HONDA TAKES TOP HONORS IN ACEEE'S 2001 GREENEST VEHICLES

February 12, 2001 -- The Honda Civic GX and the Honda Insight tied for the title of "Greenest Vehicle of 2001," in the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy's (ACEEE's) 2001 'Green Book,' a consumer environmental guide to Model Year 2001 cars and trucks. Two other Honda models -- the Honda Civic HX and Civic LX, both gasoline-powered -- also ranked among ACEEE's top ten list of most environment-friendly vehicles, released last week.

The Civic GX is powered by a dedicated compressed natural gas engine. The vehicle is certified as a Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) -- emitting more than 96 percent less pollutants than a typical car. The Civic GX is the only SULEV sedan available nationwide. In 1998, U.S. EPA named the GX as 'Cleanest on Earth' with an internal combustion engine.

The Honda Insight was introduced in 1999 as the first gasoline-electric hybrid on sale in the U.S. The 'Ultra-Low Emission' Insight features Honda's 'Integrated Motor Assist' (IMA) system -- a 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder gasoline engine combined with a lightweight and compact 144-volt electric motor. The electric motor is powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, which is charged by the gasoline engine and by recapturing the vehicle's momentum during braking. The Insight does not require an outside source of electric power -- it never needs to be plugged in. In 2000, U.S. EPA honored Honda and the Insight with its 'Climate Protection Award' for leadership and technical innovation.

The gasoline-powered Honda Civic is the best-selling small car in the U.S. for the past five years and has been completely re-designed and re-engineered for the 2001 model year. All new 2001 Civics are rated as Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV) -- emittng more than 84 percent less pollutants than a typical car. The 2001 Civic is also the first complete model line-up to be sold nationwide with a ULEV rating, while adding fuel economy improvements of up to 10 percent.

In 2000, 85 percent of all Honda and Acura cars and light trucks sold in the United States met or exceeded the 'Low Emission Vehicle' certification standard.

ACEEE's Green Book, now in its fourth edition, provides comprehensive information on all key aspects of automotive environmental performance for every new passenger car, pickup truck, SUV, and minivan sold in the United States. ACEEE is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection. For information about ACEEE and its publications, on the internet go to -- http://aceee.org.