Honda to produce hydrogen for fuel cell cars

Honda Motor Co has said it has developed a compact machine to produce hydrogen at a household garage to replenish fuel cell electric cars that run on electricity generated by the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.

The Los Angeles Center of Honda R&D Americas Inc is testing the “solar hydrogen station” intended for ultimate use as a “home refueling appliance capable of an overnight refill of fuel cell electric vehicles,” Honda said.

Honda said it hopes that the home hydrogen station will facilitate the dissemination of fuel cell vehicles in various countries.

The 15-square-meter station, featuring a “high-pressure electrolyzer” to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen by electric currents from its 54-sq-meter solar cell array, can produce 0.5 kilogram of hydrogen in eight hours, a Honda spokesman said, adding the company expects ordinary households to use solar cells on the roofs of their garages.

This amount of hydrogen would enable Honda’s FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle to travel 50 kilometers, the automaker said.

If users installed a separate hydrogen storage tank in a household garage, it would enable them to replenish the vehicle more speedily.

Honda said the new appliance does away with a compressor unit unlike Honda’s conventional refueling appliances as it can produce and compress hydrogen with the identical high-pressure electrolyzer.

Voluntary Recall

Honda Motor Co. (HMC) Friday announced a voluntary worldwide recall of 646,000 compact cars so that it can examine window switches that can overheat if exposed to liquid, causing smoke or melting or even catch fire.

Only about 10% of the Fit hatchbacks recalled will need replacement switches, with the remainder requiring the fitment of waterproof skirts to prevent water seeping in.

“Under some severe operating conditions, water, rain, or other liquid may enter the driver’s window and reach the master power window switch, resulting in impaired function of the switch,” the Japanese car maker said in a statement. “If the master power window switch is damaged as a result of the liquid intrusion, it may result in failure of the switch and overheating.

“An overheating switch may cause smoke, melting or, potentially, fire,” it added.

The recall affects models built in Japan, China, Brazil, Thailand, Malaysia and India. Of the vehicles being recalled, 171,372 are in the U.K., where the model is known as the Jazz, 141,140 are in the U.S. and 229,000 are in Latin America.

Seeking Sales Professionals

Honda Mall of Georgia is currently seeking highly motivated sales professionals. No sales experience is necessary as we provide training. Applicants need to have outstanding oral and written communication skills, professional appearance and exceptional customer service skills. Please apply in person or stop by or contact Calvin Jones or John Cardaropli for more information at 678-318-3100. You can also email your resume to calvin.jones@penskeautomotive.com Located in Atlanta, GA. Compensation: commission.

Hiring Sales People

·

Honda Mall of Georgia is currently seeking highly motivated sales professionals. No sales experience is necessary, will train. Applicants need to have outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written, professional appearance and exceptional customer service skills. Please apply in person, or contact Calvin Jones or John Cardaropoli for more information, 678-318-3100

· Location: Atlanta GA

· Compensation: commissions

· Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.

· Phone calls about this job are ok.

· Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

83.8 percent of its autos sold in US were made in N. America

A record percentage of Honda vehicles sold in the United States last year were built in North America, the Japanese carmaker said Friday - further blurring the definition of what constitutes a foreign or domestic vehicle.

The carmaker, whose U.S. and North American headquarters are in Torrance, said 83.8 percent of its Honda and luxury Acura vehicles sold here were made in this continent.

By contrast, in 2008, 77 percent of vehicles sold in the United States were built either in this country, Canada or Mexico.