Honda Low Emissions 4-stroke personal watercraft certified by EPA

October 31, 2001


Torrance, CA American Honda is pleased to announce that the 2002 AquaTrax
F-12 and F-12X personal watercraft with 4-stroke engines have received emissions
certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).


Honda's two all-new watercraft models are the first 4-stroke powered personal
watercraft to meet the EPA's 2006 emissions standards. The 2006 EPA standards
set a 75 percent emissions reduction compared to conventional carbureted
two-stroke engines.


Certification of the two AquaTrax models to the California Air Resources Board
(CARB) 2004 Two-Star Very Low Emission standards is expected soon. Marine
engines meeting the Two-Star CARB standard produce 20 percent fewer emissions
than engines meeting the 2006 U.S. EPA standards.


In September 2000, Honda was the first company to announce 4-stroke powered
personal watercraft. On September 19, 2001 Honda unveiled two low-emissions
family-sized models $B!>(B the 125 horsepower AquaTrax F-12 and the 165 horsepower
turbocharged AquaTrax F-12X $B!>(B at the company's annual motorcycle dealer meeting
in Las Vegas.


American Honda's President and CEO, Koichi Amemiya told dealers, "When we say
'performance first' this also means putting the environment first. We believe
this is our responsibility. Introducing 4-stroke technology throughout the
lineup and other new technologies will make our products more friendly to the
environment even as we advance performance."


The AquaTrax F-12 has a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of &8,999
and the AquaTrax F-12X has an MSRP of $9,999. The AquaTrax models will go on
sale in early 2002.


Today, efficient 4-stroke engines power all Honda motorcycles, scooters,
all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and personal watercraft for use on public roads,
lands and waterways in the U.S.


Honda Low-emissions technology and innovation


Honda has a long history of introducing low-emissions products, often meeting
engine emission standards years ahead of schedule.


   Since 1973, Honda has only manufactured 4-stroke marine engines, which are 90
   percent cleaner, and up to 50 percent more fuel-efficient than traditional
   two-stroke outboard engines.


   The 1975 Honda Civic CVCC was the first and only engine to comply with the
   original (1970) Clean Air Act standards, without the use of a catalytic
   converter while running on leaded gasoline.


   In 1989, Honda introduced the VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic
   Control) automobile engine, the foundation engine technology for the
   simultaneous achievement of high performance, low emissions and exceptional
   fuel efficiency. The VTEC engine, now used in more than 60 percent of all
   Honda and Acura vehicles, powers Hondas leadership in corporate average
   fuel economy. Honda automobiles and light trucks have consistently topped
   EPAs Top Ten list of most fuel-efficient vehicles since first created in
   1977.


   Among major automobile manufacturers, Honda's corporate average fuel economy
   (CAF