Takeo Fukui, president of Honda Motor Co., says his company is working hard on fuel cell technology. He also is keen to develop a V-10 engine and possibly a V-8.
He was interviewed Aug. 4 by Automotive News Staff Reporter Yuzo Yamaguchi and other reporters in Tokyo.
Is it possible to work with other automakers on the development of a fuel cell car for volume production?
It may be possible to do so at a stage of volume production. But now is the time to develop that technology, so we won't rely on other automakers to work together. We're doing it independently. But we're open to GM because we're doing business with each other. But we (Honda) haven't got any request from GM for now. If we get any, we would like to give it positive consideration.
You said Honda is open to General Motors. Is that because Honda supplies V-6 engines to GM?
I think we needed to make contacts with each other when we started supplying the engines to GM. What we're expecting to get from GM is information about U.S. political and regulatory moves. I think GM also wanted to obtain Honda's technology, although they have ties with Toyota.
Are you working harder on fuel cell technology than on hybrids?
We're working on fuel cell technology very seriously. A hybrid is also needed. An immediate challenge for hybrids is to improve fuel efficiency and to cut costs. A fuel cell is an ultimate (technology). But it would take more than 10 years to turn it into commercial use.
Why will you develop a V-10, skipping a V-8?
That's because of (Formula One racing). We'll use F1 technology and an F1 image. We should use that image for our business.
Is building a V-10 taking a step toward a V-8?
Of course, it would be. But we have no immediate plan to do that. After we build a V-10, why couldn't we make a V-8? I won't rule out the possibility. But for now, we have no idea about which model will use a V-8. We could mention it in the next midterm plan (starting in April 2008). I'm thinking secretly that it's about time to start thinking about it.
Does building a V-8 engine mean you will expand your U.S. business?
We have the Ridgeline and MDX. If we won't offer those customers upscale versions above those models, that would be a problem.
What powertrain would fit a V-10?
That's secret. It won't be FF (front engine and front drive).
Will the Fit hurt the U.S. model mix?
We won't let it happen. In Japan, the Fit has hurt the Civic. That was a global tendency. But the U.S. Civic this time will be upscale, so that will make a difference. The old Civic, a five-door version, and the Fit five-door hatchback are close in terms of image. But this time, the Civic will offer two-and four-door versions, so I'm not concerned (about cannibalization between the two).
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