At Honda, we are keenly aware
of environmental issues. That's why we employ our original ecology conscious technology
in all our manufacturing processes, as well as in all other company activities.
While providing cars that give customers freedom of movement and the pleasure
of easy driving, we are also determined that our cars will have the least possible
impact on the environment. In the future too,
we will continue to bring pleasure to people and society through mobility, while
seriously addressing environmental problems with our free-thinking approach
and innovative technology.
In the long product cycle
from manufacturing through to disposal, reducing the comparatively large proportion
of environmental impact exacted during the years of the product's use is critical.
Honda sets its own strict standards for achieving cleaner emissions, better fuel
economy and other environmental targets as we advance our powerplant technology
to build a brighter future for people, the global environment and the automobile.
Honda uses smart technologies
to achieve a combination of improved fuel-efficiency, lower emissions and enjoyable
driving. Our current lineup includes
i-VTEC and i-DSI engines. Honda will continue to hone its technologies for the
further advancement of i-series engines.
We are further refining the
Honda IMA System - an original hybrid system that uses a gasoline engine as its
main power source, with electric motor assist when necessary. We introduced the
IMA System on the Honda Insight in 1999, and in 2001 went on to launch the Civic
Hybrid equipped with the latest Honda IMA System exhibiting even greater power
and efficiency. By introducing this advanced powerplant technology in popular
models, Honda is making a significant contribution to the environment.
The fuel cell produces electricity
by a chemical reaction between hydrogen fuel and oxygen, emitting only water as
exhaust. Honda has already developed a vehicle equipped with a fuel cell power
unit (Honda FCX), and in July 2002 became the world's first automaker to receive
the EPA*1 and CARB*2 authorization required for sales in the US, with lease sales
beginning simultaneously
in Japan and the US in December 2002.
In addition, in October 2003 Honda announced its next-generation fuel stack (Honda
FC Stack) offering the world's highest performance levels. For the future, Honda
aims to give the fuel cell power unit radically improved performance combined
with compact size.
*1 Environmental Protection Agency *2 California Air Resources Board
Honda's comprehensive recycling
policy covers the entire product life cycle, from design and manufacture to product
use and disposal. To promote parts recycling, we also market Honda Recycle Parts.
Thanks to our efforts to create
"green factories" Honda has received ISO14001 certification for both
domestic factories and our main production facilities overseas.
