The WR-V features dynamic design and performance that will enable any driver to enjoy driving with peace of mind and a sense of trust, as well as the top-level*2 cargo space in its class.

WR-V product site: https://www.honda.co.jp/WR-V/ (Japanese)

(1) The vehicle name, WR-V, is an acronym that stands for “Winsome Runabout Vehicle.” The word “winsome” means “delightful” and “cheerful,” and the name represents Honda’s desire to create a vehicle people can use to enjoy their everyday lives with energy and enthusiasm.
(2) In the “compact SUV” class. Honda research as of December 2023. 

Sales plan (in Japan, monthly): 3,000 units

For more information, visit https://global.honda/en/newsroom/news/2023/4231221eng-wr-v.html.

Copyright ©2023 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network.

Japan – Honda to Begin Sales of Refreshed Odyssey in Japan

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will begin sales in Japan of the refreshed Odyssey premium minivan, tomorrow, on Friday, December 8, 2023. The refresh includes refinement of the design, comfort and functionality as well as the addition of a new hybrid-electric type to the lineup, the e:HEV ABSOLUTE・EX BLACK EDITION.

Odyssey e:HEV ABSOLUTE・EX BLACK EDITION

The refreshed Odyssey will come in three types: e:HEV ABSOLUTE, e:HEV ABSOLUTE.EX, and the new e:HEV ABSOLUTE・EX BLACK EDITION. While inheriting key features from the successive generations of Odyssey models sold in Japan, namely the sedan-like driving stability and the atypical styling for a minivan, which were made possible by the low-floor platform, the original styling and a comfortable cabin space that were further improved by adding new features to better accommodate customer needs. 

Sales plan in Japan, monthly:

1,000 units

Advancement of design

A newly designed front grille was adopted. The wide look is emphasized through the enlargement of the grille opening, and the combination of five horizontal plated bars and architectural details further enhances the premium look of the vehicle. By placing the Honda emblem at the very front, the protruding look of the front part of the body is emphasized, achieving a styling design that creates a more powerful and substantial presence.

The newly added e:HEV ABSOLUTE EX BLACK EDITION features a black chrome plated front grille, rear combination lights with black smoked lenses, matte Berlina Black 18-inch aluminum wheels and a black roof and pillar linings. Other black decorative parts are incorporated throughout the interior and exterior, expressing the sophistication of Honda’s highest-end model in Japan. 

Advancement of utility

For all types, four-way power seats were adopted for the second-row. The electrification of the ottoman and reclining controls enabled more precise adjustments of the seats so that customers can be in more comfortable seating positions. Moreover, heated seats, a foldable center table, armrests with a mini table, and a USB charger (Type-C) at the foot of the seats are standard equipment for all types, further enhancing the comfort of second-row passengers.

As with previous Odyssey models, the third-row seats of all types can fold quickly and easily into the floor, offering a large-capacity cargo space and customer convenience.

Both the e:HEV ABSOLUTE・EX and e:HEV ABSOLUTE・EX BLACK EDITION types feature genuine leather seats, a wireless charger, and a hands-free access power tailgate as standard equipment to meet the needs of customers seeking greater comfort and a high sense of quality.

Adoption of a deceleration selector and electric gear selector

A deceleration selector was newly adopted, enabling the driver to adjust the rate of deceleration (up or down) when the accelerator pedal is rereleased. The deceleration selector can be utilized while driving downhill or to adjust the distance from the vehicle in front. The electric gear selector, which enables the driver to achieve smooth shifting using a single finger, is also adopted for the first time for Odyssey.

Addition of new functions and further advancement of Honda SENSING

The refreshed Odyssey features the Honda SENSING(1) advanced safety and driver-assistive system, to which three new functions were added: Low Speed Brake Function, Auto High Beam Headlights and Unintended Acceleration Mitigation(2). Moreover, by widening the field of view of the front camera, the detection range for the Collision Mitigation Braking System was expanded, enabling the detection of vehicles crossing in front, oncoming vehicles when turning right (in left-hand traffic), bicycles crossing in front, motorcycles, and pedestrians at night. With these advancements, Honda SENSING will assist the driver and offer greater peace of mind in various driving situations.

List of Honda SENSING functions available for the refreshed Odyssey

1. Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
2. Collision Mitigation Throttle Control(3)
3. Rear Collision Mitigation Throttle Control(3)
4. Low Speed Brake Function*35.Unintended Acceleration Mitigation(2)
6. Pedestrian Collision Mitigation Steering System
7. Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) System
8. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow
9. Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
10. Lead Car Departure Notification System
11. Traffic Sign Recognition
12. Auto High Beam Headlights
13. Blind Spot Information System (BSI)
14. Parking Sensor System
15. Cross Traffic Monitor(4)

Honda CONNECT

Honda CONNECT, an in-vehicle communication module equipped with new generation connected technologies, is also adopted for the first time in Odyssey. Customers can use the Honda Total Care Premium(5) connected service designed to enable them to enjoy the use of their vehicle with greater peace of mind and comfort. Including the ability to control the air-conditioning unit remotely using a smartphone and the in-vehicle WiFi connection that enhances the comfort of occupants during a long ride, the connected functions will contribute to the customers’ peace of mind and comfort.

(1) Honda SENSING functions are intended to assist the driver: therefore, there is a limit to the capabilities (e.g. recognition capability and control capability) of individual functions of Honda SENSING. Please do not overestimate the capabilities of each Honda SENSING function and drive safely while paying constant attention to your surroundings. For more information about Honda SENSING, please visit, Honda website: https://global.honda/en/tech/Safety_and_driver-assistive_technologies_Honda_SENSING/
(2) Under the factory default settings, this function will be off. To turn this function on, a separate setting process using special equipment at the dealership is required, for which a separate setting fee will be charged (dealer option).
(3) The three functions – Collision Mitigation Throttle Control, Rear Collision Mitigation Throttle Control and Low Speed Brake Function –  are collectively called Low Speed Braking Control.
(4) To use this system, the navigation system is required.
(5) Honda Total Care Premium is a subscription service that allows customers to choose the duration of their subscription with the minimum of one month based on their needs. Sign up is required to use this service. To use Honda Total Care Premium service, a Honda CONNECT- compatible navigation system is required.


Body colors

e:HEV ABSOLUTE
Platinum White Pearl*
Premium Venus Black Pearl*
Formal Black

e:HEV ABSOLUTE・EX
Platinum White Pearl*
Meteoroid Gray Metallic*
Premium Venus Black Pearl*
Formal Black

e:HEV ABSOLUTE・EX BLACK EDITION
Platinum White Pearl*
Premium Venus Black Pearl*
Formal Black

*There is an additional charge of 44,000 yen (40,000 yen excluding 10% consumption tax) 

The all-new, third-generation N-BOX was developed with the aim of creating a vehicle which provides a joyful time for everyone who uses it, enabling customers to fulfill their broad range of purposes, including what they want to do for the happiness of everyone, not just for themselves and their families.

In addition to a refined exterior design that exudes a greater sense of high quality, the all-new N-BOX features an easy-to-drive and comfortable interior space achieved by carrying forward the spacious cabin which has always been a popular feature of the N-BOX to realize an uncluttered field of vision with enhanced sense of openness.

Moreover, the all-new N-BOX became the first Honda mini-vehicle model to feature Honda CONNECT, an in-vehicle communication system equipped with new-generation connected technologies, which enables customers to enjoy the use of their vehicle with greater peace of mind and comfort.

Furthermore, the all-new N-BOX continues to feature the Honda SENSING advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard equipment on all types, but with two newly added functions, namely Low Speed Brake Function and Unintended Acceleration Mitigation.

N-BOX Product site: https://www.honda.co.jp/Nbox/(Japanese)

For more information, visit https://global.honda/en/newsroom/news/2023/4231005-n-boxeng.html.

Copyright ©2023 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network.

Japan – AEON and CJPT Begin Logistics Improvement in Kyushu

AEON KYUSHU Co., Ltd., AEON GLOBAL SCM Co., Ltd. and Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation (CJPT) have announced that they are working together on a logistics improvement project for the AEON Group in the Kyushu area that will solve problems faced by the logistics industry, such as soaring logistics costs and driver shortages.

AEON has been working to improve efficiency at each stage of logistics, from procurement to sales, to fulfill its mission of supporting the daily lives of its customers. The company strongly believes that it is essential to collaborate with partners beyond the framework of individual companies. An example is pursuing further efficiency by viewing the entire supply chain as a continuous process, in order to solve issues related to logistics and the protection of lifestyles in an environment where all costs are rising.

CJPT believes that streamlining logistics, in addition to vehicle electrification, is a path toward building a carbon-neutral society. The company has been working to minimize cargo and operation stagnation (logistics downtime) using big data and real-time processing, which are the strengths of connected-technology infrastructure.

AEON and CJPT share the common desire to help solve social issues as companies that are responsible for logistics in Japan. Based on this desire, the companies have begun improving supply chain logistics in the Kyushu area by combining the logistics expertise built up by AEON KYUSHU and AEON GLOBAL SCM with the connected technologies of each company participating in CJPT. The three companies will take on the challenge of creating the future of logistics in cooperation with their partners to support the daily lives of customers.

Outline of Joint Efforts by the Three Companies

– Establish new operations to improve efficiency by linking each process in the supply chain
– Improve efficiency by minimizing logistics downtime through the use of big data and real-time processing of connected-technology infrastructure
– Promote collaboration with a wide range of partners to achieve these initiatives

Copyright ©2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network.

Japan – CJPT to Begin Construction and Social Implementation of an Energy Management System in Fukushima and Tokyo to Promote Electrified Vehicles

Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation has announced today that, in collaboration with its partners, it will begin the construction and social implementation of an energy management system in Fukushima Prefecture and Tokyo in January 2023, to promote the widespread use of electrified vehicles.

Since it was founded in April 2021, CJPT has been been considering initiatives at logistics sites to contribute to achieving a carbon neutral society and reduce the burden on drivers and workers by accelerating the spread of CASE. In order to promote the widespread use of electrified vehicles, consignors, logistics businesses, infrastructure providers, automakers, and other related partners must come together to address sustainability by taking a practical approach. As a result of repeated discussions with many people in various industries, it was decided to begin social implementation projects in Fukushima and Tokyo.

The introduction of commercial electric vehicles imposes an increasing burden on society as a whole, not only in terms of vehicle purchase, but also in terms of downtime for cargo and vehicles due to recharging and hydrogen filling and an increase in peak electricity demand at business sites due to uneven recharging timing. Commercial electrified vehicles will be introduced in this social implementation project, including heavy-duty fuel cell electric trucks (heavy-duty FC electric trucks) for main line transportation and mini-commercial van electric vehicles (mini-commercial van BEVs) for last mile deliveries. In addition, energy management integrated with commercial vehicle operation management will lead to reductions in overall burden on society and CO2 emissions.

Through this initiative, CJPT will increase the movement toward carbon neutrality of the whole society and, together with its partners, take on the challenges it is facing as opportunities for industrial development and the strengthening of international competitiveness.

*This social implementation, which aims to commercialize an energy management system and operate it in the real world, is partly executed as the “Green Innovation Fund/ Building Smart Mobility Society”, a project subsidized by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), a national research and development agency.

For more information, visit https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/corporate/37544407.html.

Copyright ©2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network.