Summary of Honda Announcements Regarding New Advanced Environmental Technologies

Battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles will be introduced in the U.S. in 2012; Demonstration program of the technologies will begin in 2010.
07/20/2010 - TORRANCE, Calif. -
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.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/categories/1097/releases/5527

7tune: Hybrid, FWD Honda S2000 Due In 2012

Hybrid, FWD Honda S2000 Due In 2012

It’s hybrid mania in Japan now with all manner of models starting to appear. As far as upcoming models are concerned though, the most disappointing seems to be the Honda S2000 “successor”. We’re told that come 2012, the new S2000 replacement will only have the number of doors and its name in common with the previous car.

It’s interesting to note that rumors surrounding a front wheel drive S2000 replacement have been circulating since at least late 2006, so it’s fair to say that S2000 fans shouldn’t get their hopes up for the next incarnation of Honda’s sports convertible. Gone are the days of high revving engines and rear wheel drive fun, they’ll be replaced with “low emission, high class” motoring in a package that has little in common with its predecessor. We’re told that the new S2000 will share its 2nd-generation hybrid driveline with that of the new Honda Accord and as such will be front wheel drive only. That being the case, the S2000 will be a step above the new hybrid CR-Z (or CR-ZX as some sources quote it as being) as far as outright performance goes. A retractable hardtop will add weight but now that the driving wheels will be at the front, it probably won’t be an issue for prospective buyers who we assume won’t be current S2000 owners.　The hybrid Honda S2000 is expected to go on sale in early 2012.

Source;

http://www.7tune.com/new-hybrid-fwd-honda-s2000-due-in-2012/