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Honda begins construction of new electric vehicle production plant

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Honda has started the construction of its new electric vehicle production plant in China. Honda, originally a Japanese company, was wholly acquired by Guangzhou Automobile Group in 2017.

Honda Motor (China) Investment, a wholly-owned Honda subsidiary in China, announced that GAC Honda Automobile, (GAC Honda), a Honda automobile production and sales joint venture in China, began construction of its new EV plant, taking a forward step in establishing a suitable EV production system and capability in preparation for an increase in the number of EV models in its product lineup.

GAC Honda’s dedicated EV production plant will be newly constructed on a lot with the size of 400,000 sq m within the Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China. The plant is targeted to begin operation in 2024 with an annual production capacity of 120,000 units. [Read more…] about Honda begins construction of new electric vehicle production plant

Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority seeks volunteers to test connected vehicle technology

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Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is moving to the next stage in testing and implementing connected vehicle technology in Tampa with four auto manufacturers on board.

THEA is recruiting volunteer drivers who drive a Honda, Acura, Hyundai, Kia or Toyota for the THEA Connected Vehicle Pilot. This research project has the potential to improve driving safety in downtown Tampa and beyond. Eligible participating drivers receive up to a 30 percent rebate for tolls on the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway.

In this phase, THEA expects to equip approximately 300 privately owned automobiles with connected vehicle technology by late 2022. Volunteers’ automobiles will be outfitted with devices that “talk” to other connected vehicles and to roadway infrastructure to help prevent crashes. [Read more…] about Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority seeks volunteers to test connected vehicle technology

Honda tests prototype autonomous vehicle at Black & Veatch solar construction site

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Honda and Black & Veatch say they have successfully tested the prototype Honda “Autonomous Work Vehicle” at a Black & Veatch construction site in New Mexico. (See video below.)

During the month-long field test, the second-generation prototype of the fully-electric Honda AWV performed a range of functions at a large-scale solar energy construction project, including towing activities and transporting construction materials, water, and other supplies to pre-set destinations within the work site.

While Honda previously performed testing with an earlier generation of the Honda AWV, this field test was the first to deploy multiple units working collaboratively to support construction use cases. [Read more…] about Honda tests prototype autonomous vehicle at Black & Veatch solar construction site

Honda and AutoX test autonomous cars on public roads in China

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Honda China is collaborating with AutoX on autonomous driving research in China through vehicle testing on public roads. Honda will provide Accord and Inspire vehicles that will utilize AutoX’s autonomous vehicle technology.

AutoX is the frontrunner of Level 4 autonomous driving in China. In this partnership, Honda will adopt and leverage on AutoX’s cutting-edge technology and rich experience in the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles in the most populated cities in China.

Through the test, Honda aims to deepen understanding of China’s traffic environment, establish the public acceptance and safety of autonomous driving technology, as well as to seek new autonomous driving technology solutions. [Read more…] about Honda and AutoX test autonomous cars on public roads in China

New Honda and Suzuki models use ThyssenKrupp carbon wheels

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The German carbon wheels manufacturer, ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components, has expanded its portfolio by five models within the last two months.

In detail three Suzuki models of the street sector, namely the GSXS1000, GSX-S1000F and Katana as well as Honda’s new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and the SP version, can now be equipped with braided carbon wheels of the highest quality.

ThyssenKrupp Carbon Components’ patented braiding technology ensures not only stunning optics but also high damage tolerance. The carbon wheels for both Japanese manufacturers are available in Style 1 and – thanks to ABE, DOT E and JWL homologation – road-legal worldwide. [Read more…] about New Honda and Suzuki models use ThyssenKrupp carbon wheels

CATL and Honda agree ‘comprehensive strategic alliance’ on batteries for new energy vehicles

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Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) and automaker Honda have signed an agreement to form a “comprehensive strategic alliance” on new energy vehicle (NEV) batteries to strengthen their strategic partnership and promote the popularization of electrified vehicles.

This agreement will enable the two companies to begin discussions on a broad range of areas including joint development, stable supply, and the recycling and reuse of batteries.

By bringing together the two companies’ individual technology advantages, CATL and Honda will conduct joint development on NEVs batteries and joint research and development into fundamental technologies, aiming for their future application. [Read more…] about CATL and Honda agree ‘comprehensive strategic alliance’ on batteries for new energy vehicles

Hydrogen vs electric vs petrol: How will cars be powered in the future?

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Electric vehicles sales have seen sustained increases in the past few years and significant milestones have been reached in many countries.

According to data published on Wikipedia by independent researcher Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz, cumulative global plug-in electric vehicle sales passed 5 million units in December 2018.

Five million is just a drop in the ocean in terms of the number of all the “light-duty” vehicles – vehicles weighing 4,500 kg or less, which includes cars, vans, and small trucks – on the roads worldwide, which, according to a Guidehouse Insights report, numbers around 1.2 billion in total. Other researchers estimate the figure to be around 2.5 billion. [Read more…] about Hydrogen vs electric vs petrol: How will cars be powered in the future?

GM and Honda to jointly develop new electric vehicles

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General Motors and Honda have agreed to jointly develop next-generation Honda electric vehicles powered by GM’s Ultium Batteries.

The move builds on GM’s already established advanced technology relationship with Honda.

Honda will develop the “unique” interior and exterior designs for Honda customers. [Read more…] about GM and Honda to jointly develop new electric vehicles

Dongfeng Honda completes construction of third auto plant in Wuhan, China

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Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., a Honda automobile production and sales joint venture in China, has completed construction of its third automobile plant in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.

As a new plant capable of responding flexibly to the advancement of products, including the acceleration of electrification, this plant will accommodate production of electrified models.

The new plant is equipped with a water recycling system and emission treatment equipment which makes it more environmentally responsible and achieves high efficiency through proactive adoption of automation in each production process.

Honda and CiNet begin joint neuroscientific research in Japan

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Honda R&D Co., Ltd., a research and development subsidiary of Honda, has begun a collaboration with the Center for Information and Neural Networks (CiNet), Japan, in neuroscientific research of humans in the areas of mobility and robotics.

CiNet is a flagship research institute that focuses on the brain and artificial intelligence within the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT).

Honda has recently established the Innovative Research Excellence within Honda R&D, a new centre of excellence which will be responsible for the pursuit of revolutionary advancement and the creation of values for mobility and people’s daily lives.

[Read more…] about Honda and CiNet begin joint neuroscientific research in Japan