Honda's 'Say Hello to ASIMO' Tour Arrives In Alabama; Public Demonstrations in Talladega Start Saturday

LINCOLN, Ala., March 7 -- More than 4,000 Talladega area students got a first-hand look at ASIMO, the world's most advanced humanoid robot Friday, during the "Say Hello to ASIMO" North American Educational Tour at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega.

This is the only Alabama stop in ASIMO's year-long tour to major cities across the United States, which is designed to introduce the public to ASIMO and encourage students to study robotics and science. Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC, (HMA) is sponsoring ASIMO's visit free of charge to the community. The Alabama leg of the national tour kicked off today with special demonstrations today for nearly 4,000 students in the Lincoln and Talladega area school systems.

"HMA is proud to welcome the ASIMO tour and present this show to the community," said Masaaki Kato, president and CEO of HMA. "As a world leader in mobility technology, our hope at Honda is that the young people who attend the ASIMO demonstrations will be inspired to pursue their own dreams in the study of science and technology."

The 30-minute show consists of a live high-tech stage show, educational video presentations and a live demonstration of ASIMO's capabilities. It will be presented several times to the public each day on Saturday and Sunday. Four special performances for area students were held throughout the day on Friday. By the end of the weekend, more than 12,000 people are expected to attend the ASIMO demonstrations.

ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative MObility) was developed by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., a world leader in advanced mobility technology. The ASIMO tour provides a unique opportunity for students to experience a humanoid robot in person. It is Honda's goal that young people who attend the ASIMO show will be encouraged to study sciences such as math, engineering, physics and computer science.

Honda engineers created ASIMO, an advanced humanoid robot able to function in real-world environments, after more than 16 years of research and development. ASIMO can walk forward and backward, turn smoothly without pausing, climb stairs and maintain balance while walking on uneven slopes and surfaces. ASIMO has two arms and two hands, which ease such tasks as reaching for and grasping objects, switching lights on and off or opening and closing doors.

The ASIMO North American Educational Tour includes a companion educational Web site and an essay contest where schools can enter to win an exclusive visit from ASIMO.

ASIMO made its U.S. debut Feb. 14, 2002, when it rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.'s listing on the NYSE.

Web Site and Teacher Resources

The ASIMO North American Educational Tour features an educational Web site, accessible at http://www.honda.com/ , where visitors can learn more about robotics and follow ASIMO on tour across North America. In addition, teachers can download classroom materials and parents can find information about robotics-related educational activities for the home.

ASIMO School Essay Contest

The ASIMO North American Educational Tour Web site features a nationwide essay contest that provides a chance for one school in the country to win an exclusive visit from ASIMO in March 2004. The essay contest has been aligned to the Content Standards for California Public Schools -- Science, for the fifth through twelfth grades. Information about the essay contest is available at http://www.honda.com/ .

About Honda

Honda is one of the world's leading producers of mobility products including its diverse line-up of automobiles, motorcycles and ATVs, power products, marine engines, personal watercraft. This diverse product line-up has also made Honda the world's preeminent engine-maker, with production of more than 15 million engines globally in 2001.

On a global basis, Honda has more than 110 manufacturing facilities in 31 nations, including Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC in Lincoln. HMA currently employs more than 2,400 associates, producing about 150,000 Odyssey minivans and V-6 engines each year.

Last summer, HMA announced it would spend $425 million to build a second assembly line to increase employment to 4,300 associates and expand production to 300,000 vehicles and engines each year. The new assembly line is now under construction adjacent to the existing facility on HMA's 1,350-acre site. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2004 with production starting in the spring of that year.

Honda began operations in North America in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Honda began assembling motorcycles in America in 1979, with U.S. automobile manufacturing starting in 1982. Honda now employs more than 21,000 Americans in the design, manufacture and marketing of its products in America. Honda currently builds products in 11 manufacturing plants in North America, with three major R&D centers in the U.S.