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Honda spending $13.8 million on hydrogen infrastructure with FirstElement

Honda is partnering with FirstElement Fuel to increase the number of hydrogen refueling stations in California. The two have signed a letter of intent to provide $13.8 of financial assistance that, with some state money, could let FirstElement build "at least 12 stations." This is the second OEM that FirstElement is working with to install H2 stations in California. It signed a deal worth an unspecified amount with Toyota to help build 19 stations. State officials in California have said they are willing to spend $100 million to $200 million to build 100 hydrogen stations in the next few years. Honda says that FirstElement could build "at least 31" or them thanks to automaker and government investment. At some point after March 2016, when its new fuel cell car will go on sale in Japan, Honda will start selling the production version of the FCEV in the US. Honda hasn't disclosed a price, but the fuel cell stack has a power density of 3.1kW/L and a range of 300 miles, combined with a refueling time of three to five minutes. The vehicle is Honda's next step to its target of a 30-percent reduction (based on 2000 levels) in CO2 emissions by 2020 from its US vehicles. Earlier this year, FirstElement said that it expects hydrogen stations to become profitable in about five years. Honda Supporting Growth of California Hydrogen Network with Financial Support to FirstElement Fuel Nov 19, 2014 - TORRANCE, Calif. Honda contribution of $13.8 million will further expand and accelerate the network of public hydrogen refueling stations Funding could enable FirstElement to add at least 12 stations to its California hydrogen network Seeking to expand California's public hydrogen refueling station network as a means to support the wider introduction of fuel-cell vehicles, Honda will provide $13.8 million in financial assistance to FirstElement Fuel to build additional hydrogen refueling stations around the state. Additional state grants, combined with the Honda financing, could enable FirstElement to add at least 12 stations to its California hydrogen network. "FirstElement Fuel is providing a vital piece of what is needed for a successful launch of fuel-cell vehicles," said Steven Center, vice president of Honda's Environmental Business Development Office.

Recharge Wrap-up: Green Car award for Volvo XC90, MN air better from biodiesel

The Honda CR-V could return with a plug-in hybrid option. Expected to debut in the fall of 2017, the PHEV could use a 2.0-liter I4 plus an electric motor. It's possible that the new CR-V is being developed in North America, and will borrow design cues from the Honda Civic. There also could be a seven-seat version. Beyond that, details are pretty scarce. Read more at Hybrid Cars, and from Response JP. UC Davis will present findings from a CARB-commissioned study on customer valuation of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Dr. Ken Kurani of the university's Institute of Transportation Studies will report on consumer attitudes toward ZEVs, and the differences between those valuations and market behavior. In Kurani's survey, respondents had the opportunity to design their own car with an in-survey game. Almost a quarter of people designed some sort of EV, including plug-in hybrids and fuel cell vehicles. Read more from CARB, or at Green Car Congress. Minnesota's biodiesel efforts have improved air quality. According to the American Lung Association in Minnesota, summer and winter blends of biodiesel have prevented the emission of 130 tons of particulate matter, 319 tons of hydrocarbon and 2,634 tons of carbon monoxide every year, as well as a total of 3.7 million tons of CO2 over the last 10 years. Minnesota requires a B10 biodiesel blend during the summer months, and B5 throughout the winter. Read more from Biodiesel Magazine. The Volvo XC90 has received the Canadian Green Car Award for Most Efficient Three-Row Family Vehicle. Beating out the Ford Explorer 2.3-liter EcoBoost and the Honda Pilot, Volvo's seven-seat crossover was chosen for its mass market appeal, and a variety of qualities both practical and green. Judges look at value, fuel economy, emissions, performance and technology among other features. The XC90 is available as a plug-in hybrid with about 17 miles of all-electric driving range. Read more in the press release below. Volvo XC90 Wins Canadian Green Car Award The Most Awarded SUV Named Most Efficient Three-Row Family Vehicle RICHMOND HILL, ON. (April 7th, 2016.) The judges of the 2016 Canadian Green Car Award announced their category winners today, with the Volvo XC90 winning the Most Efficient Three-Row Family Vehicle category. The other finalists in the category were the Ford Explorer 2.3-litre EcoBoost and the Honda Pilot.

Honda exec says US market near capacity, could hurt subprime buyers

Is there a point in the US auto industry where companies should start considering the welfare of their customers ahead of selling more cars? American Honda Executive Vice President of Sales John Mendel thinks that level exists, and we may be getting very close to it.
According to Automotive News, Mendel believes that finding more customers in the market could require pursuing subprime buyers and offering longer-term loans. However, he refuses to use those tactics. While selling models this way can improve things briefly, the strategies hurt resale prices and lower vehicle profits over time. The company won't do "stupid things in the short-term that damage the person who bought yesterday," he said to Automotive News. "It's a very, very short-term tactic especially in the subprime area."
American Honda, which combines the Acura and Honda brands, has seen market share decline from 9.7 percent to 9.1 percent through July 2014, according to Automotive News, and Autoblog's By the Numbers stats showed it posted falling sales in five of the seven months with data this year. Though, Mendel claims that was partially because the company focused on retail sales over fleets. The delays of the launches for the Honda Fit and Acura TLX likely didn't help either.