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Honda Motor President and CEO, Takanobu Ito reveals New Civic at Frankfurt Motor Show

- New Civic makes public debut
- Designed for, tested and uniquely produced in Europe
- Newly developed smaller diesel added to Civic range in 2012
- New generation of low emission engines for Europe
- 30% CO2 reduction target for all product areas by 2020

Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very pleased to join you today at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

50 years ago, Honda's first European company was established in Germany in 1961. Since then, our mission has always been to satisfy European customers with unique and innovative products.

Our journey still continues today. We are making progress with a range of clean and sustainable, yet fun-to-drive mobility technologies. We continue to develop our Hybrid, Battery Electric, Plug-in, and Fuel Cell products alongside energy generation technologies such as Solar Cell and Cogeneration.

Since 1972 when we became the World's 1st auto maker to meet strict US emissions regulations with CVCC technology, Honda has been committed to reducing our environmental footprint.

Our New Environmental Mark symbolizes our passion to provide sustainable mobility for future generations and to deliver 'blue skies for our children'.

To measure and demonstrate this commitment, we announced in June that we aim to deliver a 30% CO2 reduction on all product areas by 2020.

The New Civic is the first step towards achieving this new target. The 1.8 litre petrol engine delivers a 10% CO2 reduction. The 2.2 litre diesel engine reduces CO2 emissions by nearly 20%, whilst further enhancing performance.

By the end of 2012, we will add a newly developed smaller diesel engine to the Civic range. Designed specifically for the European market, the new engine will further reduce CO2 emissions. Starting with this new smaller diesel, Honda will introduce a new generation of low emission engines, renewing all of our automobile engines in Europe.

From the First Civic to this 9th generation Civic, we have always challenged ourselves to give Civic a new value. The New Civic offers a striking sporty design and class-leading utility created by Honda's unique centre-tank layout, whilst now offering even more improved fuel economy, handling and comfort.

The New Civic is designed for European customers. We tested this car on European roads more than any other Honda car in our history. It is dynamic and stable. It is fun and comfortable with no compromise made to achieve these improvements.

New Civic is not just an evolution, it is a revolutionary evolution. We have jumped 2 generations ahead of our current model.

The new Civic will be uniquely produced in Europe, and sales will start in early 2012.

Ladies and Gentlemen, THIS IS... THE NEW CIVIC, and with this New Civic, Honda's strong regeneration in Europe begins.

Thank you for your attention.