NEW YORK — 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.
Inside Line says: It's safe to say that Honda has cornered the dog market. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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