Starting with Volvo's dog safety accessory line, automakers have been quick to jump on the dog-friendly bandwagon with their own versions of products that enhance a vehicle's ability to haul Fido around town. The latest entry to the growing market segment comes from Honda with dog-friendly products tailor-made for the Element. The accessories would be sold as a package, resulting in a production version of a special Dog Friendly Element model this Fall.
Dog-friendly add-ons would likely include a cushioned pet bed in the cargo area with an elevated platform, second row and cargo area pet restraints, an extendable cargo area load-in ramp, a rear ventilation fan, dog-pattern second-row seat covers, all-season floor and cargo mats with a toy bone pattern, a spill-resistant water bowl, and Dog Friendly exterior badging.
"In an interesting turn of events, cars are now chasing dogs," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "Factory integration of a cushioned pet bed, restraint systems, and other components are intended to transform the Element into the ultimate dog car."
Honda worked directly with Takata Corporation, an automotive safety system supplier, to create the special canine-oriented safety harnesses. According to Honda, not only does the restraint protect the dog in the event of a crash, it also protects vehicle occupants from making contact with the dog in such an event. Honda's 2007 Element won the "Dog Car of the Year" title from Dogcars.com for the vehicle's dog-friendly doors, flooring, and large cargo area. According to sources cited by Honda, 39% of all American households currently own at least one dog.
Source: Honda