Motor Trend editor-in-chief Angus MacKenzie talks with Honda CEO Takeo Fukui about hybrids, hydrogen and the future of the Acura NSX on the eve of the the 2007 Tokyo auto show.
Memo Toyota: The Prius's days are numbered.
"We will launch a new range of hybrids in 2009 that are more efficient and cheaper than existing models. We believe hybrid technology is most appropriate for smaller vehicles where the efficiency gains are the greatest."
And GM's much-hyped Volt won't contribute much to CO2 reduction.
"It is possible to mass produce a plug-in hybrid within two to three years, however I do not think that it would contribute to CO2 reduction. My feeling is the currently proposed plug-in hybrid is an electric vehicle with an unnecessary engine and fuel tank attached.
But it will be a long time before batteries will be good enough for Honda to build another electric car.
"There are two problems with batteries - their energy density and time it takes to charge them. In order to provide the cruising distance customers want, the whole car would have to consist of batteries. And the time it takes to charge them is not acceptable. About 10 years ago Honda built about 300 electric vehicles. Batteries have progressed in the past 10 years but we feel their performance is still not up to scratch."
Honda CEO Takeo Fukui in front of the Honda Accord Tourer Concept at the 2007 Frankfurt show.
That's why fuel cells are the answer.
"Global warming has now taken center stage as an environmental issue. We believe the ultimate solution is a fuel cell vehicle with hydrogen from solar power. Next year we will launch a new fuel cell vehicle in the U.S. and Japan based on the FXC concept. Honda has already started a solar panel business, and in 10 years solar panels could be used to power fuel cells for home co-generation systems. With home co-generation [basically fuel cell power stations for each home] and a hydrogen accumulation system, that should provide the breakthrough for a hydrogen fuel infrastructure."
Honda is also looking at building V-6 diesel powered trucks and SUVs.
"Diesel is more affordable and a better solution than a hybrid for light trucks in the U.S. We want to use the new four cylinder diesel for the U.S. market [the super-clean California-legal engine that uses Honda's revolutionary new catalyst technology will be available in Accord], but that doesn't provide enough power for light trucks, so we are working on a V-6 as well."
Customers are prepared pay for all this expensive new technology - to a point.
"Currently, there may be some cars riding on an image of CO2 reduction, but image alone is not sufficient. Even if the initial cost [of technologies like hybrids] may be higher, if it can be recovered in two years' operation by customers, it will be accepted. Look at the price differential between diesel and gas vehicles in Europe. The 2009 Honda hybrid's price differential will be in the same range."
The new NSX platform could be used for other Acura products.
"The successor to the NSX will be on a rear drive-based platform with a V-10 and all-wheel drive. By doing this, Honda will be able to learn something about this system. What's to come after is something we will think about later. A front drive-based platform has its own advantages, but we are aware in high power ranges some things cannot be accommodated."
Honda does not need strategic partners to develop new technologies.
"What costs most money is not fundamental research, but the cost of putting a car into production. Honda is a small company. Those companies with bigger model ranges have to spend more money on replacing their production cars.
Formula 1 was a disaster this year.
"I want to forget about the results this year. The results this year were just unthinkable. We are aware of some issues on the technical side, but the Honda-operated team has only been operating a short time. Next year we will not allow the same thing to happen as this year."
Honda should continue to be run by engineers.
"My successor doesn't have to be someone from Honda R&D. We have not decided on my successor, but it is best we have someone from engineering at the top, supported by someone from sales."
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