Honda 2008 Annual Report Download - page 15

Download and view the complete annual report

Please find page 15 of the 2008 Honda annual report below. You can navigate through the pages in the report by either clicking on the pages listed below, or by using the keyword search tool below to find specific information within the annual report.

Page out of 128

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
  • 32
  • 33
  • 34
  • 35
  • 36
  • 37
  • 38
  • 39
  • 40
  • 41
  • 42
  • 43
  • 44
  • 45
  • 46
  • 47
  • 48
  • 49
  • 50
  • 51
  • 52
  • 53
  • 54
  • 55
  • 56
  • 57
  • 58
  • 59
  • 60
  • 61
  • 62
  • 63
  • 64
  • 65
  • 66
  • 67
  • 68
  • 69
  • 70
  • 71
  • 72
  • 73
  • 74
  • 75
  • 76
  • 77
  • 78
  • 79
  • 80
  • 81
  • 82
  • 83
  • 84
  • 85
  • 86
  • 87
  • 88
  • 89
  • 90
  • 91
  • 92
  • 93
  • 94
  • 95
  • 96
  • 97
  • 98
  • 99
  • 100
  • 101
  • 102
  • 103
  • 104
  • 105
  • 106
  • 107
  • 108
  • 109
  • 110
  • 111
  • 112
  • 113
  • 114
  • 115
  • 116
  • 117
  • 118
  • 119
  • 120
  • 121
  • 122
  • 123
  • 124
  • 125
  • 126
  • 127
  • 128

approximately 60 models, from compact commuters to large motorcycles, and accommo-
date the characteristics unique to each model. The initiatives we have taken at this new
motorcycle plant will be applied in our plants in regions outside of Japan, where motorcycle
markets are continuing to expand, and we expect that the Kumamoto Factory will be a driv-
ing force for producing new products.
Innovation in Automobile Manufacturing in Japan
Next-generation manufacturing plants for the production of automobiles will begin operation
in Japan over the next three years. They will include a new engine plant in Ogawa and a
new automobile plant in Yorii. In addition, a new mini-vehicle production plant is to be built
by Honda consolidated subsidiary Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd. Also, Honda will strengthen
automatic transmission production at the Hamamatsu Factory and bolster its role as Hon-
da’s global-leader factory in the area of automatic transmissions.
The new auto engine plant in Ogawa will be responsible for the production of next-
generation environmentally responsible engines that require highly advanced manufactur-
ing technologies. We plan to make the production line flexible to produce engines that re-
quire different production processes, including gasoline engines, diesel engines, in-line
four-cylinder engines and V-type engines.
We are planning to make the Yorii plant a next-generation manufacturing facility that will
create new value in many areas as it strives to be a leader in the area of environmental re-
sponsibility by introducing cutting-edge systems that minimize the amount of energy used
during production and as it works to create more people-friendly assembly lines.
Also, in regions outside of Japan, in the latter half of fiscal 2008, we will begin produc-
tion at a new automobile plant in Indiana, in the United States; a new automobile engine
plant in Canada; and a second automobile plant in Thailand.
Hybrid Strategy to Achieve Full-scale Market Penetration
Honda believes that the most important environmental issue is the reduction of CO2 emis-
sions, which is key to protecting the natural environment on a global scale. Recognizing
this, Honda has proactively announced voluntary global CO2 reduction targets for 2010 for
both its products and manufacturing activities.
In addition to the Civic Hybrid, which is currently on the market, Honda is planning to in-
troduce a new, more affordable dedicated hybrid vehicle. This five-door, five-passenger se-
dan will incorporate a compact, lightweight and highly efficient Integrated Motor Assist (IMA)
system. The new Honda hybrid will go on sale in Japan, North America and Europe in 2009.
As a dedicated hybrid vehicle, in addition to offering superior environmental performance,
this new hybrid will offer ease of handling and the joy of driving that Honda owners have
come to expect. Looking ahead, we are scheduled to debut a new sporty hybrid based on
the CR-Z concept model that we showed at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show. In addition, devel-
opment work is under way on a hybrid version of the Fit.
Ogawa plant (rendering) FCX ClarityYorii plant (rendering)
Annual Report 2008 13