Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Honda Surpasses $75 Million in Ohio Philanthropy
With its latest round of charitable giving announced today, Honda of America Mfg., Inc. surpassed $75 million in philanthropic contributions to local communities in Ohio. This total includes more than $50 million in direct corporate grants to non-profit organizations, $22 million from Honda associate contributions and $3 million in donated products and services.
Honda reached this milestone with the recent announcement of nearly $300,000 in new grants to several Central Ohio organizations. Earlier today, company officials recognized this accomplishment at a small celebration at the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA, which was granted $100,000 for its capital campaign.
Since 1979, Honda's charitable giving programs have supported numerous local needs and programs. These include major grants to hospitals, community centers, theaters, food banks, after-school programs, nature preserves and parks.
"From the beginning, our aim has been to be a good neighbor and to support the many organizations that are dedicated to improving the communities around us," said Honda of America Vice President Rick Schostek. "By partnering with great organizations like the YMCA, we've been able to support a number of important initiatives that have enriched many lives."
While Honda has engaged directly with a wide range of charitable organizations, it is the company's associates that have been instrumental to carrying out its community initiatives. Over the past 30 years, Honda associates have contributed more than $22 million to hundreds of United Way agencies. In addition, associates have also volunteered more than 660,000 hours of service to local non-profit organizations of their choice through the company's Honda Hero program. Honda has directly supported these associates by providing nearly $1.6 million to their organizations.
"Beyond the number, $75 million in philanthropy really represents the efforts of thousands of Honda associates who genuinely care about our communities and want to make a difference by getting involved," said Caroline Ramsey, government and community relations manager for Honda of America. "Our philanthropic donations have assisted a wide variety of community needs and we remain committed to ongoing partnerships with non-profit organizations throughout the region."
** Courtesy of Honda Media Newsroom
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Honda Announces Revolutionary Next-generation "Earth Dreams Technology"
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the outline for a revolutionary next-generation technology for automobiles called "Earth Dreams Technology."
Through its implementation first in the mini-vehicle N BOX and gradually onto other vehicle models, Honda aims to achieve top-of-industry fuel efficiency for every category within three years, while simultaneously setting a timeline of 2020 to reduce by 30% CO2 emissions for all products sold worldwide, relative to emission figures for 2000.
"Earth Dreams Technology" is an expression for a set of technologies which takes into account both our need to protect the environment and our desire to provide a joy of driving.
■Key features of "Earth Dreams Technology"
- A gasoline engine which realizes top level driving performance and fuel efficiency.
- A compact diesel engine which realizes the world's lightest body*1, top-of-class*1 acceleration performance and fuel efficiency.
- CVT which combines at a high level the fun of driving and fuel efficiency.
- A two-motor hybrid system which realizes top-of-industry efficiency*1.
- A high-efficiency, high output electric SH-AWD hybrid system which combines superior driving and environmental performance.
- A compact, high efficiency electric powertrain for EVs.
■Summary of key features
1. Gasoline engine which achieves top-of-industry driving performance and fuel efficiency
- By enhancing Honda's original VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control System) technology to thoroughly improve thermal efficiency and minimize friction, a combination of high output and fuel efficiency was achieved. Further, a new engine series employing a new structure for higher expandability was developed.
- By gradually renewing the engine starting with the mini-vehicle N BOX, Honda aims to utilize this technology to achieve top-of-industry output and fuel efficiency in every vehicle class within three years.
- A wide range of engine classes including the 660cc, 1.3L, 1.5L, 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.4L, and 3.5L classes will feature the technology.
[660cc class engine]
- Employs DOHC and VTC (Variable Timing Control) to improve intake efficiency. Further, the compact combustion chamber realizes high thermal efficiency.
- By shortening the bore pitch compared to the present engine models and reducing the thickness of the cylinder block and camshaft, engine weight is reduced by 15%*3 and fuel efficiency is improved by 10%*3.
[1.3 to 1.5L class engine]
- Employs VTC, direct injection technology and the Atkinson cycle using the DOHC, VTEC technologies as the base.
- Extensive friction reduction measures are implemented.
[1.8 to 2.0L class engine]
- Employs direct injection technology and the Atkinson cycle using the DOHC, VTEC technologies as the base. Further, implementation of VTC and high-capacity EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) to both the intake and exhaust ports realizes significantly reduced friction.
- For the 2.0L class hybrid vehicle engines, use of an electric water pump eliminates the need for a belt in the auxiliary device and contributes to a reduction in friction. The VTC system allows fuel-efficient driving in various driving styles.
[2.4L class engine]
- Based on the DOHC and VTEC technologies, it employs VTC and direct injection technology and implements extensive friction reduction measures.
- Standalone engine features 5%*3 improvements in fuel efficiency and output as well as a 10%*3 improvement in maximum torque compared to the previous engine.
[3.5L class engine]
- Employs new valve train mechanisms and direct injection technology in the SOHC, VTEC, VMC systems to improve by over 10%*3 of fuel efficiency and 5%*3 of output, relative to the present standalone engine model.
2. A compact diesel engine which realizes the world's lightest body*1, top-of-class*1 acceleration performance and fuel efficiency.
- Through optimizing engine rigidity and combustion pressure, an aluminum open deck for the cylinder block was enabled in this top-of-industry lightweight*1 1.6L class diesel engine.
- By downsizing from the present 2.2L engine and extensively reducing mechanical friction in each section, a friction level equivalent to present gasoline engine models was achieved.
- Optimized thermal management system thanks to improvements in the cooling system reduces CO2 output by over 15%*3.
- Employment of a compact, high-efficiency turbocharger and weight reduction in the reciprocating sliding section realizes a sporty and nimble ride.
3. CVT which combines at a high level the fun of driving and fuel efficiency.
- Three CVT structures for mini, compact, and mid-size vehicle classes are newly developed to be adopted for a variety of engine models.
- Reinforced belt is used to realize a structure for which a wide ratio range can be set.
- Implementation of analysis technology over the contact behavior between the belt and pulley, and a high-precision hydraulic control system allows for continual optimization of hydraulic pressure to the pulley under a variety of driving conditions, contributing to improved fuel efficiency.
- Use of an electronic oil pump to realize an idle stop system with high response contributes significantly to improved usability and fuel efficiency.
- "G-Design Shift", a new coordinated control system for shift transmission, throttle, and hydraulic control responds quickly to driver demands and realizes an exhilarating, sporty drive with superior acceleration.
- In the mini-vehicle class, a control mechanism and innovations in axle placement to reduce the engine size lengthwise, while a reduction in parts by simplifying the transmission casing structure helps realize a lightweight and compact body.
- For the compact and mid-size classes, in addition to the reductions in size and weight, transmission efficiency was greatly improved by expanding the ratio range to achieve fuel efficiency improvements of 5%*3 and 10%*3 compared to the conventional CVT and comparable 5ATs, respectively.
4. A two-motor hybrid system which realizes top-of-industry efficiency*1.
- A two-motor hybrid system featuring top-of-industry efficiency*1 enhancing driving performance and reduced CO2 emissions has been newly developed.
- Special lithium-ion battery and charger is employed to enable mounting on plug-in hybrid vehicles.
- Mid-sized vehicles equipped with this system are scheduled to begin production, starting with the plug-in hybrid model in 2012 and the hybrid model in 2013.
- Three driving modes allowing for top-of-industry efficiency*1 for various driving environments were developed; an "EV driving mode" for urban environments, a "hybrid driving mode" using electricity generated by the motor, and a "engine-connected driving mode" where the engine and tires are mechanically connected during high-speed cruising.
- Combination with a high-output 120kW motor allows for superior environmental performance and driving enjoyment.
5. A high-efficiency, high output electric SH-AWD hybrid system which combines superior driving and environmental performance.
- A new hybrid system, electric SH-AWD, was developed for large-sized vehicles. By combining a 3.5L, V6 engine with this hybrid system, acceleration equivalent to V8 engines, as well as fuel efficiency equal or superior to in-line 4-cylinder engines were realized.
- An electric 4WD system with independent 20kW+ motors on both sides for the rear wheels combines a 7-speed dual clutch transmission system with a built-in 30kW+ high-efficiency motor with the engine.
- By mounting a high-performance lithium-ion battery and optimally controlling the front and rear motors, a new hybrid system with high fuel efficiency and output was realized.
- By mounting two independent motors in the rear and employing a newly developed bilateral torque adjustable control system, incredibly tight cornering just like driving "on-the-rail" is realized. With this mechanism, Honda strives to provide a stable ride for various driving environments.
6. A compact, high efficiency electric powertrain for EVs.
- Thanks to the high efficiency coaxial motor, low-friction gearbox and electric servo brake system, the system realizes the highest electrical consumption capability in the world*1, meeting the required AC consumption rate of 29kWh/100mile(116MPGe) as set forth by the United States.
- A traveling distance of 123 miles*2(LA-4mode: unadjusted) or 210km*2(JC08 mode) was achieved thanks to the mounting of a high capacity lithium-ion battery.
- When using the 240V U.S. electric source, a full charge takes less than 3 hours. (From the time a low-charge signal is lit till full charge)
- By offering three driving modes (SPORT, NORMAL, ECON), the driver can freely select from a number of options to meet the needs of various driving styles such as power-saving or sporty drive.
*1 Honda internal research (as of November 30, 2011)
*2 Honda calculations
*3 Compared to Honda products
** Courtesy of Honda Media Newsroom
Friday, December 16, 2011
Nine Honda Models Named as IIHS Top Safety Picks
The list of winners of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick award is longer than ever this year, with vehicles in nearly every size category the Institute evaluates earning accolades. From minicars to sedans to pickups, consumers have a record number of choices among 2012 models.
In all, 69 cars, 38 SUVs, 5 minivans, and 3 pickups earn Top Safety Pick. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on ratings in Institute evaluations. The ratings, which cover all 4 of the most common kinds of crashes, help shoppers pick vehicles that offer the highest levels of crash protection. Because the federal government now requires all 2012 and later passenger vehicles to have electronic stability control to help drivers avoid loss-of-control crashes, ESC no longer is a requirement to win as it was in prior years.
The winners' circle includes 18 new recipients for 2012, while 97 models that previously qualified for the 2011 award carry over to 2012.
"For the second year running a record number of models qualify," says Institute president Adrian Lund. "It's tough to win, and we commend auto manufacturers for making safety a top priority."
That commitment to protecting people in crashes is evident in the fast pace of design improvements automakers have made during the past year. Initially 66 vehicles qualified for last year's award as less-than-perfect rollover ratings held back many contenders. Later the number climbed to 100 as manufacturers redesigned roofs to make them stronger or introduced new models to win. The Institute's rolling test schedule allows for recognition of additional winners throughout the year, so many 2012 models qualified for a 2011 Top Safety Pick.
Honda improves: Ten of the 18 new additions are Honda/Acura models, including the midsize Accord sedan, which hasn't earned Top Safety Pick since the Institute toughened criteria to win the 2010 award by adding a test to assess roof strength in a rollover crash.
Vehicles rated good for rollover protection have roofs more than twice as strong as the current federal standard requires. The Institute estimates that such roofs reduce the risk of serious and fatal injury in single-vehicle rollovers by about 50 percent compared with roofs meeting the minimum requirement. A new federal standard for roof strength will phase in beginning with 2013 models.
Roofs on the 2009 Honda CR-V and 2010 Pilot scored marginal ratings in prior Institute tests, while earlier models of the Accord, CR-Z, Fit, and Insight rated acceptable. Now all of these 2012 models earn good ratings and Top Safety Pick.
"Honda/Acura deserves credit for most-improved status," Lund says. "The automaker buckled down and upgraded roofs on 10 models that missed winning last year because of rollover protection. Now, the automaker has winners in the minicar, small car, midsize car, small SUV, midsize SUV, minivan, and large pickup categories."
About the award: The Institute awarded the first Top Safety Pick to 2006 models and then raised the bar the next year by requiring good rear test results and ESC as either standard or optional equipment. In 2010, the Institute toughened criteria by adding a requirement that all qualifiers must earn a good rating for performance in a roof strength test to assess protection in a rollover crash.
The Institute groups winners according to vehicle type and size. Lund advises consumers to keep in mind that size and weight influence crashworthiness. Larger, heavier vehicles generally afford better occupant protection in serious crashes than smaller, lighter ones. Even with a Top Safety Pick, a small car isn't as crashworthy as a bigger one.
How vehicles are evaluated: The Institute's frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash tests. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a 50th percentile male Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.
Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on 2 instrumented SID-IIs dummies representing a 5th percentile woman, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle's structural performance during the impact.
In the roof strength test, a metal plate is pushed against 1 side of a roof at a displacement rate of 0.2 inch per second. To earn a good rating for rollover protection, the roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle's weight before reaching 5 inches of crush. This is called a strength-to-weight ratio.
Rear crash protection is rated according to a 2-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry — the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average-size man.
Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can't be positioned to protect many people.
2012 Winners Include:
Honda Fit, Honda Civic 4-door, Honda CR-Z, Honda Insight, Honda Accord, Honda CR-V, Honda Pilot, Honda Odyssey, and Honda Ridgeline.
** Courtesy of IIHS News
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept to Make World Debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show
A concept vehicle revealing the styling direction of the next-generation Honda Accord Coupe will debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show January 10, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
A leader in style, performance, safety, efficiency and value since the introduction of the first generation model in 1976, the Accord remains one of the best-selling cars in America. The 2012 Accord was recently named to Car and Driver Magazine's '10Best' list for a record 26th time and was ranked as having the highest initial quality in its segment in the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS). The introduction of the ninth-generation Accord marks 30 years of U.S. production of the model at the Marysville Auto Plant in Marysville, Ohio, the first Japanese car assembly plant in the U.S.
** Courtesy of Honda Media Newsroom
Monday, December 12, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Honda Accord and Fit Receive Car and Driver Magazine's "10Best Cars" Awards
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 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.
** Courtesy of Honda Media Newsroom
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
2012 Honda Civic Si Makes Racing Debut At 25 Hours of Thunderhill
Honda Performance Development, in partnership with the Ohio-based Honda of America Racing Team (HART), gave the 2012 Honda Civic Si a successful competition debut at this year’s 25 Hours of Thunderhill. Developed for racing in the Grand-Am’s Continental Tire Challenge Series, SCCA World Challenge and similar categories, the HART/HPD Civic finished seventh in the E0 class at the season-ending National Auto Sport Association (NASA) endurance race, held at the three-mile Thunderhill Raceway road course north of Sacramento, California.
Starting fifth in the E0 class, a field that included a half-dozen BMW M3s and an FFR Cobra Daytona Coupe replica, the Civic ran competitively throughout the first quarter of the 25-hour contest. At the six-hour mark, the equivalent of multiple Continental Tire/World Challenge races for which the car was designed, the Civic was ranked sixth in E0, and continued to run without any mechanical issues.
In the early hours of Sunday morning, however, transmission issues sent the Civic behind the wall for repairs. But the HART/HPD team returned to competition after replacing the transmission, and the Civic Si went on to a seventh-place finish in E0.
“This was an encouraging race debut for the 2012 Civic Si,” said Lee Niffenegger, HPD senior engineer. “The HPD-developed parts and K-24 engine all ran flawlessly throughout the event. The one issue we did encounter, with the transmission, only developed after the equivalent of two Grand-Am race weekends, which isn’t completely unreasonable. We’ll be able to take what we learned this weekend and apply it to future HPD-developed cars and parts.”
In addition to the HART/HPD Civic effort, Team Honda Research-West (THR-W) – comprised primarily of California-based Honda R&D associates who compete regularly in NASA events – also campaigned an Acura RSX in the E1 class., one of the largest of the six classes at the 25 Hours.
The RSX started strong, leading its class through the six-hour mark and building a lead of more than a lap at 8 hours. But shortly before half-distance, an off-course excursion – due to oil on the track – cost the team time behind the wall replacing a broken damper. After repairs were completed, the THR-W Acura returned to finish fifth in E1.
Honda Performance Development (HPD) is the Honda racing company within North America. Founded in 1993 and located in Santa Clarita, Calif., HPD is the technical operations center for high-performance Honda racing cars and engines. HPD served as single engine supplier to the IZOD IndyCar Series from 2006-2011 and spearheaded championship-winning efforts in the 2009-2010 American Le Mans Series, 2010 Le Mans Series and the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans.
HPD offers a line of race engines for track applications from prototype sports cars to karting; for professional, amateur and entry-level efforts.
** Courtesy of Honda Media Newsroom
