HONDA ACCORD 2000 MODELS TO ADD SAFETY FEATURES, EXPAND USE OF ADVANCED EMISSION CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES

TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 9 - All Model Year 2000 Accords will feature Honda's patented new dual-stage inflator front passenger SRS airbag technology. All V-6 powered Accords and 4-cylinder EX models with the leather interior trim will be equipped with Honda's new advanced front, side airbag system, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

In addition, all new Accords sold nationwide will meet or exceed California's Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) standard.

As a result of these product enhancements, prices of 2000 model year Accords will increase an average of 0.7 percent or $157 on a sales-weighted basis. Vehicles are being shipped to dealers beginning today.

The new dual-stage inflator airbag technology automatically adjusts the deployment speed of the front passenger's airbag based on the severity of the crash and seat-belt use.

The advanced side airbag system uses a matrix of seven sensors in the front passenger's seat to monitor the size and position of the passenger and is capable of deactivating the passenger's side airbag if the sensors determine the passenger is too small and out of position.

In addition to voluntarily equipping all Accords sold nationwide with low-emission technology, which reduces emissions by 70 percent from the current Federal standard, all LX and EX 4-cylinder Accords sold in California will now meet the "Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle" (ULEV) standard, currently the most stringent emission standard in the world. The Accord DX now meets the Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) standard. In 1997, a 4-cylinder Accord model became the first gasoline-powered vehicle ever sold to meet the ULEV standard.

The lowest price Accord model, the DX sedan, which adds folding exterior side mirrors in addition to the dual-stage air bags, LEV technology and a 100,000-mile tune-up, will have a 2000 model year price of $15,350, an increase of $150. The best-selling Accord model, the 4-cylinder LX sedan with an automatic transmission, has a new base price of $19,340, up $150. All Accords that add front side airbags increase $250 in price. Destination and handling charges are unchanged at $415.

New for the 2000 model year is the Accord Special Edition. The Accord SE features exclusive alloy wheels, anti-lock brakes, body-colored side moldings, a security system, keyless entry, wood-grain interior trim and floor mats. The Special Edition Accord will have a base price of $20,490.