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GAC Honda Begins Construction of New EV Production Plant

BEIJING, CHINA, Jun 22, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned Honda subsidiary in China, announced that GAC Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. (GAC Honda), a Honda automobile production and sales joint venture in China, began construction of its new EV plant, taking a forward step in establishing a suitable EV production system and capability in preparation for an increase in the number of EV models in its product lineup.Overhead view of rendering of GAC Honda's new EV plantGAC Honda's dedicated EV production plant will be newly constructed on a lot with the size of 400,000m2 within the Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China. The plant is targeted to begin operation in 2024 with an annual production capacity of 120,000 units.With an initial investment plan of 3.49 billion R.M.B., the plant will proactively pursue sustainable initiatives including the use of solar power and other renewable energy sources. Moreover, by adopting a number of advanced production technologies, GAC Honda will strive to make it a highly efficient, smart and low-carbon EV plant.In China, Honda is planning to introduce 10 e:N Series EV models by 2027. GAC Honda?s new EV plant will become a symbolic production operation that supports a broad EV lineup that GAC Honda will roll out in the coming years. It also will serve as a core operation of Honda EV production in China, together with the new EV plant which will be built by Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. (Dongfeng Honda) and is planned to begin operation in 2024.In 2024, when both the GAC Honda and Dongfeng Honda new EV plants become operational, Honda will have a total base annual automobile production capacity of 1.73 million units.Honda will continue to accelerate its electrification efforts toward the realization of carbon neutrality by 2050 and offer attractive products that go beyond customer expectations. For more information, visit bit.ly/3Qx7lpn. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Sony and Honda Sign Joint Venture Agreement to Establish New Company, “Sony Honda Mobility Inc.”, to Engage in Mobility Business

TOKYO, Jun 16, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Sony Group Corporation ("Sony") and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ("Honda") announced today that they have signed a joint venture agreement to establish a new company to engage in the sale of high-value-added electric vehicles (EVs) and provide services for mobility. Today's announcement is the furtherance and result of discussion of a strategic alliance in the mobility field between the parties as announced in the joint press release entitled "Sony and Honda Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Strategic Alliance in Mobility Field" on March 4, 2022.The new company will aim to bring together Honda's cutting-edge environmental and safety technologies, mobility development capabilities, vehicle body manufacturing technology and after-sales service management experience, with Sony's expertise in the development and application of imaging, sensing, telecommunication, network and entertainment technologies, to realize a new generation of mobility and services for mobility that are closely aligned with users and the environment, and continue to evolve going forward.Sony and Honda plan to establish the new company within 2022 and to begin the sale of EVs and provision of services for mobility in 2025. The establishment of the new company and the start of business are subject to relevant regulatory approvals.New Company Overview (Planned)Company name: Sony Honda Mobility Inc.Location: Tokyo, JapanCapital: 10 billion yenInvestment ratio: Sony Group Corporation 50%, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. 50%Members of the board:Yasuhide Mizuno, Representative Director, Chairman and CEO Izumi Kawanishi, Representative Director, President and COO　Shugo Yamaguchi, Director and Deputy PresidentKojiro Okabe, Director and Executive Vice PresidentManabu Ozawa, Director (Honda Motor Co., Ltd.)Naoya Horii, Director (Sony Group Corporation)Comment from Kenichiro Yoshida, Representative Corporate Executive Officer, Chairman, President and CEO, Sony Group Corporation"Based on our vision to 'make the mobility space an emotional one,' Sony's initiatives in the mobility business are centered around the three areas of safety, entertainment and adaptability. As we continue our learnings in these areas, we are excited to have met a partner, Honda, with extensive global achievements and knowledge, and to sign the joint venture agreement between the two companies. Going forward, we aim to contribute to the evolution of mobility by combining Honda's cutting-edge environmental and safety technologies, mobility development capabilities, vehicle body manufacturing technology and after-sales service management experience, with our expertise in imaging, sensing, telecommunication, network and entertainment technologies."Comment from Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President, Representative Executive Officer and CEO, Honda Motor Co., Ltd."Honda continues to take on new challenges in the environmental, safety, and other advanced fields in order to be a driving force for social change through mobility, and 'become the power that supports people around the world who are trying to do things based on their own initiative'. We are very pleased to have signed a joint venture agreement with Sony, which has strengths in advanced digital technology, and shares our desire to take on new challenges. Since its announcement in March, many people have expressed their expectations for this joint venture. At the new company, we will strive to create new value ​​through the fusion brought about by the combination of our different industries, so please look forward to future developments."Comment from Yasuhide Mizuno, Representative Director, Chairman and CEO of Sony Honda Mobility Inc. (Planned) and Senior Managing Officer of Honda Motor Co., Ltd."We are very pleased to sign this joint venture agreement, which represents the start line from which we embark on the major challenge of revolutionizing mobility and creating new value. We plan to fully leverage the technological assets the two companies possess in different fields, such as Sony's sensing technology and Honda's original mobility development capabilities, to realize mobility and services that inspire and excite our customers. By bringing together the expertise of both companies, we aim to lead the way in a new era."Comment from Izumi Kawanishi, Representative Director, President and COO of Sony Honda Mobility Inc. (Planned) and Executive Vice President of Sony Group Corporation"I am very pleased to have reached this day, which represents a major milestone in realizing the initiatives we have been working on until now with the aim of contributing to the evolution of mobility. By combining the many strengths of Sony and Honda, we intend to accelerate development and lead the evolution of mobility by realizing mobility as an emotional space rooted in safety and security, and the related services." Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Honda Joins the “30 by 30 Alliance for Biodiversity” in Japan

TOKYO, Apr 26, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that it has joined the "30 by 30 Alliance for Biodiversity" ("30 by 30 Alliance") that is committed to pursuing conservation of biodiversity, one of the key challenges for conservation of the global environment.The 30 by 30 (or 30x30) are the international targets to conserve and protect at least 30% of Earth's land and ocean by 2030, being discussed at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) Part1, which hold in October 2021, and are expected to be adopted in COP15 Part2, which will be hold in the near future. The 30 by 30 Alliance was established in Japan as a coalition of governments including the Japanese Ministry of the Environment, businesses and non-profit organizations, to establish structures and systems which will contribute to the attainment of the 30 by 30 targets in Japan.To achieve the 30 by 30 targets, Honda will proactively participate in the initiatives of the 30 by 30 Alliance, which will include the works to expand protected areas including national parks and improve the quality of management applied to such protected areas. Moreover, the 30 by 30 Alliance also will work to designate, manage and promote the conservation of areas that are achieving the effective in-situ conservation of biodiversity outside of protected areas (OECM(1)), including Satochi-Satoyama (traditional Japanese landscape)(2) and corporate-owned forests. Honda's initiatives toward the conservation of biodiversityRecognizing the possibility that its corporate activities could affect biodiversity, as early as the 1960s, Honda began putting significant efforts into activities that lead to the conservation of biodiversity, including afforestation activities and the recycling and reuse of industrial water at its factories. In 1976, Honda began a program to create a "hometown forest," a forest of native tree species that preserves the ecosystem and biodiversity unique to each location, at each of its operations in Japan. As of today, in collaboration with local governments and communities in their respective regions, a number of Honda operations in Japan pursue environmental conservation activities to protect the global environment, which include activities to conserve Satochi-Satoyama and forests as well as Honda's original environmental conservation projects such as the HondaWoods project(3), HelloWoods project(4) and Honda Beach Clean project(5).In 2011, Honda established the "Honda Biodiversity Guidelines" which specifies four priority activities; 1) development of environmental technology, 2) initiatives based on corporate activities, 3) cooperation with communities and 4) disclosure and sharing of information. Based on the guidelines, Honda has been taking proactive approach to further enhance its environmental initiatives.Striving to create a dream-inspiring future society where people can enjoy a rich natural environment, clean ocean, safety for everyone, a future where our children realize their dreams with no restrictions and greater comfort in life for everyone, Honda will continue its proactive commitment to the activities which will ensure Honda's vision for the Joys for the next generation.(1) "Other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs)" are a new conservation approach, separate from protected areas, where conservation is achieved by the efforts of the private sector and mainly as a by-product of other management.(2) Traditional rural Japanese landscapes consisting of farmlands, irrigation ponds, secondary forest, plantation forest, and grasslands around human settlements.(3) Afforestation project Honda associates pursue within the properties of their respective workplace. The project started in the 1970s with an aim to realize "coexistence with local communities and people" and "coexistence with the natural environment through the natural cycle of life."(4) A facility designed to offer experiences in a natural environment, located within the Mobility Resort Motegi, in Motegi, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Surrounded by rich Satoyama nature, the facility is a "place to play and learn" through contact with nature, and is engaged in activities to support the fostering of future generations and to preserve the local environment.(5) A beach clearing project being conducted throughout Japan by associates of Honda Group companies and their local communities using the original Honda Beach Cleaner developed by Honda. The project started in 2006 with an aim to enable future generations of people to enjoy beaches while walking barefoot. To date, the project has conducted approximately 385 cleanups on more than 200 beaches throughout Japan and collected 490 tons of garbage Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Dongfeng Honda to Begin Sales of All-new e:NS1 EV Model

BEIJING, China, Apr 26, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd.(HMCI), a wholly-owned Honda subsidiary in China, today announced that Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., a Honda automobile production and sales joint venture in China, will begin sales of the all-new e:NS1 electric vehicle (EV) model tomorrow, on April 26, 2022. e:NS1HMCI also announced that GAC Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., another Honda automobile production and sales joint venture in China, will begin taking reservations for the all-new e:NP1 EV model in May 2022.About e:NS1 and e:NP1The all-new e:NS1 and e:NP1 are the first "e:N Series" models developed as the first Honda-brand EV models in China, which combine the DNA of Honda Monozukuri (art of making things) that include the pursuit of originality and passion, with the cutting-edge electrification and intelligence technologies of China. Developed with the concept of "Inspiring EVs people have never experienced before," the all-new e:NS1 and e:NP1 feature a number of new values that inspire people who get on board these vehicles.In pursuit of driving performance, Honda newly developed the e:N Architecture F which consists of an electric motor that delivers both instantaneous output and delicate control in various driving situations, a large-capacity battery that enables a range of 510 km (CLTC base in China), and dedicated body frames. Moreover, sporty and exhilarating driving experience unique to Honda was pursued by incorporating original Honda technologies, including aerodynamic technologies Honda has amassed through the development of sports models.In the area of intelligence technologies, as standard equipment, all-new e:NS1 and e:NP1 will feature the latest connectivity technologies available in China including Honda CONNECT 3.0, the new-generation connected technology developed exclusively for EVs and a large 15.1-Inch Display Audio.In addition, the all-new e:NS1 and e:NP1 are designed to offer a safe, comfortable and smart "space" for mobility by making various intelligence technologies available, including the Driver Monitoring Camera (DMC), which assists safe driving by detecting potential dangerous behavior such as inattentive driving and an indication of drowsiness experienced by the driver. As to exterior design, the new identity of the e:N Series is expressed by the luminescent "H" emblem in the front and a new "Honda" emblem in the rear which replaces the traditional "H" marque.Starting with e:NS1 and e:NP1, Honda will introduce 10 e:N Series models by 2027 and accelerate electrification in China throughout the value chain including sales and production operations. Sales initiatives : Full-fledged launch of online stores and renewal of showroomsWith the market introduction of e:NS1 and e:NP1, Honda will make a full-fledged launch of its online stores in China, where the entire process of ordering, from consideration of various options to the placement of an order, can be done online through one-on-one direct communication. At the same time, Honda will guide customers into the world of the e:N design concept of "perceiving the future at a glance and by touch" and offer customers a completely new purchasing experience.Moreover, Honda will renew existing showrooms. GAC Honda will start rolling out showrooms specializing in the sales of electrified vehicles and building new showroom locations at shopping malls starting from major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Dongfeng Honda will install a section dedicated to the e:N Brand at each of its existing stores. Production initiatives: GAC Honda and Dongfeng Honda to build dedicated EV plantsTo ensure stable quality and quantity of customer deliveries of e:N Series models, whose lineup will continue to expand in the coming years, GAC Honda and Dongfeng Honda, respectively, will each build a new dedicated EV production plant, with an aim to become operational in 2024. Comments by Katsushi Inoue, Managing Officer and Chief Officer in charge of Regional Operation (China), Honda Motor Co., Ltd."It is our great pleasure to start offering the all-new e:NS1 and e:NP1, the first set of Honda e:N Series, for our customers in China. Even in the EV era, creating truly unique cars is what Honda believes in. There are already many choices of EV models available to customers in China, however, our e:N Series models will be the ones to redefine the fun of EVs by offering unique value derived from the ultimate dimension of comfort and fun." Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Summary of Honda Briefing on Automobile Electrification Business

TOKYO, Apr 12, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today held a press briefing on its initiatives in automobile electrification business that included participation of the following Honda executives:- Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President and Representative Executive Officer- Kohei Takeuchi, Director, Executive Vice President and Representative Executive Officer- Shinji Aoyama, Senior Managing Executive OfficerA summary of the briefing follows:1. Honda initiative for electrificationHonda is striving to be a company which serves as a source of "power" that supports people around the world who are trying to do things based on their own initiative and that helps people expand their own potential. To this end, Honda strives to realize "the joy and freedom of mobility" by seeking a "zero environmental footprint."Solidifying existing businessesOver the past several years, Honda has been pursuing various initiatives toward the direction to "solidify existing businesses" and to "prepare for new growth" and these initiatives have begun showing positive results in the areas of products, businesses and new technologies.- The structure of Honda automobile business has made steady improvement. As of today, the total number of variations at the trim and option level for global models has been reduced to less than one-half of the number in 2018 (Target: a reduction to one-third by 2025).- As for cost associated with global automobile production, Honda is on track to achieve its 10% reduction target, compared to the cost recorded in 2018. Honda will continue to accelerate its efforts to generate resources by solidifying existing businesses and invest such resources in electrification and the preparation for new growth.Unique Honda approachAs the world's largest power unit manufacturer with annual sales of approximately 30 million units of mobility products including motorcycles, automobiles, power products, outboard motors and aircraft, we aim to realize carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities Honda is involved in by 2050, striving to eliminate carbon emissions from power sources of a wide variety of products. To this end, Honda believes that a multifaceted and multidimensional approach is needed, not a mere replacing of engines with batteries.Including the utilization of swappable batteries and hydrogen as well as electrification of automobiles, Honda will offer a variety of solutions for all of its mobility products according to how its customers use the products in various countries and regions.Furthermore, with the connected platform, which connects all these elements, Honda will enhance the convenience and efficiency of society as a whole. Organizational changes made to strengthen electrification businessIn the past, Honda divided its organization by products, namely motorcycle, automobile and power products. However, starting this fiscal year, technology areas which will become the core of the future competitiveness of Honda have been moved from their respective product-based organizations and combined under the newly created Business Development Operations. Such core areas are: electrified products and services, battery, energy, Mobile Power Pack, hydrogen and software/connected technologies that connect all core areas. With this change, Honda will accelerate the speed at which it can move and enhance the "cross-domain" synergy effect among Honda products.2. Initiatives for automobile electrification business Battery procurement strategyThe key challenge in the EV era is the global procurement of batteries. Honda has two basic approaches for its battery procurement strategy.1) Now and for the time being:Honda will ensure stable procurement of liquid lithium-ion batteries in each region by strengthening the external partnership. - North America:Honda will procure Ultium batteries from GM. Separately, aside from GM, Honda is exploring the possibility of creating a joint venture company for battery production.- China:Honda will further strengthen our collaboration with CATL.- Japan:Honda will procure batteries for mini-EVs from Envision AESC.2) From the second half of the 2020s:Honda will further accelerate its independent research and development of next-generation batteries. For the all-solid-state batteries it currently has under development, Honda decided to build a demonstration line, investing approximately 43 billion yen, with a goal to make it operational in Spring 2024. Honda aims to adopt its next-generation batteries to models to be introduced to the market in the second half of the 2020s.Introduction of EVsSpecific plans for the market introduction of EV models are as follows.1) From now through the second half of the 2020s:Honda will introduce products tailored to the market characteristics of each region.- North America: In 2024, Honda will introduce two mid- to large-size EV models currently being developed jointly with GM. (Honda brand: All-new Prologue SUV, Acura brand: an EV SUV model.)- China: Honda will introduce a total of 10 new EV models by 2027.- Japan: In early 2024, Honda will first introduce a commercial-use mini-EV model at the 1-million-yen price range. Then, Honda is planning to make the timely introduction of personal-use mini-EVs and EV SUVs.2) After the second half of the 2020s:Assuming it will become the time of the popularization of EVs, Honda will begin introducing the best EVs from a global perspective.- In 2026, Honda will begin adopting Honda e: Architecture, an EV platform that combines the hardware platform and software platform.- Through the alliance with GM, Honda is planning to introduce affordable EVs in 2027, with a cost and range that will be as competitive as gasoline-powered vehicles, starting from North America. Through these initiatives Honda is planning to launch 30 EV models globally by 2030, with a full lineup from commercial-use mini-EVs to flagship-class models, and Honda is planning for production volume of more than 2 million units annually.EV production- As for EV production operations, in China, Honda is planning to build a dedicated EV plant in Guangzhou as well as Wuhan.- Honda is planning for a dedicated EV production line also in North America.3. Strengthening of the areas of connected / software technologies Honda is striving to offer greater value not only with each of our products, but when various Honda products become linked and realize a connectivity beyond their product domains.The key to achieve such connectivity is the technologies and frameworks, where Honda positions its electrified products as "terminals" and connects energy and information stored in each product with its users and society. Therefore, Honda will work on the establishment of the cross-domain connected platform, which will create new value for its customers.In the areas of electrification technologies, including batteries, as well as software and connected technologies, for the acceleration of its development efforts, Honda will strive for a significant enhancement of development capabilities, which will include the strengthening of its human resource recruiting from outside Honda.Also, in these areas, Honda will proactively pursue inter-industry collaboration and alliances, as well as investments in startups. 4. Financial strategies that support the transformation of Honda businessesWhile making progress in electrification, Honda will shift focus from non-recurring hardware sales business and strive to transform the portfolio of Honda businesses by combining hardware and software to expand connections with its customers and the range of its businesses. Also, after 2030, Honda will strengthen its combined solution business and also businesses in new areas. To realize such transformation of the business portfolio, Honda has been putting effort into solidifying its existing businesses. Improvement of the earnings structureIn addition to its steady efforts to solidify existing businesses, Honda strived to reduce costs from all directions while facing a difficult business environment due to issues such as the pandemic and semiconductor shortage. As a result, the business structure has been improving, and Honda is confident that its continuous efforts will enable an adequate achievement of the return on sales (ROS) of more than 7%, which had been Honda's mid- to long-term target. Also, the net cash balance was 1.9 trillion yen (at the end of the third quarter ended Dec. 31, 2021), maintaining a healthy level.Resource investments over the next 10 years and utilization of external funding- Honda will budget approximately 8 trillion yen for its research and development expenses. Of all R&D areas, Honda is planning to invest approximately 5 trillion yen in the areas of electrification and software (Approx. 3.5 trillion yen for R&D expenses and approx. 1.5 trillion yen for investments).- For the preparation of new growth, including new technology areas and resource circulation, Honda will invest approximately 1 trillion yen over the next 10 years.- Honda will be active in investing in startups with high-potential advanced technologies and business models at a scale of 10 billion yen per year, which will expand the range of Honda technologies and businesses.- Based on its policy to utilize external funding methods on an as-needed basis, Honda issued Green Bonds totaling US$2.75 billion in March of this year. By allocating the proceeds from these Green Bonds to the development and production of zero-emission vehicles such as EVs and FCVs, Honda will further accelerate our initiatives toward the realization of a society that aims for zero environmental impact.5. Sports modelsWhile taking on challenges toward carbon neutrality and electrification, Honda always has a passion to offer FUN for its customers. The "joy of driving" will be passed on to our models even in the era of electrification, and Honda will globally introduce two sports models, a specialty and a flagship model, which will embody Honda's universal sports mindset and distinctive characteristics.For more information, visit https://global.honda/newsroom/news/2022/c220412eng.html. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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All-new Civic Type R Sets New Lap Record at Suzuka Circuit

TOKYO, Apr 7, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that the all-new Honda Civic Type R has set a new lap time record for a front-wheel drive car(1) at the Suzuka Circuit (Suzuka International Racing Course) during testing conducted for the model's final performance evaluation. The final development car prior to the production model lapped the circuit in 2 minutes 23.120 seconds(2).Breaking the previous lap record set by the 2021 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition, which featured the ultimate level of lightweight and special equipment for the pursuit of the ultimate sports performance, indicates further improvement was made in the circuit performance offered by the all-new Civic Type R.The all-new Civic Type R is scheduled to make its debut in Summer 2022.(1) Honda internal research (as of April 2022)(2) Honda internal measurement Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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GM and Honda Will Codevelop Affordable EVs Targeting the World’s Most Popular Vehicle Segments

DETROIT / TOKYO, Apr 6, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - General Motors (NYSE: GM) and Honda (NYSE: HMC) today announced plans to expand the two companies' relationship to a new chapter by codeveloping a series of affordable electric vehicles based on a new global architecture using next-generation Ultium battery technology. The companies are working together to enable global production of millions of EVs starting in 2027, including compact crossover vehicles, leveraging the two companies' technology, design and sourcing strategies. The companies will also work toward standardizing equipment and processes to achieve world-class quality, higher throughput and greater affordability. The compact crossover segment is the largest in the world, with annual volumes of more than 13 million vehicles.GM and Honda also will discuss future EV battery technology collaboration opportunities, to further drive down the cost of electrification, improve performance and drive sustainability for future vehicles. GM is already working to accelerate new technologies like lithium-metal, silicon and solid-state batteries, along with production methods that can quickly be used to improve and update battery cell manufacturing processes. Honda is making progress on its all-solid-state battery technology which the company sees as the core element of future EVs. Honda has established a demonstration line in Japan for all-solid-state batteries and is making further progress toward mass-production."GM and Honda will share our best technology, design and manufacturing strategies to deliver affordable and desirable EVs on a global scale, including our key markets in North America, South America and China," said Mary Barra, GM chair and CEO. "This is a key step to deliver on our commitment to achieve carbon neutrality in our global products and operations by 2040 and eliminate tailpipe emissions from light duty vehicles in the U.S. by 2035. By working together, we'll put people all over the world into EVs faster than either company could achieve on its own." "Honda is committed to reaching our goal of carbon neutrality on a global basis by 2050, which requires driving down the cost of electric vehicles to make EV ownership possible for the greatest number of customers," said Toshihiro Mibe, Honda president & CEO. "Honda and GM will build on our successful technology collaboration to help achieve a dramatic expansion in the sales of electric vehicles.""The progress we have made with GM since we announced the EV battery development collaboration in 2018, followed by co-development of electric vehicles including the Honda Prologue, has demonstrated the win-win relationship that can create new value for our customers," said Shinji Aoyama, Honda senior managing executive officer. "This new series of affordable EVs will build on this relationship by leveraging our strength in the development and production of high quality, compact class vehicles.""Our collaboration with Honda and the continuing development of Ultium are the foundation of this project, utilizing our global scale to enable a lower cost foundation for this new series of EVs for millions of customers," said Doug Parks, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. "Our plans include a new all-electric product for North America positioned at a price point lower than the upcoming Chevrolet Equinox EV, building on the 2 million units of EV capacity the company plans to install by the end of 2025."GM and Honda have developed a close working relationship over many years, including several projects in recent years focused on electric and autonomous vehicle technologies. In 2013, the two companies began working together on the co-development of a next-generation fuel cell system and hydrogen storage technologies. In 2018, Honda joined GM's EV battery module development efforts. In 2020, GM and Honda announced plans to codevelop two EVs, including the Honda Prologue, to be launched in early 2024, soon followed by Acura's first EV SUV. Further, the companies have an ongoing relationship with Cruise and are working together on the development of the Cruise Origin, one of the first purpose-built fully autonomous vehicles designed for driverless ride-hail and delivery. About Honda Motor Co. Honda Motor Co. (NYSE: HMC) is responsible for the development, production and sales of automobiles, motorcycles, power products and aviation products worldwide. Honda now delivers over 30 million products annually through its three product lines. Honda and its partners build products in more than 60 manufacturing plants in 27 countries, employing about 220,000 associates globally. On a global basis by 2050, Honda is striving to achieve carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities, as well as zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda automobiles and motorcycles. About General MotorsGeneral Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which will power everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles underthe Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries can be found at https://www.gm.com.Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release and related comments by management may include forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations about possible future events and thus are inherently uncertain. Our actual results may differ materially from forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including: (1) our ability to deliver new products, services and customer experiences in response to increased competition in the automotive industry; (2) our ability to timely fund and introduce new and improved vehicle models that are able to attract a sufficient number of consumers; (3) the success of our crossovers, SUVs and full-size pick-up trucks; (4) our ability to successfully and cost-effectively restructure our operations in the U.S. and various other countries and initiate additional cost reduction actions with minimal disruption; (5) our ability to reduce the costs associated with the manufacture and sale of electric vehicles and drive increased consumer adoption; (6) unique technological, operational and regulatory risks related to our autonomous vehicle regulations; (7) global automobile market sales volume, which can be volatile; (8) our significant business in China which is subject to unique operational, competitive and regulatory risks as well as economic conditions in China; (9) our joint ventures, which we cannot operate solely for our benefit and over which we may have limited control; (10) the international scale and footprint of our operations which exposes us to a variety of political, economic and regulatory risks, including the risk of changes in government leadership and laws (including labor, tax and other laws), political instability and economic tensions between governments and changes in international trade policies, new barriers to entry and changes to or withdrawals from free trade agreements, changes in foreign exchange rates and interest rates, economic downturns in foreign countries, differing local product preferences and product requirements, compliance with U.S. and foreign countries' export controls and economic sanctions, differing labor regulations, requirements and union relationships, differing dealer and franchise regulations and relationships, and difficulties in obtaining financing in foreign countries; (11) any significant disruption at one of our manufacturing facilities could disrupt our production schedule; (12) the ability of our suppliers to deliver parts, systems and components without disruption and at such times to allow us to meet production schedules; (13) prices of raw materials used by us and our suppliers; (14) our highly competitive industry, which is characterized by excess manufacturing capacity and the use of incentives and the introduction of new and improved vehicle models by our competitors; (15) the possibility that competitors may independently develop products and services similar to ours or that our intellectual property rights are not sufficient to prevent competitors from developing or selling those products or services; (16) our ability to manage risks related to security breaches and other disruptions to our vehicles, information technology networks and systems; (17) our ability to comply with increasingly complex, restrictive, and punitive regulations relating to our enterprise data practices, including the collection, use, sharing, and security of the Personal Identifiable Information of our customers, employees, or suppliers; (18) our ability to comply with extensive laws and regulations applicable to our industry, including those regarding fuel economy and emissions and autonomous vehicles; (19) costs and risks associated with litigation and government investigations; (20) the cost and effect on our reputation of product safety recalls and alleged defects in products and services; (21) any additional tax expense or exposure; (22) our continued ability to develop captive financing capability through GM Financial; and (23) significant increases in our pension expense or projected pension contributions resulting from changes in the value of plan assets or the discount rate applied to value the pension liabilities or mortality or other assumption changes.. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, and our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. GM cautions readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. GM undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Honda to Install Stationary Fuel Cell Power Station on California Campus as First Step Toward Commercialization of Zero-Emission Backup Power Generation

Torrance, Calif., Mar 15, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Honda today announced plans to install a stationary fuel cell power station on its corporate campus in Torrance, Calif. by early 2023. The station will serve as a proof of concept for the future commercialization of a power generation unit for use as a zero-emission backup power source for facilities such as data centers, which require reliable and clean auxiliary power generation to continue operations even in emergency situations. This new initiative will leverage Honda's fuel cell technology expertise as part of the company's global goal to achieve carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities by 2050. Honda's proof of concept fuel cell power station will utilize fuel cell components from Honda Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles in a flexible, four-quad parallel stationary fuel cell power generation system capable of generating up to 1152kW-DC/1MW-AC from an inverter. A unique advantage of the four-quad design is the flexibility to change the layout of the four individual fuel cell units to suit the installation environment, accommodating a cuboid, L-shape, Z shape or other packaging requirements. The station will be connected to the data center on the American Honda campus in early 2023, providing a real-world power generation application to verify performance. This will enable Honda to advance its know-how in the power supply area, as well as supply chain development, grid connection access, construction specifications, AC/DC connection requirements and other critical areas."We will leverage the expertise Honda has established in creating multiple generations of fuel cell systems for the development of a fuel cell power generation station," said Mitsuru Kariya, senior vice president in charge of the R&D Business Unit of American Honda. "This project is an opportunity to further utilize our strengths in fuel cell technology to more quickly create, assess and advance a clean power generation system for potential commercial customers."While Honda remains committed to developing fuel cell systems for passenger vehicles, the market for fuel cell systems to power larger trucks and transport ships, as well as stationary generation, is expanding rapidly in the U.S. and is expected to grow to over $86.7 billion annually by 2030. Data centers in particular require high-quality and reliable power, where any disruption in power supply can lead to downtime or problems such as data corruption and damage to servers. Typical stationary backup generators rely on diesel fuel, which result in higher carbon emissions and local air pollutants. Backup power systems utilizing hydrogen fuel cells offer a promising future for clean, yet reliable and high-quality power generation, especially when operating on so-called "green" hydrogen made from renewable sources, with water vapor as the only emission. Honda Fuel Cell Technology LeadershipHonda has led the industry over the past quarter-century in the development and deployment of fuel cell technology, including extensive real-world testing and customer deployments. - In July 2002, the Honda FCX became the first fuel-cell vehicle certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB). - In December 2002, Honda introduced the world's first production fuel-cell vehicle, to both the U.S. and Japan markets. - In 2003, Honda became the first automaker with a fuel-cell vehicle to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures.- In 2005, Honda became the first automaker to lease fuel cell vehicles to individual retail customers.- In 2008, Honda became the first manufacturer to build and produce a dedicated fuel-cell vehicle (FCX Clarity) on a production line specifically made for fuel-cell vehicles.- In 2013, Honda and GM began working together on the co-development of a next-generation fuel cell system and hydrogen storage technologies.- In 2017, Honda introduced the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle.- In 2020, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and Isuzu Motors Ltd. signed an agreement for joint research of the use of hydrogen fuel cells to power heavy-duty trucks, looking to expand fuel cell use by applying the zero-emission technology to larger vehicles. In 2021, Honda announced its collaboration with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to develop a fuel cell system combined with a high differential pressure water electrolysis system that will help support a "circulative renewable energy system" to supply space and lunar stations with electricity, oxygen and water.At FC Expo held in Japan during March 16 and 18, 2022, Honda will display a prototype of FC Power Unit co-developped with General Motors, a portable FC generator concept model. Honda Commitment to the EnvironmentHonda is committed to addressing global environmental and energy issues by striving to realize carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities by 2050. Honda proudly has the highest fleet average fuel economy and lowest CO2 emissions of any full-line automaker in America, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) latest data. To reduce CO2 emissions even further, Honda will strive to make battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles represent 100% of auto sales in the U.S. and globally by 2040. Honda also is working to reduce the environmental impact of its business operations. To slash CO2 emissions from its North American manufacturing operations, Honda has entered into long-term virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) for renewable wind and solar power seeking to cover more than 60% of the electricity that Honda uses in North America. This enables the company to fully offset the remaining carbon intensive grid-supplied electricity used in its Ohio, Indiana, and Alabama automobile manufacturing operations. Honda also promotes environmentally responsible business practices with its suppliers and retail dealer partners across North America.Learn more at https://csr.honda.com/environment/na-environmental-report/ Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Sony and Honda Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Strategic Alliance in Mobility Field

TOKYO, Mar 4, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Sony Group Corporation ("Sony") and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ("Honda") today announced that they have agreed to deepen discussion and exploration of forming a strategic alliance that aims to create a new era of mobility and mobility services. Specifically, the two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding that outlines their intent to establish a joint venture ("New Company") through which they plan to engage in the joint development and sales of high value-added battery electric vehicles (EVs) and commercialize them in conjunction with providing mobility services.The two companies will proceed with negotiations toward executing various definitive binding agreements, including a joint development agreement and a joint venture agreement, with a goal of establishing the New Company within 2022, subject to execution of the definitive agreements and relevant regulatory approvals.This alliance aims to bring together Honda's mobility development capabilities, vehicle body manufacturing technology and after-sales service management experience cultivated over many years, with Sony's expertise in the development and application of imaging, sensing, telecommunication, network, and entertainment technologies, to realize a new generation of mobility and services that are closely aligned with users and the environment, and continue to evolve going forward.Sales of the first EV model from the New Company are expected to start in 2025. The New Company is expected to plan, design, develop, and sell the EVs, but not own and operate manufacturing facilities, so Honda is expected to be responsible for manufacturing the first EV model at its vehicle manufacturing plant. It is expected that a mobility service platform will be developed by Sony and made available for the New Company. Comment from Kenichiro Yoshida, Representative Corporate Executive Officer, Chairman, President and CEO, Sony Group Corporation"Sony's Purpose is to "fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology." Through this alliance with Honda, which has accumulated extensive global experience and achievements in the automobile industry over many years and continues to make revolutionary advancements in this field, we intend to build on our vision to 'make the mobility space an emotional one,' and contribute to the evolution of mobility centered around safety, entertainment and adaptability."Comment from Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President, Representative Executive Officer and CEO, Honda Motor Co., Ltd."The New Company will aim to stand at the forefront of innovation, evolution, and expansion of mobility around the world, by taking a broad and ambitious approach to creating value that exceeds the expectations and imagination of customers. We will do so by leveraging Honda's cutting-edge technology and know-how in relation to the environment and safety, while aligning the technological assets of both companies. Although Sony and Honda are companies that share many historical and cultural similarities, our areas of technological expertise are very different. Therefore, I believe this alliance which brings together the strengths of our two companies offers great possibilities for the future of mobility." Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Honda to Issue U.S. Dollar-Denominated Green Bonds (Unsecured Straight Bonds) to Accelerate its Environmental Initiatives

TOKYO, Mar 4, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that the company will issue U.S. dollar-denominated Green Bonds totaling US$2.75 billion for its initiatives toward the realization of a society that aims for zero environmental impact. The proceeds from the issuance of the Green Bonds will be used exclusively toward environmental initiatives(1). This will be the first time for Honda Motor Co., Ltd. to issue Green Bonds.Since its founding in 1948, Honda has been conducting its corporate activities based on its original desire to "help people and society" and "expand people's life's potential." In light of changes happening to our society, Honda believes that working in pursuit of the "elimination of its environmental impact" and "realization of safety protecting precious human lives" are values Honda should provide in the future. Based on this belief, Honda has been working comprehensively to address challenges in the areas of the environment and safety. In the area of the environment, Honda is striving to realize carbon neutrality (net-zero CO2 emissions) for all products and corporate activities Honda is involved in by 2050.By allocating the proceeds from the issuance of the Green Bonds to eligible green projects including the development of zero-emission vehicles such as EVs and FCVs, Honda will further accelerate its initiatives toward the realization of a society that aims for zero environmental impact.(1) Projects that fit within the eligible Green Projects categories specified in the Honda Sustainable Finance Framework.(2) For the issuance of these Green Bonds, Honda has developed a Sustainable Finance Framework (the "Framework") and obtained a Second Party Opinion from Vigeo Eiris, an independent entity, that the Framework is aligned with the Green Bond Principles 2021 (the "GBP"), the Social Bond Principles 2021 (the "SBP"), and the Sustainability Bond Guidelines 2021 (the "SBG") as administered by the International Capital Market Association ("ICMA").- Honda Sustainable Finance Framework: URL:https://global.honda/investors/stock_bond/rating_bond.html- Second Party Opinion provided by Vigeo Eiris: URL:https://vigeo-eiris.com/spo_honda_sustainable_frameworkThis document does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. The securities described herein have not been approved or disapproved by any regulatory authority, nor has any such authority passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the shelf registration statement, the base prospectus contained therein or the supplements to the base prospectus. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Honda India Power Products Limited reaches 5 Million Units Production Milestone in February 2022

New Delhi, India, Mar 1, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Honda India Power Products Limited (HIPP), a leading manufacturer of power products in India, successfully crossed 5 million units accumulated production milestone in February 2022. HIPP has been consistently introducing latest technology prouducts with global standards and bringing joy to its customers since 1985. The company has been a trusted partner in progress for its valued customers in line with its vision of "Empower People, To Do Better". HIPP launched its first product namely Portable Generator Model EM650 manufactured at its Rudrapur factory in 1988. Buoyed by a strong demand from the customers, the company soon launched other well differentiated Generator models catering to the varying demands from a vast and well diversified market. HIPP made foray into the export markets in 1989 and its products were very well received in the competitive overseas markets. After having enlightened lives of many customers in domestic and overseas markets, HIPP made foray into agriculture by starting production of Engine range in 1991 followed by Water Pump range in 1992. Farmers across India immensely appreciated portable, reliable, and efficient Engines and Water Pumps meeting their timely irrigation, spraying and mechanisation needs. In the year 1995, HIPP established its second manufacturing plant at Puducherry to meet the ever-growing demand. HIPP undertook a major reconsolidation exercise in 2000 and amalgamated its production plants into its present "State-of-the-art" manufacturing facility at Greater Noida thereby achieving economies of scale while pursuing its mission of "Helping people get things done" by manufacturing products that have successfully established themselves as a benchmark for their performance and quality.Takahiro Ueda, Chairman & Management Director, President & CEO, Honda India Power Products Limited said, "We were able to reach 5 million production units thanks to the support and the cooperation of all the people in India and the local society. Our suppliers and partners stood by us and believed in our common vision - delivering continuously even in acute times such as pandemic and I am grateful for their efforts all along. Our network of dealers, channel partners played excellent role as our extended arms in providing 3S - Sales, Service and Spare Parts support ensuring delightful experience of our customers all along. HIPP will continue to contribute to India and its society as a company that is expected to exist". About Honda India Power Products LimitedHIPP is one of the first Japanese companies to enter the Indian market in 1985 and thereby contribute to strengthen economic relations between India and Japan. Since inception, the company has been providing innovative, eco-friendly & best-in-class products to its customers across India in the field of power backup, agriculture & construction. As a conscious corporate, the company has participated in community development programs and helped create employment opportunities at its Greater Noida factory. HIPP has regularly supported disaster relief operations across various regions of India, including recently, extending assistance for combating the Covid-19 pandemic. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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The HondaJet is the Most Delivered Aircraft in its Class for the Fifth Consecutive Year

GREENSBORO, N.C., Feb 24, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Honda Aircraft Company announced today that in 2021, the HondaJet was the most delivered aircraft in its class for the fifth consecutive year, based on data provided by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). During 2021, Honda Aircraft Company delivered 37 aircraft to customers globally.HondaJet Elite S"I am humbled and honored that the HondaJet continues to be selected by our owners and operators as we expand our global fleet," said Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO Michimasa Fujino. "Being the best-selling aircraft in our class for five consecutive years is a reflection of the Honda Aircraft team's commitment to offering our customers a product of the highest performance, quality, and our maturity as a leader in the aviation industry. We will continue to bring new value to the industry and provide superior service and support to customers."Honda Aircraft Company celebrated several milestones recently, including delivery of the 200th HondaJet in late December. The worldwide HondaJet fleet also surpassed 100,000 flight hours in January.Additionally, the FAA recently awarded Honda Aircraft Company with the "Diamond level AMT employer award," the highest level in the William (Bill) O'Brien Aviation Maintenance Technician Awards program, in recognition of the skill and professionalism of Honda Aircraft's maintenance technicians. Since the beginning of HondaJet deliveries to customers in December 2015, Honda Aircraft Company has led the aviation industry with innovation and technology, while bringing the same high standard of service and support to every customer. The HondaJet also continues to demonstrate its industry-leading dispatch reliability.During 2021, Honda Aircraft Company continued development with two major announcements: the HondaJet Elite S, honored with a "Top Flight Award" as best new business jet from Aviation International News, and the HondaJet 2600 Concept, Honda Aircraft's proposal for the next generation of business jet. Meanwhile, the global presence of the HondaJet further increased when it received Thailand type certification, marking 14 countries with HondaJet certification. Honda Aircraft Company's sales and service footprint now spans North America, Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, China, the Middle East, India, Japan and Russia.Watch 2021 recap video here: https://youtu.be/eqtF8y59FVcAbout the HondaJet Elite SThe HondaJet Elite S is the fastest, farthest and highest-flying plane in its class. The HondaJet Elite S incorporates Honda Aircraft's many technological innovations, including the unique Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration, Natural Laminar Flow (NLF) nose and wing, and composite fuselage. The aircraft is also powered by the GE Honda Aero Engines HF120. All of these advancements contribute to the aircraft's superior performance, unparalleled efficiency and maximized fuselage space, making the aircraft's cabin the largest in its class. The HondaJet Elite S cabin features a full service galley, a private lavatory with optional belted seat and an industry-first Bongiovi sound system. The aircraft sets the standard in safety and human-machine interface technology with an ergonomically designed cockpit and highly customized Garmin G3000 avionics suite.Honda Aircraft continues to be committed to improving lives through personal mobility, while living in a sustainable society. The HondaJet Elite S remains significantly more fuel efficient and emits less greenhouse gas than all other similarly sized twin-engine business jets. Certified for single pilot operations, the HondaJet Elite S continues to live up to the company's reputation for superior performance, efficiency, quality, and value.About Honda Aircraft CompanyHonda Aircraft Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Founded in 2006, Honda Aircraft's world headquarters is located in North Carolina, the birthplace of aviation. The challenging spirit upon which Soichiro Honda founded Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is alive today as Honda Aircraft fulfills one of Honda's longstanding dreams to advance human mobility skyward.For more information, visit www.HondaJet.com. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Honda Invests in U.S.-based Helm.ai to Strengthen its Software Technology Development

TOKYO, Jan 20, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that, in December 2021, the company invested in U.S. (California)-based Helm.ai to strengthen its software technology development in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision(1) technologies. Helm.ai has key strengths in the area of AI-based image recognition technologies advanced through unsupervised learning(2).Helm.ai is an AI software startup established in November 2016, and Honda and Helm.ai have been working in collaboration since 2019 through Honda Xcelerator(3), a global open innovation program of Honda. Honda invested in Helm.ai to strengthen value creation in the efforts to make mobility products more intelligent and to generate greater achievements more quickly. The financing will further strengthen the relationship between the two companies and accelerate development of original solutions for Honda that combine Honda technologies and AI technologies of Helm.ai. Honda will continue offering highly-competitive and highly-attractive products and services to its customers by establishing relationships through the Honda Xcelerator program with companies which have cutting-edge technologies in various areas.(1) Technology to recognize specific elements from computer-based visual information and provide necessary information based on the results of such recognition. (2) Unsupervised learning is one of the methods of machine learning, which supports AI. Unlike supervised learning through which AI learns the correct answers to derive from labeled input data, unsupervised learning lets AI learn without being provided with the correct answers and derives the patterns and unique characteristics of the unlabeled data on its own.(3) Honda Xcelerator is a global open innovation program designed to facilitate collaboration between startups and Honda. The program is led by Honda Innovations Inc., a subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. based in Silicon Valley in the U.S. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Honda and V2X Suisse Consortium to Advance Vehicle-to-Grid Charging Technology in Switzerland

TOKYO, Jan 19, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - As part of the next step into the energy management business, Honda is partnering with the V2X Suisse consortium to demonstrate the vital role of electric vehicles (EVs) and bi-directional charging technology in the future of energy management. Honda will supply 50 Honda e electric vehicles to Switzerland's car sharing operator, Mobility. The Honda e units will be used as part of a car sharing fleet in a pioneering trial which uses the Honda e's bi-directional charging function to feed energy back to the grid when the vehicles are not in use for sharing. To allow bi-directional charging, Honda is also providing 35 Honda Power Manager units. These will deliver vehicle-to-grid (V2G) energy recovery capability for Mobility, at various urban and suburban sites across Switzerland. The V2X Suisse trial includes the world's first mass-deployment of the COMBO-CCS (Combined Charging System) configuration with bi-directional functionality: currently Honda e is the only electric vehicle in the European market to allow both charging and discharging, as standard, for the European charging system CCS, making the Honda e the perfect vehicle to join the fleet. Honda Power Manager is a bi-directional system that connects EVs to a power grid, enabling the collection and distribution of electricity between the two. This allows for intelligent balancing of the supply and demand of energy, including the better use of renewable sources and supports the stabilisation of the grid.In this project, a total of 50 Honda e units will be allocated to 40 stations across Switzerland. A single Honda e can feed up to 20 kilowatts of power back into the grid when plugged into a bi-directional charging station. This not only regulates power to stabilise the grid during periods of high demand and minimise bottlenecks in the distribution of energy, but also reduces the need for expensive grid expansions as demand for EV charging increases. Using a cloud-to-cloud IT platform developed by fellow consortium member sun2wheel, the Honda Power Manager units can manage the available power for each EV in 15 minute cycles to assess and regulate the flow of electricity. The scheme will enable Honda to verify the relationship between vehicle usage frequency and V2G operation, actual V2G operation time and frequency, and how this impacts on customer convenience. Honda aims to create a sustainable society with zero environmental impact by connecting electrified mobility products and energy services, whilst contributing to the 'freedom of mobility' and 'expanding the use of renewable energy'. Not only the smart electric car, but innovations such as the bi-directional Honda Power Manager charging system will become increasingly important in a future carbon neutral society where both EVs and the use of renewable energy will become commonplace. Through a real-world demonstration, Honda can conduct data collection and analysis of car sharing and V2G battery energy services, which will lead to the development of Honda's future energy services.The actual demonstration of this project will start from September 2022, and will run until the end of 2023, includes consortium members Mobility, EVTEC, sun2wheel, tiko, Novatlantis and ETH Zurich, and is supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Honda Signs Joint Development Agreement with SES, an EV Battery Research and Development Company

TOKYO, Jan 19, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that, in December 2021, the company signed a joint development agreement in the area of Lithium-Metal secondary batteries(1) with SES Holdings Pte. Ltd.("SES"), a U.S. (Boston)-based EV battery research and development company.Moreover, SES plans to list on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) via a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) transaction, and through the PIPE (private investment in public equity) offering by the SPAC, Honda plans to acquire approximately 2% of the shares of SES AI Corporation, the company to be listed on NYSE(2)(3).The battery is a crucial component of battery electric vehicles (EV) and Honda, which is accelerating electrification of its products on a global basis, has been concurrently looking into several options for next-generation batteries, including the all-solid-state batteries Honda is developing independently. This joint development agreement with SES is part of the overall battery strategy of Honda.From here onward, Honda and SES will pursue joint research for the realization of safe, high-durability and high-capacity next-generation EV batteries. Comments by Shinji Aoyama, Managing Executive Officer in Charge of Electrification, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., "The battery is an essential component of EVs, and Honda has been concurrently looking into several options toward the realization of high-capacity, safe and low-cost next-generation batteries. Recognizing the advanced technologies of SES, Honda signed a joint development agreement with SES with the aim to establish a good relationship with SES and expeditiously generate substantial achievements through our joint research activities. Honda will continue to establish collaborative relationships with companies which have advanced technologies, as needed, to offer highly-competitive and attractive EVs to our customers."(1) Batteries with Lithium-Metal anode, which are expected to realize higher energy density than Lithium-ion batteries (which usually use carbon-based materials for the anode).(2) On October 22, 2021, Honda signed a PIPE subscription agreement with Ivanhoe Capital Acquisition Corp. ("Ivanhoe"), a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) listed on the NYSE, pursuant to which Honda is scheduled to acquire shares of Ivanhoe on the day of the merger between SES and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ivanhoe, with SES the surviving entity ("the merger"), prior to the completion of the merger. Ivanhoe, which will wholly own SES, plans to change its name to SES AI Corporation prior to the completion of the merger. Fulfillment of all prerequisites for the execution of the merger, including approval of SES and Ivanhoe shareholders, is a prerequisite for the stock purchase by Honda.(3) The shareholding percentage above is based on the assumption that the shareholders of Ivanhoe will not exercise their redemption rights. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Honda’s First Formula 1 World Championship Title for 30 Years

TOKYO, Dec 13, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Red Bull Racing Honda driver Max Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the 22nd round of the 2021 Formula 1 World Championship and the 26 points he scored was enough for him to take the World Championship title. This is Verstappen's first ever title and for Honda, it is the first for 30 years, since Ayrton Senna won it in 1991.The Dutchman, now 24, made his debut in 2015, when he was just 17 years old, making him the youngest ever driver to start a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Even back then, he was already tipped for greatness. In 2019, he won the Austrian Grand Prix, to give Honda its first win in the current hybrid era. So far this season, Verstappen has won 10 races, starting with the second round, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, also taking victory in the historic race around the streets of Monaco, as well as his home Grand Prix on F1's return to Zandvoort.Max Verstappen"It feels incredible to be World Champion and I couldn't have asked for a more insane last race of the year. It was a bit of a rollercoaster, from not really having a chance of winning until the last lap, everything came together, and we had to go for it. I kept saying to myself, I am just going to give it my all and I have until the end and that is what we did. Of course, with that safety car restart in the last lap we had the fresher tires but you still need to do the move - luckily it worked out. I want to say a big thank to Checo, because of his performance today, I won the Championship, he was driving his heart out for this Team. Today showed exactly what great teamwork is, he's an amazing teammate. Mercedes won the Constructors' and we won the Driver's Championship so it really shows that throughout the whole year we pushed each other to the very end. Lewis is an amazing driver, there is no discussion about it. Of course, we had our moments throughout the season but I think you know that after everything we had an amazing fight this season and I think both teams gave it their all."Christian Horner, Team Principal, Red Bull Racing Honda"I said it was going to need something from the racing Gods in the last ten laps and thank goodness for that safety car. It has been a great competition this season and for Max to win the World Championship, it is not just about the race here, it is about the whole year and how incredible and consistent he has been as a driver. All credit to Lewis too, he has been a phenomenal opponent all year and a great World Champion, he has been formidable and that is what makes it even more of a monumental achievement to win this. This Championship came down to the last lap and it was a great strategy call by the Team to make that pit stop onto the set of softs and then it was down to Max to make it happen, which he did in typical Max style. I was screaming from turn five all the way down that back straight. He got the job done. I am just so proud of Max and the team for what we've been through this year and what we have achieved against some fierce and great opponents. Checo was the perfect teammate today, what he did keeping Lewis behind, on totally worn tires, was just super driving. Without him today Max probably wouldn't be World Champion, the whole Team executed their strategy, flawlessly. On balance after 22 races we have won this World Championship on the facts. I would also like to thank Honda for their teamwork and support over the last few years. We will continue our partnership in a different way, but we look forward to continuing the success."Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President and Representative Executive Officer Honda Motor co., Ltd."Congratulations to Max on his first world championship title and to Red Bull Racing, our partner since 2019. I watched the race at HRD-Sakura and was very impressed by Max and the team who never stopped challenging for the world championship title until the end. We also thank Scuderia AlphaTauri with whom our association with Red Bull began, as well as our suppliers and all our fans who have always supported us. For Honda, this title is the goal we set ourselves ever since we returned to F1 in 2015 and today we have written a new chapter in Honda's history. I'd like to thank all the Honda employees who have made it possible. Well done, you did it!" Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Honda’s First Formula 1 World Championship Title for 30 years Max Verstappen Wins the 2021 Drivers’ World Championship

TOKYO, Dec 13, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Red Bull Racing Honda driver Max Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the 22nd round of the 2021 Formula 1 World Championship and the 26 points he scored was enough for him to take the World Championship title. This is Verstappen's first ever title and for Honda, it is the first for 30 years, since Ayrton Senna won it in 1991.The Dutchman, now 24, made his debut in 2015, when he was just 17 years old, making him the youngest ever driver to start a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Even back then, he was already tipped for greatness. In 2019, he won the Austrian Grand Prix, to give Honda its first win in the current hybrid era. So far this season, Verstappen has won 10 races, starting with the second round, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, also taking victory in the historic race around the streets of Monaco, as well as his home Grand Prix on F1's return to Zandvoort.Max Verstappen"It feels incredible to be World Champion and I couldn't have asked for a more insane last race of the year. It was a bit of a rollercoaster, from not really having a chance of winning until the last lap, everything came together, and we had to go for it. I kept saying to myself, I am just going to give it my all and I have until the end and that is what we did. Of course, with that safety car restart in the last lap we had the fresher tires but you still need to do the move - luckily it worked out. I want to say a big thank to Checo, because of his performance today, I won the Championship, he was driving his heart out for this Team. Today showed exactly what great teamwork is, he's an amazing teammate. Mercedes won the Constructors' and we won the Driver's Championship so it really shows that throughout the whole year we pushed each other to the very end. Lewis is an amazing driver, there is no discussion about it. Of course, we had our moments throughout the season but I think you know that after everything we had an amazing fight this season and I think both teams gave it their all."Christian Horner, Team Principal, Red Bull Racing Honda"I said it was going to need something from the racing Gods in the last ten laps and thank goodness for that safety car. It has been a great competition this season and for Max to win the World Championship, it is not just about the race here, it is about the whole year and how incredible and consistent he has been as a driver. All credit to Lewis too, he has been a phenomenal opponent all year and a great World Champion, he has been formidable and that is what makes it even more of a monumental achievement to win this. This Championship came down to the last lap and it was a great strategy call by the Team to make that pit stop onto the set of softs and then it was down to Max to make it happen, which he did in typical Max style. I was screaming from turn five all the way down that back straight. He got the job done. I am just so proud of Max and the team for what we've been through this year and what we have achieved against some fierce and great opponents. Checo was the perfect teammate today, what he did keeping Lewis behind, on totally worn tires, was just super driving. Without him today Max probably wouldn't be World Champion, the whole Team executed their strategy, flawlessly. On balance after 22 races we have won this World Championship on the facts. I would also like to thank Honda for their teamwork and support over the last few years. We will continue our partnership in a different way, but we look forward to continuing the success."Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President and Representative Executive Officer Honda Motor co., Ltd."Congratulations to Max on his first world championship title and to Red Bull Racing, our partner since 2019. I watched the race at HRD-Sakura and was very impressed by Max and the team who never stopped challenging for the world championship title until the end. We also thank Scuderia AlphaTauri with whom our association with Red Bull began, as well as our suppliers and all our fans who have always supported us. For Honda, this title is the goal we set ourselves ever since we returned to F1 in 2015 and today we have written a new chapter in Honda's history. I'd like to thank all the Honda employees who have made it possible. Well done, you did it!" Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Honda Selected for 5th Consecutive year to Dow Jones Sustainability Indices World Index

TOKYO, Dec 2, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that the company was selected for the fifth consecutive year as a component of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index ("DJSI World"). The Dow Jones Sustainability Indices ("DJSI") serve as one of the key benchmarks for socially responsible investing*.The DJSI are the investment indices run by the U.S.-based S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. which evaluate sustainability of the world's leading companies in terms of economic, environmental and social criteria and select companies that demonstrate overall excellence for the indices.Based on their annual DJSI review, S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. published the components list and Honda was selected as a component of the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia/Pacific Index for seven consecutive years. In the review, Honda also was ranked in the top five for the global Automobile sector and added to the DJSI World.Honda issued the "Honda Sustainability Report 2021" summarizing Honda's approach and initiatives toward sustainability. For more information, please visit: https://global.honda/about/sustainability/report.html.Through unique creations and challenges as a mobility company, Honda will continue providing appealing products and services that bring joy to customers while listening to stakeholders' voices and helping to solve various social issues. In this way, Honda will strive to become a company society wants to exist.*Investment strategy which includes criteria for evaluating investees' corporate social responsibility, in addition to conventional financial indicator analysis Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Honda Unveils the World Premiere of Advanced Future Safety Technologies toward the Realization of its Goal for Zero Traffic Collision Fatalities by 2050

TOKYO, Nov 26, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. held the world premiere of advanced future safety technologies Honda is currently developing for the realization of a society where everyone sharing the road will be liberated from the risk of traffic collisions and enjoy freedom of mobility with total peace of mind.Honda will strive to attain its goal of realizing "zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles globally by 2050" utilizing two key technologies. One is the world's first(1) artificial intelligence (AI)-powered "Intelligent Driver-Assistive Technology" providing assistance that is suited to the ability and situation of each individual to reduce driving errors and risks, helping the driver achieve safe and sound driving. The other is the "Safe and Sound Network Technology" which connects all road users, both people and mobility products, through telecommunications, making it possible to predict potential risks and help people avoid such risks before collisions actually occur. Scenario Toward the Realization of "Zero Traffic Collision Fatalities"Realization of "zero traffic collision fatalities by 2050"Striving for a collision-free society for everyone sharing the road, represented by the global safety slogan "Safety for Everyone," Honda has been pursuing the research and development of safety technologies from the perspective of both hardware and software.For the pursuit of a collision-free society, Honda will expand the introduction of Honda SENSING 360, a recently announced omnidirectional safety and driver-assistive system, to all models to go on sale in all major markets by 2030. Moreover, Honda will continue working to expand application of a motorcycle detection function and further enhance functions of its ADAS (advanced driver-assistance system). Furthermore, Honda also will continue to make progress in expanding application of motorcycle safety technologies and offering of safety education technologies (Honda Safety EdTech). Through these initiatives, Honda will strive to reduce global traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles by half(2) by 2030.Beyond that, Honda will strive to realize its ambitious goal of "zero traffic collision fatalities by 2050" through establishment of future safety technologies at the earliest possible timing. 1) Safety suited to each individual:Aiming for "zero human error" in driving with the "Intelligent Driver-Assistive Technology"- Honda has unraveled the factors behind human errors through its original fMRI*3-based study of the human brain and analysis of risk-taking behaviors.- The system presumes predictors of driving errors based on information obtained through a driver monitoring camera and pattern of the driving operations.- This technology is being developed to enable each individual driver to mitigate driving errors and enjoy mobility without any sense of anxiety.- Honda will strive for establishment of underlying technologies during the first half of the 2020s, with practical application during the second half of the 2020s. With the goal to unravel underlying causes of driving errors that make the driver feel anxious, Honda has been conducting research and development of "technologies to understand people" with an original method that utilizes fMRI(3).In addition to technologies to understand human behavior and conditions, which Honda has amassed to date, the "Intelligent Driver-Assistive Technology" unveiled today, the world's first such technology, uses ADAS sensors and cameras to recognize potential risks in the vehicle's surroundings, which enables AI to detect driving risks. At the same time, AI will determine optimal driving behavior on a real-time basis and offer assistance suited to the cognitive state and traffic situations of each individual driver.With the next-generation driver-assistive functions currently under research and development, Honda will strive to offer the new value of "error-free" safety and peace of mind which are suited to the driving behavior and situation of each individual driver and keep them away from any potential risks.Three values Honda will offer with its next-generation driver assist technology1. No driving operation errors (Operational assist):Vehicle offers AI-based assist to reduce drifting and prevent a delay in operations.2. No oversight / No prediction errors (Cognitive assist): Vehicle communicates risks with visual, tactile and auditory sensations.- Technologies in R&D phase: Risk indicator, seatbelt control and 3D audio3.No errors due to daydreaming and careless driving (Attentiveness assist): Vehicle helps reduce driver fatigue / drowsiness- Technologies in R&D phase: Bio feedback / vibration stimulus through the seatback Intelligent Driver-assistive Technology: Value PropositionFrom here onward, Honda will further advance the "Intelligent Driver-Assistive Technology" unveiled today and continue making progress in development with the goal to establish underlying technologies during the first half of the 2020s, then launch practical applications during the second half of the 2020s.With this technology, Honda will advance the conventional driver assist which helps the driver avoid risk while it is occurring to the AI-powered driver assist which will keep the driver away from the risks and strive to completely eliminate human errors, which are the cause of over 90% of traffic collisions(4). 2) Safe coexistence of all road users:Establishment of the "Safe and Sound Network Technology" which connects all road users through telecommunication- System understands / recognizes the situation and surrounding environment of each driver and road user- Through the communication network, information about potential risks in the traffic environment will be aggregated in the server, and risks are predicted using the reproduction of the traffic environment in the virtual space.- System derives the most appropriate support information, communicates it to each road user and encourages them to take actions to avoid potential risk before it actually happens.- Honda will accelerate industrywide and public-private collaboration with an aim to standardize the technology in the second half of the 2020s.Safe and Sound Network TechnologyTo realize a "collision-free" mobility society for all road users, Honda is striving to realize a "cooperative safety society" where utilization of telecommunication technologies will enable everyone sharing the road to be connected and coexist.With the "Safe and Sound Technology," information about potential risks in the traffic environment, which are detected based on information obtained from roadside cameras, on-board cameras and smartphones, will be aggregated in the server to reproduce that traffic environment in the virtual space. In that virtual space, in consideration of the conditions and characteristics of each individual road user, the system predicts / simulates the behaviors of road users at high risk of a collision. Then, the system derives the most appropriate support information to help the road users avoid risks.Such support information will be communicated intuitively to automobile drivers, motorcycle riders and pedestrians through "cooperative risk HMI (human-machine interface)," which will make it possible for the system to encourage road users to take action to avoid a collision before it happens.Aiming for real-world implementation of this technology after 2030, Honda will build the system and complete verification of effectiveness in the first half of the 2020s, then accelerate industrywide and public-private collaboration with an aim to standardize the technology in the second half of the 2020s.Comments by Keiji Ohtsu, President and Representative Director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd.:"Striving to completely eliminate mobility risks for everyone sharing the road, Honda will offer safety and peace of mind of each and every road user as a new value. Applying our future safety technologies which will embody such new value, Honda will work toward the realization of 'zero traffic collision fatalities' involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles globally by 2050. For the realization of a collision-free society where all road users care for each other and the freedom of mobility becomes possible, we will further accelerate our industry-wide and public-private initiatives."(1) Honda internal research(2) Reduce traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles per 10,000 units sold by 50% by 2030 compared to 2020.(3) The functional magnetic resonance imaging, fMRI (One of the methods to obtain images of brain's functioning areas based on changes in blood flow.)(4) Source: "Number of Fatalities in Traffic Accidents By Type of Violations of Laws," White Paper on Traffic Safety in Japan 2017 Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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Toni Bou Wins 30th Consecutive World Championship Title

TOKYO, Nov 22, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Repsol Honda Team rider Toni Bou has won his 15th consecutive FIM(1) X-Trial World Championship at the final round in Barcelona on November 21. With his 15 consecutive victories in the FIM Trial World Championship, Toni Bou has won an unprecedented 30 consecutive world championship titles.Toni Bou is a HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) contract rider racing for Honda's factory team(2) Repsol Honda Team. This season's X-Trial was contested over two rounds, the schedule being shortened due to the coronavirus pandemic. After winning the opening round in Andorra on November 7, Bou secured his 15th X-Trial World Championship title by winning the Barcelona round as well.The non-speed Trial competition is contested by riders overcoming obstacles to reach the goal on their bike, without touching the ground with their feet as much as possible. The two Trial world championships are X-Trial (or indoor trials), contested over a man-made course set up in a stadium with a glamorous atmosphere, and Trials, a dynamic category held between May and September at outdoor venues taking advantage of natural terrain.Toni Bou | Repsol Honda Team"Luckily, the mistake in section one just after the start made me get into the trial. From then on, I knew that I had a tough heat with Adam in the same group and I had to do really well. It was another great night at the Palau Sant Jordi. I am very happy and grateful to everyone who has helped me. We've worked very hard, we've done things very well and that's the only way to do it. We have long since surpassed our limits, we are living a dream and to have reached 30 consecutive titles is a great achievement. I also want to congratulate Gabriel Marcelli, because he deserved his second place. He works very hard and is a strong rider. He has been doing really well for quite a while now." (1) FIM: Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme(2) Factory team: Racing team managed by the bike manufacturer. For Honda, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) manages its factory teams. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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