Honda Archives

Honda to withdraw from Formula 1 after 2021 season

Honda has announced that it will not participate in the Formula One World Championship as a power unit supplier after the 2021 season ends. The carmaker, which was the first Japanese manufacturer to participate in Formula 1 in the 1960s and a regular name in the decades that followed, made the decision in order to concentrate corporate resources on research and development of new power units and energy technologies.

Why Honda is stopping
“At this time, Honda made a decision to further accelerate such initiatives and strive for the realization of carbon neutrality by 2050, in order to realize a sustainable society. To this end, our current goal of electrifying two-thirds of our global automobile unit sales in 2030 will become a checkpoint we must pass before we get to the 2050 goal, and therefore we must further accelerate the introduction of our carbon-free technologies,” said Takahiro Hachigo, President, Representative Director and CEO of Honda Motor Co.

“For the future realization of carbon neutrality, as a part of this change, we decided to allocate our energy management and fuel technologies as well as our human resources amassed through F1 activities to research and development of advanced power unit and energy technologies. Under such an enhanced R&D system and capability, Honda will focus on the creation of advanced power unit and energy technologies and the realization of carbon neutrality in the future,” he explained.

Racing is in Honda’s DNA
Declaring that ‘racing is in Honda’s DNA’, Mr. Hachigo said that the company will continue to be passionate about taking on challenges and striving to become No. 1 in all categories of racing in which Honda participates.

“Ever since our founding, Honda has been advancing its technologies, developing its engineers and nurturing its strong passion for victory through challenges we have taken in motorsports,” he said. “We still have 7 more races this season, and we are introducing a new power unit with improved performance for the next season. In order to fulfil expectations our fans place on Honda, we will work together with Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri to continue competing with our utmost effort and strive for more victories all the way to the end.”

Honda had resumed its involvement in F1 in 2015 after a 9-year absence, but it did not enjoy the sort of great successes as it did in earlier years. In 2019, it scored three wins last season and has had two wins so far in the 2020 season. The victory of Scuderia AlphaTauri at this year’s Italian Grand Prix was the first time a power unit manufacturer had won with two different teams since the start of Formula One’s hybrid era in 2014.

Commenting on the announcement, Red Bull Racing’s Team Principal, Christian Horner, said: “As a team, we understand how difficult it has been for Honda Motor Company to reach the decision to step back from Formula One at the end of the 2021 season. The shifting focus within the automotive industry has led to Honda’s decision to re-deploy their resources and we understand and respect the reasoning behind this. Their decision presents obvious challenges for us as a team, but we have been here before and with our strength in depth, we are well prepared and equipped to respond effectively, as we have proven in the past.”

“Scuderia AlphaTauri and Honda have built up a very good and professional relationship since we started to cooperate in 2018,” said Team Principal, Franz Tost. “We enjoyed great success together in the last few years, winning a race and finishing on the podium twice, with one second and one third place. It’s unfortunate that Honda has decided to stop their commitment in Formula One, because their Power Unit’s performance has been improving constantly and dramatically to become one of the best engines on the grid in a short period of time, since they returned to the sport.”

Malaysian Army chooses Honda Civic for Military Police duties

Following the supply of Honda Civic to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) fleet, Honda Malaysia has announced that it has also delivered 40 units of the same model to the Malaysian Army.

This is the first time that the Malaysian armed forces are known to officially use a Honda model and the cars will be used for law enforcement and policing duties by the Royal Military Police Corps. The Civic variant delivered to the Malaysian Army has a 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine which produces 141 ps/174 Nm. Army personnel using them will benefit from the 5-star safety rating by ASEAN NCAP.

“Previously, the Royal Malaysian Police had also chosen the best-selling C-segment as their new mobile patrol vehicles and we are currently delivering more than 1,000 units of the Civic 1.8S to them to be used for their enforcement duties. Honda Malaysia is proud that the Civic has once again been selected as our frontliners’ vehicle of choice. The Civic will be used by the Royal Military Police Corps for enforcement duties and it is our hope that the ideal model selected will complement and assist the Royal Military Police Corps in their daily commute for their assigned tasks,” said the Managing Director & CEO of Honda Malaysia, Toichi Ishiyama.

The Civic, which has been sold in Malaysia since its first generation was introduced in the mid-1970s, has been one of the more popular models of the brand in the market over the years. It has been assembled in Malaysia from the first generation, initially at Oriental Assemblers in Johor and then, from 2003, at Honda’s own plant in Melaka.

The Civic originally began as a compact entry-level hatchback model but evolved over the years into a larger and more sophisticated sedan. The latest generation is the tenth and has Honda’s Next Generation Advanced Safety Technology.

Since being launched in February 2020, more than 5,000 units of the updated 2020 Civic have been sold according to Honda Malaysia. The company also states that it is No.1 in the C-segment with a 78% market share as of July 2020. It is currently the second best-selling Honda model in Malaysia with prices starting from RM109,326.

To know more about the Honda range of models available in Malaysia, visit www.honda.com.my.

Honda Malaysia gifts a Civic Type R to King for use as escort car

Toyota and Honda jointly develop a mobile power station

Toyota and Honda may be rivals in the marketplace, battling for sales and market share. However, when it comes to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), it’s a different matter and where appropriate, they can work together for the good of communities.

During the magnitude 9 earthquake followed by a tsunami in northeastern Japan in 2011, it was found that power outages were a serious matter that affected rescue operations. That’s to be expected when the power supply network is damaged and repairs take a while. To address this issue, Toyota and Honda will bring technologies together to create a mobile power generation/output system.

Mobile power stations
For some time, carmakers have to considered drawing electricity from the big battery packs in their hybrid and electric vehicles, both of which are made by Toyota and Honda. These would become mobile power stations which could supply electricity for emergency use when necessary.

Now Toyota and Honda have jointly developed a system for a mobile and safe power supply. The system incorporates the ‘Moving e’, a fuel-cell bus developed by Toyota using the FC Bus as a basis. In the first step, the versatile application possibilities of the system will be demonstrated in tests starting this month.

CHARGING STATION
The Moving e mobile power generation/output system will consist of Toyota’s CHARGING STATION fuel cell bus with Honda’s Power Exporter 9000 portable external power output device. The CHARGING STATION loaded with all equipment will be driven to the place and the Moving e will supply electricity in actual locations.

More specifically, portable external power output devices and portable batteries will be used to take electricity out of the fuel cell bus, which serves as a power source, and feed electricity to electrical appliances. The CHARGING STATION features a high-output and large-capacity power generation capacity (generates 454 kWh with maximum output of 18 kW).

The Moving e can also be used for routine applications such as large events. As a mobile charging station, the bus drives directly to the place of use. However, it is limited to a radius of about 100 kms from a hydrogen filling station.

Rest area
Furthermore, featuring a space where people can take a nap, the CHARGING STATION can serve not only as a means of transportation but also as a place for people to rest in times of a disaster.

External power delivery devices and portable batteries can be charged with the energy from the fuel-cell via the charging station integrated on the back of the bus. In this way, the selective energy supply can be ensured after the breakdown of a power grid.

Countdown starts to all-new 5th generation Honda City launch

The countdown has started for the launch of the all-new Honda City in Malaysia with bookings being accepted by 101 authorised dealerships nationwide from today. The Malaysian launch, to take place during the fourth quarter of 2020, will also be the global debut of the City RS intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD).

Preview before launch
Before the launch, the public can get a glimpse of it at various locations in Peninsular Malaysia (click here for the list of venues). Honda Malaysia will also offer ‘early bird’ buyers with a RM1,000 Service Voucher under the All-New City Special Early Booking Programme. And although the price is not announced yet, the new car will have full 10% sales tax exemption until the end of 2020.

This will be the fifth generation of the model which began as Honda’s ‘Asian Car’ in the mid-1990s (there was an earlier City in the 1980s but it was a different concept). The new generation made its global debut in Thailand in November last year.

*New LED headlights have a more advanced appearance than the ones in the previous generation (below).*

The City RS will have LED Headlights (RS and V variants) with LED Daytime Running Lights as well as new LED taillight clusters. New Black door mirrors on the RS create a two-tone expression of the body colour. There are also 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels with the RS & V variants finished in a dual tone. The circumference of the wheels gives the impression of being rim-less, making the wheels look larger and complementing the larger appearance of the car.

Honda Malaysia has revealed that there will be four variants of the new City which will be assembled at its factory in Melaka. Commenting on the model, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama, said: “The City has proven to be an important model for Honda Malaysia, a favourite among many Malaysians for its spaciousness, practicality and safety features. Since its introduction to the Malaysian market in 2001, the model has an accumulated total sales of 351,000 units with the most sought-after 4th Generation City which was launched in 2014 contributing more than 205,000 units and upholding its No.1 position in the B-segment.”

Mr. Ishiyama added that the launch of the City RS with a new powertrain in Malaysia is ahead of other countries. “We believe that this new model will excite the market with its advanced styling and engineering as Honda continues to lead the way in pioneering benchmarks and introducing Next Generation Advanced Technology that is ahead of its time,” he said.

4 variants with sporty RS as well
In the Honda line-up, RS is conceptualised as ‘Road Sailing’, where one can imagine driving far away and sailing along the road with an uncompromising driving performance. ‘RS’ is also associated with sporty and stylish appeal Honda variants and with the new City RS, Honda Malaysia expects it to be a class leader.

*The City will once again be a game-changer with its new 253 Nm powertrain.*

i-MMD powertrain
The new i-MMD powertrain, globally known as ‘e:HEV’, spearheads Honda’s Next Generation Hybrid Technology to realize outstanding environmental performance without compromising driving enjoyment. It provides high efficiency electrification combined with direct and smooth response.

The i-MMD powertrain was previously only available in Honda’s line-up of large class models. To offer the advanced technology across all other Honda models, the engineers at Honda R&D have adapted a more compact and efficient i-MMD system to a smaller-sized vehicle. the powertrain is said to deliver a best-in-class maximum torque rating of 253 Nm which is comparable to a bigger D-segment model or a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine.

Customers also have the option of choosing a new 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC powertrain which is the newest engine in its segment.

The new City will have Honda LaneWatch to monitor the blind spot on the car’s left side. However, the camera installation appears to be different from the one’s on other Honda models (below).

Honda LaneWatch comes to the City
With the new City, Honda Malaysia is going further with safety equipment and it will have a couple of B-segment firsts. One of them is Honda LaneWatch, a camera-based system which monitors the blind spot on the left side and shows the image on the dashboard display. This feature is already available in the Accord, CR-V and Civic and now comes to the City.

Replacing the traditional handbrake lever, there is a new first-in-segment Electric Parking Brake which makes handbrake operation a lot easier. Little effort is needed to lift the small tab which can be done with one finger. It also frees up more space on the centre console for other purposes.

Revised Price List for Honda Models, effective from today till December 31, 2020

Honda Malaysia reports good demand for latest BR-V

If the 1,400 bookings for the Honda BR-V that Honda Malaysia has collected within a month of its launch are any indication, Malaysians are not entirely turned off buying new cars. The exemption of sales tax (till the end of 2020) must also be acting as an incentive as there are savings too. For Peninsular Malaysia, prices without insurance range from RM86,726 to RM93,696, depending on the variant and colour choice.

According to Honda Malaysia, over 32,600 units of the BR-V, a 7-seater, have been sold since it entered the Malaysian market in 2017. It was an entirely new model which fit into the slot left by the Freed as a family-carrier.

Of the 1,400 bookings, 42% are from the Central region and over 85% are for the V variant, one of the two variants available. More than 24% of the buyers have specified Modern Steel Metallic, one of the 5 colour choices available. So if you want your BR-V a bit faster, pick another colour or better still, just tell the sales representative you will take any colour although you do have to pay extra for the White Orchid Pearl finish.

Honda BR-V colours — *Almost a quarter of bookings are for the BR-V in Lunar Silver Metallic.*

The latest BR-V has received cosmetic updates, typical for a model that is halfway through its cycle. New items include 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and a Shark Fin antenna.

It maintains the 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC 120 ps/145 Nm engine coupled with a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). For the V variant, there are also paddle shifters on the steering wheel to allow manual selection of gears when desired.

In spite of having space for 7 persons, the BR-V also has a lot of cargo space – up to 223 litres, which can be expanded to 539 litres when the third-row seats are folded down. The seating can be folded to create various configurations to suit different needs so it can be used to send the kids to school and then transport plants back from the nursery or furniture from IKEA.

For more information on the BR-V or other Honda models, visit www.honda.com.my. Test-drives are also available at all authorised Honda showrooms nationwide.

Revised Price List for Honda Models, effective from today till December 31, 2020

Over 55,000 Honda vehicles assembled in Malaysia recalled for fuel pump replacement

55,354 units of Honda vehicles assembled in Malaysia in 2018 and 2019 are being recalled to replace a fuel pump. This move follows a global action by Honda in many other countries.

It is understood that the fuel pump in affected vehicles may contain faulty impellers. The fault may, in some cases, cause the fuel pump to get stuck and unable to provide fuel, resulting in the engine not starting or stalling while driving.

According to Honda Malaysia, no injuries or accidents have occurred due to fuel pump issues and the replacement is a precautionary measure. The models affected are shown on the chart below:

In a statement issued today, Honda Malaysia apologises for the inconvenience caused to the affected customers and reassures that all its models produced in 2020 are not affected in this product recall.

Owners of affected vehicles will be informed via notification letters which will include details of the product recall. The company urges owners to contact any Honda authorized dealer to make an appointment upon receipt of notification to replace the fuel pump (subject to parts availability). The replacement of the fuel pump and all related costs will be free of charge.

Honda HR-V Hybrid — *The recall includes the hybrid models as well (HR-V Hybrid pictured).*

As the Honda Toll Free number is undergoing technical maintenance, owners can obtain more information on this product recall by contacting any Honda authorized dealer or log on to www.honda.com.my to check their vehicle status.

In the event that you are not the original owner of the vehicle, your contact details may not be available to Honda Malaysia and you might not receive a notification letter. If you believe your vehicle is also among the affected units, you can contact a Honda authorised dealer for assistance to check on the matter.

Revised Price List for Honda Models, effective from today till December 31, 2020

2020 Honda prices x sales tax — *Note: For private registration in Peninsular Malaysia, excluding insurance premiums.*

2020 Honda Accord — *With 10% Sales Tax excluded, the latest Accord is up to RM8,545 cheaper and the price will last till the end of 2020.*

To locate a showroom to view, test-drive or purchase a model, visit www.honda.com.my.

Covid-19 — **Fighting COVID-19 is our joint responsibility. Protect yourself and others: make these 6 simple precautions your new habits.**

2020 Honda HR-V RS gets additional interior colour theme

Seems like with the industry resuming business, the car companies are trying to quickly make up for the lost months and deferred product introductions. After recently starting deliveries of the updated Honda BR-V, Honda Malaysia has now also announced an update for the RS version of the popular HR-V crossover SUV.

Second choice for interior colour
The update is a new interior colour – a classy dark brown leather which customers can choose as an alternative to the existing black leather theme. The dark brown leather materials are fitted to the centre console, front panel, driver and passenger seats (front and rear) as well as door panel lining.

No change in price
The price remains as RM124,800 (without insurance). Colour options are Passion Red Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic and White Orchid Pearl.

Launched in 2015, there are more than 91,000 units of the HR-V on Malaysian roads. Right from the start, it was a hit as it arrived at the right time when the SUV market boom was accelerating. The facelifted HR-V which was introduced in January 2019 has sold more than 19,000 units with the RS variant contributing 21% to the total.

The HR-V RS is powered by a 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine and uses an Earth Dreams Technology Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). Functional features include a 7-inch display screen for the infotainment system, paddle shifters and the very useful LaneWatch system which provides a real-time view of the blindspot on the left side of the vehicle.

“The HR-V RS received overwhelming response from the market since we introduced it in early 2019. Then, based on customers’ feedback for an enhanced touch of sophistication, we introduced the stylish black leather interior for the HR-V RS. We are delighted to provide yet another selection of interior styling to suit the differing personalities of our discerning customers – the new classy dark brown leather interior. We are committed to continuously improve our product offerings as we listen to customers’ feedback and market demand,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.

Safe practices implemented at all authorised Honda dealerships for customers’ peace of mind

Racing in F1 helped Honda develop advanced hybrid technology

Carmakers may spend a lot of money on racing activities but in many cases, such activities also support R&D for the company to develop new technologies for future models. Honda has been on such company and even in the 1960s, before it was established as a serious carmaker, it was already in Formula 1, the first Japanese company to do so.

Honda’s founder believed that the experience of working in a racing team was invaluable for the engineers. They had to find solutions to problems very quickly and in the high-pressured environment of motorsports. The benefits were understood, and Honda made sure that it remained active in motorsports, with many technologies flowing to production models.

Honda in F1 — *In the 1960s, Honda was the first Japanese manufacturer to race in F1 and its engineers benefitted from the experience of working in the high-pressured environment.*

The latest Jazz is an example of advanced Honda hybrid innovation transferring from the racetrack to the road. Using engineering expertise from its motorsport team, Honda is drawing knowledge from its Formula 1 Hybrid Power Unit (PU) programme to improve the energy efficiency of the brand’s e:HEV hybrid system.

The latest Honda Formula 1 Hybrid Power Unit, named RA620H, uses a highly efficient 1600 cc 6-cylinder internal combustion engine, combined with an Energy Recovery System. The advanced hybrid electrical systems ingeniously recycle energy produced by the brakes and exhaust gases to generate extra boost power for acceleration and to reduce turbo lag.

Last season, Honda’s Hybrid Power Unit helped its partner teams, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso (now known as Scuderia AlphaTauri), achieve a total of 3 race wins and 6 podium places.

Honda e-HEV Hybrid — *Honda’s partner teams in F1 are Scuderia AlphaTauri (formerly Scuderia Toro Rosso) and Aston Martin Red Bull Racing.*

During races, Honda Formula 1 engineers are constantly assessing and changing the ratio of energy recovered and deployed by the hybrid system to deliver optimum performance. The expertise they have developed in running hybrid power units at optimum efficiency and power output inspires Honda’s range of advanced e:HEV powertrains in its passenger cars.

The beneficiary of this technology is the Jazz. Its e:HEV hybrid system recycles energy and harnesses it to charge the battery and support engine output, for strong performance, seamless switching between drive modes and maximum efficiency.

“During a Formula 1 race weekend, teams have to manage very carefully how much fuel they use to comply with the sport’s regulations. In a race, we can divide the total fuel allowance over the number of laps, but there are going to be situations where a team might wish to use more fuel in order to get higher performance and in other parts of the race they will want to save fuel for later, while behind a safety car for example,” explained Yasuaki Asaki, Head of PU Development.

“In a race, the communication between the race engineer and the driver is key to achieving that best balance. However, in our road-going e:HEV hybrids, we apply our expertise to ensure the Powertrain control units deliver the best possible power to efficiency ratio for the driver, in any required driving mode,” he said.

The e:HEV system (shown above) is newly developed for Jazz consists of two compact, powerful electric motors connected to a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine; a lithium-ion battery; and an innovative fixed-gear transmission via an intelligent power control unit.

To deliver a rewarding driving experience and exceptional efficiency, the e:HEV hybrid set-up seamlessly selects from three interchangeable drive modes:

EV Drive: the lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electric propulsion motor directly.

Hybrid Drive: the engine supplies power to the electric generator motor, which in turn supplies it to the electric propulsion motor.

Engine Drive: the petrol engine is connected directly to the wheels via a lock-up clutch and drive force is transmitted directly from engine to the wheels.

In most urban driving situations, optimum efficiency is achieved through seamless transitions between EV Drive and Hybrid Drive. At highway speeds, Engine Drive is used, supplemented by an on-demand peak power ‘boost’ from the electric propulsion motor for fast acceleration. In Hybrid Drive, excess power from the petrol engine can also be diverted to recharge the battery via the generator motor. EV Drive is also engaged when the car is decelerating, harvesting energy through regenerative braking to recharge the battery.

Rather than using a conventional transmission, the Jazz is equipped with a newly-developed Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) with a single fixed-gear ratio to create a direct connection between moving components. This transfers torque with a linear feel during acceleration across all drive modes.

Honda Origins – the manga version of Honda’s history

War on COVID-19: Honda modifies Odyssey to protect crew when transporting COVID-19 patients

The war against the COVID-19 coronavirus is a global one as 196 out of 197 countries have cases. Besides government efforts, individuals, various types of organisations and companies are also contributing in various ways. Where the auto industry is concerned, R&D capabilities and mass production facilities have been used to make much-needed Personal Protection Equipment.

Some carmakers have also looked at how they can make their vehicles safer for healthcare workers to travel in. Unlike making conventional ambulances which would usually transport patients without infections, the ones used to transport people potentially infected with COVID-19 must be designed to protect the healthcare workers and also the driver and other crew.

In America, Honda has made modifications and installed additional items in 10 units of the Odyssey MPV for use by the City of Detroit. To protect the health of the driver from the potential for droplet infection during transportation, the MPVs have been fitted with a plastic barrier installed behind the front seating area. Modifications have been made to the ventilation system to maintain an air pressure differential between the front and rear seating areas.

Honda Odyssey COVID-19 transporter — *Installing the clear polycarbonate barrier to isolate the rear compartment from the front*

The MPVs were configured by a team of volunteers at Honda’s R&D centre in the state of Ohio. Senior engineers and fabrication experts quickly conceived and designed a method to modify the Odyssey at the company’s vehicle development centre where it was originally developed. They took less than two weeks from initial concept to completion.

All material fabrication and installation, and adjustments to the software for the Odyssey’s ventilation system, was done entirely in-house. The software controlling the ventilation system was tuned to assure the air pressure to create an environment inside the cabin like the negative pressure rooms in medical and research facilities.

Specifically, the software has been tuned to run the blower motor powering the fans in the front seating area faster than the fans for the rear seating area. The resulting air pressure differential creates a more negative pressure chamber in the rear seating area, with rear compartment air exhausted out the vents in the rear of the vehicle. This would greatly reduce the potential for droplet infection migration during transportation.

War on COVID-19: Mercedes-Benz converts bus specially for transporting patients

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Honda

Honda to withdraw from Formula 1 after 2021 season

Malaysian Army chooses Honda Civic for Military Police duties

Toyota and Honda jointly develop a mobile power station

Countdown starts to all-new 5th generation Honda City launch

Honda Malaysia reports good demand for latest BR-V

Over 55,000 Honda vehicles assembled in Malaysia recalled for fuel pump replacement

Revised Price List for Honda Models, effective from today till December 31, 2020

2020 Honda HR-V RS gets additional interior colour theme

Racing in F1 helped Honda develop advanced hybrid technology

War on COVID-19: Honda modifies Odyssey to protect crew when transporting COVID-19 patients

Honda to withdraw from Formula 1 after 2021 season

Malaysian Army chooses Honda Civic for Military Police duties

Toyota and Honda jointly develop a mobile power station

Countdown starts to all-new 5th generation Honda City launch

Honda Malaysia reports good demand for latest BR-V

Over 55,000 Honda vehicles assembled in Malaysia recalled for fuel pump replacement

Revised Price List for Honda Models, effective from today till December 31, 2020

2020 Honda HR-V RS gets additional interior colour theme

Racing in F1 helped Honda develop advanced hybrid technology

War on COVID-19: Honda modifies Odyssey to protect crew when transporting COVID-19 patients

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