Honda CEO Ito Announces New Civic Type R, New Compact SUV and New Super Sports Motorcycle
21 September 2012
Honda Motor Co. CEO, Takanobu Ito, today outlined the product, technology and business developments and direction that are planned to drive Honda’s growth by fiscal year 2017; with a range of new developments and technological advancements in automotive, energy and mobility products and an increase in global customers by 60 per cent from 23.9 million to 39 million.
The announcements made by CEO Ito will see the introduction of exciting new products and technologies to the European market. Following the recent introductions of new Civic and new CR-V, the following models will further strengthen Honda’s customer offering in Europe.
• New Civic Type R for Europe in 2015
• All new compact SUV model
• 3 new hybrid technologies
• An all-new fuel cell electric model in Japan, US and Europe in 2015
• New supers sports motorcycle based on MotoGP machines
New Civic Type R for Europe
Thrilling, sporty products are part of Honda’s DNA. In addition to the introduction of a new NSX, Honda can confirm the development of an all-new Civic Type R for Europe. The Type R brand has a passionate following from Honda customers and the new model will again aim to set new standards in performance and handling. Developed specifically for the European market and with the application of technologies developed through Honda’s participation in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), the all-new Type R will aim to become the fastest front-wheel-drive vehicle on the Nurburgring race course. This new model is scheduled for introduction in 2015.
New Compact SUV model
Honda will strengthen its four-wheel line-up in Europe with the introduction of a new compact small SUV model, to compete in this rapidly growing sector.
New range of hybrid technologies
Honda firmly believes hybrid technology will play a critical role in the reduction of CO2 emissions. Honda will build on its hybrid expertise to introduce three new hybrid systems. Each system will possess unique characteristics and their deployment will reflect varying customer needs.
Firstly, Honda will further develop its lightweight and compact one-motor hybrid system with the aim of achieving No1 fuel economy among all hybrid vehicles. Improvements in motor output and battery performance, coupled with a newly developed transmission will help to extend the zero emission electric driving range.
Honda is also developing a new more powerful two-motor hybrid system for mid-size vehicles.
Finally, a highly efficient and high output 3-motor hybrid system, the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) will focus on driving performance. This technology will be applied to the new NSX.
Honda believes this range of new hybrid technologies will deliver unrivalled driving performance and fuel economy.
Next generation Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle for Europe
Honda considers fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) to be the ultimate environmentally-responsible technology and as such, has attempted to lead the industry in R&D and sales activity. The introduction of the FCX Clarity in 2008, demonstrated Honda’s progress in this field. Starting in 2015, Honda will launch an all-new fuel cell electric model which will showcase the significant technological advancements and cost reductions that Honda has accomplished since the launch of the FCX Clarity. This model will be introduced to Japan, USA and Europe.
Super sports motorcycle
Honda is developing a new super sports motorcycle which will feature technologies derived from Honda’s MotoGP machines. This bike will seek to deliver the same passion and excitement that the RC30 (VFR750R) super sports bike created when first introduced in 1987.
Ends
Notes to Editors
A full transcript of CEO Ito’s speech can be read on Honda’s informative Newsroom at http://newsroom.honda.co.uk and further information about Honda’s great range of car, motorcycle and power equipment products and technologies can be found on www.honda.co.uk.
A video of the press conference is available here - http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/25565536