features the new trio offer three very different riding experiences along with excellent handling, advanced environmental performance, innovative designs and complete convenience.
Honda’s Supersports jewel, the CBR600RR has been upgraded with MotoGP-style bodywork and aerodynamics marking ten years since its initial release. Only just announced globally, the 2013 CBR600RR will also make its public debut at the Motorcycle Expo. While the developers aimed for improved racetrack performance, the new CBR600RR boasts new forks, revised rear shock, remapped fuel injection and more and will be thoroughly enjoyed on the road or racetrack.
To add even more sizzle to an already exciting line-up, Honda will be revealing Australia’s popular CBR250R sporting Special Edition Moriwaki, Mugen and Repsol livery. These three iconic brands have a history so entrenched in Honda’s history that these Special Edition entry level sports machines are bound to be popular.
Joining these never before seen models will be a full representation of Honda’s extensive motorcycle range including a contingent of Championship winning CRFs, including motocross legend Chad Reed’s CRF450R, Ford Dale’s MX2 winning CRF250R and Jacob Smith’s Australasian Safari winning CRF450X. The display will also showcase Honda’s race inspired CBRs, commuter Scooters and hardworking ATVs along with Cruisers, Adventure Tourers, Funbikes and more.
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For the first time in Honda Australia’s history, a female has been named Apprentice of the Year.
Ms. Belinda Broom from Hardman Honda in NSW, was crowned at a dinner at the Royal Cliff Resort in Thailand. Mr. Matthew Gwynne from Blue Ribbon Honda in QLD was announced Technician of the Year.
“We were very impressed with the calibre of this year’s entrants and take great pride in presenting these awards to some of the automotive industry’s most skilled professionals,” said Stephen Collins, Director and General Manager Sales and Marketing at Honda Australia.
The national competition is open to all registered apprentices and technicians who have completed three rounds of technical questions that are researched and answered via the online Honda Learning Centre.
Finalists complete five module exams which consist of one general knowledge and four skill modules, each with a total score of one hundred marks. At the completion of the final, all Technicians and Apprentices join the top five Service Managers in Thailand for a seven day study tour.
The study tour includes a team building exercise called “The Great Race of Bangkok” where teams navigate around Bangkok gathering clues and bartering for specific tourist items. The race is designed to allow the group to see some of Thailand’s most well-known and exotic icons whilst working together as a team.
The study tour included a factory visit to the recently reopened plant in Ayutthaya, as well as a major dealership in the heart of Bangkok.
Both winners received a trophy and personalised plaque as well as an iPad and Snap-On tool voucher to the value of $300.
The 2012 Honda Australia Technician and Apprentice of the Year recipients:
- · Technician of the Year: Mr. Matthew Gwynne from Blue ribbon Honda, QLD
- · Apprentice of the Year: Ms. Belinda Broom from Hardman Honda, NSW
- · Runner-up Technician of the Year: Mr. Jarred Davis from Dave Potter Honda, SA
- · Runner-up Apprentice of the Year: Mr. Daniel Ivanov from Northside Honda, QLD
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Australian Trikes Pty Ltd has confirmed their appearance at the upcoming Australian Motorcycle Expo to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Southbank, November 23-25, 2012.
In its Australian debut, the all-new Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Trike joins the much-lauded Honda Goldwing Trike, as the Australian Trikes family continues to grow.
The Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Trike by Australian Trikes offers all the features of the regular motorcycle, but with the stability, extra carrying capacity and exclusivity only found in an Australian Trike.
Premium materials make up the ergonomically designed seating positions providing extreme touring comfort.
An easily accessible reverse and park brake means ultimate maneuverability in town, while the low-end torque from the air-cooled, rubber-mounted twin cam engine keeps rpm low for an easy cruise on the highway.
The independent rear suspension guarantees a smooth, composed ride, even when road conditions deteriorate.
The front suspension treatment, including extra raking of the front forks, provides unparalleled feedback and stability for rider and pillion.
Confident, inspired riding on an ultra-exclusive, iconic machine can be yours today on The Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Trike by Australian Trikes.
The Honda Goldwing GL1800 Trike by Australian Trikes combines the pinnacle of Honda Motorcycle technology with the freedom, stability and control offered by an Australian Trike.
With an engineering focus on safety and rider engagement, you’re guaranteed a rewarding experience every time you fire up the Honda Goldwing GL1800 Trike by Australian Trikes.
The 2012 models boast a EURO-3 compliant 1832cc flat-six cylinder engine and a list of inclusions that would shame most luxury cars.
Standard features include fully integrated satellite navigation, MP3/i-Pod connectivity and a premium rider/passenger communication system.
The signature plush ride of the Goldwing is enhanced as a Honda Goldwing GL1800 Trike by Australian Trikes, with independent rear suspension, and a front set up that sees the forks raked to improve freeway stability and shopping centre maneuverability.
A technological tour de force, electric reverse is accessible via handlebar controls and Honda’s motorcycle airbag system complement the relaxed and engaging touring ethos that is the Honda Goldwing 1800 Trike by Australian Trikes.
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