15th November 2008 4:00 pm honda

TOKYO, Japan, November 6, 2008– Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that sales in Japan of the all-new Life will begin on November 7, 2008. Continuing a tradition of superior comfort and utility, the new Life offers enhanced drivability and is the first minicar in Japan to include an audio system with a backup camera as standard equipment.*1 In addition, a special mobility-assistive version of Life with lift-up frontpassenger seat will go on sale December 5.
 Life G-type (FWD)

 Life Pastel (FWD)  

Life Diva (FWD)

 The all-new Life was developed with the concept of “daily smile technology” to achieve a level of drivability and utility customers can enjoy in their everyday lives. Based on this concept, Honda evaluated every aspect of the vehicle from the customer’s point of view to develop a minicar that will put a smile on the customer’s face every day.

Customers may select from three Life variations to express their individuality and lifestyle: the Life G-type is simple, modern and practical, the Life Diva is perky and sporty, and the Life Pastel* is refined, elegant and fashionable. With an emphasis on advanced safety technologies, the Life is also the world’s first automobile equipped with a driver-side i-SRS airbag system with continuously staged inflation, which accommodates a broad range of occupant positions and potential collision situations.

< Drivability >

  Large windows and slim pillars allow for excellent 360º visibility. 
 The first minicar in Japan to include an audio system with a backup camera.*1
 Advanced Honda Smart Parking Assist System provides automatic steering assistance for moving forward and backward during parking.*2

 < Comfort and utility >

  Spacious cabin comfortably accommodates four adults.
 Manual driver’s seat height adjuster helps to achieve an ideal driving position, enhancing visibility while making entry and exit easier.

 < Interior with enhanced functionality and comfort >

  Larger, thicker, softer and more comfortable rear seats.
 Storage compartments throughout the vehicle for superior convenience. 
 Center pillar grip for easy entry and exit, even for children and seniors.

 Since first introduced in 1971, the Life has evolved with the times, always offering exceptional value while focusing on the people and lifestyles of each era. Today, Life is currently being enjoyed by more than 1.5 million customers in Japan, the largest number among Honda automobiles sold in the country.*3

Note: “Pastel” was named after the pastels used by artists, the Life Pastel is for drivers looking to express their own colorful, interesting lifestyles.

*1 Not available on Life C-type
*2 Available on Life Pastel
*3 Honda calculations

? Key Features of the All-New Life
 
 Drivability
  · Slim front pillars, large triangular windows with integrated sashes and windshield wipers designed for reduced visual obstruction all contribute to enhanced frontward visibility and an increased sense of security during driving.

· Side window height has been optimized for greatly enhanced side visibility, helping drivers navigate past ongoing vehicles more safely and making turns with increased confidence.

· The protruded front position lamps integrated on top of the headlights act as makers, aiding the driver in better grasping the vehicle width.

· The large tailgate window and rear quarter windows help enhance rearward visibility. Newly designed rear seat backs with adjustable, built-in rear head rests also contribute to greatly enhanced rearward visibility.

· The audio system with a backup camera (the first in Japan as standard equipment on a minicar*1) enhances ease of parking. The easy-to-view 4.3-inch liquid crystal color display also displays audio information, an analog clock, important dates and more.

 
· Newly enhanced Smart Parking Assist System provides steering assistance during parking.*2

 Packaging
  · With a front seat hip point 35 mm higher*4 than that of the previous Life, and windows, pillars and headlight markers optimized to this new measurement, the new Life offers exceptional visibility and ease of entry and exit.

 · The newly designed suspension has allowed for a more rearward positioning of the rear seats. As a result, the distance between front and rear seats has increased by 85 mm*4, increasing rear occupant legroom and comfort.

. The lower floor in the rear combined with the square exterior design also contributes to rear occupant comfort. Although the rear seat cushion thickness has been increased by 25 mm*4, the rear head clearance increased by 60 mm*4.

· Easy-to-use fold-down rear seats allow large items to be transported.

  *4 Honda comparison to previous Life

 Interior 
  · The spacious divided bench front seat is shaped to support a stable driving posture, contributing to both drivability and comfort.

· The unitary bench back seat features seat cushion length increased by 55 mm,*4 seat back height increased by 50 mm*4 and cushion thickness increased by 25 mm*4 (cushion thickness equivalent to that of the mid-sized sedan segment*5).

. The storage compartments have been designed for exceptional ease of use: items commonly used fit in the higher compartments while items typically kept from outside view fit in compartments located below window level.

· The attractive and convenient center pillar grip, molded with the center pillar as a single part, is placed at a height easily reached by children*6. Complementing the low floor height, it contributes to ease of entry and exit.

  *5 Honda 2.0 – 2.4l segment
*6 1,030 mm

 Exterior design 
  · Implementing a design concept of simple, smart and modern, the exterior design of the new Life is simple and welcoming. The large window surface area and rear quarter windows contribute both to the Life’s pleasing appearance and to visibility.

· Sharp lines and large, functional headlights with integrated position lamps add to the Life’s refined and pleasing front view. Each Life package also features a unique front bumper.

· The Life’s side view draws attention to the solid nose and body, emphasizing the sense of welcoming and security.

· The key to the Life’s distinctive rear view, the large rear window also contributes to excellent visibility.

· The Life comes in three highly individualistic packages:
 The Life G-type is simple and welcoming while emphasizing daily functionality. 
 The Life Pastel emphasizes elegance, with its chrome-rich grille making a distinctly attractive impression. 
 The Life Diva is urbane and stylish in design, featuring a front bumper with large aperture and inset fog lamps, sharply defined black metal headlights, refined aerodynamic partsand an overall sporty appearance. 

· 12 distinctive color selections are available, including four completely new colors.

 Power train 
  · Two engine selections are available: the light and compact 660 cc inline 3-cylinder i-DSI engine and the i-DSI turbo engine.

· The engine offers excellent normal operating range characteristics, while the four-speed automatic transmission features optimized gear ratios and torque converter characteristics for smooth acceleration. This combination of engine and transmission results in light, convenient drivability ideal for the city as well as excellent fuel economy of 21 km/l.*7

  *7 Front-wheel drive Life C-type, Life G-type, and Life Pastel. Fuel economy measurement in 10•15 mode certified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

 Body 
  · The rigidity of the floor and the corners of the hatchback opening have been increased, while the Life’s structure, frame and materials have been optimized for reduced weight.

· In addition to the frame designed for reduced noise and vibrations, high-performance sound-proofing materials and sound-insulating walls contribute to exceptional vehicle quietness.

 Chassis 
  · To ensure stable cruising and a smooth ride, in the front the newly designed suspension features MacPherson struts; in the rear it features an H-shaped torsion beam suspension for front-wheel drive vehicles, or a 3-link de Dion tube for 4-wheel drive vehicles.

· The power steering settings and suspension geometry have been optimized for light, nimble handling.

   Safety performance 
  · The new Life is the world’s first automobile to offer a driver-side i-SRS airbag system with continuously staged inflation, which accommodates a broad range of occupant positions and potential collision situations. All packages include this new safety technology as standard equipment.

 · Forming a set with the front seat i-side airbag system, the side curtain airbag system helps reduce the risk of head injury in a side impact. Availability depends on package.*2

 · The vehicle’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body provides a higher level of self-protection and also improves compatibility toward other vehicles in case of a collision.

 · The Life’s frame has been designed to efficiently absorb and disperse the energy of a collision and reduce impact on the cabin. 
 
· The low-impact head-protecting interior is designed to reduce collision-related occupant injuries. 
 
· The body with pedestrian-injury mitigation technology helps to mitigate injury to pedestrians from injury in case of collision. 
 
 Environmental performance 
  · Front-wheel drive models are certifiedby the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as having emissions levels 75% lower than what is required by 2005 standard in both 10•15 and JC08C measurement modes. 
 
· ECO lamps on both sides of the dashboard help drivers refine driving habits for enhanced fuel economy. 
 
· The 3-cylinder engine includes a crank pulse sensor to monitor the ignition system and fuel injection timing.  
 
 Special mobility-assistive vehicle with lift-up front passenger seat 
  · The lift-up frontpassenger seat has a motorized 200 mm forward-backward sliding mechanism, as well as a newly added motorized reclining mechanism. The lift-up seat’s switches are located on the right side of the seat for easy access by the driver and quick, simple adjustments.

Honda to Build New Automobile Transmission Plant at Hamamatsu Factory

15th November 2008 9:00 am honda

TOKYO, Japan, November 4, 2008– Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced plans to build a new automobile transmission plant within its Hamamatsu Factory in order to strengthen production of automobile automatic transmissions (AT) and continuously variable transmissions (CVT), to meet growing global demand.

Rendering of the new automobile transmission plant 

The new automobile transmission plant will utilize a portion of the factory site where the motorcycle plant is currently located (the transfer of motorcycle engine production to Honda’s Kumamoto Factory will be completed in 2009). With relocation of the existing facilities within Hamamatsu Factory and introduction of a new production line, the plant will make full use of advanced technologies and establish a high quality and highly efficient production system. With the new plant, annual AT and CVT production capacity at the Hamamatsu Factory will increase from the current 700,000 units to 1.1 million units. The new plant is scheduled to become operational within 2010, and related investment is expected to reach approximately 14 billion yen.

Efforts to further improve production efficiency have already begun at the Hamamatsu Factory. Production processes for transmission gears, once spread around the factory, have been reorganized, and a synchronous production system has been introduced in the area of machining. A highly efficient production system will be further established by consolidating transmission assembly processes at the new plant and also by improving logistics system within the Hamamatsu Factory. Moreover, a new flexible production line installed at the new plant will be capable of adjusting production of AT and CVT based on market demand. With the new plant, Honda will enhance the overall competitiveness of its transmission production.

As a leader plant of Honda’s global transmission production, Hamamatsu Factory also will continue to enhance coordination with other AT production plants in the U.S., Indonesia, and China, and further strengthen its function to evolve advanced production technologies horizontally to other Honda plants.

The new plant will be designed to address environmental issues from various perspectives including rooftop afforestation, promoting use of rainwater, and adoption of natural lighting.

About Hamamatsu Factory
Start of operation: April 1954 (Hosoe Plant: September 2001)
Location: Hamamatsu-shi, Shizuoka
Lot size: 212,000m2 (Hosoe Plant: 230,000m2)
Products: Engines for medium-to-large sized motorcycles (scheduled to be transferred to Kumamoto Factory within 2009)
Transmissions for automobiles
Outboard engines (produced at Hosoe Plant)
Employment:  Approximately 3,000 associates

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Honda Demonstrates Life Saving Motorcycle Technology

28th October 2008 2:00 pm honda

In its efforts to improve safety for everyone, especially vulnerable road users, Honda’s leading motorcycle to car communication system is being demonstrated for the first time in Europe at the CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium event taking place at the Opel Test Track in Dudenhofen, Germany, from 22-23 October 2008.

The system generates warnings to riders and drivers of other vehicles by continuous exchange of positioning data from satellite GPS sources. This is particularly relevant as road users approach intersections, alerting them to other vehicles that are potentially on a collision course, allowing avoidance manoeuvres.

The demonstration will exhibit the interoperability of the Honda life-saving system which facilitates communication with vehicles from 8 other manufacturers.

European research data shows that the majority of accidents involving a motorcycle are caused by perception failures and this system will reduce these failures.

The development of inter vehicle communication is part of Honda’s ongoing approach to safety for powered two-wheelers. This approach tackles Preventive, Active and Passive safety. The resulting technologies in the field of preventive safety include the Motorcycle Riding Simulator and the Riding Trainer, both of which are used for hazard perception training. The introduction of the world’s first motorcycle airbag on a Gold Wing in 2006 was a landmark in safety. This year’s release of the first ever electronically controlled Combined ABS for Super Sports motorcycles provides enhanced braking capability in a wide range of road conditions and a step forward in the field of Active Safety.

Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) Systems Development by Honda
Honda has developed this technology within the ASV (Advanced Safety Vehicle) programme in Japan, and is currently participating in projects in Europe, Japan and the United States. In Japan, Honda is now in phase 4 of its ASV development. This ASV-4 system uses a wireless communication unit to ascertain the position and direction of cars and motorcycles in relation to each other, and provides drivers with information on approaching vehicles and obstacles on the road. This follows the introduction of ASV-3 technologies in 2005, and ASV-4 has built on extensive research, data collection and collaboration in advanced safety technologies.

What is Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication?
V2V communication rapidly relays information in a simple and concise manner, which supports motorists’ and bikers’ recognition processes. Information including position, direction and vehicle dynamics coordinates is exchanged between vehicles. Motorcycle riders can safely receive warnings about vehicles near them on a Head-up Indicator Display, and can receive information through an in-helmet audio system, neither requiring them to take their eyes off the road. Drivers can view information on the status of cars and motorcycles in their vicinity and receive warnings on, for example, their navigation system display.

Honda Advanced HMI
The effectiveness of a Vehicle-to-Vehicle and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure communication system largely depends on the HMI concept - the interface between the rider and his machine. Based on extensive research, Honda has developed for the Car 2 Car demonstration a simple, logical and intuitive HMI for faster and easier recognition. Both a visual and an audible warning are provided in safety critical situations. The visual HMI is located on the upper edge of the motorcycle dashboard, as close as possible to the line of vision, enabling the rider to spot the information and warnings easily without actually having to take his eyes off the road. The intensity, colour and the position of the lights provide intuitive information on the seriousness and the location of the danger ahead. To augment the riders’ recognition and further specify the hazard ahead, an acoustic warning by means of spoken text is given in the helmet, which is connected by means of Bluetooth® communication link with the on-board system. This advanced HMI contributes to enhanced motorcycle safety.

Motorcycle Accident Characteristics.
Motorcycle safety requires special consideration, due to the particular nature of motorcycle accidents. Both the causes and the consequences of these are different to those of accidents involving only cars. The majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by the simple failure of other motorists to detect the presence of a motorcycle on the road until it is too late, or to correctly assess its distance and speed. There are several reasons for this.

Firstly, the front profile of a motorcycle is significantly smaller than that of a car or truck. Not only can it be more easily overlooked, but it can also be obscured by larger vehicles or street furniture. Its smaller size can also be more easily camouflaged by its surroundings. For example, a motorcycle can be completely hidden behind a car’s A-pillar for a limited amount of time on the approach to a roundabout.

Secondly, motorcycles are more subject to errors of perception and judgement of distance and speed. This is related to their smaller size and also to certain disadvantageous characteristics of motorcycle lighting systems. Honda is also addressing this through Conspicuity Enhancement Designs, with proven success in helping car drivers to better estimate both distance and speed of motorcycles.

Statistics
In 1999, an EU funded research project (Motorcycle Accident In-Depth Study or MAIDS) investigated the underlying causes of motorcycle accidents. The researchers were a consortium of partners including, among others, ACEM (The Motorcycle Industry in Europe), FIM and FEMA (rider organisations at international and European level).

Data was collected on 921 motorcycle accidents occurring in 5 European countries. It was found that 88% of the accidents were mainly caused by human error, while 8% were due to external environmental factors such as weather conditions or road infrastructure. In 37% of cases the motorcyclist was the cause of the accident, while in 50% of cases the driver of the other vehicle was responsible. A breakdown of this 50% showed that: 72% were so-called ‘perception’ failures, where the driver failed to see the motorcycle, 3% were ‘comprehension’ failures (they saw the motorcycle but the brain did not recognize it as such), and 20% were ‘decision’ failures (they saw the motorcycle but decided to continue with the intended manoeuvre anyway).

The problem of visibility and awareness of motorcycles on the road clearly needs to be addressed.

How can V2V communication help?
The MAIDS research also looked at the most common motorcycle accident configurations. Almost 35% of these were down to two main configurations:

• Accidents at an intersection, where the colliding vehicles were following perpendicular paths;
• Left-turn accidents (right-turn in the UK and Ireland), where two vehicles approach in opposite directions and where the other vehicle cuts across the path of the oncoming motorcycle.
 
The diagrams below illustrate how Vehicle-to-Vehicle communication operates in these two typical situations:

In the above situations, the V2V communication system may compensate for errors of perception or momentary lacks of concentration. The system is also being tested in situations where human senses do not necessarily register reliable data. One example is in the blindspot that remains invisible in a rear view mirror check. Another is the approach of an emergency services vehicle where a siren can be heard but determination of its position, speed or direction is difficult. An additional case would occur when a driver sees a motorcyclist in the mirror but has difficulty judging closing speed and distance, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.

Honda and the Car 2 Car Communication Consortium
Honda believes that by demonstrating its advanced safety technologies, a common approach to safety can be achieved for all road users.

The CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium is a non-profit organisation initiated by European vehicle manufacturers, and is open for suppliers, research organisations and other partners. The CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium is dedicated to the objective of further increasing road traffic safety and efficiency by means of inter-vehicle communications. Honda has been researching Vehicle-to-Vehicle communication systems for more than a decade, both independently and in joint research projects in Japan and the USA. To improve motorcycle safety in Europe, Honda became a full member of the CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium in 2005, with the clear objective of integrating the motorcycle within the CAR 2 CAR system. The common objective of the participating bodies is to develop common interoperable standards for all vehicles, including motorcycles, and ultimately to introduce a standard C2C CC system into the European vehicle market.

Honda’s own innovations
The research into vehicle-to-vehicle and infrastructure communication systems is yet one more step in the development of new technologies for enhanced comfort and safety. Previous innovations and world-firsts by Honda are, for example, the world’s first car navigation system, which can be found nowadays in many vehicles; collision mitigation braking systems which initiate occupant restraints and the brakes in pre-collision situations; lane keeping assist systems in cars in Europe; intelligent night vision systems recognising pedestrians; and the first floating car data system from a car maker in the Honda Internavi navigation system.

Further resources
Honda also fully supports the EU targets for traffic fatality reduction and is well on its way to fulfilling its safety commitments under the European Road Safety Charter.

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Honda Sets All-Time Record for Worldwide Auto Production for the First Half of a Fiscal Year

28th October 2008 1:00 pm honda

Honda Motor Co., Ltd., announced a summary of automobile production, Japan domestic sales, and export results for the month of September 2008 and the first half of the current fiscal year (April-September 2008), including all-time records for worldwide auto production and production in regions outside of Japan for the first half of a fiscal year.

<Production>
First Half of Current Fiscal Year (April - September 2008)
Production in Japan for the first half of the current fiscal year experienced a year-on-year decrease for the second consecutive year (since the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008).

Production in regions outside of Japan for the first half of the current fiscal year experienced a year-on-year increase for the 12th consecutive year (since the fiscal year ended March 31, 1998), setting an all-time record for the first half of a fiscal year. This includes record production for the first half of a fiscal year in North America, Asia, and China.

Worldwide production experienced a year-on-year increase for the fifth consecutive year (since the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005), setting an all-time record for the first half of a fiscal year.

September 2008
Production in Japan for the month of September 2008 experienced a year-on-year increase for the first time in two months (since July 2008).

Production in regions outside of Japan experienced a year-on-year increase for the first time in two months (since July 2008), setting an all-time record for the month of September. This includes record production for the month of September in North America, the U.S., Asia, and China.

Worldwide production experienced a year-on-year increase for the first time in two months (since July 2008), setting an all-time record for the month of September.

<Japan Domestic Market Sales>
First Half of Current Fiscal Year (April - September 2008)

Total Japan domestic market auto sales for the first half of the current fiscal year experienced a year-on-year increase for the first time in three years (since the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006).

New vehicle registrations for the first half of the current fiscal year experienced a year-on-year increase for the first time in three years (since the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006).

Sales of mini-vehicles for the first half of the current fiscal year experienced a year-on-year decrease for the second consecutive year (since the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008).

<Vehicle registrations - excluding mini-vehicles>
Fit was the industry’s best-selling car among new vehicle registrations for the first half of the current fiscal year, with sales of 85,430 units.

<Mini-vehicles - under 660cc>
Life was the industry’s fifth best-selling car among mini-vehicles for the first half of the current fiscal year with sales of 39,298 units.

September 2008
Total Japan domestic market auto sales for the month of September 2008, experienced a year-on-year decrease for the first time in three months (since June 2008).

New vehicle registrations experienced a year-on-year increase for the 11th consecutive month (since November 2007).

Sales of mini-vehicles experienced a year-on-year decrease for the seventh consecutive month (since March 2008).

<Vehicle registrations - excluding mini-vehicles>
Fit was the industry’s best-selling car among new vehicle registrations for the month of September 2008, with sales of 16,350 units. Freed was the industry’s fourth best-selling car with sales of 8,679 units.

<Mini-vehicles - under 660cc>
Life was the industry’s fourth best-selling car in the mini-vehicle category for the month of September 2008, with sales of 8,436 units.

<Exports from Japan>
First Half of Current Fiscal Year (April - September 2008)
Total exports from Japan for the first half of the current fiscal year experienced a year-on-year decrease for the first time in five years (since fiscal year ended March 31, 2004).

September 2008
Total exports from Japan in September 2008, experienced a year-on-year increase for the first time in five months (since April 2008).

PRODUCTION, SALES and EXPORTS

Worldwide Production

		*1st Half Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2009		September 2008		Year-to-Date Total (Jan. - Sep. 2008)
		Units	vs.FY08	Units	vs.07	Units	vs.07
	Japan	605,934	-4.9%	118,631	+5.9%	915,574	-6.8%
	Outside of Japan	1,360,844	+6.8%	241,822	+11.5%	2,070,064	+8.7%
Worldwide Total		1,966,778	+2.9%	360,453	+9.6%	2,985,638	+3.4%

Production Outside of Japan

		*1st Half Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2009		September 2008		Year-to-Date Total (Jan. - Sep. 2008)
		Units	vs.FY08	Units	vs.07	Units	vs.07
	North America	715,848	+1.8%	121,433	+12.6%	1,095,828	+1.9%
	(USA)	493,207	-1.1%	83,781	+9.9%	762,100	-0.2%
	Europe	110,287	-2.5%	21,335	-1.4%	177,689	+3.9%
	Asia	439,295	+11.9%	80,130	+6.1%	655,258	+15.4%
	(China)	267,393	+16.9%	50,580	+6.6%	394,647	+20.4%
	Others	95,414	+47.6%	18,924	+59.5%	141,289	+56.5%
Overseas Total		1,360,844	+6.8%	241,822	+11.5%	2,070,064	+8.7%

Japan Domestic Market Sales

Vehicle type		*1st Half Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2009		September 2008		Year-to-Date Total (Jan. - Sep. 2008)
		Units	vs.FY08	Units	vs.07	Units	vs.07
	Registrations	203,257	+11.9%	41,923	+12.5%	333,211	+13.6%
	Mini Vehicles	88,923	-19.4%	17,212	-26.2%	150,676	-12.5%
Honda Brand Total		292,180	+0.1%	59,135	-2.4%	483,887	+4.0%

Export from Japan

		*1st Half Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2009		September 2008		Year-to-Date Total (Jan. - Sep. 2008)
		Units	vs.FY08	Units	vs.07	Units	vs.07
	North America	168,339	-18.3%	28,146	-22.7%	266,844	-12.5%
	(USA)	157,030	-18.9%	25,277	-24.3%	251,288	-12.5%
	Europe	72,189	+28.5%	14,241	+34.8%	90,320	-1.0%
	Asia	19,062	+26.6%	3,397	+53.6%	30,531	+52.4%
	Others	61,104	-14.1%	13,931	+48.5%	94,523	-10.1%
Total		320,694	-7.9%	59,715	+2.0%	482,218	-7.5%

*April 2008-September 2008

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Automotive Design Studios Visualize Auto Racing In The Year 2025

24th October 2008 2:00 pm honda

Today’s race cars have ground-breaking technology to improve speed, power, performance and safety but what a difference 17 years into the future can make. Imagine race cars that go beyond the expectations and challenges of racing today, such as never needing to stop for re-fueling or collision avoidance assistance technology for enhanced safety.

Nine of Southern California’s automotive design studios did just that, predicting how auto racing will change by the year 2025. The designs are part of the fifth annual Los Angeles Auto Show’s Design Challenge, where studios including Audi, BMW, GM, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and Volkswagen are pitted against each other to showcase their talents and further explore new ideas in automotive design.

“Automotive designers have always been fascinated with Motor Sports and this year’s Design Challenge has provided them with the opportunity to use their creative talent to look at these cars with new eyes, using innovative technologies and approaches,” said Chuck Pelly, director of Design Los Angeles and partner in The Design Academy, Inc. “This adds to the excitement, interest and personal involvement in the sport that has thrilled people of all ages for many years…and many more years to come.”

Entries in this year’s Motor Sports 2025 Design Challenge include:

• Audi of America Design Center California: The Audi R25 incorporates innovative features such as high-velocity banks and tunnels, which allow cars to race “inverted” and the opportunity to pass anywhere with aerodynamic racecars.

• BMW Group DesignworksUSA: The BMW Hydrogen Powered Salt Flat Racer reuses existing, ordinary and mundane materials such as old oil barrels and BBQ lids to whimsical and sustainable by employing goldfish as “co-pilots” to ensure that the vehicle is running clean emissions.

• General Motors Advanced Design: The GM Chaparral Volt collects and generates its own energy from three different clean, renewable and abundant California resources: Earth, Wind and Fire to create an entirely new category of racing - the eco-triathlon.

• Honda Research and Development, North America: The Great Race 2025’s sonar/echolocation sensors are able to detect changes in speed, terrain, and altitude, allowing it to switch to any configuration to circumnavigate the globe in 24 hours on land through the U.S., by sea through Asia and by air over Europe.

• Mazda R&D of North America: The MAZDA KAAN is an electric race car that has a patented electronic tire system to reach 250 mph with no harmful emissions. The vehicles are piloted by individual drivers but teams are made up of thirty cars, all on the track together.

• Mitsubishi Research & Design of North America: The MMR25’s multi-terrain, omnidirectional wheels consist of eight independently-controlled motors, allowing for “8 x 4” wheel drive so that the car can be driven forward while pointing in any direction.

• Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of North America: Luxury racing arrives in the Formula Zero Racer by incorporating the thrill of Formula One, the track dynamics of the bobsled or luge, and the grace and efficiency of yacht racing.

• Toyota’s Calty Design Research: The Toyota Le Mans Racer is the ultimate race car that never needs to stop. Powered by highly efficient hydrogen fuel cell electric motors, each of its body panels is embedded with photovoltaic panels to supply electricity when extra energy is needed.

• Volkswagen of America Design Center: In the Bio Runner, the rider is positioned inside a protective cage on a motorcycle-like saddle with controls attached to the hands and feet. These controls manipulate all wheels via synthetic muscle-based suspension which offers unparalleled control and traction.

Entries will be judged by Tom Matano of San Francisco’s Academy of Art University, Imre Molner of Detroit’s College for Creative Studies and Stewart Reed of Pasadena’s Art Center College of Design. Daniel Simon, an established car designer and founder of Cosmic Motors, is the special guest judge this year. Simon began his design career at Volkswagen and recently published his first book: Cosmic Motors-Spaceships, Cars and Pilots of Another Galaxy.

The winning design will be announced at the Design Los Angeles conference Nov. 20 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

About the Design Challenge
The Design Challenge is part of the Design Los Angeles automobile designers’ conference that has evolved into an integral element of the Los Angeles Auto Show. Entering its fifth year, Design Los Angeles provides designers with leading design speakers and the opportunity to address common issues. More than 500 designers attended last year’s event.

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Honda Pledges Long-Term Commitment to Thailand

23rd October 2008 1:00 pm honda

Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Thailand’s second largest manufacturer and exporter of passenger cars, announced that production has begun at the company’s second newly operational world-class auto plant, built adjacent to its existing plant in Ayutthaya province, Thailand.

Honda has invested more than Bht. 6.2 billion in its second manufacturing facility in Thailand. Covering an area of about 150,000m2, the new auto plant will employ an additional 2,200 Honda associates and double its annual production capacity to 240,000 units.

Fumihiko Ike, President & CEO of Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd., said, “With this second plant, our Thai operations advance to the next stage.  This means not just providing high quality products to global markets.  Our operations here will enhance their responsibility as the leader plant in Asia to provide technical support to other plants across the region.  With the rapid changes occurring around the world, our operations in Asia will play a greater role than ever,”

The new plant at Ayutthaya will manufacture Honda’s current portfolio of best-selling products – the Accord, Civic, CR-V, Jazz and the City.  The first model that rolled off from Honda’s latest facility is the Accord.

The inauguration of Honda’s latest venture in Thailand has raised its total investment in this country to over Bht. 21 billion, making Honda one of the country’s top foreign investors.  The company’s first plant started manufacturing operations in 1996.

The investment in the new plant was driven by the growing demand for Honda vehicles in both domestic and key export markets in the Asia/Oceania region.  Locally, Honda has sold about 64,000 vehicles in the year up to September, increasing its sales by 33% for the same 9-month period in 2007.  Honda’s market share rose from 10.5% last year to 13.9% between January and September 2008.

Kenji Otaka, HATC’s President, said, “With the start of this new auto plant, Honda Automobile Thailand is now ranked the largest manufacturer of passenger cars in ASEAN.  This plant incorporates the most advanced clean production technologies currently deployed anywhere, making it one of Honda’s cleanest auto manufacturing facilities in the world.”

The new facility at Rojana Industrial Estate, Ayutthaya, is one of Honda’s most modern and advanced plants in the world, raising the standard for environment-friendliness, ergonomically-designed manufacturing processes, and safety for the team working on site.  It is equipped with a “complete water-recycling system” to eliminate water wastage. 

The new plant will also reduce the use of volatile organic compounds by 50%, while the installation of Honda-developed CIGS (copper, indium, gallium and selenium) thin-film solar cells will cut carbon dioxide emissions by 10% compared with 2005 standards.

In addition, Honda has ensured that its employees at the plant are given the safest and most work-friendly environment. 

More automated systems are also featured at the new facility.  The assembly line is equipped with advanced light-weight tools and sophisticated conveyor systems that automatically adjust the position of the car on the assembly line to optimise convenience and comfort for its employees, thereby reducing fatigue.

Honda’s manufacturing facility in Thailand is currently ranked the sixth largest in Honda’s operations around the world after Japan, USA, China, Canada and the United Kingdom.  In Thailand, it employs over 4,200 associates and will increase the number to more than 6,400 employees to manage manufacturing operations at the two auto plants.

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Honda Soltec Begins Sales of Thin-Film Solar Cells for Public and Industrial Use

22nd October 2008 10:00 am honda

Honda’s wholly-owned solar cell subsidiary Honda Soltec Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kikuchi-gun, Kumamoto; President and CEO: Akio Kazusa) will begin sales throughout Japan of thin-film solar cells for public and industrial use on October 24, 2008. Having sold solar cells for home use since October 2007, Honda intends to expand its customer base by manufacturing and selling solar cells capable of the high-capacity electrical generation required by public and industrial facilities.

Using a thin film of copper, indium, gallium and selenium (CIGS) to convert solar energy into electricity, the Honda-developed cells are environmentally responsible both in their manufacturing process and in use. With increased awareness of environmental issues, Honda is seeing growth in demand not only for private- but also public- and industrial-use solar cells and continues to strengthen its business foundation by expanding product line.

In addition, Honda’s extensive experience in large-scale solar cell installations has prepared the company for the expansion of the product line to public and industrial uses. The following are examples of completed projects:

 Honda Cars Automobile Dealership
  A 9 kW solar cell system was installed as part of the upgrading and reopening of the Honda Cars Mito, Katsuta North automobile dealership in Ibaraki Prefecture. The system powers the showroom and office of the facility.

 
 Kindergartens
  The Solar Bear Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing environmental education to children and fighting global warming, selected at random three kindergartens from among applicants throughout Japan to receive a Honda solar cell system.

 
 Automobile Transport Ship
  Honda affiliate and automobile shipper ACT Maritime Co., Ltd. installed a 20 kW solar cell system on one of its large transport ships, powering on an experimental basis the cargo hold lighting system, etc., since November 2007 with the abundant solar energy available on long sea journeys.

 
 Solar-Powered Hydrogen Station at Honda R&D Americas, Inc.
  Using a 6.7 kW solar cell system on an experimental basis, Honda R&D Americas, Inc. is electrolyzing water to produce hydrogen without any CO2 emissions.

 
 New Motorcycle Production Facility at the Kumamoto Factory
  This 116 kW solar cell system, at 1,000 modules Honda’s largest in Japan, powers the office building of the new facility.
 
In addition to developing motorcycles, automobiles and power products that emit less CO2, Honda is creating energy-producing products and engaging in activities that help reduce global warming.

Comparison of Honda Solar Cell Modules

	Public and Industrial Use		Home Use
	HEM125PSA	HEM115PSA	HEM125PA	HEM115PA
Cell material	CIGS
Max. output per module (W)	125	115	125	115
Dimensions (W x D x H) (mm)	1,417 x 791 x 37
Weight (kg)	14.3
Nominal open-circuit voltage (V)	93.3	92.7	280	278

·	Figures calculated by Honda based on air mass of 1.5, solar radiation of 1 kW/m2 and module temperature of 25º C.
·	Actual output will depend on solar radiation, installation method (direction, angle and surrounding environment), geographic region and temperature.

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Honda Announces the All-New Odyssey

17th October 2008 11:00 am honda

HONDA Odyssey M

 Designed around the concept of emotive quality that will move all who experience it, the new fourth generation Odyssey provides an advanced fusion of the human/machine interface, a liberated feeling for all occupants, and a distinctive presence. So, the all-new Odyssey was developed with the goal of generating strong feelings in every circumstance: riding in it, driving it, and looking at it.

HONDA Odyssey Absolute

To fulfill customer expectations for excellent fuel economy related to growing awareness of environmental issues, the all-new Odyssey is equipped with a 2.4l DOHC i-VTEC engine and torque converter-equipped CVT*1, a combination that enables the vehicle to achieve both superior performance and class leading*2 fuel economy of 13.2km/l*3.  Moreover, the all-new Odyssey features DBW (drive-by-wire) control and an ECON mode which improves fuel economy by applying collaborative control of the CVT and air conditioner to reduce engine load.

New 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine delivers nimble, lively performance 
Low center-of-gravity and advanced chassis balancing ensures luxurious ride comfort and handling that complieswith the driver’s intentions 

Also available is the Odyssey Absolute, a sporty model with further refined performance characteristics

 
More slender front pillars secure a wide, clear field of view for the driver, for a greater sense of security 
Advanced instrument panel design offers instant recognition and intuitive operation that enhances driving pleasure 
The three rows of seats are positioned in a V-shaped layout to allow all occupants to enjoy the forward view

 
Distinctive one-motion form is lower and sleeker, providing a sensation of speed and functional beauty 
Resolute expression and contoured front styling emphasize power and vitality

 
Key Features of the New Odyssey
 
 Exterior design
  · The exterior is designed around a concept of sensual dynamism, with richly contoured surfaces to express both dynamism and solidity for conveying elegance and power.

 
· The front view features sharp graphics, with headlights flowing out from the chromed bumper center portion and a sculpted V-line extending up over the hood from the front grill to impart a sense of speed and power. The narrow headlights add an intrepid feel.

 
· The side view features a fluid silhouette with a one-motion line from front nose to roof end. This combines with the strongly contoured surface in an expression of sleekness and power.

 
· For the rear view, the cabin has been strongly tapered and the rear window rounded to impart a compact feel for the cabin. Horizontally oriented rear combination lights add a feeling of breadth.

 
· The voluptuous body contours are further highlighted with a super platinum coating.

 
· Six color variations are available, including two new colors.

 
 
 Interior design
  · The interior is designed to achieve an advanced feel in a refined and comfortable space.
 
· The double-layered, gently sculpted instrument panel imparts a feeling of comfort and spaciousness.

 
· The 3Dself-illuminating gauges and indicator lamps are laid out around the centrally positioned speedometer in a 3D arrangement and grouped into functional zones for instantaneous recognition.

 
· The audio, climate control, and navigation controls are positioned for easy operation in a highly intuitive center panel.

 
· The front seat cushions employ low-resistance urethane for low fatigue and an outstanding hold.

 
· A telescopic & tilt steering mechanism helps maintain the optimum driving position.

 
 
 
 Power train 
  · The 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine combines outstanding fuel economy with powerful performance, featuring class-topping 13.2km/l and strong, torquey response at all speed ranges.

 
· The torque converter-equipped CVT combines outstanding fuel economy with smooth and seamless acceleration, for a more comfortable driving feel in a wide range of situations.

 
· Efficiency improvements and weight reduction in the engine and transmission have helped boost fuel economy, while ECON mode supports even more economical operation.

 
 
 Packaging 
  · The spacious interior comfortably accommodates seven occupants, while the low overall height of 1,545mm*4 is compact enough to access most standard, multi-level parking facilities.

 
· Innovative construction beneath the second-row seats provides an extra 40mm*5 of legroom for third-row passengers. Additionally, thanks to changes in the shape of the second-row seats, an additional 20mm*5 of knee space for third-row passengers improves comfort significantly.

 
· The upper portion of the rear door opening has been expanded for easier access to third-row seating.

 
· The front pillars employ high-strength materials and high-precision manufacturing methods to achieve an approximately 30%*5 reduction in width along with extra reinforcement. This results in improved visibility during cornering while opening up a more refreshing, panoramic field of view.

 
· The seating positions of the left and right second-row passengers have each been moved 25mm*5 toward the center of the vehicle, creating a V-shaped layout for the first- to third-row seating positions. This allows all occupants to enjoy a clear forward view.

 
  *4 FWD vehicle
*5 Honda calculations compared to the previous Odyssey

 
 
 Utility 
  · The second-row seats feature a three-way split back that allows the left, right, and center seatbacks to be independently folded down, allowing a variety of seating arrangements with a single action.

 
· The third-row seats employ an under-floor storage mechanism to create a flat, easy to use luggage space.

 
· The tailgate has been made thinner and shaped to secure more luggage space than the previous model. The luggage space is even easier to use, with a flat floor and a flexible luggage board that extends all the way to the backs of the second-row seats when the third-row seats are stowed.

 
 
 Body 
  · Improved joint efficiency at the upper and lower front pillar ends and other innovations result in a frame construction with outstanding rigidity. Optimized front/rear rigidity balance and stronger joints throughout also contribute greater dynamic rigidity.

 
· Strong, lightweight, high-tensile steel has been effectively deployed along with a larger cross-sectional area to allow the use of thinner materials while ensuring efficient strengthening.

 
· Road and wind noise have been kept to an absolute minimum by reducing sources of noise and vibration while making the body and chassis more rigid throughout to effectively prevent the vibrations caused by engine and road noise from reaching the cabin. Damping and absorption materials are also strategically located to block out unwanted noise.

 
 
 Chassis 
  · The low center-of-gravity chassis combines nimble handling with a comfortable ride for all occupants.

 
· In the front, a double-wishbone suspension delivers outstanding straight-line stability and ride comfort.

 
· In the rear, the reactive-link, double-wishbone suspension achieves a compact design that significantly contributes to the low-floor platform.

 
· A more compact powertrain and innovative body design secure ample tire turning angle to achieve an outstanding, class-leading*6 minimum turning radius of 5.4m.

 
  *6 Japanese “3-number” minivan category

 
 
 Driver support functions 
  · Active Cruise Control (ACC) and the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) help alleviate the burden on the driver during highway driving. Availability varies depending on the type*7.

 
· All types come equipped standard with Motion Adaptive EPS, which works in concert with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) to provide steering assistance for more stable vehicle control.

 
· Camera images are displayed on the navigation screen to reduce blind spots around the vehicle and facilitate smoother parallel and garage parking, as well as enhancing feelings of safety and security when driving along narrow roads or approaching 3-way intersections where visibility is poor. The Multi-view Camera System is available as a factory option on all types.

 
  *7 Standard equipment on the Li

 
 
 Safety 
  · The vehicle’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body provides a higher level of protection to vehicle occupants while also helping to mitigate impact on the other vehicle in a collision.

 
· The vehicle is also designed to mitigate pedestrian injury in the event of a collision, particularly to the head and legs, thanks to the use of impact-absorbing structures.

 
· The Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) with E-Pretensioners (driver and front passenger seats) helps anticipate collisions and mitigate injuries and vehicle damage should an accident occur. Availability varies depending on the type*8.

 
· A side-curtain airbag system helps mitigate head injuries due to a side collision in all three rows. Availability varies depending on the type*8.

 
· ISO FIX-compatible child seat anchoring bars and tether anchors (left and right second-row seats) are standard on all types.

 
  *8 Standard equipment on the Li

 
 
 Environmental performance 
  · All models are certified by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as having emissions levels 75% lower than what is required by 2005 standards.

 
· The M, L, and Li FWD types exceed Japanese government fuel economy standards for 2010 by 25%; the M, L, and Li 4WD types by 10%; and the Absolute by 5%.

 
 
 Odyssey special mobility-assistive vehicle with lift-up front passenger seat 
  · The special mobility-assistive vehicle is equipped with a fully electric lift-up front passenger seat that can be easily raised, lowered, and rotated with a single switch. Other features include a wireless remote, enough space to store a wheelchair even with the third-row seats up, and a wheelchair securing net and protective cover, all standard equipment. 

Honda announced that sales in Japan of the all-new Odyssey will begin October 17, 2008. The fully remodeled Odyssey features a low-floor and low center-of-gravity package that enables a low profile roofline and performance beyond ordinary minivans together with a spacious cabin. The new Odyssey is also equipped with advanced safety technologies, including the new Multi-view Camera System. A special mobility-assistive version equipped with a lift-up front passenger seat will go on sale November 13, 2008.

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