Rockingham Motors

2012 Honda Civic Sedan

The new 2012 Honda Civic is being referred to as "completely redesigned" and "all new" by the manufacturer. Maybe you've already seen the commericals with the zombie, woodsman, ninja, monster and superhero? Well, clearly Honda is trying to deliver the message that the new Civic models, which include the coupe, sedan, Si, hybrid and HF models, can and will fit every personal style.

Currently in our Honda showroom we have a beautiful Cool Mist Metallic colored 2012 Honda Civic Sedan. 

 

Roomy!

The Eco Assist Button!

 

To see this car in action, watch the commercial:

 

 

According to the manufacturer "The Civic Sedan is a direct descendant of the 1975 Civic CVCC, which was the first vehicle to pass the emissions requirement of the Clean Air Act of 1970 without using a catalytic converter."(source)

The 2012 Civic Sedan gets an estimated 28 city, 39 highway and 32 combined miles per gallon (MPG) for the automatic transmission model.

In terms of the engine, the 2012 Honda Civic Sedan has a 140-hp, 1.8-liter, 16-valve, SOHC i-VTEC^® engine. This engine redesigned and refined for the 2012 model with many friction-reducing and airflow improvements. (source)

For more information and full list of accessories, features and more photos, visit Honda's Civic Sedan website. 

What is Eco Assist?

There's no doubt that automobiles across several manufacturers are becoming more environmentally friendly.  

Honda has been making this effort for years. The Union of Concerned Scientists, a leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment, has given Honda the "Greenest Automaker in the U.S." award for the 5th consecutive time in 2010. You can read more about the rankings here.

Honda continues to work on "greening" their products in order to continually reduce their carbon footprint. A way to allow individuals to interact with their fuel consumption are the two Eco Assist™ features.

These two features include the Eco Assist™ "coaching bars" and the green ECON button. 

Eco Assist™ and the ECON button, which have already been features in Honda Hybrid vehicles, are now available in the new 2012 Civic sedan, coupe, HF and Hybrid models.(Civic Si models does not have the Eco Assist™ features).

The Eco Assist™ feature includes bars that illuminate around your spedometer. If you keep the bars in the green, then you will get the most out of a tank full of gas. If the bars turn blue, you are outside the zone of fuel efficient speed. If you do not want to use these feature, you can simply turn it off.

(source)
 
The ECON button is simple and effective. Just one push on the green button located on your dashboard and the engine is then triggered to operate more efficiently. If you want to turn it off, just push the button again to return to "regular mode".

(source)

Understanding how to appropriately utilize these features may take some practice, but it is worth the effort. Since we all would like to be more environmentally conscious and save our money, taking advantage of the Eco-Assist™ will allow you to squeeze more miles out of your Honda. And, with the 39 MPG rating for the new 2012 Honda Civic models (except the Hybrid, naturally), you will likely make fewer stops at the gas station. 

Reference: http://automobiles.honda.com/civic-sedan/fuel-efficiency.aspx

Picture History of the Civic

In 1970, Japan as a country was dealing with rapid economic and urban expansion. The increased population lead to several traffic jams on the road and more pollution in the environment. During this time, Honda specialized in manufacturing mostly high performance vehicles and had no eco-friendly option to offer consumers. However, the designers at Honda decided they needed to positively contribute to the issues at hand. They wanted to create a passenger vehicle that would be safe, small and afforded by the population. Honda also wanted to not only effect and help the lives of the local Japanese, but have an influence in markets around the world. After 2 years of trial and error, the very lighweight, front engine, front wheel drive, 2-door (3-door a few month later) Honda Civic hatchback was born. Made in 1972, it was sold as a 1973 model. 

1973 Honda Civic (source)

The Honda Civic itself has come many miles since the first generation 4-cylinder model. Each generation has seemed more appealing than the last and continues to offer more features to consumers around the world. Even though the fundamental idea of offering a safe, fuel efficient passenger car has remained the same throughout the years, the Honda Civic has done a lot of growing up.

1980-1983 2nd Generation Honda Civic (source)

 

1984-1987 3rd Generation Honda Civic (source)

 

A 1988-1991, 4th Generation Honda Civic (source)

 

1992-1995 5th Generation Honda Civic (source)

 

1996-2000 6th Generation Honda Civic (source)

 

2001-2005 7th Generation Honda Civic (source)

 

2006-2011 8th Generation Honda Civic (source)

Honda is excited to release it's 9th generation model. Using the words "energetic, sleek and aerodynamic" to describe the new model, the 2012 Honda Civic will certainly please the masses. With gasoline, hybrid and natural gas variants offered along with both coupe and sedan concepts, drivers can be energy efficent without sacrificing any style. 

What makes the 2012 model stand out among the rest of the Civics as well as any other car on the road? It will offer Honda's Eco Assist technology, making it the only gasoline powered vehicle in North America to contain this feature. 

(source)

A full review of all the new features of the 2012 Honda Civic coming next week! 

 

Top Selling American-Made Car Index

If you've ever wondered about the top selling cars that have been built and bought in the United States, then Cars.com has created an intresting website worthy of checking out. 

Cars.com has created an index that ranks the top selling American made vehicle. Wouldn't that mean only American automotive manufacturers would be on the list?

Well actually no. Here is how Cars.com breaks down the index:

"Cars.com's American-Made Index rates vehicles built and bought in the U.S. Factors include sales, where the car's parts come from and whether the car is assembled in the U.S. We disqualify models with a domestic parts content rating below 75 percent, models built exclusively outside the U.S. or models soon to be discontinued without a U.S.-built successor." (source)

Just as Cars.com explains, the words "American made car" can be misleading. Several vehicles built in the United States are made with parts that are not domestic. This list summarizes the top cars that are assembled in the U.S. with mostly or only domestic auto parts. 

What's more interesting about this information is that Toyota and Honda claim the top two spots. The Toyota Camry outsold the Ford F150 and became number one for 2009 and 2010 for the American Made Index. The Honda Accord slowly inched up the ranking and eventually bumped out the F150 as well. What's the reason behind F150's decline and the Accord's increase in rank? Turns out the F150 is now made with less then 55% domestic auto parts. 

For the full list and article, visit Cars.com's American-Made Index. 

Have Yourself A "Vantasy"

Watch this video. What do you notice?

 

Did you notice the fire? The music? Or how about the fact that's there is a guy in a commerical with a mini-van? 

The 2011 Honda Odyssey is getting attention for its style, hi tech features and safety ratings. 

Style: One word- SLEEK. The Odyssey's exterior looks as if the Civic grew up and became a crossover. You get alll the luxery and space of a mini-van, but with the appearence of an SUV. Not to mention, this van has a rear roofline spoiler with an integrated break light. Add that to a 248-horsepower V-6 engine and you have yourself one aerodynamic vehicle. 

Hi Tech Features: Keep your family entertained. Talk on your phone without your hands. Make song requests onthe way to work. Navigate to a new location without fumbling with a GPS. THe Odyssey allows for the addition of several neat techinal features such as 

• 16.2 inch split screen capable Ultrawide DVD rear entertainment system
• Song by Voice® feature
• Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition
• Bluetooth^® HandsFreeLink^®

The Odyssey also has a multi rear view camera to help you back out tough parking spots or a child filled neighborhood. 

Safety: If you're in the market for a mini-van type vehicle, chances are you have some extra people to cart around...and those extra people are probably kids! The 2011 Odyessy is fully equipped with the latest and greatest safety features:

• Anti-Lock Breaking System (ABS)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System- helps detect low pressure to avoid accidents!
• Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure- includes an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and compatibility in head on collisions
• Front Side Airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-Row All, 3rd-Row Outboard), Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All, 3rd-Row All)- GREAT for moving baby seats around!

Be sure to learn all about the safety features available in this vehicle from Honda. 

And these are only SOME of the options available with the 2011 Honda Odyssey. It seems as if this vehicle is not only cool enough for any parent, male or female, to drive, but a way to move around your family & friends in a safe way.

Come visit us at Rockingham Honda for a test drive today!

Our History

Over the past 25 years, Rockingham Motors has remained a genuine family owned and operated business that has grown substantially. Beginning with just 30 employees, Rockingham now employs over 100 individuals between three locations. In addition to growing in numbers, Rockingham has become a noted member of the community. Since 1985, owner Emmett Horgan and his employees have made a conscious effort to provide excellent customer service while actively participating in the surrounding communities. Even while operating and expanding the business, Rockingham has remained active with local as well as statewide organizations. In the midst of striving for excellence, Emmett and his employees have earned recognition for their hard work with various awards. As Rockingham moves forward and continues to focus on providing the best, the history will always remain a part of the present success.

A photo of the dealership from 1986

In terms of committment to community as well as business excellence, Rockingham Motors has held membership within the Salem Chamber of Commerce since the Chamber's inception in 1989. The Chamber awarded Emmett with the William A. Brown Distinguished Businessperson award in 1994. This award is given to an individual who has been a contributor to the community's business environment. In addition to the Chamber, Rockingham and the Salem Boys & Girls Club have worked together during various community fundraisers and auctions. Emmett served as President of the Boys & Girls Club in 1991 and still remains an active supporter of the club. Emmett was awarded the Chief John P. Ganley Community Service Award in 1992 which is given by the Salem Boys & Girls club to an individual “who has exhibited concern, involvement and leadership in the community of Salem; while providing inspiration to others, through his or her dedication, integrity and courage in the manner exemplified by Chief John P. Ganley during his life on earth.” Other community involvements include membership to the board of directors for Crimeline in Salem, NH as well as a member of the Haverhill Chamber of Commerce. Haverhill's Chamber awarded Emmett with "Retail Business of the Year" in 2009. 

Other awards and recognitions include President's Awards from Toyota and Honda, Parts & Service Excellence Awards, Council of Excellence Awards, Citizen Bank's "Not Your Typical Business Award" in 2005, #1 rated Scion dealer in the U.S. on Scion Life in 2005 and 2007. Emmett and Rockingham have also received several appreciation awards from other community members such as the Salem and Haverhill Chambers of Commerce, various Salem sports teams as well as from Salem High School, thanking Rockingham for its annual donation of a car that is raffled off to students at "Senior Safe Night", a night free of alcohol and drug related influences. Rockingham has donated a car to safe night since 2000.

Photo from the Salem Observer,1985

Although some of the awards are in Emmett's name, the combined effort of all the employees has indeed help create Rockingham to be a recognized and distinguished auto dealer. A woven philosophy of the customer being #1 helps strengthen the genuine drive to provide the best and allow Rockingham to be able to provide great services for all customers, whether past, present or future.

Owner Emmett Horgan (front center) with a handful of employees in 2005

For more information regarding Rockingham Motors visit the history page on our website

Winter Driving Clinic

This past weekend, two Rockingham employees participated in a winter driving clinic hosted by the SCDA at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The clinic allowed attendees to use their street cars to practice breaking and skidding exercises with a certified instructor in the vehicle. The recent blizzard that pounded New England last week created the perfect conditions for the clinic. A Toyota Tacoma and Honda CR-V were used for the day and had a great chance to slip and slide all over the place. 

The morning began with  a breaking exercise to help drivers understand the reaction of the car after an abrupt stop on snow & ice. Drivers also got the opportunity to practice breaking and turning with their wheels spinning over fresh snow.

Drivers were then teamed up with an instructor to take a few spins around the skid track. The idea behind this exercise was to understand how to steer your vehicle in a skid as well as how to correct under or over steering that could occur. 

The culmination of the course was laps around the "track", which was set up cones and included some sharp turns. The idea was to combine breaking and turning, all while remaining mindful of steering. 

The instructors all commented on the way the Honda CR-V handled in the snow and ice (or maybe it was the driver's awesome abilities??). This particular vehicle however IS presently equipped with Michelin snow/winter tires. They really proved themselves with their excellent grip, even on the icy turns on the track.  

As a New England resident, you are faced with all kinds of driving conditions due to the constantly changing weather patterns. It is important to know how your car operates in all types of weather (rain, sleet, snow, ice) in order to keep you as safe as possible. What kind of tires do you have on your vehicle? Are they equipped for snow? Does your car have traction control? How about ABS? Would you say you know the basics of winter driver?

Well if you do or don't check out this GREAT website from Michelin. Follow the animated characters through some different tutorials and test your knowledge! No matter how long you've been a driver, it never hurts to review!

http://www.michelinman.ca/winter-tire/2010/

Stay safe this winter, both ON and off the road. 

$250 Gas Card to Buy You Miles

Shopping around for a new car? Looking for something to do this weekend? Be sure to check out Rockingham Toyota Nissan Scion & Rockingham Honda this weekend for our latest promotion!

When you lease or finance ANY new or used vehicle, you will receive a $250 gas card! That could mean FREE gas for over a month!

How, you ask? Well let's consider this:

The 2011 V6Toyota Camry has a combined highway and city gas mileage estimate of 27.5 Miles Per Gallon (MPG)*

The national average gas price for regular fuel is currently $3.10/gallon*

At this price, $250 buys you 80.7 gallons of gas

So 80.7 gallons of gas in a car that gets about 27.5 MPG??

That's approximately 2220 MILES!!

Not convinced? How about another example. This time with a Hybrid 

The 2011 Toyota Prius has a combined highway and city gas mileage estimate of 50 MPG*

Again, with the same average of $3.10/gallon, $250 buys 80.7 gallons of gas

80.7 gallons for a car that gets 50 MPG?

That's approximately 4035 miles! Woohoo!

HURRY! This promotion begins Friday, January 14th and ends Monday, Jaunary 17th

So if you drive 1000 miles per month? Well that $250 can buy you almost 2 months of driving! For the hybrid? nearly 4 months of driving! So exciting!

If you are thinking of financing or leasing, come down to either our Toyota, Nissan or Honda location. OR if you have any questions, contact our Internet Sales Team either over the phone (603-893-3525) or through Live Chat! Click the icon below to begin!

Not interested in a Camry or Prius? Here are a few more examples!

The 2011 Honda Civic LX has a combined city and highway gas mileage estimate of 29 MPG*

$250 buying 80.7 gallons (at $3.10/gallon) would buy for the Civic approximately 2300 MILES! That could mean two months worth of gas, if you drive about 1000 miles/month!

How about a Nissan?

The 2011 Nissan Sentra has a combined city and highway gas mileage estimate of 30 MPG*

80.7 gallons of gas for the Sentra buys you....approximately 2400 MILES!

Don't miss out on this great offer!

 

*Sources for average gas price AAA's Daily Fueld Gauge Report and MPG specs:

Toyota.com

Honda.com

Nissan.com

 

Honda's New 2011 CR-Z arriving at Rockingham this summer

 

The 2011Honda CR-Z was shown at the Detroit Auto Show this month.  A redesigned sport version of the 2010 Insight, perhaps?  Reportedly, Honda is using the same frame as the Insight and it will come as a hybrid too. It looks like Honda may be one of the 1st successful manufacturers in making a sporty hybrid.

Check out this video:

 

The All New Honda Crosstour is here!!

It just arrived this week! This highly anticipated new model is now on our lot.  You have to see this vehicle to really appreciate it.  Honda keeps raising the bar! Come by and take it for a ride!

Introducing the All New Honda Crosstour.....