Hondas latest entry set to break the record for the longest float in Rose Parade history
Keeping Dreams on Track
On January 1st, the float leading the 125th annual Rose Parade will be a historic-meets-futuristic train float titled "Keeping Dreams on Track." Sponsored by American Honda, it will mark the fifty-third year of collaboration between Honda and the Tournament of Roses as well as the fourth year the manufacturer will participate as a presenting sponsor.
"Keeping Dreams on Track is an embodiment of Honda's deeply rooted philosophy, The Power of Dreams, as well as Honda's passion toward following those dreams to guide and inspire us to make a difference," said Stephan Morikawa, assistant vice president of
American Honda Corporate Community Relations. "Honda has many exciting efforts coming in 2014, and the Rose Parade marks our first opportunity to provide a sneak peek at some of these innovative Honda technologies and important new partnerships, while wishing everyone watching the Rose Parade a very happy New Year and joyous holiday season."
But in addition to the aforementioned milestones, Honda expects to set another one - powered by a specially-configured Honda hybrid engine, this particular float of the 2014 Rose Parade, will measure 274 feet in length and is set to break the record as the longest Rose Parade float ever, currently held by Honda's 2005 entry that broke the tape at 207 feet.
The float
In addition to its record-breaking length, the float measures 30 feet tall at its highest point, 18 feet wide at its' widest and weighs in at 50 tons. It features five "train" cars and the entire assemblage will move to its own exclusive soundtrack, "Of Friendships & Dreams," music composed by six-time GRAMMY-winning songwriter and music producer, Daniel Ho.
How the float will look:
• Leading the train will be an Acura NSX sports car-inspired "locomotive" car, driven by ASIMO, an advanced humanoid robot
• The second train car is a Honda engine, representing the company's long-term commitment to fuel-efficient mobility.
• The third train car represents Honda's task-performing robotic arm, a derivative of Honda's ASIMO robotic technology, and will carry students from the TOMODACHI cultural exchange program
• The fourth train car features two large LED video monitors measuring 30-feet wide and 10-feet tall and will bring spectators virtually on board as images of parade-goers along the route will be projected onto the screens, enabling them the opportunity to virtually "ride" on the float.
• The train's caboose is inspired by HondaJet
Flowers and more flowers
Powered by a specially configured Honda hybrid low-emission engine for better efficiency and to reduce its carbon footprint, the float is comprised of approximately 8,980 total flowers including:
• 5,900 roses
• 2,500 carnations
• 580 gerberas
• Other plants and seeds
All of these natural materials will later be ground up for mulch once the parade activities have concluded.
