How are automakers promoting their products and sponsoring music events?
Was it part of the budget cuts?
Was it part of the downturn in sales suffered by the automakers?
What happened to Honda’s Civic Tour for 2009?

Most certainly it was affected by both of the above. For many years Honda sponsored the Civic Tour where bands would go on tour and play at venues around the country, approx 20-30 dates running during the hot summer tours.

It was a great opportunity for Honda to connect with the younger audience and showcase their products.

Auto makers are smart to connect with their audiences with music. Artists that have large audiences allow car makers to leverage the bands fans and build brand affinity with that fan base.