Honda 2011 Annual Report Download - page 48

model changes on the LEGEND to upgrade its drivetrain and
improve fuel performance, and it became the first Honda automobile
to be outfitted with a newly developed six-speed automatic
transmission. The LEGEND is also now the first car in the world
equipped with a noise suppressor device, which is installed on the
18-inch noise limiting aluminum wheels and reduces the noise
emitted from inside the tire. In addition, in Japan and Europe, we
launched the Fit Hybrid (sold in Europe as the Jazz Hybrid), a new
type in the Fit series, which has its hybrid battery installed underneath
the baggage compartment and thus retains the interior comfort and
seat arrangement of the previous Fit models (sold in Europe as the
Jazz models) while adding top-notch fuel economy and driving
performance. In Asia outside Japan, we launched the new, low-
priced BRIO in Thailand, which succeeds in offering a compact body
with a spacious interior. The BRIO also delivers good environmental
performance, as evidenced by its certification as an eco-car by Thai
government standards because of its fuel economy and satisfaction
of the Euro 4 gas emission standards.
Other R&D-related news included the announcement of the Fit EV
Concept. This new electric vehicle (EV) concept model offers driving
mode options and delivers a lively response with a strong sense of
acceleration, similar to that of a 2.0 liter class engine, by drawing on
the features of having the motor on the same axle as the gearbox.
At the same time, it also offers a more-efficient ride and conserves
electric power. We also announced a new hybrid concept car that
harnesses a specially developed 2.0 liter i-VTEC engine, which
delivers high efficiency and high fuel performance, together with two
high-power electric motors. This hybrid has three driving modes:
electric power, hybrid operation and gasoline engine and, as a
“plug-in hybrid,” can be recharged by plugging into a household
electric outlet. In addition, to verify results and support the realization
of a low-carbon mobility society in the years to come, we have
begun testing in real driving situations of the performance of EVs
and plug-in hybrids in Japan and the United States.
R&D expenses in this segment in fiscal 2011 were ¥389.8 billion.
Power Product and Other Businesses
In the Power Product and Other Businesses, we are working to
develop products that contribute to customers’ lifestyles, while
strengthening our lineup of offerings that address environmental
issues.
Principal developments in this segment included the re-launching
of the BF115 outboard motor with full model changes in markets
around the world. This upgraded model incorporates the boosted
low-speed torque (BLAST) system, which is an air/fuel ratio and
injection-timing technology and lean-burn control mechanism, which
makes possible strong torque performance and acceleration over a
wide range of rotation speeds. Also, through lean-burn control, fuel
economy has been improved by 20% over previous types. In
addition, in North America, Europe and Asia, we implemented a full
model change in our cylindrical electric power generators, EG4000,
EG5000 and EG6500 (sold as EG3600, EG4500 and EG5500 in
Europe) by boosting their continuous operating time by equipping
them with fuel-efficient, eco-friendly engines and enhancing their
power-generating capacity. We also launched our UMK 425 and
UMK 435 series of four-stroke lawn mowers in Europe, which feature
a large-sized deflector (antiscattering cover) with a redesigned shape
that substantially reduces jamming due to ingested grass and other
vegetable matter. In Japan, we announced new thin-film solar cells,
which are more compact than models already on the market and
can be laid out and installed efficiently on roofs of widely varying
shapes. In addition, the tested prototypes of these solar cells attain
a module conversion ratio of 13.0%, which is the highest in the
world among similar thin-film solar cells currently on the market.
Looking to launch these units, we are working to further increase
their module conversion ratio.
In other businesses in this segment, Honda Aircraft Company,
Inc., our U.S. subsidiary in the jet aircraft business, reported that the
mass production model of HondaJet, a light business jet that has
been designed for obtaining approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), successfully completed its maiden flight.
R&D expenses in this segment in fiscal 2011 were ¥29.9 billion.
Fundamental Research
During fiscal 2011, Honda continued its research activities to develop
technologies in a diverse range of fields that will support the products
of the future.
Please note that expenses incurred in fundamental research are
allocated among Honda’s business segments.
Patents and Licenses
At March 31, 2011, Honda owned more than 16,400 patents in
Japan and more than 24,600 patents abroad. Honda also had
applications pending for more than 14,800 patents in Japan and for
more than 17,500 patents abroad. While Honda considers that, in
the aggregate, Honda’s patents are important, it does not consider
any one of such patents, or any related group of them, to be of such
importance that the expiration or termination thereof would materially
affect Honda’s business.
600
Yen (billions)
400
200
0
6
(%)
4
2
0
R&D Expenses and R&D Expenses
as a Percentage of Net Sales
Years ended March 31
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
R&D Expenses (left)
R&D Expenses as a Percentage of Net Sales (right)
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