Honda Fields Team of Real World Advanced Technology and Alternative Fuel Vehicles For 2003 Challenge Bibendum(TM)
TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 3 -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is preparing seven advanced technology vehicles to participate in the 2003 Challenge Bibendum(TM) organized and hosted by Michelin. The Honda team -- representing the company's leadership in ultra-clean emissions, hybrid power, alternative fuels and advanced fuel cell technology -- is comprised of vehicles certified for regular commercial use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for regular highway use.
"We look forward to the Challenge Bibendum as a way to share the progress Honda continues to make in advanced transportation technologies," said Tom Elliott, executive vice president of American Honda. "At Honda, we feel that real world experience is critical to the advancement and acceptance of these technologies."
The American Honda Team for the 2003 Challenge Bibendum includes:
2003 Acura MDX: A seven passenger luxury SUV powered by a 260-
horsepower V6 engine with VTEC technology, the
MDX is the first SUV to gain Super Ultra Low
Emission Vehicle (SULEV) certification in
California.
2003 Honda Insight: The first production gasoline-electric hybrid
introduced to American highways, the Insight
uses Honda's innovative IMA gasoline-electric
hybrid system to deliver nearly 70 miles per
gallon fuel economy. For the fourth consecutive
year, the Insight is rated by EPA as the most
fuel-efficient vehicle sold in the U.S.
2003 Honda Element: This newest addition to the Honda truck family
combines the best attributes of a pickup truck,
minivan and SUV in an innovative and versatile
package. The Element, powered by a 160 hp four-
cylinder engine, features good fuel economy and
performance while achieving LEV-2 emissions
levels.
2003 Honda FCX: Powered by gaseous hydrogen and emitting only
water from its tailpipe, Honda's FCX is the
first fuel cell vehicle certified by both EPA
and CARB for regular commercial use. The city of
Los Angeles became the first commercial customer
of an EPA-certified fuel cell vehicle in
December 2002 with the delivery of a Honda FCX
for real world fleet use.
2003 Honda Civic Hybrid: Honda's Civic Hybrid brings gasoline-electric
hybrid power to one of the best-selling compact
sedans in the U.S. It is distinguished as the
first hybrid vehicle to earn certification as an
Advanced Technology - Partial Zero Emission
Vehicle (AT-PZEV) from CARB.
2003 Honda Civic GX: This natural-gas powered version of the popular
Civic Sedan is powered by the cleanest internal
combustion engine vehicle ever tested by EPA. It
is also the first passenger vehicle to earn AT-
PZEV certification by CARB.
2003 Honda Accord: A perennial best-seller and leader in low
emissions technology, the mid-size Accord was
completely redesigned in 2003 with more
performance and features in combination with
reduced emissions and higher fuel economy. The
Accord was the first vehicle to gain both Ultra-
Low Emission (ULEV) and Super Ultra-Low Emission
Vehicle (SULEV) certification in California and
is now certified as a PZEV (Partial Zero
Emission Vehicle).
"Honda has always been a strong competitor in Challenge Bibendum," said Ron Musgnug, Michelin's project manager for the 2003 Challenge Bibendum. "This year they are fielding an excellent team. The most striking element is that most of these cars are available now -- at dealerships across the country. Honda is doing excellent work to put consumers who enjoy driving behind the wheel of environmentally positive vehicles. We're glad to have them compete again this year in Challenge Bibendum."
In keeping with the company's commitment to environmental technology leadership, Honda has consistently led the industry in meeting new emissions requirements. Every 2003 Honda model achieves Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) status or better. Honda also has the highest Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) rating among the 10 major automakers.
Challenge Bibendum(TM), considered one of the premier global events for advanced technology vehicles, was established by the Michelin Group as an objective way to bring together and test the best available technologies for environmentally positive vehicles. The annual event features vehicles from major manufacturers on three continents and brings together all partners in the automotive world: vehicle manufacturers, designers, energy suppliers, technical leaders, policy makers, universities and government organizations.
The 2003 Challenge Bibendum will be held in Sonoma and San Francisco, Calif., Sept. 23-25. More than 100 passenger and commercial vehicles are expected to participate. In addition to Honda, participants include: Audi, BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Isuzu Truck, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo and Volvo Truck.
A true competition, Challenge Bibendum is one of the few events to compare different advanced technologies head-to-head. The event is open to all energy sources from electric cars to hybrid fuel cells to hydrogen powered buses. Advanced technology vehicles are rated on emissions, acceleration, braking, handling, noise and energy efficiency during the annual competition.
Complete information is available at www.challengebibendum.com.
Michelin manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, maps and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelin.com) employs 24,640 and operates 22 plants in 18 locations.
