Eco Assist: It's Coming
Honda recently announced its new interactive, driver-focused fuel economy enhancement technology named the Ecological Drive Assist System, or Eco Assist, which will debut on the new Insight coming this spring. Eco Assist combines multiple functions: the driver-activated ECON mode that optimizes control of the continuously variable transmission, engine, and related powertrain components to conserve fuel; and a feedback function that uses speedometer background color to provide real-time guidance for environmentally responsible driving. An economy scoring function provides further feedback about current driving techniques as well as feedback on cumulative, long-term driving styles. Everyone knows that hybrid owners get a kick out of maximizing fuel efficiency-Eco Assist will make it that much easier for them. Honda says that Eco Assists' visual nature should help drivers improve their efficient driving skills by making the hybrid experience more fun and rewarding. Located in the center of the instrument panel of the all-new Insight, the Multi-Information Display scoring function provides cumulative, long-term feedback through graphical "leaves," which grow over time as drivers learn and implement driving practices that increase fuel economy. Activated by a green "ECON" button on the instrument panel, the ECON mode optimizes control of the transmission, engine, and other powertrain elements to conserve fuel. The ECON mode also adjusts air conditioner operation, increases the potential for engaging the idle stop feature sooner, and increases battery charging during regenerative braking. The guidance function uses the speedometer background's color-changing, three-dimensional appearance to indicate fuel efficiency in real time. Fuel-saving or fuel wasting activities engage various colors from the meter to alert the driver, like green for good behavior and blue for bad. The Multi-Information Display also allows drivers to view fuel economy figures for the past three trips, as well as instantaneous and average fuel economy statistics. The scoring function encourages drivers to take an interest in developing fuel-efficient driving habits over the long term. Leave it to Honda to make fuel efficiency fun for everyone.
Tough Economy Hits Honda F1
President of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Takeo Fukui announced last December that Honda will withdraw from all Formula 1 activities, making 2008 its last season of participation. "The decision was made in light of the quickly deteriorating operating environment facing the global auto industry, brought on by the sub-prime problem in the United States, the deepening credit crisis and the sudden contraction of the world economies," Fukui said. Honda's goal is to protect its core business activities and secure the long term as widespread uncertainties in the economies around the globe continue to mount. "A recovery is expected to take some time," according to Fukui. Honda's president also says that it will enter into consultation with the associates of the Honda Racing F1 Team and its engine supplier Honda Racing Development regarding the future of the two companies. This will include offering the team up for sale.
In its third era of Formula 1
activities, Honda has been participating in Formula 1 races from the 2000 season, initially with BAR, by adopting a new format of jointly developing racing machines. Subsequently, in a move to meet the changing environment surrounding Formula 1, Honda switched to running a 100-percent Honda-owned team commencing with the 2006 season. Of course, the Honda Team achieved a Grand Prix victory in 2006, enabling Honda to receive overwhelming support from Honda fans around the world who were looking forward to greater success.