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Issue Briefs: Honda R&D Creating New Value In The U.S.

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:47:00 -0700

Honda R&D Americas, Inc. (HRA) is responsible for creating advanced products and technologies that provide new value to Honda and Acura customers. Established in Southern California as Honda Research California in 1975 to conduct local market research and design, HRA today has the capability of "complete product creation" - developing all-new vehicles starting from market and technology research and design-styling through engineering design, prototype fabrication and testing, local parts procurement, and support for mass production preparation. With major facilities in California, Ohio, North Carolina and Florida, HRA is engaged in the development and testing of Honda and Acura automobiles, and Honda power sports and power equipment products, and is also taking a leading role in the advancement of leading-edge safety and environmental technologies.

Product Research & Development

From market and technology research to styling, engineering design, fabrication and testing to local parts procurement, Honda R&D Americas is helping create new value for Honda customers through innovation in the development of new Honda and Acura products.

One third (6 of 18) model-year 2012 Honda and Acura models sold in America - including five of seven light truck models - were researched, designed and developed by Honda R&D Americas. These include innovative and trend-setting products such as the 7-passenger Acura MDX, TL sedan and ZDX crossover, as well as the Honda Pilot SUV, Odyssey minivan and Ridgeline truck.
The latest example of Honda's ability to develop products and technologies from scratch in America is the 2011 Honda Odyssey minivan, the first U.S.-designed and developed Honda minivan and the highest sales volume model to be developed locally.

Product Styling Design

Honda R&D Americas' Los Angeles Center and three California-based design studios are responsible for market research, concept development and styling for Honda and Acura products.

The Honda Design Studio (part of the Los Angeles Center) is responsible for the market research, concept development and styling design of Honda-brand automobiles, light trucks, and motorcycles.
The Acura Design Studio in Torrance is responsible for the market research, concept development and styling design of Acura automobiles and light trucks.
The Advanced Design Studio in Pasadena is responsible for creating future design concepts for Honda and Acura products and works closely with leading design schools. The studio developed the FC Sport fuel cell electric vehicle concept (2008) and the P-NUT urban commuter concept (2009) - each showcased at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Environmental Technology Development

In addition to its work on new vehicle design and development, Honda R&D Americas is engaged in programs to advance alternative-fuel technologies, including natural gas and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.
- Honda has developed a new wind tunnel in Ohio that will play an important role in realizing further improvements to the aerodynamic efficiency of new vehicles, enhancing Honda's global R&D capabilities and contributing to Honda's focus on fuel efficiency leadership.
- Supporting the development and deployment of the advanced alternative-fuel vehicles such as the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle.
- Development and operation of a prototype Honda Solar Hydrogen Station utilizing Honda-developed thin-film solar cells. HRA began operating a next-generation system at its Torrance, California, headquarters in January 2010. The new system is able to provide hydrogen for daily commuting in a fuel cell vehicle (10,000 miles per year) via an 8-hour overnight fill without the need for a compressor, thereby reducing system cost, complexity and size.
- Support of Honda's Electric Vehicle Demonstration program involving the advanced market deployment of the Honda Fit EV electric vehicle and Honda's dual motor plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology with program partners the City of Torrance (California), Stanford University and Google.
- Collaborative research of the Civic Natural Gas vehicle's environmental benefits and customer usage, to support the sales and marketing of natural gas-powered vehicles and the expansion of refueling infrastructure to help support retail vehicle sales.

Safety Technology Research and Development

Honda R&D Americas is also making significant contributions to Honda's safety leadership.

The HRA Ohio Center includes an Automotive Safety Research Facility that houses one of the world's highest resolution crash test barriers and the world's first pitching crash test simulation sled. This facility is responsible for the development and testing of nearly all safety systems on Honda's U.S.-developed vehicles.
The U.S.-developed 2001 Honda Civic Coupe was one of the first two vehicles in the industry (along with the Volvo S80) to earn a 5-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA.
- The U.S.-developed 2011 Honda Odyssey first minivan to earn both a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score under the federal government's newly modified New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) and a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Major North American R&D Facilities
Honda operates 14 major R&D facilities in North America. Among them:

Los Angeles Center Torrance, Calif. (1975)	Automobile and motorcycle market research and concept development
	Honda Design Studio -- Torrance, Calif. (1975) Market research, concept development, and styling design for Honda automobiles.
	Acura Design Studio -- Torrance, Calif. (2007) Market research, concept development, and styling design for Acura automobiles.
	Advanced Design Studio -- Pasadena, Calif. (2006) Advanced concept development for next-generation Honda and Acura products.
Ohio Center Raymond, Ohio (1985)	Automobile and Motorcycle research and development; and Automotive Safety Research Facility
North Carolina Center Haw River, NC (1993)	Power Equipment product research, development and testing.
Marine Engine Research Facility Grant-Valkaria, Fla. (2008)	Marine engine research and testing.

Honda R&D Americas, Inc. - Vehicle Development History

Honda R&D Americas is responsible for 24 Honda and Acura new-model developments:

2011 Honda Odyssey	The fourth generation Honda minivan and the highest sales volume model to be designed and developed in North America. It is the first minivan to be awarded a 5-star rating Overall Vehicle Score and a "Top Safety Pick" rating under the NHTSA's and IIHS' recently revised crash safety ratings protocols.
2010 Acura ZDX	An all-new Acura vehicle concept - a 4-door coupe with SUV versatility and sports car-like dynamic performance
2009 Acura TL	Third generation of U.S. development for Acura's top-selling luxury sedan
2009 Honda Pilot	Second generation of U.S. development for Honda's award-winning, mid-size, eight passenger Honda SUV
2007 Acura MDX	Second generation of U.S. development for MDX, including the application of advanced new chassis and electrical system technologies researched and developed by HRA
2006 Civic Coupe and Civic Si	Sporty 2-door coupe and high-performance Si versions of 8th generation Civic - 2006 North American, Canadian, and Motor Trend, Car of the Year
2006 Accord Sedan and Coupe	Mid-model refresh of 2003 Accord. First time HRA is responsible for global launch of new model including coordination of production launch in eight plants worldwide
2006 Honda Ridgeline	Honda's first-ever (in the US), and highly innovative pickup truck - 2006 Motor Trend, North American, and Canadian, Truck of the Year
2004 Acura TL	Second-generation of the TL developed by HRA, and America's best selling luxury sedan in 2004, 2005 and 2006
2003 Honda Element	Innovative SUV with flat cargo floor, washable interior surfaces and B-pillar-less, wide-opening side doors
2003 Honda Pilot	First eight-passenger crossover vehicle and five-time winner of Car and Driver magazine's "5Best Truck" award
2002 Acura TL	Introduction of high-performance TL "Type-S" model
2001 Civic Coupe	First small car and first coupe to earn NHTSA five-star safety rating in frontal and side impact (NCAP) crash test ratings
2001 Acura MDX	First luxury SUV with standard 3rd-row seating and 2001 Motor Trend SUV of the Year and North American Truck of the Year
2001 Acura 3.2CL	HRA's third all-new Acura model and first to apply new 6-speed manual transmission for V6 engines
1999 Acura 3.2TL	Second all-new Acura model developed by HRA
1998 Accord Coupe	First Accord Coupe with exclusive exterior styling
1997 Acura 1.6EL	New Acura model developed exclusively for Canadian market.
1997 Acura CL 3.0 (Coupe)	First Honda or Acura vehicle to receive all-new, high-output V6 engine
1997 Acura CL 2.2 (Coupe)	First U.S.-developed Acura, first all-new vehicle development by HRA, and the first development led by an American engineer
1994 Accord Wagon	First HRA "derivative model" developed simultaneously with its base car, the 1994 Accord Sedan
1993 Civic Coupe	First Civic Coupe - a "derivative" model based on the 1992 Civic hatchback.
1991 Accord Wagon	First HRA developed "derivative model". Based on the 1990 Accord Sedan for North America and exported to Japan and Europe
1989 Honda Accord SEi	First American-led U.S. SED developed model, coordinating U.S. Sales, and Manufacturing and R&D

Issue Briefs: Value To America

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 06:00:00 -0700

Honda has deep roots in America and a long history of contributing to the U.S. economy through U.S. manufacturing, sales, R&D and finance, with cumulative capital investment of more than $11.1 billion since the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., as Honda's first overseas subsidiary in 1959. The company also makes positive contributions to society and quality of life through its pioneering efforts to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance vehicle and pedestrian safety, while providing a consistently high level of product quality and value to its customers.

Employed in America
Working together across all sectors – sales, parts and service, manufacturing, research and development, engineering, and finance– Honda associates strive to deliver the highest possible quality and value to customers.

Approximately 25,000 Honda associates are engaged in manufacturing, R&D, sales, finance, and other operations nationwide
Honda's 2010 U.S. payroll exceeded $1.8 billion
138,000 jobs created by 1,300 Honda and Acura U.S. dealerships, selling 1.2 million vehicles in 2010
1,000 new jobs being created at Honda's Greenburg, Indiana automobile plant, as the plant prepares to add a second shift of Honda Civic and Civic Natural Gas production

Researched and Developed in America
Honda was the first international automaker with the capability to perform "complete product creation" in America. Today, Honda has the most U.S. R&D facilities of any international auto manufacturer.

11 operating R&D facilities in the U.S.
24 distinct Honda and Acura auto and light truck models have been researched, designed, and developed in the U.S. since 1991.
More than one-third (8 of 21) of the model-year 2011 Honda and Acura models sold in America and two-thirds (6 of 8) of the light truck models sold in America were researched, designed and developed in America.
Honda's U.S. R&D operations perform all aspects of new product creation from initial market research and concept creation to styling, design, and complete platform engineering.

Sourced in America
Honda has been growing its local U.S. supplier base for 30 years. Through technology and mentoring, Honda helps its U.S. supplier base increase quality and productivity. These improvements strengthen the suppliers' business, while contributing to the stability of the entire U.S. automotive industry.

In 2010, Honda spent $15.7 billion in parts and materials purchased from U.S. OEM suppliers, an increase of 24 percent from the previous year.
More than 500 U.S. OEM parts suppliers in 34 states provide the parts and materials to assemble Honda and Acura products in the U.S.
19,000 companies supply maintenance, repair and operational (MRO) services to Honda's U.S. operations.

Manufactured in America
Honda has been manufacturing¹ automobiles in America for nearly 30 years, beginning with production of the Honda Accord in Marysville, Ohio, in 1982. Today, Honda remains committed to enhancing its local manufacturing capabilities.

87 percent of Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. were manufactured in North America in 2010. For over a decade, Honda has maintained a local production rate above 75 percent.
9 manufacturing plants in America producing a diverse range of Honda and Acura automobiles, engines, transmissions, power equipment and power sports products.
Two new U.S. plants under development to support Honda's entry into the aerospace business:
- A $100 million plant for production of the HondaJet advanced light jet, in Greensboro, North Carolina, the world headquarters of Honda Aircraft Company.
- A $33 million jet engine plant in Burlington, North Carolina, home of Honda Aero, Inc., future manufacturer of the GE Honda HF120 turbofan engine
75 percent of Honda's direct U.S. employment is jobs in manufacturing.
85 percent of U.S.-produced Honda general purpose engines are sold to U.S.-based manufacturers and used in a variety of their products

Safety and Environmental Leadership in America
Honda continually invests in original technology designed to balance customer demands for performance and safety with environmental responsibility.

Honda has the first minivan (2011 Odyssey) to achieve a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score and the first sedan (2011 Accord) to achieve a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score and 5-stars in each of the four sub-ratings in NHTSA's crash safety ratings program for model year 2011 and newer vehicles.
Honda is reaching beyond federal safety regulations with the adoption of leading pedestrian injury mitigation designs and with its Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure that helps to address the issue of compatibility between vehicles of different sizes and ride heights in a frontal collision.
Honda was named America's "Greenest Automaker" by the Union of Concerned Scientists for the fifth consecutive time in 2010, marking a decade of leadership in high fuel efficiency and reduced tailpipe emissions including CO2.
A Honda vehicle has topped the "greenest vehicle" rankings of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy for 11 straight years.
Honda has led all automakers in the introduction of virtually every low emissions vehicle technology requirement, including the first gasoline-powered LEV, ULEV, SULEV, and AT-PZEV vehicles introduced to U.S. consumers.

¹ Using domestic and globally sourced parts

Issue Briefs: Safety

Thu, 12 May 2011 18:02:00 -0700

Honda has a long history of leadership in the development and application of advanced technologies and designs to enhance the safety of all road users, including automobile occupants, motorcycle riders, and pedestrians. The company operates two of the world's most sophisticated crash test facilities and is responsible for numerous pioneering efforts in the areas of airbag technology, collision compatibility and pedestrian safety. This commitment to safety is based on Honda's goal of being a company that "society wants to exist," and it complements the company's leadership in reducing vehicle emissions, improving fuel efficiency, and advancing alternatives to gasoline.

Comprehensive Approach to Safety

Honda takes a comprehensive approach to vehicle safety, seeking to provide enhanced levels of occupant protection and help with crash avoidance in all Honda and Acura passenger vehicle designs, while also making an active commitment to enhance safety for the occupants of other vehicles as well as pedestrians and other road users.
The company's ‘Safety for Everyone' initiative, undertaken in October 2003, helped lead the industry to the increased application of standard safety features. In 2006, the company fulfilled the core part of the initiative, to equip virtually all Honda and Acura vehicles with a core suite of advanced safety features as standard equipment, regardless of vehicle size or price.

Crash Test Ratings

Honda has been a consistent leader in achieving top-level safety ratings for its vehicles in both government and private industry crash test ratings.
The 2011 Accord is the first vehicle to earn a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score and a 5-star rating for all three underlying categories (frontal, side crash and rollover) under the NHTSA's recently modified safety ratings system; while the 2011 Odyssey is the first minivan to achieve a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score.
The 2011 Odyssey is the first minivan to achieve a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, including a score of "GOOD" in all four IIHS ratings categories, including the more rigorous roof-strength test.
In the 2009 model year, Acura became the first-ever automotive nameplate to earn a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for ALL models in its lineup.
Also in model year 2009 – prior to changes in the IIHS ratings system for model year 2010 and NCAP system in 2011 – American Honda (Honda and Acura brands) had more vehicles earning both a NHTSA five-star crash safety rating and a IIHS "Top Safety Pick" rating than any other automaker.

Compatibility and the ACE™ Body Structure

Honda has played a leading role in addressing the issue of compatibility in collisions between vehicles of
different size, mass and ride height.

In 2005, Honda introduced the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure on the Acura RL to enhance occupant protection in a frontal collision between vehicles of different sizes and ride heights.
19 of the 21 Honda and Acura vehicles sold today – representing more than 95% of American Honda's new-vehicle sales in the U.S. – incorporate the ACE body structure.

Pedestrian Safety

As part of its commitment to improving safety for all road users, Honda has also led the U.S. automotive industry in the application of features designed to reduce injuries to pedestrians in a collision, such as collapsible hood hinges and breakaway windshield wiper pivots, with a focus on reducing severe head injuries, which account for 60 percent of pedestrian fatalities.

In advancing its designs, Honda first sought to better understand the dynamics of pedestrian collisions with the development of POLAR II, widely recognized as the world's most advanced pedestrian crash test dummy. Tests conducted with POLAR II led to the development of the above noted features.
In September 2008, Honda introduced its third-generation POLAR III test dummy with the enhanced ability to measure crash forces in the lower back and upper leg areas.
More than 9 million Honda and Acura vehicles purchased by U.S. customers, including all model year 2008 and newer vehicles (except the S2000 – discontinued for MY2010) feature pedestrian injury mitigation features and designs.

Advanced Safety Testing

Honda operates two of the world's most sophisticated crash test laboratories for development of improved
safety designs and technologies.

The company's Tochigi, Japan, facility was the world's first indoor, multi-directional car-to-car crash testing facility. The Tochigi facility has played a critical role in the development of enhanced designs for occupant and pedestrian safety as well as vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility.
Honda R&D America's Raymond, Ohio, development center performs advanced testing on all U.S.- developed models. The facility features the world's first crash test sled with the ability to simulate the forward pitching motion of an automobile in a frontal collision, allowing for more accurate simulations of vehicle crash dynamics. The Ohio facility also features one of the world's highest resolution impact barriers – a 100-ton moveable crash test block with reconfigurable sides and 450 load cells – enabling precise measurement of the distribution of impact load forces on a vehicle to aid in the development of more advanced vehicle designs.

Industry-Leading Air Bag Technologies

Honda has long been a leader in introducing the industry's most advanced air bag systems, including:

The first front passenger airbag to deploy vertically from the instrument panel, rather than directly at the passenger.
Occupants in the outboard seating positions of every row of every new Honda and Acura vehicle are protected by side curtain airbags.

Other Pioneering Efforts

Honda has been a leader in developing next generation safety technologies, including:

A Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) – introduced on the 2006 Acura RL – as well as continuing research toward future collision avoidance systems and designs for automobiles and motorcycles.
The world's first fully-integrated rider airbag system for a production motorcycle – introduced on the 2006 Honda Gold Wing touring motorcycle.

Issue Briefs: Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicle Technology

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:01:00 -0700

Based on its vision of "Blue Skies for our Children," Honda has worked for more than thirty years at reducing the environmental impact of the automobile, including industry-leading efforts to advance the hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) - a technology that Honda believes holds the ultimate promise for a clean and sustainable transportation future. As always, Honda has sought to apply its latest technology in real-world settings and to exceed customers' expectations for performance, quality and safety. Honda's original technology has broken through technical barriers for FCEVs including cold-weather start-up, operating range, efficiency, and compact packaging. Uniquely, Honda is also developing technology to answer the "chicken and the egg" dilemma of the deploying hydrogen-powered vehicles and the refueling infrastructure to support them.

NEXT-GENERATION HONDA FUEL-CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY

In November 2007, Honda introduced the all-new FCX Clarity - its next-generation fuel-cell electric vehicle that delivers performance, range, efficiency, and style previously unachievable in a FCEV. The FCX Clarity is being leased to retail customers on a regular and continuing basis - the first customer deliveries having taken place in July 2008.

The FCX Clarity is based on Honda's all-new V Flow fuel-cell electric vehicle platform and is powered by the revolutionary new Honda V Flow fuel cell stack that delivers more power in less space with improved efficiency, power output, driving range, reliability, and cold-weather performance.
The V Flow stack employs a revolutionary new cell configuration and vertical layout that more than doubles the stack's power-to-weight density versus the previous generation Honda FC stack.
With the Honda V Flow fuel cell platform, the size of the total powertrain has been reduced by 45 percent to roughly the same size as a V6 hybrid powertrain, while vehicle fuel efficiency is up to an EPA combined city-highway fuel-economy rating of ¹60 miles per kilogram hydrogen (kg/H2). Based on this increase in efficiency and a 10-percent increase in fuel tank volume, driving range is increased to 240 miles.
The V Flow platform incorporates a compact and efficient new lithium ion battery pack that is 50 percent smaller and 40 percent lighter than the ultracapacitor in the previous FCX. It marks the first commercial deployment of lithium ion battery technology in an automobile as a source of motive power.
Honda aims to gain further real-world experience and exposure for advanced FCEV technology with the lease of FCX Clarity fuel cell cars to fleet and retail customers around the world, primarily in North America,.
Production of the FCX Clarity on the world's first dedicated FCEV assembly line began on June 16, 2008, at Honda's New Model Center, in Takenazawa, Tochigi prefecture, Japan.
Deliveries of the FCX Clarity to selected retail customers in Southern California began in July 2008.

FUEL CELL ACHIEVEMENTS

Other pioneering achievements in the fuel cell arena include:
- First government-certified FCEV: EPA and CARB certified, and certified to meet all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards (July 2002)
- First commercial lease of a FCEV(December 2002)
- First FCEV to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures (2003)
- First long-term lease to customers in extreme climates (Las Vegas, New York - 2004)
- First FCEV placed in the hands of an individual customer (June 2005)
- Lease of FCX to the world's youngest fuel cell customer (March 2007)
- Start up of world's first dedicated FCEV and powertrain production facility (June 2008)
In over five years of use with fleet and retail customers, including government entities in California, Nevada and the state of New York, and retail customers in California, the first-generation FCX has performed well under often harsh conditions, with minimal service support, even in the extreme heat of the Western deserts and the bitter cold of the Northeast.

SOLAR HYDROGEN STATION USING HONDA SOLAR-CELL TECHNOLOGY

Uniquely, Honda is also developing technology to answer the "chicken and the egg" dilemma of the hydrogen-powered vehicle and the refueling infrastructure.

In January 2010 Honda R&D Americas began operating a next-generation prototype Solar Hydrogen Station at its Los Angeles R&D center. The new system is more compact and is designed with an eye toward eventual use as a home refueling appliance, providing convenient and energy-neutral overnight refueling of hydrogen-powered fuel-cell electric vehicles.
- This new system no longer requires a compressor, significantly reducing the energy consumed in the refueling process, while providing enough hydrogen, via an 8-hour refuel, to commute 30 miles each day.
- The station employs next-generation CIGS thin-film solar cells, developed by Honda Engineering Co., Ltd., and being mass produced and marketed to commercial and residential users in in Japan by Honda subsidiary Honda Soltec, LLC.

¹ Official U.S. EPA city/highway combined fuel economy rating. One mile per kilogram of hydrogen (kg-H2) is roughly the equivalent of one mile per gallon (mpg) of gasoline.

Issue Briefs: Environmental Technology

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:12:00 -0800

Based on its commitment to innovation and the development of original technology, Honda is working to help address society's environmental and energy concerns – including global climate change, air pollution and energy sustainability – through a comprehensive, portfolio approach that involves both advanced powertrain and energy creation technologies for the near and longer term. This includes further improvements to gasoline engine fuel efficiency, including the expanded deployment of affordable gas-electric hybrid vehicles; the development of viable alternatives to gasoline, including natural gas, battery electric vehicles and the hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicle; and advanced energy production and distribution technologies, including solar cells, co-generation systems, and both electric recharging and hydrogen refueling stations.

Improving Fuel Efficiency

Honda has been a consistent leader in fuel-efficiency, introducing new technologies and topping the U.S. EPA's automobile fuel-economy rankings for 24 of the past 33 years..

Honda is committed to further advancements in internal combustion engine fuel efficiency, with a focus on the broad application of technologies such as VTEC™ and Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™); and the expanded application of Honda hybrid technology.
- Second-generation Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) technology – with three-, four- and six-cylinder operation – is being used in the Accord V6 Sedan and Coupe, Accord Crosstour, Pilot SUV and all-new Odyssey minivan.
- The most affordable hybrid available on the road today, the five-passenger Honda Insight, utilizes an interactive Ecological Drive Assist System to help enhance customers' fuel-efficient driving capabilities.
- The new CR-Z sporty hybrid coupe, also using Eco Assist, expands Honda's lineup of hybrid vehicles, offering consumers a driver-focused vehicle with an emphasis on efficient performance and affordability.
- The third generation Civic Hybrid, being introduced in the spring of 2011, will be the first Honda hybrid to utilize lithium-ion batteries, developed and produced by Blue Energy Co., Ltd., a join venture effort by Honda and GS Yuasa.
Further, the company is making extensive use of advanced materials such as aluminum and high-strength steel that improve fuel economy while allowing engineers to meet other critical targets such as vehicle safety.
- All new Honda and Acura vehicles have body structures using substantial amounts of high-strength steel, as much or more than 50% of the vehicle's body structure by weight.

Electromotive Technology

Honda has also been at the lead of developing new electromotive technologies for more than a decade, and continues to advance its electric drivetrain technologies across multiple platforms, including its fuel cell electric and gas-electric hybrid vehicles, and its soon-to-be-deployed battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The company is preparing for the launch of new battery electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid vehicle technology, which together with the FCX Clarity are part of Honda's Electric Mobility Network, a comprehensive vision for reducing CO2emissions.
The Honda Fit EV electric commuter vehicle will be introduced in the U.S. in 2012. Its market launch will be preceded by the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program involving Stanford University, Google, Inc., and the City of Torrance, California, beginning in 2011.
- Honda was first to market with an electric vehicle using advanced nickel metal hydride batteries in 1996, with its Honda EV Plus.
A new plug-in hybrid model utilizing Honda's new dual-motor hybrid system for mid- to larger-sized vehicles will be introduced in 2012. A test vehicle will be deployed with the City of Torrance in 2011.
Honda has paced the industry in the development and deployment of the fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) as well as the refueling infrastructure that will be required to take it to the mass market.
- Honda has been leasing its fuel-cell electric vehicles to fleet and retail customers in California since 2002 in the world's first large-scale retail initiative for FCEVs.
- Honda introduced the world's first production FCEV and first to be certified for commercial use by the U.S. EPA and CARB – the Honda FCX – in October 2002.
- The Honda FCX Clarity, the successor to the FCX, is the world's first purpose-built FCEV and the first to be manufactured on a dedicated production line.
- Honda R&D is advancing technology for the use of renewable energy in the production of hydrogen (see Solar Cell).

Natural Gas-Powered Vehicles

Honda has sought to establish a pathway from gasoline to gaseous fuel alternatives with its natural gas-powered Civic GX, the only natural gas-powered passenger car for retail sale from a major automaker in North America.

The Civic GX reduces tank-to-wheel CO emissions by 25 percent (versus a comparable gasoline-powered compact car) and is certified as an Inherently Low Emissions Vehicle (ILEV) by the U.S. EPA.
Over the past two years, Honda has expanded its U.S. retail sales network for the Civic GX to Honda dealers in Utah and Oklahoma, joining dealers in California and New York in offering customers a practical and low-emissions alternative to gasoline for their daily commute.
Honda will expand retail sales of the Civic GX to all states with the introduction of the ninth-generation Civic lineup, including an all-new Civic GX, in spring 2011.
In California, the Civic GX and FCX Clarity were recently given extended, single-occupant access to HOV lanes, continuing through January 2015.

1compared to conventional crystal silicon solar cells.

Advanced Cleaner Energy Research

Honda's efforts have gone beyond developing new vehicle technologies. Honda has focused its research and development resources on the creation of new sources of cleaner power to provide the energy required for future mobility.

Solar Cell – Honda-developed photovoltaic solar cells significantly reduce the energy and CO2 emissions in the manufacturing phase1. Honda subsidiary Soltec, Ltd. began mass production of Honda solar cells at its new Kumamoto factory in October 2008. Honda is utilizing the cells in an array at Honda R&D Americas Los Angeles headquarters, where solar energy is used to extract hydrogen from water for refueling the FCX Clarity in a virtually carbon-free energy cycle.
FFVs – Honda has developed a flexible-fuel system that enables engines to operate on either 100 percent ethanol or a wide range of ethanol-gasoline fuel mixtures. In late 2006, Honda began sales of a flex-fuel Fit and Civic sedan in Brazil, where the energy-efficient production of bio-ethanol from plant cellulose such as sugar cane has gained in popularity.
Bio-fuel – To address the need for more efficient means of producing bio-ethanol in other regions of the world, Honda R&D and the Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE) are researching new technology to produce ethanol from soft-biomass, a renewable resource of plant-derived material. The company has set up an experimental production facility at its Wako, Japan R&D campus to further study the market potential of this technology.
MCHP – Honda in partnership with Climate Energy, LLC, is marketing a micro-combined heat and power cogeneration (MCHP) appliance called freewatt™ to residential customer in the Northeastern U.S. The freewatt system generates electricity and heat for the home with an approximate 30-percent reduction in energy use and associated CO2emissions.

Reducing Emissions

Honda has led all automakers in the introduction of vehicles that meet or exceed increasingly stringent exhaust emissions regulations.
First gasoline-powered LEV, ULEV, SULEV, and AT-PZEV vehicles introduced to U.S. consumers.
For model year 2010, all Honda and Acura vehicles meet or exceed U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards on an individual model basis, without the use of fleet averaging.
Honda has been a leader in the application of overhead valve (OHV) 4-stroke engines to its powersports and power equipment product lines. All model year 2008 and newer Honda motorcycles, including competition models, and all Honda power equipment lines use OHV 4-stroke engine technology.

Issue Briefs: Advanced Manufacturing Flexibility In North America

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 09:20:00 -0700

Honda has invested in advanced, flexible manufacturing capacity in its North American and global production facilities to more quickly and efficiently respond to changes in market demand. In 2009, more than 83% of the Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. were built by Honda's flexible manufacturing plants in North America¹. This flexible manufacturing system provides a competitive advantage for Honda due to the efficient utilization of global production resources and increased stability of local manufacturing operations and employment.

Flexibility to Meet Customer Demand

Honda's North American automobile assembly plants are operating with an unprecedented level of flexibility to meet customer demand. Honda has nine North American auto assembly lines at seven plant sites, producing 16 distinct Honda and Acura models.
All of Honda's North American assembly lines are producing multiple vehicles on each line. By designing flexibility into each line, Honda is able to balance consumer demand with production. Additional benefits include workforce stability and efficient use of resources.
Flexibility begins with a highly trained and involved workforce that can quickly respond to customer demand in changing market conditions. In addition to producing a variety of models, Honda associates routinely move between assembly lines as needed to meet customer demand.
Honda is developing an increasingly flexible supply chain in the North America region, where suppliers are globally competitive in their local communities.
In 2007, Honda was able to meet growing consumer demand for the fuel-sipping Civic by adding production of that model to the same line as the Ridgeline pickup in Alliston, Ontario, Canada. Honda also moved all production of Pilot SUVs from Alliston to Lincoln, Ala. in 2007.
In fall 2008, Honda opened its newest assembly plant, in Greensburg, Ind., to produce Civic Sedans, adding production of the natural gas-powered Civic GX in May 2009.
In early 2009, Honda moved production of the Ridgeline pickup from Canada to Alabama. Additionally, Accord V6 Sedan began in Lincoln in July 2009. As a result, every Honda plant in North America produces global models as well as regional vehicles, increasing flexibility to meet market demand among Honda plants in North America and globally.
- In addition to the assembly plants listed below, Honda operates:
- An engine plant in Anna, Ohio, with an annual capacity of 1.18 million units, making it Honda's largest auto engine facility in the world. This plant was expanded in 2007 to significantly increase production of steel engine parts previously imported from Japan.
- Synchronous production of V6 engines with vehicles in Lincoln, Alabama.
- An engine plant adjacent to Honda's two Alliston, Ontario auto plants, producing fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines for Canada-made Civics since fall 2008.
- Automotive transmission plants in Russells Point, Ohio, and Tallapoosa, Georgia.

¹ Using domestic and globally sourced parts

Honda North American Auto Assembly Sites
Plant	Associates	Investment	Capacity	Production
Marysville, Ohio	4,400	$4.0 billion	440,000 vehicles	Line 1: Accord Sedan (4-CYL and V6), Acura TL and Acura RDX Line 2: Accord Sedan (4-CYL and V6), Accord Coupe (4-CYL and V6)
East Liberty, Ohio	2,400	$1.1 billion	240,000 vehicles	CR-V, Accord Crosstour and Element
Alliston, Ontario, Canada	3,900	CDN$2.7 billion	390,000 vehicles and 200,000 4-cyl engines	Plant 1: Civic Sedan and Coupe, Civic Si Coupe and Sedan, Acura CSX Plant 2: Civic Sedan, Acura MDX and Acura ZDX
Lincoln, Alabama	4,100	$1.4 billion	300,000 vehicles and 300,000 V6 engines	Line 1: Odyssey, Ridgeline Line 2: Pilot, V6 Accord Sedan
Greensburg, Indiana	1,100 (2,000 at full capacity)	$550 million	200,000 vehicles (at full capacity)	Civic Sedan, Civic GX natural gas-powered vehicle
El Salto, Jalisco, Mexico	1,100	$103 million	50,000 vehicles and 4-cyl engines	CR-V

Issue Briefs: Green Factory / Green Building

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:00:00 -0800

In addition to its ongoing efforts to improve the environmental performance of its automobile, motorcycle and power equipment products, Honda is working to reduce the environmental impact of its factories and other work facilities through its "Green Factories" and "Green Buildings" initiatives. This includes increasing energy efficiency, reducing waste and enhancing recycling activities. Through its "Green Purchasing" program, Honda also encourages and supports activities by its more than 600 North American OEM parts suppliers to adopt green factory programs.

NORTH AMERICAN GREEN FACTORY INITIATIVES

Through Honda's Green Factory initiatives, every Honda facility works to reduce the environmental footprint of our manufacturing operations, including emissions reduction, energy efficiency improvement, and recycling of manufacturing byproducts.
- Thirteen of Honda's fourteen North American manufacturing plants have earned third-party ISO 14001 certification for environmental management systems. Honda Precision Parts of Georgia completed their ISO 14001 certification audit on November 20, 2009 and was recommended for certification. Honda of Canada Mfg. Engine Plant, which began operation in August, 2008, was incorporated into the Honda of Canada Mfg. site-wide ISO 14001 certification during their March 2009 audit. Honda Manufacturing of Indiana LLC, which began operations in September, 2008, is targeting achieving ISO 14001 certification no later than 2014.
- Energy use per automobile in Honda's North American automobile production facilities increased 8.7 percent from the previous fiscal year, primarily due to a significant reduction in production levels. Because manufacturing systems remain in operation whenever production is taking place, reduced unit production negatively affects per-unit measures of energy use, CO2 emissions, waste and water use.
- Energy efficiency initiatives included the use of more energy-efficient light fixtures, increased use of variable speed drives and efficiency improvements in compressed air systems, chiller systems and HVAC systems. Honda initiated implementation of a new paint booth air conditioning control technology, "Intelligent Paint Booth," which reduces paint booth natural gas consumption and related CO2 emissions by as much as 25%.
- Honda has eight "zero waste to landfill" plants in North America - the Alabama auto plant, North Carolina power equipment plant, the Mexico auto plant and motorcycle plant, the two Canadian auto plants and the Canadian engine plant and Indiana auto plant. The Alabama auto plant and the Indiana auto plant started up as zero landfill plants. Overall, Honda reduced waste to landfill by 18.4 percent in FY 2009 from the previous fiscal year.
- As a result of this success, Honda has set a new target to achieve "nearly zero" landfill waste (less than 1% waste to landfill) at all its North American plants by FY2012.

GREEN PURCHASING

Honda encourages its suppliers to reduce packaging waste, adopt more energy-efficient processes and obtain third-party ISO 14001 certification.
Eighty-eight percent of Honda's total North American OEM supply chain is ISO14001 certified.

NORTH AMERICAN GREEN BUILDING INITIATIVES

Honda has been building green since 1999 when the company built its first LEED certified building in Gresham, Oregon.
Honda is only automaker to achieve a LEED-Platinum certified existing building.
Six Honda facilities are certified by the U.S. Green Building Council
- One LEED-Platinum - recertification of existing Gold-certified building
  - American Honda's Northwest Regional Center in Gresham, Oregon
- Five LEED-Gold
  - Acura Design Studio in Torrance, Calif.
  - American Honda's Midwestern Consolidation Center in Troy, Ohio
  - Central Plant facility at Honda R&D Americas Ohio Center in Raymond, Ohio
  - American Honda's Northwest Regional Center in Gresham, Oregon
  - Honda Aircraft Company's world headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina
- One LEED-Silver - first automaker to achieve a LEED Version 2.2 Silver-certified data center in the country
  - American Honda's Data Center in Longmont, Colo.
Additional new Honda facilities are currently being designed to achieve LEED certification in the future including the Honda R&D's Marine Engine facility in Grant-Valkaria, Fl.; Honda Manufacturing of Indiana's welcome center building; the Honda Engineering expansion at the engine plant in Anna, Ohio; and, Honda Canada's head office in Markham, Ontario.
Among many site-specific efficiencies and innovations, these facilities share common sustainable features such as:
- Energy Star highly reflective roof and dual-paned windows with low-emissivity glass to reduce solar heat gain
- Extensive use of recycled and recyclable materials in the building envelope and interior
- Use of U.S. steel, guaranteed to contain at minimum 25 percent, and often as much as 90 percent, recycled content
- Energy-efficient light fixtures with motion sensors
- Diversion of construction waste from landfills to recycling centers
- Selection of suppliers based on the high level of recycled content of their products and their proximity to the job site.
A few of the unique features at Honda's certified buildings include:
- Acura Design Studio's high-efficiency displacement ventilation system that moves cool air from rooftop air conditioning units to large, floor-level grills, where it displaces heat from the human body.
- The 547,000 square-foot Midwestern Consolidation Center has a mezzanine made from wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as having come from sustainably-managed forest lands.
- Honda R&D's Central Plant uses an ice chiller system that reduces peak energy demand from air conditioning by as much as half.