Hybrid is an essential step from the internal combustion engine towards full Electric Vehicles and Honda believe this technology will play an increasingly important role. Building on the unique features of its original lightweight and compact IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid system, Honda has been enhancing its hybrid vehicle lineup and currently sells 8 hybrid models in approximately 50 countries around the world including 3 hybrid models in Europe.

Honda is developing its hybrid technologies to meet differing customer demands. By further advancing its current one-motor IMA hybrid system Honda will aim to achieve number one fuel economy among all hybrid vehicles. In addition, Honda will introduce a new two-motor hybrid system for mid-size models and an efficient, high-output three-motor hybrid system, the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel Drive), which delivers both superior handling and excellent fuel economy. This system will be applied to the new NSX which will be sold in Europe.

Under the global environmental slogan of ‘Blue Skies for Our Children,’ Honda will continue its efforts to develop and sell hybrid vehicles in an aim to realise a low carbon society.

Year	Month / Model introduced to the market	Honda’s cumulative worldwide hybrid vehicle sales
1999	November: First generation Insight
2001	December: Civic Hybrid
2004	December: Accord Hybrid (North America only)
2005		April: 100,000 units
2007		May: 200,000 units
2009	February: Second generation Insight	August: 400,000 units
2010	February: CR-Z October: Fit Hybrid	December: 600,000 units
2011	June: Fit Shuttle Hybrid (Japan only) October: Freed Hybrid (Japan only) Freed Spike Hybrid (Japan only)	December: 800,000 units
2012	May: Acura ILX Hybrid (USA, Canada only)	September: 1,000,000 units

Honda’s European President announces new additions to Civic range

• New Civic ‘wagon’- style model for Europe
• New Civic Type R for Europe in 2015
• 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine to be introduced on new European CR-V
• Civic with 1.6 i-DTEC engine to deliver CO2 emissions of 94g/km
• Honda to participate in WTCC with racing Civic from Suzuka round in October 2012
• 3 new hybrid technologies in development
• Honda to launch all new fuel cell electric model in Japan, US and Europe in 2015

Today, at his Paris Motor Show Press Conference, Honda’s European President, Manabu Nishimae announced the addition of an all- new Civic ‘wagon’- style model to the Honda range and confirmed the introduction of a new Civic Type R, for Europe, in 2015.

New Civic ‘Wagon’

A new derivative of Honda’s European Civic will be introduced in the form of a Civic ‘wagon’ model. A concept model will be shown next year.

Civic Type R for Europe

Thrilling, sporty products are part of Honda’s DNA. In addition to the introduction of a new NSX, Honda has confirmed the development of an all-new Civic Type R for Europe. The Type R brand has a passionate following from Honda customers and the new model will again aim to set new standards in performance and handling. Developed specifically for the European market and with the application of technologies developed through Honda’s participation in the World Touring Car Championships (WTCC), the all-new Type R will aim to become the fastest front-wheel-drive vehicle on the Nurburgring race course. This new model is scheduled for introduction in 2015.

1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine added to new European CR-V and Civic

Nishimae today announced that Honda’s new 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel engine will be added to the recently launched European CR-V. This model will be introduced during 2013.

By the end of 2012, the 1.6 i-DTEC engine will be available on Honda’s Civic model. Delivering class-leading CO2 emissions of 94g/km, the engine will enable the Civic to offer an exceptional balance of performance and economy. The lightest engine in its class and delivering 300 Nm of torque at 1,500 rpm, the Civic will deliver an exceptional mix of sprightly performance, agile handling and low emissions.

This engine is the first from Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series which will see Honda renew all existing engines in Europe over the next 3 years.

European Civic races in WTCC from October 2012

The Civic WTCC car developed by Honda Racing Team JAS will make its debut at the Suzuka round in October. The racing machine has been tested by Gabriele Tarquini and will be driven by Tiago Monteiro. Honda are excited about our return to racing and will race the full season in 2013 with both the drivers.

New range of hybrid technologies

Honda firmly believes hybrid technology will play a critical role in the reduction of CO2 emissions. Honda 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, Honda will further develop its lightweight and compact one-motor hybrid system with the aim of achieving No1 fuel economy among all hybrid vehicles. Improvements in motor output and battery performance and 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 3-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.

Honda believes this range of new hybrid technologies will deliver unrivalled driving performance and fuel economy.

Next generation Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle for Europe

Honda considers fuel cell electric vehicles to be the ultimate environmentally-responsible technology and as such, has attempted to lead the industry in R&D and sales activity. The introduction of the FCX Clarity in 2008, demonstrated Honda’s progress in this field. Starting in 2015, Honda will launch an all-new fuel cell electric model which will showcase the significant technological advancements and cost reductions that Honda has accomplished since the launch of the FCX Clarity in 2008. This model will be introduced to Japan, USA and Europe.

Honda Civic is a Winner of the Women's World Car of the Year 2012

The Honda Civic has received an award from the Women’s World Car of the Year committee. The award was presented to Honda at the Paris Motor Show 2012.

The Women's World Car of the Year is divided into four categories; Family Car, Luxury Car, Sports Car and Economy Car. The Honda Civic was chosen as the winner for the Economy Car category with second and third places going to the Volkswagen UP and Ford Fiesta respectively.

The Honda Civic was selected from an initial entry list of 300 cars which were nominated by 20 women judges from 11 countries around the world.

The judging panel for the Women’s Car of the Year assessed the Civic according to the criteria women consider when buying a car which include safety, value-for-money, aesthetic appearance, storage space, ease-of-driving, colour, sex appeal, environmental footprint and child friendliness.

The award coincides with Honda's recent announcement of new additions to Civic range which include a new the 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine which will be available on the Civic later this year, a new wagon'- style Civic model and a New Civic Type R in 2015. All of these new derivatives are for the European market.

Henny Hemmes and Sandy Myhre, two members of the judging panel, presented the award to Toshiaki Konaka, Director, Honda Motor Europe Car Division, on the Honda stand at the Paris Motor Show.

On receiving the award, Konaka ,commented: "This award highlights the unique exterior styling and practical interior that are synonymous with the Civic model and meet the needs and desires of customers within the C segment in Europe.”