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Honda Motor Co. will launch a roomier, boxier version of the Honda Pilot this spring, showing the prototype of the 2009 model this afternoon in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show.

“The Pilot’s pioneering formula improves for 2009 by enhancing its combination of refinement and efficiency with even more traditional SUV strengths,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. “A powerful exterior design communicates strength and allows for more space inside.”

Honda said the third row of the redesigned Pilot will have enough knee room for an “above-average-sized” adult male. It will offer a V6 engine with a new generation of technology called “Variable Cylinder Management,” which can cut back to 4- or 3-cylinder modes for improved fuel efficiency.

The Pilot, made at Honda’s Lincoln, Ala., plant, peaked in 2006 with sales of 152,154 vehicles before falling 23% in 2007 to 117,146.

The mid-size SUV segment, where the Pilot competes, has been declining, but Mendel said he sees growth for Pilot. Some customers still want the room, higher seating and towing ability these SUVs provide, he said.

“We see a fair number of customers who either demand or require that capability,” Mendel said.

Honda also showed the CR-Z, a gas-electric sports car hybrid concept that made its North American debut. It also said it plans to offer the FCX Clarity, a fuel-cell vehicle, to a limited number of southern California customers this summer for three-year leases at $600 per month.

By: JOE GUY COLLIER
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER