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.