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Tokyo Motor Show 2009
Press pack
Press days 21 and 22 October
CR-Z
The world’s first sporty hybrid.
The latest version of Honda’s sporty hybrid concept takes centre stage at Tokyo Motor
Show. The CR-Z Concept 2009 is the most recent prototype of a compact, agile coupe using
Honda’s IMA technology, and should have a close resemblance to the production model
which goes on sale in summer 2010.
The CR-Z will be the world’s first sports hybrid car, and the first ever petrol-electric vehicle to
employ a 6-speed manual transmission. It will be exciting to drive with nimble handling.
It also takes design cues from the much-loved Honda CRX and will widen the appeal of
hybrid technology.
EV-N
Honda’s battery electric vehicle concept
The EV-N is a small, 4-seater battery electric vehicle, inspired by the N360, Honda's 360cc
micro car launched in the 1960s.
It has solar cells on the roof which could be used to charge the on-board battery, is less than
three metres long and has a width of 1475mm,
The EV-N also has a combination of lights in the front grille, illuminated door mirrors and
lights of the rear of the car to allow communication between car and driver, and car and
other road users or pedestrians via an innovative key 'fob'.
Honda first brought an electric vehicle to market in the 1990s (the EV Plus). Honda is
researching and developing a range of green technologies and believes battery-powered
electric vehicles will play a role in a low carbon future, primarily for city commuting or inner-
city driving.
It’s purely a design study and there are no plans for production.
Skydeck
The Tokyo Show marks the debut of Honda’s Skydeck concept, an innovative 6-seater
hybrid MPV with Lamborghini-style front doors and a pair of sliding rear doors.
Again, this is still a design study, but it’s a great example of how Honda’s IMA technology
can be placed in a range of different cars for different needs and therefore used to broaden
the appeal of hybrid systems.
Like the FCX Clarity, which houses the FC Stack in the centre tunnel to maximise space, the
Skydeck utilises the tunnel to accommodate the key hybrid components, including the high-
power battery (which until now has been stored under the boot or behind rear seats).
This clever packaging gives the Skydeck greater cabin space and the room for three rows of
two seats – the practicality you’d expect of a conventional MPV. It also gives the car a lower
centre of gravity.
U3-X
The new U3-X is a one wheel, experimental personal mobility device that uses balance
control technology developed through the ASIMO robot project.
Honda developed balance control technology to enable ASIMO to stand, walk and run in a
controlled manner, and in the U3-X, this technology has been developed to detect a shift in
the rider’s bodyweight. This enables the rider to adjust the speed and direction of the device,
to move, turn and stop in all directions simply by shifting their upper body.
To give the unicycle-like U3-X 360 degree movement
, Honda has literally re-invented the wheel. The U3-X uses technologies from Honda’s omni-
directional driving wheel system (HOT Drive System) which enables movement in all
directions, thanks to many small, motor-controlled wheels that are connected in-line to form
one large-diameter wheel. By moving the large-diameter wheel, the device moves forward
and backward, and by moving small-diameter wheels, the device moves side-to-side.
Combining these movements means the device moves diagonally too.
The U3-X’s design focuses on being user-friendly, so the reach from the device footrest to
the ground is small, it’s lightweight and compact making it very portable, and its height
places the rider at roughly the same eye level as other pedestrians.
Key specifications
Length × Width × Height (mm): 315 × 160 × 650
Weight: Less than 10kg
Battery Type: Lithium ion battery
Operation time (with fully charged battery): 1 hour
The compact device is an experimental technology at this stage and Honda will continue
research and development, including testing in a real-world situations, to confirm the
practicality of the technology.
LOOP
LOOP is a portable communication tool that allows people and mobility devices to
communicate with each other, and is also on display at the show.
FCX Clarity
The FCX Clarity is the pinnacle of Honda’s research into clean alternative energy vehicles. It
is the world’s first production fuel cell car, and showcases over 20 years of ground-breaking
research and innovation that could revolutionise car technology and design. But it didn’t start
with fuel cell.
We’ve explored the potential of solar cars (the 1993 Type Dream), battery electric cars (like
the 1996 EV Plus, capable of nearly 140 miles on a single battery charge) and even natural
gas cars (the Civic GX). Most will know about our current petrol-electric hybrid cars, which
are a great medium-term solution to reducing exhaust emissions, and work with the current
fuel infrastructure.
But these projects just confirmed to us that zero emission hydrogen fuel cells are ultimately
the long-term solution. That’s because, as well emitting no harmful exhaust gases, fuel cell
electric vehicles offer good driving range, short refuelling time and a flexible layout and
design. They offer the best, clean equivalent of what most of us drive today.
Key features
Zero harmful emissions – the Clarity’s only exhaust emission is water vapour
The FCX Clarity is an electric car that generates its electricity on-board using
compressed hydrogen as an energy carrier
Stylish and aerodynamic design that’s free from the design constraints of a
conventional car
Crash tested and safety tested to the same standard as a conventional car
Proven, real-world technology, already being leased in the US and Japan
Range equivalent to a conventional petrol or diesel car
Efficient powerplant that’s roughly three times that of a petrol-engined car, twice that of
a hybrid vehicle, and 10 per cent better than the previous FCX.
Improved core components over the 2005 FCX
o Lighter and smaller fuel cell stack with new V Flow design
o Lighter and smaller Lithium ion battery
More compact components including integrated hydrogen tanks, integrated radiator and
newly-positioned, compact drive motor
Type R MUGEN Concept
“If Honda stands for great engineering, then MUGEN stands for craftsmanship,”
Masashi Honma, M-Tec
The Honda Civic Type R MUGEN Concept is an exclusive, hand-built race car for the road.
Every nut and bolt, component and part of the UK-spec 3-door Civic Type R has been
analysed and evaluated, before further development by MUGEN, Honda’s long-standing
engine tuner and motor racing partner. The result is one of the quickest and most satisfying
cars to drive from point to point; a sophisticated road-going hot hatch with racing pedigree
with more power, revised suspension, bigger brakes and even more aggressive looks.
“This car is more like a junior league GT3 car than an extreme hot hatch. It will appeal to
those drivers who love the purity of sound, and the instantaneous response of a normally-
aspirated engine rather than the crude kick of a mass produced turbo car,” Geoff Bland,
Honda (UK)
Working the MUGEN magic
MUGEN is synonymous with engine power, so the company took the standard Type R
engine and increased the air volumetric efficiency to achieve 120PS/Litre by fitting new
camshafts with MUGEN profiles, and allowing the engine to breathe through a new intake
system and full stainless steel exhaust system. The compression ratio was also increased by
using new pistons.
A custom MUGEN map for the ECU allows the engine to take advantage of the
modifications. The result is an increase of almost 20 per cent in power, and a 10 per cent
increase in torque available throughout the rev range.
About Mugen
MUGEN means ‘infinite’ or ‘unlimited’ in Japanese, hence the term ‘MUGEN Power’
The company was founded in 1973 by Hirotoshi Honda, the son of Honda founder,
Soichiro Honda. The company is still owned by the Honda family, but is completely
independent of Honda Motor. It does, however, have a special relationship with
Honda and works closely with the manufacturer on the development of high
performance engines and cars
MUGEN specialises in building and tuning Honda engines for racing
At the MUGEN M-Tec factory in Saitama, Japan, major components can be construc-
ted for racing and high performance road engines
MUGEN employs approximately 180 people
From 1991 to 2000, MUGEN built and prepared Formula 1 engines for a number of
teams, including Tyrrell, Ligier, Prost and Jordan. It has also acted as an adviser for
Honda’s own Formula 1 engine development.
Until 2005 MUGEN was the sole supplier of Formula Nippon engines
The company now prepares Honda NSX customer cars for the Super GT Champion-
ship, Formula 3, the Japan Le Mans series, Formula Nippon and the Nurburgring 24
Hour.
MUGEN also supplies engines for JAS Motorsport for their customer rally cars
Its other business is selling aftermarket parts to enthusiasts for road and race cars
Honda Motorcycles
Making its world premiere is the all-new and much anticipated VFR1200F V4-powered
sports touring machine. The V4 emphasises advanced technology and styling whilst offering
an enjoyable riding experience.
This important new machine creates a landmark in motorcycling history, with the latest
technologies and styling being focused and developed to enhance every-day riding
enjoyment, but with a look, feel and sound that together create a new breed of machine.
VFR1200F has been developed in keeping with previous VFRs and continues the bloodline
of Honda’s V4 heritage. But this latest incarnation moves the boundaries even further to
deliver a machine with an unrivalled combination of sports and touring capabilities, to meet
the needs and desires of customers by listening to them and understanding what they
wanted.
The distinctive growl of the flexible and responsive V4 motor may rekindle the emotions
inspired by previous iconic VFRs, but its unique ‘heartbeat’ engine feel and an unrivalled
level of manageability sets the new VFR apart, not only from its predecessors - but also from
every bike currently available.
In pursuit of heightened levels of control and feedback for the rider, the VFR1200F adopts
the latest race-track bred technologies, but adapted and evolved to create a machine that
can be many things to many riders. Some of these engineering solutions have never before
been seen on a road-going machine.
The stylish CB1100 also makes its world premiere at the Show, exploring the potential of the
air-cooled, 4-cylinder engine while building upon the aesthetic appeal and riding taste of the
generations of CBs.
Advanced models that hint at the low-carbon future of two-wheelers include a new EV-Cub
electric motorcycle, PCX and Eve-Neo.
The PCX scooter, which is intended as a global model, is equipped with an idle stop function
and delivers outstanding fuel economy. While, the EVE-neo achieves clean and tough
performance that only an electric-powered scooter can provide.
The world's first Dual Clutch Transmission technology for larger-displacement and sportier
bikes will also be showcased.
What’s on Honda stand?
Model
Production
Model
Exhibition
Model
World
Premiere
Japanese
Premier
Concept Models
CR-Z Concept 2009 X X
SKYDECK X X
Hello! Zone Models
EV-N x x
FCX Clarity x
Planned Production
Vehicles
Civic Type R Euro x
Acty Truck x x
Production Vehicles
STEP WGN x
STEP WGN SPADA x
Insight x
Civic Hybrid x
Odyssey x
CR-V x
Fit x
Freed x
Accord x
Life x
Zest Spark x
Motorcycles*
Model
Production
Model
Exhibition
Model
World
Premiere
Japanese
Premier
Concept Models
EVE-neo X X
CB1100 Customize Concept X X
DN-01 Touring Concept X
Hello! Zone Models
EV-Cub X X
Planned Production
Vehicles
CB1100 X X
VFR1200F X X
VFR1200F Dual Clutch
Transmission
X X
CB1300 SUPER FOUR X X
CB1300 SUPER BOL D’OR X X
CB1300 SUPER TOURING X X
VT1300CR X X
VT1300CS X X
PCX X X
And More!
Production Vehicles
VT1300CX X
CB400 SUPER FOUR X
CB400 SUPER BOL D’OR X
FORZA X
FAZE X
VTR X
SHADOW Phantom x
And More!
Commemorative vehicles
(racing machines)
RC212V (ridden by Dani
Pedrosa in the 2008 MotoGP) X
RC212V (ridden by Dani
Pedrosa in the 2009 MotoGP) X
CRF450R (ridden in IA1
Class, 2009 All Japan
Motocross Championship) X
COTA 4RT (won World Trial
Championship Series 2009
title) X
Power Products and Other Highlights*
Model
Production
Model
Exhibition
Model
World
Premiere
Japanese
Premier
Hello! Zone Models
EV-MONPAL x
U3-X x
Power Products
ENEPO x
PIANTA x
Other Features
Stride Management Assist x
Bodyweight Support Assist x
And More!
* Note: Number and type of vehicles displayed may change.
Honda (UK) update – market overview
Tom Gardner
Acting General Manager, Cars, Honda (UK)
The first Jazz rolled off the line at our manufacturing plant in Swindon earlier this month, and
it could not have come at a better time. Demand for small, practical, fuel efficient cars like
Jazz and Civic is high and producing these models on home turf is ideal.
Jazz sales are strong but have also benefited from the Government’s successful Scrappage
Scheme, with 70 per cent of the 8,000 scrappage orders being for Jazz.
Importantly, the Scrappage Scheme has also brought in a rich mix of customers that are
new-to-Honda; 80 per cent in fact, which means we are growing our customer base, not
cannibalising it.
By comparison, we have seen our existing customers taking advantage of the great finance
packages and PCP offers we’ve had on Civic, and therefore sales of this other British-built
car are healthy.
We now have three models produced in the UK at Swindon – Jazz, Civic and CR-V – which
is testament to the skill of the 3,400 Associates there. Together these three popular models
will make up nearly 90 per cent of Honda car sales in the UK.
During this year, we’ve reduced our stock levels to ensure we are selling cars as we build
them and Dealers are delivering the highest levels of customer care, resulting in Honda
achieving the number two spot in the JD Power survey.
For 2010, we remain pragmatic about the hurdles ahead, but importantly, Honda dealers are
profitable; we have a new CR-V just around the corner, featuring the fantastic i-DTEC and
automatic gearbox, that will create a whole new opportunity for us; plus, the CR-Z – Honda’s
sporty hybrid coupe – also arrives next year and will become the third model in our hybrid
line-up. The CR-Z not only draws on Honda’s heritage, as the spiritual successor to the
CRX, but will prove that the environment can be fun.
Sales update
Honda (UK) sales (current to 13 October)
Model Sales (YTD)
Jazz 21,334
Insight 2,057
Civic (5dr, Type S and Type
R)
20,882
Civic Hybrid 974
CR-V 10,419
FR-V 1,289
Accord (saloon and Tourer) 4,169
S2000 421
Legend 90
TOTAL 61,635
Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd
Key Facts
Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd. (HUM) is a fully integrated car manufacturing
facility, producing the total car (Casting, Engine Assembly, Pressing, Welding,
Painting and Frame Assembly) on one site in Swindon - Wiltshire.
370 acre site (1.5million m2)
Honda has invested £1.38 billion in its manufacturing operation in Swindon
Total HUM car production, 2008 : 230,423 cars
Total HUM car production, fiscal year 2008/2009 : 174,535 cars
Total 3,500 Associates
HUM-built CR-V, Civic and Jazz models exported to 60 countries worldwide
Jazz rolls off the line at Swindon
The first British-built Jazz was driven off the production line at Honda's factory in Swindon
earlier this month, providing a boost to production volume and underlining the company's
long term commitment to the UK operation.
The 5-door family supermini is one of Honda’s most successful cars in Europe, with over
70,000 sold in the region every year. As Honda has a policy of building its most popular cars
in the markets in which they are sold, production of Jazz for European customers is shifting
from Japan to the UK.
In the current financial year (to end March, 2010) Honda of the UK Manufacturing in
Swindon (HUM) will build 20,000 units of Jazz. 75 per cent of these will be for the UK
market, with the other 25 per cent planned for export to 55 countries across mainland
Europe and other regions, including South Africa. The addition of Jazz brings the planned
total production level for the Swindon plant in this financial year to 100,600 – still well below
the plant’s full capacity. Volumes are expected to increase next year due to the new three
model production line-up.
The demand for cars like the Jazz is increasing as car buyers look to downsize from big,
gas-guzzling models into smaller, fuel efficient, but practical vehicles. In the UK, the
Government's Scrappage Scheme has given Jazz sales a significant boost, with the
practical little car making up 70 per cent of all of Honda's Scrappage deals. Other incentives
across Europe have resulted in similar increases in demand.
“We see this third model as a wonderful opportunity in the current climate and we’re
extremely proud to be building the Jazz here in Swindon,” said David Hodgetts, Director at
HUM. “The car is incredibly popular with customers, and it has won countless awards for
quality and reliability. Shifting production to the UK is a real vote of confidence in all our
Associates here in Swindon, and recognition of the high standards which we have been able
to achieve at the plant.”
Change is a Chance
RejuvenationThe four month non-production period (from the end of January to the 1 June) at HUM gave us the opportunity to rejuvenate, refurbish, refresh and regenerate the Swindon plant, so we can build cars even more efficiently in the future. It also means that when the associates came back to work, they came back to a completely refreshed plant that looked and felt ‘like new’.
This includes:
• Major maintenance of machinery and equipment.
• Stripping and rebuilding of Assembly lines.
• Cleaning and redecorating throughout all plant buildings.
• Many associates have helped with the refurbishment, including those with specialist skills being used for plumbing and to tile restrooms etc.
• All common and public areas were painted and decorated by associates from administrative roles.
InvestmentAs well as rejuvenating existing equipment and the surroundings, we have continued with a longer term investment programme, and in some cases brought it forward to complete during this period. The continuing investment in manufacturing at Swindon will improve production performance and efficiency – thus helping to secure the future of the plant. The shutdown period also allowed us to prepare for the production of Jazz.
Areas of investment include:
• Line 1 Paint: We installed leading edge technology which will provide greater flexibility, improve quality and overall efficiency. Specifically, all internal and external spraying will become automated. The new process results in less paint wastage, so we’re contributing less paint sludge to landfill.
• Paint – Pre-Treatment: The Electro-Coat process has been completely changed to a new ‘Ro-dip’ system, which will rotate the car body rather than dipping. By doing this more dirt is removed from the process, adding to a smoother finished quality. The process is shorter and more compact, with less tank space and therefore uses less energy and is more cost effective.
• Press: New B Line Press is being installed into the Press facility, which increases speed and capacity – particularly for larger panels – which gives us increased model type options and gives us the ability to produce more parts in-house, as well as the ability to try new models.
• Weld, Line 1: New robot cells have been installed, improving cycle time and reliability.
• New tooling, equipment and processes for the production of Jazz have been introduced in all areas within car plant 2.
TrainingThe non-production period allowed us to begin a new Process and Leadership training programme with our team leaders and other managers, which aims to strengthen the core values of HUM including:
• Motivational skills
• Empowerment
• Problem analysis and solving
• Ergonomics
• Planning
• Respect and confidence
• Managing challenging behaviour
• Face to Face communication
PROFILE: Takanobu Ito
President & Chief Executive Officer, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Date of Birth: August 29, 1953
Age: 56
Brief biography
1978 Joined Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Assigned to Honda R&D Co., Ltd. and responsible for
automobile development (principally, in the field of chassis design). In charge of
chassis design for: first-generation CR-X (1983), third-generation Accord (1985),
third-generation Prelude (1987), and first-generation NSX (1990). The NSX became
the world’s first production car with an all-aluminium monocoque body.
1997 Director, Honda R&D Co., Ltd.
1998 Executive Vice President, Honda R&D Americas, Inc.
2000 Director, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and Managing Director, Honda R&D Co., Ltd.
2001 Senior Managing Director, Honda R&D Co., Ltd.
2003 Managing Director, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and President and Director, Honda R&D
Co., Ltd.
2005 General Manager, Suzuka Factory, Production Operations
Managing Officer, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
2007 Chief Operating Officer, Automobile Operations
Senior Managing Director, Honda Motor Co., Ltd
2009 Re-appointed as President and Director, Honda R&D Co., Ltd.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
“Creating new value to address environmental challenges and stay ahead of the
times"
“Societal demand to address environmental issues continues to grow on a global scale and
transcend national and regional interests. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including
CO2, has especially emerged as the most urgent issue, requiring solutions beyond the scope
of individual countries or industries.
Meanwhile, the rapid economic downturn which began last year led to the slowdown of the
global marketplace. As a result, we are quickly moving into an era where consumers
question the very nature and value of automobiles.
Honda will proactively and speedily pursue product development while highlighting and
proposing new values that address global environmental issues. In so doing, we will
overcome the difficulties we now face with a vision for the next 100 years of the automobile.
We will stay ahead of the times while being at the forefront in the area of the environment.
As long as we are in the race, Honda has a passion to continue to be at the forefront and to
be a company that society wants to exist.
Honda has a history of accurately grasping the ever changing social challenges and solving
such challenges before others by confronting them with creative ideas unique to Honda.
With a high level of initiative and driven by a strong passion not to be behind other, Honda
will continue its never-ending challenge to provide our customers with mobility which is one
of the fundamental joys of people.”
Japanese phrases
Some of you may be familiar with the language from previous trips to Tokyo, but we thought
there was no harm in providing our own Honda mini guide to help make this year’s trip a little
easier.
You could start with….
Do you speak English? -- Anata wa eigo o hanashimasu ka?
If that doesn’t work, then here a few others that may help:
My name is _______ -- Watashi no namae wa ________ desu
What is your name? -- Anata-no namae wa?
Pleased to meet you -- Dozo yoroshiku or Yoroshiku onegaishimasu
Good morning -- Ohayoogozaimasu
Good afternoon (day) – Konnichiwa
Good evening – Konbanwa
Welcome – Irrasshaimase
Yes – Hai
No -- Iie
Thank you (very much) -- Domo arigato gozaimasu
No, thank you -- Iie kekko desu
Cool – Su go I
Excuse me (pardon me) -- Gomen nasai or Shitsurei shimasu
I’m lost – Mayotte shimai mashita
Can you help me? - Tetsudatte kuremasuk
I’m hungry/thirsty – Onaka ga suki masita/ Nodo ga kawaki mashita
Do you like Karaoke? - Karaoke, suki?
I want to try it - Shi tai
This is fun – Tanoshii
That’s interesting, I’d like to know more - Omo shiro I
I like it -- Suki desu
I don't like it -- Kirai desu
I’m fine, I’ve had enough – Mookekkoo desu
It's beautiful -- Kirei desu
What time is it? -- Nan-ji desu ka?
Where is the bathroom? – O Te aria wa doko desu ka?
A receipt please. – Reshi ito wo kudasai
I have a sore throat - Nodo ga itai
I have a stomach ache - I ga itai.
I need medicine - Kusuri ga hituyou desu.
Bless you (when sneezing) – Odaiji ni
How much is it? - Ikura desuka?
May I sit here? - Kokoni suwattemo ii desuka?
If all else fails…
No, I don't understand -- Iie, wakarimasen
Good-bye – Sayo onara
JAPAN - Did you know?
It is considered quite rude to blow your nose in public
Japan is made up of over 6,000 islands
Golden Retriever dogs are the most popular pet
The Japanese use four different writing systems
The Japanese commonly refer to their country as Nihon Koku, Nippon Koku or Nihon
or Nippon. These names translate to mean "The Sources of the Sun" or "Land of the
Rising Sun”.
The islands of Japan are actually the exposed tops of huge undersea ridges. These
ridges rise up out of the Pacific Ocean. Because of this, more than eighty percent of
the land is rugged mountains and hills.
Japan has numerous volcanoes (about two hundred) and many earthquakes. In fact,
Japan has about three minor earthquakes every day of the year. Japan does have
severe earthquakes too, such as the Great Kanto Earthquake that shook the country
in 1923. This historic disaster demolished the cities of Tokyo and Yokohama and
more than one hundred and twenty thousand lives were lost at that time. Japan is
home to 10 per cent of the world's active volcanoes.
A Japanese man is considered to be entering into the phase of old age by the time
he reaches sixty years of age. This is commemorated with a special ceremony. The
man wears a special red kimono. The red kimono means that he no longer has the
responsibilities of being a mature adult.
Did you ever wonder why it is a Japanese custom to remove your shoes before
entering a house or other building in Japan? This is because the floors are covered
with straw mats which are called tatamis. In order to keep the tatamis clean for sitting
upon, the Japanese take their shoes off.
Not only it is considered rude to blow your nose in public, but it is also considered
rude to openly express your emotions in public. This is why a straight face is worn by
most of the people in Japan. It is also unusual to show signs of affection in public.
In Japan a person’s material possessions should also be shown respect. For
example, your coat, shoes, etc., will be carefully hung up or set aside and probably
even be brushed off by the time that you retrieve them.
Be especially careful with how you hold your chopsticks. Never stick them upright
into your bowl as this is an old custom for offering food to the dead.