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Challenge issued in technology race. (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080417/BUSINESS06/804170386/1019)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/06_Honda_Accord_Hybrid_Front_Corner.jpgBrent Snavely – Detroit Free Press - April 17, 2008

2007 Honda Accord Hybrid – 27 mpg estimate on the 08 EPA

With the AH discontinued for obvious reasons, let us hope Honda’s new Global Hybrid arrives with both excellent fuel economy and a reasonable price. -- Ed.

Honda's engineering chief issued a challenge to the auto industry Wednesday.

Because of the threat of global warming and rising global energy demands, Masaaki Kato, president of Honda Motor Co.'s research and development unit, said that the automotive industry must urgently develop technological breakthroughs to reduce emissions.

"We face a global challenge that requires global action," Kato said Wednesday at the SAE 2008 World Congress at Cobo Center. "I want to issue a challenge to each of you as engineers and to every automaker ... I want us to enter into a race to create technology that provides the world with mobility while dramatically reducing the CO2" carbon dioxide "emissions that contribute to global warming."

For Kato, global warming is personal.

For three years while working in Alabama, Kato enjoyed looking at Logan Martin Lake as he drove to work. But last year, the lake dried up… http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080417/BUSINESS06/804170386/1019

I sincerely hope, as a long time Honda owner, that Honda seriously pulls their heads out and produces a hybrid that is not loaded up with a bunch of needless c@@p and just gives us the Civic DX of all hybrids.

That would truly be glorious. Where do I sign.....

With any luck, the "Global Small Hybrid" is not vaporware. It's depressing tht all the new hybrids lately are gigantic (and ridiculously expensive) SUVs that still get lousy gas mileage. We're looking to replace Ashen's HCH in Dec-2009 and would like a Fit-esque hybrid. We could do a new HCH or Prius, but a little car with even better fuel economy would be better.

Of course, Bible Belt America needs to stop buying the Far Right rhetoric (i.e. their barefaced lies) concerning global warming. It will be a good day when fundamentalist Christians figure out wha us Wiccans have always known: this world is a wonderful gift, it's entrusted in our care, it's the only one we're ever going to be given, so we need to make it last.

Right on, Indigo. Fortunately for us all, a number of fundamentalist churches are waking up and preaching the same message, "This world is given to us to cherish and treat with respect." The younger generation is definitely on-board with this message and will move their churches forward. This will help move the right-wing political machine towards environmental action and the signs are already there.
Regarding Honda, it amazes me that 15 years ago they were able to build a car that gets the mpg that I am working to get out of my "latest technology" hybrid. I love my Civic. It's "big" and comfortable, but I do wish it had gone on a diet before they put in the Hybrid engine. Go, Honda, Go!

Regarding Honda, it amazes me that 15 years ago they were able to build a car that gets the mpg that I am working to get out of my "latest technology" hybrid. I love my Civic. It's "big" and comfortable, but I do wish it had gone on a diet before they put in the Hybrid engine. Go, Honda, Go!

Or build a car 16 years ago that with a few minor changes can get 80mpg while cruising on the highway. It makes you wonder what mileage that car could get with an IMA or TDI drive in it.

HyChi: You are right on he money as far as putting cars on a diet. A 2008 Civic sedan is aout the same size as a 2000 Accord. Likewise, a 2008 Fit is about the same size as a 1990s Civic hatchback. It does seem that car models tend to get incrementally bigger over time.

When the founder of Honda Motors, Soichiro Honda, died in 1991 and was no longer available to provide moral guidance, the company began its drift away from from its roots in small, fuel efficient cars. Hopefully the current fuel situation will steer their course back to their FE roots.

Warm weather has finally returned here. I filled up the Prius this morning, @ $3.66/gallon, reset the running average gauge, and have gotten 64+ mpg so far today, in errands around town.

I'm happy with my Prius, and am sure glad I have it with gas prices what they are. I could definitely appreciate a Fit hybrid, and would love to have a desirable Honda hybrid available, one that got even better mileage than a Prius.

Harry