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New York State Buys 50 Natural Gas-Powered Honda Civic GXs

3 December 1998

New York State Buys 50 Natural Gas-Powered Honda Civic GXs For Alternate-Fuel Fleet

    TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 3 -- The state of New York has
purchased 50 Honda Civic GX natural gas (CNG)-powered cars, American Honda
Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
    The purchase was made by the state in part to improve air quality for its
citizens and satisfy their obligation for alternate-fuel fleet vehicles under
the United States Department of Energy's Energy Policy Act (EPACT).  Bay Ridge
Honda, located in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, was awarded the bid,
and has begun delivering the vehicles.
    In a pilot program conducted prior to the purchase, Civic GX models were
evaluated by New York Department of Transportation employees.  According to
Paul Butler, procurement manager for the state of New York Department of
General Services, the cars in the pilot program exceeded expectations.
    "Because of our initial positive experience with the Civic GX, we've
decided to expand our alternate-fuel fleet," Butler said.  "The Civic GX
performs well, and maintenance costs are lower overall than for gas-powered
cars.  Best of all, the Civic GX has been certified as an ultra low emission
vehicle."
    Under EPACT, each state is given a goal for the ratio of alternate-fuel
vehicles purchased in their annual procurements.  The purchase of these
50 Civics will help the state of New York exceed its calculated obligation for
1998.
    "We're proud to be helping the state build its alternate-fuel fleet," said
Bob Sabbagh, dealer principal of Bay Ridge Honda.  "The Civic GX also provides
a good start for many municipal fleets to attain their EPACT goal."
    "The Honda Civic GX has the lowest emissions of any vehicle with an
internal combustion engine ever certified by the government," said Steve
Ellis, manager of natural gas vehicle sales and marketing at American Honda.
"New York State's purchase of 50 Honda Civic GX cars demonstrates the market
acceptance of this car as well as the existence of a viable natural gas fuel
infrastructure."
    The Honda of America Manufacturing plant in East Liberty, Ohio is the sole
production facility for the natural-gas powered Honda Civic GX.