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Honda to Showcase Spocket Concept Vehicle at Greater Los Angeles Auto Show; Transforms from Convertible to Sports Coupe to Pickup Truck

13 December 1999

Honda to Showcase Spocket Concept Vehicle at Greater Los Angeles Auto Show; Transforms from Convertible to Sports Coupe to Pickup Truck

    TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 13 - The Honda "Spocket" concept
vehicle will make its North American debut on January 7 at a press conference
prior to the public opening of the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, American
Honda Motor Co., Inc. announced today.
    The Spocket concept vehicle, created by Honda R & D Americas, Inc., in
Torrance, is a convertible, pickup and sports car, all in one.  At the touch
of a button, the Spocket changes from four seats to two and the clamshell top
retracts to provide open-air driving.
    "The Spocket is the ultimate concept, combining a sports coupe, pickup and
convertible to provide drivers with the maximum level of functionality,
flexibility and utility," said Tom Elliott, executive vice president for
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.  "The Spocket transports you to a whole new
level of driving adventure and convenience."
    The Spocket's futuristic style begins with an angular, lightweight body,
dramatic tilt-up doors and a striking bright-red over gun-metal gray color.
The interior features bucket seats made from durable fabrics that will
withstand any weather condition.
    The concept car's four-wheel drive system features an advanced drivetrain,
employing both a hybrid gasoline-electric engine powering the front wheels and
two in-wheel electric motors for the rear wheels to provide full-time
four-wheel drive.
    "With its hybrid gasoline-electric drivetrain and chameleon-like body, the
Spocket exemplifies Honda's design creativity and technological ingenuity,"
said Elliott.
    In addition to the debut of the Spocket, Honda will display a 2000 Accord
EX Sedan, which will be the first gasoline-powered vehicle certified to
California's new Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standard, when it
goes on sale in California in January, continuing the company's leadership in
low-emission technologies.
    The Honda Insight, the only gas-electric hybrid vehicle on sale in the
United States, will also be on display.  The all-new 2000 Insight is rated at
61 mpg city/70 mpg highway -- the first vehicle to ever break the 70 mpg
barrier in EPA highway ratings.
    The Spocket, Accord SULEV, Insight and Honda's complete 2000 model year
vehicle line will be on display from Jan. 8 - 16 at the Los Angeles Convention
Center.