Dog-crazy Americans will soon be able to buy a pet-friendly car with a cushioned dog bed in the trunk, fitted with a built-in water bowl and fan and a ramp to help less agile dogs climb in.
With the help of a rescue dog named Sammy, Japanese car maker Honda Motor Co unveiled the pet friendly version of its Element utility vehicle at the New York Auto Show.
It features easy-wash seat covers, a fitted dog bed with restraints to keep Sammy safe in the event of a crash, and a paw logo on the side. Honda said the car would go on sale across the United States from the fall of this year.
This sort of reminds me of the time a few years ago when I went to the store to pick up a few things. When I came out, I suddenly realized that the buggy was full of things for the cat, but there was nothing for me.
Thanks, K B
I think the focus here is “Dog-crazy”
I don’t care how “dog friendy” Honda thinks this car is, here in California we have a law against leaving animals in locked cars.
The should focus on designing a car that you don’t have to be under 6′ to drive.
http://tinyurl.com/tirebiter
Most dogs don’t like those metal ramps. I rescue and foster older Brits and have found a Dodge or Chrysler van with sliding side door and stow and go seating is the best platform for transporting mutts.
Especially older dogs with arthritis. With the van they can practically just walk in from curb instead of having to be trained to negotiate the ramp (where do you store it?) or jump up to get in the door or hatch.
With stow and go you can also easily repurpose the layout to accommodate 7 humans.
How Victorian
My dog prefers a poll vault.
This isn’t exactly new for Honda. They have developed this car for the Japanese market and are just now introducing it to the US. While the Honda Element typically sells only a few thousand a month (only 912 sold last month), targeting pet owners should help move more of these cars. How much more? That remains to be seen. The Element is definitely a niche vehicle and very small one at that.
Does this dog really need a ramp?
#1 – you are amazingly ignorant about cars. Driver headroom in a Honda Element is over 3″ more than a Ford Explorer.
#1, where did you pick up on anything that talked about this car being designed to leave your animal alone in it?!? That is a horrible assumption on your behalf.
There is definitely a market for this car. I place not having a car payment over my dog’s comfort though. I am a horrible pet parent. 😉
#1 I wasn’t refering to the Element, and I’m 6′ 3″ trust me I know how crampt a Honda can be.
#8 Try reading the WHOLE article before YOU make “horrible assumptions”, if the car was not designed to leave the animal alone, then why in the Hell would it need a water bowl AND A “FAN”.
I have a dog seat for my corgi. It keeps her secure in a harness and she likes to see out the window. I much prefer a drive with her than my wife. She has never criticized my driving and never complains. She also gets freebies from drive thru windows.