Honda’s approach to pressing
environmental issues
The automobile industry first began to turn its attention
to environmental issues when emissions regulations
were introduced. At the time, concerns were focused
primarily on the negative impact of emissions on human
health. Today, the nature of the problem is fundamentally
different. The key problem now is not one we can
sense directly. It takes the form of CO2 and other gases
that threaten to disrupt ecosystems and bring harm to
life throughout our planet via global warming. Today’s
problems are global problems.
We face dilemmas born of the Industrial Revolution
and the radical lifestyle changes it spawned. Such problems
are caused by technology and cannot be solved
without it. Applying low-fuel-consumption, low-emissions
technologies such as the CVCC engine, Honda has
long been engaged in the development of environmental
technology. When it comes to environmental responsibility,
we’re a world leader.
The pressing environmental and energy problems
faced by the world today demand the application of
even more advanced technology. Honda will be called
upon to attain new heights in original thinking and advanced
technology in the development and manufacture
of motorcycles, automobiles and power products, and
in the use of energy in products and production. In confronting
these challenges, we’re putting everything we
have into the development of tomorrow’s technologies.
Strengthening product and
production technologies
We are strengthening our initiatives to reduce the
environmental impact of our products and production
activities, working steadily to attain our own voluntary
targets.
Introducing products with superior
environmental performance
Honda’s initiatives continue apace with the introduction
of hybrid automobiles, further improvements to the
efficiency of our engine technologies and the production
of low-emissions vehicles with good fuel economy. We are
also strengthening our clean-energy initiatives.
- Honda will introduce a new dedicated hybrid vehicle
in 2009, strengthening a product line-up that already
features the Civic Hybrid.
- The next-generation FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle was
introduced in November 2007. Following its release
in the U.S. in summer 2008, the FCX Clarity is to be
released in Japan in autumn 2008. In addition to offering
the ultimate in environmental performance,
the FCX Clarity features advanced design and driving
pleasure made possible by the innovative layout of its
power plant. It offers customers attractive new value
as a next-generation vehicle.
- In the U.S., Honda began experimental operation of its
Home Energy Station IV, designed to provide fuel for
a hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle, as well as sufficient
heat and electricity for a home.
- In October 2007 affiliate Honda Soltec began production
of thin-film solar cells at its factory in Japan. It will
produce and sell solar cells with an annual capacity
equivalent to 27.5 megawatts, sufficient to meet the
electrical needs of some 9,000 households.
Enhancing environmental performance in
product development and manufacturing
As a leader in environmental responsibility, Honda
has a long-term goal: to strengthen our capacity to create
products with superior environmental performance
and reduce the environmental impact of our product
development and production activities worldwide.
- Work began in 2007 on the construction of a new
automobile plant in Yori, Japan. Thanks to the introduction
of highly efficient production, logistics and recycling
practices, this highly advanced, environmentally
responsible plant is expected to achieve energy use
levels 30% lower than current facilities.
- Expected to go online in 2009, a new engine plant in
Ogawa, Japan, will handle production of advanced new
engines and feature flexible manufacturing systems
that will allow it to switch efficiently between production
of different models. These enhanced systems are
to be introduced at Honda facilities worldwide.
- In Thailand construction is underway on a new automobile
factory designed on the basis of Honda’s Green
Factory initiative.
- Work is progressing on the new Sakura R&D Center
in Japan, which will feature multiple test courses that
replicate a variety of conditions, from high-speed to
city driving. The new facility will enable Honda to accelerate
the development of advanced technologies
while remaining focused on environmental conservation,
safety and strengthening the development of
next-generation vehicles that enhance the joy of driving.
The new centera testament to environmental
responsibilitywill begin initial operations in 2009
and full operations in 2010.
Working with determination on these and other initiatives,
we’re striving to attain the 2010 targets we set
to reduce our environmental impact, while continuing to
lead the way in environmental conservation.
Why we’re publishing the Honda
Environmental
Annual Report 2008
Honda uses this annual report to publish the results
of its environmental initiatives. Beginning this year, the
report is divided into sections reporting on global and
Japan-based initiatives. We hope its publication will lead to greater appreciation of the worldwide scope of
our environmental initiatives.
Around the world, popular values are rapidly evolving
as environmental awareness reaches unprecedented
levels. This report is part of our effort to express the fact
that we recognize our responsibility to help people everywhere
continue to enjoy convenient mobility far into
the future.
We warmly welcome readers to share with us their
opinions and ideas about Honda’s activities, as outlined
in this report.
Director Responsible for the Environment
Senior Managing Director
