Bangkok, February 26, 2003 - Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (HATC) today announced the introduction of the all-new Accord model which the company expects will redefine the sporty premium sedan segment in Thailand's highly-competitive automobile market.

This 7th generation Accord, one of Honda's core global models, has undergone the most dramatic change in its 27-year history, promising new levels of world-class style, dynamic performance and luxury. Since its global introduction in 1976 more than 12.5 million Accord models have been sold in over 140 countries. In 2001, the Accord was the best selling passenger car in the United States and late last year the new, 7th generation Accord won one of Japan's leading "Car of the Year" awards.

Speaking at the all-new Accord's press launch today, in the elegant surroundings of The Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel ballroom, Mr Satoshi Toshida, President and Chief Executive Officer, Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Honda's Bangkok-based ASEAN Regional Headquarters, said this new-generation Accord offered luxurious interior detail and equipment standards, world-class safety and environmental performance, and new 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines delivering more power and improved fuel efficiency. "This outstanding combination of enhanced features combines to deliver long hours of stress-free driving and passenger comfort spiced up by a sporty flair whenever you need it", he added.

The all-new Accord will be available in three 4-cylinder 2.4 litre i-VTEC powered variants, all offering 160 horsepower, and a 220 horsepower 3.0 litre V-6 variant, all built to world-class standards of precision and craftsmanship at HATC's Ayutthya automobile plant which is currently expanding its annual production capacity from 100,000 units to 120,000 units, partly to accommodate an expected five-fold increase in Honda's automobile exports.

All variants of the Accord feature disk brakes all around, ABS (anti-lock breaking system) and EBD (electronic brake distribution), Honda's original G-Control safety technology and a new 5-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment.

STYLING
A form with presence born of the pursuit of functional aerodynamic performance creates an exterior design with the ideal balance of calm and motion, quality and energy.

INTERIOR
The interior design combines high-quality materials with precision assembly to achieve sure handling and superior passenger stability while driving. One key word for the interior design was "Emotion" - see it, touch it, use it and sense the high quality and superior performance.

The front seats are shaped so that the body is naturally enveloped, for firm support to the entire posterior region. More supportive seating and tilt and new telescoping steering provide a fresh driving position aimed at making Accord the fun-to-drive standout in its class.

DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE

The Accord's aerodynamic performance, with a CD value of 0.30 makes a major contribution to high-speed performance, fuel economy, and quietness.

The lightweight, high-rigidity body delivers outstanding dynamic rigidity, in addition to static rigidity characteristics of bending and torsional rigidity, for a responsive front end, a stable rear end, and greatly improved comfort.

A stiff body structure makes for a quieter car and allows engineers to closely tune the suspension to provide optimal ride and handling qualities.

Two engines are available in the 2003 Accords: a new 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and an extensively revised 3.0-liter V6. Two new 5-speed automatic transmissions have also been developed (replacing 4-speed automatics in previous generation Accords), one matched to the 4-cylinder and one for the V6 engine. Both have more peak power and torque than their predecessors, as well as improved midrange and bottom-end performance.

Employs a ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) system. Throttle valve control by the accelerator pedal is converted to an electric signal, and the ECU calculates the optimum throttle opening based on vehicle speed and engine rpm. The actuator directly controls the throttle valve, for precise, linear throttle control.

Honda has developed a high-efficiency, compact, 5-speed automatic transmission that employs a low-friction clutch, a high-efficiency, ultra-thin torque converter, and double-row idle together with linear speed changes during acceleration.

A double-wishbone suspension in the front delivers superb straight-line stability. The rear employs a 5-link, double-wishbone suspension with its geometry optimally tuned for improved stability while cornering.

ABS has been made standard equipment on all Accords and a new, state-of-the-art traction control system (TCS) is also standard equipment on V6 Accords. Computer controlled and driver-selectable, this new-generation TCS improves the Accord's handling, stability and traction at all speeds and with all types of low-grip road conditions.

The Accord's interior provides a relaxed living space with an environment that is easy on the driver to prevent fatigue on long drives. The Accord has established easy-to-use storage space and ample trunk capacity.

Honda's original G-CON (G-force Control) technology is incorporated to create a new body with a crash safety design that is among the best in the world. To further improve safety in real-world collisions, Honda has implemented its own vehicle-to-vehicle collision testing program with its own independently-established research standards. This collision testing is much more demanding that conventional tests, in which the car is crashed into a fixed barrier. The Accord's safety design meets even these stringent testing requirements.

The number of body sections designed to reduce pedestrian injury has been increased to protect pedestrians' lower limbs as well as their heads.

The interior is designed to protect occupant' heads in a collision, and front-row seats are also designed to alleviate shocks to the neck.

To enhance the Accord's luxurious interior and driving pleasure, Honda has included self-illuminating meters, dual zone air conditioning, a DSP high quality audio module and cruise control.

Atomospheric pollutants(HC, NOx) in the exhaust gas have been greatly reduced. The Accord achieves high environmental performance.