Honda Meets EPA Auto Emission Reductions Years Ahead of Requirements
TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 26, 2004 -- In keeping with Honda's commitment to environmental leadership, American Honda announced today that more than 60 percent of its 2004 model year Honda and Acura vehicles meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Tier 2-Bin 5 emissions requirements, well ahead of the phase-in schedule set forth by the EPA.
Honda has consistently led the industry in meeting new emission requirements and bringing advanced engines and emission technologies to the showroom. To achieve Tier 2-Bin 5 classification, a vehicle must reduce NOx emissions by at least 75 percent over pre-existing levels.
Honda is the industry leader in certifying vehicles to the Tier 2 standards. In 2002, Honda became the first manufacturer to offer gasoline-powered vehicles to the final Tier 2 requirements. In 2003, fully 50 percent of vehicles sold by Honda were certified to meet the tougher emission standards, two years ahead of the requirements and more than the rest of the industry combined. For 2004, Honda has certified more than 60 percent of its total vehicle fleet to the Tier 2 standards, compared to an industry average of 35 percent.
"The intent of Honda's environmental approach is to implement practical near-term solutions through technology and innovation," said Robert Bienenfeld, senior manager of American Honda's Product Planning. "These solutions have a broad impact on fighting pollution and making progress on long-term emission reduction goals."
Following is a list of American Honda vehicles that are currently certified to meet EPA Tier 2-Bin 5 standards and a comparison between 3 model years.
American Honda Tier 2-Bin 5 (or better) Vehicles
2002 (5 Vehicles) 2003 (9 Vehicles) 2004 (11 Vehicles)
Acura RSX Honda Accord Acura TL
Honda CR-V Honda Element Acura TSX
Honda Civic Si Acura MDX Honda Accord
Honda Civic GX Honda Civic Hybrid (CA) Honda Element
Honda Insight (CVT) Acura RSX Acura MDX
Honda CR-V Honda Civic
Hybrid (CA)
Honda Civic Si Acura RSX
Honda Civic GX Honda CR-V
Honda Insight (CVT) Honda Civic Si
Honda Civic GX
Honda Insight (CVT)
Honda's Environmental Achievements Underscore its Commitment to
Reduced Emissions and Improved Fuel Efficiency
2003
-- Honda's Civic Hybrid becomes the first-ever hybrid vehicle to be
certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle
(AT-PZEV) by the California's Air Resources Board (CARB).
-- Every 2003 Honda model achieves Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) status or
better.
-- Honda has the highest Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) rating
among the 10 major automakers and holds four of the top five
positions in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy
guide.
2002
-- The Civic Hybrid is introduced as the first application of hybrid
technology to an existing production car.
-- The Honda FCX becomes the first and only hydrogen-powered fuel cell
vehicle to receive both EPA and CARB certification for regular
commercial use.
-- The City of Los Angeles begins a lease program for five Honda FCX
vehicles, the world's first commercial application of a fuel cell
vehicle.
-- Honda models earn four of the top five places in the Department of
Energy's list of the most fuel efficient cars in America, with
Insight number one.
-- The all-new 2003 Pilot SUV debuts as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle
(ULEV), constructed with 90 percent recyclable components.
2001
-- Five Honda production vehicles earn three design trophies and 26
performance awards to top the three-day North American 2001 Michelin
Challenge Bibendum.
-- The Honda Civic GX natural gas vehicle becomes the first car ever
certified as an AT-PZEV by CARB.
-- The first solar powered hydrogen production and fueling station in
Southern California opens at Honda R&D Americas headquarters in
Torrance, California, as part of Honda's fuel cell technology and
infrastructure development.
-- Honda purchases a stake in natural gas refueling system manufacturer
FuelMaker Corp.
2000
-- The Civic ULEV is introduced, the first mass-market vehicle sold
nationwide as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle.
1999
-- The Accord is the first vehicle to gain CARB Super Ultra Low Emission
Vehicle (SULEV) certification in California.
-- Honda's Insight debuts as the first gasoline-electric hybrid car sold
in the United States, achieving the highest EPA fuel economy rating
ever and SULEV status (continuously variable transmission, ULEV with
manual transmission).
-- Fuel cell prototype vehicles FCX-V1 and FCX-V2 are introduced.
-- Honda begins the "Intellishare" Intelligent Community Vehicle System
at the University of California-Riverside using Honda's EV PLUS
electric vehicles.
-- Honda announces next generation 4-cylinder i-VTEC engines offering
new levels of high fuel economy, low emissions and outstanding
performance.
1998
-- The Accord is the first vehicle to earn CARB certification as an
Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).
-- The compressed natural gas Civic GX debuts as the cleanest internal
combustion engine vehicle ever tested by EPA.
1997
-- Honda's EV Plus, showcasing the first application of advanced nickel-
metal hydride batteries in an electric vehicle, goes on sale in
California.
-- The Accord becomes the first gasoline-powered vehicle to gain ULEV
certification in California.
-- Civic and Accord LEV sales begin in all 50 states.
1996
-- The Honda Dream solar car breaks speed and time records at the World
Solar Challenge in Australia.
1995
-- The Civic is the first gasoline-powered vehicle to gain LEV
certification in California.
-- EPA releases 1996 fuel economy rankings that include four Honda
models in the Top 10.
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