Honda Motor CEO, Takanobu Ito, has outlined planned growth for the automaker to increase global customers 60% to 39m by fiscal 2017 – Honda has a vast range of motorcycle and power products besides cars.
Product, technology and business developments will include automotive, energy and mobility products.
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Europe will see a new Civic Type R in 2015; a new compact SUV model, three new hybrid technologies, a new fuel cell electric model (also for Japan and the US) and a new supers sports motorcycle based on MotoGP machines.
Developed specifically for the European market and with the application of technologies developed through Honda’s participation in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), the all-new Type R will aim to become the fastest front-wheel-drive vehicle on the Nurburgring race course.
Honda will strengthen its four-wheel line-up in Europe with the introduction of a new compact small SUV model, to compete in this rapidly growing sector.
It will build on its hybrid expertise to introduce three new hybrid systems. Each system will possess unique characteristics and their deployment will reflect varying customer needs.
Firstly, the automaker will further develop its lightweight and compact one-motor hybrid system with the aim of achieving top fuel economy among all hybrid vehicles. Improvements in motor output and battery performance, coupled with a newly developed transmission will help to extend the zero emission electric driving range.
Honda is also developing a new more powerful two-motor hybrid system for mid-size vehicles.
Finally, a highly efficient and high output three-motor hybrid system, the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) will focus on driving performance. This technology will be applied to the new NSX sportscar under development.
The introduction of the FCX Clarity in 2008, demonstrated Honda’s progress with fuel cells. Starting in 2015, it will launch a new fuel cell electric model which will showcase the significant technological advancements and cost reductions since the launch of the FCX Clarity. This model will be introduced to Japan, USA and Europe.
