Today at the Canadian International Auto Show, Dave Gardner, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Honda Canada Inc., and IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe announce a one year partnership to promote the Honda brand across Canada. (Photo-CNW Group/Honda Canada Inc.)

Toronto, Ontario - It's the middle of winter, but Canadians have reason to get excited for the upcoming IndyCar season. Today, Honda Canada and James Hinchcliffe entered into a one year partnership that will see the 'Mayor of Hinchtown' working with Honda to promote the Honda brand across Canada. Hinchcliffe will be featured in various Honda product advertising and promotions throughout the year, including the Honda Indy Toronto.

Hinchcliffe made a surprise appearance and participated in the official Canadian unveiling of the 2015 Honda Fit at the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) in Toronto. He was welcomed to the stage while seated behind the wheel of a new Fit before the agreement was announced to media who were on-hand for CIAS press day.

"We're so pleased to welcome James to the Honda family and I think I speak on behalf of all race fans when I say that the new season can't start soon enough," said Dave Gardner, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Honda Canada Inc. "Honda Indy Toronto is a landmark event and it's fantastic to be working with such a talented, not to mention, local driver."

Hinchcliffe will pilot the Honda-powered, #27 United Fiber & Data IndyCar for Andretti Autosport during the 2014 season, which kicks-off in St. Petersburg, Florida on March 30th.

"This is shaping up to be a huge year and I'd like to thank Honda Canada for their support," said James Hinchcliffe. "It's been a long off-season and I'm ready to get back out there. We've got a great car, great team and fans can expect big things."

About Honda Canada

Honda Canada Inc. was founded in 1969. It has produced more than 6 million cars and trucks since 1986 at its two manufacturing facilities and builds engines at a third manufacturing plant in Alliston, Ontario. Both manufacturing facilities are extremely flexible and currently build Honda Civic and CR-V models. Honda Canada has invested more than $2.6 billion in Canada and each year it sources nearly $1.1 billion in goods and services from Canadian suppliers. Honda Canada has sold more than 3.8 million Honda and Acura passenger cars and light-duty trucks in Canada.