Accord Hybrid Boasts V6 Performance and Class-Leading Fuel Efficiency

Torrance, Calif. 12/10/2004 -- The all-new 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid, the world's first V-6 powered gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle and Honda's third hybrid, will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $29,990 when it goes in sale at Honda dealerships nationwide on December 10. The Accord Hybrid, outfitted with an available voice-activated Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, is priced at $31,990. Powered by an advanced V6 hybrid powertrain and equipped with a long list of standard comfort and convenience features, the Accord Hybrid is the most powerful, luxurious and refined hybrid vehicle to date. The Accord Hybrid with a 5-speed automatic transmission has earned EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings of 29/37 mpg, on par with a compact class Civic 4-cylinder Sedan.

"The Accord Hybrid marks a new chapter in the evolution of hybrid technology," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "It requires no sacrifice in power, performance or comfort and delivers on the expectations of the customer for advanced technology and improved fuel efficiency."

The all-new Accord Hybrid employs the third-generation of Honda's advanced Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) full hybrid system in combination with new Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation technology to provide the world's best V-6 fuel efficiency along with highly responsive and powerful V-6 performance.

The Accord Hybrid generates 255 peak horsepower (versus 240hp for the Accord V-6 Sedan) with a remarkably broad and flat torque curve for exceptional power and driving performance. In addition to its impressive performance, the Accord Hybrid's EPA fuel economy rating is a 38 percent better than the current Accord V-6 in city driving and 23 percent in highway driving.

The new Accord Hybrid comes equipped with a high level of premium features and equipment, including a leather trimmed interior, dual zone automatic climate control (with industry first hybrid air conditioning system), 8-way power driver's seat, XM(R) Satellite Radio and in-dash 6-disc CD changer. An exclusive rear deck lid spoiler and specially designed alloy wheels add to the Accord Hybrid's enhanced aerodynamic performance. In keeping with Honda's industry-leading "Safety for Everyone" initiative, all Accord Hybrids come equipped with a comprehensive list of advanced safety features, including driver and front passenger side airbags, side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and Traction Control System (TCS).

Honda continues a long tradition of leadership in new automotive technologies, particularly in the area of improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. With the introduction of the Insight in December 1999, Honda became the first company to sell a hybrid vehicle in the U.S. With an aluminum body, ultra-efficient IMA powertrain and world-class aerodynamics, the Insight has held the title of America's most fuel-efficient car for each of the past five model years (2000-2004).

In March 2002, Honda applied its second-generation IMA hybrid technology to the Civic, America's best-selling compact car. The Civic Hybrid accounted for half of all new hybrid vehicle registrations in calendar year 2003 and took two of the top five spots on the EPA's model year 2004 fuel economy rankings. With the addition of the Accord Hybrid, American Honda expects sales of its hybrid models - Insight, Civic and Accord - to nearly double to a total of 45,000 units in calendar year 2005. Honda hybrid sales in 2004 through the end of November are up 12.7 percent to 24,048.