Official

Honda CEO confirms return of Civic Type R, announces new Fit-based CUV and super sports bike

View 7 Photos
With a goal of earning 39 million global customers across its power equipment, automobile and motorcycle line of products by 2017, Honda CEO Takanobu Ito announced a handful of exciting new models for the latter two that range from high performance to fuel efficient. While the U.S. news was essentially limited to the confirmation that the Acura RLX will be debuting in production form at the 2012 L.A. Auto Show, Honda fans in Europe have a lot more to look forward to.

After a five-year hiatus, Ito confirmed that the Honda Civic Type-R (pictured above) would be returning to Europe in 2015. No details were revealed about this high-output Civic, but Ito did mention that Honda's goal is to make the new Type-R the "fastest front-wheel-drive vehicle on the Nürburgring" where we've already seen the car testing. The Euro-spec Civic Type-R went out of production in 2010 due to stricter European emissions standards. No word as to whether the new Civic Type-R would eventually be offered in the U.S., but don't hold your breath.

Also headed to the European market is the upcoming subcompact crossover based on the next-generation Honda Fit/Jazz. The new Honda Fit will debut next year, and Honda says the crossover version will go on sale within two years. Both of these products will be built at Honda's all-new assembly plant near Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico.

In addition to Europe and the U.S., Automotive News reports that Honda is also looking to expand its lineup in China and India with up to 10 new or updated models in China by 2016 and a new diesel model for India in 2014.

Ito didn't just limit the news to future cars, either, as he announced that the motorcycle division of Honda will be introducing a new super sports bike based on the Honda's MotoGP racing bike. No additional information was available about this motorcycle, but Ito did say that it would be similar to the VFR750R homologation bike that was made in limited numbers from 1987 through 1990.
Show full PR text
21.09.2012

Honda CEO Ito announces new Civic Type R and new Compact SUV model

-New Civic Type R for Europe in 2015
-All new compact SUV model
-3 new hybrid technologies announced
-Honda to launch all new fuel cell electric model in Japan, US and Europe in 2015
-Total annual global customers forecasted at 39 million per year by 2017
-New supers sports motorcycle based on MotoGP machines

Honda CEO Takanobu Ito today outlined the product, technology and business developments that would drive a growth in Honda's total annual new customers to 39 million by fiscal year 2017.

The announcements made by CEO Ito will see the introduction of exciting new products and technologies to the European market. Following the recent introductions of new Civic and new CR-V, these new models will further strengthen Honda's customer offering in Europe.

New Civic Type R for Europe

Thrilling, sporty products are part of Honda's DNA. In addition to the introduction of a new NSX, Honda can confirm the development of an all-new Civic Type R for Europe. The Type R brand has a passionate following from Honda customers and the new model will again aim to set new standards in performance and handling. Developed specifically for the European market and with the application of technologies developed through Honda's participation in the World Touring Car Championships (WTCC), the all-new Type R will aim to become the fastest front-wheel-drive vehicle on the Nurburgring race course. This new model is scheduled for introduction in 2015.

New Compact SUV model

Honda will strengthen its model line-up in Europe with the introduction of a new compact SUV model. Based on the platform of a next generation Jazz model, this new model will compete in the rapidly growing small SUV sector.

New range of hybrid technologies

Honda firmly believes hybrid technology will play a critical role in the reduction of CO2 emissions. Honda will build on its hybrid expertise to introduce three new hybrid systems. Each system will possess unique characteristics and their deployment will reflect varying customer needs.
Firstly, Honda will further develop its lightweight and compact one-motor hybrid system with the aim of achieving No1 fuel economy among all hybrid vehicles. Improvements in motor output and battery performance and a newly developed transmission will help to extend the zero emission electric driving range.
Honda is also developing a new more powerful two-motor hybrid system for mid-size vehicles.

Finally, a highly efficient and high output 3-motor hybrid system, the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) will focus on driving performance. This technology will be applied to the new NSX.

Honda believes this range of new hybrid technologies will deliver unrivalled driving performance and fuel economy.

Next generation Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle for Europe

Honda considers fuel cell electric vehicles to be the ultimate environmentally-responsible technology and as such, has attempted to lead the industry in R&D and sales activity. The introduction of the FCX Clarity in 2008, demonstrated Honda's progress in this field. Starting in 2015, Honda will launch an all-new fuel cell electric model which will showcase the significant technological advancements and cost reductions that Honda has accomplished since the launch of the FCX Clarity in 2008. This model will be introduced to Japan, USA and Europe.

Super sports motorcycle

Honda is developing a new super sports motorcycle. Technologies from Honda's MotoGP machines will be applied to this model. This bike will seek to deliver the same passion and excitement that the RC30 (VFR750R) super sports bike created when first introduced in 1987.

Honda Information

Share This Photo X