Honda Environmental Technology Advances with Honda Accord Hybrid and Honda Fuel Cell Stack

Employing Variable Cylinder Management technology (VCM), Honda Accord Hybrid is the first hybrid vehicle to deactivate three of its engine's six cylinders in certain conditions like highway cruising for greater fuel efficiency without affecting its performance.

The new 2005 V6 Accord Hybrid integrates the fuel economy of a four cylinder compact Civic and high-level performance.
Combining VCM with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist hybrid technology, Honda Insight and Civic Hybrid captured four of the top five slots in the EPA 2004 fuel economy ratings. In 2005, Honda-developed fuel cell stack featuring increased performance and fuel efficiency, reduced cost and the capability to start in below freezing temperatures.

Leading the pioneering efforts for the development and application of leading edge environmental technologies including the first Low Emissions (LEV) and Ultra-Low Emissions (ULEV) vehicles and the first commercially certified fuel cell vehicle, Honda now again has proven its innovative ideas.

FCX fuel vehicle powered by the Honda FC stack is the realization of Honda's long held effort of hydrogen-powered vehicles. The Honda FCX then on its launching will be the first and only fuel cell vehicle certified by the EPA and California Air Resources Board for regular commercial use.

Starting and operating a vehicle in cold weather and freezing temperatures is a daunting technical barrier to the mass-market application of fuel cell technology. Honda's answer to this problem is the Fuel Cell stack with its newly developed electrolyte membranes and stamped metal separator structure for improved efficiency, recycle ability, and operation over a greater range of temperatures.

Prior to the FC stack's introduction in the Honda FCX, public road evaluations in the U.S and Japan is on going.

By Jenny McLane.

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Honda Minivan Now Accessible For Wheelchair-Bound Passengers

The very first Honda minivan that can now be accessed easily by wheelchair-bound people is now on sale. This is according to an announcement given out by VMI. The minivan is the Honda Odyssey and it was Northstar who did the conversion.

The new Honda Odyssey has been specifically redesigned by Northstar. According to the latter, they made sure that everything with regards to the Honda Odyssey was changed so as to suit and keep the accessing of wheelchair users easier. Even the design, validation processes, and engineering were completely looked over. Perhaps only the exterior auto parts Honda seemed to be those that were not changed. Northstar also does say that this project of theirs is actually the latest in their list of lowered floor side entry minivan conversion.

So far, the Honda Odyssey has been recognized through various awards from automotive groups and organizations. The list of recognition does include the Best Overall Van Value of the Year from IntelliChoice and the Best Overall Minivan of the Year from the same group.

Doug Eaton is the president and chief executive officer of VMI (the company that would be selling the new version of the Honda Odyssey) and he says, “Honda is a recognized leader in the automotive industry in quality, resale value, and ride and handling. The Odyssey is the benchmark of product quality in the minivan segment and it strengthens our product lineup. We believe that accessibility of the Odyssey will achieve the level of performance that demanding Honda customers expect.”

As per Honda’s end, this new version of the Honda Odyssey is going to be a great achievement for them. John Watts does say, “The agreement between Honda and VMI extends the reach of Honda, making Honda derived vehicles more accessible to more customers than ever before. Honda is a mobility company at its core, and offering wheelchair accessibility is consistent with our philosophy.” Watts is the product planning manager for the company.

If you are going to take a look at this new Honda Odyssey, you would most certainly find more room in the interior. Also, the floor has been lowered eleven inches to give those in wheelchairs a better view and a better handling.

By Sarah McBride.