Honda F1 Team Launches Environmental Concept
The Honda Racing F1 Team today announced a major new initiative for the 2007 Formula 1 season. To help raise awareness of the environmental issues facing the planet, the RA107 F1 car will simply feature a huge image of earth, in place of the advertising and sponsor logos which have featured and dominated all other F1 cars for decades.
The car’s new look is a powerful call to action for fans, sponsors, customers and members of the public to join Honda’s commitment to help address the environmental issues facing the world.
Via the website www.myearthdream.com anyone who wishes, will have the opportunity to have their name on the car, make a pledge to make a lifestyle change to improve the environment and make a donation to an environmental charity. Under the concept of “our car is your car", each name will form a tiny individual pixel which will help build the image of planet earth on the car. Each name will be visible on the website when you make the pledge or under a microscope on the car.
Universal Music, the largest music company in the world, and Gatorade are the first global brands to partner the team in this exciting new concept. Existing partners have enthusiastically embraced the idea and all remain involved with the team for the 07 season. In addition, the team is delighted to announce that Fila, IBM, Instron, Oliver Sweeney, Perkin Elmer, Showa Denko, TUV and GF Agie Charmilles have joined the roster of team partners and suppliers.
The Honda Racing F1 Team will work closely with global environmental charities to develop Honda’s existing environmental ethos within the world’s most high profile motor-sport.
Nick Fry, Chief Executive Officer, Honda Racing F1 Team
“Climate change is probably the single biggest issue facing the global community and F1 is not immune from it. On the contrary we believe that F1 with its huge global profile and cutting edge technology can play an important role in not only highlighting the issues but also playing our part in developing solutions. In addition, the FIA recognizes the opportunity for F1 to showcase innovative technologies for the benefit of society for the long term. For example, by 2009, devices for energy recovery will be in place on the cars.
“So we at Honda F1 are proud to dedicate our car to the environmental challenge. We believe that practical solutions can stem directly from engineers working on our F1 program. They are working harder than ever to achieve our dreams and win the World Championship while embracing and underscoring Honda’s environmental ethos.
“First and foremost, we are a race team and F1 is very much a team sport.
We achieve our racing objectives only by working together and parallels can be drawn with the way that we must all join together to address the environmental challenge. We hope that in raising awareness and highlighting the issues we will encourage members of the public to come together and help take on the challenge of climate change".
Yasuhiro Wada, Chairman, Honda Racing F1 Team and General Manager, Honda Motor Company
“Honda has a huge desire to challenge for this year’s 2007 F1 World Championship. We hope this year will be a successful and exciting season. Equally we intend to give something back in the form of our new environmental F1 concept, which we believe will bring something fresh and new to motor sport."
“Honda constantly strives to be innovative in both its technology and its thinking and to sincerely respond to the demands of customers and society. Honda has always made great efforts to contribute to the preservation of the environment in its corporate activity. We hope this new initiative for Honda in F1 will help to further stimulate awareness and interest across the world for these important environmental issues."
Notes
The Honda Corporation has a rich heritage in pioneering environmental activity. Examples include:
1972 Honda launch CVCC (Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion), the World’s first auto engine to meet the USA Statutory Clean Air Act, a license sold to most other auto makers to produce lower emissions
1976 Honda started a forestation program by planting over 250,000 trees around its factories
1999 Honda launched its first hybrid car. The Insight was the first production car to be available in both the USA and Europe.
2006 Honda is the first automaker in the world to announce global CO2 reduction goals for its products and production activities
2007 Honda Civic GX is recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency as the cleanest internal combustion vehicle on earth
Go to http://world.honda.com/environment/reports/ for further information on Honda Motor Co's environmental policy. Honda PR