New Delhi: Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI), premium carmaker in India has showcased the technological excellence of Honda, with a wide range of advanced, environment-friendly technologies and exciting new models at the ninth Auto Expo 2008 at Pragati Maidan New Delhi.

Addressing the press, M Takedagawa, president and CEO, Honda Siel Cars India, said, ''The concern for the environment is a global phenomenon and trends in India are no different. Customer preferences and requirements are evolving very fast and they are looking at products, which are high on technology, more and more fuel efficient and safe. Honda through its advanced engineering and expertise has been working to develop products that are not only fuel efficient and fun to drive but are also environment friendly.''

''We are also pleased to launch the CR-V 2.0 L in India. This new model of the CR-V is sporty, agile and give very good mileage,'' he added.

HSCI's stall at the Expo complemented the theme, ''Nature Rides with Honda.'' Apart from the new-generation fuel-cell vehicle, the FCX Concept and the Civic hybrid, HSCI also put on display its powerful, but fuel-efficient i-VTEC and IndyCar engines.
Other attractions at the company's stall include the ''Jazz concept'', ''Honda's F1 Earth car'', and Honda's popular humanoid Robot, the ASIMO.

Honda Siel cars has launched a new 2.0L 2WD (2-Wheel Drive) Honda CR-V at the Auto Expo, which has is more agile & sporty handling. The new lighter engine gives good fuel efficiency, without compromising on performance. The new 2.0L 2WD CR-V is priced at Rs. 17,15,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

HSCI has also displayed the all-new eighth-generation Honda Accord, flagship brand of Honda in India due to be launched in India later this year.

The FCX Concept is the second-generation Fuel-cell car from Honda, which pioneered the fuel cell technology. A Fuel-cell vehicle is powered by an electric motor, running on electricity generated by a fuel-stack, which uses hydrogen as its energy source. The FCX Concept boasts a fuel cell system that delivers more power in less space, in a unique, low-floor fuel cell platform. It's a next-generation sedan with a low center of gravity and a full-sized cabin, offering the kind of driving pleasure and roomy interior previously unimaginable in a fuel cell vehicle. The FCX Concept also features Honda's advanced intelligent technologies that reduce driver burden, and the spacious interior allows for extra-large seats to maximize comfort.

Honda's most successful hybrid car - Honda Civic Hybrid is also on display. Civic Hybrid is the latest embodiment of Honda's long-term commitment to the development of environmentally friendly technologies that are also fun to drive. The car runs on a 1.3L 3-stage i-VTEC petrol engine supported with electric motor, and together the two reduce fuel consumption and emissions while giving same performance as 1.8L class engine. A cut body of Civic Hybrid has also been displayed to give a better understanding of the layout of engine and electric motor and their functioning.

The Jazz Concept was the key attraction at the Auto Expo. The car debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in the previous year. This all-new second generation Jazz was recently awarded the ''Japanese Car of the Year 2007-2008''. Honda Jazz was first introduced in 2001 and has been widely acclaimed for its stylish exterior, spacious interiors and outstanding fuel economy.

The Honda ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) has made an appearance at the Auto Expo for the first time and is the world's most advanced humanoid robot. It has the ability to walk forward and backward, climb stairs, turn smoothly without pausing, and maintain balance, even while walking on uneven slopes and surfaces.

The company has also set up a Honda Design Corner to exhibit how Honda's premium design is developed. At this booth, one can trace the entire process of designing right from ideation to the final vehicle. Indian designers from Honda R&D in India will demonstrate the designing and sketching of a motorcycle once every day.

Another highlight of the stand is a Civic Sport equipped with Honda genuine Sport Accessories.

An Engine Gallery at the Honda stand shows off the 1.8 lt and 2 lt i-VTEC petrol engines and the most fuel-efficient Indi Car engine. The acclaimed i-VTEC engine is the perfect demonstration of technology, which gives better fuel efficiency without compromising on power. These engines are E10 compatible (running on 10 per cent ethanol blended with petrol) and have emission levels that are already Euro IV compliant. The Indi Car E100 engine is capable on running on 100 per cent ethanol.

Honda is exhibiting a total of 17 vehicles representing 10 different models, including vehicles already on the market, those soon to be introduced, and concept models.