Insight Press Releases now on Honda Canada's Web Site

As another sign that we're getting closer to the Insight's introduction in Canada, the following two press releases from earlier this year are now posted on Honda Canada's web site at http://english.honda.ca/athondaca/press_releases.asp. The first press release is from February 17th, and the second is from March 27th.

HONDA INTRODUCES THE "INSIGHT" HYBRID VEHICLE WHICH OFFERS THE WORLD'S BEST FUEL ECONOMY

TORONTO, ONT. February 17, 2000- Honda unveiled the 2000 INSIGHT hybrid car at the 2000 Toronto International Auto Show. Combining superior driving pleasure with world-leading environment-friendliness, this new model offers the world's lowest fuel consumption of a gasoline-powered vehicle attaining gas mileage of 3.5L/100kms (80 mpg) for combined city and highway driving.

It has always been Honda's philosophy that the products we bring to the market balance the needs of society with our customer's desire to experience the sheer joy of driving. The all-new Honda Insight provides ample evidence of how we are looking for new and exciting ways to bring Canadian drivers "Tomorrow's Technology Today".

The vehicle, an ultra-modern, two-seater that focuses on personal-utility space was developed around three themes: an ultra-efficient power unit, super-aerodynamics and the world's first hybrid aluminum ultra-light body (852kg). In addition to exceptional fuel efficiency, clean emissions and outstanding recyclability, the adoption of Honda's own G-force control technology provides the Insight with world-leading passenger safety protection.

From the driver's viewpoint, the Honda Insight functions very much like an everyday 5-speed manual transmission automobile. At the heart of the Insight is Honda's revolutionary Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) "parallel" hybrid system, which uses the world's most fuel efficient 1.0-litre, 3 cylinder lean burn VTEC™-E gasoline engine assisted by a powerful, ultra-thin, permanent-magnet electric motor.

The IMA system relies mainly on engine power, calling upon electric motor power assistance when required to provide powerful acceleration and low fuel consumption. This new approach allows for a significant reduction in complexity and weight, providing for both high power output and low fuel consumption. An "idle stop" system stops the engine automatically when the vehicle comes to a stop if the transmission is shifted into neutral and the clutch is not engaged. This reduces fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and with the adoption of a lean-burn-compatible adsorption-type NOx catalytic converter which helps achieve a dramatic 50% reduction in harmful exhaust emission standards slated for introduction in Japan in October, 2000.

Special tires were developed to achieve nearly a 40% reduction in rolling resistance compared to other same size tires, while maintaining high standards in terms of braking performance, driving stability and ride comfort.

Standard features included in the 2000 Honda Insight are Honda's G-force protection, impact absorbing collapsible bonnet hinges and wiper pivots, dual SRS, ABS, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, power door locks with keyless entry, electric power steering and an AM/FM stereo cassette.

Production of the Canadian-bound Honda Insights will be at the Takanezawa plant, Tochigi Factory, Japan and will be available through Honda dealers in the spring of 2000.

HONDA INSIGHT TAKES AUTOMOTIVE EFFICIENCY TO A NEW LEVEL

VANCOUVER, BC. March 27, 2000- As the first vehicle ever to break the 70miles/gallon EPA highway tests, the Honda Insight shows the way to improve automotive efficiency for the 21st Century.

The 2000 Insight hybrid car by Honda is not a prototype but a reality that will be available in Canada in May of this year. Combining superior driving pleasure with world-leading environment-friendliness, this new model offers the world's lowest fuel consumption of a gasoline-powered vehicle attaining gas mileage of 3.5L/100kms (80mpg) for combined city and highway driving.

It has always been Honda's philosophy that the products we bring to the market balance the needs of society with our customers' desire to experience the sheer joy of driving. The all-new Honda Insight provides ample evidence of how we are looking for new and exciting ways to bring Canadian drivers "Tomorrow's Technology Today".

The vehicle, an ultra-modern, two-seater that focuses on personal-utility space, was developed around three themes: an ultra-efficient power unit, super-aerodynamics and the world's first hybrid aluminum ultra-light body (852kg). In addition to exceptional fuel efficiency, clean emissions and outstanding recyclability, the adoption of Honda's own G-force control technology provides the Insight with world-leading passenger safety protection.

From the driver's viewpoint, the Honda Insight functions very much like an everyday 5-speed manual transmission automobile. At the heart of the Insight is Honda's revolutionary Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) "parallel" hybrid system, which uses the world's most fuel efficient 1.0-litre, 3 cylinder lean burn VTEC™-E gasoline engine assisted by a powerful, ultra-thin, permanent-magnet electric motor.

The IMA system relies mainly on engine power, calling upon electric motor power assistance when required to provide powerful acceleration and low fuel consumption. This new approach allows for a significant reduction in complexity and weight, providing for both high power output and low fuel consumption. An "idle stop" system stops the engine automatically when the vehicle comes to a stop if the transmission is shifted into neutral and the clutch is not engaged. This reduces fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and with the adoption of a lean-burn-compatible-adsorption-type NOx catalytic converter, helps achieve a dramatic 50% reduction in harmful exhaust emission standards, which is slated for introduction in Japan in October 2000.

Special tires were developed to achieve nearly a 40% reduction in rolling resistance compared to other tires of the same size, while maintaining high standards in terms of braking performance, driving stability and ride comfort.

Standard features included in the 2000 Honda Insight are Honda's G-force protection, impact absorbing collapsible bonnet hinges and wiper pivots, dual SRS, ABS, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, power door locks with keyless entry, electric power steering and an AM/FM stereo cassette.

An environmental alternative soon to be available.