Honda announces CVCC (Compound Vortex-Combustion Controlled), the first engine technology to meet U.S. Clean Air Act standards without the need for a catalytic converter.

Honda introduces 4-stroke marine engines that are cleaner, more fuelefficient, and quieter than the 2-stroke outboard motors standard at the time. Honda has manufactured only 4-stroke outboard motors since 1973.

First car to meet U.S. Clean Air Act without the use of a catalytic converter solely through engine performance: the 1975 Honda Civic CVCC.

The Civic tops the U.S. EPA’s list of America’s most fuel-efficient cars.

The Civic CRX-HF is the first mass-produced 4-cylinder car to break the 50-mpg fuel economy mark.

Honda becomes the first automaker in America to use waterborne basecoat paint in mass production.

VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) — Honda’s foundational technology for achievements in low emissions, high fuel-efficiency, and high performance, is introduced in the U.S. in the Acura NSX.

First gasoline low-emission vehicle (LEV) in the industry is introduced in California: the 1996 Honda Civic.

Fuel economy leadership puts four Honda models on the U.S. EPA’s list of the 10 most fuel-efficient cars.

The Honda Civic HX Coupe with a continuously variable transmission is the only automatic transmission vehicle to make the U.S. EPA’s top-10 list of fuel-efficient cars.

First CA Air Resources Board (CARB)-certified gasoline ultra-low-emission vehicle (ULEV) is introduced: the 1998 Honda Accord.

Honda becomes the first automaker to introduce low-emission vehicle (LEV) technology voluntarily in mass-market vehicles (Honda Civic) throughout the U.S. and Canada.

World’s first 360-degree inclinable mini 4-stroke engine for handheld power equipment is introduced by Honda. It is more fuel efficient and virtually smoke free, with ultra-low noise.

First advanced battery-powered electric vehicle is introduced and leased to customers: the 1997 Honda EV Plus.

U.S. EPA recognizes the 1998 Honda Civic GX natural gas vehicle as the cleanest internal combustion engine it has ever tested.

Honda introduces ultra-quiet portable inverter generators that achieve substantially higher fuel economy and lower emissions than conventional generators.

Honda becomes the first company to introduce an entire line of highperformance outboard motors that meet U.S. EPA emission standards proposed for the year 2006.

First CARB-certified gasoline super-ultra-low-emission vehicle (SULEV) in the industry is introduced: the 2000 Honda Accord.

Honda introduces FCX-V1 and FCX-V2 prototype fuel cell electric vehicles.

First gas-electric hybrid vehicle is introduced in North America: the 2000 Honda Insight.

First 50-state ultra-low-emission vehicle (ULEV) is introduced: the 2001 Civic.

First product of any kind receives the Sierra Club Excellence in Environmental Engineering Award: the 2000 Honda Insight.

First vehicle certified as an advanced technology partial zero-emission vehicle (AT-PZEV) by California’s Air Resource Board (CARB): the 2001 Civic GX.

First production motorcycle certified to meet CARB’s 2008 emission standards, the Honda Gold Wing, is sold.

Honda is the first mass-market automaker to offer an entire lineup of cars and light trucks that meet or exceed low-emissions vehicle (LEV) standards.

First solar-powered hydrogen production and fueling station for fuel cell vehicles built and operated by an automaker opens at Honda R&D Americas’ Los Angeles Center

America’s first zero-waste-to-landfill auto plant opens in Lincoln, Alabama.

Honda introduces FCX-V3 prototype fuel cell electric vehicle.

Honda introduces first personal watercraft to meet 2006 EPA emissions standards: 2002 AquaTrax F-12 and F-12X

First application of hybrid technology to an existing mass-market car: the 2002 Civic Hybrid.

First hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle to receive both U.S. EPA and CARB certification for commercial use, and the first to meet applicable federal motor vehicle crash safety standards: Honda FCX.

Honda is first with an entire lineup of personal watercraft (PWC) powered by 4-stroke engine technology.

World’s first commercial application of a fuel cell electric vehicle: a Honda FCX is leased to the city of Los Angeles.

First hybrid vehicle certified as an advanced technology partial zero-emission vehicle (AT-PZEV) by CARB: 2002 Civic Hybrid.

Honda begins experiments with a hydrogen Home Energy Station (HES).

Honda develops breakthrough fuel cell stack that starts and operates at temperatures below freezing while improving fuel economy, range, and performance with reduced complexity.

FCX vehicles are leased to the cities of San Francisco and Chula Vista, and the South Coast California Air Quality Management District.

The 2005 FCX, Honda’s second generation fuel cell vehicle, is certified by the U.S. EPA as a Tier 2 Bin 1 (ZEV) vehicle and by CARB as a zeroemission vehicle (ZEV).

First V-6 hybrid car is introduced: the 2005 model year Honda Accord.

FCX with cold-weather start capability is leased to state of New York, the first fuel cell customer in the northeastern U.S.

Union of Concerned Scientists gives Honda its “Greenest Automaker” award.

World’s first fuel cell family, Jon and Sandy Spallino, take delivery of the first fuel cell electric vehicle leased to an individual customer.

First natural gas home refueling device, Phill, is offered for lease in California with Honda Civic GX natural gas vehicle.

Introduction of Honda Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology, the first cylinder deactivation system for an overhead cam (OHC) V6 engine: the 2006 Odyssey minivan.

Honda introduces the iGX, a revolutionary, intelligent, computer controlled general-purpose engine. It sets an even higher standard for fuel efficiency and quiet operation.

The 2006 Civic hybrid introduced 4th-generation Honda IMA technology with 50 mpg combined EPA city and highway fuel economy.

Honda Soltec, LLC, established for production and sales of Honda developed CIGS solar panels in Japan.

Retail sales of natural-gas-powered Civic GX to retail consumers expanded from California to New York State.

Honda develops plant-based biofabric for use in automobile interiors.

Honda announces it will aim for a 5% improvement in its U.S. corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) from 2005 levels by 2010.

North American debut of Honda FCX Concept with more compact, powerful, and efficient V Flow stack points toward an all-new Honda fuel cell electric vehicle to be introduced in 2008.

Union of Concerned Scientists names Honda the “greenest automaker” for the fourth consecutive time in its biennial report on automakers’ environmental performance.

World debut of the FCX Clarity next-generation fuel cell electric vehicle, powered by a more powerful, efficient, and compact new Honda V Flow fuel cell stack.

Began testing of 4th generation experimental hydrogen Home Energy Station.

2008 Civic GX tops the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy’s “Green Car” list for the fifth straight year.

Honda begins delivery of its next-generation zero-emissions FCX Clarity fuel cell car to retail customers in Southern California.

The 2010 Honda Insight is launched in the U.S. and Canada as North America’s most affordable mass-produced gas electric hybrid automobile.