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1. Next-Generation 1.3-Liter, 4-Cylinder i-DSI* Engine * DSI: Dual & Sequential Ignition |
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| Section through the i-DSI engine |
Honda has developed a new high-performance, lightweight and compact 1.3 liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine called "i-DSI" as the second in its "i-series" of next-generation engines. It achieves high fuel economy and low exhaust emission performance by rapid combustion and has high overall torque performance. This engine is mounted in our new small car "Fit."
For this engine, the new design compact combustion chamber incorporates two ignition plugs. The dual and sequential ignition system arranges the ignition timing of the two plugs intelligently in the optimal way for the speed of rotation and the load. Thus faster and almost perfect ignition can be achieved. |
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| 2. Adoption of New Honda IMA System on the CIVIC Hybrid |
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| New Honda IMA System |
In September 2001, Honda announced a new system that further improves the efficiency of its unique hybrid system called the Honda IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) System, which contributes to better fuel economy. We adopted the new system for the CIVIC Hybrid released in December 2001. Equipped with a state-of-the-art i-DSI lean-burn engine and the Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electric Control System (VTEC) used as the cylinder idling system contributing to the regeneration (charging of electric energy during deceleration), the model provides higher fuel economy. Furthermore, by combining the assist motor for improved performance, the power control unit (PCU) for higher efficiency, and the Honda Multimatic S (continuously variable automatic transmission), the model has achieved the world's highest fuel economy of 29.5 km/L* for mass production gasoline-powered vehicles for 5 passengers. It meets the 2010 fuel economy standards of Japan and also meets the criteria for approval as an "Ultra" low emission vehicles by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Japan. |
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| * 10·15 mode (inspected by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Japan) |
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| 3. Fuel Cell Vehicle |
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| FCX-V4 |
Honda introduced the FCX-V4 in September 2001 as a new fuel cell vehicle with improved driving performance and endurance. We also made it safer against collisions to make it more comparable to vehicles available in the market in terms of overall performance.
Also in fiscal 2001, we continued to participate in the California Fuel Cell Partnership Program (CaFCP) in the United States and the FCX-V4 was used as a lead car in the City of Los Angeles Marathon. In Japan in March 2002, we obtained approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to conduct test runs on the vehicle to accumulate data for practical use. We plan to put it into practical use within 2003. |
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| 4. Hydrogen Production and Fueling Station |
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| Hydrogen manufacturing and supply station |
Honda established a hydrogen production and fueling station within its research institute in Los Angeles in the US to generate hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles from water by the use of solar energy. It started experimental operation in July 2001. The station is composed of the following: solar cells producing electricity from solar energy; a control system to use the generated electricity most ef»ciently; an electrolysis system to extract hydrogen from water by the use of electricity; a compressor pressurizing the extracted hydrogen; and a tank to store the high-pressure hydrogen. |
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| 5. Miniature Fuel Cells |
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| Miniature fuel cells |
Honda developed miniature fuel cells jointly with Stanford University of the US, utilizing its micro processing and thin film manufacturing technologies. Furthermore, we succeeded in power generation by connecting four single cells in series on the same surface, and announced it as a success in September 2001.
This simplified configuration results in higher output density and a more simplified manufacturing process than a conventional stacked layout. It is expected to enhance the potential for mass production and ensure a more stable product quality in micro-fuel cells. |
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| 6. New Local Transport System (ICVS) http://world.honda.com/ICVS/ |
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Honda is engaged in research and development with a view to achieving a practicable vehicle sharing system, the Intelligent Community Vehicle System or ICVS for short. ICVS is designed to lessen the environmental impacts of our motorized society on the principle of sharing the use of environmentally-friendly vehicles and motorcycles, for example, among club members for an effective use of alternative transport means according to purpose and use. In this way, we can utilize resources effectively and improve our living environment. The following shows the ICVS research and results in fiscal 2001.
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| ICVS system in Singapore |
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| CarLinkII |
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| Operation of an ICVS System in Singapore |
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In April 2001, we started to conduct research and development for the practical use of an ICVS in Singapore and started practical operation in March 2002, supported by the Government of Singapore. Within the Central Business District (CBD), we established three ICVS ports for the shared use of 15 CIVIC Hybrids by about 50 members, who used them for transportation within and outside the district.
The system has the following characteristics: |
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Members can pick up and return the vehicles with special IC cards. |
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They can pick up vehicles from and return them to any of the three ports. |
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They can use the vehicles without a reservation whenever they want to by simply visiting a port. |
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Wherever they are, they can check the availability of cars on their mobile phone or via the Internet and can complete the necessary procedure to use a car. |
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Vehicles can be distributed to any of the ports in response to demand to shorten the waiting time of people who want to use them. |
We will pursue pro»tability while increasing the numbers of vehicles, ports, and members. |
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Operation of "CarLinkII" in the US
In August 2001, we started to operate a new local transport system called CarLinkII in the State of California jointly with the State's Department of Transportation.
CarLinkII is a system in which its members pay to hire and return vehicles at ports established near railway stations and 27 CIVIC ULEVs (ultra low emission vehicles) are provided for the shared use of members. CarLinkII will be in operation until June 2002 and the system will be evaluated based on the data collected.
"Honda Cycle Partner" Business
In December 2001, Honda started marketing the Honda Cycle Partner, which is a system for the shared use of electric power assisted cycles. Under the Honda Cycle Partner system, ports are established near the parking spaces of apartments for the shared use of electric power assisted cycles by residents who are members. The sale represents the first step for Honda's ICVS business. In the future, we intend to expand the business to include the use of electric powered wheelchairs (Monpal). |
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| 7. Diesel Engines |
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| The Civic marketed in Europe |
Honda adopted the 1.7-liter diesel turbo engine made by Isuzu Motors Incorporated at its Polish plant for the CIVIC that will be marketed in Europe, and started production of the model at Honda of the U.K. Mfg., Ltd. in November 2001. The 1686 cc DOHC diesel engine, specially developed for the CIVIC, adopts a common-rail, high-pressure fuel injection system, and outputs up to 100ps with its improved fuel economy. We are now developing a 2-liter class engine which we plan to adopt for the next Accord to be marketed in Europe within 2003, as a next-generation diesel engine that is both environmentally friendly and has top-level performance. |
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| 8. Natural Gas Cogeneration for Households |
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Small-sized cogeneration unit |
Honda has developed a small-sized cogeneration unit for households*1 and put it into pilot operation at general households in Japan jointly with gas companies such as Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. The natural gas-powered engine and the generator adopting a unique sine-wave inverter generates 1 kW of electric power and 3 kW of thermal power. The total thermal efficiency for power generation and hot water supply is 85%, and the unit is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 20%*2. The natural gas-powered cogeneration unit for households will be sold to major town gas companies in Japan within fiscal 2002.
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Energy supply system that uses waste heat generated concurrently with electricity for supplying hot water and heating
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According to calculations made by Honda in comparison with electricity from thermal power generation and hot water supplied from a gas-powered machine |
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| 9. Mutlipurpose Natural Gas Engine |
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Honda has developed the new GX390, which is a compressed natural gas-powered 9-horsepower, 4-stroke multipurpose engine mainly used for small-sized trucks, and has started marketing the product to makers. Natural gas-powered engines are attracting attention because of their clean emission gases, making them suitable for trucks for use within food markets to transport fresh food, etc. Honda's GX390 was adopted by the wholesale market in Sapporo City as the first compressed natural gas-powered engine for trucks used inside the market.
The GX390 makes a suitable engines for these trucks, with improved durability of its valves and the adoption of battery CDI for stable combustion.
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| 10. Vehicle Turnover Device for Dismantling |
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Vehicle turnover device for dismantling |
Honda has improved the vehicle turnover device for dismantling*, that it developed in 1996 and released in January 1997, and has started to sell the improved product to dismantlers.
As a result of the improvement, the work ef»ciency of the entire dismantling process has almost doubled compared with dismantling using the traditional turnover device. Workers can dismantle vehicles without stooping, thereby ensuring safety during the work and reducing the workload.
* The device lifts a car and rotates it to a position to facilitate dismantling.
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