Honda 2012 Annual Report Download - page 38

Research and Development
Honda and its consolidated subsidiaries use the most-
advanced technologies to conduct R&D activities with the
goal of creating distinctive products that are internationally
competitive. To attain this goal, the Group’s main R&D
divisions operate independently as subsidiaries, allowing
technicians to pursue their tasks with significant freedom.
Product-related R&D is spearheaded by Honda R&D Co.,
Ltd. in Japan; Honda R&D Americas, Inc. in the United
States; and Honda R&D Europe (U.K.) Ltd. in the United
Kingdom. R&D on production technologies centers around
Honda Engineering Co., Ltd. in Japan and Honda Engineering
North America, Inc. in the United States. All of these entities
work in close association with our other entities and busi-
nesses in their respective regions.
Total consolidated R&D expenses for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2012 amounted to ¥519.8 billion.
Motorcycle Business
In the Motorcycle Business segment, Honda is aiming to
deliver appealing products that offer outstanding environment
performance and the joy of ownership to customers in a
timely manner. To this end, Honda took initiatives to enhance
product appeal, strengthen cost competitiveness, increase
the speed of product and technology development, address
the requirements of a low-carbon society, and ensure our
continued dominance in major racing events.
One of the major developments in fiscal year 2012 was the
launch of the New Mid Concept series in Japan, North America
and Europe. This included the NC700S naked model which
offers comfortable riding performance and high fuel economy;
the fun to maneuver and incredibly fuel efficient NC700X; and
the Integra, which combines a heightened dimension of
motorcycle enjoyment with a level of riding comfort and con-
venience suitable for commuters. All three models are outfit-
ted with 700cc mid-sized engines, which offer strong torque
even at low and medium speeds in addition to low fuel con-
sumption. Further, the Integra, comes equipped with a newly
developed, second-generation dual-clutch transmission that is
lighter and more compact than before. Honda also developed
a 125cc global scooter engine, with improved durability,
quietness and fuel efficiency. This engine was equipped in the
Click 125i, a new 125cc scooter model launched in Thailand.
For customers with smartphones, we rolled out Honda Moto
LINC, a newly developed service for motorcycle owners based
on the internavi LINC service offered to automobile owners.
R&D expenses in this segment in fiscal 2012 amounted to
¥63.3 billion.
In terms of major race results, Honda won the Triple
Crown (Rider, Team and Constructor’s Championship) in the
MotoGP class of the FIM Road Racing World Championship
series in 2011.
Automobile Business
In the Automobile business segment, we are working to
develop innovative technologies and create products which
offer new value in order to meet customer needs. We are also
actively developing technologies that provide advanced safety
performance and address environmental issues.
Among our major achievements in Japan during fiscal year
2012, we launched the N Box, which brings together Honda’s
original center-tank-layout and a newly developed powerplant
to create one of the most spacious interiors ever offered in a
mini vehicle. In North America, Asia and other regions, we
launched the fully remodeled Civic, with improved fuel econ-
omy and realizes a pleasant and refined interior space despite
the vehicle’s compact body dimensions. In Europe, an idle
stop system was offered as a standard feature on all MT-type
models of the fully remodeled Civic five-door. These and
other innovations have improved the fuel efficiency of gasoline-
powered vehicles by roughly 10%, and diesel-powered vehicles
by approximately 20%.
Other R&D-related news included the announcement of
“Earth Dreams Technology,” a range of next-generation tech-
nologies for simultaneously realizing high-level driving perfor-
mance and exceptional fuel efficiency. Through improved
engine and transmission efficiency, together with advances in
hybrid motors and other electric-powered motor technology,
we built upon a base of outstanding environmental perfor-
mance in pursuing the joy of driving which is characteristic of
Honda. Honda also unveiled the NSX Concept, a next-
generation sports supercar equipped with a next-generation
V-6 VTEC direct-injection engine mated with a highly-efficient,
high-output hybrid system, Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super
Handling All Wheel Drive), offering excellent drivability and fuel
economy. The NSX Concept embodies the pursuit of excep-
tional environmental and fuel economy along with the accel-
eration feel and sheer driving pleasure expected from a
sports supercar.
R&D expenses in this segment in fiscal 2012 amounted to
¥427.8 billion.
R&D Expenses and R&D Expenses as
a Percentage of Net Sales
Years ended March 31
Yen (billions) (%)
R&D Expenses (left) R&D Expenses as a Percentage of Net Sales (right)
200
400
600
0
3
6
9
0
08 09 10 11 12
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