Southern Group gets familiar with Honda

A recent event staged by Honda UK at Brands Hatch provided Southern Group members with a fantastic opportunity to get to grips with the marque’s range - from supercars to lawnmowers!

The star attraction was the revised S2000, which members were available to test around the legendary Brands Hatch Indy Circuit, along with the Legend featuring SHAWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) technology and the Civic Type R. These exciting models were backed up by the entire Honda passenger car line-up, giving members a great opportunity to refresh their memory on the full range.

Activities were not just restricted to four-wheeled vehicles and those journalists with a full motorcycle licence were able to test Honda Motorcycles such as the famed CBR1000RR Fireblade on the Indy Circuit and surrounding roads. Putting SGMW members to shame, Honda British Superbike riders Cal Crutchlow and Leon Haslam gave a few test laps of the track bikes and passed on a few tricks of the trade.

Those looking to get down and dirty ventured out on a Honda ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) around the specially designed course. And there was even the chance for members to try out their skills on the Izy Mower range.

On a more serious side, the event gave the opportunity for journalists to talk to key Honda personnel on issues such as the environment and hybrid technology as well as new models such as the forthcoming Accord. This has given rise to plans for a follow-up event in the form of a technical workshop to be organised by SGMW member Ted Wilkinson.

The event was rounded off with dinner and an overnight stay at the Brands Hatch Place Hotel, with journalists’ partners also invited.

Southern Group Chairman Kevin Haggarthy said: ‘Not only was this event thoroughly enjoyable but it was also mutually beneficial, giving Honda a chance to show its range to full effect and enabling members to brush up their knowledge of the marque. We look forward to working with Honda on future activities, such as the technical workshop, and to planning other events with other manufacturers. We also hope to see many industry faces at the 2008 SGMW Gala Dinner.’