Thank you very much for joining our drive for a greener world. Hope you can be our partner in addressing critical issues on fuel supply and exhaust emissions by means of simple and practical measures. Shortage on fuel supply and increase in CO2 emissions pose grave threat to energy security, air quality and global climate. Rapid depletion of fuel resources and the occurrence of global warming are results of mankind’s activities. Considering the magnitude of the repercussions of these issues, any form of savings and corrective measures are highly essential.

In the local scene, transport sector consumes bulk of the country’s fuel supply. Records show that the volume of motor vehicles on our roads continues to grow each year. In 2008, almost 6 million units were registered at the Land Transportation Office. Number consists of new and renewal registration of different types of motor vehicles including sedans, trucks and buses among others.

In the automotive industry, sales figures also register positive trend since the economic depression in 1998. Reports submitted to CAMPI (Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines) show a total of 124,450 unit sales in 2008, a 5.5% increase from year 2007 figures. This has been the highest generated sales in the past 11 years.

Increase in the number of motor vehicles on our roads naturally increases demand for fuel. Being one of the key industry players, Honda takes serious corporate responsibility in fostering improvement in fuel economy and reduction of harmful emissions. Burning less fuel also implicates reduction in harmful emission. Thus, Honda takes much-needed proactive measures in advocating the significance of fuel economy.

Since 1996, Honda has pioneered conduction of fuel economy competitions in the industry. These competitions subject models like City, Jazz, Civic and CR-V to promote fuel efficient driving. In making this year’s competition more exciting, the 3.5 Accord that is equipped with the clever VCM technology has been included to complete Honda’s model line-up.

Several techniques can be applied in optimizing fuel mileage but the most essential of all trickles down to three main aspects: vehicle, fuel and driver. We at Honda are committed in developing products and technologies that have minimal effect on the environment. In order to reach the greatest impact on fuel economy and clean air, Honda has always targeted the mass-market models. Years of research has led to the development of engines with highly efficient internal combustion system like the i-VTEC, for you to get the most out of every drop of fuel. More than outstanding fuel efficiency, Honda vehicles are also engineered to pass the stringent European Emission Standards. Aimed to regulate the amount of pollution that can be released into the atmosphere, these standards set the acceptable limits for exhaust emissions of new vehicles sold in Europe. The European Emission Standard is also considered one of the strictest in the world.

We are pleased to inform you that among local manufacturers, Honda is the only brand that has reached EURO 4 levels for ALL its model line-up, even if Philippine regulations only require EURO 2 compliance. Conformity with EURO 4 standards translates to approximately 55% reduction in carbon monoxide if compared with EURO 2 levels. As early as 2004, Honda has started to introduce models with EURO 4 levels, accumulating to 68,800 units sold. Indeed, driving a Honda does provide a strong sense of social responsibility for a cleaner environment.

Another significant factor in going for the extra mile is the use of high quality fuel. High quality fuel has special formulation that aid better combustion efficiency.

Lastly, the key to a fuel efficient driving is in your hands, the driver -- having full control over the machine. One has to have proper driving skills and understanding of the vehicle. Simple tweak on one’s driving habits goes a long way in extending fuel mileage, maximizing monetary savings and lessening deposit of harmful pollutants.

Now is the time for change. We call on you to take decisive action for the benefit of the generations to come. Help us spread the word and convince your colleagues, friends and families to avoid unnecessary wastage of fuel and make fuel-efficient driving a habit. So get the most out of fuel, DRIVE EVERY DROP and reduce emissions towards a cleaner and healthier future for all of us.

Thank you very much.


Mr. Tatsuya Natsume
President & General Manager
Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.