The reduction of Honda's environmental footprint begins with the development of products that consume less fuel, contain fewer substances believed to be harmful to the environment, and are designed to be manufactured using fewer scarce or non-recyclable materials, along with improved ease of dismantling to accommodate the recycling of parts and materials at the end of a product's useful life.
Design for the Environment
Environmental factors are considered early and during each phase of the design and development of every Honda and Acura product. Accordingly, Honda engineers take into account such factors as dismantling complexity, component remanufacturing and the minimization of substances of concern (SOCs).
Reducing Substances of Concern (SOCs)
Honda's efforts to reduce SOCs have been consistent with evolving government regulations. The company is committed to eliminating restricted substances and other hazardous substances where technically feasible and economically practical, in advance of regulations.
Fuel Efficiency
In November 2010, the EPA released its annual report on fuel economy trends in the U.S. In Model Year 2010, the most recent year for which final and complete production data was available, the EPA composite fuel economy rating for American Honda, which includes both Honda and Acura vehicles, rose 1.0 mpg, or 4.1%, to 25.6 mpg, substantially outperforming the industry and ranking among the lowest fleet-wide adjusted composite CO2 emissions and highest fuel-economy ratings of any automaker operating in the U.S.
Application of Technology
Honda has applied a broad range of existing advanced technologies such as VTEC® to the full range of Honda and Acura vehicles in order to lower exhaust emissions and improve fuel efficiency for all of its vehicles.
ACEEE Environmental Performance Ratings
Honda has topped the rankings of America's "greenest vehicles" for 11 consecutive years in the annual study by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.
More Fuel-Efficient Vehicles
Honda in 2010 introduced an all-new Odyssey minivan[1] and a freshened Accord[2] that each incorporates new powertrain technologies to significantly improve fuel economy.
New Electric Vehicle Technology
Honda launched an Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program in December 2010 as the precursor to the introduction of the Honda Fit EV electric vehicle and a Honda Plug-in Hybrid car in 2012.
Honda's Motorcycle Fuel Economy in North America
The average fuel economy of Honda's motorcycle fleet in North America in Calendar Year 2010 was improved 12.0% from the Calendar Year 2001 baseline, but was down 7.0% from Calendar Year 2009 due to changes in Honda's sales mix, which in Model Year 2010 favored larger, less fuel-efficient on-road motorcycles.
Honda's U.S. Motorcycle Emissions
Honda has consistently met or exceeded U.S. EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) requirements for exhaust emissions from its motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and MUVs. In Model Year 2010, Honda substantially exceeded both EPA and CARB Tier 2 requirements for hydrocarbon (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) exhaust emissions, in part through the broad application of 4-stroke engine and electronic fuel-injection technology.
General Purpose Engines
In early 2011, Honda Engines launched its all-new mid-GX line of single-cylinder, horizontal shaft engines, which are equipped with a number of design enhancements that improve fuel economy, reliability and durability while reducing pollutants such as hydrocarbons (HCs) and nitrous oxide (NOx), while maintaining the same level of output power as the models they replace.
Marine Engines
Honda's redesigned flagship BF250 outboard marine engine incorporates a host of exclusive Honda features to maximize performance while providing an almost 20% improvement in fuel economy over competitive offerings. The new BF250 also features a low-permeation fuel system that exceeds U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emissions standards and complies with the 2011 California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards.
[1] 19 city/28 highway/22 combined mpg for Odyssey Touring models with 6AT, and 18 city/27 highway/21 combined mpg for Odyssey EX-L and below models with 5AT. Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
[2] 23 mpg city/33 hwy/27 combined for 4-cylinder models with manual transmission. 23 mpg city/34 hwy/27 combined for 4-cylinder models with automatic transmission. 20 mpg city/30 hwy/24 combined for V-6 models. Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
