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Rachel Dorman joined the Classic Honda family 6 years ago and has come a long way since. Rachel started her career at Classic Honda as a temporary file clerk. At the time, she had been going from temp job to temp job, unsure of where to go next. The service manager at Classic Honda offered her a full time position as a cashier. Then, for a couple years, she ran Honda’s new rental program at the dealership. Not too long ago, the warranty admin retired, and that’s when she started in her current role. more When Rachel was young, her parents decided to move from their home of Oklahoma to Orlando, Florida. She has lived here ever since. She loves being on the beach, so living in Central Florida has worked out well. Rachel also enjoys spending time with her daughter and son. Her daughter rides horses, and her son is on the wrestling team. Supporting her family and their hobbies motivates Rachel to work hard. Being the only one who does her current job, Rachel finds that taking time off can be difficult. Returning to work after a vacation involves severe catch up work to get back on track. This keeps her focused on doing her job well to keep the department running smoothly. In her role, she does a lot of paperwork, including verifying repair orders from every service performed at the dealership. Fortunately, Rachel enjoys the atmosphere at Classic Honda and gets along with all of her coworkers. While at work, she feels like she is with her family, people she trusts and can count on to have her back. One of her main goals is moving up in the company, since it has treated her so well. In her current position, she is the happiest she has been so far in her career. Working in a fast-paced industry that is constantly changing has been demanding but rewarding for Rachel, and she would say the same for anyone who can thrive in that kind of environment. “If you want a nice, steady, not boring job, this could be a perfect fit.”

Rodney Bridgemohan enjoys working as a parts associate because he meets people from all walks of life and has the opportunity to interact with them on a personal level. Even after 10 years at Classic Honda, Rodney is excited to go into work because he never knows what to expect. Rodney started working at the dealership in June 2010 when his wife’s cousin who worked there referred him. He started out as a parts driver, and 4 months later, he moved up to his current position as parts associate. more Before starting out in the automotive industry, Rodney was a lab technician at Quest Diagnostics. At that time, he mostly interacted with other technicians, testing samples in a lab. This job served him well enough at the time, but he wanted more personal interaction. In his parts associate role at Classic Honda, he talks to different people from all walks of life, and he experiences the best of all worlds. During his early life, Rodney’s family made a few major moves. Rodney was born in Trinidad, and in 1989, his parents moved to New York. In 2002, they decided to retire to Florida, where Rodney has lived ever since. Of everything Rodney has accomplished in life, he is proudest of starting his own family and raising a son. In his spare time, Rodney enjoys photography and reading. His favorite subjects to read about are self-motivation and science fiction. Lately, Rodney has kept himself busy outside of work by going back to school, taking courses here and there to figure out what to pursue next. Getting an education is the next big goal he is looking to accomplish. While working on achieving this goal, he is also looking to buy a house. For anyone looking to start a career in the automotive industry, Rodney says the most important thing is to have a love for it. Rodney did not grow up loving cars and knowing about them, but he has learned to love cars while working at Classic Honda. This career path has served him well, and he’s excited to see where it takes him next.

Alex Zapata has worked his way up to a finance role at Classic Honda, but he does not let himself forget where he came from. In 2016, Alex moved from Puerto Rico to Kissimmee in search of better opportunities for his family. In a little over a week, he found that opportunity as a sales professional at Classic Honda. When he moved, all he had with him was a simple backpack and $200 cash. For the first few months, he would take 2 hour bus rides to get to and from work. On late nights, coworkers would drive him home. more Alex worked as a sales professional for just under 2 years before earning a promotion to his current position as a finance representative. He is currently one of the top performing finance representatives in the company. In both roles, he feels like a hero, being able to help customers when they need it most. When a customer is credit challenged, he is happy to help because he can relate to being in that kind of situation. The look on a customer’s face when they’re about to drive home in their perfect vehicle is the most rewarding part of his job. During his time off, Alex enjoys going to the park and spending time with his family. When he goes into work, he feels like he is with his second family. The dealership has a different vibe from others he has worked in, from the way employees treat each other to the way they treat customers. “If you like working with people, it’s a good business to work in. You meet people from a lot of different cultures, and they come from everywhere,” Alex said. Working with this company, Alex has been able to provide for his family, and they keep him motivated to work hard every day. Alex is proudest of keeping his feet on the ground and remembering where he came from. No matter what is title, he does not feel like he is better than anyone else. Looking toward the future, Alex wants to move forward within the company, and he will keep doing his best with every customer to achieve this. Alex’s main goal is to be the best version of himself. “I try to be a better ‘me’ day after day.”

Candy Benoit, who works in finance at Classic Honda, started at the dealership in 1997 and has been working with the company ever since. Shortly after Candy graduated from high school, she dove right into the automotive industry. For a little while, she worked at Disney World, but the automotive world is where she found her niche. She saw an ad for a receptionist position that was open at Classic Honda, and she decided to go for it. more The desire to help others motivates Candy to keep working every day. This position has allowed her to help others in a way not everyone can. The environment at Classic Honda also keeps her motivated when she comes into work every day. She has stayed at the dealership all this time because of the way management treats employees and the way everyone treats customers. “I honestly feel that we are the automotive group with the most integrity,” Candy said. For anyone looking to work in the automotive industry, Candy says it is most important to be adaptable and be kind. While customers may be standoffish at first because of the reputation dealerships have, she has noticed that they calm right down when they realize you’re not a “typical car person.” Of everything Candy has accomplished in life, she is proudest of building a family with her husband, who also works at a Holler-Classic dealership, and their two children. While her work is rewarding, family is the most important part of her life.

Dane Binger found his place at Classic Honda when he was looking for a job to help him get through school. Seven years ago, Dane became a sales professional at Classic Honda while pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. He has stayed at the dealership since then because it has been a great place for him to work. more This job not only pays well; it also allows Dane to work with a great team who he looks forward to seeing every day. As someone who is naturally a people person, Dane enjoys meeting new people and ensuring his customers are 100% satisfied. There are certain qualities that are important to have in the automotive industry, and Dane says it is the most important to be self-motivated by goals and not wait for others. In sales, learning and following the process is equally important. “Pay close attention to the process and have a level head, and you will do well,” Dane said. While selling cars at Classic Honda keeps him busy during the week, Dane also works an associate pastor and a marriage counselor. In the meantime, he is also pursuing a PhD. Setting and working toward goals is a major part of Dane’s life, and he considers becoming an associate pastor to be his greatest accomplishment to date. While studying in school and working at Classic Honda have been rewarding, Dane’s work as an associate pastor is his highest priority. Dane is driven by a personal sense of responsibility, and when asked, he quickly answered that his motivation comes from his “dearest wife.” >

Maribel Franco has been part of the Classic Honda family since 2003, when she quickly moved from a role as service cashier to service advisor, the position she is in today. A love of cars compelled Maribel to apply at Classic Honda. Before moving to Central Florida, Maribel lived in New York, where her father fixed up cars, and she was surrounded by car culture. While cars drew Maribel in, she has stayed for the environment, the managers, and the customers. more Maribel is not the type to hop around with jobs, and at Classic Honda, she feels needed and valued when she comes in to work. Her customers are like family, and she has always had a great team in the service department. While the environment is positive, some challenges come with the territory. Being a female in the advisor world motivates Maribel because it gives her an opportunity to prove herself. People are often surprised by her level of car knowledge. She has some advice for anyone looking to work in this industry: “You have to be strong and strong-minded. Pay attention to customer concerns and how they’re saying what they’re saying. Do what you can to make them happy,” Maribel said. Maribel is well-known for sticking to this and retaining her client base. She stays in contact with her clients, making them feel special by sending them messages and calling around holidays. Because of this, Maribel has some customers who first came in with their parents and now come in as adult customers. One customer has even been in touch with her about an upcoming wedding. Her philosophy around customers has helped her succeed, and she put it in simple terms: “Make friends, not just clients.”

Six years ago, Bill McKelvey got a call from a recruiter about a job opportunity at Classic Honda that would start a new phase of his career. In 2014, Bill was not yet thinking about selling cars. At the time, he worked in IT sales. Bill worked in business-to-business sales for 25 years. A recruiter called him about an opening at Classic Honda for a sales representative, and he decided to give it a shot. This new opportunity would be his first experience in retail sales. Automotive sales would prove to be quite different- a more fast-paced, transactional, and personal way of selling. more In a few short years, Bill went from being a sales representative to a sales manager to the general sales manager of the store. Every day, Bill looks forward to coming to the dealership and doing his part to help the staff and customers. He finds working with people to be the most rewarding aspect of his career. He loves his job and takes pride in his position. Most importantly, he believes in the product he’s selling and the values of the company. Growing with Classic Honda through the years, Bill is most proud of the trajectory of the store, which has gotten better every year since he started. For anyone starting a new career like he did after that fateful call, Bill has some words of advice: “Find an organization that aligns with your values, and work hard every day,” Bill said.

Refreshed CR-V chosen for its fuel economy, driving dynamics, long list of new safety features and overall refinement Noted for its new Touring trim with Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive safety technologies America's best-selling SUV over the past decade The Honda CR-V has won Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year for 2015. more The CR-V claims the title with a long list of vehicle enhancements for 2015, including its improved fuel economy and uncompromised driving dynamics, thanks to the inclusion of Honda's Earth Dreams Technology™ powertrain, the launch of an all-new Touring trim, the debut of Honda Sensing™ assistive and driver safety technologies and the CR-V's excellent value for money paradigm. Motor Trend editor-in-chief Ed Loh, said, "The 2015 Honda CR-V impressed our judges with its extensive list of delightful design and thoughtful engineering improvements. Our editors were especially impressed by Honda's responsive and efficient continuously-variable transmission and sophisticated safety systems – particularly the smart and seamlessly integrated Lane Keeping Assist system. Efficient, practical, and a joy to drive; the 2015 Honda CR-V does virtually everything well." "It is an honor to receive such a prestigious award from the expert staff at Motor Trend," said Jeff Conrad, SVP & General Manager of Honda Division, American Honda Motor Co, Inc. "Our engineers, planners, and dealers work hard to deliver class leading products to our customers, and it's extremely rewarding to be recognized for that hard work. This award from Motor Trend reaffirms for us that we're meeting that goal." In addition to the Honda CR-V, the 2015 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year competition included 18 other all-new or significantly updated SUVs: BMW X4 BMW X5 Cadillac Escalade Chevrolet Tahoe Chevrolet Suburban Ford Expedition GMC Yukon GMC Yukon XL Jeep Cherokee Lexus NX Lincoln MKC Lincoln Navigator Mercedes-Benz GLA Nissan Rogue Porsche Macan Subaru Outback Toyota Highlander Volvo XC60 Motor Trend's Sport/Utility of the Year is not a comparison test, and is only open to all-new or substantially upgraded vehicles that have gone on sale in the 12 months from November 1 of the previous year. To judge contenders for the award, Motor Trend's editorial staff conducted an exhaustive three-phase testing process. Phase one includes a full tech check and weigh-in, then full track testing to establish baseline data for acceleration, braking and handling. Phase two involves three days of road loops offering a range of road surfaces and traffic conditions to evaluate ride and handling, engine and transmission smoothness and responsiveness, wind and road noise and ergonomics. An off-road section tests traction, stability, and braking control systems. In the third phase the judges debate and deliberate. The judging criteria include the following categories: Design Advancement - well-executed exterior and interior styling; innovative vehicle packaging; good selection and use of materials. Engineering Excellence - total vehicle concept and execution; clever solutions to packaging, manufacturing and dynamics issues; cost-effective tech that benefits the consumer. Performance of Intended Function - how well the vehicle does the job its planners, designers, and engineers intended it to do. Efficiency - low fuel consumption and carbon footprint, relative to the vehicle's competitive set. Safety - a vehicle's ability to help the driver avoid a crash, as well as the secondary safety measures that protect its occupants from harm during a crash. Value - competitive price and equipment levels, measured against those of vehicles in the same market segment. Priced from $23,320, the CR-V is offered with a new Honda Earth Dreams Technology™ 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine and CVT (continuously variable transmission). The CR-V can be had in either front- or all-wheel drive, and it earns best-in-class fuel economy, with and EPA-estimated 27 mpg city/34 mpg highway/ 29mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models, and 26/24/28-mpg for all-wheel drive. The 2015 CR-V is expected to receive a Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and its official safety ratings will be released later this year. The 2015 CR-V is manufactured exclusively for the North American market at Honda plants in the U.S., Canada and Mexico using domestic and globally sourced parts. The recognition from Motor Trend validates the sales success of the Honda CR-V, which sold more than 300,000 units last year, and is on track to do the same in 2014. CR-V's strong sales performance has been a consistent triumph for the Honda brand since the vehicle's introduction, leading CR-V to become the best-selling SUV in the industry over the past decade. For more information about the award, judging process, and the contenders check out the December issue of Motor Trend or visit www.motortrend.com. Today, Honda is launching a 60- and 30-second anthem TV commercial, " Music Festival, " with music by Portugal. The Man, a Honda Stage band, to launch the new 2015 CR-V. The commercial speaks to Gen Y and focuses on adults who are establishing themselves and are about to or in the midst of entering their next life stage. While embracing this rite of passage, these singles, couples and young families are still dreamers and doers that continue to make time for a fun, active and fulfilling life. The CR-V advertising campaign will be supported across network primetime and sports, digital, online video, social and print. About Honda Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive automobiles for American car buyers through approximately 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Accord, Crosstour, Civic, Fit, CR-Z and Insight along with the Pilot, and CR-V sport-utility vehicles and the Odyssey minivan. Honda has more models achieving an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating than any other automotive nameplate. Honda has been producing automobiles in America for more than 30 years and currently operates 16 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2013, more than 94 percent of all Honda vehicles sold in U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts. 1 Based on model year 2012 fuel economy data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and its report: "Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 Through 2013." 2 Longevity based on IHS Automotive, Polk U.S. vehicles in operation registration statistics 1988-2012 for Honda and non-luxury competing brands. About Motor Trend: Motor Trend®, a media brand of TEN: The Enthusiast Network was founded in 1949 and is internationally recognized as one of the leading brands in the automotive category.  The Motor Trend brand is comprised of  Motor Trend magazine; the award-winning website MotorTrend.com; Motor Trend Auto Shows; Motor Trend Audio; Motor Trend en Espanol; Motor Trend India; and the renowned Motor Trend Car of the Year, SUV of the Year, Truck of the Year, and Best Driver's Car awards programs. About TEN: The Enthusiast Network: TEN: The Enthusiast Network is the world's premier network of enthusiast brands, such as Motor Trend, Automobile, Hot Rod, Surfer, Transworld and GrindTV. With more than 50 publications, 60 websites, 50 events, 1000 branded products, the world's largest automotive VOD channel, and the world's largest action/adventure sports media platform, TEN inspires enthusiasts to pursue their passions. For more information, visit www.enthusiastnetwork.com. # # #

WASHINGTON (Bloomberg) -- Honda Motor Co.'s Accord received the best possible safety rating among 2011 model-year passenger cars tested for crashes under new U.S. evaluation standards, edging ahead of Toyota Motor Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co. sedans. more The mid-size Accord, Honda's top-selling U.S. model, got an overall five-star rating, according to results posted on the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website. Of 40 models tested so far, six rated five stars overall. The Accord is the first to get five stars in each of three crash categories tested by NHTSA. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said last month that the ratings are aimed at boosting overall safety and ensuring the results more accurately reflect the crashworthiness of new cars and light trucks. Changes include the use of female crash- test dummies for the first time, along with male versions, to collect data about injuries to the chest, head, neck and legs The 2011 Accord sedan received five stars on side and frontal crashes and rollovers, according to NHTSA. Hyundai's Sonata, with an overall five-star rating, scored the top score on side-crashes and rollovers and four stars in frontal crashes, NHTSA said last month. Toyota's Camry, the best-selling U.S. passenger car, rated three stars overall, earning three stars for side and frontal crashes and four stars for rollovers. The agency continues to test 2011 model-year cars and trucks and is adding the results as they are complete. The results are available at www.safercar.gov.