The Accord EX model will be the first car sold to have received SULEV certification. The new SULEV requirements are the most stringent in the world and part of the California LEV-II exhaust emission standards that go into effect beginning with the 2004 model year. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) says a SULEV engine emits only 2.3 pounds of ozone forming hydrocarbons during 100,000 miles of driving, about the same as spilling a quart of gasoline, and an 86 percent reduction compared to a LEV rated vehicle. In addition to the SULEV announcement, the Honda Insight was recognized by the Sierra Club with the first product award in the organization's 108-year history, the "Sierra Club Award for Excellence in Environmental Engineering." The Insight went on sale in December and is the first gasoline-electric hybrid car to be sold in the U.S. It received the highest mileage ratings ever from the EPA, 61 mpg in the city and 70 mpg highway. The Insight also earned an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) rating from CARB. "This is an award for a real car that real people can buy and use," said Carl Pope, Sierra Club executive director in making the presentation. "We want people to know there are environmentally sound alternatives readily available. In this case, Honda built a great car and has committed to marketing the Insight in all 50 states." Tom Elliott, executive vice president of American Honda, said, "Both the SULEV Accord and the Insight are examples of Honda's long-standing commitment to bringing advances in automotive environmental technology to the marketplace as soon as technically feasible. It is a real honor for the Insight to be recognized with the Sierra Club's first award for Environmental Engineering." The SULEV Accord and Insight are the latest in a series of environmental firsts for Honda. Honda was the first to introduce a gasoline-powered vehicle meeting California's LEV standard and the first to voluntarily sell LEVs nationwide. With the 1998 Accord, Honda was also the first automaker to sell a gasoline-powered vehicle meeting California's ULEV standard. The natural gas powered Civic GX also has received SULEC certification.
Honda Announces Pricing For First Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle
The 2000 Honda Accord model certified to
meet California's new Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV)
standard will have a price of $23,200, just $100 more than the model
it replaces when it goes on sale this month, American Honda Motor
Co., Inc. announced today at a press conference prior to the opening
of the Los Angeles International Auto Show.