LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 3, 1997--Bringing new practicality and advanced technology to electric vehicles, American Honda Motor Co. Inc. Friday announced pricing and other marketing information for its electric vehicle -- to be called the Honda EV PLUS -- at a news conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The four-passenger Honda EV PLUS is the first production electric vehicle to use advanced nickel-metal hydride batteries and will lease for a value-priced package of $499 a month.
``Our EV PLUS launch strategy is to bring more mainstream consumers into the electric-vehicle segment by focusing on realistic pricing and personalized customer service,'' said Tom Elliott, executive vice president for American Honda.
``In addition, by designing the EV PLUS to use advanced battery technology with seating for four and a versatile cargo area, our goal is to market the EV PLUS as not just a weekend car, but as reliable, every-day transportation to work, shopping and errands. This will help Honda, and the industry, evaluate EV technology for real-world consumer acceptance.''
The $499 monthly EV PLUS lease package features a ``turn-key'' Honda Charter Lease Program for 36 months, and requires no down payment. The complete package includes all maintenance, such as tires, brakes and batteries; roadside assistance; comprehensive and collision insurance coverage; and an unlimited mileage warranty.
The EV PLUS monthly payment is based on a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $53,999. The lease price is for Los Angeles and Orange County lessees. Taxes, title, license fees and liability insurance are not included.
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). Honda has designated Edison EV as the preferred provider and installer of the EVCD.
The EVCD should retail between $750 and $1,000 when it is available in volume. Installation fees are additional.
Honda also announced plans to market its electric vehicle through four Honda dealerships -- Costa Mesa Honda (Costa Mesa, Calif.), Mel Rapton Honda (Sacramento, Calif.), Miller Honda (Van Nuys, Calif.) and Scott Robinson Honda (Torrance, Calif.).
Honda plans to lease about 300 electric vehicles over the next few years. While vehicle deliveries won't start until May of this year, each Honda EV PLUS dealership will have one preview vehicle available beginning the end of January.
The Honda EV PLUS is equipped with numerous standard features that include regenerative braking and anti-lock brakes; dual airbags; heat-pump-type automatic climate control system; multifunction remote keyless entry; CD-audio system with four speakers; power windows; door locks and mirrors; electric power steering; and energy-efficient, projector-type headlamps.
For recharging, the EV PLUS is equipped with a compact, on-board charger, capable of recharging at 110 or 220 volts. -0-
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CONTACT: American Honda Motor Co. Inc.
Art Garner, 310/783-3163
Andy Boyd, 313/567-7770
Mike Ackerman, 212/765-3804
