Abdullah Hashim launches the all-new Honda Accord 2008 in the Saudi market

In a ceremony held especially for launching the all-new car, Mohammed Abdullah Hashim, the Managing Director of Abdullah Hashim Company Ltd., said: " The traditional image of ACCORD as a sporty sedan has evolved to become an even more luxurious, attractive and comfortable sedan that meets all clients' requirements for enjoyable driving.

He added: "Advanced and powerful are the basis of the concept of the new sporty, luxurious and enhanced performance. Honda's original i-VTEC technology achieves optimal intake and exhaust performance for powerful dynamic performance in all driving conditions. The Accord's 2.4-liter L4 engine delivers 178 horsepower, while the 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 271 horsepower of exhilarating power. The 3.5-liter V6 also features Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system for an optimal balance between superior performance and enhanced fuel efficiency at cruising speeds."

On the other side, Masahiro Matsushita, Director of Honda Operation in the Middle East and Africa, said "We expect to sell 20,000 units in 2008."

The new Accord was designed with one of the most spacious cabins in its class to provide comfortable transportation for business travel.

The wider body size and lower floor have enabled Honda engineers to create a spacious cabin space while maintaining the Accord's sporty appearance.

The Accord interior features room enough to seat five adults in comfort and a refined interior design appointed with elegant wood-grain finish panels and stylish metallic finish panels. Armrests help provide plenty of elbowroom, and the fully automatic climate control—standard equipment on the 2.4 EX, 3.5 LX, and 3.5 EX—provides independent temperature settings for the driver and front passenger.

The new Accord features even sportier dynamic performance even though it is larger than its predecessor. High-tensile strength steel panels help reduce weight even while achieving higher body rigidity. The double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension help keep the roll center close to the center of gravity, suppressing roll angle and helping provide stable cornering feel.

In addition, the variable steering gear ratio (VGR) contributes to more responsive steering that faithfully translates the driver's intention. The five-speed automatic transmission also features suppressed shift shock for smooth, seamless acceleration. The Accord offers sporty dynamic performance for premium ride comfort combined with agile maneuverability.

Outstanding visibility from the driver's seat combines with highly refined acceleration, cornering, and braking performance, in addition to Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system—standard equipment on the 3.5 LX and 3.5 EX—for a high level of active safety. World-leading collision safety based on Honda's original G-Force Control technology, along with advanced seatbelts and pedestrian protection technology combine to provide a high level of passive safety as well.

Outstanding fuel efficiency and clean emissions as well as a high proportion of recyclable parts and materials give the new Accord advanced friendly environmental performance.