Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced that the new Legend has won the Japan Car of the Year Award for 2004-2005 and Most Advanced Technology Award conferred by the Japan Car of the Year Executive Committee.

The new 4th generation flagship luxury performance sedan with a 300-horsepower (223kW) engine features the world’s first Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system (SH-AWD), recipient of the Most Advanced Technology Award, and comprehensive weight reduction measures that combine to help contribute to significantly enhanced performance. The new Legend also offers a range of advanced driver support technologies, including the world’s first Intelligent Night Vision System*, which detects pedestrians during nighttime driving and provides visual and audio cautions to help prevent accidents. Designed around three key concepts – distinctive styling, exhilarating driving performance, and superior maneuverability – the Legend delivers a new driving experience, providing greater luxury, comfort and safety in all driving conditions. In the roughly one month period since it went on sale on October 7th, over 2,200 customer orders have been received for the new Legend

“We are extremely honored that the new Legend was selected for the Japan Car of the Year Award 2004-2005 and Most Advanced Technology Award from among a big field including both domestic and import cars,” said Honda’s President and CEO, Takeo Fukui.

“We see this award as recognition of the efforts of our suppliers, development and production teams and the many people who have lent their dedicated support to us in the development of the Legend. In the development of future models, we will even further strengthen the new “Driving Pleasure” concept that we have proposed in the Legend.”

Honda Australia plans to release the all-new Legend in late 2005.