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Honda's
R&D activities comprise long-term, forward-looking research aimed at developing
basic and advanced technologies, and the development of products featuring these
technologies that respond to the specific needs of customers in various parts
of the world. In all aspects of our R&D activities, we maintain a firm commitment
to innovation and leadership.
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CLEANER
VEHICLES
Honda has always placed a high priority on cultivating superior technologies that
reduce the environmental impact of its products. Our efforts focus on such objectives
as improving emissions performance, enhancing fuel economy and developing alternative-energy
vehicles. To date, we have succeeded in applying a number of advanced environmental
technologies to a broad range of commercial products.
Our breakthrough CVCC engine technology, incorporating a cleaner combustion process
that reduces exhaust emissions, was featured in the popular Civic series in 1972.
We have continued to conduct research with the goal of further reducing the carbon
monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from exhaust
gas. In 1995, we introduced the first Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) gasoline engine.
At present, we are pursuing our fiscal 2006 targets to lower HC and NOx emissions
by 75% from the fiscal 1996 level (Japanese market).
Efforts to develop clean, fuel-efficient engine technologies have yielded such
major achievements as the Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control System
(VTEC) engine technology, which increases engine output while reducing fuel consumption,
and the Honda Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, a unique gasoline-electric
hybrid system that greatly improves fuel economy. In December 2001, we commenced
sales of the Civic Hybrid, featuring an advanced Honda IMA system that offers
even greater efficiency than its predecessor. Current efforts target a 25% improvement
in average fuel efficiency in Honda automobiles sold in Japan from the fiscal
1996 level by fiscal 2006.
We continue to promote R&D directed at the commercialization of vehicles powered
by electricity, natural gas and other next-generation fuel alternatives. In September
2001, we announced the FCX-V4, a new fuel cell-powered vehicle featuring improved
speed, acceleration and cruising distance, as well as new collision-safety measures,
all of which enable it to deliver a performance closer to mass-produced vehicles
than has previously been possible.
INDUSTRY-LEADING SAFETY STANDARDS
Honda remains committed to developing technologies that set the standards for
safety in today's motorized society. Our efforts encompass active safety technologies
developed to prevent accidents from occurring, and passive safety technologies
that minimize injuries to drivers, passengers and pedestrians in the event of
an accident. Achievements to date include our renowned antilock brake system (ABS)
that provides greater stability in critical braking conditions, Vehicle Stability
Assist (VSA) system and omnidirectional collision safety body, all of which have
been successfully commercialized. At our indoor car-to-car crash test facility
in Japan, we conduct real-world crash tests, thereby accelerating the development
of technologies that meet our own increasingly high safety standards.
THE POWER OF DREAMS
Our commitment to anticipating and responding to the future needs of our customers
is driving us to expand R&D efforts into new fields. In line with the commitment
of our R&D team worldwide to promoting coexistence with society by providing products
that offer new value, in 1986 we launched a humanoid robotics project. This project
culminated in the year 2000 with the unveiling of ASIMO, our third prototype and
the world's most advanced bipedal humanoid robot. We continue to conduct research
with the goal of developing ASIMO into a robot that can be of great benefit to
humans and to society as a whole. |
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