The 1998 Honda Accord was described
by the highly influential California Air Resources Board (CARB),
which is responsible for vehicle certification in the State of
California, as "the cleanest car we have ever certified". It
achieves this outstanding emissions performance through a combination
of complex engineering solutions, a fast on-board computer, and
new autocatalyst technology.
The highly advanced catalyst
technology used by the 1998 Accord is the result of a joint development
programme in which Johnson Matthey, as global suppliers to the
Accord, was heavily involved through its technical centres in
Japan and the US. It is a major advance in cleaning up pollution
from vehicles around the world and Johnson Matthey is proud to
be at the forefront.
Johnson Matthey is world leader
in autocatalyst development and supply and has unrivalled global
production and development capabilities. These include major
facilities in Japan and the USA.
The 1998 Honda Accord goes on
sale in the USA this month but similar emission control technology
will be used by car makers world wide in the coming years to
meet ever tightening emissions requirements.
David Davies, Chairman and Chief
Executive of Johnson Matthey, described the news as "a proud
moment for our scientists and engineers, and clear evidence of
the value of Johnson Matthey's investment in people and technology
to develop world leading products that benefit the environment."
Neil Carson, Division Director
of Johnson Matthey's Catalytic Systems Division added: "Honda's
success dramatically demonstrates that passive catalyst systems
can meet the tough challenges posed by the world's most stringent
emissions legislation. We are delighted to be part of the team
that achieved this major advance in automobile emission control."
