Honda Puts Customer First At New Style NEC Show

More than 100 volunteer staff at Honda’s UK headquarters will face the customer on the Honda stand at the forthcoming Sunday Times Motor Show Live. A team of engineers, marketing, finance, aftersales, customer relations specialists and even senior management will man the Honda stand, allowing members of the public unique access to the real experts from within the company.

Honda’s "do it yourself" approach to Motor Show is unique among major manufacturers and is driven by enthusiastic volunteer staff from all areas of the company. Staff work in teams of around 30 who each spend three to four days at the show, ensuring they remain fresh on duty, while supporting each other.

Working at the Motor Show is a popular option for staff and there is never a lack of volunteers. But apart from being enjoyable, it also gets the company closer to its customers, providing staff with a useful insight about the products and services that the market needs. It’s also popular with show visitors, who frequently vote the Honda stand as being the most friendly.

On the stand, two of Honda’s Tokyo Show Concept Cars will be making their British debut. The mid-engine HSC was recently confirmed as the basis of the next-generation Honda NSX supercar, while the IMAS eco coupe demonstrates an exciting application of the company’s integrated motor assist hybrid technology. The appearance of both vehicles reflects the growing stature of the new Birmingham show, as well as Honda’s commitment to it.

In a supporting role will be Honda’s full car line up, plus a few motorcycles and ATVs. The recently revised Civic, S2000, CR-V, and HR-V models as well as the highly respected new Accord and Accord diesel models will all be present – as will the restyled Stream (which now features a pair of captain’s chairs in place of the three-abreast centre bench seat) making its first appearance. Also making its debut will be the CR-V Premiere, a new top-of-the range flagship to be marketed during 2004.

Honda has pledged maximum commitment to this year’s new format motor show, vowing to put the "Show" in Sunday Times Motor Show Live. Outdoor events will be featured, with a chance for visitors to get in among the action.

A major visitor attraction will be the chance to see a live Terminator-style car chase. There will be thrills and spills as a collection of Honda cars, bikes and ATVs go wild in the Live Action Arena in a production called Metropolis.

Honda is one of the select few makers to offer showgoers a 4x4 Experience – with a fleet of CR-Vs lined up for muddy off road action. Guests will accompany experienced instructors around a custom built 72 acre woodland off road course adjacent to the NEC, the largest at any motor show anywhere in the world. Just see what the Swindon SUV can do when the going gets tough!

Visitors will be able to try out several Hondas in the Taster Test Drive. It will be many motorists’ first chance to get behind the wheel of the Civic IMA, to experience the comfort and refinement of the UK’s top selling petrol electric saloon. Or they may wish to attempt a new world record for the number of people that can be squeezed into a Honda Jazz (the current figure stands at 17).