LINCOLNWOOD, Ill., June 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumer Guide(R) Automotive, a leading consumer resource for new and used vehicle purchases, today announced a partnership with American Honda Motor Co., Inc. to debut an interactive advertising campaign for the new 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid. This initiative incorporates 'clickable' video technology, developed by Avant Interactive, allowing users to virtually experience vehicle features via the Internet.
"We wanted to do something different to promote the revolutionary new 2005 Accord Hybrid," says Ann Palmer of Honda Interactive Marketing. "Clickable video, which converges several emerging online technologies, best reflects how the hybrid is a convergence of engineering that brings together unique features, styling, and fuel efficiency."
The 'clickable' functionality of the Honda Hybrid video satisfies consumer curiosity surrounding hybrid vehicles. Users can view all video features, as well as fast-forward, rewind, and pause favorite elements. Consumers can then consult the new car review section of auto.consumerguide.com for expert, unbiased information on this and other Honda models.
"Honda has taken the automotive research and selection process to the next level with this promotional campaign," said Grant Whitmore, vice president of Consumer Guide(R) Automotive. "As only one of three web sites participating in this ground-breaking initiative, we are building on our commitment to provide creative and exciting ways for consumers to educate themselves on the latest vehicle trends."
About Honda
Honda began operations in the U.S. in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Honda now employs more than 30,000 associates in North America. Honda currently has 12 manufacturing plants in North America, producing automobiles, light trucks, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, personal watercraft, engines, transmissions and other components. Nearly 8 of 10 Honda and Acura cars and light trucks sold in America are produced in North America as well. Many of these products are now designed and developed at one of Honda's U.S. R&D centers. Honda annually purchases more than $12 billion in parts and materials from suppliers in North America.
About Avant Interactive
Avant Interactive is a privately held company focusing on interactive video software for the Interactive Television, Streaming Media and Educational markets. With offices in New York and Los Angeles, Avant Interactive is aggressively licensing its technology to content owners and distributors alike. The Avant technology is cross platform compatible and can be delivered on CD-Rom DVD, Streaming and ITV. Avant Interactive is looking to announce major releases in Music, Television and Education in the upcoming quarter.
About Consumer Guide(R) Automotive
Consumer Guide(R) Automotive has produced new- and used-vehicle reviews since 1967, earning the trust of its readers with authoritative, objective reports that spotlight the best values in cars, trucks, minivans and SUVs.
Consumer Guide(R) Automotive produces the monthly Consumer Guide(R) Car & Truck Test new-vehicle buying guide, the award-winning Collectible Automobile(R) magazine, and a variety of automotive hardcover titles. Since 1995, Consumer Guide(R) Automotive has been a presence on the Web with new and used-vehicle reviews. ConsumerGuide.com was recently awarded Forbes.com "Best of the Web" within the "Car Buying" category.
About Consumer Guide(R) and ConsumerGuide.com
Consumer Guide L.L.C. is a division of Lincolnwood, Illinois-based Publications International, Ltd. PIL company publishes more than 500 book and magazine titles a year.
Consumer Guide(R) is a registered trademark of Publications International, Ltd.
For more information, contact:
Megan Scallon Andrew Favreau
(847) 583-4560 (312) 297-7587
mscallon@consumerguide.com andrew.favreau@edelman.com