Honda FCX Clarity Named 2009 World Green Car

Honda has done it again! It is once again being recognized on an international level for its innovative products and design. Currently, Honda has established a name in environmental leadership with the Honda FCX Clarity series where it was declared the 2009 World Green Car at the International Auto Show in New York.

The Honda FCX Clarity addresses the increasing concerns for alternatives to fuel power cars. The FCX Clarity uses hydrogen-powered fuel cell technology for its power. It was chosen from an initial entry list of 22 contenders nominated by 59 World Car jurors from 25 countries worldwide.

The FCX Clarity demonstrates the progress Honda has made in terms of its commitment to developing vehicles that are not only consumer friendly but now environmentally friendly. The FCX Clarity is propelled by an electric motor that runs on electricity generated by an on-board fuel cell stack. The vehicle’s only emission is water, and its fuel efficiency is up to three times that of a modern gasoline-powered automobile and two times that of a gasoline-powered hybrid vehicle. The only downside to this car is that it is only available in select areas as well as it is currently available on a limited lease-basis.

In reflection of the issues that Global community is facing, the World Car Green Awards were created in 2003 to promote and encourage the creation of vehicles that are environmentally efficient, as well as celebrate automotive excellence on an international level.  These awards are administrated by a  non-profit association, under the guidance of a Steering Committee of pre-eminent automotive journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America.

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Honda Celebrates 50 Years of Innovation in America

50 Years ago Honda First Opened their doors to the North American community in a small Los Angeles storefront on June 11, 1959. Now, years later, Honda associates are able to celebrate the success that came from the small storefront American Honda Motor Co.Inc.

“On behalf of the tens of thousands of Honda associates in America, past and present, we offer our deepest thanks to our customers for placing their trust in Honda over the past 50 years,” said American Honda President & CEO Tetsuo Iwamura. “Today, in the face of new challenges, including the preservation of our environment, we renew our commitment to exceed the expectations of our customers and society.”

Since the beginning of the company, Honda has been able to implement innovative technologies and business strategies that attract much attention from consumers worldwide. Some of their larger industry breakthroughs include: •    First automaker to meet U.S. Clean Air Act without a catalytic converter – Civic CVCC (1974) •    First vehicle to top U.S. EPA list of most fuel efficient cars – Civic (1977) •    First Japanese automaker to build motorcycles (1979) and automobiles (1982) in America – Marysville, Ohio* •    First Japanese automaker to establish a luxury automobile brand — Acura (1986) •    First mass produced gas electric hybrid car introduced in America — Insight (1999) •    First government-certified hydrogen fuel cell vehicle — FCX (2002)

Honda’s US presence encompasses a broad range of products and operations. More than 27 000 associates are employed by Honda, in various departments such as the design, development, manufacturing, sale and servicing of Honda and Acura products. This includes automobiles, motorcycles, ATV’s, personal water craft, power equipment, and an advanced light jet.

Ten Honda Manufacturing plants exist in the US, with plans for two more underway. Along these Manufacturing plants, Honda has 14 Research & Development facilities operating within the US. The company’s network of U.S. parts suppliers comprises 545 companies in 34 states with annual purchases exceeding $17.5 billion in 2008.

“Along with a renewed focus on quality, we begin our next fifty years by accelerating our efforts to develop and deploy new technologies that put Honda at the forefront of this global challenge, to create a cleaner and more sustainable future for generations to come.”

– Tetsuo Iwamura American Honda CEO