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Future Transportation Concept Arrives at the Automotive Hall of Fame

2 February 1999

Future Transportation Concept Arrives at the Automotive Hall of Fame

    DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 1 -- Keyless, electric, and intelligent
describe Honda's transportation system of the future -- the Intelligent
Community Vehicle System (ICVS) -- made up of electric and hybrid vehicles and
their management system.
    On display now through March at the Automotive Hall of Fame is Honda's
vision of commuting in the future, designed to work with private vehicles and
public transportation.  The system would help ease problems like traffic
congestion, parking space shortages, and harm to the environment, while
remaining convenient, explains Honda spokesperson Masaya Nagai.
    "ICVS is one example of Honda's environmental technologies designed to
reduce pollution and promote efficient use of energy," says Nagai.
    Two ICVS vehicles are on display -- the ICVS City Pal, an electric
two-seater with large cargo space, and the ICVS Step Deck, an ultra small
single-seater hybrid vehicle.
    "To give you an idea of their size, four ICVS Step Decks fit into one
traditional parking space," says Don Adams, Director of the Hall of Fame's
Museum.  "The technologies represented by ICVS have the capacity to change
commuting in ways no one ever imagined.  We are very excited to have the
exhibit."
    Included in the exhibit is a video showing the vehicles in action and
explaining the technology behind their creation.
    The ICVS system works by registering "members" (drivers) and providing
them with a special card, allowing selection of vehicles at designated parking
areas like airports and hotels, completion of rental procedures, return of
vehicles, and calculation of fees.  Users may then start the selected vehicle
using the same card -- no keys are needed.
    The system features many advantages beyond keyless ignition. Automatically
retrieving vehicles and parking them allows vehicles to leave or enter ports
through the use of magnetic nails, induction cables and ultrasonic sensors --
no driver is necessary.  An automatic charging system even moves vehicles to a
charging terminal to recharge low batteries.
    Automotive Hall of Fame hours of operation are November through Memorial
Day, Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Memorial Day to October 31,
open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Admission is $6 adult, $5.50 senior (62+), and $3 youth (ages 5-12).  The
Hall of Fame is at 21400 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, Michigan, adjacent to
the Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village.