Improvements in Fuel Efficiency
Honda has introduced a range of technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions contributing to global warming. As a result, the Civic 2.0GL, Stream, Partner (4WD), CR-V, Elysion Prestige*, and Crossroad models introduced in FY2007 all attained the fuel efficiency mandated by FY2011 standards.
* Certain types excluded
Average Fuel Efficiency by Weight Category
•Trends in Average Fuel Efficiency by Category for Vehicles Complying with Japan FY2011 Fuel Efficiency Standards
Levels mandated by FY2011 fuel efficiency standards have been attained for all weight categories. In FY2006 the following progress was made:
Average Fuel Efficiency
•Improvement in Average Fuel Efficiency* (FY1996=100%)
* Average fuel efficiency for Japan-market vehicles
The average fuel efficiency of Honda automobiles was improved approximately 34.5% (baseline: FY1996).
Types Complying with FY2011 Fuel Efficiency
Standards and Units Shipped*
•All-New and Remodeled Vehicles Introduced in FY2007 Attaining FY2011 Standards
|
FY2011 Fuel Efficiency Standards + 10% requirement |
Stream (FF) |
| Partner (new 4WD) | |
| CR-V | |
| Crossroad (2.0-liter 4WD) | |
|
FY2011 Fuel Efficiency Standards + 5% requirement |
Stream (1.8-liter 4WD) |
| Crossroad (FF) | |
| FY2011 Fuel Efficiency Standards 4 models |
Civic (new 2.0-liter) |
| Stream (2.0-liter 4WD) | |
| Elysion Prestige (excluding FF) | |
| Crossroad (1.8-liter 4WD) |
•Trend in the Number of Types Attaining FY2011 Fuel Efficiency Standards
In accordance with an amendment to the Energy Saving Law of Japan, fuel efficiency standards for FY2011 were announced. Honda is striving to expand the lineup of the number of vehicle types that exceed these standards. Of the vehicles sold in FY2007, six models (13 types) attained for the first time the FY2011 fuel efficiency standards. A total of 28 models (61 types) have now attained the standards. Also, three models (4 types) were newly certified as vehicles that meet the FY2011 fuel efficiency standards + 5% requirement, for a total of eight models (19 types). Further, 12 models (22 types) were newly certified as vehicles that meet the FY2011 fuel efficiency standards + 10% requirement and five models (8 types) were newly certified as vehicles that meet the FY2011 fuel efficiency standards + 20% requirement. The number of vehicles shipped in FY2007 that attained these standards totaled 636,937 units, approximately 90% of all Honda vehicles shipped in Japan.
* Shipping figures reported to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Standard Eco Drive Devices
•Trend in Vehicles with Eco Drive Devices as Standard Equipment
Many Honda vehicles come standard with Eco Drive devices, such as fuel efficiency meters. As of March 2007, 20 models were equipped with these devices, accounting for approximately 80.9% of all Honda vehicles sold in Japan in FY2007.
Case Studies
Improved Fuel Efficiency in Major Vehicles
•Stream
Stream RSZ
•Valve timing image
•Throttle/Intake Valve Control in Cruising Mode
July 2006 saw the release of the second generation of the Stream minivan, first introduced in 2000, with a new 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine. The new engine improves on Honda's original VTEC technology to allow the engine to retard intake valve closure timing in low engine-load driving conditions (cruising). Valve control is complemented by a drive-by-wire system that provides optimum throttle valve control, significantly reducing pumping losses. Piston oil jets and a high compression ratio provide superior energy efficiency in cruising and significantly improved fuel efficiency. The metal skirts on the engine's pistons are impregnated with molybdenum sulfide (a world's first), along with other measures for reducing engine friction. The 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine also features a torque converter-equipped CVT that allows lockup at nearly all engine speeds except during cold starts, and achieves a fuel efficiency of 14.8 km/liter*1, complying with the requirements of Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport FY2011 fuel efficiency standards + 10% certification. *2
*1 Fuel efficiency of 2.0-liter FF vehicle tested in 10-15 mode (Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport calculations)
*2 The 2.0-liter 4WD vehicle attains FY2011 fuel efficiency standards.
•CR-V
CR-V ZL
•Placement of aerodynamic underbody parts
The all-new CR-V, introduced in October 2006, features an aerodynamically efficient body and strategic placement of aerodynamic parts on the underside of the body for a 10% reduction in wind resistance compared to the previous model. The improved aerodynamics provides outstanding high-speed stability and a superior fuel efficiency of 12.2 km/liter.*
* Fuel efficiency of 2.4-liter vehicle tested in 10-15 mode (Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport calculations)
