HONDA EV PLUS -- A REFINED AND PRACTICAL ALTERNATIVE

TORRANCE, Calif. - In step with Honda's commitment to producing environmentally sound products for personal transportation, the EV PLUS is a practical choice in the emerging electric vehicle market. Designed to meet the daily driving needs of the U.S. consumer, the EV PLUS features four-passenger seating and ample cargo space.

Honda initiated a pilot consumer lease program in select areas of California in mid-1997 and expanded to New York the following year. These lease programs are designed to provide Honda with valuable market and product research and to generate important consumer feedback on the Viability of electric vehicles in the U.S. market.

"The EV PLUS is a reflection of Honda's continued overall commitment to the environment and its efforts toward developing clean vehicles using various energy sources," said Tom Elliott, executive vice president of American Honda. "Our customer lease program will help us learn how these vehicles perform in everyday use."

Honda's EV PLUS is a purpose-built electric vehicle, designed to perform well in both urban traffic and freeway driving conditions. It is the first production electric vehicle to use advanced nickel-metal hydride battery technology and has an EPA city driving range of 125 miles.

Early feedback from owners in California indicate an average "real world" driving range of 70-80 miles, depending on driving style and conditions. Range is expected to be somewhat less in New York due to more severe weather extremes. Equipped with a compact on-board charger, the Honda EV PLUS is capable of recharging overnight at 110 or 220 volts.

The Honda EV PLUS meets all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and is equipped with numerous standard features, including regenerative braking and anti-lock brakes; dual airbags; heat pump-type climate control system; keyless remote entry with pre-heat/pre-cool control; CD-audio system and AM/FM stereo with four speakers; power windows, door locks and mirrors; electric power steering and high performance, energy-efficient projector-type headlamps.

Consumers can lease the EV PLUS for a value-priced package of $455 a month for 36 months, with no down payment required. The package includes comprehensive and collision insurance coverage; maintenance, such as tires, brakes and batteries; unlimited mileage warranty (no penalties for excess mileage) and roadside assistance.

Other costs related to operation of the EV PLUS include the purchase and installation of a 220 Volt/40 Amp circuit and purchase of a charging unit called the Electric Vehicle Connecting Device (EVCD). In California, Honda designated Edison EV as the preferred provider and installer of the EVCD, which retails for $795 when incentives are considered. Honda's New York installation partner is Edison EV. Installation fees are additional and typically range from $750 to $1,500.

The Honda EV PLUS is manufactured at Honda's plant in Tochigi, Japan, on the same high-quality, low-volume production line as the Acura NSX sports coupe. The EV PLUS motor is also built by Honda.