Honda Meets EPA Auto Emission Reductions Years Ahead of Requirements

In keeping with Honda's commitment to environmental leadership, American Honda announced today that more than 60 percent of its 2004 model year Honda and Acura vehicles meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Tier 2-Bin 5 emissions requirements, well ahead of the phase-in schedule set forth by the EPA.

Honda has consistently led the industry in meeting new emission requirements and bringing advanced engines and emission technologies to the showroom. To achieve Tier 2-Bin 5 classification, a vehicle must reduce NOx emissions by at least 75 percent over pre-existing levels.

Honda is the industry leader in certifying vehicles to the Tier 2 standards. In 2002, Honda became the first manufacturer to offer gasoline-powered vehicles to the final Tier 2 requirements. In 2003, fully 50 percent of vehicles sold by Honda were certified to meet the tougher emission standards, two years ahead of the requirements and more than the rest of the industry combined. For 2004, Honda has certified more than 60 percent of its total vehicle fleet to the Tier 2 standards, compared to an industry average of 35 percent.

"The intent of Honda's environmental approach is to implement practical near-term solutions through technology and innovation," said Robert Bienenfeld, senior manager of American Honda's Product Planning. "These solutions have a broad impact on fighting pollution and making progress on long-term emission reduction goals."

Following is a list of American Honda vehicles that are currently certified to meet EPA Tier 2-Bin 5 standards and a comparison between 3 model years.

American Honda Tier 2-Bin 5 (or better) Vehicles

Honda's Environmental Achievements Underscore its Commitment to Reduced Emissions and Improved Fuel Efficiency

2003

• Honda's Civic Hybrid becomes the first-ever hybrid vehicle to be certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) by the California's Air Resources Board (CARB).
• Every 2003 Honda model achieves Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) status or better.
• Honda has the highest Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) rating among the 10 major automakers and holds four of the top five positions in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy guide.

2002

• The Civic Hybrid is introduced as the first application of hybrid technology to an existing production car.
• The Honda FCX becomes the first and only hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle to receive both EPA and CARB certification for regular commercial use.
• The City of Los Angeles begins a lease program for five Honda FCX vehicles, the world's first commercial application of a fuel cell vehicle.
• Honda models earn four of the top five places in the Department of Energy's list of the most fuel efficient cars in America, with Insight number one.
• The all-new 2003 Pilot SUV debuts as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV), constructed with 90 percent recyclable components.

2001

• Five Honda production vehicles earn three design trophies and 26 performance awards to top the three-day North American 2001 Michelin Challenge Bibendum.
• The Honda Civic GX natural gas vehicle becomes the first car ever certified as an AT-PZEV by CARB.
• The first solar powered hydrogen production and fueling station in Southern California opens at Honda R&D Americas headquarters in Torrance, California, as part of Honda's fuel cell technology and infrastructure development.
• Honda purchases a stake in natural gas refueling system manufacturer FuelMaker Corp.

2000

• The Civic ULEV is introduced, the first mass-market vehicle sold nationwide as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle.

1999

• The Accord is the first vehicle to gain CARB Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) certification in California.
• Honda's Insight debuts as the first gasoline-electric hybrid car sold in the United States, achieving the highest EPA fuel economy rating ever and SULEV status (continuously variable transmission, ULEV with manual transmission).
• Fuel cell prototype vehicles FCX-V1 and FCX-V2 are introduced.
• Honda begins the "Intellishare" Intelligent Community Vehicle System at the University of California-Riverside using Honda's EV PLUS electric vehicles.
• Honda announces next generation 4-cylinder i-VTEC engines offering new levels of high fuel economy, low emissions and outstanding performance.

1998

• The Accord is the first vehicle to earn CARB certification as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).
• The compressed natural gas Civic GX debuts as the cleanest internal combustion engine vehicle ever tested by EPA.

1997

• Honda's EV Plus, showcasing the first application of advanced nickel-metal hydride batteries in an electric vehicle, goes on sale in California.
• The Accord becomes the first gasoline-powered vehicle to gain ULEV certification in California.
• Civic and Accord LEV sales begin in all 50 states.

1996

• The Honda Dream solar car breaks speed and time records at the World Solar Challenge in Australia.

1995

• The Civic is the first gasoline-powered vehicle to gain LEV certification in California.
• EPA releases 1996 fuel economy rankings that include four Honda models in the Top 10.