'Tomorrow's World' Honda Technology On Show At ITS

Some of Honda’s newest automotive technologies and developments for future transport will be making their first European appearance this month.

Honda has been working to provide "safe, secure and comfortable" mobility through the pursuit of automobile intelligent and information technologies. The company will showcase its innovative developments at the upcoming ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems and Services) World Congress and Exhibition in Madrid, from 16-20 November 2003.

Engineers and specialists on various ITS technologies will be present at the congress from Honda R&D Japan.

The technologies and vehicles Honda will exhibit are as follows:

This is a system available on Japanese Accord and Inspire models which provides lane keeping and assist head-way distance keeping assist on motorways, dramatically reducing the driver’s workload. This helps prevent careless or absent-minded driving caused by fatigue, and so contributes towards the prevention of traffic accidents.

CMS and E-pretensioner detects vehicles in front using millimetre wave radar sensor. The system then compares the distance and the relative speed of the two vehicles, judges the risk of a rear-end collision and warns the driver. Additionally the system increases brake assistance if the driver doesn’t press the pedal firmly enough and increases seat belt tension. It finally actuates brake control if a collision is unavoidable.

This is an advanced navigation system only available in Japan. No matter where you are in the country, information about traffic congestion can be accessed through the Internavi VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System). Premium members’ VICS is a world first ‘floating’ car information system whereby traffic conditions on roads, not available with VICS, can be provided using data gathered by sensors on other Club members’ vehicles. The system also uses high-precision forecasts of traffic congestion, allowing quickest routes to be calculated in all circumstances.

ICVS is Honda’s attempt to address social and environmental issues in areas of high traffic density, while maintaining convenient personal mobility. The system comprises a car-sharing network with an on-demand vehicle usage system where members are billed based on time and mileage. ICVS programs are now ongoing in Japan, Singapore and America.