"The announcement this week of a sub-$20,000 starting price for the all-new 2016 Honda HR-V crossover underscores its important role as the new gateway to the Honda light truck lineup. The HR-V is the next critical step forward in the fortification of our light truck line-up and a vehicle that's certain to generate a lot of excitement and customer traffic when it arrives at Honda dealerships in two weeks.

From the refreshed 2015 CR-V that came to market last fall, to the arrival of an all-new Pilot this summer, we're building the foundations for our future success, step-by-step. Now, we're putting our focus on the newest piece of the puzzle with HR-V, which combines class-leading fuel economy, dynamic styling and Honda packaging magic to create an incredible value proposition.

With the CR-V and Pilot already sharing the highest brand loyalty ratings in our lineup, and the HR-V pulling in new, younger buyers at the gateway to the lineup – it will only get better next year with the arrival of a new Ridgeline and redesigned Odyssey.

With the Kentucky Derby just a day away, I'd sum it up by saying that the new HR-V is an early favorite to win one of the most closely watched races in the auto industry today. We're off to the races!"

Jeff Conrad Senior Vice President & General Manager Honda Division