Honda exports from Thailand grow 4% in 2008

Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Honda’s Bangkok-based Asia & Oceania Regional Headquarters, today reported that Honda’s product exports from Thailand in 2008 reached 104,583 million baht, representing a 4% increase over 2007. Exports were driven by automobile CBU and CKD units which accounted for 65,091 million baht, or 62% of total export value; followed by motorcycle CBU and CKD units and part kit exports at 23,881 million baht, representing 23% of the total value; and power products at 10,128 million baht, or 10% of the total value. Remaining exports included spare parts, accessories and dies & molds worth 5,483 million baht, or 5% of the total export value.

Mr. Fumihiko Ike, President & CEO, Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd. stated that Honda has consistently grown the value and volume of product exports from Thailand since it first started exporting in 1987, contributing to the strength and durability of business in Thailand as well as trust in product quality. To date, the cumulative value of Honda exports from Thailand amounts to 555,012 million baht. However, the global economic crisis has led to a decline in Honda’s exports since late of last year.

“Export growth has slowed down since Q3 2008 due to the global financial crisis which has affected the entire world. In Q4 2008, automobile and power products export value faced a decrease while motorcycle export value remained little changed. Total export value of Honda products in Q4 dropped 12% over the same period in 2007. However, the annual export value of Honda’s products in 2008 is 4% higher than 2007” Mr. Ike said.

Automobiles:
In 2008, the total value of Honda’s automobile CBU and CKD exports remained stable. Automobile CKD exports increased 13% to 26,031 million baht due to the start-up of production of new models such as the Jazz in Brazil and the City in India. For automobile CBUs, Honda continues to export five models, which are the City, Jazz, Civic, Accord and CR-V, to over 30 countries worldwide. In 2008, automobile CBU exports were 72,497 units, which is a 6% drop in value to 39,060 million baht. The decline in exports is largely attributable to the difficulty in securing auto loans in several major markets due to the credit crunch as well as a global trend towards smaller vehicles resulting in a reduction of orders for large vehicles.


Motorcycles:
The total value of Honda’s motorcycle CBU and CKD exports in 2008 increased by 10% to 23,881 million baht. The exports of motorcycle CKD units, including part kits, increased 14% by value to 22,298 million baht, thanks mainly to new model production expansion in ASEAN countries, particularly in Vietnam, Indonesia and Cambodia. In contrast, motorcycle CBU exports fell 22% in value to 1,584 million baht, primarily due to reduced demand in Europe.

Power Products:
Thailand is Honda’s primary global production and export base for its power products, which are currently exported to over 80 countries around the world. Exports of power products decreased 2% by volume during 2008 as a result of the global financial crisis affecting the general market, especially Honda’s key markets in Europe and the United States. Total power product exports for 2008 were 1,755,132 units, worth a value of 10,128 million baht.

Honda Insight to Introduce Ecological Drive Assist System in Spring 2009

Driver feedback system designed for fun and economy

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today announced that a new interactive, driver-focused fuel economy enhancement technology named the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist™) will debut on the new Honda Insight in spring 2009.

The Honda Insight Concept, making its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, provides a strong indication of the design and styling of the all-new gasoline-electric hybrid model from Honda.

Eco Assist combines multiple functions: the driver-activated ECON mode that optimizes control of the continuously variable transmission, engine and related powertrain components to conserve fuel; and a feedback function that uses speedometer background color to provide real-time guidance on environmentally responsible driving. An economy scoring function further provides feedback about current driving techniques, as well as feedback on cumulative, long-term driving style.

"Hybrid drivers enjoy trying to get the most fuel economy from their vehicles," said Dan Bonawitz, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The visual nature of Eco Assist is intended to help drivers improve their efficient driving skills by making the hybrid experience more fun and rewarding."

Honda developed the powertrain control, driver guidance and driver feedback functions of Eco Assist to help enhance real-world fuel economy. In particular, the scoring function provides cumulative, long-term feedback through graphic 'leaves,' which grow over time as drivers learn and implement driving practices that increase fuel economy.

Activated by a green "ECON" button on the instrument panel, ECON mode optimizes control of the transmission, engine and other powertrain elements to conserve fuel. ECON mode also adjusts air conditioner operation, increases the potential for engaging the idle stop feature sooner and increase battery charging during regenerative braking.

The guidance function uses the speedometer background's color-changing, three-dimensional appearance to indicate fuel efficiency in real time. Fuel-saving activities like smooth acceleration and braking make the meter glow green. Somewhat less efficient driving makes the meter glow blue-green. Aggressive starts and stops that consume extra fuel make the meter glow blue. By observing the speedometer background's response to driving practices and seeking to achieve a consistently green color, drivers can receive assistance in developing driving habits that typically enhance fuel economy.

The scoring function provides feedback about current driving practices, as well as cumulative, long-term feedback tracking progress. Located in the center of the instrument panel of the all-new Insight, the Multi-Information Display offers drivers a selection of informational displays, including the scoring function, in which the number of 'leaves' displayed indicates the level of environmentally responsible driving performance. When the ignition switch is on, the display scores driving practices in real time. When the ignition switch is turned off, the 'leaves' in the top line of the display score driving in the just completed cycle (startup to shutdown), while a horizontal bar in the lower part of the display scores cumulative lifetime performance.

The Multi-Information Display also allows drivers to view fuel economy figures for the past three trips, as well as instantaneous and average fuel economy statistics. The scoring function encourages drivers to take an interest in developing fuel efficient driving habits over the long term.

Going on sale in North America next spring, the all-new, purpose-built Insight will come to market at a price significantly below that of hybrids available today. From this unique position in the marketplace, the Insight will advance the affordability and accessibility of hybrid technology to a new generation of buyers.

With its affordable price, the new hybrid vehicle will represent the best value in its segment. Along with the Civic Hybrid, the new vehicle will be produced at an expanded hybrid vehicle production line at the Suzuka factory in Japan.
The Insight is expected to have annual global sales of 200,000 units per year -approximately 100,000 in North America. Following the launch of the new Insight, Honda also plans to introduce another unique sporty hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z, a concept car first shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.

The original Honda Insight was introduced in December 1999 as North America's first gas-electric hybrid car. The original Insight was designed from the ground up to demonstrate the ultimate potential for fuel-economy in a two-seater subcompact automobile.

A leader in the development of cleaner, more fuel-efficient mobility products, Honda was the first to market low-emission gasoline vehicles, a gasoline-electric hybrid car in North America, and the world's first EPA-certified hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, the FCX. In 2007, Honda was named "greenest automaker" by the Union of Concerned Scientists for the fourth straight time.

For more information and downloadable high-resolution images of the Insight Concept and other Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.honda.com.

Ford to tout vehicle quality on par with Toyota, Honda in new ad campaign

Set your TiVos: Ford Motor Co. can say in advertising again this year that its quality is on par with the world’s best.

The Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands combined to score nearly as well on a Ford-funded study of new-car quality as Toyota Motor Corp.’s three brands and Honda Motor Co.’s two brands.


Honda led the way with 1,241 defects per 1,000 vehicles. Toyota was second at 1,265 and Ford’s traditional domestic brands combined for a score of 1,273. The industry average was 1,347.


Ford declined to release additional results.


The gap was small enough that Ford can say with 95% statistical certainty that its quality is essentially equal to those Japanese rivals.


That is the threshold Ford must meet under federal regulations to advertise its claim of quality parity, said Mike Hardie, director of global quality and productivity.


Ford has commissioned its own study of new-car quality — called the U.S. Global Quality Research System study, conducted by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills — for years, but has only made the results public in recent years since they have been so positive.


Ford is “pretty excited that now we do have the numbers” to show quality is first-rate, said Hardie.


The results have generally been replicated in the closely watched J.D. Power and Associates study of new-car quality.


Quality is a key dimension in which American auto brands suffer in the eyes of consumers, so it has been a consistent focus for Ford and its rivals.


This summer, for instance, Bennie Fowler, Ford’s group vice president in charge of quality, said he expects the 2010 Ford Focus to launch with no more than no more than 800 things gone wrong per 1,000 vehicles in the first 90 days of ownership.

Honda Begins Sales of New Compact Minivan: the Freed

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it will begin sales of a new compact minivan, named the Freed, in Japan on May 30, 2008. This new model fuses an easy-to-use and spacious cabin with stylish design. Special mobility assistive versions—Freed with side lift-up seat and Freed with passenger lift-up seat, also go on sale May 30, 2008—while a Freed wheelchair-accessible model will go on sale June 20, 2008.



Freed G (FF)

Freed Flex Aero (FF)Developed under the concept of “Freedom to create the perfect lifestyle,” the Freed features Honda’s original low-floor and low-center-of-gravity technology, to achieve a compact body size that makes it easy to maneuver through city streets as well as a spacious cabin that enables adults to sit comfortably in all three rows. Honda developed this vehicle with the goal of creating a minivan that is comfortable and easy-to-use for every passenger and that offers new value by enabling customers to fully and freely utilize this vehicle in activities that meet individual lifestyles ranging from daily transportation to leisure time trips.Three different versions are offered: the first seven-passenger vehicle in its class*1 featuring captain’s seats in the second row; the first eight-passenger vehicle in its class*1; and a five-passenger type which offers a large, best-in-class*1 cargo space. Moreover, for the first time in a registration-class Honda vehicle, wheelchair-accessible models are offered in addition to versions with a side lift-up seat and passenger lift-up seat. With the addition of these mobility assistive models, Honda positions Freed as a vehicle which fulfills the diverse needs of a wide range of customers.
*1
Compact minivan class (engine displacement: 1.5 litter)<>
·
A compact body with cabin space that allows adults to sit comfortably in all three rows
·
A flat-floor, newly designed from the frame up, maximizes usable space from end to end
·
The one-step low- and flat-floor and walk-through layout provideease of access for children and seniors <>
·
Seven-, eight- and five-passenger seat configurations to respond to various lifestyle needs
·
Spacious and well-lighted interior achieves liberated feeling with two-layer instrument panel design
·
Large cargo space accommodate shopping and leisure activities
·
Three mobility assistive versions share the freedom and fun of mobility <>
·
Dynamic and stylish form creates eye-catching urban look
·
Compact, easy-to-maneuver body and excellent field of vision provide driver with confidence
·
Powerful and smooth performance together with economical high fuel efficiencyWith the goal of making multi-passenger traveling more comfortable and to enhance the joy of driving, Honda has been adopting its low-floor and low-center-of-gravity technology as the foundation of its minivan technologies. With the addition of the Freed, Honda is further enhancing its low-floor, low-center-of-gravity minivan lineup.
Note:
The vehicle name “Freed” was coined from the word “freedom”. The name implies “a vehicle Honda pursued with completely unrestricted thinking unbound by conventional thinking or standard practices” as well as the combined meaning of “free” and “do” (to take action).
Key Features of the Freed
Packaging

·
A spacious interior and three rows of seats provide comfortable seating for up to eight adults.
·
Compact dimensions: 4,215 mm L × 1,695 mm W × 1,715 mm H (FF vehicles) or 1,720 mm H for vehicles equipped with the Skyroof.
·
Compact fuel tank and ingenious under-floor structure result in a low, flat floor.
·
Unique hip-point layout that rises from front to back provides passengers a sense of spaciousness.
·
Seven-passenger variation features captain’s seats in the second row and a walk-through layout that allows passengers to access any row from any door without having to operate a seat adjuster.
·
One-step, low, flat floor layout with second-row floor height of 390 mm*2(standard on FF vehicles) provides easy access for children and seniors.
·
Sliding rear doors on either side of the vehicle achieve a large (600 mm*2) door opening for easy ingress and egress even in cramped spaces. Also available with each variation are power sliding doors that open and close easily for added convenience.
·
Owing to its 2,740 mm wheelbase and compact mechanical devices, the Freed has ample interior space while offering a minimum turning radius of only 5.2 meters.

*2
Honda calculations
Utility

·
The Freed comes in seven-, eight- and five-passenger configurations.
Seven-passenger:
Captain’s seats in the second row ensure that your passengers are treated to same comfort they’d have if they were in the front. The walk-through layout allows passengers to access any row from any door without having to operate a seat adjuster.
Eight-passenger:
A 60:40-split tumble seat in the second row creates a bench seat that comfortably seats three adults and makes the Freed the only minivan in the 1.5-liter class to offer eight-passenger capacity.
Five-passenger:
Seating for five passengers in two rows with ample cargo space, thanks to its low- and flat-floor layout.
·
The third row features 50:50-split seats that can be easily flipped up to make room for extra cargo.
·
The Freed has enough space to easily stow a 27-inch bicycle*3 without removing tires or handlebars.
·
An easily wipeable plastic mat that won’t attract pet hair or other debris is also available.

*3
Depending on bicycle model
Interior styling

·
Layered-design instrument panel highlights bright and spacious interior styling.
·
Meter placement above the steering wheel enhances visibility and minimizes eye movement.
·
The Freed features relaxing and comfortable seats not usually found in compact-class vehicles.
·
Tilt and telescope steering wheel provides optimal driving position.
·
With front pillars designed to maximize visibility, side window sills that descend as they move forward and oversized quarter windows, the Freed offers confidence-building, unobstructed field of vision.
Exterior styling

·
A wedge-shaped fascia melds into the rectangular cabin section to create the distinctive “triangle & square form” that embodies the concepts of thrilling dynamic performance and ample interior space.
·
The front view is characterized by the rich curvature of the hood and the chrome finish of the oversized grille, giving the vehicle a strong sense of presence. Combined with the elongated and angular shape of the headlights, this conveys the impression of chiseled strength.
·
Seen from the side, the character lines that sweep toward the rear and relaxed surfaces of the side windows convey movement, while the sculpted surfaces of the body panels give viewers the feeling that the car could break into a sprint at any time.
·
From the rear, the protruding fenders fuse with the rich curvature of the body panels, emphasizing the vehicle’s low center of gravity and providing a feeling of stability.
·
The finely sculpted three-lens rear combination lamps create a sense of depth.
·
The addition of Premium Night Blue Pearl body color brings the number of available color schemes to seven.
Powertrain

·
The 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine provides full-range power and fuel efficiency of 16.4km per liter. (Results for front-wheel-drive vehicle in 10-15 mode during fuel efficiency testing by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport andTourism.)
·
The torque converter and continuously variable transmission provide powerful, smooth acceleration and exhilarating yet comfortable performance under a wide variety of driving conditions.
Body structure

·
Optimal balance between forward and rear body rigidity as well as localized reinforcement of connecting members has resulted in greater dynamic rigidity. A light yet highly rigid body structure was achieved using lightweight but strong high-tension steel and larger cross-sectional areas in structural members, which reduced material thickness and provided the strength necessary to design large openings for the sliding doors and tailgate.
·
Quiet operation during idling and acceleration has been achieved by enhancing structural rigidity throughout the body and chassis, which reduces noise-producing vibrations in the cabin’s interior. Also, noise-dampening/absorbing treatments are applied to key areas.
Chassis

·
A MacPherson strut suspension on the front end provides firm yet responsive contact with the road.
·
In the rear, an H-shaped torsion beam suspension provides stability and comfort.
·
Honda’s Electric Power Steering enables easy maneuverability when parking or cornering, while on the highway the steering feels solid.
Safety performance

·
Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body not only helps protect occupants, but also mitigates the damage incurred by other vehicles in the event of an accident.
·
Pedestrian-injury mitigation technology helps protect pedestrians from injury in case of collision.
·
To help protect against head injuries during side collisions, a side curtain air bag system is standard on some models and available on all.
·
Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system is a standard feature on 4WD, Gi Aero and Flex i Aero models and available on all others. In addition, engine torque control and DBW throttle control allow for precise control of the vehicle while driving.
·
In addition to ISO FIX child seat bars, tether anchors are provided in both the left and right seats of the second row as standard equipment.
Environmental performance

·
The Freed has been certified by the Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport andTourism as having emission levels 75% lower than those required by 2005 standards.
·
All front-wheel-drive Freed variations exceed Japanese fuel economy standards for 2010 by 25%. All 4-wheel-drive Freed variations exceed Japanese fuel economy standards for 2010 by 5%.
Special - needs vehicles

·
The Freed features a spacious interior with a low floor as well as oversized door and tailgate openings, which makes it particularly well suited for persons with special needs.
·
Available in a wheelchair-accessible model as well as side lift-up seat and passenger lift-up seat models, the Freed provides caregivers and care-recipients outstanding utility. Special-needs Freed vehicles are produced on the same assembly line as the standard production vehicles, which ensures a steady supply.
<>

·
The rear of the wheelchair-accessible variation is lower than the standard Freed. It’s equipped with an easy-to-pull-out aluminum wheelchair access ramp with a sure-grip surface and a slope of just 11°. Used in combination with the wheelchair safety belt, care-providers will find it a safe and convenient means of enabling smooth ingress and egress for people in wheelchairs.
·
The design of the second-row captain’s seats helps provide wheelchair passengers with an unobstructed view and helps caregivers easily keep track of all their passengers. There is also a specially designed 3-point ELR seat belt with independent chest and waist belts for the exclusive use of wheelchair passengers.
<>

·
Full operation of the passenger lift-up seat, including rotation and elevation, can be performed using a single passenger seat switch. The seat is of the same quality and offers the same level of comfort as the standard seat. It also comes with arm rests and a recliner.
<>

·
Full operation of the side lift-up seat, including rotation and elevation, can be performed using a single switch at the left side of the second row of seats. As with the passenger lift-up seat, the seat is just as comfortable and of the same quality as the standard seat. It, too, comes with arm rests and recliner. Also, this model includes a left-side power sliding door as standard equipment.