Honda Motor Europe President, Manabu Nishimae delivers Geneva Press Conference Speech

-New Civic with 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine will deliver CO2 emissions of 95 g/km*
-NSX will be sold in Europe as a Honda
-New European CR-V prototype makes debut
-UK factory to double 2012 production volumes to 180,000

A full transcript of the speech follows:

Good morning, and welcome to Honda's media conference. I am very pleased to be here with you today.

Last year proved to be a very challenging year due to the natural disasters in Japan and in Thailand that impacted on our supply of new vehicles. Our ability to deliver cars to the customers who wanted them was restricted. Our Thai plant resumes full production within a month and all other production activity is fully restored. Whilst we must learn from recent history, we now look forward to what is an exciting future.

This is an important show for Honda. We are displaying products and technologies that will be at the heart of our growth plans for Europe. We are now entering a period of numerous product launches which will see Honda increase production volumes and increase sales.

In 2012, our UK factory will double production volumes to 180,000 units. In May, the New Civic assembly line will start a double shift and 500 new workers will join us.
Later in the year we start production of the New European CR-V.

The all New CR-V will be built in Europe and will be introduced in the Autumn with improved quality, performance, and enhanced fuel economy, along with new features unique for the European market. Today, we are showing a European CR-V prototype. We will display the production model at the Paris show in September.

Honda will also renew our entire European engine line-up, with a new engine series called Earth Dreams Technology. With these engines we aim to be Number 1 in fuel economy in each sector within 3 years.

The first engine from this series will be a new 1.6 litre diesel engine. Designed for Europe, it is expected to deliver 95 grammes per kilometre CO2 emissions and is the world's lightest engine in its class. It will be introduced on the New Civic and production starts at our UK factory at the end of this year.

Earth Dreams Technology engines will also deliver excellent performance characteristics. And at the summit of this range.... There is the new NSX.

This NSX Concept is powered by a mid-engine V6 ... and a new Sport Hybrid All-Wheel Drive system that comprises of 1 motor on the rear axle and 2 on the front. Supercar acceleration and outstanding efficiency will be the hallmarks of this revolutionary powertrain. The two motors in the front axle enable independent control of the left and right wheels to realize a ground-breaking "On-the-rail-cornering" experience. New NSX is set to define a new standard of Super Sport.
The US will launch new NSX with the Acura brand in 3 years. I can confirm the NSX will come to Europe....as a Honda.

NSX is the ultimate top-line Sports model, could we develop a smaller one? The EV-STER is another European premiere. This small sports EV Concept indicates the direction of how environmental technology can be incorporated with the pure joy of driving.

Our sporty plans are not limited to new models. A half century ago, Honda established the Suzuka circuit in Japan. It was the first racing track in Asia.

In October, at the Suzuka round, we plan to enter a European Civic into the FIA World Touring Car Championship. This celebrates the 50th anniversary of Suzuka Circuit. It also marks the 40th anniversary of Civic.

This racing Civic will be powered by Honda's new 1.6 direct injection turbo racing engine solely developed by Honda R&D. This is an important first step as we enhance the sportiness of Civic and the Honda brand.

Through Earth Dreams Technology, Honda will continue to minimise our environmental footprint so that we will all be able to enjoy sports driving for future generations and preserve Blue Skies for Our Children.

Thank you for your attention.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.eu/en/news/index.pmode/modul,detail,0,2198-DEFAULT,21,text,1/index.pmode

Super-clean Honda diesel for Geneva

Not for us in North America....(yet)....
Here's a tip: Among the sleek concepts and alternative-power greenmobiles on the Honda stand at the Geneva motor show in March there will be a small cutaway car engine on a plinth.
A very small engine.
But ignore it at your peril; this 1.6-litre turbodiesel is the first of what Honda says will be a series of ground-breaking new engines using what it calls, with typical Honda understatement, Earth Dreams Technology.
And we're not talking pie in the sky here; it will be on showroom floors in the recently-announced Civic hatch by late 2012 or early 2013.
Honda says it plans to be the world leader in fuel-efficiency within three years and, as ambitious as that sounds, it is putting its engines where its mouth is.
This 1596cc turbodiesel will replace the current 2.2-litre oil-burner, first in the Civic and later in other Hondas.

Not only that: thanks to a reduced compression ration and a beautifully cast, open-deck aluminium block, an improved cooling system, significantly lower internal friction and a very small, high-efficiency turbo, Honda claims that it will be the smallest, lightest and most efficient 1.6 diesel on the market.
How efficient? Try 88kW at 4000rpm and 300Nm at 2000, at a cost of less than 100g/km of CO2.
The other engines in the programme will be:
A 3.5-litre V6 with 228kW and 360Nm.
A 2.4-litre four with 133kW and 240Nm.
A 1.8-litre four producing 107kW and 180Nm and
A 1.5-litre four with a claimed 93kW and 150Nm, which will first be seen in the next-generation Jazz.

Source;

http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/cars/honda/super-clean-honda-diesel-for-geneva-1.1228278

Honda goes the diesel route

This car and the diesel are not slated for North America....
by Kushan Mitra
There was an interesting news item in The Economic Times this morning which talked about Japanese carmaker Honda being in the advanced stages of developing a diesel motor. The carmaker recently forecast a massive drop in profits expected for the fiscal year ending March 2012 thanks to a rising yen and massive production issues caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the recent floods in Thailand. These caused Honda several headaches in India over the past year, production for their new small car the Brio had to halt a few weeks after the vehicle's launch because of a lack of parts coming from Thailand.

But Honda's fortunes in India in 2011 have not only been impacted of a lack of parts from Thailand. Honda's premium products had a significant price premium on their rivals for many years. But existing rivals, particularly Hyundai, have dramatically improved both drivability and looks in the new Verna. The entry of new rivals such as Volkswagen, particularly the new Vento, have hammered the best-selling City sedan.

How bad are things for Honda? During April to December 2011, Honda Siel cars India (HSCI) sales fell to 27,939 units from 43,838 units in the same period last year. Even if natural disasters elsewhere can explain a part of the 36 per cent decline, it cannot explain all of it. Look at the City, which for years on end was the best performing car in its class, it has been outsold 3:2 by the Hyundai Verna, despite the Korean car going through a generation change earlier in 2011. The Volkswagen Vento has also just about outsold the City, and maybe if Honda did not face supply-side issues, it would not have been pushed down to P3 in its segment.

And a lot of the sales of the City and the compact Jazz have come through generous price-cuts. The City which saw prices for the entry-level model cut twice this year, first by Rs 66,000 and then by another Rs 50,000 when a mid-generation facelift was recently launched. This has played havoc with the City's residual value, previously one of the best in the industry. The competition has not just eaten into Honda sales they have also made the Japanese carmaker pretty much admit that their cars were overpriced.

But sales are still not picking up and the problem lies not in prices but in the Indian car consumers' shift towards diesel powered cars. There has always been a price differential between petrol and diesel in India, but in 2011 when the price difference reached Rs 20 per litre and as diesel technology mproved considerably, consumers started to see reason in spending Rs 100,000 extra on a diesel variant of a car over the petrol model (at the same specification level). Driving just a 1000 kilometers a month, the average consumer would make his or her money back in 24-30 months depending on the car. With a large majority of the Verna and Vento's sales being to the diesel variant (Volkswagen is offering discounts on petrol-powered models).

So a diesel engine would make a massive difference for Honda. Despite the price-cuts the brand still holds immense value, and a iDTEC engine as speculated would offer excellent performance. Honda officials admitted to me that Honda is looking at a smaller diesel engine than the 1.6 litre engine which is soon going to be launched in Europe and a 1.2 litre engine will comfortably fit inside the engine bay of the Brio and the Jazz, with the larger 1.6 litre making it onto the City, Civic and C-RV.

But it appears Honda is aware of this, they realise that introducing a diesel in India will lead to huge demand, even if the government gives in to the environmental lobby in India and imposes a Rs 80,000 'surcharge' on diesel cars, which at best would add another year to the break-even point. Maruti and Hyundai already cannot cope with demand, there is a six-eight month waiting period for the Diesel Swift and a Diesel-powered Verna involves a four to five month wait. So will Honda invest in a forging and casting plant in India to make Diesel engines? That remains to be seen.

But even if the engines are imported, Honda officials told me that no diesel powered cars will be sold in India in 2012. But with 11 months of the year remaining and the fact that things change quickly in the automotive industry, take nothing for certain.

Source;

http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/honda-diesel-cars/1/22058.html

Honda's new diesel engine unveiled (India not North America)

Considering the demand for diesel cars in India Honda's new 1.6 litre diesel engine is bound to come to our shores. Read on to know more

In 2003 Honda had developed a 2.2 litre i-CTDi four cylinder diesel engine for the Accord in Europe and America. The engine found its way under the hood of many other Honda models sold across various nations in the western world. Then in 2008 Honda introduced the i-DTEC version of the 2.2 litre diesel engine to meet Euro 5 emissions norms.

Now, Honda has revealed a downsized turbocharged version of the old 2.2 unit as a 1.6 litre common rail i-DTEC engine at the Tokyo Motor Show. Honda has used lots of aluminium in the engine and the new engine is bound to be very light. The four pot motor develops 120PS of power at 4000 rpm and 299Nm of torque at 2000 rpm. The engine is said to be fairly rev happy for a diesel like Mazda’s SKYACTIV 2.2 litre diesel engine and is also said to have good low end grunt.

Honda engineers say that they are working on a more powerful 160PS version of the 1.6 litre i-DTEC engine with 349Nm of torque that will replace the current 2.2 litre diesel unit in Europe.

As for India, the new 1.6 litre i-DTEC is bound to find its way under the hood of the Honda City which will help the mid-size Honda ramp up considerably in the sales department due to the demand for diesel cars in India. Also, a downsized version of the 1.6 litre i-DTEC engine should be on the cards for the Honda Jazz and Brio, which will help Honda gain a considerable chunk of the diesel hatchback market share in India.

Honda had confirmed their plans for a diesel power plant for India earlier this year when the Honda R&D Co (Automobile R&D Centre) Managing Officer, Chief Officer (Development Operations) Yasuhisa said, "We are aware of the petrol price increase in India but we consider that as a sign of growth in the Indian market... definitely we are currently developing diesel engine cars.” That comment has been cemented by the unveiling of the new 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel engine.

Source;

http://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/news/hondas-new-diesel-engine-unveiled/10822/1

Honda Announces Revolutionary Next-generation "Earth Dreams Technology" -New plan calls for top-of-industry fuel efficiency in every vehicle class wit

TOKYO, Japan, November 30, 2011 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the outline for a revolutionary next-generation technology for automobiles called "Earth Dreams Technology."

"Earth Dreams Technology" is a next generation set of technological advancements which greatly enhance both driving performance and fuel efficiency at a high level, using as its base advanced environmental technologies to pursue the joy of driving unique to Honda. It is a series of measures in which efficiency of internal combustion components including engine, and transmission, as well as electric-powered motor technology, is further improved.

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.

Inspiration of the "Earth Dreams Technology" name:
"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"
1. A gasoline engine which realizes top level driving performance and fuel efficiency.
2. A compact diesel engine which realizes the world's lightest body*1, top-of-class*1 acceleration performance and fuel efficiency.
3. CVT which combines at a high level the fun of driving and fuel efficiency.
4. A two-motor hybrid system which realizes top-of-industry efficiency*1.
5. A high-efficiency, high output electric SH-AWD hybrid system which combines superior driving and environmental performance.
6. 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%*2 and fuel efficiency is improved by 10%*2.

[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%*2 improvements in fuel efficiency and output as well as a 10%*2 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%*2 of fuel efficiency and 5%*2 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%*2.
・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%*2 and 10%*2 compared to the conventional CVT and comparable

5 ATs, 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*3 (LA-4mode: unadjusted) or 210km*3 (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 Compared to Honda products
*3 Honda calculations

Source;

http://www.hondanews.info/news/en/auto/4111130aeng

Honda to bring diesel engined cars to India: Official Word Emerges!

Sure would be nice to see a Diesel from Honda come to North America....
Honda SIEL seems to be on a resurgence of sorts. First we had superb product repositioning strategies with the Honda City Sedan and Honda Jazz Hatchback seeing big price drops on account of what Honda would like us to believe, increased localization which has led to massive cost savings. Then came the superbly priced Honda Brio, which at a starting price of INR 3.95 Lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi has all the trappings of being a best seller. Now, Honda has just come out with the most important of announcements yet, of that of Honda bringing in diesel engines for its Indian line up.

While this isn’t exactly something we hadn’t reported earlier, Honda SIEL officials openly speaking about diesel engines for Honda cars in India only means that Brand Honda is going all out to ensure that it manages to stay relevant in the Indian market by adapting itself to the growing trend of diesel engined cars outselling petrol engined cars in India owing to high petrol prices and the big difference in pricing between petrol and diesel fuel. Currently, Honda sells six models in India, the Brio, the Jazz, the City, the Civic, the CR-V and the Accord.

Of these cars, European variants of the Civic, CR-V and Accord already feature powerful and frugal common rail, turbo diesel engines. So, only three of Honda’s six cars in India actually need brand new diesel engines developed from scratch. For the record, Honda has already begun development of diesel engines on a war footing with engineers from Honda’s former F1 program actually being involved in this high stakes project. Hence, it is just a matter of time before Honda comes up with small capacity diesel engines for its Indian bread-and-butter product line up, although the firm remains tight lipped about when exactly the new small capacity diesel engines will be available.

Meanwhile, here’s official word emerging about Honda’s diesel engined car model plans for the Indian market, from Mr Jnaneswar Sen, Vice-President (Sales and Marketing) HSCI.

The Research and Development team in Japan is developing diesel engines. It is premature to say that the products will be rolled out on diesel (platform).

Source;
http://www.indiancarsbikes.in/cars/honda-bring-diesel-engined-cars-india-official-word-emerges-49690/

India Auto News: Honda CR-V and Mitsubishi Outlander facing tough times- Here is why

I always find it interesting how different parts of the world have such different market demands and sometimes seeing what is available elsewhere leaves me wanting (diesel CRV!)....
The next big launch of the year will the 2012 Honda CR-V. The SUV that will also debut in India and is what most Honda fans in the country will be waiting with bated breath. Honda has already revealed the car although, just a single picture has been released by the auto maker, most of the exterior details a clearly visible. It is still not clear though if the car would seat seven or five. Anyway, the hot news of the day came in the form of engine specifications that were leaked ahead of the SUVs official unveiling.

Mitsubishi Outlander and Honda CR-V

The new Honda CR-V will get next generation engines which Honda term as K24 and K25. The K24 engine is a 2.4 litre 16 valve DOHC petrol that puts out 175 bhp of maximum power and 170 lb-ft of torque. That leaves us with the K25 which most of you might have guessed is a 2.5 litre 16 valve DOHC with 201 bhp @ 6000 rpm and 177 lb-ft pr torque. Both engines will be coupled to a 5-speed automatic gearbox.

That is all about the technical tit-bits. Of course, the Indian version of the 2012 Honda CR-V is expected to get a diesel engine. There is also a buzz going about the toys that will be offered inside the new car. The new SUV could get a rear seat entertainment package along with a DVD player. Now, what all would make it into the Indian version isn’t actually clear. One thing that the new Honda CR-V could benefit with apart from a diesel engine is seating for seven.

The Honda CR-V will rival the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Captiva and the recently launched Renault Koleos among others. A seven seat configuration will give it an advantage over its rivals. A diesel engine was always missed on the CR-V and now we could get one given the popularity of oil burners among Indians. Until now, apart from the popular Honda, the two other SUVs that came with a petrol engine were the Mitsubishi Outlander and the BMW X1.

Now, sales of petrol cars has slumped in recent times. In fact, neither Mitsubishi nor Honda is clocking descent volumes of the their products. Mitsubishi sold just 32 units of the Outlander last month while Honda sold just 26 units. Compare these figures with their diesel powered rivals and the picture becomes clear. The biggest player in this segment, Toyota has been doing extremely well with the Fortuner. The company sold close to 900 units of the Fortuner in the month of August.

The only factor to blame for the dismal sales of the CR-V and the Outlander is the absence of a diesel engine. This might change with the 2012 Honda CR-V coming by. A 2.2 litre i-CTDI engine seems to be the most probable. The 4-cylinder diesel engine puts out 140 bhp and 251 lb-ft of torque. With Honda introducing a diesel CR-V, Mitsubishi will have get its act together quickly before the CR-V runs away with its market share.

At present, a 2.4 litre 170 bhp petrol engine powers the Mitsubishi Outlander. A petrol SUV, in the current scenario isn’t viable even for those who can afford to own one. 80 percent of the sales of the more expensive BMW X1 consists of the diesel sDrive20d version. This shows that even the people who can afford a premium crossover like the BMW X1 are feeling the pinch of the petrol price hike.

Coming back to the 2012 Honda CR-V, some reports suggest that the new SUV might get seven seats given the larger proportions of the car. If this is true then, the CR-V does stand a fair chance to take on the might of the Toyota Fortuner which has been selling like hot cakes. The new CR-V is expected to make its international debut at the Los Angeles motor in December.

Source;
http://www.indiancarsbikes.in/cars/2012-honda-crv-engine-specifications-leaked-49035/#more-49035