Honda Siel launches Honda CR-V

Company press release, May 9, 2003

New Delhi

Honda Siel Cars India Ltd., credited with highly successful models - City and Accord - in the premium segment of the Indian car industry, today announced the imminent launch of Honda CR-V, a vehicle with a new and unique concept, in the country. The company has pioneered a new segment in the Indian automobile industry with the launch of CR-V, which offers its customers a distinctive combination of 'the comfort of a sedan with the thrills of a SUV'.

The second-generation Honda CR-V, to be launched in India, is the most recent version available internationally in the CR-V series. Honda has already sold over 1.2 million units of CR-V in 140 countries, around the globe, within a short duration since its launch in 1995. A smart-spirited vehicle, the CR-V feels at ease in any driving condition, responding instantly and intelligently to the driver's needs. The vehicle thus combines the serene comfort and smooth drivability of a sedan with the exhilaration and power of a SUV, delivered by a 2.0 litre all new i-VTEC engine and Honda's exclusive real time 4-wheel drive.

Excited at the launch of the Honda CR-V, Mr. H. Yamada, President and CEO, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd., said, "I understand that the CR-V has been long-awaited in India. However, in line with Honda's philosophy to focus on identifying customer needs in specific markets, we decided to conduct a market study amongst our prospective customers in the country. The CR-V being launched in India is a result of the feedback received from our esteemed customers."

Elaborating on the unique concept of the new vehicle, Mr. Yamada said, "The CR-V is targeted at customers, who want to enjoy the comfort of a sedan and the power of a sports utility vehicle, simultaneously. Honda's innovative technology helps deliver both, in the same vehicle - the CR-V. Considering the international success of the CR-V concept and the modifications been brought in specifically for the Indian market, we are confident that CR-V will establish itself as a benchmark in its segment."

Talking about the company's plans for the year, Mr. Yamada said, "Last year was extremely good and motivating for both our models - City as well as Accord. This year, we are aiming at becoming the market leaders in the premium car market in India and the launch of CR-V is part of our strategy to attain this leadership."

The Honda CR-V would be available in India with a new electronically controlled 4-speed transmission and an active lock up for enhanced fuel economy. The vehicle, to be launched in July 2003, would be offered in six attractive colours, through 38 exclusive Honda dealerships across the country.

Comfort of a sedan

The CR-V's spacious interiors are designed to offer the driver and passengers a sedan-like comfort and ease, both in terms of riding comfort as well as storage convenience. A slightly elevated position behind the steering wheel, helps the driver get a panoramic view of the road, while the distinctive easy-to-read meters and easy-to-adjust knobs, add further convenience. A new dashboard-mounted parking brake allows space for an aisle between the front seats.

The CR-V comes with slightly elevated seating with excellent visibility, for rear passengers, giving them a feeling of spacious freedom. The vehicle provides several options for arranging seating and cargo space. Both front and rear seats recline fully and independently, creating a flat and comfortable surface for refreshing relaxation on longer journeys. Heat blocking green glass and a powerful automatic air-conditioner keep the interiors cool and comfortable.

The CR-V offers several thoughtful features, which further add to the passengers' convenience and comfort. To name a few, these include a foldaway central table with cup holders, separate fold-down front armrests for driver and front as well as rear passengers, accessory power outlet near the tailgate, a folding picnic table, map-lights for reading, cargo-floor tie-down hook to fasten gear and cargo-floor bucket for washing. Storage trays and pockets around the front and rear seats as well as in the cargo area are easily accessible.

Thrills of a SUV

The versatility of the Honda CR-V to adapt and perform as successfully and efficiently in any driving condition is credited to Honda's ingenious engineering and innovative technology.

The CR-V embodies a new lightweight, compact and quiet 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine, that delivers a whopping 142bhp, a member of Honda's latest generation VTEC "i-series", and a breakthrough in automotive design. The powerplant uses an innovative combination of 'intelligent' valve control technologies that realize ideal combustion in all rpm ranges, significantly improving the combustion efficiency. The i-VTEC engine incorporates a variable dual-passage intake manifold, which greatly enhances torque at low-and-mid-range speeds, at the same time providing high-power output at high speeds. The environment friendly Honda LEV (Low Emission Vehicle) technology further helps in reducing hazardous elements in emissions.

The new direct-control four-speed automatic transmission (AT), with an active lock-up for efficient fuel economy, features Honda's exclusive Grade Logic Control System. This system constantly compares vehicle speed with engine load and computes the ideal shift pattern for the road ahead.

The CR-V displays an unmatched sense of "ride quality" for its class, regardless of demanding circumstances or unfamiliar surroundings. The newly refined suspension is designed for high rigidity and tuned for passenger riding comfort and responsive handling. A toe-control-link strut suspension helps in linear handling and superb stability, even at high speeds. In the rear, new reactive-link double wishbone suspension provides a smooth ride and enhanced driving stability during braking. A low center of gravity and wide tread add to overall stability of the vehicle. Honda's exclusive Dual Pump real time 4WD automatically activates when either of the front wheels loses grip on driving surfaces, ensuring maximum torque and good traction as long as needed.

Standard four-wheel disc brakes are fine-tuned for good response, even when making sudden stops. The system integrates ABS (anti-lock braking system) for additional security in avoiding accidents. Moreover, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) compensates for differences in cargo weight load, dividing braking force between the front and rear wheels to provide a good balance of brake response.

Meeting highest standards of safety

The new CR-V not just meets but even exceeds the world's toughest safety standards for frontal, offset, side and rear-end collisions, as well as roll-over accidents. Based on advanced body design, the exclusive Honda G-Force Control technology enhances passenger shielding by controlling collision forces at the body in the event of an accident. The standard anti-lock braking (ABS) system helps maintain steering control in an emergency. Front seats are equipped with dual SRS airbags.

These advanced features, and many more, have helped the CR-V earn 5-star ratings, the highest rating possible, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration-USA (NHTSA) for both front and side impact. In addition, the CR-V has received a good designation, also the highest rating possible, from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and was named a Best Pick following the agencys frontal offset crash testing of the vehicle.

About Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. (HSCI):

HSCI was established in December 1995, with Honda Motor Co., (Japan) and Siel Ltd. (India) being the key promoters. The company figures among the top players in the Indian premium and luxury car market. HSCI started commercial production in December 1997 with an indigenisation level of over 50%, which has been raised progressively and is currently over 72%.

Honda Siel introduced the Honda City car, an extremely successful engineering marvel, in India in December 1997 and the New Honda City in November 1999. In August 2000, Honda Siel added to the line-up by introducing the Honda City VTEC. The internationally successful Honda Accord, the last offering by the company, was launched in July 2001.

The company witnessed a remarkable 22 per cent growth in sales during the FY 2002-03.

For further information, please contact:

Rajiv Bakshi/Sheetal Sadhu

Corporate Voice I Weber Shandwick

Ph: 011-26936 834-5

e-mail: rajiv@corvoshandwick.co.in

sheetal@corvoshandwick.co.in