Even Greener Hondas?
Honda Manufacturing began its production of the environmentally responsible, natural gas-powered Civic GX, at its plant in Greensburg, Indiana.
The GX has received top environmental awards, including the American Council for Energy-Efficient Economy's "America's Greenest Car" award for five consecutive years. This marks the first and only natural gas vehicle built by a major automaker in the U.S.
Honda has a long history of environmental leadership, including the introduction of America's first mass-produced hybrid, the Insight, which is the first vehicle to meet California's low emission vehicle standards-well in advance of regulatoryrequirements.
Powered by a 113-hp, 1.8-Liter, 16-valve, SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, the GX was designed with a higher compression ratio to maximize performance from natural gas fuel. With an average range of more than 220 miles, the GX boasts outstanding fuel economy at 24 (city) and 36 (highway).
Best selling vehicle in Japan is a Hybrid?
Is there nothing we can't learn when we look to the east? As if the Japanese haven't taught us Americans enough over the years, they've now demonstrated that they are hybrid-crazier than even our smuggest celebrities by making the Honda Insight the best selling vehicle-not just hybrid-in the country. April 2009 saw 10,481 Insights sold, making it the country's best selling vehicle for any monthly sales period, ever. The Fit led in sales for 2008, and was the best selling car in March of 2009, but apparently hybrids have become the latest craze since sliced bread, and the Japanese are scooping them up as fast as they can. The hybrid craze is due to hit us by early summer, so get ready Americans-its time to trade in your gas-guzzling, V-8 powerstroke diesels for something a little smaller. For those who already have one, disregard this message.
World Green Car is a Honda-surprise, surprise
American Honda Motor Co announced that the Honda FCX Clarity-the new, sleekly styled hydrogen fuel-cell-powered sedan whose only emission is an easily biodegradable substance most call water-was declard the 2009 World Green Car.
Chosen from an initial entry of 22 contenders from 25 countries worldwide, the FCX Clarity dominated the competition, further proving that Honda is an unstoppable force not only in industry-leading technology, but performance as well.
The FCX Clarity's fuel efficiency is nearly three times that of a normal gas powered engine, and twice that of a gas-powered hybrid. Just another reason to buy one, or two... or three.
The TSX can take a hit
Honda can add yet another award to it's already crowded mantle, as the 2009 TSX recently received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick and a five star safety rating. Having made its way through the rigorous governmental crash test program performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the TSX is at the top of the food chain in terms of overall safety during a collision. The high level of safety is a direct result of Acura's "safety through innovation" campaign.
New Elite Fleet
Get Off Your Feet And On The StreetAmerican Honda has just announced their newest scooter addition, The Elite, which is planned to hit streets by early 2010. Though not quite as rugged as its older brother, The Ruckus, The Elite still brings a lot to the table with its numerous features. Its 108cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected four-stroke engine and light-handling chassis give the Elite an easy and comfortable, yet quick riding style. The Elite also features an under-seat storage area big enough to stow a full-face helmet, a generous bounty of groceries, or anything else you might need to carry with you. This affordable, yet powerful scooter provides all the comfort of a regular Honda-but comes stock with the ability to zip past cars and through traffic in thirty minutes or your pizza is free!