GM, Honda Partnership: Firing on All Cylinders
December 20, 2002
Motor Trend
General Motors, the world's number one carmaker, is to take supply of engines and automatic transmissions from Honda, the number two Japanese vehicle manufacturer. Around 50,000 models produced by GM's Saturn subsidiary will be fitted with Honda-made engines in an attempt to produce cars with lower emissions. Saturn models, with their off beat, caring image, are a good choice for the new engines.
Carmakers in the US are preparing to meet stringent emissions laws laid down by the state of California. The state's regulations set a limit for a manufacturer's range of vehicles as a whole. Therefore a range of vehicles featuring a high proportion of SUV's - which traditionally emit high levels of CO2 - needs to be balanced by smaller, more frugal models with lower emissions.
As a result, US consumers are beginning to be offered cars with diesel engines. Indeed, Honda is supplied with 1.7 liter diesel engines from a GM affiliate, Isuzu, to be fitted in its compact Civic model. That contract will run until October 2005, with plans to sell 15,000 units a year.
At one time, Honda led the field in hi-tech, high performance engines with its hugely successful foray into Formula One. In the consumer market, technologies such as variable-valve timing, dubbed VTEC, have won Honda applause from the industry and consumers alike for producing a blend of performance and economy.
With the Yen still weak compared to the dollar, the supply deal might also reduce costs for GM, whilst Honda will benefit from the increased business. Equally importantly, GM's decision to turn to Honda for a supply of engines looks like a confident choice given the Japanese firm's success in developing and producing petrol power plants. While Honda capitalizes on one of its core strengths, GM gains higher quality and lower emissions at a competitive price
Gabriel,
2001 CL Type S
2001 Lexus RX300 Silversport
December 20, 2002
Motor Trend
General Motors, the world's number one carmaker, is to take supply of engines and automatic transmissions from Honda, the number two Japanese vehicle manufacturer. Around 50,000 models produced by GM's Saturn subsidiary will be fitted with Honda-made engines in an attempt to produce cars with lower emissions. Saturn models, with their off beat, caring image, are a good choice for the new engines.
Carmakers in the US are preparing to meet stringent emissions laws laid down by the state of California. The state's regulations set a limit for a manufacturer's range of vehicles as a whole. Therefore a range of vehicles featuring a high proportion of SUV's - which traditionally emit high levels of CO2 - needs to be balanced by smaller, more frugal models with lower emissions.
As a result, US consumers are beginning to be offered cars with diesel engines. Indeed, Honda is supplied with 1.7 liter diesel engines from a GM affiliate, Isuzu, to be fitted in its compact Civic model. That contract will run until October 2005, with plans to sell 15,000 units a year.
At one time, Honda led the field in hi-tech, high performance engines with its hugely successful foray into Formula One. In the consumer market, technologies such as variable-valve timing, dubbed VTEC, have won Honda applause from the industry and consumers alike for producing a blend of performance and economy.
With the Yen still weak compared to the dollar, the supply deal might also reduce costs for GM, whilst Honda will benefit from the increased business. Equally importantly, GM's decision to turn to Honda for a supply of engines looks like a confident choice given the Japanese firm's success in developing and producing petrol power plants. While Honda capitalizes on one of its core strengths, GM gains higher quality and lower emissions at a competitive price
Gabriel,
2001 CL Type S
2001 Lexus RX300 Silversport
]
