2001 Honda Civic GX First to Achieve Newest Emission Control Standards

    TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 26 The natural gas-powered 2001
Honda Civic GX has become the first vehicle ever certified as an "Advanced
Technology" near-zero emission vehicle and the first to achieve nationwide
SULEV status, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
    
     The Civic GX's "Advanced Technology P-ZEV" certification from the
California Air Resources Board is the result of near-zero total vehicle
emissions combined with the exceptionally low fuel cycle emissions of natural
gas.  As a result of complying with the P-ZEV (Partial-credit, Zero Emission
Vehicle) standard and 150,000 mile or 15-year emissions durability
certification, the Civic GX now is eligible to receive credits under
California's Zero Emission Vehicle requirements.

    California's Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle requirements (SULEV, which
are virtually the same as Federal EPA Tier-2, Bin-2 requirements) are the most
rigorous in the world.  The requirements call for a reduction in hydrocarbon
emissions of 96 percent from the existing Federal Tier-1 passenger car levels,
and an 86 percent reduction compared to the California Low Emission Vehicle
(LEV) standard.

    During Civic GX testing, hydrocarbon emissions were so low they were
virtually immeasurable with conventional laboratory instruments.  GX
greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) also are significantly lower than a comparable
gasoline-powered vehicle.

    In addition, because it operates exclusively on natural gas, the Federal
EPA also certified the Civic GX as an ILEV (Inherently Low Emission Vehicle),
recognizing the environmental benefits of a sealed fuel system that emits zero
evaporative emissions.

    "The Civic GX NGV is an example of existing technology that can have an
immediate impact by significantly reducing vehicle emissions," said Stephen
Ellis, American Honda manager of alternative fuel vehicle sales and marketing.
"Honda is committed to maintaining its leadership role in lowering automotive
emissions and advancing practical alternative fuel vehicles.  The Civic GX is
one example of the technology that makes this possible."

    The Civic GX recently was recognized by the American Council for an Energy
Efficient Economy (ACEEE) along with the Honda Insight hybrid vehicle, as
having the best overall score in the annual ACEEE Green Book: The
Environmental Guide to Cars and Trucks.

    The Civic GX is a dedicated NGV and marketed nationwide, primarily to
fleet customers.  Introduced in 1998, the Civic GX was the first NGV to be
entirely manufactured on the assembly line, and is built exclusively in East
Liberty, Ohio, using both domestic and globally-sourced parts.

    The 2001 Civic GX features virtually all of the advancements found in the
all-new 2001 Civic Sedan lineup, including a more spacious interior.  In fact,
the Civic Sedan has now moved from the subcompact into the compact class.  The
GX itself has a 25 percent larger trunk than the previous model, is equipped
with an advanced continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and offers
optional Anti-Lock brakes packaged with side impact airbags.

    The new 2001 Civic lineup recently swept all the IntelliChoice Awards for
best car values in the subcompact and compact classes.  IntelliChoice is a
leading independent automotive information company and the largest publisher
of consumer automobile reports in the U.S.

    Honda also offers a SULEV certified Accord in California, the first
gasoline-powered vehicle to meet this strict California standard.  In 2000,
more than 85 percent of all Hondas received a "low emission vehicle" rating or
better.