Honda Wins 2009 Grove Medal

TULLAMARINE, AUSTRALIA – September 24, 2009: Honda Motor Co. has won the prestigious Grove Medal at the 11th annual Grove Fuel Cell Symposium in London for its FCX Clarity hydrogen powered car.

“Honda’s commitment to fuel cells has been evident for a long time,” said the Grove Symposium Steering Committee which includes leading international fuel cell researchers,energy and climate change experts from the U.K. and U.S.

“The FCX Clarity shows not only scientific breakthrough but also styling that has captured the public imagination, and Honda’s move to small-scale automated production marks a watershed in the introduction of fuel cell vehicles. The Grove Committee was unanimous in its choice and is delighted to present this year’s medal to Honda,” they added.

The award was accepted by Yuji Kawaguchi, Managing Director of Honda R&D Ltd, who said, “We are honoured to accept this medal. At Honda we believe that the automobile holds the potential for limitless dreams and excitement in the future. The FCX Clarity represents the beginning of that future. We hope you will continue to look to Honda with anticipation and we will continue to strive to become a company that society wants to exist.”

Earlier this year, the Honda FCX Clarity was named the 2009 World Green Car by 59 judges from 25 countries at the Jacob Javits Centre in New York.

Honda’s FCX Clarity features an electric motor powered by hydrogen, making it emissions-free. It is currently available in both the U.S and Japan on a limited lease basis.

Named after the inventor of the fuel cell, Sir William Grove, the Symposium is a major international conference focussing on the very latest developments, issues and business aspects of renewable energy. Core themes of the 2009 Symposium included ‘Hydrogen and Fuel Technology’, ‘Vehicles’ and ‘Electricity Generation and Transmission’.

The 11th Grove Symposium is being held in London between 22 and 24 September 2009.