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In an effort to improve access to information as vehicle ownership changes, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is providing details about Honda and Acura vehicles with open recalls to Carfax.

American Honda’s participation with Carfax seeks to ensure that shoppers can research recall details through a convenient third-party database, in addition to those already available from American Honda. By transferring information daily to Carfax, American Honda is taking additional measures toward enhancing safety recall awareness within the used-car market.

“Recall completion is critically important to us,” said Jim Roach, senior vice president of Parts & Service for American Honda. “By working with Carfax, American Honda provides another way for customers to increase their awareness and need to address recall repairs.”

Millions of used car buyers and sellers every year rely on Carfax Vehicle History Reports as part of their used-car evaluations. Open recall information reported to Carfax for Honda and Acura vehicles appears on Carfax Reports and also is available free to consumers at carfax.com/recall.

“Carfax and American Honda are committed to keeping our roadways safe,” said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. “Adding Honda and Acura to the list of manufacturers providing open recall information to Carfax helps notify car owners and buyers and gets these cars into dealerships to be fixed.”

About Carfax (www.carfax.com)
Millions of used car buyers and sellers each year rely on Carfax, the most trusted provider of vehicle history information. Using the unique 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) found on vehicle dashboards and title documents, Carfax instantly generates a detailed Vehicle History Report on any used car or light truck. Carfax Vehicle History Reports™ provide valuable information that helps used car buyers and sellers make better decisions.  Free Carfax Vehicle History Reports are instantly available with vehicles listed in nearly every online marketplace by Carfax-subscribing dealers.  For more information, ask your dealer or visit www.carfax.com.

High-resolution photos and media information are available at www.hondanews.com.
Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com.

Government and community leaders joined with Honda associates at Honda of America Mfg.'s engine plant today to celebrate 25 years of manufacturing at Honda's largest auto engine plant in the world. In addition to producing the engines that power many Honda and Acura automobiles, the Anna Engine Plant is a driving force in the development of Honda's North American operations, and it has provided the foundations for the creation of numerous parts plants in Ohio.

Since starting with just 94 associates on July 22, 1985, the Anna Engine Plant has grown to become Honda's largest automobile engine factory, with an annual capacity of 1.18 million four- and six-cylinder engines - enough to stretch from Cincinnati to Cleveland and back again. The Anna plant supplies engines to five Honda assembly plants in Ohio, Indiana and Ontario, Canada.

"This anniversary is a great opportunity for us to pause and celebrate the many accomplishments of this great team," said Hidenobu Iwata, president and CEO Honda of America Mfg., Inc. "By working together, we have blazed a path in the industry for quality, fuel economy and environmental technologies."

The 1.8 million-square-foot Anna Engine Plant is not only Honda's largest auto engine plant, it is also one of the industry's most vertically integrated engine plants. In addition to assembling engines, the plant manufactures nearly all of the steel and aluminum parts for those engines, and procures engine and drivetrain components from more than 125 suppliers located mostly in Ohio and neighboring states. The plant's domestic purchases of parts and raw materials last year exceeded $5.2 billion - representing more than one-third of Honda's total $13.3 billion in North American parts purchases in 2009.

"From the beginning, the power behind the Anna Engine Plant has been its associates, who make the flexibility of this plant work for our customers, and the strong partnerships with surrounding communities," said Plant Manager John Spoltman during the anniversary event. "Without the friendship and support of our friends and neighbors, we never could have realized this moment or the tremendous success that this plant and this community have built together over the past quarter century."

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland joined Honda to commemorate the plant's milestone. "I congratulate Honda's leadership and all of the dedicated employees who have worked here to power vehicles for the last quarter-century. Your commitment to quality and innovation has made a truly significant impact on Ohio's economy and our community," Strickland said. "Celebrations like this are perfect examples of why I believe in Ohio, because there is no better place to put your plant than Ohio and no better workforce to make your product than Ohioans."

With employment of 2,400 associates, the plant has produced more than 17 million engines. Cumulative capital investment in the plant exceeds $1.7 billion, including a $140 million series of expansion projects, completed in 2008, for the production of steel engine components previously sourced overseas.

While increasing work under its own roof, the Anna Engine Plant has played a pivotal role in the creation of new parts and component manufacturing operations in Ohio and neighboring states. After starting at the engine plant, the production of automatic transmissions was transferred in 1996 to Honda Transmission Mfg., Inc., in Russells Point, Ohio, which was followed in 2006 by the creation of a second transmission plant in Tallapoosa, Georgia. Anna also served as the "mother plant" for the start of Honda's other two automobile engine plants in North America - in Lincoln, Alabama, and Alliston, Ontario, Canada.

Throughout its history, the Anna plant also has spun off production of engine and drivetrain parts to suppliers in the region, including production of suspension assemblies, brake components, pistons, exhaust manifolds, transmission shafts, catalytic converters, and rocker arm assemblies. As a result, new supplier operations were established in Ohio communities including Celina, Bucyrus, Cardington, Marion and Fredericktown, and in Coldwater, Michigan.

While its operations have expanded steadily over the years and set new standards in manufacturing, Spoltman said the Anna plant also has focused on being a good corporate citizen and being an accepted member of the community.

"Caring for the environment is one example, and all of us at Honda are very focused on reducing our environmental footprint throughout the world - including right here in Anna," he said. "Many of you may not know this, but the Anna Engine Plant sends no waste to any landfills from its manufacturing operations."

In addition to recycling sand from casting operations and other production-related materials, the Anna plant helps Honda's auto plants in Marysville and East Liberty recycle their scrap materials as well. The two auto plants bale scrap steel from stamping operations, which are reused in Anna-made engine and drivetrain components.

Statewide, Honda employs 13,500 associates at four manufacturing plants, a major vehicle R&D and product engineering center, a regional parts distribution center, and other operations supporting Honda's auto manufacturing in North America.

Honda began business in America in 1959 and today employs more than 26,000 associates. The company operates 14 manufacturing facilities in North America, producing a wide range of Honda and Acura automobiles, engines and automatic transmissions, as well as Honda all-terrain vehicles, and power equipment products such as lawn mowers, mini-tillers and general-purpose engines.

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The Marysville Auto Plant has become the first Honda plant outside Japan to manufacture* 10 million vehicles with the production this morning of a Honda Accord Sedan. Honda began local auto production in November 1982 at the Marysville plant with an Accord Sedan, and has continued producing that model along with various others.

Identified with a magnetic sign on its hood, associates followed progress of the vehicle in production until it came off the assembly line as a completed product. The milestone Accord was immediately moved into the plant's West Cafeteria for display alongside the first generation of the Accord produced at the plant.

"Production of this 10 millionth automobile is the result of the shared commitment to our customers, demonstrated over the past 28 years by all of the associates who have worked at the Marysville Auto Plant through the years," said Hidenobu Iwata, president and CEO of Honda of America Mfg., and leader of Honda's production operations in North America. "With the support of many other Honda business units, domestic suppliers and our other business partners, Honda associates have demonstrated many times their ability to overcome great challenges and to improve Honda's competitive characteristics."

In its 28th year of production, the Marysville plant has undergone continuous innovation, making it one of the most flexible and efficient plants in North America, while achieving top quality performance. The plant ranked fourth in North America in the 2010 Initial Quality Survey conducted by J.D. Power and Associates. In addition to the Accord Sedan and Coupe, the plant currently produces the Acura TL and Acura RDX models.

"I am very proud of the MAP team, and I know firsthand that each associate cares deeply about the product that goes out the door," said Plant Manager Sam Harpest. "This is a direct reflection of the dedication shared by all Honda associates who have supported production at this plant."

Nearly all Accords sold in North America are manufactured at the Marysville plant, with more than 8.5 million units produced at the plant on a cumulative basis. The TL, RDX and Accord Coupe are exclusively produced at the Marysville plant, and some V-6 Accord Sedans are manufactured at Honda's auto plant in Alabama. Consistent with Honda's commitment to manufacture products close to the customer, more than 84 percent of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2009 were produced in North America.

Honda partners with nearly 600 North American suppliers, including 530 in the U.S. and 160 in Ohio, in the production of passenger cars and light trucks. Those purchases totaled $13.3 billion in North America last year, with $5.5 billion in parts coming from Ohio suppliers.

In Ohio, Honda operates another auto plant in East Liberty, a major transmission plant in Russells Point and the Anna Engine Plant in Anna, Ohio. Honda's largest auto engine plant in the world, the Anna plant will celebrate its 25th anniversary of engine production on Thursday.

In addition to manufacturing, Honda has established substantial R&D and engineering operations in Ohio, along with a regional parts distribution center and other operations that support Honda manufacturing and sales in North America. Among all its operations, the company directly employs 13,500 Ohioans and tens of thousands more through its suppliers and other business partners.

Honda began business in America in 1959 and today employs more than 26,000 associates. The company operates 14 manufacturing facilities in North America, producing a wide range of Honda and Acura automobiles, engines and automatic transmissions, all-terrain vehicles, and power equipment such as lawn mowers and mini-tillers.

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*using domestic and globally sourced parts

One year has passed since I acceded to the president of the company in June of last year, and we have entered into the stage where we need to draw up and execute a new growth strategy.

In the past several years, consumer preference has quickly shifted toward smaller sized vehicles in every automobile market around the world due to increasing environmental awareness on a global basis, as well as the structural changes that happened to the global economy. Honda must quickly respond to such changes in the times to achieve further growth and expansion in the future.

Our highest management priority is to establish a corporate structure that ensures a profit while we develop and commercialize advanced environmental technologies, strengthen our business in emerging markets and take prompt action to respond to the market shift toward small-sized vehicles.

Especially, as we are in the midst of a difficult business environment, nothing is more important than going back to Honda's basic principle, that is, to see things from the customer's view point, and continue offering products that please our customers.

Based on this understanding, Honda's "Direction for the next 10 years" was set. What I think is most important and the message I conveyed strongly to all Honda associates was "to provide good products to our customers with speed, affordability and low CO2 emissions."

By "good products" we mean to embody customers' wants and needs in attractive products using Honda's unique technologies, knowledge and ingenuity. Such good products must be delivered with speed without making our customers wait, and at affordable prices which make our customers happy with their purchase. This is the direction Honda will take.

"With low CO2 emissions" represents our conviction based on the strong sense of crisis that, as a manufacturer of personal mobility, Honda will have no future unless we achieve a significant reduction of CO2 emissions.

In order to provide good products with speed, affordability and low CO2 emissions, concrete measures will be taken with a focus on the following three core areas:
1) Advancement of environmental technologies
2) Strengthening of the manufacturing system and capability
3) Strengthening of business operations in emerging nations

Advancement of environmental technologies

Automobiles

• Honda has been reducing CO2 emissions through technological advancement of a wide range of products including motorcycles, automobiles and power products. Honda has also been committed to the reduction of its environmental footprint through its energy creation products such as solar panels and cogeneration systems.
• Honda will accelerate the effort to reduce its environmental footprint by advancing its environmental technologies and making even more effort to achieve widespread market introduction of such technologies.

Widespread market introduction of IMA Hybrid System

• Honda introduced new models equipped with Honda's original lightweight and compact IMA hybrid system, namely Insight and CR-Z. The percentage of hybrid vehicle sales among all Honda vehicle sales in Japan increased to 16% in 2009. Honda will accelerate widespread market introduction of IMA by enhancing the lineup of models equipped with the IMA system.
• Honda will introduce multiple models, mainly small-sized vehicles, equipped with the IMA system in Japan within approximately one year from now. The first one will be the Fit Hybrid which will be introduced to the Japanese market this fall.
• Honda will also pursue the advancement of battery technologies that are critical to the advancement of hybrid vehicles. The next-generation Civic Hybrid will be equipped with a high-output and compact lithium-ion battery, which will be supplied by Blue Energy, a joint venture company between GS Yuasa and Honda that will begin production of the battery at its plant in the latter half of this year.
• Honda has been devoting its company resources to the development of advanced environmental technologies. The results of such a strategy will start to be seen as products sometime around 2012.

Plug-in hybrid

• A new plug-in hybrid system for mid-size to larger vehicles is currently under development. Vehicles equipped with this new system are scheduled to go on sale in 2012 in Japan and the U.S.
• Honda will fulfill customer demand more precisely by developing and adopting multiple hybrid systems that are appropriate for vehicles of different sizes and uses.

Gasoline engine

• In the mid-term, internal combustion engines will remain as the main source of power for automobiles, and therefore Honda will continue advancing technologies to improve the performance and fuel economy of internal combustion engines. Honda will begin renewing its engine and transmission lineup starting in 2012 to further improve its fuel economy.

Diesel engine

• Diesel engines are also effective in reducing CO2 emissions. In addition to the currently available 2.2l engine, Honda is making progress in the development of a smaller diesel engine. A model equipped with this new smaller diesel engine will be introduced in Europe in 2012.

Fuel-cell electric vehicle

• In the long-term, fuel-cell electric vehicles will provide the ultimate mobility. And Honda will continue working on the technological advancement of the FCX Clarity as well as our hydrogen refueling systems.

Battery electric vehicle

• Though there still are some issues that need to be addressed such as range per charge and recharging time, battery EVs have the potential to create a new market as mobility that emits no CO2 during operation. Leveraging the technologies established through the development of fuel-cell electric vehicles, Honda will make progress in the development of a battery EV with a goal to put it in real world use as soon as possible. Honda's battery EV is scheduled to go on sale in Japan and the U.S. in 2012.

Honda will introduce these products by around 2012 and further advance them and accelerate their more widespread introduction to the market in the next 10 years.

Motorcycles

• Considering the current limitation of battery performance, a battery EV will fulfill customer needs in the form of electric motorcycles.
• In December of this year, Honda will begin lease sales of EV-neo to businesses and individual business owners in Japan. Honda will continue to advance the technologies and reduce costs to make it available to individual customers as promptly as possible.
• As a unique trend in the world's largest motorcycle market of China, the market for electric bicycles is rapidly growing there in addition to the market for the motorcycles equipped with gasoline engines Honda is planning to introduce a new product into this market in 2011.
• Honda will introduce electric motorcycles to both advanced and emerging nations, further improve product performance and cost competitiveness and strive to become a market leader in this field, as well.

Power products

• Honda will further advance its "energy creation products" such as solar panels and cogeneration systems to pursue their potential as the future household infrastructure.

Demonstration testing of the next-generation personal mobility

• At the Tokyo Motor Show last year, Honda proposed a concept for the future low-carbon mobility society that utilizes electromotive technologies. Honda will embody this concept and begin demonstration testing with the concept of "Honda Electric Mobility Synergy" in Japan and the U.S. within this year.
• In Japan, within this year, and conducted jointly with Kumamoto and Saitama prefecture where Honda already has some operations, Honda will begin the comprehensive demonstration testing of next-generation personal mobility that combines an energy supply infrastructure such as a solar-powered EV-refueling station with advanced environmentally-responsible vehicles such as the electric scooter EV-neo, plug-in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles as well as other electromotive products such as the electric cart, Monpal. In addition, through the cooperation of the local community, Honda will study how future personal mobility should be designed to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of local residents.
• In the U.S., starting by the end of this year, Honda will begin demonstration testing of automobile environmental technologies such as battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles with participants including Stanford University, Google Inc. and the City of Torrance, California in separate testing under the Advanced Technology Demonstration Program.

Strengthening the manufacturing system and capability

Role of Japan

• Manufacturing technologies for advanced environmental technologies including electromotive technologies will be established and advanced in Japan where we have accumulated highly sophisticated manufacturing technologies and know how. In addition, further advancement of manufacturing technologies to accommodate the trend to make our products smaller will evolve from Japan to other parts of the world.
• Based on the recognition that the role played by Honda factories in Japan will become increasingly more important, Honda management has been discussing the roles our factories in Japan must play in the future.
• Honda factories in Japan will focus on the following three roles; 1) pursuit of manufacturing technologies for environmentally-responsible products and small-sized vehicles, 2) efficient production of the products to be sold in Japan and 3) strengthening the support functions for Honda plants outside of Japan.
• Based on this determination of the focus areas, the direction was determined for the two new plants in Japan where plans have been pending.

Yorii plant - which will become operation in 2013

• With a goal to begin production in 2013, Honda will resume preparation of the Yorii plant in Saitama. The Yorii plant will play a role not only to strengthen Honda's cost and quality competitiveness, but also to establish the necessary and highly sophisticated next-generation manufacturing technologies related to the production of environmentally-responsible products and low CO2 emissions production. Furthermore Yorii will be responsible for evolving such technologies to other Honda production operations around the world.
• The Yorii plant will create new value and innovative technologies which can be realized only at the Yorii plant and lead other Honda plants around the world as a state-of-the-art next-generation plant which pursues energy efficiency.
• Through various initiatives, including the introduction of a system which optimally controls the amount of energy used for production and the recycling of energy, the Yorii plant will strive to become an environmentally-responsible and advanced auto plant which reduces the amount of energy used to produce each vehicle by more than 30% compared to production at the existing Sayama plant.
• The Yorii plant will start with small-volume production of environmentally-responsible vehicles which requires highly sophisticated manufacturing technologies to mature its advanced technologies, then eventually increase production volume. Then Yorii will evolve such manufacturing technologies, that are keys to the next-generation of Honda, to other Honda operations around the world to achieve the global growth of Honda.

Starting production of mini-vehicles in Suzuka Factory and cancelling the construction of a new Yachiyo plant

• To accommodate the global shift toward smaller vehicles, Honda will begin production of mini-vehicles at its Suzuka Factory in 2012. Through mini-vehicle production at Suzuka Factory, Honda will establish manufacturing technologies that will contribute to the effort to reduce the bodyweight and cost of Honda's next-generation models.
• Such manufacturing technologies will be applied to small-sized vehicles, and then evolved from Suzuka to other Honda production operations around the world.
• Based on this decision, Yachiyo Industry decided to cancel the planned construction of a new Yachiyo plant. The mini-vehicle production at Yachiyo's existing plant will be continued.

Global production

• Based on its basic policy to build products close to the customer, Honda will further localize its production mostly in emerging markets.
• Honda will strengthen its cross-factory/cross-border supply system by increasing the flexibility of its manufacturing system. As a result, Honda will establish a solid manufacturing system which enables Honda to better respond to drastic changes in the market.

Strengthening business in emerging markets

• In emerging nations, where continuous growth is expected, Honda will leverage its strength of having access to a wider range of customers through its motorcycle, automobile and power products businesses and thoroughly be committed to deliver products that customers want with more speed and affordability.

Motorcycle business

Emerging nations

• In emerging nations, motorcycles are a part of people's daily lives, and giant markets with the overwhelming size of their populations have the potential to grow further and become key pillars of Honda's business.
• Today, key competitors in those markets are Chinese and Indian makers. In order for Honda to remain as a market leader, Honda must not only maintain the high attractiveness and quality of our products but also further improve cost competitiveness to match the low prices of these competitors.
• In addition to developing attractive products, Honda has been increasing its cost competitiveness by pursuing the thorough localization of production including local procurement of components and materials. As a result of more than 40 years of such continued effort, Honda's motorcycle production plant in Thailand has grown to be a production base of Honda's global models.
• Following the introduction of PCX, an all-new sports type model will be introduced first to the Thai market this fall, then to other markets around the world. Honda will increase the number of global models produced in Asia.
• To achieve further localization, production capacity will be expanded. In addition to the capacity expansions in India and Vietnam, Honda will expand its annual motorcycle production capacity in Indonesia to 4 million units by building a new plant with a capacity of 500,000 units, which will become operational in the latter half of 2011. Moreover, Honda will continue introducing new models to the market to accommodate the growth of the Indonesian market.
• After the completion of these capacity expansions, Honda's annual motorcycle production capacity in Asia (excluding Japan) will increase from the current approximately 16 million units to 18 million units by the end of 2011, enabling Honda to more quickly meet customer demand.
  • By leveraging the economies of scale achieved by the annual production of 18 million units, Honda will make more progress in localizing all processes from development to procurement and production in order to further improve its competitiveness.

Advanced nations

• In advanced nations, the business environment is tough as the overall motorcycle market continues to shrink. However, Honda will leverage its competitiveness in Asia and create attractive products with more affordability. In doing so, Honda will strive to expand customer segments and revitalize the market.
• First, Honda will introduce a new mid-class model, which is expected to be a new benchmark for the FUN model category which is focused on recreational needs, to market around the world from next year.
• Unlike conventional FUN models which focus on high power output, the new model will utilize advanced technologies and ideas unique to Honda and highlight the joy of riding and ease of handling with some unique characteristics such as a dynamic ride with low-speed torque. By offering it at an affordable price, Honda will strive to make it a product that pleases more customers.
• With the introduction of FUN models, which offer new values and that more people feel familiar with and enjoy riding, Honda will create a new motorcycle market in advanced nations.

Nigeria

• In continuously growing African markets as well, Honda will leverage its competitiveness in Asia to expand sales.
  • In Nigeria, the largest motorcycle market in Africa with the size of approximately 800,000 units annually, we can expect further expansion of a new market for motorcycles as an everyday means of transportation for individual consumers. Honda will launch a new 125cc model in mid-2011. China-made parts and components will be used to increase the cost competitiveness of the product, but at the same time the model will be appealing as it adequately fulfills customer requests.
• Honda will expand motorcycle sales for individual consumers in other African nations in addition to Nigeria.

Automobile business

• For automobile business as well, Honda will leverage the strength it has obtained through its localized motorcycle business in Asia.
• In order to be competitive in emerging nations where the market for small-sized vehicles is rapidly growing, Honda will further accelerate its effort to localize automobile production based on the concept to produce locally using locally produced dies, materials and components.
• In India, Honda is planning to introduce a new entry model vehicle in 2011 at a price less than 500,000 rupee.
• In Thailand, a new eco-car with an excellent level of fuel economy, based on the same vehicle to be introduced in India, will be introduced to the market in 2011. This vehicle is scheduled to be exported to other ASEAN nations as well.

Power products business

• In emerging nations, power products are even more closely involved in people's daily lives than motorcycles, and therefore explosive growth of the market can be expected.
• Especially in Africa where demand for generators is growing rapidly, Honda will aim to increase generator sales by offering attractive products at affordable prices while maximizing the use of its production base in China and India. In India, in addition to conventional generators, Honda will begin production of an inverter-equipped generator, which can be used for precision equipment such as medical equipment and requires a high level of technological capability to produce. This will be the first time inverter-equipped generators will be produced in India.
• In China, where mechanization of agriculture is taking place, Honda will become the first Japanese maker to begin local production of a small tiller. By leveraging its accumulated technological capabilities and knowhow, Honda will proactively cultivate new markets.

Conclusion

• The next 10 years will be very critical for Honda to survive in the midst of major changes in the times that include an increase in environmental awareness and changes in the global economic structure.
• Honda is totally committed to provide good products with speed, affordability and low CO2 emissions while viewing things from the viewpoint of our customers.
• To address the increase in environmental awareness, Honda will further advance its original and advanced environmental technologies and accelerate the more widespread market introduction of such technologies by offering them in attractive products.
• To address changes in the structure of the global economy, Honda will re-strengthen its capability as a manufacturer that is unique to Honda. This includes two primary areas; 1) strengthening business in emerging nations and 2) strengthening the competitiveness of Honda's small-sized vehicles.
• While executing these initiatives speedily, Honda will strengthen its corporate structure to achieve further growth and make another leap forward.

###

Please visit Hondanews.com for images and additional materials.

Honda will introduce new advanced environmental technology vehicles, including a battery-electric vehicle and a new plug-in hybrid vehicle, to the U.S. market in 2012, the company announced today in the mid-year address by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., President & CEO Takanobu Ito, in Tokyo, Japan. Ito also announced application of a lithium-ion battery in the next-generation Civic Hybrid in 2011.

The announcement outlined Honda's commitment to developing advanced environmental technologies for application across all of Honda's global operations. Highlights specifically related to the U.S. market include:

• By the end of 2010 and continuing through 2011, Honda will roll out a battery-electric vehicle demonstration program in the U.S. with participants, including: Stanford University, Google Inc. and the City of Torrance, Calif.
• The City of Torrance will receive a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle for evaluation by the end of 2010.
• A battery-electric commuter vehicle will be introduced in the U.S. market in 2012.
• A new plug-in hybrid system for mid-size to larger vehicles will be introduced in the U.S. market in 2012.
• Honda's first hybrid application of a lithium-ion battery will debut in the next- generation Civic Hybrid to be introduced in 2011. The lithium-ion battery was developed through the Honda and GS Yuasa joint-venture company, Blue Energy Co., Ltd.

For a summary of Ito's remarks, high-resolution photos and media information on Honda's current product offerings, please visit www.hondanews.com.

California drivers of the compressed natural gas (CNG) - powered Civic GX and zero-emissions FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle will continue to have access to the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) highway lane until January 2015. The recently passed California Assembly Bill 1500 extends HOV lane access to Inherently Low Emission Vehicles (ILEV), which includes cars that are certified zero emission and CNG vehicles. Before the extension was passed, existing ILEV HOV access stickers were set to expire January 1, 2011. Under the new law an unlimited number of HOV lane access stickers will be issued to eligible ILEV vehicles. The law takes effect January 1, 2011.

Honda is the only OEM currently selling a dedicated CNG-powered vehicle designed and manufactured for retail sale in the United States. The 2010 Civic GX achieves an EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy of 24/36* miles per gasoline-gallon equivalent and is the only vehicle certified by the EPA to meet both Federal Tier 2-Bin 2 and Inherently Low Emission Vehicle (ILEV) zero evaporative emission certification standards**. The Civic GX is available at 43 dealers in California and is priced at $25,340***.

Civic GX owners can refuel at numerous public stations around California as well as at home with a Phill natural gas home refueling appliance. Sold by BRC FuelMaker, Phill connects to a home’s existing natural gas line and allows for convenient overnight fueling of the Civic GX.

The zero emissions, hydrogen powered FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle is available for lease-only in Southern California. The sleek and modern sedan is propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated in an on-board hydrogen fuel cell. The FCX Clarity’s only emission is water, and its fuel efficiency is three times that of a modern gasoline-powered automobile and two times that of a gasoline-powered hybrid vehicle.

For more information about Honda vehicles, please visit www.honda.com. For media inquiries please visit www.hondanews.com.

For more information about Phill, please visit http://www.impcotechnologies.com/fuelmaker.asp.

*Based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
**EPA Tier-2, Bin-2 and ILEV certification as of May 2009
***Price does not include $750 destination and handling. Price does not take into account state or federal tax credits.

Honda today announced the winners of the first iDream Student Challenge at the 2010 Honda Initiation Grant (HIG) Technical Horizon Symposium in Columbus, Ohio. With a focus on technologies that advance the quality of human life, the iDream Student Challenge is a scholarship program designed to inspire new thinking to everyday challenges and foster a spirit of innovation among the leaders of tomorrow.

This year's competition included 19 teams of Ohio State University science and engineering students, whose projects offered creative engineering solutions and innovative technologies in one of three categories: Electronics, Mobility, and Materials. A total of $60,000 was awarded to the top three teams in each category, as well as the viewer's choice winner who was chosen by online voting. This year's winners are:

• Electronics, First Place: No Abandonment, Baby Wireless Sensor
• Mobility, First Place: Solar Solutions, Solar Thermal Electric Car Charging Station
• Materials, First Place: Smaller Memories to Remember, Oxide Nanowires for Next Generation Solid State Memory Devices
• Viewer's Choice: OSU Gait Trainer Team, Gait Trainer for Children with Cerebral Palsy

"As an organization dedicated to being at the forefront of innovation, Honda created this program to inspire new thinking, foster creativity, and encourage students to be the leaders of tomorrow," said Lara Minor, Principal Engineer at Honda R&D Americas-Ohio and organizer of the HIG and iDream Student Challenge programs.

Since 1997, Honda has also awarded grants to academic professors to further their research in a variety of areas including automotive, materials, computer and robotics, safety, intelligent vehicle, and environmental technologies. This year's HIG recipients, who were each awarded a grant of $50,000, are:

• Andrea Thomaz, Georgia Institute of Technology, Socially Guided Machine Learning for Humanoid Robots
• Alan Black, Carnegie Mellon University, Conversational Speech Synthesis
• Michael Harold, University of Houston, Enhancing Liquid Fuel Yield During Algae Pyrolysis in Structured Catalytic Reactors
• Donald Bliss, Duke University, Light and Flexible Multi-Element Structures that Resist Sound and Vibration Transmission
• Yaser Sheikh, Carnegie Mellon University, Dynamic Visual SLAM: Reconstructing Dynamic Environments from Mobile Cameras

About Honda
Honda began operations in the U.S. in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Honda began U.S. production of motorcycles in 1979 and automobiles in 1982. The company has invested more than $12.1 billion in its North American operations with employment of nearly 28,000 associates, and annual purchases of more than $17.5 billion in parts and materials from suppliers in North America. Honda vehicles are manufactured using domestic and globally-sourced parts.

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Teammates Chantale Levert (left) and Keira Gaudette discuss their winning project with professor Yaser Sheikh of Carnegie Mellon University during the Honda iDream Student Challenge at The Ohio State University on July 8. The OSU Gait Trainer Team was named Viewer's Choice winner for their device designed to help young children with Cerebral Palsy to walk.
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Greg Bader demonstrates his team's project during the Honda iDream Student Challenge at The Ohio State University on July 8. Team Don't Sink was awarded second place in the Mobility category for their assistive device that allows individuals with spinal cord injuries to manually operate a kayak.
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The five-passenger Honda Ridgeline half-ton pickup truck is built with a closed-box, unitized body structure for a unique combination of capability, interior spaciousness and comfortable ride performance.

The Ridgeline delivers a wide range of conventional pickup capabilities with a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds and a half-ton payload rating, all while offering unique features like a large In-Bed Trunk® and an independent front and rear suspension.

“The Honda Ridgeline focuses on delivering the most-popular features and capabilities that a majority of recreational truck buyers typically use and need,” said Erik Berkman, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “As a company that also builds world-class motorcycles, ATVs, marine engines and power equipment, many features in the Ridgeline represent the best thinking from Honda.”

The four-door, five-passenger Ridgeline is powered by a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine. A 5-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission and a Variable Torque Management® 4-wheel drive system (VTM-4®) are standard. The EPA rates city/highway/combined fuel economy¹ at 15/20/17. A MacPherson strut front suspension in the front and a rear multi-link suspension design contribute to a smooth ride and responsive handling. Standard equipment for towing includes an integrated tow hitch, transmission and oil coolers, heavy duty brakes, dual radiator fans and a wiring harness for a 7-pin trailer hook up (pre-wiring only on RT).

A 5-foot-long composite cargo bed with eight tie-down locations provides a half-ton payload rating of 1,100 pounds. Four cargo area lights illuminate both the bed and the in-bed trunk. A dual-action tailgate opens down for traditional access to the cargo area or to the side for ease-of-access to the 8.5 cubic-foot In-Bed Trunk. The Ridgeline is available with a wide variety of accessories and can conveniently accommodate motorcycles and ATVs.

The all-aluminum, 60-degree, SOHC 3.5-liter VTEC engine produces 250-horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 247 lb-ft. of torque at 4,300 rpm. The Ridgeline’s variable valve timing enhances low rpm torque while extending high rpm horsepower for a broad, confidence-inspiring power band. The 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission features Grade Logic Control to help maintain the most appropriate gear when going uphill or downhill to avoid gear “hunting.” The fully automatic VTM-4 system provides confident operation in rain, snow, ice, sand and mud, while also improving on-road and towing performance by distributing torque to all four wheels as needed. The system operates predominately in front-wheel-drive during dry-pavement cruising conditions and continuously proportions torque to the rear wheels during acceleration and low traction situations.

The Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) system, commonly referred to as electronic stability control, can apply braking force to a wheel with low traction and direct driving force to the wheel with more traction. For the rear differential, a "VTM-4" lock button located on the instrument panel allows the driver to temporarily hold engagement of both rear wheels to aid traction while in gears “1” and “2” at speeds of up to 18 mph.

The Ridgeline integrates an independent suspension with MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link with trailing arm design in the rear. The VSA system with active yaw control monitors lateral (cornering) stability and can integrate traction control, four-wheel drive, anti-lock braking, throttle control and stability control functions by modulating brake power at each wheel and controlling throttle input.

The heavy duty braking system includes 12.6-inch front and 13.1-inch rear 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Steel wheels on the Ridgeline RT measure 17x7.5-inch; the Ridgeline RTS upgrades to alloy.

All-season P245/65 R17 tires are standard on the Ridgeline RT and RTS. The Ridgeline RTL is equipped with 18x7.5-inch alloy wheels and all-season P245/60 R18 tires.

The unit-body architecture is designed for vastly superior rigidity compared to traditional body-on-frame designs and provides the foundation for the Ridgeline's spacious interior cabin and bed, outstanding safety performance and class-leading ride and handling performance. The Ridgeline’s modern and athletic design incorporates a solid, one-piece appearance with no separation between the bed and the cab. Large truck-style side mirrors enhance rear vision while towing. The windshield wipers have a heated wiper zone to enhance wiper performance in cold, winter driving conditions and minimize ice scraping.

The cargo area measures 49.5 inches wide between the wheel wells, 20.7 inches deep and 60.0 inches long (79.0 inches with the load-supporting tailgate in the down position). The tailgate can easily close with contaminates like sand, snow or mud in the space between the bumper and the tailgate.

The interior takes advantage of the Ridgeline's unit-body packaging efficiency to deliver full-size interior space dimensions while maintaining a garage-friendly, mid-size exterior footprint. The driving position provides ergonomically comfortable access to large and easy-to-use controls.

The large multi-function console features a sliding armrest and sliding lower tray – each with a hidden storage area. Other console storage areas accommodate items both large and small like mobile phones, beverages, compact discs and portable digital music players.

The 60/40 lift-up rear seats feature a storage area underneath large enough to accommodate a golf bag. Plus, the rear seating area can quickly convert for cargo duty by lifting the seats up to create enough room for a full-size mountain bike with the front tire removed. The rear seat incorporates three LATCH positions for compatible child safety seats.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™² with Voice Recognition and Zagat Survey® restaurant information is available on RTL models and includes XM Radio³. A backup camera display appears from the navigation screen when the vehicle is in reverse.

All Ridgelines are equipped with standard anti-lock brakes; VSA; brake assist; advanced multiple-threshold driver's and front passenger's SRS airbags; front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System(OPDS); two-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; front seat active head restraints; a tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.

Standard comfort and convenience features on the Ridgeline RT include: integrated trailer hitch, pre-wiring for 7-pin trailer wiring, trip computer with instantaneous and average fuel economy; air conditioning; tilt steering wheel; power windows and door locks; power sliding rear window; cruise control; keyless entry; automatic heated wiper zone; a six-speaker, 100-watt audio system with CD player and MP3/WMA playback capability; 60/40 split lift-up rear seat with under-seat storage.

The Ridgeline RTS adds or upgrades: alloy wheels; a 7-pin trailer wiring connector; body-color painted door handles; painted inner grille surfaces; a seven-speaker 160-watt audio system with subwoofer and six-disc in-dash audio system; steering wheel-mounted controls; an auxiliary audio input jack; dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support; privacy glass; and all-weather floor mats.

The RTL adds or upgrades: leather-trimmed interior with heated front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels; fog lights, moonroof, a 115-volt power outlet, XM Radio, HomeLink® remote system, carpeted floor mats, and a compass in the rearview mirror. A Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition is available (and replaces the rear-view mirror interior compass). Vehicles equipped with the navigation system also include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, a multi-information display and a back-up camera.

Basic Specs
Four-Door, 5-passenger pickup truck
3.5-liter SOHC VTEC V-6 engine
Horsepower: 250 at 5,700 rpm and
Torque: 247 lb-ft. at 4,300 rpm
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 15 city / 20 highway / 17combined miles per gallon
Integrated closed-box frame with unit-body construction
Independent front and rear suspension
5-foot composite bed with 1/2 ton payload capacity
Secure In-Bed Trunk: 8.5 cubic-feet
Towing capacity: 5,000 lb.
Advanced VTM-4 four-wheel-drive with lock mode

Safety equipment highlights: Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, front side airbags, daytime running lights, and driver’s and front passenger’s active head restraints

Dimensions: length 207.0 inches, wheelbase 122.0 inches, height 70.3 inches, width 77.8 inches, track front/rear 67.1/66.9 inches, ground clearance 8.2 inches, approach angle 24.5°, ramp-over angle 21.0°, departure angle 22.0°.

¹ Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

² Certain functions that rely on a satellite signal will not work correctly in Hawaii and Alaska. These functions include but are not limited to automatic clock updates and time zone adjustments.

³ Required XM Radio subscription sold separately after 90-day trial period. Subscriptions are governed by the XM Customer Agreement available at xmradio.com/serviceterms. Other fees and taxes apply after trial period; see XM Customer Agreement for details. Fees and programming subject to change. Service not available in Canada, Alaska, or Hawaii. © 2010 SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries

2011 Honda Ridgeline RTL.
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2011 Honda Ridgeline RTL.
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2011 Honda Ridgeline RTL.
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2011 Honda Ridgeline RTL.
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