First U.S. Demonstration of Honda U3-X Personal Mobility Prototype in New York

Experimental Device to Be Demonstrated for U.S. Media in New York and at the
2010 SAE World Congress in Detroit

NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--
Honda today held the first U.S. demonstration of the company`s U3-X personal
mobility prototype, first introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show in October of last
year. The three-day debut event will run through April 8 at the New York
Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square. A second demonstration will be held
April 13-15, at the 2010 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress in
Detroit, Michigan.

With U3-X Honda rethinks the concept of personal mobility, providing the rider
with freedom of movement in any direction - forward, backward, sideways and
diagonally - by simply leaning slightly in the desired direction. The
lightweight and compact one-wheeled device also features a foldable seat and
retractable footrests. A lithium-ion battery pack provides power for up to
one-hour of use and can be recharged by plugging in to a conventional household
or office 120-volt power outlet.

Weighing roughly 22 pounds, U3-X uses an advanced Honda proprietary
balance-control system which derives from its research into human walking
dynamics for the development of the ASIMO bi-pedal humanoid robot. To realize
full freedom of movement in all directions, the U3-X also employs the world`s
first omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System)
which utilizes a series of concentrically mounted wheels - a larger, forward and
backward moving inner wheel and a series of smaller sideways moving outer
wheels. Diagonal motion is achieved when both forward and sideways moving wheels
operate in tandem.

In addition, the compact size and one-wheel-drive design of U3-X was intended to
provide user-friendly and pedestrian-friendly operation with low-mounted foot
pedals that make it easy for the rider to reach the ground, and a seat height
that places the rider at approximately the same eye-level as other people.

As a company that values mobility, Honda began research into robotics in 1986
and walking devices in 1999, culminating in the development of ASIMO, the
world`s most advanced bi-pedal humanoid robot. The cumulative study of human
walking and balance control has also led to the development of numerous other
experimental technologies including the U3-X personal mobility device as well as
Honda`s Stride Management Assist and Bodyweight Support Assist walking assist
devices - all geared toward further advancing human mobility through
technological innovation.

About Honda

Honda (NYSE: HMC) marked 50 years of operations in America in 2009. As a company
devoted to the advancement of human mobility, Honda's innovative research and
development efforts during the past decade have yielded such diverse outcomes as
humanoid robotics, walking assist devices, HondaJet, fuel cell electric vehicle
technology, thin film solar cells, increased rice crop yields and functional
nano-materials - in addition to the design and development of automobiles,
motorcycles and power equipment products. Based on its belief in the value of
technology to address the needs of society, it is Honda's mission to develop
products that anticipate and satisfy the evolving needs of its customers while
meeting society's demand for cleaner, safer, more efficient and sustainable
means of transportation and human mobility.

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Honda
David Iida, 310-781-5542
david_iida@ahm.honda.com
or
Alicia Jones, 310-781-5542
alicia_jones@ahm.honda.com

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