Future Transportation Concept Arrives at the Automotive Hall of Fame
2 February 1999
Future Transportation Concept Arrives at the Automotive Hall of FameDEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 1 -- Keyless, electric, and intelligent describe Honda's transportation system of the future -- the Intelligent Community Vehicle System (ICVS) -- made up of electric and hybrid vehicles and their management system. On display now through March at the Automotive Hall of Fame is Honda's vision of commuting in the future, designed to work with private vehicles and public transportation. The system would help ease problems like traffic congestion, parking space shortages, and harm to the environment, while remaining convenient, explains Honda spokesperson Masaya Nagai. "ICVS is one example of Honda's environmental technologies designed to reduce pollution and promote efficient use of energy," says Nagai. Two ICVS vehicles are on display -- the ICVS City Pal, an electric two-seater with large cargo space, and the ICVS Step Deck, an ultra small single-seater hybrid vehicle. "To give you an idea of their size, four ICVS Step Decks fit into one traditional parking space," says Don Adams, Director of the Hall of Fame's Museum. "The technologies represented by ICVS have the capacity to change commuting in ways no one ever imagined. We are very excited to have the exhibit." Included in the exhibit is a video showing the vehicles in action and explaining the technology behind their creation. The ICVS system works by registering "members" (drivers) and providing them with a special card, allowing selection of vehicles at designated parking areas like airports and hotels, completion of rental procedures, return of vehicles, and calculation of fees. Users may then start the selected vehicle using the same card -- no keys are needed. The system features many advantages beyond keyless ignition. Automatically retrieving vehicles and parking them allows vehicles to leave or enter ports through the use of magnetic nails, induction cables and ultrasonic sensors -- no driver is necessary. An automatic charging system even moves vehicles to a charging terminal to recharge low batteries. Automotive Hall of Fame hours of operation are November through Memorial Day, Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Memorial Day to October 31, open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 adult, $5.50 senior (62+), and $3 youth (ages 5-12). The Hall of Fame is at 21400 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, Michigan, adjacent to the Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village.