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Rising Gas Prices Inspire Car Makers to 'Focus On Efficiency'

19 October 2000

Rising Gas Prices Inspire Car Makers to 'Focus On Efficiency'; Society of Automotive Engineers Meeting to Feature Ultra Efficient 2001 Honda Civic, November 6

    DETROIT, Oct. 19 The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
Detroit Section delivers the inside story on the 2001 Honda Civic.  The
November 6 dinner meeting includes the presentation of the vehicle concept and
development by Katsunori Mori, Chief Engineer at Honda R&D Co., Ltd, in Japan;
and the manufacturing story by Christopher A. Poland, Associate Chief Engineer
at Honda of America Mfg., Inc.  With higher gasoline prices a reality, and the
uncertainty of future fuel prices and availability, "Focus on Efficiency" will
become an increasingly important subject of interest to automotive consumers
in the near future.  The new Honda Civic, featuring a larger and more refined
interior in a shorter vehicle package, combined with a more powerful 1.7-liter
VTEC engine offering a 5-10 percent increase in fuel economy, exemplifies the
Efficiency theme.  Potential 5-star NCAP frontal crash impact ratings,
compliance with California's Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards and
improved body panel fit tolerances are additional features that will be
presented in depth at the meeting.
    Join SAE and the Honda Civic team as they "Focus on Efficiency," Monday,
November 6 at the Burton Manor, 27777 Schoolcraft, in Livonia.  A social hour,
sponsored by Honda, begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.; the
presentation starts at 7:30 p.m.  Reservations are required and can be
obtained by calling the SAE Detroit Section at 248-324-4445; Fax:
248-324-4449.  Tickets are priced at $30 each, $15 for SAE student members.
The meeting is open to SAE members and non-members.