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Automobile April
5, 2001 |
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| Honda Announces Full Model Changes for "STEP WGN" and "STEP WGN ALMAS" |
Tokyo, April 5, 2001 - Honda
Motor Co., Ltd.announced the April 6, 2001 release, at Honda dealerships
nationwide, of an all-new version of the company's popular Step Wagon (STEP
WGN) vehicle. Well known for its easy usability and interior space, which
is the largest in the #5 vehicle class, the Step Wagon has sold 470,000*1
units since its original release in May 1996. In addition to the new Step
Wagon, Honda also announced the June 11, 2001 release of specially equipped
easy-access Step Wagon Almas models by Honda Tokuso Co., Ltd. through Honda
auto dealerships nationwide.
| *1 |
Cumulative sales May 1995 - March 2001 (Honda data) |
The new Step Wagon was designed around the concept of "child-centered families
having a great time!" Development adopted a fresh new approach that included
"looking at vehicle design from the perspective of children," and aimed
to satisfy three design concepts including "space design", pursuing spaciousness
and functionality, "driving", fusing superior comfort, economy, and ease-of-use,
and "style", projecting an image of expansive space and good fun.
The Step Wagon's new design features a short front nose and flat floor that
contribute to greater interior length and height, as well as considerable
improvements to utility, in its capacity as a vehicle in the number 5 eight-seater
minivan class. The three rows of seats have been designed and constructed
to allow a total of four different "interior modes" including Play Mode
(Facing Seats), Meal Mode (Restaurant), Sleeping Mode (Three Rows Flat),
and Carrying Mode (Cargo). The newly designed body also integrates a number
of features, including G-Control impact-absorption technology, to ensure
world-class levels of collision and pedestrian safety performance.
All of the new Step Wagon types are powered by Honda's new-generation i-Series
2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC engines. In addition to powerful driving performance
and 13.2km/liter fuel economy that is the best in its class*2,
these engines ensure that all types are also already in compliance with
2010 fuel efficiency standards. Further, the use of a new-generation perovskite
3-way catalyzer system greatly reduces reliance on rare metals such as palladium
in the catalytic converter, while still ensuring superior environmental
performance so good that all types have earned the Japanese Ministry of
Transport's "Low Emissions Excellence" award.
| *2 |
FF vehicles under 1,510kg. |
Further, to complement the new Step Wagon, Honda has also developed a new
folding motor-assisted bicycle called the Step Compo. Designed for a perfect
fit when folded and stowed inside the Step Wagon, the Step Compo expands
the possibilities for fun and enjoyment of the Step Wagon while offering
new possibilities for integrating lifestyle and mobility.
Special easy-access Step Wagon Almas models include not only a conventional
side door lift model, but also a model with a passenger seat lift mechanism.
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| Step Wagon (type D w/ optional equipment) and the Step Compo |
"STEP WGN" ALMAS
The Step Wagon Almas models maintain the same comfortable riding as the
base Step Wagon, but have been developed for easy access and ease of use
by those with extra usability needs. In addition to a more conventional
type featuring a side-door lift (7 passenger), a second type also offers
a passenger seat-side lift (8 passenger). Both take maximum advantage
of the Step Wagon's low floor and spacious interior to achieve highest
utility, including easy access when getting in and out, more foot and
leg room, and comfortable seats, and ease of transfer and seat operation
for caregivers.
Modifications for the Step Wagon Almas are handled by Honda Tokuso Co.,
Ltd.
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| Step Wagon Almas (type D with
passenger-seat lift) |
Step Wagon Almas (type I with
side-door lift) |
"ALMAS"
The word "Almas" is based on the Spanish word "alma" meaning "heart,"
and expresses Honda's heartfelt commitment to building easy access as
part of its development efforts.
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