Honda with greener future in sight

In a mid-year speech Honda’s CEO and President Takanobu Ito has expressed Honda’s commitment to continue development greener technology. Ito announced the plans from the Japanese brand to produce a battery electric vehicle in Japan and the US, a plug-in hybrid system for mid-size to larger vehicles and a new diesel engine for the European market.

One year after taking the command of Honda Takanobu Ito is sure that the green technologies will be fundamental to secure the brand’s future. He said that the commitment to cut CO2 emissions was built upon a “conviction based on the strong sense of crisis that, as a manufacturer of personal mobility, Honda will have no future unless we achieve a significant reduction of CO2 emissions.”

In order “to provide good products with speed, affordability and low CO2 emissions,” Honda will be investing on the advancement of environmental technologies, the strengthening of the manufacturing system and capability and of business operations in emerging nations.

With the percentage of hybrid vehicle sales among all Honda vehicle sales in Japan increasing up to 16% in 2009, the Japanese brand will be willing to expand the use of its IMA hybrid system, currently used in its CR-Z and Insight models. The process will start with the introduction of the Fit Hybrid this autumn.

Honda is already developing a new plug-in hybrid system to be fitted in mid-size and larger vehicles. Models equipped with the new technology are scheduled to go on sale in Japan and the US in 2012.

A smaller diesel engine is also being developed for the European market. This new engine is set to join the current 2.2 litre engine in 2012.

Assuming that e-cell electric vehicles will provide the ultimate mobility Honda is making a long-term commitment to continue developing the FCX Clarity as well as hydrogen refueling systems.