Exhaust Emissions
•Trend of Total HC and NOx Emissions in Japan (FY1996=100%)
Note 1: Since a new low-emissions vehicle certification program under the 2005 exhaust emissions standards was introduced in 2003, FY2004 total emissions of HC and NOx of models subject to the 2000 exhaust emissions standards, and of older models, are calculated based on the 10-15 mode. For models subject to the 2005 exhaust emissions standards, HC and NOx emissions are calculated based on the new test mode introduced with the 2005 regulations. Further, for those models subject to the 2005 exhaust emissions standards, total emissions of HC are calculated as non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC).
Note: 2 Total emissions in Japan (excluding emissions from transport trucks and light transport trucks)
•Types Complying with Exhaust Emissions Standards or Earning Special Certification
Note 1: Since a new low-emissions vehicle certification program under the 2005 exhaust emissions standards was introduced on October 1, 2003, the numbers approved under the 2000 exhaust emissions standards and under the 2005 exhaust emissions standards are both indicated in this table.
Note 2: Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has instituted this certification system to encourage manufacturers to provide low-emissions vehicles. Low-emissions vehicles with HC and NOx emissions levels below the 2000 exhaust emissions standards are classified into three categories for certification:
75% lower than the standards: "Ultra"
50% lower than the standards: "Excellent"
25% lower than the standards: "Good"
Honda continues to prioritize cleaner exhaust emissions from gasoline vehicles. We are working to reduce the levels of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) contained in exhaust emissions. In FY2007, we achieved our target of reducing total HC and NOx exhaust emissions 89.9% (baseline: FY1996).
As early as FY2004, Honda complied with the 2005 exhaust emissions standards for all models and has since expanded the number of models certified as Low-Emissions Vehicles and Very Low-Emissions Vehicles. Among vehicles released in FY2007, seven models and 15 types were certified as Very Low-Emissions Vehicles, for a total of 26 models and 58 types certified as Low-Emissions Vehicles. Going forward, Honda will expand the lineup of vehicles certified as Low-Emissions Vehicles and as Very Low-Emissions Vehicles and make automobile exhaust emissions even cleaner.
Models/Types and Sales Results for Vehicles Certified as Low-Emissions Vehicles
•Low-Emissions Vehicles Released in FY2007
(Certified under Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport 2005 standards)
| Very-Low Emissions Vehicles | Civic (new 2.0-liter type) |
| Stream | |
| Partner (new 4WD type) | |
| CR-V | |
| Edix (new 2.4-liter type) | |
| Elysion Prestige | |
| Crossroad |
Note: After FY2005 only vehicles certified as Low-Emissions Vehicles under the 2005 exhaust emissions standards are included.
Honda has endeavored to expand the number of models that comply with the 2005 exhaust emissions standards and are certified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport as low-emissions vehicles.
Of the eight models introduced in FY2007, seven types-the Civic (new 2.0-liter type), Stream, Partner (new 4WD type), CR-V, Edix (new 2.4-liter type), Elysion Prestige and Crossroad-were certified as Very Low-Emissions Vehicles. Further, unit sales of Honda vehicles that comply with the 2005 exhaust emissions standards of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and are certified as low-emissions vehicles totaled 604,284 units in FY2007, accounting for 87.4% of Honda's total unit sales in Japan (86.4% of passenger-car unit sales).
Case Study
Cleaner Emissions in Major New Vehicles
Crossroad 2.0X
•Crossroad
All types of the Crossroad, released in February 2007, with 2.0-liter or 1.8-liter i-VTEC engines were certified by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport as Very Low-Emissions Vehicles. Among technologies designed to achieve cleaner exhaust emissions, the Crossroad features an air flow meter and a high-precision air-fuel ratio control system with a linear air-fuel ratio sensor and an oxygen sensor. Further, the exhaust manifold is integrated with the cylinder head, and the close-coupled two-bed catalytic converter substantially reduces combustion gas heat loss, enabling earlier activation of the catalytic converter. This substantially improves purification after a cold start for enhanced environmental performance.
