Honda to Launch Next Generation Advanced Powertrain Vehicles by 2018, Honda FCV Concept Makes North American Debut | Maita Honda

• New battery-electric vehicle and new plug-in hybrid model by 2018 and further application of two- and three-motor hybrid systems, to join Honda's U.S. lineup enabling Honda to continue to be a strong competitor in the alternative-fuels vehicle market
• Together, these vehicles will offer significant volume enabling Honda to bring ultra-low carbon transportation to consumers in the U.S.
• Honda FCV Concept demonstrates the styling evolution of the next-generation Honda fuel-cell vehicle, launching in 2016
• New VTEC® Turbo engines to be built in Ohio, will launch in 2015

The Honda FCV Concept makes its North American debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show with U.S. availability of the production vehicle in 2016. In an effort to ensure Honda's environmental vehicles remain strong competitors and provide a new sales-volume pillar, the company will offer several next-generation, advanced powertrain vehicles, including a new battery-electric model and plug-in hybrid model by 2018. Additionally, the company plans further application of its two- and three-motor hybrid systems in the years to come. Together, these vehicles will offer significant volume enabling Honda to bring ultra-low carbon transportation to consumers in the U.S. Honda also announced plans to introduce new VTEC® Turbo engines to be built in Ohio and debut later in 2015.

 Honda FCV Concept
The Honda FCV Concept showcases the styling evolution of Honda's next fuel-cell vehicle, anticipated to launch in the U.S. following its March 2016 introduction in Japan. The new Honda fuel-cell car will feature a spacious cabin with seating for five-passengers, a driving range estimated to be in excess of 300 miles, and an anticipated refueling time of approximately 3 minutes at a pressure of 70 MPa. Its fuel cell stack, which fits entirely within under the hood, is 33 percent smaller with a 60 percent increase in power density compared to the outgoing Honda FCX Clarity.

As the next progression in Honda's dynamic FCV styling, the Honda FCV Concept features a low, wide aerodynamic body with clean character lines. The interior strives to achieve harmony between man and machine by taking advantage of new powertrain packaging efficiencies delivering even greater passenger space than its predecessor, the 4-passenger Honda FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle. The Honda FCV Concept made its world debut in Japan on Nov. 17, 2014, followed by an announcement at the Los Angeles Auto Show that Honda will provide FirstElement Fuel with $13.8 million in financial assistance to build additional hydrogen refueling stations throughout the state of California in an effort to support the wider introduction of fuel-cell vehicles.

Next-Generation Advanced Powertrain VehicleIn addition to the all-new fuel-cell vehicle, by 2018 Honda will introduce several next-generation advanced powertrain vehicles that will leverage new Honda Earth Dreams™ Technology powertrains. These next-generation vehicles will build on Honda's longstanding portfolio approach to advancing ultra-low carbon technologies for mobility and will include:

• An all-new Honda plug-in hybrid model (PHEV);
• An all-new Honda battery-electric vehicle (BEV); and
• Further application of our two- and three-motor hybrid systems to contribute to significant sales volume growth for Honda's U.S. hybrid vehicle lineup.

New VTEC® Turbo Engines
Before the end of the year, Honda will begin to introduce our new 4-cylinder VTEC® Turbo engines – an extension of its Earth Dreams™ Technology powertrain lineup – that will deliver fun-to-drive performance while supporting fuel efficiency at a very high level. Production of the new VTEC® Turbo engines will begin later this year at Honda's Anna, Ohio, engine plant, the largest automobile engine plant in Honda's global production network¹. Honda is investing $340 million at the Anna Engine Plant to produce the VTEC® Turbo 4-cylinder engines using domestic and globally sourced parts, including the addition of a third assembly line for production of 4-cylinder engines and additional manufacturing innovations.

Honda Environmental Leadership
Based on its vision of "Blue Skies for our Children," Honda is taking a portfolio approach to reducing the environmental impact of its products, advancing fuel efficiency, low emissions and fun-to-drive performance with new powertrain technologies from its Earth Dreams Technology™ lineup, which includes more fuel-efficient engines and transmissions and advanced electromotive technologies. Honda's alternative-fuel vehicle lineup includes the Fit EV, Civic Hybrid, Civic Natural Gas, the CR-Z sport hybrid coupe and the Accord Hybrid.

2015 Honda Accord Hybrid Review | Maita Honda

The 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid ranks 2 out of 19 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of published reviews and test drives of the Honda Accord Hybrid, as well as reliability and safety data.

The 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid is ranked:

• ^#2in Affordable Midsize Cars
• ^#1in Hybrid Cars

The 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid wows critics with its responsive powertrain, exceptional fuel economy and spacious, high-quality interior.

Reviewers say the 2015 Accord Hybrid is quick for a hybrid midsize car, and that its four-cylinder engine and electric motor produce ample power from a stop. The Accord Hybrid’s automatic transmission also earns praise for making the most of the available power. According to the EPA, the Honda Accord Hybrid gets 50/45 mpg city/highway, which is excellent for a hybrid car. Test drivers report that the Accord Hybrid has a comfortable ride, and some write that it handles with more poise than you’d expect from an affordable midsize car. Many critics say that the Accord Hybrid’s steering is accurate and well-weighted, though others write that it could provide a bit more road feel.

Auto writers agree that the 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid has a roomy and attractive cabin that’s solidly constructed with premium materials. Most appreciate the Accord Hybrid’s excellent outward visibility and remarkably spacious back seat, but some remark that the driver’s seat could be a bit more comfortable. The Accord Hybrid offers a competitive amount of trunk space for the class, but test drivers point out that a folding rear seat is not available, which limits your ability to expand the Accord Hybrid’s cargo space for bulkier items. Critics are pleased with the Accord Hybrid’s standard infotainment display, saying it provides useful details about audio and phone selections. However, some complain that the touch screen that comes standard on higher trims replaces more straightforward conventional buttons. The 2015 Accord Hybrid’s standard features include Bluetooth, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, a USB input, an 8-inch infotainment screen, Pandora Internet radio compatibility, hands-free text messaging and a passenger side blind spot camera. Available features include a sunroof, satellite radio, a 6-inch touch-screen display with HondaLink smartphone app integration, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, navigation and adaptive cruise control.

• "With the 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid, you give up virtually nothing in return for its outstanding fuel economy rating of 47 mpg. The Accord Hybrid doesn't even cost that much more than the gasoline-only model." -- Edmunds 
• "A Honda Accord Hybrid makes so much sense, you might be surprised to learn that there isn't already one on the market." -- Jean Knows Cars (2014)
• "Honda, which had fallen behind other carmakers with its hybrid models, seems to have put the right ingredients together this time, creating a high-tech sedan that comes loaded with creature comforts, safety features and an impressive drivetrain." -- Motor Trend (2014)