---

Honda Kicks-Off National Car Care Month With Free Vehicle Inspections

15 September 2000

Honda Kicks-Off National Car Care Month With Free Vehicle Inspections; Dealers Nationwide Host Car Care Clinics

    TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 15 Almost 900 Honda dealerships
nationwide will provide free Honda vehicle inspections on Saturday, October
7th during Honda's Customer Appreciation Day, to kick-off National Car Care
Month.
    National Car Care Month is a nationwide effort by businesses, civic groups
and others to focus motorists' attention on the need to maintain and repair
their cars.  It is generally celebrated in October because it is an ideal time
for motorists to get their cars ready before winter strikes.  However, good
maintenance and repair should be practiced regularly throughout the year.
National Car Care Month began as a state-wide program -- in Ohio -- promoted
by that state's Department of Energy.
    "Honda developed its Car Care Clinic because proper vehicle maintenance
not only improves performance and safety, but it also saves customer's on
future repair bills," explained John Petas, Honda's senior vice president of
auto service operations.  "In addition to the year-round benefits of proper
maintenance, we believe October is the ideal time for owners to prepare their
vehicles for winter."
    To help customers maintain dependable vehicles and prepare them for
winter, participating dealers will offer free 30-minute, 40-point inspections.
Honda-trained technicians will perform the inspections and Honda owners will
receive detailed, written reports on their vehicle's condition and expert
advice on future care and maintenance.
    Many dealerships also are offering Honda owners free oil-change coupons,
car washes, refreshments, raffles, entertainment and a wide variety of
family-oriented activities.
    Last year, over 32,000 people at more than 750 dealerships nationwide
participated in Honda Car Care Clinics and that number is expected to increase
by 40 percent in 2000.  In addition to year-round benefits gained from proper
maintenance, Honda believes October is the ideal time for motorists to prepare
their vehicles for winter weather.