Honda is in the midst of launching its updated 2021 Ridgeline pickup, and PAPA members will have a chance to learn about the brand’s unique take on midsize trucks at the group’s April 15 virtual meeting.

“I’m sure you are aware that the Ridgeline is the only pickup constructed with a strong and highly rigid unibody,” says Carl Pulley, Honda media relations manager. That together with its fully independent suspension and torque vectoring all-wheel drive gives the new Ridgeline superior on- and off-road handling, and a quiet and comfortable ride, he says.

Also for 2021, Ridgeline received substantial styling changes to provide a more rugged look that better matches its true truck capabilities, which include the heaviest standard payload in its class and largest standard bed in its segment, Pulley says.

The one-hour meeting will begin at 8 p.m. with a review of PAPA news followed by a PowerPoint presentation and video walkaround of the Ridgeline. A Q&A session will follow.

You should have received an email invitation with a link to the Thursday, April 15, meeting. If not, please contact Tyson Hugie, tysonhugie@gmail.com.

Interest is on the rise for PAPA’s Zoom events. Two programs last month focused on the Honda Accord and upcoming Mecum auction as invites just went out for the regular March meeting.

A number of new faces joined the Feb. 18 meeting, including Honda Media Relations Manager Carl Pulley. The popular Accord has gained market share, he says, benefiting from the many automakers exiting the sedan market.

The 2021 model year brings changes to the midsize sedan, including a new hybrid system. It’s more powerful, more refined and more fuel efficient, Pulley says. Honda is further focusing on the Accord Hybrid with added standard features over the all-gas version.

A week later, PAPA regulars and a couple more newcomers heard from Mecum Auctions Communications Manager David Morton and John Kraman, commentator for the auction’s NBC broadcasts.

As part of their preview of Mecum’s March 18-20 auction in Glendale, the two talked about the rising interest in classic cars as people find interests they can pursue at home amid the pandemic.

The two also went over Covid precautions being taken for the event at State Farm Stadium. Phone and online bidding has been improved and ticket sales limited to online orders.

Mecum still is signing up cars for the auction, which will include high-end vehicles like classic Ferraris but also more affordable rides in the $5,000 range. There are several websites for information on the auction, including mymecum.com and drive.mecum.com/Glendale-2021. Click here to request media credentials and here for specifics on the Steve Todhunter Collection.

The regular March meeting will be Thursday, the 18^th, at 8 p.m. If you did not receive an invite contact Tyson Hugie at tysonhugie@yahoo.com.

Mecum Auctions is headed back to Glendale March 18-20 and this week PAPA members have a chance to hear from key players in the annual classic car event.

Communications Manager David Morton will host the one-off Zoom event Thursday, March 25, at 8 p.m. John Kraman, Mecum’s commentator for NBC Sports Network broadcasts, will be on hand to talk about highlights of the 2121 auction, including the Steve Todhunter Collection.

If you have not received an invite to the Feb. 25 session, please contact Tyson Hugie at tysonhugie@yahoo.com.

Click here for a YouTube preview of the Todhunter vehicles. Also mark your calendars for PAPA’s next monthly Zoom at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 18.

For more: www.mecum.com