Honda Automobiles: Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Sedan On Display at New York International Auto Show

  • First U.S. spec vehicle will be on display from March 23 – April 3, 2016
  • Groundbreaking vehicle in production in Japan; headed to U.S. by end of year
  • Clarity Fuel Cell features the most power in its class; anticipated EPA driving range to exceed 300 miles
  • Five-passenger Clarity Fuel Cell features advanced technology including Honda SensingTM and support for Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM

Honda is giving media and consumers a first look at a U.S. spec version of the next-generation Clarity Fuel Cell sedan at the New York International Auto Show, March 23 – April 3, 2016. The five-passenger, hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell sedan, to be released later this year, features the most advanced technology available on a fuel cell vehicle (FCV) including Honda SensingTM as well as support for Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM.

As the next progression in Honda’s dynamic FCV styling, the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell features a low, wide aerodynamic body with clean character lines. The premium-contented interior creates a refined experience with intuitive, streamlined controls. The Clarity Fuel Cell will be available in black, white and signature red exterior paint schemes.

“We’re pleased to be able to offer this first look at the U.S. version of the Clarity Fuel Cell sedan in advance of its market arrival later this year,” said John Mendel, executive vice president, Automobile Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The Clarity Fuel Cell is the first in an expanding portfolio of advanced electrified vehicles from Honda that will create a new pillar in our product lineup.”

A reengineered 2017 Accord Hybrid will go on-sale this spring, with a new Honda Plug-in Hybrid vehicle based on the same platform as the Clarity Fuel Cell slated for launch by 2018. Honda is also developing a new battery electric vehicle, also slated for launch by 2018.

Technological innovations to the Clarity Fuel Cell include a fuel cell stack that is 33 percent more compact than its predecessor with a 60 percent increase in power density compared to the outgoing Honda FCX Clarity. The more compact fuel cell and integrated powertrain, comparable in size to a V-6 engine, now fit entirely under the hood of the car, allowing for a more spacious cabin with seating for five passengers. The new Clarity Fuel Cell will feature an anticipated U.S. EPA driving range to exceed 300 miles, with an anticipated refueling time of approximately three to five minutes.

Slated to begin retail leasing to customers in select California markets before the end of 2016, the Clarity Fuel Cell is expected to be priced around $60,000 with a targeted monthly lease under $500.

Honda is a leader in providing the latest in connected car technologies, with the new 2016 Honda Civic and freshened 2016 Accord two of the first high-volume vehicles across the industry to offer both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Clarity Fuel Cell’s modern, lounge-inspired interior raises intuitive operation and digital connectivity to the next level by incorporating a floating 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen that serves as the nerve center for control of audio, navigation and other functions including energy monitor and a Hydrogen station locator.

The new Display Audio is integrated with new Apple CarPlay and Android Auto platforms, providing seamless integration of smartphone features and functions, including app-based navigation, streaming audio, voice-controlled search capabilities, and access to a host of Apple- or Google-approved smartphone apps.

Honda Sensing uses advanced sensor technology to detect a potential collision or lane departure and can initiate both emergency steering and braking to prevent or mitigate the severity of a vehicle collision. Technologies include Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with emergency braking, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM).

Customers interested in the Clarity Fuel Cell are encouraged to visit http://www.HondaCars.com/Honda-FCV where they can receive more information and sign up for the opportunity to become a Clarity Fuel Cell customer.

About Honda Fuel Cell Vehicle Leadership
Honda has led the industry for nearly two decades in the development and deployment of fuel cell vehicle technology through extensive real-world testing and customer deployments, including the first government fleet customers and first-ever retail consumer leasing program. Since the introduction of its first-generation fuel cell vehicle, the FCX, in 2002, Honda has made significant technological advancements in fuel cell vehicle operation in both hot and sub-freezing weather while meeting customer expectations and safety regulations.

Honda has deployed fuel cell vehicles in the U.S., Germany and Japan, including the FCX Clarity, which was named the 2009 World Green Car. Honda has delivered these vehicles to individual retail consumers in the U.S. and collected valuable feedback concerning real-world use of both fuel cell vehicles and public hydrogen refueling stations.

Honda’s second-generation fuel cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity, launched in July 2008 and was quickly heralded as a technological breakthrough in the areas of design, packaging and efficiency. As the world’s first dedicated platform fuel cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity was powered by the Honda V-flow fuel cell stack positioned in the center tunnel of the vehicle, with the electric motor located down low in the front of the vehicle, providing performance on par with a gasoline powered sedan, including 240 miles of driving range.

About Honda
Honda offers a full line of reliable, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicles with advanced safety technologies through approximately 1,000 independent U.S. Honda dealers. The Honda lineup includes the Fit, Civic and Accord passenger cars, along with the HR-V, CR-V and Pilot sport/utility vehicles, and the Odyssey minivan.

Honda has been producing automobiles in America for more than 30 years and currently operates 18 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2015, more than 99 percent of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts.

# # #