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New Honda Minivan Will Be Low Emission Vehicle

25 February 1998

New Honda Minivan Will Be Low Emission Vehicle

    DETROIT, Feb. 25 -- Consistent with Honda's commitment to
sell low emission vehicles nationwide, the all-new Honda minivan to be
introduced in fall 1998 will achieve low emission vehicle (LEV) status for
light trucks.  Honda Motor Co., Ltd. President and CEO Nobuhiko
Kawamoto made the announcement today at a luncheon honoring him as Automotive
Industries Magazine's "Executive of the Year."
    Noting Honda's leadership in introducing the 1998 Accord and Civic as LEV
vehicles nationwide in advance of regulations, Kawamoto told the industry
audience, "The new minivan we will begin building this fall in North America
will meet the LEV standard for light trucks in all fifty states.  We must do
more, because we able to, and because our future, individually and
collectively, depends upon it."
    Automotive Industries honored Kawamoto for fostering change to Honda's
global operations that has led to consecutive years of record sales and
earnings and for his leadership in introducing a number of environmental
technologies.
    Honda sales of low and ultra low emission vehicles (ULEV) exceeded 130,000
units during the first four months of the 1998 model year.  Honda began
voluntary sales of LEV models in all 50 states in fall 1997 - five months
prior to the recently announced national low emission vehicle (N-LEV)
agreement in which other automakers pledged to introduce LEV vehicles
nationwide in the future.
    While noting that Honda is working on an affordable hybrid engine and
other low emission technology, Kawamoto said for the immediate future, further
advancements in internal combustion technology are necessary and achievable.
"We must improve internal combustion technology beyond even the industry's
recently announced N-LEV commitment," said Kawamoto.
    In spring 1998, Honda will introduce the Civic GX in the U.S., the first
U.S.-built, mass-produced compressed natural gas passenger car in the world.
The Civic GX produces nearly zero emissions and will be the cleanest internal
combustion vehicle available.
    Last fall, Honda announced two new technologies related to its ongoing
commitment to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency:

    -- A new Zero Level Emission Vehicle engine (Z-LEV) that emits nearly
       zero emissions - described as a practical approach, that will be
       applied to mass-market products in the new future.

    -- A new hybrid engine - called Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) - that
       employs a unique ultra capacitor rather than a battery, for a
       lightweight, more affordable approach to hybrid power.  The IMA
       engine will be introduced in the near future.

    Honda is also a leader in electric vehicle technology, with the Honda EV
PLUS already being driven by more than 100 customers in California.  A
purpose-built, 4-door sedan, the EV PLUS utilizes advanced nickel-metal
hydride batteries.
    Kawamoto also stated that while Honda will compete if necessary, "We are
willing to share our technical expertise with anyone in the world - regardless
of nationality or industry - who will make use of our capabilities to help the
environment and the next generation."

SOURCE  Honda Motor Co., Ltd.