Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the development of the Ecological Drive Assist System, which combines three functions to enhance fuel economy: the ECON Mode utilizes harmonized control of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) and engine to support more fuel-efficient driving; the guidance function uses speedometer color to provide real-time guidance on fuel-efficient driving; and thescoring function provides feedback about current driving practices, as well as feedback on cumulative, long-term fuel-efficient driving. The world’s first* system to combine these three functions in a comprehensive approach to fuel economy enhancement, the Ecological Drive Assist System will be implemented for the first time on the all-new Insight hybrid vehicle in spring 2009.

Furthermore, for the Japan-market version of the Insight equipped with the optional Honda HDD InterNavi System, the Ecological Drive Assist System has an added function that enables drivers to receive advice on driving practices that enhance fuel economy.

Since driving practices have a large impact on fuel economy, Honda developed the Ecological Drive Assist System to further enhance the real-world fuel economy through controlling the CVT and engine based on the actual driving conditions and enabling the driver to learn how to drive more fuel-efficiently. In particular, the scoring function provides cumulative, long-term feedback through graphic ‘leaves’, which grow over time as drivers become more proficient in fuel-efficient driving. The joy of growing these leaves over a long time will encourage drivers to learn how to drive more fuel-efficiently.

The glacier white body color conveys the FC Sport’s clean environmental aspirations while the dark wheels and deeply tinted glass provide a symbolic contrast befitting of the vehicle’s unique combination of clean power and high performance. Green construction techniques further contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. An organic, bio-structure theme is carried through to the body construction where exterior panels are intended to use plant-derived bio-plastics.

Source: Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

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Hybrid Vehicles, CVT and Engines

HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today introduced the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE (Rotary Engine) vehicle to Norway’s public roads in collaboration with the Norwegian national hydrogen project, HyNor. Initially, the RX-8 Hydrogen RE’s driving performance on Norwegian roads will be validated with a single vehicle, which will also be shown at various events. This marks the first time that a Mazda hydrogen rotary vehicle has been put into regular use on public roads outside Japan.

Mazda signed a memorandum of understanding with HyNor (Hydrogen Road of Norway) to participate in the project in November 2007. HyNor is a national project in the Kingdom of Norway that aims to establish a clean energy transport system based on hydrogen fuel. Beginning in fiscal year 2009, Mazda will provide approximately 30 RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicles for the HyNor project under commercial lease contracts.

The RX-8 Hydrogen RE validation vehicle is being delivered in advance so that Mazda and HyNor can jointly assess its driving performance in Norway. It will also be exhibited at environmental and other events for potential customers who are interested in leasing a hydrogen vehicle.

Source: Mazda Motor Corporation

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Mazda Hydrogen Vehicles, Rotary Engines

TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today it will begin sales of its new “micro-premium” car, the “iQ*1″, in Japan starting on November 20.

The iQ combines outstanding performance and superior quality in an ultra-compact form that dispels conventional notions about small cars.

A newly designed platform enables an ultra-efficient package that seats four in a vehicle 2,985mm long by 1,680mm wide by 1,500mm high.  The iQ’s unique styling creates a sense of sophistication and presence that belies the car’s size.

A 1.0-liter engine delivers outstanding cruising and environmental performance, offers fuel efficiency at the highest levels for its displacement, and also meets the new 2015 Japanese fuel efficiency standards under the recently introduced JC08 test cycle.  The iQ is highly responsive at low and medium speeds, provides stable cruising performance at high speeds, and has a minimum turning radius of 3.9 meters—one of the shortest in the industry.  In addition, a S-VSC (Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control) system and a total of nine airbags, including the world’s first*2 SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) rear window curtain shield airbag, are standard on all models to provide outstanding safety performance.

The iQ is also planned to go on sale in Europe in early 2009.

Source: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

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Bringing together from Europe, the United States and Japan the top executives of the world’s leading manufacturers of heavy-duty vehicles and engines, the 6th Global Commercial Vehicle Industry Meeting was held on October 8 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Meeting participants issued a joint statement following the proceedings, the text of which appears here below.

Source: Japan Automobiles Manufacturers Association, Inc

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Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI), leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, inaugurated the 1st phase of operations at its second plant at Tapukara Industrial Area, Rajasthan. The new facility, which features world-class manufacturing techniques, was inaugurated by Smt. Vasundhara Raje, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Rajasthan, Takeo Fukui, President & CEO, Honda Motors Co. and Hideaki Domichi, Japanese Ambassador in India amidst a galaxy of senior Government and Honda officials, stake holders and Honda partners.

The inauguration of Phase I operations included the unveiling of a state of the art Press Facility and a modern and technologically advanced Power Train Unit for engine components. The Press and Power train unit will supply body panels and engine components to HSCI’s Greater Noida plant. These state-of-the-art technologies will provide the flexibility to HSCI to produce its models more quickly and efficiently.

With the Indo-ASEAN FTA in place, HSCI will get integrated into Honda’s pan-Asia supply chain network and this plant will be used to export certain engine components to Asian countries.

Honda will launch its premium hatchback Honda Jazz in India in Year 2009. In view of the importance of small cars in Indian market and the enthusiastic response which the company got for the Jazz when it was showcased at the Auto Expo in New Delhi this year, it has been decided to pre-pone the launch of the Honda Jazz to the middle of next year. The initial roll out of the car will be done from the current plant at Greater Noida.

Honda will also set-up R&D function in India to focus on market and environmental research and development of local components and materials more suited to Indian conditions.

In order to nurture the talent and enhance the skill levels of the youth of the region, Honda will set up a college for imparting technical education in the field of automobile technology wherein a 3 year Honda certified program course would be offered.

Takeo Fukui President & CEO, Honda Motors Co, in his address said, “For Honda, India is a very important market and our faith in India’s growth story stays intact. Our investment plans in India are on track and Honda is confident of catering to the increasing demand of our Indian customers through this new plant.”

“The new and enhanced facility is in line with Honda’s latest global plants with great emphasis on environment protection and safety,” he added. Source: Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

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Automobiles