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http://www.VTEC.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=556668
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Here are the new Stream rumours from Japan, according to BestCar magazine. The most relevant quotes from the mag are:
New Stream is expected to hit the market in July of this year in Japan.
It?s said to have grown up and be significantly larger than the Civic, but surprisingly not as wide. It?s also said that it will have the centre fuel tank location as in the Fit.
In the powertrain department they expect the Stream to be powered by both a 1.8L and a 2.0L i-VTEC engines. Displacement is the same as for the Civic (and the 1.8L unit should be identical), but surprisingly enough, BestCar says that the Stream will debut the next generation version of i-VTEC. This system, whose development was announced years ago in one of Mr. Fukui's speeches, is supposed to continually vary both lift and timing. The mag compares it to BMW?s Valvetronic, saying that Honda?s independently developed system would be much cheaper to produce than its BMW counterpart, which is judged by most of the auto-industry as being overly complex.
On the transmission side there is more news, and it?s the availability of a CVT gearbox in addition to the current 5AT found in the Civic worldwide. As a side note, if I?m not mistaken, Honda has yet to market a CVT transmission with the K20 engine (although they have done it with the K24 in Japan). Will this new engine still be a K series ??
Editorial comments:
I don?t expect BestCar to be off the mark when they say that the Stream has grown in size, although I remain skeptical about the width.
I would also say that the information about the engine's displacement and fuel tank position is credible. Would that mean that the Stream will use a non-independent rear suspension as in the Euro Civic 5D?
As for the new engine and transmission, I personally did not expect the new generation of i-VTEC to come so soon, especially since it was not introduced in the Civic, but well, one year is a lot of time for development, so it could be. Note that the current generation Stream debuted the current K20 engine world wide, and that it was also the Stream platform that Honda used for their first and only Direct Injection gasoline engine so far (the i-VTEC I, that has not made it to any other Honda car as of yet). The Stream sells in much higher numbers than Civic in Japan, especially in the 2.0L class, and maybe Honda wants to wait a little bit before launching their new engine world wide? We?ll soon find out.
To me the rendering itself seems to be a small modification of current Honda AirWave wagon, which is only available in Japan
http://sohc.VTEC.net/news_files/557417/ ... _bc-01.jpg
http://sohc.VTEC.net/news_files/557417/ ... _bc-02.jpg
--- Accelerate our effort to strengthen the core characteristics that make Honda unique to accomplish further growth ---
TOKYO, Japan, May 17, 2006?Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced specific plans and initiatives in the following three areas, which will enable Honda to accelerate its efforts to strengthen Honda ?at the spot,? strengthen the core characteristics that make Honda unique, and achieve further growth.
Establishing advanced manufacturing systems and capabilities
Strengthening the foundation for overseas growth
Strengthening the commitment to reduce Honda?s environmental footprint
1. Establishing Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Capabilities
By strengthening the areas of production and R&D in Japan that supports the future growth of overseas operations, Honda will establish advanced manufacturing systems and capabilities to create new value.
< Strengthening Japan Production >
Building a New Automobile Production Plant:
Honda plans to build a new auto plant capable of synchronous auto production ? from the engine to the entire automobile -- in Yorii, Saitama to begin operation in 2010.
The annual production capacity of this new auto plant will be approximately 200,000 units. Employment at the new plant is expected to be 2,200 associates. Related investment is expected to be approximately 70 billion yen.
When the new plant becomes operational, Honda?s total annual production capacity in Japan will be increased from the current 1.3 million units to 1.5 million units.
After the new Yorii plant becomes operational, Honda will renovate the Sayama plant to make it the most advanced production operation. Honda will establish a high quality and high efficiency manufacturing system by applying the latest technologies to both the Sayama and Yorii plants. These plants will be responsible for evolving such manufacturing systems horizontally to other Honda operations worldwide.
Strengthening Automatic Transmission (AT) Production:
The production capabilities at the Hamamatsu Plant will be further strengthened as the leader plant of global AT production, with manufacturing technologies to be further advanced in Hamamatsu.
< Strengthening R&D Capabilities >
Establishing New R&D Center:
Honda will build a new R&D center in Sakura, Tochigi. This new R&D facility will have multiple test courses, which reproduce various driving conditions including high-speed driving to urban-area driving. In this way, Honda will strengthen development of next-generation vehicles. Honda is aiming to begin operation of this new R&D facility in 2009. Related investment is expected to be approximately 17 billion yen.
2. Strengthening the Foundation for Overseas Growth
Honda will further strengthen the foundation for the growth of overseas operations by focusing on strengthening its business foundation in North America and on business expansion in growth areas such as Asia and South America.
< Strengthening North American Operations >
Building a New Automobile Production Plant in the US:
The new auto plant in the U.S., which is planned to become operational in 2008, will have annual production capacity of approximately 200,000 units. The related investment is expected to be approximately US$ 400 million. Employment at this new plant is expected to be more than 1500 associates. And this new plant will have the lowest environmental footprint among other Honda auto plants in North America.
Honda is in the final process of selecting locations, with plans to announce more details when the final decision is made.
With this new plant, annual auto production capacity in North America will be increased from the current 1.4 million units to 1.6 million units.
Building a New Auto Engine Plant in Canada:
Honda plans to build a new engine plant in Canada, neighborring the existing auto plant - Honda of Canada Mfg.(HCM) The annual production capacity will be approximately 200,000 units, and the plant should begin operation in 2008. Related investment is expected to be approximately US$140 million, with employment of 340 associates.
This new engine plant will produce four cylinder engines for supply to HCM, which are now produced at Anna Engine Plant in Ohio. The Anna Engine Plant will begin supplying engines for the new auto plant in the U.S. and will also begin producing some engine components which are currently being supplied from Japan. Through this, Honda is going to further increase its local content in North America.
The new automatic transmission plant in Georgia (with annual production capacity of more than 300,000 units) began operations this month (May 2006). With the addition of this plant, Honda will establish an integrated AT production capability and further improve production efficiency.
< Expanding Business in Growth Areas >
Motorcycle Business in Asia:
Hero Honda in India is planning to increase capacity of its existing line (by 450,000 units) as well as build a new plant with annual production capacity of 450,000 units. As a result, annual motorcycle production capacity in India will increase by an additional 900,000 units to a total of 5.2 million units by 2007.
Honda is planning to expand motorcycle production capacity in the Philippines and Pakistan. With these expansion plans, the annual motorcycle production capacity in Asia will reach 14 million units by 2007 ? an increase of 6 million units in three years, compared to the 8 million unit capacity in 2004.
Automobile Business in Asia:
Honda has decided to undertake the plan to double automobile production capacity in India three years ahead of the original schedule. Annual automobile production capacity in India will reach 100,000 units around the end of 2007. Honda will consider further expansion to accommodate future growth in customer demand.
Automobile Business in China:
When Guangzhou Honda?s second auto plant with annual production capacity of 120,000 units becomes operational this fall, total automobile production capacity in China will reach 530,000 units. Honda will consider further expansion based on future market trends.
Automobile Business in South America:
Honda is planning to double production capacity of its auto plant in Brazil to 100,000 units by 2008.
Based on these expansion plans and other initiatives, Honda envisions 2010 global unit sales of more than 4.5 million units for automobiles, 18 million units or more for motorcycles, and 7 million plus units for power products.
3. Strengthening our Commitment to Reduce Environmental Footprint
Under the direction of ?commitment for the future,? Honda will continue pursuing more proactive efforts to reduce its environmental footprint with the main focus on CO2 reduction.
< Reduction of CO2 Emissions ? Setting Voluntary Goals >
Honda voluntarily sets global CO2 reduction goals for its products and production activities and is accelerating its efforts to achieve those goals.
In 2000, the global average of CO2 exhaust emissions among Honda automobiles was 179.5g/km. Despite increased sales of larger-size vehicles such as SUV and minivans, average CO2 emissions were reduced by 5% during the five year period up to 2005.
Honda now strives to achieve a further reduction of 5% or more, aiming to accomplish a total 10% reduction by 2010 compared to the level of 2000. Honda will also work toward a 10% reduction both for motorcycles and power products.
At Honda, the global average of CO2 emissions to produce one automobile also declined by approximately 5% during the five year period up to 2005. Honda is working toward a further reduction by 5% or more by 2010 to achieve a total reduction of 10% compared to the level of 2000. For motorcycle and power product production, Honda set goals to reduce CO2 emissions by 20% in each area.
Honda is the first automaker in the world to announce global CO2 reduction goals for its products and production activities.
< Product strategy >
New Dedicated Hybrid Vehicle
Honda is now developing a new dedicated hybrid vehicle suitable for family use in major automobile markets in the world. With this new dedicated hybrid vehicle Honda will achieve further advancement of fuel efficient technologies and a major cost reduction, which will enable Honda to offer this vehicle in 2009 at a price level lower than the Civic Hybrid.
Production of all-new, more-affordable, dedicated hybrid vehicle, including the hybrid unit, will be produced at Suzuka Factory. The worldwide sales plan is approximately 200,000 units per year that includes projected North American sales volume 100,000 units.
New Clean Diesel:
Based on the current highly successful diesel engine currently sold in Europe, Honda is now developing a cleaner next-generation 4-cylinder diesel engine. This engine will meet the U.S. EPA?s stringent Tier2 BIN5 emission standard requiring NOx emission levels equivalent to a gasoline-powered vehicle. Honda plans to introduce this super-clean diesel engine to market within the next three years.
Honda will also work toward development of a clean V6 diesel engine.
While improving the fuel efficiency of gasoline engines with Advanced VTEC, Advanced VCM, and other technologies, Honda will expand application of hybrid technology to smaller size vehicles and diesel technology to medium-to-large size vehicles. Thorough these comprehensive efforts leveraging the unique characteristics of each environmental technology, Honda will accelerate its effort to reduce CO2 emissions.
Motorcycles:
Honda plans to install fuel injection on the majority of models for sale worldwide by the end of 2010.
Moreover, Honda will introduce new engine technologies such as super-low friction engines, which will improve fuel economy by up to 13% compared to the current level, and VCM systems for motorcycles, which will improve fuel economy by up to 30% compared to the current level.
Fuel Cell Vehicle
Honda is currently developing a new vehicle based on the technology and design of the FCX Concept, and a drivable model will be unveiled in fall of this year. Honda plans to begin sales of this new fuel cell vehicle within the next three years.
Solar Cell:
Solar cell panels developed by Honda are currently installed and utilized at 15 Honda facilities worldwide, the Suzuka Factory will be added to this list in fall of this year.
Honda will begin the production and sales of solar panels in fall of this year, within limited areas. Honda will begin mass production of the solar panel by establishing a production line with the annual capacity of 27.5 megawatts at Honda?s Kumamoto Factory in 2007.
Honda will further strengthen its ability to create advanced technologies and products that represent the uniqueness of Honda with the goal to become number one in the world in creating new value and joy for our customers.
Source: Honda press release
Credibility Rating: N/A
New U.S. auto plant and Canadian engine plant to begin production in 2008; Advancements in fuel efficiency including new hybrid car and clean diesel technology
Torrance, Calif. 05/16/2006 -- Honda today announced plans to advance toward its "2010 Vision" for North American automobile operations, in conjunction with a wider global strategy announced in Japan today by Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Honda's North American plan includes the following new corporate initiatives:
Construction of a new auto plant in the U.S. with an investment of approximately
$400 million to begin production in 2008, with employment of more than 1,500 associates at full capacity.
Construction of a new engine plant in Canada to begin production of four-cylinder engines in 2008 with an investment of $140 million and employment of 340 associates.
Expansion of U.S. engine, transmission and powertrain component production in Ohio and Georgia, with additional investment of $125 million and additional employment of 80 associates.
Introduction in the U.S. and Canada in 2009 of a new, more affordable, dedicated hybrid car.
Introduction in the U.S. and Canada within the next three years of new diesel engine technology that meets U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards.
Establishment of a goal to increase American Honda's Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) by five percent over 2005 levels by the year 2010.
"We continue to experience record demand for Honda and Acura vehicles in North America," said Koichi Kondo, COO of Honda's North American region and president & CEO of American Honda. "To meet the needs of our customers and in accordance with our company's vision for the future, we will introduce new fuel efficient vehicles and deepen our commitment to production in North America and we will do this in an environmentally responsible way regarding our products and the operations that produce them."
"2010 Vision" - Creating New Value for the Customer
Honda's 2010 Vision is a long-term corporate initiative "to become a company that society wants to exist." Initiated in 1998, this three-part 2010 Vision calls for the expansion of Honda's global operations through the year 2010 through "creating new value" for the customer, expanding local operations through "glocalization" and advancing environmental and safety technologies through a "commitment for the future."
"With nine consecutive years of record Honda and Acura auto sales in North America, we will now further strengthen Honda's foundation in North America to meet the future needs of our customers and fulfill the ultimate objective of our 2010 Vision," said Kondo.
"2010 Vision" - Glocalization (Expansion of North American Production)
Honda will invest approximately $665 million and increase employment by more than 1,900 associates to expand North American automobile, engine and transmission production operations1;, further strengthening its capability to respond flexibly and efficiently to customer demand and changing market conditions, and to create a foundation for future growth. Specific details of the expansion of local production are as follows:
With an investment of approximately $400 million and employment of more than 1,500 associates at full capacity, Honda will construct a new auto plant in the U.S. with an annual capacity of approximately 200,000 vehicles, with production to begin in 2008. The plant - Honda's sixth auto plant in North America and 14th production facility in North America - will feature Honda's most advanced, efficient and flexible production technologies and will have the smallest environmental impact of any Honda automobile plant in North America. Site selection for the new facility has already entered its final stage. Additional details of the new facility, including location and product production plans will be announced at a later date.
As a result of this expansion, Honda's automobile production capacity in North America will increase from 1.4 million to 1.6 million units in 2008.
In conjunction with increased vehicle production, Honda will also invest $140 million to expand engine production in North America with the construction of a new engine plant neighboring the existing Honda of Canada Mfg. (HCM) operations in Alliston, Ontario, Canada. The plant will begin production in 2008, with an annual capacity of approximately 200,000 four-cylinder engines for supply to HCM-built vehicles. Investment in the facility will total $140 million with new employment of 340 associates.
Concurrent with the expansion of engine production in North America, Honda will continue to increase local production of powertrain components, including transmissions. Key areas of expansion are as follows:
Honda of America Mfg. will invest $75 million in the Anna Engine Plant (AEP) in Anna, Ohio, to increase the number and types of engine parts it produces in Ohio, including engine components currently supplied by plants in Japan. This expansion will include the creation of approximately 40 new jobs and construction of a new building on the same site as AEP. Production of the new components is targeted to begin in 2008.
Beginning in 2008, the Anna Engine Plant will also supply engine components for the new engine plant in Ontario, Canada, and complete engines for the new U.S. automobile plant.
As previously announced, May 12, 2006, further localization activities will be pursued in the area of transmission production. Honda Precision Parts of Georgia (HPPG) will further expand its capabilities by adding casting and machining of transmission cases and other in-house operations to its current capabilities. HPPG began assembly of automatic transmissions for the Honda Pilot and Odyssey, May 1, 2006. This expansion represents a new investment of $50 million and hiring of 40 new associates (to reach $150 million and 440 associates at full capacity).
As previously announced, Honda Transmission Manufacturing of America (HTM) in Russells Point, Ohio, is now completing a $100 million expansion for production of primary transmission gears. Further, in July 2006, HTM will begin production of high precision gears.
"2010 Vision" - Commitment for the Future (Environmental Initiatives)
In conjunction with plans to grow its operations through 2010, Honda will seek to further reduce the environmental footprint of its products and production activities. Honda has long been committed to reducing the environmental impact of its products and operations through increased fuel efficiency, development of advanced environmental technologies, reduction of harmful emissions and elimination of waste. In accordance with this effort, the company will undertake the following activities:
On a global basis, Honda will introduce an all-new, more affordable, dedicated hybrid car to be launched in North America in 2009. This new hybrid vehicle, to be produced at Honda's Suzuka plant in Japan, will have an annual North American sales volume target of 100,000 units (200,000 units worldwide) and a target price significantly lower than the current Civic Hybrid.
Based on its highly successful direct injection diesel engine technology, currently offered in Europe, Honda will introduce in the U.S. and Canada within three years a new 4-cylinder diesel engine that meets the U.S. EPA's stringent Tier 2 BIN 5 emissions standards.
In addition to new vehicle introductions, Honda will seek to achieve top-level fuel economy for existing models with the aim of improving Honda's already industry-leading Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) by five percent in 2010, from its 29.2 mpg 2005 model year CAFE rating for passenger cars and light trucks. This effort will include new products and technologies and the previously announced commitment to introduce within the next two years a more advanced version of Honda's four-cylinder i-VTEC(TM) technology with up to a 13 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over 2005 levels, and a more advanced Variable Cylinder Management(TM) (VCM) technology for six-cylinder engines with up to an 11 percent improvement in fuel efficiency versus the current VCM system in the Honda Odyssey minivan and Honda Pilot sport utility vehicle.
Honda began operations in the U.S. in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Honda began U.S. production operations in 1979. Prior to today's announcement, Honda had invested more than $8.5 billion in its North American operations with 13 major manufacturing plants, employment of more than 33,000 associates and the annual purchase of more than $16 billion in parts and materials from suppliers in North America. Nearly 8 of 10 Honda and Acura cars and light trucks sold in America are produced in North America.
http://www.hondanews.com/secured/*asc_14558.asc?14558
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