GOING RACING GREEN
Honda’s Blue Skies for Our Children
Honda’s Blue Skies for Our Children: Rallying Cry Still Rings True
June 20 2011
Honda has adopted a global environmental slogan — Blue Skies for Our Children — to inspire our company to achieve new targets we have established to reduce CO2 emissions from our products and the operations that produce them. These words arouse strong emotions in Honda engineers, and take me back to a time four decades ago when the same phrase served as the rallying cry for Honda’s first effort to tackle a challenging environmental issue.
I joined Honda as a young engineer in 1976. What attracted me, as with so many Honda customers and fans, was a brand that showed a can-do spirit in creating something the rest of the auto industry argued couldn’t be done – a vehicle with cleaner emissions and high fuel economy that was also fun to drive.
This vehicle was the Honda Civic – and it had something else that was truly revolutionary — CVCC engine technology, for Compound Vortex Combustion Controlled. That’s a mouthful of complex engineering, but what CVCC helped create is simpler — a lean burn engine that made Civic the first car to meet the stringent tailpipe emissions standards of the U.S. Clean Air Act without the need for after treatment of the exhaust. The Civic CVCC was also #1 on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) very first list of the most fuel efficient vehicles in America.
Based on his own belief in the importance of advancing mobility to address the issue of environmental sustainability, Honda founder Soichiro Honda pulled our company out of Formula One racing in 1969 in order to devote Honda’s full engineering resources to developing advanced environmental technologies. He then challenged Honda engineers to create a cleaner-burning engine to address air pollution – which was then the most serious environmental sustainability issue facing the automobile industry.
Honda engineers were reading reports about the serious impact pollution would have on the health of children. A group of doctors in Japan published a report about high levels of lead in the blood streams of children. The Club of Rome, founded in Italy in April 1968 by a small international group of academics, scientists, government and industry leaders, focused global attention on negative environmental consequences, forecasting limits to human expansion within less than 100 years if no major change in society occurred. In 1970, Congress passed the 1970 Clean Air Act, creating stringent new emissions standards and the U.S. government created the EPA.
Mr. Honda saw this as a great way to compete against more established companies. But Honda engineers suggested that their real motivation and goal was to ensure “Blue Skies for Our Children,” in other words, to ensure the future of mobility and the health of the planet for future generations. This phrase became the team’s rallying cry in the effort to find and develop technology that could improve air quality.
Mr. Honda was proud that his engineers had looked at this challenge as more than a competitive challenge. With a great deal of passion and energy, the team of Honda engineers addressed the challenge of sustainable mobility. And this led to the breakthrough with the CVCC engine that powered the Honda Civic. When I learned of these events, it helped deepen my appreciation that the purpose of our technology was to help people and society. That certainly made Honda a company I wanted to contribute my best efforts to.
In the ensuing years, Honda continued to advance its engine technologies. Over the past four decades, we led the global auto industry in meeting a series of increasingly stringent tailpipe emissions requirements, starting with the first gasoline-powered Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) in the hands of consumers, sparking an era of fundamental improvements to air quality. Of course, we were proud to be first, but Honda’s strategy for reducing emissions was something of our gift to the world. We provided the auto industry with a practical and economical pathway to reducing exhaust emissions on a broad scale that no one thought possible. At the same time, we have been a consistent leader in fuel-efficiency, topping fuel-economy rankings for 22 of the past 36 years
Today, the challenge of environmental sustainability is much broader than air pollution – encompassing numerous energy and environmental issues, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (primarily CO2) that contribute to global climate change and the transition from fossil fuels to renewable forms of energy, among other issues.
But I am excited that Honda’s environmental vision to pursue the joy of mobility and a sustainable society where people can enjoy life continues to be inspired by the original rallying cry of Honda engineers – something that Honda associates throughout our company embrace on a daily basis. Once again, our effort to achieve a challenging target to reduce CO2 emissions is guided by our mission to leave “Blue Skies for Our Children.”
Ben Knight
Vice President
Honda R&D Americas, Inc.
sourceby// http://www.honda.com/newsandviews
http://greentechnolog.com
President Obama increases fuel economy by establishing challenging standards for the automotive industry. The standard looks into the future to model years from 2017
through 2025. Transportation efficiency targets the largest component of our annual oil consumption. Light duty vehicles, trucks, and buses consume over sixty percent of U.S. petroleum requirements. …
… “These new standards will cover cars and light trucks for Model Years 2017-2025, requiring performance equivalent to 54.5 mpg in 2025 while reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 163 grams per mile. Taken together, the standards established under this Administration span Model Years 2011 to 2025. They will save consumers money, reduce our dependence on oil, and protect the environment:” …
Via The Whitehouse: Fuel Economy Standards.
Automotive fuel economy has become a key decision factor for owners. While buyers of small vehicles are most likely to put fuel economy toward the top of their list of purchase considerations, fuel economy has jumped in importance in nearly all vehicle segments since 2001, recent research survey finds.
Driving Efficiency: Cutting Costs for Families at the Pump and Slashing Dependence on Oil (PDF) Report.
Advanced Technology
Advanced Technology
The future is to the prepared and Change is inevitable are two statements that characterize GTA’s approach to advanced technologies. And as anyone living in the 21st century is well aware, change is not only inevitable, change occurs at an ever-accelerating pace. To succeed in such a fast-paced environment, GTA has to think and act smartly and differently. Conventional wisdom is out.
Planet-impacting issues such as air and water pollution, over population, limited oil reserves, alternative energy resources, and global warming are just a few of the factors GTA designers and engineers must be conversant in as we visualize a greener future. We cannot think only of what vehicle technologies will succeed today, because the implications of a decision made today will impact our children and our children’s children. Why? Because unlike a newspaper, today’s news will be “old” tomorrow, but a car sold today is likely to be part of our vehicle fleet 30 years from today.
Look around. Count the number of cars from the 1990s that are still on the road. Cars today are built better and they do last longer. So today’s technically astute and socially responsible car company has to consider not only the environmental impact of a vehicle introduced today, but also the much longer-term implications of that vehicle in 2041 and beyond.
For instance, GTA engineers consider issues such as recycling of our ever-depleting natural resources. How can we make the most of limited commodities, such as rubber, aluminum, and precious rare earth metals? We adopt a design and engineering approach that pays close attention to a vehicle’s end-of-life, in which every element has a useful second life.
Most car companies today are still impossibly committed to conventional internal combustion, piston-engine technology.They suffer the twin albatrosses of enormous sunken financial and manufacturing commitments to a technology whose time will soon pass. GreenTech Automotive has no such embedded interests and no allegiance to internal combustion. The future is electricity. We foresee the day when children will ask, “You burned things to make energy?” GTA will build vehicles that are right for new and future generations of customers and right for the environment.
We are not wedded to tradition. With the assistance of our leading-edge automotive technology partners, GTA will build cars that incorporate state-of-the-art hybrid and electric powertrains. Powertrains that are energy efficient and incorporate emission reduction technology to surpass the most stringent standards.Many of our vehicles will be powered by electric motors that produce zero emissions, including our first product, the innovative MyCar.
Today, battery technologies are making rapid advancements. At GTA, we are evaluating and implementing the latest improvements, striving for the highest levels of safety combined with maximum energy density and lightest weight. We will see longer-range and enhanced performance, leading to a day in the near future when electric cars provide all the value and none of the disadvantages of gasoline vehicles.
We are working to save weight, the enemy of efficiency. In an automobile, weight begets more weight. The implications of a heavier than necessary air conditioning system or seats or glass or body panels often result in the need for larger heavier tires and wheels; which, in turn, lead to heavier suspension arms and linkages and on and on…
And we are making use of high-tech materials such as aluminum instead of steel for the frame of a vehicle, as is the case with our MyCar NEV.This results in an overall reduction in mass that allowed us to reduce weight in other areas of the car, leading to improvements in acceleration and driving range. Lighter weight, greater efficiency, better performance: these are key targets for every vehicle we build.
GTA is green in more than just the name. Wherever possible, we select materials for their environmental friendliness. For example, the carpets and floor mats in MyCar are produced from recycled materials. And the seats, headliner and door panels contain a percentage of natural fibers, reducing the amount of petroleum-based products required.
Also, we are evaluating advanced composite materials for body panels that offer the strength and weight-reducing characteristics of carbon fiber minus the price penalty. In addition, this composite offers advantages in recycling.
GTA takes a clean-sheet approach to vehicle design. And our willingness and ability to explore and exploit advanced technologies will help us to raise the bar for efficient and functional hybrid and electric vehicles now and in the future.
source by// Greentech.Automotif.Inc
Honda Insight Review
Honda Insight Review
Honda continued build a green car it’s represented by Insight EX model, Insight has known as a first Honda hybrid introduce for first time in 1999. ( 1999-2006 first generations) the second generations was introducing for home Japan market in 2009.
The 2010 Honda Insight EX is a new second generations for beating classic Hybrid contender Toyota Prius who has known a leading sale at a Hybrid car category.
Those a reviews for Honda Insight EX 2010 model. authoring by http://www.reviews.cnet.com.
The good: The 2010 Honda Insight EX with navigation features excellent fuel economy and a hybrid power train that offers good torque and throttle response. Honda’s satellite navigation system features one of the best voice-command systems in the price range and comes equipped with Bluetooth hands-free and USB/iPod connectivity.
The bad: The Insight’s “me-too” styling too closely apes the Toyota Prius. Additionally, the Insight features less power and slightly lower fuel economy than the competition from Toyota. While better than most in this segment, Honda’s DVD navigation system is beginning to show its age.
The bottom line: While the 2010 Honda Insight EX with navigation may not be as mileage-friendly as the Prius, it represents a much better value and is more fun to drive.
It’s difficult to describe the 2010 Honda Insight without mentioning another vehicle. The most obvious is the current heavyweight champion of the green car world, the Toyota Prius, from which the Insight has clearly lifted its silhouette. Both vehicles being dedicated hybrid models, it’s easy to see why many assume the Insight is Honda’s “Prius-killer.”
Unfortunately for Honda, the Prius’ more sophisticated drivetrain beats the Insight, offering more power and a higher EPA-estimated fuel economy. However, all is not lost, as the Insight brings a secret weapon to the green car … Expand full review
HONDA ENGINEERING COMES HOME!
Honda’s environmental focus goes beyond transportation and into the home. Honda’s Home Energy Group was established to bring environmentally responsible products to the residential market.
Today Honda’s Home Energy focus is on Micro Combined Heat and Power technology (MCHP). The MCHP can reduce both your utility bills and your impact on the environment – all while providing electrical power and a reliable source of heat.
What is the MCHP?
The Honda MCHP is a heat transfer and power generation appliance. It uses a process called cogeneration to simultaneously produce both heat and power from a single fuel source. As a result, the MCHP makes far more efficient use of energy and resources than a typical heating system.
In a typical residential application, the MCHP is combined with a specially designed heating system, like the freewatt® by ECR International.
In this application, the Honda MCHP offers several benefits, including:
- 30% reduction of greenhouse gases
- Up to 50% savings on your electrical bill
- Reliable, steady, quiet, comfortable heat
- Backup power for your home (MCHP Deluxe)
Two different models are currently available:
- The standard MCHP produces 1.2 kw of electricity and 3.46kw of heat (12,000 BTU’s). This is enough to provide most of the power and heat needed in your home. This model operates on natural gas only.
- The MCHP Deluxe has the added feature of a back-up power source. This model provides up to 1.8kw of back up power to your home in the event of a power outage. The MCHP Deluxe operates on either natural gas or propane.
Both models of the MCHP are certified to UL specifications.
How does the MCHP work?
Inside the MCHP you’ll find an advanced Honda generator, powered by a durable Honda engine with extended maintenance intervals. The generator produces electricity to power your home.
The MCHP’s engine produces heat as a by-product. This heat is transferred to a specific designed device, such as a freewatt furnace or boiler system. The heat is then used to heat your home.
In a typical freewatt installation, the MCHP module has provided as much as 75 percent of a home’s heating demand, plus enough electricity to power lights, small appliances and security systems.
In those areas where “net metering” is in place, excess electricity can be sold back to the local power company, reducing your utility costs even more.
A reliable, proven technology
Large cogeneration systems have been in use for many years. These systems generate electricity and heat for commercial or industrial buildings, hospitals, and large apartment complexes. But these systems are too large and too expensive for residential home applications.
The Honda MCHP uses the same principles in a much smaller footprint. The MCHP module only requires a small space adjacent to a regular furnace. The system connects to the home’s existing ductwork and electrical system.
The Honda MCHP has been used in Japan for over 5 years with over 80,000 installations.
More information
The freewatt system featuring the Honda MCHP is available for sale through ECR International, primarily in the Northeast United States.
ECR is a full-service provider of freewatt systems and can provide dealer and distributor information. More information is available at 
877-386-5475
or www.freewatt.com or www.ecrinternational.com.
Honda’s environmental leadership
Honda’s environmental work is based on the efforts to advance clean and efficient technologies while continuing to develop and improve emerging technologies and alternative sources of fuel.
SOURCE BY// WWW.HONDA.COM
Honda Develops
Honda Develops Ecological Drive Assist System for Enhanced Real World Fuel Economy
Implementation on All-New Insight Dedicated Hybrid in Spring 2009
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TOKYO, Japan, November 20, 2008– Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the development of the Ecological Drive Assist System, which combines three functions to enhance fuel economy: the ECON Mode utilizes harmonized control of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) and engine to support more fuel-efficient driving; the guidance function uses speedometer color to provide real-time guidance on fuel-efficient driving; and thescoring function provides feedback about current driving practices, as well as feedback on cumulative, long-term fuel-efficient driving. The world’s first* system to combine these three functions in a comprehensive approach to fuel economy enhancement, the Ecological Drive Assist System will be implemented for the first time on the all-new Insight hybrid vehicle in spring 2009.
Furthermore, for the Japan-market version of the Insight equipped with the optional Honda HDD InterNavi System, the Ecological Drive Assist System has an added function that enables drivers to receive advice on driving practices that enhance fuel economy. Since driving practices have a large impact on fuel economy, Honda developed the Ecological Drive Assist System to further enhance the real-world fuel economy through controlling the CVT and engine based on the actual driving conditions and enabling the driver to learn how to drive more fuel-efficiently. In particular, the scoring function provides cumulative, long-term feedback through graphic ‘leaves’, which grow over time as drivers become more proficient in fuel-efficient driving. The joy of growing these leaves over a long time will encourage drivers to learn how to drive more fuel-efficiently.
< Key features of the Ecological Drive Assist System >
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Bridgestone Identify
Bridgestone identify logistics as new preseason challenge
Monday, 01 December 2008
Japanese tyre manufacturer also happy with positive reactions from new additions.
Bridgestone may not have to worry about staying one step ahead of the competition now that MotoGP has moved to a single-tyre regulation, but the Japanese rubber supplier will still have plenty of work to do over the winter break. However, whilst developing tyres was previously the priority, now the hard work will come in production.
`Compared to a competitive tyre situation, we will not be focusing on tyre development. However, there are still minor adjustments to be made, based on the data we have accumulated at these tests (the Suzuki/Kawasaki visit to Phillip Island and the MotoGP Official Test at Jerez) and also the Valencia test,´ says Tohru Ubukata, the company´s Motorcycle Race Tyre Development Manager.
`Our new challenge is ensuring that we produce sufficient tyres for all competitors next season and we also have to put all the logistics in place to ensure we provide good and fair service to all teams. This will keep us very busy.´
Bridgestone have yet to have a test with every rider present, the closest to this situation having been at Valencia (where only Tech 3 Yamaha´s James Toseland and Colin Edwards were absentees), but Ubukata is nonetheless happy with the assessments given by the new additions to their MotoGP project.
`This has been very good and over the course of next year we will have an enormous amount of rider feedback from all of the bikes on the grid. This is very useful for us as a company when we look to future tyre developments. The surprising thing from these two tests has been how positive all the riders have been about our tyres, and how quickly teams and riders have been able to adapt their bikes and riding styles to suit the Bridgestone tyres, even if they were not using them previously,´ he continues.
`From our perspective we wanted to assess the suitability of these tyres for next year´s races and in particular evaluate the tyre working range at these tests.
`In the cold –like at Jerez- the main consideration is grip levels and warm-up time. Philip Island allowed us to look at the higher range of temperatures, as the ambient temperature was around 25°C and the track temperature about 40°C . Here the main consideration is heat durability. In both locations the tyres worked well, so we are confident when we look ahead to 2009.´
Exclusive – Theissen on KERS, Valencia and BMW Sauber’s dip in form
Exclusive – Theissen on KERS, Valencia and BMW Sauber’s dip in form
| The Hungarian Grand Prix was a race to forget for BMW Sauber. For a team that had surprised the paddock by leading the constructors’ championship earlier in the season, their Budapest performance came as a bitter blow. BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen may not yet understand the reasons for the poor showing, but he is determined the team will improve over the summer break. Theissen is also being kept busy with preparations for the arrival of KERS in ’09 – and for a new track at the forthcoming European Grand Prix. Here he explains more…
Q: Mario, in comparison to your recent podium results, Hungary was not a great race for BMW Sauber. What happened? Q: Robert said that even on the first lap it was bad, but during the race it went from bad to worse. How did it look to you from the pit wall? Q: Could it be that the Hungaroring simply isn’t BMW Sauber’s track? Q: BMW Sauber has now been relegated to third place in the constructors’ championship. Do you think you can regain your second position? Q: Not so long ago one of your drivers seemed to be in trouble – now it seems it is the car… Q: Robert was on a two-stop strategy, while Nick was one-stopping. In reality, neither made much difference… Q: There were two team principal meetings last week: one in Maranello and one during the Budapest weekend, with KERS one of the main topics. Regarding its introduction next year, is it still the case that three teams are behind it 100 percent, two teams are 50-50 and five teams are against it? Q: You are fully supportive of KERS and its introduction next year. Do you understand why some teams are hesitant? Q: Some of the independent teams fear that KERS could be a performance differentiator. Do you share these fears? Q: Valencia is the next stop on the Formula One calendar. It is virgin soil for all the teams. How do you prepare for such a situation? |
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Toyota’s Luca Marmorini on KERS
Toyota’s Luca Marmorini on KERS
| From the start of next season, the Formula One regulations allow for the use of Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS). Here Toyota’s senior general manager (engine), Luca Marmorini, reveals how his department is progressing with the development of the Japanese team’s system…
Q: How advanced is Toyota’s KERS development? Q: When will Toyota run KERS in the car for the first time? Q: How important will KERS be in terms of performance? Q: So would your KERS car be heavier than your non-KERS car? Q: Is it an option not to use KERS next season? Q: Has KERS caused an increase in costs? Q: Is KERS safe? Q: Does Toyota have an advantage with KERS considering its expertise in hybrid road car technology? Q: Will KERS help Toyota’s other hybrid projects in road cars or in racing? WWW.F1.COM |
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Low Emission Honda Roadster Breaks Cover
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Low Emission Honda Roadster Breaks Cover |
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July 22, 2008– Honda’s low-emission sportscar study model has been revealed at the British International Motor Show, at ExCel, London.
The lightweight roadster design study is a concept showing Honda’s core engineering principals, designing stylish and exciting cars that are also environmentally responsible. Named the OSM (for Open Study Model), the two-seater joins the confirmed-for-production CR-Z sports hybrid and FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell car on the Honda stand at the show. “We’re trying to show that low emission cars can be attractive,” says Andreas Sittel, Project Leader for OSM. “There is no reason why a car that’s more environmentally friendly can’t look great too – and be sporty and fun to drive.” The concept for the project was ‘Clean and Dynamic’ – and this direction was followed for both the exterior and interior design, ensuring a joined-up, consistent ‘language’ between the two. One example of this can be seen at the rear of the car, where the body actually extends into the cabin between the seats. The exterior design is a balance of smooth, rounded curves and sharp lines to provide definition in key areas. The headlights are cleverly integrated into the front end, stretching from the nose to the top of the wheel arches to look more like a part of the original body. Inside, this uninterrupted, fluid approach is continued, with long sweeping curves extending from both door panels to form a frame for the instrument display. The concept for the dashboard was to avoid creating the traditional block of ‘heavy’ colour and material in front of the driver; in keeping with the clean and lightweight theme. For that reason, the dash is broken into sections, with the most important instruments in direct line-of-sight of the driver. Key information is displayed in a rounded, enclosed central binnacle, with levels and figures in bright blue on a black background. This matches the trim inside the car, with the seats and door furniture trimmed in a new, gloss-effect blue leather, accompanied by white leather sections, in line with the exterior body colour, a one-off paint called Mystic Pearl. The driver’s main controls and functions are distributed in an intuitive layout, close at hand on a panel that curves downwards to the right of the driver. A centrally-mounted semi-sequential gear-shift points towards a fun-to-drive transmission, along with paddle shifts either side of the steering wheel. Integrated into the gearshifter itself is a red ignition ‘start’ button, which reinforces the sporty direction of the car. The Honda OSM was designed by Honda’s R&D facility in Offenbach, Germany. It’s the latest example of the young talent being developed within Honda’s design studios in Europe – following the Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept (Geneva 2007) and the Accord Tourer Concept (Frankfurt 2007). At present, the Honda OSM is a design study model, and there are no plans for it to enter production. Honda’s cleaner cars – a brief history
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