Honda Will Sell Low-Emission Cars Nationwide
Honda Motor Co. further enhanced its “green” reputation Thursday by announcing it will become the first auto maker to sell a vehicle throughout the United States that meets California’s low-emission vehicle standard.
Honda said most versions of its redesigned 1998 Accord, which goes on sale in September, will meet the California LEV standard for lower levels of smog-producing emissions. It will be sold in all 50 states.
“Air pollution is a national problem, not just a California problem,” said Tom Elliott, executive vice president of American Honda, the U.S. arm of Japan-based Honda Motor.
The voluntary action comes as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is studying the adoption of a national LEV standard similar to California’s. The state standard requires about 70% fewer smog-producing emissions than allowed under current federal regulations.
Honda plans to build about 240,000 Accord LX and EX four-cylinder models with low-emission engines at its plant in Ohio--about 65% of its projected Accord production. The entry-level DX model and those with V-6 engines will not meet the low-emission standard.
The Accord LX and EX will be priced in the $18,000 to $22,000 range, about the same as the current models. The mid-size sedan, a perennial bestseller in the U.S., is equipped with a new 2.3-liter engine with 15% more horsepower. The engine has a more precise air-fuel management system and Honda’s patented variable valve timing and lift electronic control system.
Mary Nichols, EPA assistant administrator, called Honda’s plans a “positive step toward cleaner air” and a demonstration of how such steps can be taken affordably.
U.S. auto firms have fought efforts by other states to adopt California’s low-emission standards, particularly a mandate for zero-emission vehicles. Only electric cars now qualify as ZEVs. Detroit has offered to introduce low-emission vehicles nationwide, but only if the electric vehicle rule is abandoned outside California. The issue is now before the federal courts.
Richard Klimisch, vice president of engineering affairs for the American Automobile Manufacturing Assn., the Big Three’s lobbying arm, said Honda’s accomplishment is “impressive” but that it was U.S. auto makers who proposed the national LEV program. They are still working out the details and hope to introduce low-emission vehicles nationwide by 1999.
As previously announced, Honda also plans to introduce 1998 Accords in California and certain Northeastern states that meet California’s tougher “ultra-low-emission-vehicle” standard. Honda says the ULEV Accord, which costs an extra $300, will be the cleanest gasoline-powered car ever sold.
Honda has a history of low-emission innovation. In 1975, it introduced the Civic CVCC, the first car to meet federal emission requirements without using a catalytic converter. In 1996, the Civic became the first gasoline-powered vehicle to meet California’s LEV standard.
