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| Production of Honda FCX Clarity heralds new generation of motoring |
The first ever production FCX Clarity - Honda's advanced hydrogen fuel cell car - came off the line in Japan today (Monday, 16 June). After 19 years of development, this 'real world' fuel cell car marks the beginning of a new era of cleaner motoring.
The FCX Clarity - which emits only water from its exhaust pipe - was presented to three of the first US customers in a line-off ceremony at the world's first dedicated fuel cell vehicle factory: the Honda Automobile New Model Centre (Takanezawa-machi, Shioya-gun, Tochigi Prefecture).
Lease sales are scheduled to begin in July in the United States, and in Japan this autumn. The combined sales plan for Japan and the US will be approximately 70 cars per year, with a total of 200 units over three years. Customers will follow a three-year lease term, at a price of $600 per month (approx £290), including maintenance and collision insurance.
Among the early adopters are the actress Jamie Lee Curtis and her filmmaker husband Christopher Guest, and film producer Ron Yerxa.
How it works
At the heart of the FCX Clarity is a fuel cell stack - a device that uses an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) to convert chemical energy into electrical energy to power a motor that drives the car's wheels. Honda's FC stack simultaneously generates electricity and water, emitting no CO2 or other harmful emissions.
A new dedicated fuel cell vehicle assembly line has been established for the production of FCX Clarity, which includes processes unique to a fuel cell car, such as the installation of the fuel cell stack and hydrogen tank.
The fuel cell stack itself is produced at Honda Engineering Co., Ltd. (Haga-machi, Haga-gun, Tochigi Prefecture). In manufacturing fuel cells, exclusively designed automated equipment was introduced to ensure quality of the highest precision while enabling mass production of cells, with several hundred cells required for each fuel cell stack.
"The arrival of the first hydrogen fuel cell car is particularly significant during this time of rapidly increasing oil prices," says John Kingston, Environment Manager for Honda (UK). "Honda is proud to offer an alternative energy solution that could reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and the effect of motoring on climate change."
As well as its work with hybrid technology and other alternative energy solutions, Honda has been at the forefront of developing fuel cell systems since 1989. Honda was the first manufacturer to receive commercial certification for a fuel cell car and has 10 previous-generation fuel cell vehicles in experimental use around the world - more than anyone else.
And while the start of FCX Clarity production is a significant milestone for Honda, the company's short-term focus is the continued development of its low emission, petrol-electric hybrid vehicle.
Next year, Honda's more affordable hybrid car goes on sale in the UK - a car so keenly priced, that more people around the world will be able to adopt cleaner motoring technology, thus significantly reducing global car emissions. |
| Accord makes UK debut at SMMT |
Honda's all-new Accord makes its UK debut at the SMMT Test Day this week.
With the Accord saloon due to go on sale 1 June, the SMMT Test Day is the Accord's first UK public reveal and an opportunity for UK writers to put it through its paces on the high-speed bowl, hill and road route.
Honda's high-revving Civic Type R can also be taken on the bowl for a spin, and its sporty-looking brother - the Civic Type S and iconic two-seater Honda S2000 can be put to the test on the challenging hill route. Honda's Civic Hybrid will be available to test on the SMMT's new city course, in addition to the road route.
As well as these new cars, the Honda area is also packed with new activities this year. Journalists can put their driving abilities to the test in the Honda F1 simulator, quaff a smoothie from the bar or chill out on a Fat Boy (supersized bean bag), while reading Honda's newspaper - The Power. |
| Honda's new S2000 on sale |
Honda's refreshed S2000 is now on sale in the UK with new suspension settings to make the iconic two-seater more communicative, predictable and exhilarating to drive.
The S2000's handling and performance characteristics have been enhanced by changes to the suspension. The new set-up is identical to that fitted to its Japanese counterpart - the S2000 Type-S.
Re-tuned dampers, uprated springs and thicker anti-roll bars give the car greater stability, agile handling and more responsive steering, to help harness the S2000's high-revving 240PS 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine.
Also featuring on the 2008 car are a new design of 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels and a new paint colour - Synchro Silver. On the inside, there are three new leather interiors to choose from - Black with red stitching, Brown with red stitching and Red with black sides. There is also a design change to the headrest frame which has been re-shaped to offer greater roll-over protection*.
"The S2000 has always been a raw, exciting, performance car," said Tom Gardner, Head of Marketing, Honda (UK), "but some found the car a little too edgy in some conditions. These latest changes, make the S2000 even more fun to drive but predictable too - giving the driver more confidence."
Sales of S2000 in 2007 totalled 563 units. The model is priced from £28,050 for the Roadster and £28,600 for the GT model with detachable roof. |
| Honda debuts all-new FCX Clarity Advanced Fuel Cell Vehicle |
Dynamic styling and performance herald major advances for fuel cell vehicles;
limited marketing to begin next summer
Honda today unveiled the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, announcing plans to begin limited retail marketing of the vehicle in summer 2008.
The FCX Clarity is a next-generation, zero-emission, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle based on an entirely new Honda V Flow fuel cell platform, and powered by the highly compact, efficient and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack. Featuring tremendous improvements to driving range, power, weight and efficiency - and boasting a low-slung, dynamic and sophisticated appearance, previously unachievable in a fuel cell vehicle - the FCX Clarity marks the significant progress Honda continues to make in advancing the real-world performance and appeal of the hydrogen-powered fuel cell car.
Honda plans to lease the FCX Clarity to a limited number of retail consumers in Southern California, U.S., with the first delivery taking place in summer 2008. Full details of the lease programme will be set closer to launch, but current plans are for a three-year lease term with a price of $600 per month (approx £290), including maintenance and collision insurance.
How the FCX Clarity got its name
Honda chose this name to express the idea that the company is creating a fuel cell vehicle that will offer a clear solution to the challenges of the future, helping society achieve sustainable mobility.
How the FCX Clarity works
The FCX Clarity utilises Honda's V Flow stack in combination with a new compact and efficient lithium ion battery pack and a single hydrogen storage tank to power the vehicle's electric drive motor. The fuel cell stack operates as the vehicle's main power source. Hydrogen combines with atmospheric oxygen in the fuel cell stack, where energy from the reaction is converted into electric power used to propel the vehicle. Additional energy is also generated through the capture of kinetic energy from vehicle braking and deceleration (known as regenerative braking), which is stored along with surplus energy from the fuel cell in the lithium ion battery pack, and is used to supplement power from the fuel cell, when needed. The vehicle's only emission is water.
Honda V Flow FC Stack
The V Flow FC Stack features an entirely new cell structure that achieves a higher output of 100kW, smaller size and lower weight, with a 50 per cent improvement in output density by volume, and a 67 per cent increase in output density by mass, compared to the previous Honda FC stack.
V Flow FC Stack (Vertical Gas Flow Cell Structure)
The new V Flow FC Stack introduces a cell structure in which hydrogen and air flow vertically, and gravity is used to facilitate more efficient drainage of the water by-product from the electrical generation layer. The result is greater stability in power generation. The new structure also allows flow channel depth to be reduced by 17 per cent - a major contributing factor in creating thinner cells and a more compact stack.
Wave Flow-channel Separators
The V Flow FC Stack incorporates wave flow-channels for the hydrogen and air, with horizontal coolant flow channels weaving between them. The wave flow channels provide greater flow length per channel than straight channels, while the resulting turbulent flow within the channel promotes improved hydrogen and air distribution. As a result, the hydrogen and air are spread over the entire electrode layer, making more efficient use of the compact electrical generation layer and achieving approximately 10 per cent higher generating performance than with straight flow channels. The horizontal coolant flow also ensures more even cooling over the entire electrical generation layer, allowing for a reduction in the number of cooling layers to half that of previous stacks. While the previous stack had one cooling layer for each cell, the new stack needs only one cooling layer per two cells. This results in a 20 per cent reduction in stack length and a 30 per cent weight reduction, which is a major breakthrough in compact, lightweight stack design.
Improved startup capability at low temperatures
Improved water drainage due to the V Flow cell structure facilitates better output immediately after startup. The reduced coolant volume and single-box design made possible by the wave flow-channel separators result in heat mass 40 per cent lower than previous stacks. As a result, startup is now possible at temperatures as low as -30° C.
Honda V Flow fuel cell platform
The FCX Clarity's revolutionary new V Flow platform packages the ultra-compact, lightweight and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack - 65 per cent smaller than the previous Honda fuel cell stack unit - in the vehicle's centre tunnel, between the two front seats. The compact size of the new V Flow FC Stack allows for a more spacious interior and more efficient packaging of other powertrain components, which would otherwise be unattainable in a sleek, low-slung sedan.
The FCX Clarity boasts numerous other significant advances in the performance and packaging of Honda fuel cell technology, compared to the current-generation FCX. These include:
- a 20 per cent increase in fuel economy (about 2-3 times the fuel economy of a petrol-powered car, and 1.5 times that of a petrol-electric hybrid vehicle, of comparable size and performance);
- a 30 per cent increase in vehicle range - to 270 miles (approximately 430 km);
- a 120 per cent improvement in power-to-weight ratio, in part due to around a 400-pound (approximately 180kg) reduction in the fuel cell powertrain weight, despite a substantial increase in overall vehicle size;
- a 45 per cent reduction in the size of the fuel cell powertrain - nearly equivalent, in terms of volume, to a modern petrol-electric hybrid powertrain;
- an advanced new lithium-ion battery pack that is 40 per cent lighter and 50 per cent smaller than the current-generation FCX's ultracapacitor;
- a single 5,000-psi hydrogen storage tank with 10 per cent additional hydrogen capacity than the previous model.
FCX Clarity design
More than just a fuel cell vehicle - the FCX Clarity portrays Honda's vision of the future of car design and performance, freed from the constraints of conventional powertrain technologies. The FCX Clarity's four-door sedan platform features a short-nose body and spacious cabin with comfortable accommodation for four people and their luggage. Major powertrain components - including the electric motor, fuel cell stack, battery pack and hydrogen tank - have been made more compact and are distributed throughout the vehicle to further optimise space, comfort and total vehicle performance.
Advanced materials and components
In keeping with its theme as an environmentally-advanced automobile, the FCX Clarity features seat upholstery and door linings made from Honda Bio-Fabric - a newly-developed, plant-based material that offers CO2 reductions as an alternative to traditional interior materials, along with outstanding durability and resistance to wear, stretching, and damage from sunlight.
Designed to appeal to forward-thinking customers seeking the ultimate in zero-emissions, alternative-fuel vehicle performance, the FCX Clarity is also equipped with a full complement of advanced safety, comfort and convenience features. These features consist of a state-of-the-art navigation system with hydrogen station locations, a rear view camera, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), a premium sound system, climate controlled seats and Bluetooth™ connectivity.
Other improvements, such as shift-by-wire, electric power steering (EPS), and a newly designed instrument panel with easy-to-read display of hydrogen fuel consumption, further improve its customer appeal and ease of operation.
CO2 emissions
The FCX Clarity's only emission is water. CO2 emissions related to the production of hydrogen vary by source; however, well-to-wheel CO2 emissions using hydrogen reformed from natural gas - the most widely used method of production today - are less than half that of a conventional petrol vehicle. With the production of hydrogen from water by electrolysis, CO2 emissions can be further reduced and ultimately approach zero if the electricity is generated from sustainable sources, such as solar, wind, hydro and wave power.
In the area of solar technology, Honda has developed its own solar cells, with half the CO2 emissions in the production stage compared to conventional crystalline silicon cells; and has begun mass-production and retail sales of this technology in Japan for both commercial and residential use. These panels are also used to generate electricity for the Torrance R&D refueling station in California.
Fuel cell leadership
For 40 years, Honda has worked hard to reduce the environmental impact of the car, including efforts to reduce emissions, boost fuel efficiency and, now, many industry-leading efforts to advance the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle - a technology and fuel that Honda believes may hold the ultimate promise for a clean and sustainable transportation future. Honda's pioneering achievements in this area include the first U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certification of a fuel cell vehicle (2002); the first lease of a fuel cell vehicle (2002); the first fuel cell vehicle to receive an EPA fuel economy rating (2002); the first cold-weather customer (2004); the first and still only individual retail customers (2005, 2007); and the first and still only fuel cell vehicle to be eligible for a U.S. federal tax credit. |
| Top spec Honda Civic hybrid announced |
A high-spec, Sat Nav-equipped version of the Civic Hybrid has been launched by Honda (UK) to meet customer demand. The Civic Hybrid EX is now available to order from authorised Honda dealers, with the first customers due to receive cars in November. The EX also features leather upholstery and Honda's Hands Free Telephone (HFT) equipment, which uses Bluetooth technology to allow mobile phone calls to be made safely on the move.
It's the first time a Hybrid has featured factory-fitted Sat Nav as standard equipment, meeting a growing demand in the sector - particularly from corporate customers - for high-spec, low emission cars.
"Civic Hybrid is really storming both the retail and fleet markets - we're up by around 500 per cent year-on-year," says Harvey Hughes, Manager - Corporate Operations. "But what we're finding across our range of products, is that we're pulling customers into Honda from other premium manufacturers, and they are demanding a higher level of equipment.
"In the fleet market in particular, many drivers demand kit like Sat Nav, because they use the car for business on a daily basis. The new EX will allow us to meet those needs, and therefore we should appeal to an even wider range of businesses and user chooser drivers," adds Hughes.
The Civic Hybrid EX is priced at £19,300 OTR. With its level of equipment, the closest rival to the EX is the Toyota Prius T Spirit, priced at £20,677.
Controls for the HFT kit are mounted on the steering wheel, while the DVD Navigation unit in the Civic Hybrid EX replaces the existing 6 CD changer, mounted in the dashboard, above the air conditioning controls. As well as offering maps of the UK and Western Europe, it can monitor traffic congestion and advise the user on alternative routes.
In addition, the Honda Sat Nav system can be controlled by voice recognition. Just hold the correct button, say the word 'Restaurant' and the system will locate the nearest places to eat, and then direct you to them. |
| Civic Hybrid still planned to be congestion exempt |
Honda's Civic Hybrid will continue to be London Congestion Charge exempt under Transport for London's proposed changes to the scheme, announced this week.
Cars that emit under 120g/km of CO2 and are EuroIV compliant - like the Civic Hybrid (109g/km) - will be exempt from the charge under the new plans. This means that if the proposals go ahead, new and existing Civic Hybrid customers will still be able to travel in and out of the zone free of charge.
Hybrids are within the fastest growing sector in the car industry. The hybrid market itself has doubled over the last 12 months, with year to date sales of the Civic Hybrid up by 500 per cent (1,735 versus 340 this time last year). |
| Honda wins on reliability |
Hot on the back of winning the What Car? Reliability Supertest 2006, Honda has taken top honours in the Fleet News FN50 reliability survey for the second year in a row.
In the individual vehicle categories, Honda's Accord took number 1 spot and the British built Civic was 5th. Overall, Honda took a convincing win, with more than double the number of commendations for excellent reliability compared to other brands.
John Maslen, Editor of the FN50 comments, With data compiled from the top 50 leasing companies, this is one of the most comprehensive and in-depth surveys of its kind and a coveted title to win; that Honda has won it for the second year running is extremely commendable
It's great to receive such an honour, especially when you consider the sample size of the survey - nearly 1 million cars, comments Tom Gardner, Head of Aftersales and Parts, Honda (UK). We're proud of our reputation for industry leading reliability, but accolades such as this put substance behind our claim, and further consolidates our position as the number one choice (in both fleet and retail) for hassle free motoring. Combine this with strengthening residual values and you can see why Honda has become a serious fleet player. |
| Civic Type S the right type for residual value |
Carrying on from where 5-door Civic left off, the new Civic Type S is set to be a huge winner in the war against depreciation, according to latest figures from Glass's Guide.
With an exceptional residual value of 41 per cent after three years and 60,000 miles, the competitive pricing of the Type S means it loses less money - up to nearly £4,000 less in some cases - against competition from other premium brands such as Mercedes and Audi.
Writing in his opening comments for the November Glass's Guide, Jason King, Forecasting Editor comments on the improved specification, keen pricing and focus on the importance of the corporate buyer to Honda. He points out that the pricing and efficiency of the engines adds up to a very low BiK taxation liability for company car drivers.
The Civic Type S is on sale now, priced from £15,250 to £17,550 and is available with either a 1.8-litre i-VTEC petrol or i-CTDi 2.2-litre diesel engine. |
| Next-generation diesel engine |
Honda Motor Co., Ltd, today announced it has developed a next-generation diesel engine that reduces exhaust gas emissions to a level equal to a gasoline engine. Honda's next-generation diesel engine employs a revolutionary NOx catalytic converter that enables a great reduction in NOx emissions sufficient to meet stringent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier II Bin 5 emissions requirements (based on Honda's internal calculations). This catalytic converter features the world's first innovative system using the reductive reaction of ammonia generated within the catalytic converter to detoxify nitrogen oxides (NOx) by turning them into harmless nitrogen (N2).
The new catalytic converter utilises a two-layer structure: one layer adsorbs NOx from the exhaust gas and converts a portion of it into ammonia, while the other layer adsorbs the resulting ammonia, and uses it later in a reaction that converts the remaining NOx in the exhaust into nitrogen (N2). Ammonia is a highly effective reagent for reducing NOx into N2 in an oxygen-rich, lean-burn atmosphere. This ability to generate and store ammonia within the catalytic converter has enabled Honda to create a compact, lightweight NOx reduction system for diesel engines. The system also features enhanced NOx reduction performance at 200-300ºC, the main temperature range of diesel engines.
Honda designed the catalytic converter for use with its 2.2 i-CTDi diesel engine, which has earned widespread praise for quiet, clean operation and dynamic performance since its introduction in 2003 on the European Accord model. By further advancing combustion control, the 2.2 i-CTDi delivers cleaner exhaust to the NOx catalytic converter. Honda achieved this by optimising the combustion chamber configuration, reducing fuel injection time with a 2,000-bar common rail injection system and boosting the efficiency of the EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system. Thanks to these improvements, Honda has reduced the amount of NOx and soot normally found in engine exhaust, while increasing power output.
Along with developing superior technology for cleaning exhaust gas, Honda plans to address other technical challenges in developing clean diesel engines, such as handling diesel fuels with different cetane numbers and meeting U.S. On-Board Diagnostic System requirements. Honda plans to introduce its next-generation diesel engine in the U.S. within three years.
Gasoline engines presently employ three-way catalytic converters that offer NOx reduction rates as high as 99%, but this performance is possible only at the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. In the oxygen-rich environment of a lean-burn diesel engine, three-way catalytic converters only reduce NOx levels by approximately 10%. Honda's new catalytic converter efficiently reduces NOx in a lean-burn atmosphere, enabling diesel engines to rival gasoline engines in cleanliness. The compact system is also easy to install in passenger vehicles.
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| Honda's six-seat FR-V revised for 2007 |
Honda's compact MPV - which features six seats arranged in two rows of three - has a new engine line-up and a series of exterior and interior changes for 2007.
From early next year, the FR-V will be available with a highly-efficient 140PS 1.8-litre i-VTEC unit - the engine launched in the 5-door Civic earlier this year.
The 1.8 offers great performance with fantastic economy - the best of both worlds! It does this through the latest VTEC technology that reduces pumping losses by delaying intake valve closure and holding the throttle valve wide open during low-load driving conditions. This boosts economy to that of a smaller engine, but it's still as poky as a 2.0-litre powered car. The 1.8 i-VTEC replaces both the 1.7 and 2.0-litre petrol engines that were previously available.
Externally, 2007 models can be distinguished by a new dark chrome finish to the grille, while the headlights, door handles, rear combination light and lower licence plate trim have also been tweaked.
Inside, the wood has gone - the fascia panel now sports a much-improved metal, carbon-like finish. The seats and doors, meanwhile, have a new greyish-blue soft touch fabric (grey leather seats together with beige soft touch fabric continue on EX grade models). An additional boot light provides added convenience.
It was already one of the most practical compact MPVs on the market, but the new FR-V is now even more versatile thanks to a number of improvements. The front middle seat tray, revealed by flipping forward the front half of the seat squab, now features two compartments and cup holders with lids. And the front seat headrests and back seat armrests have both been enhanced.
The FR-V is now also provided with an auxiliary jack for an iPod or similar audio storage device.
Otherwise, the FR-V continues to offer an outstandingly flexible, practical and intelligent interior in a stylish body. With all six seats in two rows, it's easy for everyone in the car to talk to each other, making it a more friendly way to travel.
It also leaves space for a large boot, and when more space for luggage is needed, the FR-V comes into its own. Not only do the three rear seats fold individually, they fold flat into the floor. So maximum space is achieved without having to remove and then store bulky seats. They can also be folded one-handed, simply by reaching in from the boot and unfastening a single latch.
To add to the numerous space combinations, the back of the central front seat also folds down to allow extra-long items to be carried, or to form a table. |
| Honda's month of CO2 free motoring |
Every new Honda car sold in June will effectively emit no CO2,
thanks to a 'Greener Driving' initiative.
To support World Environment Day (5 June) and demonstrate Honda's continued commitment to green issues, every car will come with a free Greener Driving Gift, which will include a CarbonNeutral certificate confirming the offset of one month's CO2 emissions.
The gift pack will also contain a box of organic Green and Black's chocolates, a 'Greener Driver' car bumper sticker and a booklet on tips to help reduce environmental impact.
Retail customers will be presented with the gifts by their authorised Honda dealer when they collect their new car. After the first month's CarbonNeutral commitment expires, the new Honda owner will have the opportunity to extend their offsetting of CO2 through the Carbon Neutral Company.
John Kingston, Environment Manager at Honda (UK), says: We're proud to support any event that promotes and educates on green matters, and that's why Honda is backing World Environment Day. The beauty of this Greener Driving offer is that it's not only a gift for the buyer of the Honda - it's a gift for the environment too. |
| British drivers don't understand greener cars, says Honda |
- 51% of drivers have never heard of hybrid cars
- 77% would be more motivated to change their driving habits by money than environmental damage
- 70% say the Government or car manufacturers are responsible for encouraging people to buy cleaner cars
New research revealed at the launch of Honda's Civic Hybrid car shows that British drivers are in blissful ignorance when it comes to understanding greener motoring.
The research, carried out by TNS on behalf of Honda (UK), questioned 1,200 British drivers on their attitudes towards the environment and their understanding of alternative fuel vehicles.
More than half (51%) of British motorists were not even aware of hybrid cars. Of the drivers who said they knew of hybrids, more than 40% didn't know that it was a car that uses both petrol and electric power. Incorrect responses ranged from the intelligent guess (a car that uses a combination of fuels) to the bizarre (two cars welded together or a car made by more than one manufacturer).
The research also asked people to name a type of alternative fuel vehicle and a huge 82% failed to mention the petrol-electric hybrid car. Despite the fact hybrids are as easy to use and refuel as a standard petrol car, people were more likely to quote LPG (far more complex for a day-to-day motorist) or fully electric cars (impractical because of the frequent need to stop and recharge).
People were even less aware of the potential cost savings of owning a hybrid car. Only 35% of those surveyed correctly associated hybrids with lower fuel costs. Very few knew that hybrids entitled the owner to reduced company car tax (4%), lower road fund tax (2%) and the 100 per cent discount from the London congestion charge (2%).
The irony is that the research shows British drivers are more likely to be motivated by money rather than by environmental responsibility. When the 73% who said they were unlikely to buy a hybrid were asked what would make them consider one, the top factor (43%) was if I was sure running costs would be lower followed by if petrol became too expensive (34%). This substantiates the number one reason for rejecting a hybrid: too expensive (34%).
Similarly, of the 18% who would consider a hybrid car, the top motivating factor was lower fuel costs (54%) rather than environmental benefits (39%).
When asked who should be responsible for encouraging better take up of greener vehicles, 70% suggested the Government or car manufacturers (35% each).
Further confirming the 'head in the sand' attitude, less than a fifth (17%) of drivers saw it as their own responsibility to lessen the environmental impact of their vehicles. |
| Civic Type R Concept unveiled |
When Honda unveils a new sports concept there is always a sense of anticipation and the new Civic Type R is no exception.
To please all its fans, Honda engineers have designed a 'superhatch' to deliver blistering performance from the same power output as the previous incarnation (200ps).
The aggressive, lower and wider-looking body encases a new 2.0-litre engine and the model, built in Britain, will go on sale in early 2007 priced around £18,000.
Expect to see more 3-door versions of Civic at the London Motor Show in July. |
| Snow surprise Honda CR-V is number one |
It's snow surprise the CR-V is the best selling SUV so far in 2006. With refined road manners and an intelligent 4WD system that adapts to all conditions, the Honda is the ideal mode of transport during harsh winter weather.
Combined petrol and diesel sales of the award-winning CR-V top those of any other car in the SUV category, thanks to the vehicle's superior ride, handling and versatility.
On roads covered in snow or heavy frost, the CR-V comes into its own, offering a safer, more confident drive thanks to its responsive 4WD set-up. As soon as slippage is detected from the front wheels, the clever Honda system shifts power to the rear.
This provides the CR-V with better acceleration and performance on slippery surfaces. It also gives smoother responses and improved performance when accelerating around corners and pulling away from road junctions, or when understeer has set in.
The CR-V features either the acclaimed 2.2-litre i-CTDi diesel engine, or the 2.0-litre i-VTEC petrol unit. Prices start at £17,700. |
| Civic has it covered |
Customers buying a new Honda Civic can now get free car insurance for seven days, so they can buy and then drive away.
The new Civic is offered with free Hondacare 7-Day Driveaway insurance. The Hondacare policy provides instant insurance cover for a week and removes the need for customers to decide on annual insurance before leaving the showroom.
At the time of purchasing a new Civic, an insurance cover note will be emailed direct to the dealer, so the dealer can tax the car and the customer can drive their new car home straight away.
Hondacare 7-Day Driveaway cover offers market-leading levels of protection and is available to all customers (providing they hold a full, valid UK driving licence, are not disqualified from driving and the vehicle is not to be used for commercial purposes).
For more details on 7-Day Driveaway cover, customers should contact an authorised Honda dealership. |
| 2006 Accord on sale now |
The striking and innovative new Accord is now available to order from Honda showrooms across the UK.
Updated and improved inside and out, the new Accord has been given subtle design changes, plus more sophisticated standard equipment, ensuring the model continues its rise into the refined and high quality sector.
It also features three significant and ground-breaking systems to increase driver comfort and safety.
These include Honda's Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS), which comprises Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
The innovative LKAS system actually applies steering torque to ensure the Accord remains safely in the centre of a road lane. A tiny camera positioned near the rear-view mirror monitors the road markings and steers the car if it drifts toward the edge of a lane, thereby reducing the burden of motorway (or main road) driving and enhancing driver comfort and safety.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses a radar to measure the distance to the vehicle ahead. In addition to maintaining a set speed, as with conventional cruise control, ACC is also able to automatically regulate both the vehicle speed and its distance to the vehicle ahead travelling in the same lane.
ADAS technology is not just a sales gimmick - studies have proven the system can improve driver awareness; with ADAS switched on, the extent of the driver's eye movement increases to cover more areas on or around the road.
These state-of-the-art driving aids are available on the Accord ADAS model, a range-topping version of the 2.4 EX with automatic transmission.
The Accord can be ordered today, and will be in Honda showrooms from March, priced from £17,030 to £25,880. |
| Record sales in Europe for Honda |
Honda expects to achieve record European car sales during 2005, against the current trend.
The total for cars sold in Europe is forecast to be 285,000 units - an 11 per cent increase on the previous year. The Jazz model has been a key driver in this record year and is expected to reach 80,000 units. In addition, the success of the new CR-V and FR-V models has been crucial.
Honda has now targeted another record year in 2006 and plans to sell 310,000 vehicles, which would represent a further nine per cent increase on this year's total.
The new Civic will play a key role in achieving this ambitious growth target, in particular the European-exclusive 5-door Civic, on sale in the UK in January. Honda will also launch a new petrol-electric Civic Hybrid that has five per cent better fuel economy, 20 per cent more power and is just as practical as the outgoing Civic IMA.
Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) in Swindon has started assembly of the i-CTDi diesel engine, which won International Engine of the Year this year. The plant will also start diesel cylinder-head machining in 2006. This move will see Honda further localising production. HUM is already responsible for building the new 5-door Civic and the CR-V.
Honda is also targeting success in its motorcycles division with the launch of an Italian-made, 4-cylinder touring model - the CBF1000 - and a Spanish-made V-twin touring bike - New Deauville. Both of these models were introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show in October and will complement the new models sourced from Japan, such as the CBR1000RR and the Silverwing400. |
| The beast is back |
Honda (UK) has confirmed that a high-performance Civic will be launched at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show.
A concept vehicle will be unveiled at the event, giving the public a chance to see how the new beast will look. The Type-R will then go on sale in the UK in early 2007.
The news will be well-received by performance car enthusiasts across the world. The outgoing Civic Type-R (or CTR as it's known to fans) helped change the image of Honda in Britain. It was fast, thrilling, racy and affordable. As a result, nearly 18,000 CTRs have been sold in the UK.
It's also good news for Britain and for Honda in the UK Manufacturing (HUM), as the plant in Swindon will be responsible for building the hot Civic.
While technical details on the car are not yet available, the news of a sporting Type-R version of new Civic couldn't come at a better time; the 5-door Civic has just been launched in Europe to a great reception, and goes on sale in January. It has been praised for its precise handling, fantastic cornering and confidence-inspiring stability.
And given the already incredible styling of the 5-door hatch, the Type-R version is sure to be as exciting to look at as it is to drive. |
| Honda launches Acura in Japan |
Honda has announced on 14th December plans to introduce its luxury brand, Acura, in Japan. The Acura brand will offer distinctive products with a core focus on advanced, leading edge technologies that are always ahead of the times. Honda will also integrate its three current sales channels into one - so customers can buy and service any Honda-branded model in any one dealership (mirroring the UK set up).
The goals of the new sales channel strategy are to maintain Honda's ability to respond to changes in society and the automobile market and to continue to provide the diverse values desired by customers and meet increasingly sophisticated customer needs.
The introduction of Acura, a luxury brand, will offer a distinctive driving experience and other unique characteristics. The Acura brand will start in autumn 2008, with approximately 100 dealers in Japan. This will also enable Honda to achieve further growth and take a big step forward in its home market of Japan. The current number of Honda dealers there is 2,400.
With this new sales channel strategy, Honda will accelerate its effort to maximise customer satisfaction and pursue the goal of consistently achieving annual sales of more than 800,000 units.
Acura is a luxury brand Honda first introduced in the US in 1986. |
| Honda & Autogreen combine for environmental solution |
Honda (UK) has reached an agreement with Autogreen to provide End of Life Vehicle (ELV) processing and dismantling services for Honda vehicles.
The agreement ensures Honda (UK) meets its responsibilities under the European End of Life Vehicle Directive. It also means Honda last owners will be able to dispose of vehicles at the end of their useful life for no charge.
Autogreen's nationwide network of treatment sites makes sure Honda meets ELV coverage requirements, and means all Honda last owners will have a treatment site near their home.
End of Life vehicles returned to the Autogreen network will be de-polluted in line with DEFRA and DTI Guidelines. Parts and other components will then be removed for recycling and reuse. Honda and Autogreen will work together to recycle, reuse and recover 85 per cent of vehicle weight, leaving only 15 per cent to go to landfill.
John Kingston, Environment Manager, Honda (UK) says: This agreement will ensure all Honda last owners are provided with a high quality service and is a clear demonstration of Honda's environmental credentials and commitment.
As part of an integrated approach, Autogreen will also be offering this service to Honda's production plant at Swindon to ensure the maximum reduction in waste that is being sent to landfill. |
| Honda's running robot |
A new version of Honda's ASIMO humanoid robot was revealed today. The improved robot can pursue key tasks in a real-life environment and features an advanced level of physical capabilities.
The new ASIMO can act in harmony with people - for example, walking with a person while holding hands. It can also give and receive objects, and walk while using a trolley or cart. Plus, the development of a total control system enables ASIMO to automatically perform a series of everyday human tasks, such as those of an information guide.
The running capability of ASIMO is dramatically improved, with the robot now able to run at a speed of 6km/h and can also run in a circular pattern.
The goal of Honda's Research and Development team is to create a truly useful humanoid robot which possesses both intelligence and physical capabilities at a high level.
The new ASIMO revealed today has achieved the advanced physical capabilities target, so now Honda will continue in its R&D efforts by shifting focus to the area of intelligence, which will further enable ASIMO to make comprehensive judgements based on various situations.
An overview of ASIMO's latest developments
1) New function to perform tasks automatically in harmony with people: ASIMO is now capable of performing tasks automatically in harmony with the movement of people. This was achieved by providing ASIMO with the ability to recognise the surrounding environment through its visual sensors, floor surface sensor, ultrasonic sensor, and by an IC Tele-interaction Communication Card, which is held by the person with whom ASIMO will interact. Through the coordinated use of the eye camera in the head and the force (kinesthetic) sensor on its wrists, ASIMO can give and receive an object such as a tray in a timely manner. Further, by using this sensor, ASIMO can hold the hand of the person and move in sync with them.
2) New function to carry objects using a trolley or cart: ASIMO is now capable of handling a trolley freely while maintaining an appropriate distance from the trolley by adjusting the force of its right and left arms to push a trolley using the force (kinesthetic) sensor on its wrists. Even when the movement of the trolley is disturbed, ASIMO can continue manoeuvering by taking flexible actions such as slowing down or changing directions.
3) Improved running functions: Through proactive control of ASIMO's posture while both feet are off the ground, the running speed was doubled from the previous 3km/h to 6km/h. In addition, running in a circular pattern at a high speed was achieved by tilting the centre of gravity of ASIMO's body inside of the circle to maintain balance with the amount of centrifugal force experienced.
Various technological achievements obtained through the research and development of ASIMO, including posture control technologies, image and voice recognition technologies, and technologies to anticipate and avoid collisions, will be applied to other technological pursuits within Honda, such as automotive safety technology and other areas.
Key specifications of the new ASIMO (in comparison with the next generation ASIMO that debuted December 11, 2004) :
1. Running speed: 6km/h (previous model: 3km/h)
- Airborne time: 0.08 second (previous model: 0.05 second)
- Distance ASIMO moves forward while both feet are off the ground : 50mm 2. Normal walking speed: 2.7km/h (previous model: 2.5km/h) 3. Speed of running in a circular pattern: 5km/h (2.5m radius) 4. Walking speed while carrying objects: 1.6km/h (based on carrying object: weighing 1kg)
5. Height: 130cm
6. Weight:54kg
7. Operating degrees of freedom:Total 34 degrees of freedom Publicity materials relating to this announcement are available at the following URLs: |
| 'Could Britain saves 450 Empire State Buildings of waste?' |
What if the nation reduced its waste to landfill by 35 per cent? It's a question associates at the Honda (UK) head office are asking after doing just that - only three months into a recycling campaign.
An initiative to reduce office waste was launched in September by members of the Honda (UK) Green Forum - a group of associates formed to promote, educate and raise awareness of environmental issues. The Forum recognised that the Langley-based office was producing the equivalent weight of nearly 60 Accord Tourers in annual contributions to landfill, so it kick-started an internal recycling system using colour-coded bins.
The Green Forum removed each associate's individual wastepaper bin - an inconvenience for staff at first - they now have to walk on average an extra 15 miles per year to reach the recycling bins on each floor. But what if everyone in the UK was walking an extra 15 miles each year? What might that mean for the health of the nation?
The direct results of the Honda (UK) recycling initiative are easier to measure. In November 2005, the Langley office recycled 6.4 tonnes of rubbish. That means its total waste to landfill was reduced by 35 per cent.
If the UK reduced its yearly total waste to landfill - a monstrous 435 million tonnes - by the same percentage, that could mean a reduction in waste of around 150 million tonnes, the same weight as 450 Empire State Buildings!
John Kingston, Environment Manager, Honda (UK) said: This is a remarkable achievement in just a few months of operation, and the figure of 35 per cent is going to grow as associates adapt their habits. This kind of initiative is in line with Honda in the UK Manufacturing's objective to reduce its contribution to landfill to zero per cent by 2010.
To further deliver the environment message, this week The Green Forum offered a free lunch to associates travelling to work by bicycle, motorbike, train or bus, and those involved in a car share. In conjunction with the Energy Saving Trust, it also gave out energy efficient light bulbs. |
| New name, new face of B·A·R Honda |
Honda Racing F1 Team is the new name chosen by Honda for its Formula One Team following the acquisition by Honda Motor Co. Ltd of the full 100% shareholding in B·A·R Honda. The name has been selected to reflect Honda's rich and successful heritage in the sport - a theme which will permeate every element of the team's new identity.
During its first two generations of Formula One competition - from 1964 to 1968 and from 1983 to 1992 - Honda won 11 world titles in both the Constructors' and Drivers' championships with a total of 71 race wins. Taking inspiration from these historic Honda cars, the Honda Racing F1 Team car entry for the 2006 season will be the RA106 and the new V8 Honda engine will be the RA806E, consistent with the nomenclature from its previous two generations of F1 competition.
The team's full competition entry name will be Lucky Strike Honda Racing F1 Team. Whilst founding partner and former shareholder British American Tobacco has agreed to sell its equity in the team, 2006 will see a continuation of its innovative Lucky Strike title sponsorship programme and the brand identity will continue to form the basis of the race car livery next season.
Commenting on the new team name, Nick Fry, Chief Executive Officer, said:
Over the past few weeks I have been delighted to observe the progress we have made in the transition to Honda ownership. The name change is perhaps the clearest manifestation of the fact that we are now all part of Honda. It creates a focal point for the team culture going forward, and with an eye towards Honda's proud heritage, the name reminds us all that we have the depth, determination and resource required to fulfil our racing ambitions.
Although the team's 2006 race car livery will have a familiar feel, the team has unveiled an exciting new look for its '06 Concept car, which the team began testing this week in Barcelona.
Honda Racing White provides the base canvas, a colour which has been synonymous with the Honda motorsport identity since the RA271, driven by Ronnie Bucknum, marked Honda's F1 debut at the Nurburgring in 1964. The more familiar red, combined with elements of the Lucky Strike brand's colour palette, complete this striking new livery, which will be used throughout the winter testing period leading up to the track debut of the RA106 race car.
The '06 Concept car combines this year's B·A·R Honda 007 race chassis with the newly-designed 2006 rear end components, including the all-new Honda V8 engine. The Concept car plays a vital role in the development of next year's car, allowing for the early running of the new powertrain, gearbox and rear suspension assembly.
Whilst the Concept car livery is already on show at the Circuit de Catalunya, the new team name was confirmed by the FIA today in its publication of the official 2006 team entry list and will be introduced with immediate effect.
In addition, the FIA has published the 2006 driver entry list, which confirms that the team's driver line-up of Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button will compete with driver numbers 11 and 12 respectively. The allocated driver numbers reflect the team's position in the 2005 Constructors' Championship, with Jenson relinquishing his right, as the incumbent driver, to the lead entry number and handing it to Rubens after learning how special the number has been to him throughout his career.
Simon Thompson, Honda (UK)'s Head of Car Marketing comments: If Honda didn't race, there would be no Honda. Winning the Formula 1 World Championship will be another Impossible Dream come true. |
| Honda spreads happiness with powerboat |
The Car After-Sales department of Honda (UK) is sponsoring a racing powerboat to compete in the 2006 Formula 4-Stroke Series - with Honda staff at the controls!
The 'Honda Happiness' powerboat aims to spread the word about Honda's new fixed price repairs programme for Hondas over three years old. The Honda Happiness scheme is the first of its kind in the market, and offers services like a basic vehicle check for just £65, or new front brake pads for only £85. The programme shows customers they can get repairs from a Honda dealer, using Honda Genuine Parts, at competitive prices.
The Four Stroke powerboat - powered by a 150hp engine - will be piloted by four Honda Associates next year. These drivers will be selected from 15 members of staff, who are competing in a series of time trials on the Solent during December.
· Honda Happiness is available for European-spec Honda vehicles that are over 36 months old and out of manufacturer's warranty. NSX and S2000 are excluded. Available at participating dealers.
· The Honda Formula 4-Stroke powerboat series is the largest offshore powerboat series in the world. Launched in 1999, it now boasts 36 teams across two one-design classes - the 150hp class and the 225hp class. |
| Honda Civic's US cousin wins award |
The all-new Honda Civic earned Motor Trend magazine's prestigious 2006 Car of the Year award, American Honda Motor Co.
The award extends to the entire Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe line-up including the environmentally responsible Civic Hybrid and high-performance Civic Si models.
The Motor Trend editorial staff selected the Honda Civic from a field of 28 new or substantially revised models - the largest to date - recognising it for exceptional value, superiority in its class and the most significant development on the new-car scene for 2006. Testing took place over a two-week period that included thousands of miles of on-track driving and on-street evaluation, along with several days of walk-around appraisals.
For 2006, the Civic underwent the most radical transformation in its 33-year history, said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. It is a cornerstone of the Honda line-up, and we're delighted that Motor Trend has recognised the new levels of styling, performance, technology, safety and value that characterise the new Civic. Customers have validated our direction too, as evidenced by strong sales of the new model.
The 2006 Honda Civic establishes new segment standards for safety, technology and performance. Clean and efficient i-VTEC engine technologies power than ever before while still achieving an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 40 miles per gallon. In keeping with Honda's 'Safety for Everyone' initiative, the Honda Civic features advanced standard safety equipment including side curtain airbags, front side airbags and the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure, regardless of price or trim level.
The most noticeable features of the 2006 Civic include its expressive exterior styling, a high-tech and spacious interior, and fun-to-drive performance. The Civic further rewards drivers and passengers with as many as seven ways to enjoy audio entertainment including XM Satellite Radio, MP3 and WMA support and an accessory Apple iPod adapter that connects the popular music player to the Civic's audio controls.
The Civic Hybrid provides the ultimate in clean and efficient technology with a
1.3-litre i-VTEC engine and a new generation of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology that helps the hybrid achieve an estimated city/highway fuel economy of 49/51 miles per gallon and an Advanced-Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) rating. Additionally, the Civic Hybrid can deactivate all four of its cylinders and operate using only the electric motor in certain low-speed cruising situations.
The Civic Si showcases the high-performance potential of the Civic platform and offers a 197-horsepower, DOHC 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine connected to a 6-speed manual transmission and a limited slip differential.
The majority of Civics are produced and assembled using domestic and globally sourced parts in the United States and Canada. Civic Coupe and Civic Si models are solely produced and assembled at the Honda of Canada Manufacturing plant in Alliston, Ontario. Civic Sedan models are primarily produced and assembled at the Honda of America Manufacturing plant in East Liberty, Ohio. Civic Sedans are also
produced and assembled at Honda of Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario.
Some Civic Sedans and all Civic Hybrid models are produced and assembled in the Honda Motor Co., Ltd, Suzuka, Japan, manufacturing facility.
A list of previous Honda winners in Motor Trend polling includes:
- 1994 Honda Accord Import Car of the Year
- 1988 Honda CRX Si Import Car of the Year
- 1984 Honda Civic CRX Import Car of the Year
- 1980 Honda Civic Import Car of the Year
The new Civic 5 door hatchback, built exclusively for Europe in Honda's Swindon factory goes on sale from January 2006. Prices range from £12685-£18100.
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| Green Honda |
Honda R&D Americas Inc. has just unveiled the Home Energy Station III, which provides heat and electricity for your house, as well as fuel for a hydrogen-powered vehicle. Could this be the beginning of the end for the traditional filling station?
The Home Energy Station uses natural gas as its base energy source and is designed to work in a home-based refuelling environment. It creates enough hydrogen to power a fuel cell vehicle - such as the Honda FCX - for a day, while providing electricity for an average-sized household.
If there is a power failure ­- in an emergency situation for example - the Home Energy Station can also function as a back-up power source, using hydrogen stored in tanks to power the internal fuel cell.
The third generation of Honda's Home Energy Station continues to push the limits with its innovative technology, says Ben Knight, vice president of Honda R&D Americas. The combination of home energy generation and home refuelling offers an attractive alternative to gasoline and takes us one step closer to a truly viable hydrogen-based transportation system. |
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