Honda’s dog-friendly car

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Barking mad: Honda’s dog-friendly car

Honda says it will build a car equipped with canine-friendly features such as cushioned bed, pet-restraint system and even a ramp so your dog doesn’t have to jump into the back.

Meet the car that is a dog owner’s best friend.

Japanese car maker Honda has unveiled a new vehicle it describes as the “ultimate dog car”, which will go on sale in the United States in late 2009.

The boxy-looking Dog Friendly Element is a softroader was revealed at this week’s New York motor show and is designed specifically to cater for dog owners.

“In an interesting turn of events, cars are now chasing dogs,” says Honda America’s executive vice president, John Mendel. “Factory integration of a cushioned pet bed, restraint systems and other components is intended to transform the Element into the ultimate dog car.”

The special Element’s handy features help owners transport their precious pooches.

Some of the clever touches include a cushioned bed in the cargo area with an elevated platform, second row and cargo area pet-restraint systems, a 12-volt rear ventilation fan, and an extendable cargo area load-in ramp so your pet doesn’t have to jump into the back. The ramp stores underneath the bed platform and can be easily accessed when the rear tailgate is down.

The new Dog Friendly Element also has second-row seat covers with a dog pattern design (matched to the pet-bed fabric), all-season rubber floor mats with a toy bone pattern, and a spill-resistant water bowl.

The Element is not imported to Australia, though Honda offes some hope for canine owners in Australia who would no doubt enjoy seeing their pet well secured in the car – as well as having car seats that are free of dog hair and slobber.

“I think there is no better sight to see than a family with their dog on board,” says Honda Australia spokesman Mark Higgins. “If all these concepts could be used in a [Honda] CR-V and it’s considered viable, our parts people would be happy to consider it.”

Higgins says the CR-V compact 4WD already comes with a few pet accessories such as the Rear Seat Saver – a cover that fits over the back seat that is water and stain resistant - and a dog and luggage net that has a tie point to secure your dog in the rear cargo area.
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Barking mad: Honda’s dog-friendly car - www.drive.com.au

That's pretty neat to have a dog friendly car. :)
 
Nice...My Ford still got hairs left over from my old Dalmatian. I still haul dogs in my cars once in a while and it would be nice to have a DFE Element on my driveway esp with the rubber mats instead of carpet (as long as it got a 5 speed stick :) ) Bonus is the ramp I can use that to load my daughters heavy power chair in it.

I even had a dog puke on the back seat of my old 1986 Lynx..believe me its a bootch to clean it up. That dog (a terrier mutt) rode with me everywhere I went when I was in my 20s.

Maybe other carmakers should take notice and incorporate these dog friendly features in their cars.
 
sounds intriguing....we have two bigger dogs - young Rottie and Lab who is elderly and needs a ramp now - and may soon have a third dog <Rottie> and have been discussing car/dog logistics for the next couple of years. We currently have Hondas <minivan and car> and think Hondas great vehicles in general.
 
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