Honda name added to Rose Parade title

PASADENA, Calif., Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Organizers of the annual Rose Bowl parade in Pasadena, Calif., say adding Honda's name to the official title does not mean the parade itself will be different.

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses announced last week the 2011 New Year's Day pre-game parade would be known as the "The 122nd Rose Parade, Presented by Honda."

"Welcoming Honda as presenting sponsor of the 2011 Rose Parade is an organic evolution of our longstanding partnership," Jeffrey Throop, president of the Tournament of Roses, said in a written statement. "We have worked side-by-side with Honda for five decades to develop the Rose Parade into what it is today."

The Los Angeles Times said Monday that the most overt indications of Honda's increased presence will be in the marketing area and by the Japanese automaker's float being first in line when the procession begins.