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Honda Begins Production of Cleanest Internal Combustion Car Ever

8 April 1998

Honda Begins Production of Cleanest Internal Combustion Car Ever

          Ohio Governor Voinovich Drives First Civic GX Off The Line

    EAST LIBERTY, Ohio, April 8 -- Honda of America Mfg., along
with Ohio Governor George V. Voinovich and local, state and federal
dignitaries, today launched production of the Civic GX natural gas vehicle --
the cleanest internal combustion car on earth and the first fully mass
produced dedicated natural gas passenger car.
    Joining the mass production line-off at the East Liberty Auto Plant were
Thomas Gross, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Technologies, U.S.
Department of Energy and Margo Oge, Director, Office of Mobile Sources, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency.
    "I am pleased to be able to help Honda of America Mfg. launch the new
Civic GX," said Governor Voinovich.  "The production of this new vehicle, made
right here in East Liberty, Ohio, not only helps Ohio's economy, it will also
help ensure a cleaner environment."
    The Civic GX sets an environmental benchmark with the cleanest internal
combustion engine ever developed.  The GX emits one-tenth the hydrocarbon
emissions of the stringent Ultra Low Emission Vehicle standard and reduces
greenhouse gas emissions by more than 20 percent -- producing almost zero
emissions -- while retaining superior fuel economy.
    "The Civic GX is a landmark mass production vehicle that makes a positive
contribution to the environment while it serves our customers as a high
quality Civic Sedan," said John Adams, Senior Vice President of Honda of
America Mfg.  "It provides the best balance of emissions, economy,
performance, comfort and value."
    The Civic GX recently won the Discover magazine award for "Technological
Innovation" in the automotive and transportation category.  Natural gas burns
more efficiently than gasoline, producing less carbon dioxide, a greenhouse
gas.  The Civic GX is a car that "can rout urban smog," wrote Discover
magazine.
    "Honda of America Mfg. has done a great job of incorporating advanced
environmental technology into its ever popular Civic model," said U.S.
Representative Mike Oxley (R-Findlay).  "It's nice to see one of Ohio's
leading manufacturers pioneering the way for a better environmental future for
all of us."
    The Civic GX, which runs exclusively on compressed natural gas (CNG),
produces more horsepower (110 vs. 106) than the gasoline powered Civic LX and
has a driving range of 200 miles.
    Highlights of the new 1998 Civic GX natural gas vehicle include:

    * unique new engine management software;
    * new fuel injectors and internal engine components;
    * two high-tech CNG catalytic converters;
    * a sealed fuel system which eliminates evaporative emissions; and
    * a fuel tank made of high strength, space age fiber composite material.

    In all, more than 210 parts have been changed from the base gasoline Civic
model to produce the natural gas fueled Civic GX.
    Honda currently is taking orders for Civic GX deliveries to fleet
customers, including federal, state and local government entities and utility
fleets.  The Civic GX comes standard with an electronically controlled Grade
Logic automatic transmission, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo, cruise control,
power windows and mirrors and power door locks.
    The Civic GX is manufactured at the East Liberty Auto Plant which produces
Civic Sedans, Civic Coupes and Acura CL Coupes for Honda of America Mfg.  The
Civic GX engine and drivetrain components are produced at Honda's Engine Plant
in Anna, Ohio.
    The Civic GX also has been certified as a Clean Fuel Fleet Vehicle (CFFV)
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  The CFFV program helps urban
areas achieve their clean air goals.
    Honda of America Mfg. operates four plants in Ohio, building automobiles,
engines, motorcycles and ATVs.  Honda's Ohio operations have reached more than
$3.5 billion in investment and 13,000 manufacturing jobs.  Currently Honda of
America Mfg. purchases $5.75 billion from more than 400 original equipment
domestic suppliers throughout the United States.

SOURCE  Honda of America Mfg.