Reuters reports that the Honda Motor Co. unveiled a pet-friendly version of its Element model at the New York Auto Show. The vehicle includes easy-to-wash seat covers and a fitted dog bed with restraints.
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.
Honda spokesman Sage Marie said it was designed with both safety and comfort in mind. "(It's) a car we think is of interest to many of today's dog-crazy consumers," he said.
Senior product planner James Jenkins said Americans spend $41 billion a year on their pets, a figure forecast to rise to $52 billion in two years, indicating a big market for the car.
"Pets have become more like family, more important to households than ever before," Jenkins said.
Honda has not yet determined how much it will charge for the dog-friendly add-on for the Element.
Reuters 
