Honda 2012 Annual Report Download - page 10

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Development of a next-generation 125cc scooter engine
In the “commuter” segment of the motorcycle market, demand continues to expand
steadily, predominantly in Asian countries. In India, where we dissolved our joint ven-
ture in March 2010, we have continued to increase our sales volume due to booming
demand. Our strategy within the “commuter” segment is to maintain the high competi-
tiveness of our products by being the first to introduce initiatives such as fuel injection
technology, which realizes improved environmental performance. Besides making our
products even more competitive, we are also looking at ways of offering models at
more affordable prices. The next-generation 125cc scooter engine helps us to achieve
both of these objectives.
This new engine delivers enhanced durability, quietness, and fuel economy due to
features such as an advanced idle-stop system for motorcycles. Fuel economy is
approximately 25%*1 better than that of conventional scooter engines with the same
displacement. The 125cc class arguably forms the core of Honda’s motorcycle busi-
ness because many customers upgrade their motorcycles from entry-level models to
these 125cc class models. By introducing a new and highly competitive engine for
125cc class models, we will be able to grow our sales volume across the category
while boosting our cost competitiveness.
This new engine will initially be rolled out in Asia followed by other markets around
the world, as we expect it to be a source of growth for our entire motorcycle business.
With product development continuing, sales will expand globally from 2012 on a range
of new 125cc scooter models.
Our motorcycle business has devel-
oped over the years by targeting demand
in the different regional markets of the
world. Currently, we are taking a more
globalized approach in which we seek to
respond better to regional demand by
tapping into Honda’s global network. We
aim to exceed the expectations of our
customers around the world by adopting
an approach that enables us to meet cus-
tomer needs while transcending interna-
tional borders.
*1 Honda calculation
Automobile Business
Honing environmental technologies to enhance
the Honda brand
Environmental technologies are increasingly vital to competitiveness in the automotive
sector now that growing global awareness of environmental issues is leading consum-
ers to demand cars with better fuel economy. Honda is developing eco-friendly auto-
motive technologies on a number of fronts, including hybrid vehicles and a fuel cell
electric vehicle (FCEV). In November 2011, we unveiled our new “Earth Dreams
Technology” program featuring next-generation engine and transmission technologies
which realize a further advance in environmental performance. Going forward, we plan
to develop products based on these new technologies to achieve top-of-class fuel
economy in all categories within the next three years. We have also set the longer-
term goal of reducing the CO2 emissions of all Honda products sold worldwide by
30% compared with year 2000 levels.
PCX
Annual Report 201208