Honda Element for Dogs? 2009 New York Auto Show

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The Dog-Friendly Honda Element debuted here at the 2009 New York Auto Show on Wednesday, with the Japanese automaker dubbing it "the ultimate dog car." A production version of the concept is due out this fall, said Honda.

The production version is expected to feature such canine-friendly features as a cushioned pet bed in the cargo area, a cargo load-in ramp, a 12-volt ventilation fan, rubber floor mats with a toy bone pattern and paw-print exterior badging.

"In an interesting turn of events, cars are now chasing dogs," quipped John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda, in one of the auto show's more lighthearted moments. "Factory integration of a cushioned pet bed, restraint systems and other components are intended to transform the Element into the ultimate dog car."

Honda execs are clearly "dog people." At the 2005 Tokyo Auto Show, Honda introduced another dog-friendly offering, the Wow — short for Wonderful Open-hearted Wagon. Last year, the company launched the Honda Dog Web site for the Japan market. It offers dog lovers information about pet-friendly hotels and the dimensions of cargo space in vehicles to help with dog cages and other paraphernalia.

Other auto companies have ventured into the dog-lover demographic with limited success. They include Saab, which at one time offered dog leashes and collars, but has since discontinued them.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 2009
• New
• York
• Auto
• Show:
• Dog
• Honda
• Element
• Concept
• nyas
• nyias
• car
• crossover
• suv
• canine
• pet
• motor
• engine

[filipinofantasy]

My dog rides shotgun...My girlfriend rides in the back.

[RevengeOfTheChickens]

Pay attention GM - this is something called "innovation". Honda has always thought outside the box, delivered what people want, and in a classy, well-built way.

[TheLaksjdhfg123]

@filipinofantasy  my boyfriend rides in the back and my dog rides in the front.

[blkntandogs]

Go to any dog event/dog show and you will see a ton of these there! They are great for pets!

[coirchlid]

Great car. One that get criticized too often for it's appearance. Ugly or not, this car has qualities few others have. Great for making out in the back with the seats folded up. Add a sunshade and a blanket and you're good to go. It's lack of cloth and carpet helps keep it clean smelling, unlike most cars that force people to use febreeze. I heard it's being discontinued. What the heck am I going to buy when my 2004 meets it's demise?

[llelica9]

yes im buy this car just for my dog not for me . wtf are ppl thinking now of days putting their own pets before them . i love my element but no way in hell would i stick a smelly dog in their . fuxk that

[305KUSH7]

My newest addition to my wish list for next year, we re a family of 4 plus I have a 65 pound red doberman I think she fits perfectly in the back & i love the fact that it doesnt have carpet ! :D

[cocofalla]

I have a Honda Element and absolutely love it. Whoever stated that a station wagon is the same is very wrong. It has a very high ceiling, unlike most vehicles. You could certainly fit a large dog in there but not all your show equipment. I show medium sized dogs and it is almost too small to bring my show gear. It's great for carting your pet around town or on road trips. There is no carpet so it's easy to vacuum up pet hair or blow it out, No carpet to mess with. Drives great. Love my Element.

[logitechstanton]

the back seats flip up/are removable

[visuelz]

how's this innovation? the only thing i can see that's different is the ramp.

[CaptSyBerianHusky]

I hope that Honda doesn't target only the Small and medium dogs. That tends to be the case more often than not. I show Great Danes and German Shepherds. How about offering a package for us Big Dogs? I hope they do, It'd be a shame if they didn't.

[Andrew0089]

ya where's our EV-2's? when are they going to come out =P