Honda entered five 2002 model production vehicles in the event -- an Insight gas-electric hybrid, Accord EX (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle), Civic HX, the natural gas powered Civic GX, and the all-new CR-V sport utility vehicle. The company's advanced FCX V3 fuel cell vehicle also participated as part of an entry by the California Fuel Cell Partnership.
"You can walk into any local Honda dealership and buy anyone of the vehicles entered in the Bibendum," noted Robert Bienenfeld, senior manager of product planning and alternate fuel vehicles at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "To take home 29 awards against a fleet of many unique and exotic vehicles is a tribute to the state-of-the-art of current environmental automotive technology."
Honda has the highest corporate average fuel economy of any major automotive manufacturer and has announced that all 2002 model vehicles will meet or exceed low emission vehicle standards.
The CR-V, the newly redesigned entry-level sport utility vehicle, was the surprise leader of the Honda pack, taking home nine trophies -- including the "Best Interior and Exterior" design awards in the light truck/van/SUV category and captured more top grades (As) than any other vehicle. The CR-V is the first model in the Honda lineup to feature the new iVTEC, engine which provides more horsepower and more torque, while at the same time improving fuel economy and lowering emissions.
The Insight, the innovative gasoline-electric hybrid, followed with seven trophies, including another design award for its integration and use of new technology. The best-selling Accord also took five awards while the two Civic models brought home four awards each.
Vehicles were judged based on interior and exterior design, design integration, acceleration and braking, handling on a slalom course, external noise, fuel efficiency and fuel range