Honda has announced several new safety and environmental initiatives for its vehicles.
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According to the Associated Press (AP), the new initiatives include an advanced collision avoidance system for the Acura RL, new safety and advanced powertrain features for the next generation Honda Civic, expansion of variable cylinder management to the Honda Pilot and introduction of a fuel cell vehicle to an individual customer.
This autumn, the 2006 Acura RL will be equipped with Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) + E-Pretensioners, the world’s most advanced system for accident avoidance, AP said. CMBS uses millimeter wave radar to detect a collision before it happens and alerts the driver with audible and visual signals and by pre-tensioning of the seatbelt. If an accident appears unavoidable, the system applies braking force to reduce the severity of the collision.
Based on Honda’s industry leading “Safety for Everyone” initiative, the next generation 2006 Civic will set new standards for safety performance in the compact class, AP said. The new Civic, being introduced this autumn, will feature anti-lock brakes, side curtain airbags, driver and passenger side airbags with Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) technology and pedestrian safety features as standard equipment on all US versions.
The Associated Press said the new Civic will have Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure for improved occupant protection and compatibility with larger vehicles in a collision, the first application of this technology in a compact-class vehicle.
In the area of environmental leadership, the automaker reportedly announced plans to further advance and expand the use of Honda fuel-efficient technologies including its hybrid technology and Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system. VCM will be applied to the 2006 Honda Pilot sport-utility vehicle scheduled to debut this autumn. AP said VCM deactivates three of the engine’s six cylinders during cruising, deceleration and other low engine load conditions to reduce fuel consumption. This technology was first introduced in the US during 2004 on the new 2005 Odyssey minivan and 2005 Accord Hybrid.
The Associated Press said the 2006 Civic will be powered by the newest and most advanced generation of Honda’s i-VTEC engine technology to achieve even higher fuel economy and lower emissions, while a new Civic Hybrid will feature enhancements to Honda’s IMA hybrid technology to achieve significantly higher fuel economy and performance. The natural gas Civic GX, powered by the cleanest internal combustion engine in the world, will continue to be made in Ohio, the report added.
Honda also announced its plans to place a fuel cell vehicle with an individual customer, the Associated Press said. The company will seek out interested parties to become the first private individual to lease its FCX fuel cell vehicle for regular everyday use.
