Honda planning five-year model blitz

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Honda feels fuel-cell electric cars such as the EV-Ster concept are the way to go.

Honda boss Takanobu Ito on Friday laid out the company's product, technology and business plans for the next five years, aimed at increasing its global customer base for automotive, energy and mobility by 60 percent from 23.9 million to 39 million.

Following the recent introduction of the new Civic and CR-V, he confirmed that Honda would add a new Civic Type R for Europe in 2015, all all-new compact SUV, three new hybrid technologies, an all-new fuel-cell electric car in Japan, the US and Europe in 2015, and a new super-sports motorcycle based on MotoGP technology.

NEW CIVIC TYPE R FOR EUROPE

Developed specifically for the European market, where the Typre R brand has a passionate following, and using technology developed through Honda's participation in the World Touring Car Championship, the all-new Type R, scheduled for introduction in 2015, is intended to be the fastest front-wheel drive vehicle around the Nurburgring,

Honda will also debut a new small SUV, specifically for the European market, on the Jazz platform.

We will also see three new hybrid systems, starting with a further development of its compact one-motor hybrid system, aimed at best-in-class fuel economy among.

Honda is also developing a new sportbike using technology derived from MotoGP bikes such as the RC213V, seen here.

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Then there's a new, more powerful two-motor hybrid drivetrain for mid-size vehicles and a high-output three-motor hybrid system, the “Sport Hybrid Super Handling All Wheel Drive”, which will focus on driving performance, and will first be seen in the new NSX.

Honda still believes that fuel-cell electric vehicles are the holy grail of environmentally-responsible technology - hence the introduction of the FCX Clarity in 2008.

Starting in 2015, Honda will launch an all-new fuel cell electric car in Japan, the US and Europe to showcase the technical advances and cost reductions that have been achieved since the launch of the FCX Clarity.

SUPER SPORTS MOTORCYCLE

Honda is also developing a new super sports motorcycle using technology derived from its MotoGP bikes, in an attempt to recapture the passion and excitement created by the RC30 (VFR750R) when it was introduced in 1987.

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