Honda has confirmed its commitment to producing more diesel engines for its European vehicles with the construction of a new plant in Japan.

The Japanese automaker has built the new facility in Ogawa to supply cylinder blocks and casting parts for the cleaner 2.2-litre diesel engines it fits to its European vehicles.

A gradual transferring process will see production of the parts move from Honda's Suzuka factory in Japan to Ogawa, which will then supply engine components to the company's Sayama factory.

The parts will then be included on all Accord models for the European market, while the Swindon factory - which produces Civic and CR-V models - will also benefit from the new facility.

Honda designed the Ogawa plant in order to decrease the amount of CO2 generated in the production of each engine by 40 per cent during casting and 25 per cent during machining.

Its lone 'Advanced Flexible Line' is capable of creating eight different types of engine, including the most recent low-emission versions.

The plant was officially completed on 10th April at a ceremony attended by Honda executives, Shigeru Nakajima, Deputy General Manager of Industry and Employment at Saitama Prefecture Government and Ogawa Mayor Kihei Kasahara.

Diesel engines typically feature diesel particulate filters and oxidation catalysts, which both contain pgms.

Source:

HONDA COMMITTED TO DIESEL POWER FOR EUROPE (23/04/09)

Ÿ Adfero Ltd