How much is that Honda in the window?
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Honda is trying to sell cars to dogs. The company has launched a website that provides information about dog-friendly cafes and hotels, dimensions of its models’ cargo space (for stashing cages) and a ratings system that ranks seat fabric for ease of removing dog hair. So far, Honda Dog is only for Japan, but this idea could easily trot across the Pacific.
There are also events where prospective customers can take test drives with their best four-legged friends. This idea follows from Honda’s W.O.W concept, shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, which was designed especially for dogs (blowing the only chance to call a car the Bow Wow and get away with it) and featured easy-to-clean detachable seats, wooden floors and a pup crate set into the dashboard.
Pooch-pampering qualities have already found their way into a vehicle Honda makes for its domestic market, the Freed minivan. It has a low floor, so even a Corgi can jump in. However, American dog owners can collar another prizewinner. Believe it or not, there’s a website called DogCars.com that has awarded the 2007 Honda Element best in show, scooping the ‘most paw’ ratings for canine comfort (it even has anti-nose-print windows). One commenter (who is also an Element owner) pants: “Thanks, Honda. You were trying to fill a surfer-dude niche and you accidentally made the most rockin’ dog-friendly vehicle ever.” Which is not to be sniffed at.