Honda Demonstrates Advanced Vehicle-to-Pedestrian and Vehicle-to-Motorcycle Safety Technologies

DETROIT, Aug. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Honda today demonstrated two experimental safety technologies aimed at reducing the potential for collisions between automobiles and pedestrians and between automobiles and motorcycles. These advanced Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P) and Vehicle-to-Motorcycle (V2M) technologies, while still in the research and testing phase, demonstrate Honda's vision to advance safety for all road users, including pedestrians and motorcycle riders, as well as automobile occupants. These new technologies are part of a comprehensive effort being undertaken by Honda to develop leading-edge safety and driver assistive systems that can help predict and avoid traffic accidents through advanced sensing and communications technologies.

"While these are still experimental technologies, they provide a strong indication of the future potential for the kinds of advanced collision sensing and predictive technologies Honda is developing to further reduce the potential for serious accidents, injuries and even fatalities," said Jim Keller, chief engineer for Honda R&D Americas, Inc. "These V2P and V2M systems are part of Honda's broad vision for smarter and safer vehicles and roadways."

Honda also has been conducting advanced research into Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) systems and is a partner in the Connected Vehicle Safety Pilot Program conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, including the Department's Safety Pilot Model Deployment test program, currently underway in Ann Arbor, Michigan. There are eight Honda vehicles participating in the test program.

Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P) Technology
Honda R&D has successfully demonstrated the ability of a car equipped with Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) technology to detect a pedestrian with a DSRC enabled smartphone. This vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) technology uses cooperative communication between an individual's smartphone and nearby vehicles and provides auditory and visual warnings to both the pedestrian and drivers.  The system is designed to mitigate the potential for a collision between the vehicle and pedestrian. 

Using the pedestrian's smartphone GPS, its dynamic sensing capability and DSRC wireless technology in the 5.9GHz band, the pedestrian's smartphone and nearby vehicles establish a communications channel to determine if the pedestrian is in danger of being struck by an oncoming car. The V2P system is effective even when the pedestrian is not easily detectable by the driver, such as when stepping off a curb from behind a parked vehicle or other traffic obstruction.

A proprietary smartphone application determines the position, direction and speed of the pedestrian and, using DSRC technology, the position of surrounding vehicles. In the event of an impending collision as determined by the smartphone application, the system alerts the pedestrian via a repeating, high-volume beep and a warning on the screen of their smartphone.  At the same time, the system alerts the driver to the potential collision with an audible alarm and visual warnings on the vehicle's heads-up display and navigation screen. In addition to the basic safety warnings, the vehicle can also receive information on whether the pedestrian is texting, listening to music, or on a phone call.

Vehicle-to-Motorcycle (V2M) Technology
Using the DSRC communication system, Honda's Vehicle-to-Motorcycle (V2M) technology can determine the potential for a collision between a motorcycle and an automobile. The V2M system's advantage is its ability to sense the presence of a motorcycle even when it is obstructed from the view of nearby automobile drivers.  The system provides auditory and visual warnings to the automobile driver. This system is being researched and tested in cooperation with the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.

Honda Pedestrian Safety Technology
Honda has been a leader in the research and application of advanced pedestrian safety designs, including development of Polar II, the world's most advanced pedestrian safety crash test dummy. Pedestrian accidents account for approximately 13 percent of the 33,000 traffic fatalities that occur each year in the U.S. and an even higher percentage of traffic fatalities in many other countries with denser populations and more foot traffic. For more than a decade, Honda and Acura vehicles have been applying advanced pedestrian safety features, such as collapsible hood hinges and breakaway windshield wiper pivots, that can contribute to life-threatening head injuries in pedestrian collisions. 

Honda Safety Leadership
Honda has a long history of leadership in the development and application of advanced technologies and designs to enhance the safety of all road users, including automobile occupants, motorcycle riders and pedestrians. The company operates two of the world's most sophisticated crash test facilities and is responsible for numerous pioneering efforts in the areas of crashworthiness, airbag technology, collision compatibility and pedestrian safety. This commitment to safety is rooted in Honda's goal to be a company that society wants to exist, and it complements the company's leadership in reducing vehicle emissions, improving fuel efficiency and advancing alternatives to gasoline.

Advanced safety and drive- assistive technologies being offered on select Honda and Acura vehicles today include Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Information, Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), Active Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keep Assist, and the LaneWatch blind spot monitoring system.

SOURCE American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/honda-demonstrates-advanced-vehicle-to-pedestrian-and-vehicle-to-motorcycle-safety-technologies-221495031.html

From the Observer archive, 16 June 1963: a remarkable man called Honda

Dare to Dream, Soichiro Honda on one of his early motorbikes.

Just 10 years ago, a Japanese businessman on a machine-tool shopping expedition to this country decided to attend the Isle of Man TT motorcycle races. He was shocked by what he saw. His own company – Honda – was at that time turning out a 250cc machine called the "Dream", which developed 13 horsepower; the equivalent 250cc British machines competing in TT events gave 36hp. The realisation of the difference between the two was a turning point in Soichiro Honda's career. When he returned to Japan, he immediately established a research department (headed, as it still is, by himself) with the sole aim of producing a machine that could compete with the world's best in Grand Prix racing.

By the end of last week's Manx TT races, Honda had scooped up a first and a third in the 250cc class and a first in the 350cc. Incidentally, he had also become the world's biggest manufacturer of motorcycles. Early this month, the company started pilot production in Belgium. After only seven months of selling in Britain, Honda claims it has 40% of the 50cc market.

Soichiro Honda is the new Japanese tycoon: self-made, determined, with a touch of genius. He and men like Konosuke Matsushita of Matshushita Electric and Masaru Ibuka of the Sony Corporation are as different from the semi-feudal bureaucrats of the prewar zaibatsu cartel as today's Japanese economy is from prewar days.

Honda is 57, son of a blacksmith, and left school to be apprenticed to a garage in Tokyo. He says that he's been obsessed with speed ever since he can remember. Honda's early days after the war could hardly have been less impressive. He went into the motorcycle business in 1948 when he bought 2,000 surplus Japanese army petrol motors and fitted them on to the crossbars of ordinary bicycle frames.

As sales boomed, he incorporated the Honda Motor Company with a capital of £1,000 to begin full-scale motorcycle manufacturing.

After the Isle Of Man revelation, Honda scrapped his old two-stroke engines and developed a four-stroke, knowing that if he could give them a reputation in the racing world he would be able to develop his export markets. It took four years before he won his first major event in Japan.

All Honda's success has been built on sophistications of production techniques. His plants are more like watch factories than mass-production machinery plants. The entire purchasing, production and distribution systems are so integrated that plants have no stockpiles of finished products or raw materials. Each day's production moves directly from factory to dealer.

The company's 6,000 employees are among the highest paid in Japan. The average monthly wage is £26 13s (plus two annual bonuses and fringe benefits) compared with a nation-wide average of £23 06s. In common with other big Japanese firms, Honda is firmly paternalistic. Supplying housing, medical care and holiday resorts to its workers at nominal cost. The workers own 30% of the stock (Honda himself owns 10%) and two out of three own either a car or a motorcycle – far above the Japanese average.

Honda spends most of his time at a new £1.5m research centre. Spread over 26 acres, near the Saitama plant, where innovation goes on round the clock. The company spends an average £150,000 a month on research, which is one of the biggest research budgets in Japan. Much of it is directed at repeating Honda's success with motorcycles in other fields.

Honda is planning to market sports cars designed to attract teenage sports car enthusiasts in the United States. Conscious of the Grand Prix successes in promoting motorcycle sales, Honda is now engaged in a crash programme to develop a Formula II racing car with which he expects to surprise the racing world next year.

And more is on the way. Honda will announce its entry into the light plane market soon. The company has developed a plane which is expected to take a substantial share of the market now dominated by the United States.

It plans to establish a chain of private flying fields and aero clubs around Japan – eventually expanding abroad – which will give sales a practical, promotional boost. In the same way, the company has been busily creating interest in motorcycles by building Techniland parks throughout Japan, with racing tracks, hill-climbing facilities and novelty rides to keep the children happy – all employing Honda products.

A racing circuit has been built at Suzuka and Japan's first Grand Prix car race was held there in May this year. Nineteen of the world's top racing drivers were invited (at Honda's expense) to compete.

The Honda Motor Company is in a strong financial position by Japanese standards. Its capital has increased from £1,000 in 1948 to £9.9m in 1963 and its profits have never fallen below 20% cent of the paid-up capital.

Source:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/2013/jun/16/observer-archive-soichiro-honda-1963-profile

Honda: The Centaur Motorcycle Commercial Video

Advertising Agency: DDB, France
Executive Creative Director: Alexandre Hervé
Creative Director: Alexander Kalchev
Copywriters: Alexander Kalchev, Alexis Benbehe, Pierre Mathonat
Art Directors: Alexis Benbehe, Pierre Mathonat
Account Supervisors: Mathieu Roux, Olivier Massanella
Advertiser's Supervisors: Richard Mathiau, Valerie Larousse
Production Company: Crac Director: Alexander Kalchev
First ADs: Antoine Levi, Florent Michel
Producer: Pierre-Yves Bronsart
Music: Clement Tery
DOPs: Benjamin Roux, Romain Alary
Sound Production: THE

Honda Chopper Concept

Honda Motors unveiled an all new concept chopper earlier this week. From just looking at this concept bike, you will realize that this is not a motorcycle from this world, but from the future. Honda engineers, as always, have perfected a masterpiece. As it is a concept motorcycle, Honda Chopper electric will not go into production ever, as of now.

Honda Chopper concept electric is powered by two electric Motor fitted independently on both wheels. Don't worry, they work perfectly well together. We do not know the tech specs of this futuristic Honda bike, which according to many is a genius work of art and engineering design. This Honda electric chopper is designed by Mr Peter Norris, who we think is a big Star Wars fan.

As it is powered by electric motors, the Honda electric chopper does not pump harmful fumes into our environment, giving owners a new feel of Pride. Though a futuristic chopper, this Honda superbike will be a performance bike with a decent acceleration and topspeed. As of now we wonder, how this motorcycle would maneuver in city traffic, or for that matter take a turn, any guesses?

Source;

http://www.rushlane.com/honda-concept-chopper-electric-bike-is-really-a-motorcycle-from-the-future-photos-1225877.html

Honda Integra Reborn As Unusual Scooter/Motorcycle Hybrid

Good news: The Honda Integra lives again! Bad news: instead of the small, sporty you’ve come to know and love as an Acura, the new Honda Integra is instead a big, funky-looking scooter.

Perhaps scooter isn’t exactly the right word for it. Honda dubs the Integra a “midsize motorcycle,” although its seating position, which puts the rider’s feet further forward than on a conventional bike, echoes the company’s large Silver Wing scooter.

Mechanically speaking, the motorcycle term is perhaps a bit more fitting. While the Silver Wing tops out with a 582-cc two-cylinder engine, the Integra utilizes a new liquid-cooled, 670-cc inline-twin. Power figures have yet to be released, but Honda says the engine delivers considerable low- and mid-range torque, catering to owners who prefer to ride at moderate speeds. A crankshaft with a 270-degree throw allegedly provides the “feel and character of a V-twin” while retaining the compact dimensions afforded by its inline configuration.

Unlike the Silver Wing, which uses a belt-based continuously variable transmission, the Integra is the second production Honda motorcycle to utilize a dual-clutch transmission. As is the case with the larger VFR-1200F, the Integra’s gearbox is a seven-speed unit with both manual- and automated shift modes, but this second-generation design is reportedly more responsive to inputs, and can adapt its shift logic parameters to the rider’s habits.

Honda says the Integra will formally debut at the EICMA Motorcycle Industry show in Milan, Italy. Presently, there’s no word on whether or not the bike will make its way to North American Honda showrooms – or if the Integra name will stick should it be sold in our market.

Source;
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/honda-integra-reborn-as-unusual-scootermotorcycle-hybrid-83095.html

Honda CBR250R is first entry-level motorcycle with ABS

If you’re looking forward to celebrating warmer weather by getting into motorcycle riding, Honda may have the bike for you. The company just introduced a new entry-level sport bike, the CBR250R, to compete with Kawasaki’s popular Ninja 250, which we tested (and liked a lot) in 2008.

Previously, Honda’s only entry-level bike this small and affordable was the Rebel 250, a cruiser which we also tested then. All our riders preferred the Ninja for its precise handling; smooth, free-revving engine; and slick-shifting six-speed transmission. Some riders also found the Rebel 250 too small and cramped.

Now the CBR250R offers a sport-bike seating position in an affordable, entry-level package starting at $4,500. Better yet for new riders, the CBR250R is available with antilock brakes, which the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has shown reduces motorcycle crashes by as much as 37 percent.

Consumer Reports would like to see ABS offered on more motorcycles, especially affordable models aimed at newer riders. We welcome Honda’s introduction of the CBR250R as a first step in that direction and consider the $500 premium for the optional antilock brake system to be money well spent.

Source;
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/01/honda-cbr250r-is-first-entry-level-motorcycle-with-abs.html

Classic Honda Commercial

Old School John Travolta Honda Motorcycle Commercial

I've never seen this one before....

Honda 3R-C concept World Debut at Geneva International Motor Show 2010

Honda 3R-C concept World Debut at Geneva International Motor Show 2010

The revolutionary Honda 3R-C concept will make its world debut in Geneva, alongside the EV-N concept which makes its European debut at the show.

Both the three-wheeled 3R-C concept, which envisions a single occupant vehicle for zero emission commuting, and the EV-N urban concept, draw on Honda's vast working knowledge of vehicles utilising electric motors.

3R-C
This revolutionary three wheeled battery electric vehicle concept shows what a future minimal urban transport vehicle for one person might look like. The battery electric drivetrain is mounted low in the three wheeled chassis, therefore keeping the centre of gravity low and thus improving stability.

The 3R-C has a clear canopy that covers the driver's seat while it is parked and not in use. When 3R-C vehicle is in motion, the canopy becomes an enveloping wind-shield that provides the pilot, who sits low in the vehicle, with significant protection from the bodywork and doors.

The high sides of the safety shell seat give greater safety to the occupant, reducing the threat from side impacts and improving weather protection. In front of the driver is a lockable boot area, which gives significant secure storage for luggage or other items. The 3R-C's designers created a flexible cover that surrounds the upper torso to reduce exposure to bad weather and improving comfort.

The 3R-C study was created by European designers working at Honda's Research and Design facility in Milan.

EV-N
The EV-N concept, which has only previously been shown at the Tokyo Motor Show will make its European debut in Geneva.

The EV-N is a battery electric vehicle study, which evokes the spirit of the diminutive 1967 N360 city car. Honda designers have incorporated Honda's own solar panels in to the roof of the concept, to charge the car while it is parked. Two of Honda's U3-X, electric personal mobility devices are attached to the inside of each door. The two-door EV-N concept is envisioned with a Lithium ion battery pack, and small electric motor for predominantly urban use.

FCX Clarity
The two concept vehicles will be displayed alongside Honda's production fuel cell electric vehicle, the FCX Clarity. The World Green Car winner is being leased by customers in Japan and the US, who are experiencing the range, performance and practicality of this unique zero-emission vehicle. Two of the bespoke hydrogen fuelled vehicles are now permanently stationed in Europe for long-term research purposes. Alongside research work, the pair of FCX Claritys are being demonstrated at events like the COP 15 climate summit in Copenhagen, and the Berlin Climate Conference. The FCX Clarity shows Honda's continuing commitment to fuel cell electric vehicles as the ultimate zero harmful emission mobility technology.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.eu/en/news/index.pmode/modul,detail,0,1431-DEFAULT,21,text,1/index.pmode

Honda Ends U.S. Motorcycle Production

Did not see this coming....
In a strange juxtapositioning of the auto and motorcycle industries -- and a business decision that marks the end to an era -- Honda Motor Co. Ltd. this week said that after three decades, it ended production of motorcycles made in the U.S.

The Honda of America Manufacturing Marysville, Ohio, motorcycle assembly plant was in 1979 the start of the company's manufacturing footprint in the U.S. The HAM site eventually expanded to auto and engine production as well as major stamping and casting activities.

At the time of its closing, the motorcycle plant was exclusively building Honda's flagship motorcycle, the Goldwing. The reported capacity was about 70,000 units and Goldwings sold in the U.S. now will be imported from Japan.

But with U.S. motorcycle consumption on a steady decline for the past four years, Honda is said to have decided the advantages of localized production had diminished. The move is a contrast with Honda's recent automotive endeavors, which have created a dedicated North American research and development and engineering operations and the steady expansion of U.S. manufacturing capacity, including the construction of a second automotive assembly plant near Marysville in East Liberty, Ohio.

In 1982, Honda began making the Accord in Marysville and in 1985 started production of motorcycle engines. A year later, a plant in nearby Anna, Ohio, began assembly of auto engines, the first being a four-cylinder for the Civic; the same year, the company added a second auto assembly line in Marysville.

Honda continues with U.S. production of various off-road powersport vehicles and power-equipment pieces, but none of the powersports models are two-wheelers. -- Bill Visnic


Source;
http://www.autoobserver.com/2009/07/honda-ends-us-motorcycle-production.html

Electric Motorcycle for Honda by 2010

There are exciting plans in the works on the environmental technology front with the announcement by Honda's President and CEO, Takeo Fukui, that the company is currently developing a battery-powered electric motorcycle which emits no CO2 during operation.


According to Fukui, in order for Honda to sustain its business during the next 100 years of the automotive industry, the company will further strengthen its ability to continue advancing environmental technologies and to apply them to creative and attractive products.


Honda believes the characteristics of a battery can be better utilized in the area of motorcycles, which are often used for short distance travel.


In the pursuit of advanced environmental technologies for motorcycles, Honda has been developing and releasing products that use energy sources other than gasoline for quite some time. In fact, Honda has been developing electricity-powered scooters since the latter half of the 1980s.


In 2004, Honda unveiled a fuel cell scooter prototype in addition to the hybrid scooter and electric moped developed as prototypes for eventual mass production. The Honda FC Stack, which was originally used in automobiles, was applied to the fuel cell scooter, after being made lighter and more compact tobe the optimal size for scooters.


The 50 cc hybrid scooter prototype employs both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor and provides ample storage space.


The electric moped has a built-in 360kW light nickel hydrogen battery inside an aluminium frame. Being powerful enough to climb a 12-degree incline, the electric moped offers performance comparable to that of a gasoline-powered moped.


Honda is aiming to introduce the fully electric motorcycle to the market in approximately two years and envisages it could be viable for commercial as well as individual applications.


Source;
Honda

Honda to Build a Chopper?!?

Honda appears ready to do something that may disappoint some fans of the marque, and bring in some converts as well.

The company has hinted that it will develop a chopper for the 2010 market.

A video was shown to dealers indicating that Honda's chopper, called the "Fury," would employ a raked front end, a low seat, a long, slim fuel tank, 21-inch front wheel, and 200 mm rear tire.

The Fury would apparently be powered by a fuel-injected VTX 1300 cc motor, but details about the powerplant are very sketchy.

We'll look for more info on that, as we're sure CMG readers will want the full scoop.

Source;
http://cmgonline.com/content/view/1092/51/