Fido and Professor Huggies must be perking their ears. The "Dog-Friendly" pet accommodation system we saw in April will arrive in dealerships in November as a $995 option for the Honda Element, which goes on sale this month.That money buys a soft-sided kennel in the cargo area, a cushioned pet bed, a soft floor that Honda says is easier on paws, a 12V ventilation fan, an extendable ramp that stows underneath the bed, and a spill-resistant water bowl. Cosmetic additions include a dog pattern design for the second-row seat covers, all-season floor mats bearing a toy bone pattern, and "Dog Friendly" exterior emblems.
Takata Corporation, an automotive safety system supplier, designed and will produce special canine 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.The 2010 Honda Element starts at $21,235 for the two-wheel drive LX and tops out at $26,295 for the four-wheel drive EX with a navigation system.
Pricing includes a $710 destination and handling fee.