- Honda "Power of Dreams Express" float entry will lead the Rose Parade
- All-new Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid to serve as pace and sound car
- Honda has been a presenting sponsor of the Rose Parade since 2011
On January 1, 2018, Honda will lead the 129th Rose Parade presented by Honda with its float entry, "Power of Dreams Express." The float brings together Honda's philanthropic partner organizations and volunteers to highlight this year's parade theme, "Making a Difference."
Crafted from enchanted musical instruments reimagined as a three-car train, the float is a whimsical representation of Honda's commitment to engineer good in the community. The Power of Dreams Express float will feature four Honda philanthropy partners—Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), National Youth Project Using Minibikes (NYPUM), Nicklaus Children's Hospital, and Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation—all of which focus on nationwide initiatives that address the physical and mental health of young people. Float riders will include representatives from each organization, including KTLA Morning News co-anchor, Frank Buckley, on behalf of JDRF.
"The organizations joining us on Honda float are long-time community partners and share our belief in the power of dreams," said Steve Morikawa, vice president of Corporate Relations & Social Responsibility, American Honda. "Together, we are committed to making a difference in the communities where we live and work."
The float will be led by a brass-inspired locomotive, followed by several marching band members riding in oversized drums. The center car is decked out with brass band pipes and will transport precious cargo—four of Honda's top community volunteers. Honda associates Cathy Hutchinson, Paul Mejia, Ruth Tsuji and Nichole Whitley earned their spots on the float in recognition for their dedication to serving the community. An ivory key clad caboose will carry Honda philanthropy partners.
The vibrant float is 110 feet long and 21 feet high, punctuated by color and movement. In keeping with Honda's commitment to the environment, it will be powered by a specially configured low-emission, hybrid powertrain. The parade's theme banner float will also be powered by Honda.
In addition to the float, the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid will serve as the parade's official pace car and sound vehicle. The all-new Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, available nationwide, has the highest all-electric range rating among all plug-in hybrid sedans with its EPA range rating of 47 miles on a full charge. The car features a spacious, five-passenger cabin and comes equipped with standard Honda Sensing®.
Honda and the Tournament of Roses® have worked side by side for nearly six decades to bring entertainment and tradition to people around the world. Honda became the first-ever presenting sponsor of the event in 2011.
Honda and the Tournament of Roses
2018 marks the 57th year Honda has collaborated with the Tournament of Roses and its eighth year as presenting sponsor. Honda first collaborated with the Tournament of Roses in 1961 to provide two-wheeled vehicles for 1962 Parade operations. Honda has been a float participant in the Rose Parade since 1977, and has provided the official Tournament of Roses vehicle since 1994. Honda continues to supply two-wheeled vehicles and also provides side-by-side (multi-utility) vehicles for Parade operations.
As presenting sponsor, the Honda float is the first in the Rose Parade and showcases the theme. As a result, it will not be considered a commercial entry and will not compete during the judging process. Prior to becoming presenting sponsor in 2011, Honda floats won awards in 15 of the previous 16 years.
About American Honda
American Honda was established in Los Angeles, California, in 1959. Today, Honda companies in North America represent a cumulative investment of more than $22 billion and employ more than 40,000 associates in the design, development, manufacture, marketing, financing and servicing of Honda and Acura automobiles, Honda powersports products and Honda power equipment products.
Honda has been producing products in America for more than 33 years and currently operates 19 major manufacturing facilities in North America. Honda also operates 16 major research and development centers in the U.S. with the capacity to fully design, develop and engineer many of the products Honda produces in North America. In 2015, more than 99 percent of all Honda and Acura automobiles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.
About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses
The Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that hosts America's New Year Celebration® with the Rose Parade® presented by Honda, the Rose Bowl Game® presented by Northwestern Mutual and a variety of accompanying events. 935 volunteer members of the association will drive the success of 129th Rose Parade themed "Making A Difference," on Monday, January 1, 2018, followed by the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the 104th Rose Bowl Game. For more information, visit www.tournamentofroses.com. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
