1. Honda Sets All-Time Record for Worldwide Automobile Production for the First Half of a Fiscal Year

Honda has experienced a year-on-year increase in worldwide automobile production for the 26th consecutive month (since August 2005) with a total of 1,911,182 units produced, an increase of 6.6% compared with the same period last year. Honda has also achieved an all-time record for the month of September for production in regions outside of Japan and production in Europe.

European production was particularly strong with a total figure for the first half of the fiscal year at 113,073 units; an increase of 23.8% compared the same period last year. Results for the month of September also show a remarkable growth of 27.5% to 21,627 units compared with September 2006. The production in Asia and China also marked an all-time record for any month.

Link@HondaWorld

2. Honda Racing F1 Team Wins at 2007 Green Awards

The Honda Racing F1 Team won two prestigious awards at the 2007 Green Awards, recently held in London. The team's environmental myearthdreamTM initiative won its nominated category of Best PR Campaign with a budget of over £100k. The campaign went on to compete against the other 18 winners of the night for the Grand Prix award for the best overall campaign. The Honda Racing F1 Team was triumphant and the campaign was described as the one that best exemplified an outstanding environmental message as well as having the greatest capacity to raise awareness amongst the general public.

Link@HondaWorld

3. Honda Announces 2008 Motorcycle Models for Europe

Honda has unveiled its new 2008 motorcycle models for the European market at the Paris International Motorcycle Show. The CBR1000RR super sports bike, popular for its high performance and stylish design, has undergone a full model change, featuring the latest in advanced technologies honed in Honda's MotoGP (FIM* Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix) machines. The XL700V Transalp has also received a makeover; the engine has been increased from 650cc to 700cc for improved acceleration and the headlight redesigned for a more aggressive look. The performance of the CBF600 sports model has been boosted by a more compact lightweight engine with an enhanced output and, for the first time, it will feature Honda's CBS (Combined Brake System), which works with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) to offer a safer, more stable ride.

*Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme

Link@HondaWorld

TOV_Note: Honda has actually released four other production 2008 models for Europe in Milano Motor Show, including the CB1000R and Lead world premiere as well as the DN-01 and new 250cc Forza seen previously in Tokyo. There are no reports yet of possible exports of the CB1000R to other countries.

Link@HondaUK

4. Honda Develops HFT, a New Automatic Transmission System for Motorcycles

Honda has developed the Human-Friendly Transmission (HFT), a new automatic transmission system for motorcycles using Honda's own infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission. The HFT creates a relaxed and comfortable riding experience, with direct response and excellent transmission efficiency. The HFT will be installed on the DN-01, a new motorcycle introduced at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show.

The basic configuration of the system consists of an oil pump for converting engine power into hydraulic pressure, and an oil motor for converting the hydraulic pressure back into power for output. Both are made up of multiple pistons, a distributor valve and a swash plate for piston operation, while the cylinders are integrated into the output shaft. The HFT also features the world's first* lockup mechanism for an infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission. When cruising, this lockup mechanism minimizes transmission efficiency losses, contributing to an improved fuel economy.

* Based on Honda research

Link@HondaWorld

5. ASIMO to Assist European Academics in the Pursuit of Intelligence Technologies

Honda Research Institute Europe (HRI-EU) and the newly founded Institute for Cognition and Robotics (CoR-Lab) at Bielefeld University, have signed a landmark cooperative agreement. As part of the collaboration, Honda has provided two ASIMOs to the CoR-Lab, equipped with "whole body movement" software developed at HRI-EU. Using an interdisciplinary approach which integrates the natural, engineering and social sciences, researchers will apply an understanding of how the brain works, its underlying architecture and mechanisms, to develop intelligent systems with similar capabilities. Honda is also contributing support for the CoR-Lab's graduate school to educate up to 15 PhD students and young scientists in joint research projects. It is the first time that a European university will have access to ASIMO as a research platform. Bielefeld University is one of Europe's leading establishments in the field of cognition and robotics intelligence.

Link@HondaWorld

EUROPEAN CAR SALES - Sept07

NB: Source Honda