Honda’s guiding principle of late is a simple one. In fact, it can be summed up in three words: Green, Safe, and Fun. The Japanese automaker has long been known for vehicles that deliver on these three fronts, though several of their latest products have recently put Honda’s ‘Green’ efforts into the spotlight yet again.

 

Honda was recently honoured with recognition from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) with numerous products named to the council’s ‘Greenest Vehicles of 2012 Green Book’ ranking of environmentally responsible vehicles.

 

The Insight, Civic Hybrid and CR-Z were included on the industry authority’s list of the 12 most environmentally-responsible vehicles available to the public, while the natural-gas powered Civic Natural Gas tied for second place on the list. The Insight Hybrid, Fit compact and Odyssey minivan were also named ‘Greener Choices of 2012” within their respective classes. This is the 14^th straight year that numerous Honda models have ranked within the top 12 ACEEE green vehicles.

 

The ACEEE ranking system uses a singular measure that incorporates fuel economy and health-related pollution impacts alongside global warming and upstream emissions. All vehicles are analyzed and given a "Green Score," which is then used to rank a vehicle's total environmental performance, including a list of the 12 "greenest" and 12 "meanest" vehicles, along with a ranking of greenest vehicles by segment.

 

"Honda is honoured to have our natural gas vehicle and our hybrid and gasoline-powered vehicles among ACEEE's 'greenest' and 'greener' choices," said Steven Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda.  "The ACEEE's annual recognition of Honda's fuel-efficient vehicles further validates our commitment to create a cleaner, more energy-efficient and sustainable transportation future."

 

Long story short, shoppers after a good value on a new vehicle that helps them do their part for the environment have plenty of options at their local Honda dealership. The automaker’s proven Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-drive system is available on models like the Insight, Civic Hybrid and CR-Z sports coupe, combining a small gas engine with an electric motor drive system to help reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

For those not planning on investing in a hybrid, numerous technologies are present in Honda’s conventional models that work towards maximum efficiency. For instance, Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), available on some Honda V6 engines, selectively de-activates cylinders to reduce fuel consumption when full engine power isn’t required.

 

The brand’s proven Valve Timing Electronic Control (VTEC) system is fitted to virtually every model as well, and works to optimize engine output and efficiency in real-time via manipulation of engine breathing requirements.

 

Several models, including the CR-V and the Canadian-built Civic have recently been updated and enhanced with further fuel-saving capabilities as well, such as advanced transmission controls, an ‘ECO GUIDE’ driving program and driver-selectable ‘ECON’ mode, which switches vehicle systems into a more fuel-efficient state.

 

Interested in a test drive of an award winning and environmentally responsible Honda model? Stop by and talk to one of our friendly sales representatives today.