- Equipped with 10 different ‘selfie’ cameras inside and outside the vehicle
- Honda develops cutting-edge, selfie technology to engage younger buyers
With one-third of all photos taken by people aged 18–24 being selfies, and more than one million selfies being taken each day1, Honda is introducing a unique trim model to appeal to this key, influential segment. The Honda HR-V SLF, on sale in the U.S. this summer, features 10 selfie cameras throughout the vehicle to capture every moment of the day, in addition to the multi-angle rearview camera which comes standard on all Honda vehicles. The HR-V SLF blends the styling of a coupe, and the space and utility of an SUV in one versatile vehicle and takes its fun-to-drive spirit to another level with the addition of the selfie cameras.
To beta-test the hands-free selfie technology, the automaker worked with 15 social media influencers over a period of six months and chose Ashley H., a self-proclaimed selfie fanatic who boasts a 99 SMIR score (social media influencer rank) to participate in making a product video. Ashley was given an HR-V SLF to test the technology and selfie functions, which only operate when the car is in park, and demonstrates how easy the cameras are to use by connecting her smartphone to HondaLink, which enables her to both take selfies and upload directly to social media.
“Honda is embracing the selfie phenomenon and the creative, artistic sensibilities of millennials with this versatile, youthful trim model,” said Gazō Enjinia, HR-V brand manager at Honda. “Cameras were already part of the all-new HR-V, used for LaneWatch and the rearview camera, so we found a way to incorporate more of them, based on the role of selfies in culture today. The selfie-camera option safely operates only when the vehicle is in park; when the vehicle is in drive, the cameras go back to their intended use.”
The selfie cameras join a multitude of other features in the all-new HR-V, such as Honda LaneWatch, a multi-angle rearview camera, 7-inch touch-screen featuring Pandora®, Bluetooth® streaming audio and the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™, as well as HondaLink® Next Generation that allows people to stay connected to their smartphones via a digital hub.
About Honda
Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive automobiles for American car buyers through approximately 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Accord, Crosstour, Civic, Fit, CR-Z and Insight, along with the Pilot and CR-V sport/utility vehicles and the Odyssey minivan.
Honda has the longest-lasting cars2 of any mainstream automotive brand in America, and more models achieving an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating than any other automotive nameplate.
Honda has been producing automobiles in America for more than 30 years and currently operates 16 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2013, more than 94 percent of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.
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1 According to data from Samsung and Techinfographics.com as of March 2014
2 Longevity based on IHS Automotive, Polk U.S. vehicles in operation registration statistics 1988–2012 for Honda and non-luxury competing brands.