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Honda

Honda has unveiled its “Honda 0 Series,” a forthcoming global electric vehicle (EV) series scheduled to debut in 2026. The series will kick off with two concept models, the Saloon and Space-Hub, showcased at CES 2024. These concept models provide a glimpse into Honda’s new design and engineering approach, emphasising thin, light, and wise principles, aimed at overcoming traditional constraints in battery electric vehicles.

Saloon

The Saloon, positioned as the flagship model, is built on a dedicated EV platform, featuring a low and wide exterior design complemented by a surprisingly spacious interior. Sustainability is at the forefront, with the use of eco-friendly materials both inside and outside the vehicle. The Saloon introduces advancements in steer-by-wire and motion control management systems, leveraging Honda’s expertise in robotics. Notably, it incorporates posture control to assist drivers in various situations, aligning with the “joy of driving” in the EV era. Honda plans to bring a production vehicle based on the Saloon concept to the North American market in 2026.

The Space-Hub, designed around the theme of “augmenting people’s daily lives,” prioritises a spacious cabin and excellent visibility. Following the “Thin, Light, and Wise” development approach, the Space-Hub offers a versatile interior that can accommodate various passengers, functioning as a “hub” connecting people and the external environment.

Space-Hub

Honda has introduced a new H mark logo exclusively for its next-generation EV models. This logo, representing two outstretched hands, signifies Honda’s commitment to transformation and ongoing pursuit of challenges and advancements. The logo will be featured on future Honda EVs, including models from the Honda 0 Series.

The Honda 0 Series embodies a fresh approach to EV development, guided by three core principles: Thin, Light, and Wise. These principles aim to challenge conventional limitations in battery electric vehicles and build upon Honda’s long-standing engineering philosophies, such as “M/M” (man maximum/machine minimum). Key aspects of the Honda 0 Series will include a dedicated thin EV platform for aerodynamic performance, software-defined mobility products for an intelligent user experience, advancements in design, automated driving, connected technologies, performance, and battery efficiency.

Space-Hub

The series will introduce a new design philosophy called “The Art of Resonance,” emphasising harmony among the environment, society, and users through sustainable materials and emotionally resonant design. Honda 0 Series models will feature an advanced driver-assistive system (ADAS) based on Honda SENSING Elite technologies, with plans to introduce the next generation of automated driving features in the late 2020s. The new AD system, developed around a “human-centric” safety concept, incorporates advanced AI, sensing, recognition, and driver monitoring technologies for human-like, natural, and high-precision risk predictions.

Saloon

Honda is also developing an original operating system for Honda 0 Series models, leveraging AI and driver data to learn user preferences and behaviours. The system will enhance the ownership experience by making suggestions and providing information about the surroundings, route guidance for the “last mile,” and continuous value addition based on user behaviour.

Space-Hub

The Honda 0 Series aims to deliver a sporty driving experience with electrification and performance technologies derived from Honda’s motorsports experience, including Formula 1 racing. The series will feature e-Axles for power and efficiency, advanced aerodynamic technologies, and a high-density battery offering ample range while minimising size. To address concerns about charging time and battery degradation, Honda 0 Series models launching in the late 2020s will offer fast-charging reduced to about 10-15 minutes from 15% to 80% battery capacity. Additionally, Honda aims to minimise battery degradation to less than 10% after 10 years of use through advanced battery system control technology.

Dua belas syarikat besar dari industri kenderaan, elektronik, dan cip komputer bergabung untuk membentuk kumpulan yang dikenali sebagai “Advanced SoC Research for Automotive” (ASRA). Kumpulan ini akan bekerja untuk menghasilkan cip komputer yang berkuasa, khususnya System on Chip (SoC), untuk kenderaan.

Syarikat-syarikat dalam ASRA termasuklah Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Denso, Panasonic Automotive Systems, Cadence Design Systems, MIRISE Technologies, Renesas Electronics, Socionext, dan Synopsys.

Kenderaan masa kini menggunakan kira-kira 1,000 cip komputer untuk pelbagai fungsi seperti pemanduan automatik dan sistem multimedia. ASRA, yang dipimpin oleh pembuat kenderaan, ingin menggabungkan pengetahuan syarikat-syarikat cip dan elektronik untuk membangunkan teknologi cip baru yang dipanggil “chiplet” untuk kenderaan.

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In a significant collaborative effort, twelve leading companies from the automotive, electrical component, and semiconductor sectors joined hands to establish the “Advanced SoC Research for Automotive” (ASRA) on December 1st. The primary goal of ASRA is to conduct research and development for high-performance digital semiconductors, specifically System on Chip (SoC), intended for use in automobiles.

Participating Companies:

  • Automotive Manufacturers: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Mazda Motor Corporation, Nissan Motor Corporation, SUBARU Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation
  • Electrical Component Manufacturers: Denso Corporation, Panasonic Automotive Systems Co., Ltd.
  • Semiconductor Companies: Cadence Design Systems, Japan, MIRISE Technologies Corporation, Renesas Electronics Corporation, Socionext Inc., Synopsys Japan

Given that modern automobiles utilise approximately 1,000 semiconductors, with varied applications, SoCs are particularly crucial for autonomous driving technology and multimedia systems. These applications demand cutting-edge semiconductor technology to achieve advanced computing power.

ASRA, with a focus on achieving high levels of safety and reliability required for automotive applications, will be spearheaded by automakers. The collaboration aims to leverage the combined technological and experiential knowledge of electrical components and semiconductor companies. The consortium plans to explore chiplet technology for SoCs, combining different semiconductor types.

Advantages of Chiplet Technology Include:

  1. Higher performance and multifunctionality
  2. Higher yield chips
  3. Timely commercialisation of SoCs tailored to end-user (automotive companies) requirements

 

ASRA has set ambitious goals, aiming to establish in-vehicle chiplet technology by 2028 and intends to install SoCs in mass-produced vehicles from 2030 onward. By capitalising on Japan’s technological capabilities and extensive experience in automotive, electrical components, and semiconductors, ASRA plans to collaborate with industry, government, and academia to position itself as a world-leading technology research group.

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A recent survey by a global consumer think tank placed Honda as one of the top five most reliable brands in the world. And among all the models under the Japanese marque’s wing, the CRV was hailed as one of the most practical on a global level.

There is no surprise there though as the CRV is one of the most popular Honda’s not only on Malaysian roads, but around the world as well.

The Honda CRV has been locally assembled since 2003 and close to 130,000 units have found a home. And with the launch of the sixth-generation model just around the corner, we think more homes will be welcoming the CRV.

We recently drove the new model prior to its highly anticipated local launch and can say that owners of the current model will not recognize the new CRV except for the badge. Nothing except its practicality has been carried over to the new model.

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1. Seorang jurucakap kerajaan Thailand mengumumkan bahawa pengeluar automotif Jepun akan melabur 150 bilion baht ($4.34 bilion atau RM20 billion) dalam tempoh lima tahun.

2. Ini menyokong peralihan Thailand ke pengeluaran kenderaan elektrik (EV).

3. Toyota Motor dan Honda Motor masing-masing akan melabur kira-kira 50 bilion baht, sementara Isuzu Motors akan melabur 30 bilion baht dan Mitsubishi Motors 20 bilion baht. Ini termasuk pengeluaran trak pikap elektrik.

4. Jurucakap kerajaan Thailand, Chai Wacharoke, menekankan bahawa pelaburan oleh pengeluar automotif Jepun ini selaris dengan strategi kerajaan Thailand untuk beralih dari kenderaan enjin petrol kepada EV.

5. Thailand, sebagai ekonomi kedua terbesar di Asia Tenggara, kini merupakan pengeluar dan pengeksport kereta terbesar di rantau ini.

6. Kerajaan Thailand berhasrat untuk mengubah suku pengeluaran tahunan kenderaannya ke kenderaan elektrik menjelang tahun 2030.

7. Untuk memudahkan peralihan ini, Thailand memperkenalkan insentif, termasuk potongan cukai dan subsidi, untuk menarik lebih banyak pelaburan dalam pengeluaran EV.

8. Keputusan pengeluar automotif Jepun ini berlaku pada masa yang sama dengan pengeluar kereta China, seperti BYD dan Great Wall Motor, yang telah berjanji untuk melabur sebanyak $1.44 bilion di Thailand, tertarik dengan strategi perniagaan yang menggalakkan.

9. Perdana Menteri Srettha baru-baru ini juga memperkenalkan kawasan perindustrian di Thailand kepada eksekutif daripada Tesla, menunjukkan hasrat negara ini untuk menarik pelaburan lebih lanjut dalam sektor EV yang berkembang pesat.

A spokesperson for the Thai government announced recently that major Japanese automakers are set to invest a total of 150 billion baht ($4.34 billion or over RM20 billion) in Thailand over the next five years, bolstering the country’s shift towards electric vehicle (EV) production.

Toyota Motor and Honda Motor are each contributing around 50 billion baht, while Isuzu Motors is investing 30 billion baht, and Mitsubishi Motors is committing 20 billion baht. This investment encompasses the manufacturing of electric pickup trucks.

During a recent trip to Japan by Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, agreements with these Japanese automakers were solidified. Although Japanese manufacturers have long dominated Thailand’s automotive sector, the rise of Chinese EV makers has introduced new dynamics, with notable investments being made in recent times.

The spokesperson, Chai Wacharoke, highlighted that the Japanese automakers’ investment aligns with the Thai government’s strategy to transition from traditional combustion engine vehicles to electric alternatives.

Despite requests for comment by Reuters, Toyota, Honda, Isuzu, and Mitsubishi had not responded at the time of reporting.

Thailand, Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, currently holds the position of the region’s leading car producer and exporter. The government aims to convert approximately one-third of its annual vehicle production, totaling 2.5 million units, into electric vehicles by 2030. To facilitate this transition, Thailand is introducing incentives, including tax cuts and subsidies, to attract more investment in EV manufacturing.

This move by Japanese automakers comes at a time when Chinese car manufacturers, such as BYD and Great Wall Motor, have already committed to substantial investments of $1.44 billion in new production facilities in Thailand, attracted by the favorable business environment.

In a noteworthy development, Prime Minister Srettha recently showcased industrial estates in Thailand to executives from the U.S. electric vehicle giant Tesla, signaling the country’s eagerness to attract further investments in the burgeoning EV sector.

Sistem Pemantau Sudut Buta boleh dikatakan sebagai salah satu sistem keselamatan yang wajib ada dalam kereta moden.

Ia berfungsi dengan menggunakan sensor ultrasonik yang terbenam di sisi atau di bahagian bawah bumper belakang kereta untuk mengesan kenderaan lain yang berada di sudut buta. Selepas itu, ia akan memberi amaran kepada pemandu, sama ada melalui amaran visual atau auditori.

Beberapa sistem juga menggunakan kamera di sisi cermin pandang tepi yang dipasang di sisi.

Sistem Pemantau Sudut Buta ini dibangunkan oleh Volvo yang pertama kali menamakannya BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), dan pertama kali dipaparkan dalam konsep keselamatan kereta Volvo (SCC) pada tahun 2001 (di bawah).

Ia kemudian dipaparkan semula di Pameran Antarabangsa Automotif Amerika Utara 2004 di Detroit, Michigan, dan boleh didapati sebagai pilihan pada wagon XC70 dan sedan S60 pada tahun yang sama.

Pada hari ini, Sistem Pemantau Sudut Buta (BSM) tersedia dalam pelbagai kereta, termasuk Perodua Myvi dan Axia.

Namun, dengan menariknya, kereta Honda di Malaysia dijual dengan sistem alternatif kepada BSM yang dipanggil Sistem Lane Watch (LWS).

LWS mempunyai objektif yang sama seperti sistem BSM di mana ia memberi amaran kepada pemandu tentang halangan di sudut buta kereta.

Walau bagaimanapun, ia berfungsi dengan menggunakan kamera yang diletakkan di cermin sisi kiri dan kemudian menunjukkan imej video bahagian belakang di sudut kiri kereta.

Ini hanya berfungsi apabila lampu isyarat digunakan atau apabila butang yang diletakkan pada batang lampu isyarat ditekan. Tiada amaran visual atau auditori yang lain dan ia juga tidak memberi amaran tentang kenderaan lain di sisi kanan kereta.

Masalah lain adalah bahawa ia hanya berfungsi dengan baik pada siang hari apabila matahari bersinar dengan terang. Ini kerana kamera yang digunakan menghantar imej yang berbutir ke skrin yang terletak di tengah, yang seringkali juga menunjukkan peta GPS.

Ia tidak berfungsi dengan baik dalam keadaan cahaya rendah, pada waktu malam, atau yang lebih teruk, dalam hujan monsun Malaysia di mana hampir tidak dapat dilihat apa-apa.

Kerap kali, dua motosikal yang sedang bergerak seiringan pada waktu malam boleh disalahanggap sebagai satu kereta.

Walaupun begitu, Honda menawarkan sistem Pemantau Sudut Buta di pasaran lain, cuma bukan di Malaysia. Belum lagi lah.

Baru-baru ini, kami berpeluang bertanya mengenai perkara ini semasa temuramah media peribadi dengan Eisuke Sato (diatas), Pemimpin Projek Besar Honda CRV generasi keenam yang baru dilancarkan. Sato-san terbang dari Jepun untuk memperkenalkan CRV baru di Malaysia.

Apabila ditanya oleh Piston.my mengapa Honda di Malaysia masih menggunakan Lane Watch daripada sistem Pemantau Sudut Buta, Sato-san berkata, “Di kawasan lain, kami menggunakan BSM dan dalam CRV secara global, kami juga menggunakan BSM.”

“Namun, khususnya di Asia dan di Malaysia, kami mengambil kira bagaimana motosikal sering digunakan dan kami percaya bahawa Lane Watch lebih berkesan.”

“Kerana Lane Watch boleh mengvisualisasikan di mana motosikal berada dan berapa banyak motosikal, sistem Lane Watch dapat memberikan maklumat yang lebih tepat kepada pemandu.”

Apabila ditanya tentang imej yang kadangkala terkabaur dan bagaimana penggunaan kamera definisi tinggi mungkin menjadikan sistem lebih berkesan, Sato-san menjawab, “Jika kita melihat pesaing, ada yang menggunakan kamera definisi lebih tinggi tetapi kami mengesahkan bahawa spesifikasi semasa yang digunakan dalam CRV sudah mencukupi untuk menangkap kehadiran motosikal.”

“Kami juga memahami bahawa dalam situasi gelap dan hujan, pemandu memerlukan lebih banyak kejelasan, jadi kami akan terus memantau situasi ini dan akan mempertimbangkan peningkatan untuk model-model seterusnya,” tambahnya.

Tidak dapat dinafikan bahawa sistem Pemantau Sudut Buta berfungsi lebih baik dalam cahaya rendah dan cuaca buruk, dan baguslah bahwa Honda Malaysia mendengar maklum balas dari pengguna.

Jadi, adakah kita akan melihat sistem Pemantau Sudut Buta muncul dalam model-model akan datang? Jika ada sesuatu yang kita ambil dari temuramah itu, kita boleh dengan yakin mengatakan ya, cuma masalah masa sahaja.

The Blind Spot Monitoring system is arguably one of the must have safety systems in modern cars.

It works by using ultrasonic sensors embedded in the side or at the bottom of a vehicle’s rear bumper to detect other vehicles present in the blind spot. This then alerts the driver either through visual or auditory alerts.

Some systems also use side-mounted cameras which are mounted in the side view mirrors.

The Blind Spot Monitoring system was developed by Volvo who first called it BLIS, and was first shown in the Volvo Safety Concept car (SCC) in 2001 (shown below).

It was later shown again at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan and was available as an option on the XC70 wagon and the S60 sedan of the same year.

These days the Blind Spot Monitoring system (BSM) is available in a number of cars as well as the likes of the Perodua Myvi and the Axia.

Curiously though, Honda cars in Malaysia have been sold with an alternative system to BSM called the Lane Watch System (LWS).

The LWS has the same objective as the BSM system where it alerts the driver of obstacles in the blind spot of the car.

However, it works by using a camera placed on the left side mirror (seen below) and then displays a video image of the left rear quarter of the car.

This only works when the turn signal is used or when a button placed on the turn signal stalk is pressed. There is no other visual nor auditory alert and neither does it alert you of other vehicles on the right side of the car.

And the other problem is that it only works best during the day when the sun is shinning at its brightest, as can be seen in the image below. This is because the camera that is used sends back a grainy image onto the centrally-placed monitor that often also shows the GPS map.

It does not work well in low light conditions, at night, or worse, in the torrential Malaysian monsoon rain where barely anything can be seen at all.

Often times, two motorcycles riding side by side at night can be misinterpreted as a single car.

Curiously though, Honda does offer Blind Spot Monitoring system in other markets, just not in Malaysia. Not yet at least.

We recently got the chance to ask why this is so during a private media interview with Eisuke Sato, the Large Project Leader of the newly launched sixth-generation Honda CRV. Sato-san flew in from Japan for the Malaysian introduction of the new CRV.

When asked by Piston.my on why Malaysian Honda’s still use Lane Watch rather than the Blind Spot Monitoring system, Sato-san said, “In other regions, we do apply BSM and in the CRV globally, we do apply BSM as well.”

“However, specifically in Asian and in Malaysia, we consider how motorcycles are often used and we believe that Lane Watch is more effective.”

“Because Lane Watch can actually visualise where a motorcycle is and how many motorcycles there are, the Lane Watch system can provide for more accurate information for drivers.”

When asked about the grainy image and how the use of a high-definition camera would probably make the system more effective, Sato-san replied, “If we look at competitors, there are those who utilise higher-definition cameras but we did verify and confirm that the current spec used in the CRV is sufficient to capture the presence of motorcycles.”

“We also do understand that in dark situations and when it is raining drivers will need more visibility, so we will continue monitoring the situation and will consider an upgrade for the next models,” he added.

There is no doubt that Blind Spot Monitoring system works better in low light and in bad weather, and it is great that Honda Malaysia has an ear on the ground and listens to feedback.

So will we see the Blind Spot Monitoring system making an appearance in upcoming models. If there’s anything we took away from that interview, we can confidently say yes, it is just a matter of time.

Pelancaran barisan pengeluaran kenderaan elektrik (EV) e:N1 oleh Honda di kilang Prachinburi di Thailand menandakan perkembangan menarik bagi pasaran kereta elektrik di rantau ini.

Honda e:N1 adalah kenderaan elektrik sepenuhnya berdasarkan platform EV e:N Architecture F, berkongsi persamaan dengan model HR-V. Kereta elektrik ini mempunyai pemasangan motor tunggal yang menghasilkan 204PS dan 310Nm tork.

Dengan Honda memperkenalkan e:N1 di Thailand, terdapat antisipasi yang tinggi bahawa EV ini mungkin akan dijual di pasaran lain di rantau ini, termasuk Malaysia.

Penerimaan yang positif terhadap model-model Honda di Malaysia, ditambah dengan minat yang meningkat terhadap mobiliti elektrik, meletakkan e:N1 dalam kedudukan yang baik untuk berprestasi dengan baik di pasaran kita.

Malaysia dijangkakan akan menerima maklumat tentang pelancaran Honda e:N1 pada suku pertama tahun 2024, dan pengeluaran di Thailand mungkin akan memudahkan fasa awal sebelum mempertimbangkan pengeluaran tempatan berdasarkan permintaan.

Berbicara tentang penerimaan yang positif, Honda Malaysia baru-baru ini melancarkan Honda CR-V yang baru dan telah mendapat lebih dari 2000 tempahan.

The launch of Honda’s e:N1 electric vehicle (EV) production line at the Prachinburi factory in Thailand marks an exciting development for the electric car market in the region.

The Honda e:N1 is an all-electric vehicle based on the e:N Architecture F EV platform, sharing similarities with the HR-V. The electric car features a single motor setup producing 204PS and 310Nm of torque.

As Honda introduces the e:N1 in Thailand, there is anticipation that the EV might make its way to other markets in the region, including Malaysia.

The positive reception of Honda models in Malaysia, coupled with the growing interest in electric mobility, positions the e:N1 to perform well in the market. Malaysia is expected to receive details about the Honda e:N1’s launch in the first quarter of 2024, and production in Thailand may facilitate the initial phase before considering local production based on demand.

Speaking of positive reception, Honda Malaysia recently launched the all-new Honda CR-V here and it already has over 2000 bookings.

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