I) Opportunities in integration with

advanced engine technologies

Integrated Motor Assist

The Integrated Motor Assist, or IMA as it is commonly known, is Honda's hybrid

car technology that uses a gasoline-electric drive system developed to achieve
higher fuel economy and low exhaust emissions without compromising engine
efficiency. The IMA system uses the engine as the main power source and an
electric motor as an assisting power during acceleration. It was first designed for
the Honda Insight in 1999, which combined the electric motor with a smaller
displacement VTEC engine and a lightweight aluminium body with improved
aerodynamics

The development of the IMA system is a result of optimizing the various

technologies that Honda has built over the years. The target of this integrated
system was to meet improvements in several areas:

 Recovery of deceleration energy

With the IMA system, the amount of energy regeneration during deceleration is
optimized and friction is reduced. The recovered energy is used to supplement the
engine's output during acceleration.

 Reduction of energy displacement

The IMA supports the engine during a low rpm normal driving range by utilizing the
electric motor to generate a high-torque performance. When the gasoline engine enters a
higher rpm range, the electric motor ceases and power output is supplied by the VTEC
engine. The assistance from the electric motor reduces the work of the gasoline engine,
allowing the engine to be downscaled. This results in better mileage and reduces fuel
consumption.

 Idle stop system

The power from the electric motor is generated and conserved when the vehicle moves
forward. When brakes are applied, the IMA system shuts off the engine and conserved
power from the electric motor is utilized. This minimizes vibration of the car body and
saves fuel when the engine is idling. When the brakes are released, the electric motor will
restart the engine
Among the Honda car models that are using IMA:
Honda J-VX (model 1997 concept car)
Honda Insight (model 1999–2006, 2010–2014)
Honda Dualnote (model 2001 concept car)
Honda Civic Hybrid (model 2003–2016)
Honda Accord Hybrid (model 2005–2007)
Honda CR-Z (model 2009–2016)

EARTH DREAMS TECHNOLOGY

Earth Dreams Technology is an advanced technology applied to engines and
transmissions that Honda has just equipped on its latest cars. This technology will help
Honda achieve its goal of reducing global CO2 emissions by 30% by 2020 on vehicles
sold and be one of the pioneers in fuel saving in the auto industry.

Typically, the addition of Direct Injection technology to the cylinder combustion

chamber to bring better performance and savings by eliminating waste on the pipeline (in
old multi-point fuel injection forms).

Figure 1:Direct Injection technology is said to deliver 10%

better performance and 20% savings due to eliminating pipe
wastage compared to the multi-point fuel injection type that
dominates the market.
In addition, the VTEC variable valve control system has also been upgraded. The
combustion chamber is designed to be more compact, helping to shorten fuel burning
time. 8mm eccentric cylinder reduces sliding friction. A smoother drive chain with the
help of a double lever system, improved camshaft surface roughness and the application
of low stress piston rings are factors that significantly reduce transmission friction
dynamic.

II) Challenges in responsing emissions

requirements and safety standards

While VTEC technology offers many performance and fuel economy benefits,
compliance with increasingly stringent emissions and fuel economy standards is
posing a number of challenges for this technology:

 Emission standards are increasingly stringent: Car emissions regulations are

increasingly strict, especially in urban areas and countries with highly polluted
environments. To meet these standards, the VTEC system needs to be adjusted and
improved to minimize harmful emissions such as NOx and carbon compounds.

 Fuel economy under real-world driving conditions: Although the VTEC/iVTEC

system can improve fuel efficiency under controlled driving conditions, actual
performance may vary significantly depending on driving style and road
 conditions. This poses a challenge in ensuring that vehicles using this technology
still achieve fuel economy under real-world operating conditions.

 However, Honda continues long history of leadership in EPA fuel

economy and low CO2 emissions, among the top full-line automakers
for more than 40 years

The EPA's first ranking of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in America in

1976 ranked the Honda Civic number one, and subsequent reports have
consistently shown Honda among the leaders. in EPA's annual fuel
efficiency measurements. That means that for more than 40 years, Honda
has always prioritized fuel economy in its products.

Figure 2:Statistic about America's most fuel-eficient full-line automaker in 1976

Figure 3:Statistic about America's most fuel-eficient full-line automaker in 2019

 Through this we can see that VTEC

technology in particular and Honda in
general always maintain their position in
maintaining fuel economy and
minimizing emissions. In particular, this
is also maintained in a long period of
time.
 III) Enhancing the driving experinece.
 There are some solutions to improve VTEC technology in order to provide a
better driving experience:

1. More diverse adjustment of valve timing and lift: Expand the adjustment
range of VTEC to allow more flexible customization of valve timing and
lift according to specific driving conditions. This can optimize the engine's
performance and responsiveness at various speeds and driving conditions.

2. Integration of multi-variable support technology: Combine VTEC with

other support technologies such as turbocharging, supercharging, or
hybridization to further increase engine power and efficiency while
maintaining fuel efficiency.
 3. Optimization of safety systems Honda operates two crash test laboratories
to improve safety designs and technologies in their vehicles, resulting in the
cars scoring five-star ratings in front and side crash tests. A new
independent crash test report from Euro NCAP also assessed the 2009
Honda Accord, Honda Civic and Honda Jazz as among Europe's safest cars,
with an overall five-star rating

4. Integration of vehicle stability assist: The Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)

was introduced by Honda to its vehicles in 1997. VSA combines the Anti-
lock Braking System (ABS) and Traction Control System (TCS) with side-
slip control to help stabilize the vehicle whenever it turns more or less than
desired .There are two main function

+Controlling oversteer - During oversteer, the rear end of

the vehicle will spin out because the rotational speed of the
rear wheels exceeds the front wheels. VSA will prevent the
vehicle from spinning by braking the outer front wheel to
produce an outward moment and stabilize the vehicle.
+Controlling understeer - During understeer, the front
wheels lose traction during cornering due to excessive
throttle and this causes the speed difference between the
left and front wheels to decrease. When the vehicle steers
outwards from the intended trajectory, VSA intervenes by
reducing engine power and if necessary, also braking the
inner front wheel
IV) Enhancing the cost of produce
1. Integrate fuel-efficient technology: Use new fuel-efficient technologies to
improve combustion efficiency and reduce engine fuel consumption, while
also reducing operating costs.

2. Optimize multi-fuel operation: Develop flexible VTEC systems capable

of operating on various fuels, including ethanol, methanol, and biofuels.
This can help reduce fuel costs and increase system flexibility.
3. Integrate energy recycling technology: Use energy recycling technology
to recover and reuse energy from exhaust or braking systems, reducing fuel
consumption and saving operating costs.
V) Challenges in competing in
technology with other car brand
 VVT-I (TOYOTA) SKYACTIV (MAZDA) CVVD (HUYNDAI)

It is an intelligent Skyactiv is known as a next- The CVVD technology

variable valve control generation direct injection is a flexible control of
system, an upgraded engine with the ability to intake/exhaust valve
version and replacement naturally aspirate. The opening/closing timing
for VVT. The VVT-i Skyactiv engine operates on to increase both fuel
system is electronically a core focus of improving efficiency and vehicle
controlled, helping to the fuel combustion process performance
change the with high compression ratios
opening/closing timing of
the intake valves by
adjusting the camshaft
drive relationship (belt or
chain) with the intake
camshaft.

 Nowadays, companies are constantly researching and introducing various

technologies to improve engine performance and provide the best experience for
users. Above are three technologies from competing brands directly competing
with Honda in the market

 Therefore, Honda needs to continue researching

and improving not only VTEC/iVTEC technology
but also other technologies to avoid falling
behind in sales compared to competing rivals