Hondanews Online Newsroom

Fit: Honda begins deliveries of the 2013 Fit EV

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 -0800

Honda begins deliveries of the 2013 Fit EV

Fit: Steve Center, vice president of Environmental Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 -0800

Steve Center, vice president of Environmental Business

Fit: Honda Delivers 2013 Fit EV to Google and Stanford University

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 -0800

Honda recently delivered 2013 Fit EV battery-electric vehicles to Google Inc. and Stanford University as a part of the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program. Along with the city of Torrance, Calif., each participant is now conducting general testing as well as providing specific feedback related to the future introduction of electric vehicles. The Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program participants are the first recipients of the 2013 Fit EV in the United States.

“The goal of the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program is to better understand the challenges and opportunities associated with the advancement in battery-electric technology,” said Steve Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda. “Honda has a long history with electric vehicles beginning with the introduction of our first battery-electric car, the EV Plus, nearly 15 years ago. Honda’s experience and the unique feedback that Google, Stanford University and the city of Torrance will provide will be valuable to the future introduction of battery-electric technology.”

Honda debuted the 2013 Fit EV at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show and announced plans to begin leasing the 123 city-mile per charge (76 mile range combined adjusted city/highway)1 battery-electric commuter vehicle to customers in select California and Oregon markets during the summer of 2012 with a rollout to east coast markets planned for Spring 2013. Equipped with a 20-kWh lithium-ion battery and 92- kW coaxial electric motor, the Fit EV battery can be fully recharged in as little as 3 hours when connected to a 240-volt circuit.

Google Inc.

The delivery of the Fit EV to Google Inc. was marked by an employee ride and drive. Nearly 100 ‘Googlers’ took the Fit EV for a spin around the Google Mountain View, Calif., campus. Google will now use the Fit EV as a part of its G-Fleet, an employee car-sharing service that features numerous plug-in vehicles. Google’s participation in the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program will involve analysis of vehicle usage including CO2 reduction, energy consumption on a miles/kWh basis and overall energy cost.

Stanford University Automotive Research

Over the past year, Honda has collaborated Stanford University professors, researchers and students from several departments including Mechanical Engineering and Psychology through various seminars and classes. The year-long collaboration resulted in a research direction on how to study the psychological and physical reactions of using battery-electric vehicles and how these reactions differ when driving a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle.

With the Fit EV now at Stanford, the research team will use both the battery-electric vehicle and a gasoline-powered Fit to test their theories. Successful methodology implementation will yield a goal of not only decreasing anxiety associated with new technology, but also increasing joy in the driving experience. Ultimately, the research results will help Honda to better understand customer acceptance of battery-electric vehicles and how to overcome physiological obstacles associated with the adoption of new technologies.

Connect to Honda:

Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news
Honda Multimedia Newsroom (for media only): http://www.hondanews.com
Fit EV for consumers: http://www.FitEV.honda.com
Honda on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/honda
Honda on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Honda
Honda on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda Web Site: http://www.honda.com

¹ 123 city/95 highway mile range (unadjusted); 76 combined mile range (adjusted). Preliminary estimates determined by Honda using EPA methods. Your range will vary. For additional information about EPA test methods, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-electric-label.shtml

Fit: Fit EV Delivery to Google, Stanford University and City of Torrance

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 -0800

Honda delivered 2013 Fit EV's to Google, Stanford University and the city of Torrance as a part of the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program.

Fit: Honda begins deliveries of the 2013 Fit EV

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 -0800

Honda begins deliveries of the 2013 Fit EV

Fit: Honda begins deliveries of the 2013 Fit EV

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 -0800

Honda begins deliveries of the 2013 Fit EV

Fit: Steve Center, vice president of Environmental Business

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 -0800

Steve Center, vice president of Environmental Business

Fit: Honda begins deliveries of the 2013 Fit EV

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 -0800

Honda begins deliveries of the 2013 Fit EV

Fit: Honda Most Honored Brand on ACEEE's "Greenest Vehicles of 2012" List

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:45:00 -0800

A total of seven Honda brand vehicles earned recognition from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), including four Honda vehicles named the "greenest vehicles of 2012." In the annual ACEEE's "Green Book® Online"ranking of environmentally responsible vehicles, the near-zero emissions natural gas-powered Civic Natural Gas five-passenger sedan tied for second place, with the Insight, Civic Hybrid and CR-Z also included on the list of ACEEE's 12 most environmentally responsible vehicles available to the public.

The Insight hybrid, the compact Fit and the Odyssey minivan were also named as "greener choices of 2012" within their respective classes. This is the 14th straight year that multiple Honda vehicles have been named in the top 12.

"Honda is honored to have our natural gas vehicle and our hybrid and gasoline-powered vehicles among ACEEE's 'greenest' and 'greener' choices," said Steven Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda. "The ACEEE's annual recognition of Honda's fuel-efficient vehicles further validates our commitment to create a cleaner, more energy-efficient and sustainable transportation future."

The ACEEE ranking system uses a singular measure that incorporates fuel economy and health-related pollution impacts plus global warming and upstream emissions. All vehicles are analyzed and given a "Green Score" which is used to rank a vehicle's total environmental performance, including a list of the 12 "greenest" and 12 "meanest" vehicles along with a ranking of greenest vehicles by segment.

Named as one of the list's 'greenest vehicles,' the Civic Natural Gas is the only OEM-built, dedicated CNG passenger car assembled in the U.S. and the only vehicle certified by the EPA to meet both Federal Tier 2 Bin 2 and Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV) zero evaporative emission certification standards. Honda recently announced the expansion of Civic Natural Gas retail sales to 197 dealers in 36 states. The increased availability of the Civic Natural Gas helps bring inherently clean-burning natural gas technology to an even broader audience while also supporting diversity in transportation energy resources. Featuring new styling, enhanced feature content and increased fuel economy, the redesigned 2012 Civic Natural Gas can now be equipped with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System featuring an exclusive database of publicly accessible Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refueling stations across the United States.

Honda's Environmental Leadership
Honda has a long history of environmental innovation, including the retail introduction of America's first hybrid (1999 Honda Insight), delivery of the first fuel-cell electric vehicle in the U.S. (2002 Honda FCX) and the first gasoline-powered vehicles in the hands of consumers to meet stricter emissions standards, including: the 1996 Honda Civic, the first gasoline Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV); the 1998 Honda Accord, the first gasoline Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV); the 2000 Honda Accord, the first gasoline Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV); and the 2001 Civic Natural Gas, the first vehicle to quality as an Advanced Technology Partial-Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV). The Honda Fit EV and the Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid, both coming soon, will be the next critical steps in Honda's portfolio approach to alternative fueled vehicles.

For more information or downloadable high-resolution images of Honda award winners and other Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.honda.com. For more information on ACEEE, visit http://www.greenercars.org.

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda (for consumers): automobiles.honda.com
Honda on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Honda
Honda on YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda on Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Honda on Google+

ACEEE's Green Book® Online — GREENEST VEHICLES OF 2012

Make and Model	Specifications	Emission Standard a	MPG: City	MPG: Hwy	Green Score
MITSUBISHI I-MIEV b	Electric (Li-ion bat.)	ZEV	3.8	2.9	58
HONDA CIVIC NATURAL GAS c	1.8L 4, auto [CNG]	PZEV / Bin 2	27	38	55
NISSAN LEAF	Electric (Li-ion bat.)	ZEV	3.1	2.7	55
TOYOTA PRIUS d	1.8L 4, auto CVT	PZEV / Bin 3	51	48	54
HONDA INSIGHT	1.3L 4, auto CVT	PZEV	41	44	53
SMART FORTWO CABRIOLET / COUPE	1.0L 3, manual [P]	ULEV II / Bin 5	34	38	53
SCION IQ	1.3L 4, auto CVT	ULEV II / Bin 5	36	37	52
HONDA CIVIC HYBRID e	1.5L 4, auto CVT	PZEV / Bin 2	44	44	52
LEXUS CT200H	1.8L 4, auto CVT	SULEV II / Bin 3	43	40	51
TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID LE	2.5L 4, auto CVT	PZEV / Bin 3	43	39	51
HONDA CR-Z	1.5L 4, auto CVT	PZEV	35	39	50
TOYOTA YARIS	1.5L 4, manual	ULEV II / Bin 5	30	38	50
[CNG] denotes compressed natural gas fuel. [P] denotes premium gasoline. "auto CVT" denotes continuously variable automatic transmission. a A listing with two emission standards (e.g., Tier 2 bin 2/ PZEV) denotes a single vehicle carrying both a Federal and a California emission certification. Green Scores for such listings reflect the cleaner of the two certifications. b Fuel economy for electric vehicles is provided in miles per kilowatt-hour. c Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle fuel economy given in gasoline-equivalent miles per gallon. d The Toyota Prius V earns a Green Score of 51 e The Honda Civic Hybrid runs on a Lithium Ion battery

Fit: Honda delivers a 2013 Fit EV to the city of Torrance

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:52:00 -0800

Honda delivers a 2013 Fit EV to the city of Torrance

Fit: Honda Delivers a 2013 Fit EV to the City of Torrance

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:53:00 -0800

Honda Delivers a 2013 Fit EV to the City of Torrance

Fit: Honda Delivers a 2013 Fit EV to the City of Torrance

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:53:00 -0800

Honda Delivers a 2013 Fit EV to the City of Torrance

Fit: Honda Begins Deliveries of 2013 Fit EV

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:30:00 -0800

Honda delivered a 2013 Fit EV battery-electric vehicle to the city of Torrance today as one of the first major steps in the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program, a prelude to the retail market launch of the Fit EV with customers in California and Oregon this summer.

The delivery was marked by a ceremony at the Torrance City Hall, at which a key to the Fit EV was presented to Torrance Mayor Frank Scotto by Steve Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda.

"This is an exciting day as we take another important step toward Honda's comprehensive vision for reducing CO2 emissions while at the same time advancing our relationship with the city of Torrance," said Steve Center. "Honda has a long history with electric vehicles starting with the introduction of our first battery-electric car, the EV Plus, nearly 15 years ago. With Honda's extensive experience and the real-world feedback from the city of Torrance, we will be even more prepared for the further customer adoption of electric vehicles."

Over the past year, Honda and the city of Torrance have worked together to gather input from Torrance residents about potential recharging station locations and jointly participated in numerous public awareness events with a Fit EV test vehicle. Honda and the city will continue to further these initiatives while also studying local government fleet usage of an electrified vehicle. The city of Torrance will also receive a Honda plug-in hybrid for additional testing at a later date.

"Today, in our partnership with Honda and their continuing efforts in renewable technologies, we will be driving into a more sustainable future," said city of Torrance Mayor Frank Scotto.

Honda unveiled the 2013 Fit EV at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show and announced plans to begin leasing the 123 city-mile per charge (76 mile range combined adjusted city/highway)¹ battery-electric commuter vehicle to its U.S. customers in the summer of 2012. Equipped with a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery and 92 kW coaxial electric motor, the Fit EV battery can be fully recharged in as little as 3 hours when connected to a 240-volt circuit.

Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program
As part of the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program, Honda will test the Fit EV with Google Inc. and Stanford University, in addition to the City of Torrance, California. Each program participant will provide Honda with real-world feedback on the Fit EV. Individually, each participant will use the Fit EV to further initiatives such as research into human behavior and various usages like personal, fleet and car-sharing.

Honda Environmental Leadership
In addition to the Fit EV, Honda is a leader in the development of leading-edge technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. Honda has led the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) rankings of overall vehicle environmental performance since 2000, and a Honda vehicle has topped the list of America's greenest vehicles, from the America Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), for eleven consecutive years.

In 2006, Honda became the first automaker to announce voluntary CO2 emissions reduction targets for its global fleet of automobile, powersports and power equipment products and its global network of manufacturing plants. Today, the company is striving for even greater reductions in CO2 emissions that contribute to global climate change, while also working to minimize waste, water use and the total environmental footprint of its operations worldwide.

Connect to Honda:
Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news
Honda Multimedia Newsroom (for media only): http://www.hondanews.com
Fit EV for consumers: http://www.FitEV.honda.com
Honda on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/honda
Honda on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Honda
Honda on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda Web Site: http://www.honda.com

Fit: Twelve American Honda Models Earn IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 06:00:00 -0800

Twelve American Honda models, including the all-new 2012 CR-V that goes on-sale today, received the highest possible safety rating of TOP SAFETY PICK from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) under its more-stringent testing guidelines implemented last year.

The IIHS award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting vehicle occupants involved in front, side and rear crashes, plus rollover performance based on ratings in the Institute's tests.

Announced by IIHS today, the Honda Fit, CR-Z, Insight, Accord, CR-V, Pilot and Ridgeline along with the Acura TL, TSX and MDX all earned the highest-possible score of GOOD in all four ratings, including the more rigorous roof-strength test. Earlier this year the all-new Civic and redesigned Odyssey earned the TOP SAFETY PICK, giving American Honda twelve 2012 TOP SAFETY PICK winners.

"We're proud to have achieved IIHS TOP SAFETY TOP rating for nine new 2012 Honda models and three 2012 Acura models, making American Honda among the best in the industry with twelve vehicles with top-class IIHS safety ratings under their new, more stringent ratings protocols," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "In fact, 91% of American Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. are TOP SAFETY PICKS. This accomplishment is part of a concerted effort we have made to reassert the Honda brand as a clear leader in this area."

Standard safety equipment on all Honda and Acura models include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); side curtain airbags (some vehicles equipped with a rollover sensor as well); dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; a driver's front side airbag; and a front passenger's side airbag with an occupant position detection system. All 2012 Honda and Acura models recognized by the IIHS, with the exception of the Ridgeline, utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. ACE is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment.

2012 American Honda TOP SAFETY PICKS:

Honda
Fit
Insight
CR-Z
Civic
Accord
CR-V
Pilot
Odyssey
Ridgeline

Acura
Acura TSX
Acura TL
Acura MDX

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda for consumers: www.automobiles.honda.com
Honda on YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda on Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Honda on Facebook: http://facebook.com/honda

Connect with Acura:
Acura (for consumers): www.acura.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Acura
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Acura_Insider
YouTube: www.youtube.com/acura

Fit: Honda Accord and Fit Receive Car and Driver Magazine's "10Best Cars" Awards

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:25:00 -0800

Car and Driver magazine has named the 2012 Honda Accord 4-cylinder and the 2012 Honda Fit as two winners of its prestigious and highly competitive, annual "10Best Cars" award. Now in its eighth generation, the Accord has achieved "10Best Cars" status 26 times in the 30 years that Car and Driver editors have been conducting the competition, more than any other vehicle in the award's history. The Honda Fit has been honored with "10Best Cars" status in each of the six years that it has been on sale in the United States.

"The Car and Driver '10Best Cars' awards document a proud history of great cars in America over the last 30 years," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Honda is honored to again have two of our vehicles included among the best of the best."

The Fit has been sold in the U.S. since the 2007 model year and is manufactured in Sayama, Japan. The Accord has been sold in the U.S. since the 1976 model year and has been manufactured in Marysville, Ohio since 1982.

Honda Car and Driver "10Best Cars" Award History

Honda Model	"10Best Cars" Award Model Year
Accord	2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1995, 1994,1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983
Civic	1996, 1991,1990, 1989, 1988
CRX	1988, 1985
Fit	2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007
Prelude	1998, 1997, 1996, 1995,1994,1993, 1992, 1986, 1985, 1984
S2000	2004, 2002, 2001, 2000

For more information and downloadable high-resolution images of Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.automobiles.honda.com.

Connect to Honda:
Honda News & Views: http://www.honda.com/news
Honda Multimedia Newsroom (for media only): http://www.hondanews.com
Honda on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/honda
Honda on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Honda
Honda on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda Web Site: http://www.honda.com

Fit: 2013 Fit EV debuts at the LA Auto Show

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:08:00 -0800

The Fit EV debuted at the 2011 LA Auto Show. Environmental spokesperson Jessica Fini discusses highlights of the model.

Fit: 2013 Fit EV debuted at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:50:00 -0800

2013 Fit EV debuted at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Fit: 2013 Honda Fit EV Debut

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:44:00 -0800

2013 Honda Fit EV Debut

Fit: 2013 Honda Fit EV Debut

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:38:00 -0800

2013 Honda Fit EV Debut

Fit: 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:37:00 -0800

2011 Los Angeles Auto Show

Fit: 2013 Fit EV

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:23:00 -0800

Honda will begin leasing the 123 city-mile per charge (76 mile range combined adjusted city/highway) Fit EV battery electric commuter vehicle to its U.S. customers in the summer of 2012. The Fit EV features a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 92 kilowatt coaxial electric motor. The vehicle can fully charge in as little as three hours using a 240-volt outlet. To help the driver manage the electric vehicle ownership experience, the Fit EV will have a standard telematics system that allows the driver to stay connected through a smartphone, personal computer or interactive remote.

Fit: 2013 Fit EV Running Footage

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:23:00 -0800

2013 Fit EV running footage.

Fit: 2013 Fit EV

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:22:00 -0800

2013 Fit EV

Fit: 2013 Fit EV

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:22:00 -0800

2013 Fit EV

Fit: 2013 Fit EV

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:22:00 -0800

2013 Fit EV

Fit: 2013 Fit EV

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:22:00 -0800

2013 Fit EV

Fit: Honda at the Los Angeles Auto Show: Fact Sheet

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:22:00 -0800

Honda Fit EV
Honda unveiled the all-new 2013 Fit EV at the Los Angeles Auto Show, announcing plans to begin leasing the battery electric commuter vehicle to its U.S. customers in the summer of 2012. The Fit EV is based on the popular Fit hatchback and is designed to meet the driving needs of an average urban commuter. American Honda will begin leasing the Fit EV to customers in select California and Oregon markets next summer, and will expand to six East Coast markets in early 2013.
When the Fit EV is introduced, it will feature:

Fit EV Manufactured Suggested Retail Price1 (MSRP) of $36,625. Lease estimated at $399 per month.
Same 5-passenger packaging found in the popular Fit hatchback.
The Fit EV will offer an estimated driving range of 123-miles on a single charge using the US EPA city cycle test methods (Honda anticipates a combined city/highway EV range of 76 miles on the new Fuel Economy labels).2
20 kWh Toshiba-produced lithium-ion battery located under the floor. Max battery output 100 kW.
92 kW high-density coaxial electric motor derived from the FCX Clarity.
3-mode E-Drive system with Econ, Normal and Sport modes to maximize efficiency or improve acceleration.
6.6 kW onboard 32 amp charger.
Battery fully recharged in as little as 3 hours when connected to a 240-volt circuit.
Standard connectivity system provides driver connectivity to the Fit EV from smartphone and personal computer or interactive remote.
Interactive remote allows driver to monitor state of charge, cabin temperature, initiate and terminate charging and remotely turn on the air conditioning. Driver must be within 100 feet to use interactive remote.
Mobile application and website allows the driver to: monitor state of charge, initiate and terminate charging, set charge timer, turn on air conditioner or heater, activate road side assistance, search for charging stations and plan routes.
Standard Honda Satellite Linked Navigation System™ with charging station locator capability, continuously updated traffic information and driving range meter display.
At launch timing, Honda will have a preferred Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) charging supplier for customer purchase.
Exclusive exterior color, Reflective Blue Pearl.
Bio-fabric seating surfaces.

Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program
Honda will launch an Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program to provide real-world testing of its new vehicles. Participants include: Stanford University, the City of Torrance, Calif. and Google, Inc.
In addition to real-world testing, the three participants will focus on the following issues:

Stanford University: behavioral and usability research surrounding the adoption of electric vehicles by deploying and comparing small fleet of both conventional and electric vehicle. Finding will consider the respective needs for future electric mobility.
City of Torrance: charging infrastructure development, public education and awareness about electric vehicles as well as promoting sustainable community initiatives. Honda and City of Torrance will investigate the local government fleet usage and acceptance for electrified fleet. City of Torrance will also receive a plug-in hybrid.
Google, Inc: collaboration through GFleet, Google’s all-electric employee car-sharing service. The partnership will involve analysis of vehicle usage including CO2 reduction, energy consumption on a miles/kWh basis and overall energy cost.

1 MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

2 123 city/95 highway mile range (unadjusted); 76 combined mile range (adjusted). Preliminary estimates determined by Honda using EPA methods. Your range will vary. For additional information about EPA test methods, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-electric-label.shtml

For more information, photos and video, please visit www.hondanews.com

Fit: 2013 Fit EV

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:22:00 -0800

2013 Fit EV

Fit: 2013 Fit EV

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:22:00 -0800

2013 Fit EV

Fit: Honda Fit EV Makes World Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:22:00 -0800

Honda today unveiled the all-new 2013 Fit EV at the Los Angeles Auto Show, announcing plans to begin leasing the 123 city-mile per charge (76 mile range combined adjusted city/highway)¹ battery electric commuter vehicle to its U.S. customers in the summer of 2012. The Fit EV is based on the popular Fit hatchback and is a part of the company's diverse portfolio of alternative fuel vehicles that includes gasoline-electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell-electric and natural gas-powered models.

American Honda will begin leasing the Fit EV to customers in select California and Oregon markets next summer, and will expand to six East Coast markets in early 2013. The Fit EV's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price² (MSRP) is $36,625 with an estimated lease priced at $399 a month. Honda will monitor market acceptance, but expects volume at this early stage of production to be approximately 1,100 Fit EV's over the next three years.

"The Fit EV is the next critical step in Honda's portfolio approach to alternative fueled vehicles," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "There is no other automaker on the planet whose spirit is more deeply invested in the effort to realize a cleaner, more energy-efficient and ultimately more sustainable transportation future than Honda."

Customers interested in leasing a Fit EV are encouraged to sign up at www.FitEV.Honda.com where they can receive more information and sign up for the opportunity to become a future Fit EV customer.

Fit EV Performance
The Fit EV is designed to meet the needs of an average urban commuter, offering an estimated driving range of 123-miles on a single charge using the US EPA city cycle test methods (Honda anticipates a combined city/highway EV range of 76 miles on the new Fuel Economy labels) 1. The Fit EV will be powered by a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 92 kilowatt coaxial electric motor. The high density electric motor, derived from the motor used in the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, delivers excellent efficiency and power while remaining quiet at high speeds.

Driving range of the Fit EV can be maximized by using several innovative features, including a 3- mode electric drive system, adapted from the CR-Z Sport Hybrid. The system allows the driver to select between Econ, Normal and Sport to instantly and seamlessly change the driving experience to maximize efficiency or improve acceleration. While in Econ mode, practical driving range can increase by as much as 17-percent compared to driving in Normal mode. Acceleration improves significantly when in Sport mode, adding to the Fit EV's fun to drive nature.

In addition to the 3-mode driving system, the Fit EV includes interactive coaching features designed to assist the driver in maximizing battery performance and driving range. The power meter alerts the driver to optimal driving conditions. Additional energy- saving features includes a highly efficient electric air conditioning system and new regenerative braking system.

The 6.6 kW, onboard 32 amp charger allows for convenient recharging of the Fit EV. With a 240-volt charger, the Fit EV can fully recharge in as little as three hours. At launch timing, Honda will have a preferred Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) charging supplier.

Fit EV Exterior and Interior Styling
The exterior dimensions of the Fit EV are identical to the gasoline-powered Fit with the addition of a higher hip point to accommodate the under floor placement of the 20 kWh battery. When the car launches in summer 2012, it will be available in one exclusive color, Reflection Blue Pearl. EV badges on the rear hatch and decals on the side of the vehicle distinguish the electric vehicle from its gasoline counterpart.

The Fit EV carries a familiar chrome front fascia that is similar to other Honda environmentally-responsible vehicles like the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle and Insight hybrid. The Fit EV is outfitted with distinct five-spoke alloy wheels and an aerodynamic rear spoiler.

In the passenger cabin, the seating surfaces are covered with bio-fabric. The Fit EV features illuminated meters that alert the driver to key vehicle functions including state of charge, battery usage and driving range. The meters change color depending on the driving mode selected (green, white or red).

The Fit EV features a spacious and functional cabin with comfortable seating for up to five passengers. For enhanced versatility, the Fit EV offers multiple seating and cargo-carrying configurations.

Fit EV Telematics and Interactive Remote
To help the driver manage the electric vehicle ownership experience, the Fit EV will have a standard telematics system that allows the driver to stay connected through a smartphone, personal computer or interactive remote. Through the Fit EV smartphone and computer applications, the driver can remotely view the vehicles state of charge, initiate charging and activate the air conditioning and heater, to pre-condition the vehicle while connected to the grid which maximizes battery range on start-up. The mobile application and website also offers the ability to set charging notifications and alerts to optimize charging times based on varying utility rates and provides access to 24-hour roadside assistance. The Fit EV will come equipped with a standard Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ that provides the ability to locate public charging stations and frequently updated traffic information.

The interactive remote allows the driver to monitor the vehicles state of charge and cabin temperature. Additionally, the driver can initiate and terminate charging and remotely turn on the air conditioning using the interactive remote. The interactive remote does not require an internet or mobile connection to operate however the driver must be within 100 feet (30 meters) of the vehicle.

Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program
Honda will test the Fit EV with the City of Torrance, California Google Inc. and Stanford University as a part of the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program. Each program participant will provide Honda with real-world feedback on the Fit EV. Individually, each participant will use the Fit EV to further initiatives such as research into human behavior and various usage like personal, fleet and car-sharing.

Honda Environmental Leadership
In addition to the Fit EV, Honda is a leader in the development of leading-edge technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.

Honda has led the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) rankings of overall vehicle environmental performance since 2000, and a Honda vehicle has topped the list of America's greenest vehicles, from the America Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), for eleven consecutive years.

For more information and high resolution images of the Fit EV, please visit www.hondanews.com.

1 123 city/95 highway mile range (unadjusted); 76 combined mile range (adjusted). Preliminary estimates determined by Honda using EPA methods. Your range will vary. For additional information about EPA test methods, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-electric-label.shtml

2 MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

Fit: 2013 Fit EV

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:22:00 -0800

2013 Fit EV

Fit: 2013 Fit EV

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:22:00 -0800

2013 Fit EV

Fit: 2013 Fit EV

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:22:00 -0800

2013 Fit EV

Fit: 2013 Fit EV

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:22:00 -0800

2013 Fit EV

Fit: 2013 Fit EV

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:22:00 -0800

2013 Fit EV

Fit: 2011 LA Auto Show Press Conference

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:33:00 -0800

2011 LA Auto Show Press Conference.

Fit: 2011 ALG Awards

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:52:00 -0800

2011 ALG Awards

Fit: Honda Odyssey and Honda Fit Achieve Top Value Rating from ALG

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:57:00 -0800

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today that it has received two Residual Value Awards from ALG for the 2012 Odyssey minivan and 2012 Fit sub-compact. ALG's annual Residual Value Awards honor the vehicles in each industry segment that ALG predicts will retain the highest percentage of their original price after a three-year period.

The Honda Odyssey prevailed in the Best Minivan (MPV) category retaining its top spot from last year. The Fit was the winner, for the fourth consecutive year, in the increasingly competitive Sub-Compact Car category. Since 2001, the Honda brand has earned 24 model awards and six overall brand awards from ALG.

"We are delighted to receive two Residual Value Awards from ALG for the Fit and the Odyssey," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "From the smallest to the largest, Honda vehicles are designed to provide class-leading quality, feature content and value to our customers."

ALG, the leading provider of residual value information to the automotive industry, determines the award winners through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, as well as pricing strategies are among the key factors that affect ALG's residual value forecasts.

Additional media information, including detailed pricing features and high-resolution photography of the 2012 Honda Fit and the 2012 Honda Odyssey is available at www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com.

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda (for consumers): www.automobiles.honda.com
Honda on Facebook: www.facebook.com/honda
Honda on YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda on Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda

Fit: Honda to Debut Two All-New Models at the Los Angeles Auto Show

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:00:00 -0700

Honda will debut two all-new models, the 2012 CR-V and 2013 Fit EV, at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16th at 1:05 pm PST. As one of the best-selling SUV's in the United States, the fourth-generation 2012 CR-V will showcase new exterior and interior styling, improved fuel economy and added technology features. The all electric zero-emissions Fit EV concept vehicle debuted at last year's Los Angeles Auto Show and the production model will be revealed this year.

The Honda press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show can be viewed live via webcast at www.hondanews.com.

For high-resolution photos and media information on Honda's current product offerings, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com.

Connect with Honda:
Honda Media Newsroom (for journalists): www.hondanews.com
Honda Future Vehicles (for consumers): automobiles.honda.com/future-cars
Honda on YouTube: www.youtube.com/honda
Honda on Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Honda on Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda

Fit: 2012 Honda Fit Receives Updates and More Features

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:01:00 -0700

The Honda Fit builds on its proven strengths for 2012 with updated styling on Fit Sport, interior upgrades on all models, and the addition of new standard and available features.

The Fit's compact size and tight turning diameter (34.4 feet, curb-to-curb) can conveniently navigate space-confined urban areas and fit in small parking spaces. Yet a roomy and versatile interior offers the convenience and cargo volume of a relatively larger vehicle. Compared to any other vehicle in the subcompact class, the five-passenger Fit provides the lowest, flattest cargo floor and the most cargo volume of 57.3 cu-ft. when the rear seats are down. Its four distinct seat configurations are designed to accommodate large objects ranging from mountain bikes to surfboards to tall houseplants.

Fit Sport exterior updates for 2012 include new designs for the front grille and bumper, black headlight bezels and a dark "machined surface" finish for the alloy wheels (replaces a painted finish appearance). The entry-model Fit retains its exclusive front fascia design and for 2012 receives body-color exterior mirrors (previously black) and updated wheel covers.

Inside, the Fit Sport interior is enhanced with dark metallic dashboard components for a unified color theme (replacing the previous gray and black theme). Fit Sport receives additional chrome accents around instrument displays. All models receive newly designed console-mounted center beverage holders along with console ambient lighting, which provide easier access and greater stability. All models also receive added sound insulation measures in the floor, front fenders and A-pillars, plus thicker front corner-window glass, to help create a quieter, more-refined cabin environment. Two new colors are available: Blue Raspberry Metallic and Orangeburst Metallic, which replace similar colors from the prior model year.

The top-of-the-line Fit Sport includes a long list of exclusive, standard features compared to the entry-model Fit. For 2012, it gains standard steering wheel-mounted audio controls for fingertip operation (previously exclusive to navigation-equipped models) and upgraded seat fabric. When equipped with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition⁵, the Fit Sport now includes Bluetooth®¹ HandsFreeLink® to help make hands-free telephone calls more convenient. The enhanced system also includes a Bluetooth Audio capability with compatible phones and devices.

Though the Fit has an overall exterior length of just 161.6 inches, the interior provides an impressive 90.8 cubic feet of passenger volume. There's comfortable seating for up to five passengers, and behind the rear seats, there's 20.6 cubic feet of storage space – much more than you'd find in a typical sedan. For enhanced versatility, the exclusive 60/40 split rear Magic Seat® offers multiple seating and cargo-carrying configurations. With its one-motion dive-down functionality, it can fold flat into the floor to maximize rear cargo volume. The Fit's interior can also be easily converted to tall object mode or long object mode based on the shape of the cargo.

The 1.5-liter, i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine is tuned to deliver an engaging combination of power and fuel economy. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a five-speed automatic transmission is available. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters on Fit Sport models equipped with the available automatic transmission allow for manual gear selection.

All models are powered by a four-cylinder engine that produces 117 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 106 lb-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. When equipped with the available automatic transmission, the Fit has an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 28/35/31 miles per gallon³. The Fit Sport with the available automatic transmission has an EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy rating³ of 27/33/30 miles per gallon. All manual transmission-equipped models have an EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 27/33/29 miles per gallon³.

A sporty, refined and dynamic driving experience is provided by the front MacPherson strut suspension and torsion beam rear suspension. Fifteen- and 16-inch wheels (Fit and Fit Sport, respectively) feature 175/65 R15 84S (Fit) and 185/55 R16 83H (Fit Sport) tires. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) uses 10.3-inch ventilated discs in the front and 7.9-inch drums in the rear.

All Fit models are equipped with a wide range of standard safety equipment including Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, anti-lock brakes and more. Dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) and side-curtain airbags are also standard equipment for 2012.

Standard comfort and convenience features include air conditioning, cruise control, remote entry, a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, a USB audio interface⁴, an auxiliary audio input jack, MP3/WMA playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS), power windows, power mirrors, power door locks and a security system.

The Fit Sport adds or replaces: alloy wheels, an underbody aero kit, rear roofline spoiler, fog lights, illuminated steering wheel mounted audio controls and upgraded seat fabric. For improved audio performance, the Fit Sport audio system has a total of six speakers. The Fit Sport is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition, which features a 6.5-inch screen and more than seven million points of interest. The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System debuting on the 2012 Fit Sport features 16 GB of flash memory in place of the DVD-based system used previously. Like other Honda navigation systems, this new system allows simple, intuitive operation and has an extensive on-board database.

Awards and accolades include being named to Car and Driver Magazine's "10Best Cars" list (www.caranddriver.com) continuously from 2007 through 2011². In the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study, the Fit earned the highest initial quality score in its segment. The Fit has also been named a 2011 Top Recommended^SM vehicle by Edmunds.com in its 2011 New Car Sedan Buying Guide. In addition, the Fit captured the 2011 Residual Value Award for "Best Sub Compact Car" from ALG.

¹The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.
²Car and Driver, January 2011
³Based on 2012 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
⁴The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your dealer for details on compatibility.
⁵Certain functions that rely on a satellite signal will not work correctly in Hawaii and Alaska. These functions include, but are not limited to, automatic clock updates and time zone adjustments. RDS not available on navigation models.