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Honda Announces Major Investment in US Auto Plant

Honda of America Mfg. unveiled plans today to construct a $123 million paint facility at its Marysville Auto Plant, continuing Honda's commitment to a cleaner environment, flexible and efficient manufacturing, and high-quality products for its customers. This is the largest single investment among a series of renovations and expansions at Honda's two auto plants in Ohio. Honda's 25-year commitment to manufacturing in Ohio has grown to more than $6 billion over the years. Construction begins this month on the facility, which replaces the oldest of the plant's original paint lines. The Marysville Auto Plant was the first Japanese auto plant in America when it began producing Accord sedans in November 1982. Honda began U.S. manufacturing with a motorcycle plant in 1979. Housed in a 234,000-square-foot expansion, the paint facility will introduce waterborne paint systems to the Marysville plant when it goes into full operation in mid-2006. This, along with new paint systems developed by Honda, is expected to reduce emissions by 41 percent. Investment in high- efficiency ovens, air recycling systems and highly efficient variable drive motors should reduce energy use by 34 percent. Honda of America also announced it is constructing a 20-million-gallon pond system behind the Marysville Auto […]

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ZAP Signs Exclusive Distribution Agreement for SMART Car

ZAP (OTC:ZAPZ) has signed a $10 Million purchase agreement with SMART-Automobile LLC to be the exclusive distributor and licensed manufacturer in the United States for its 60-MPG SMART Car. With record gas prices hitting the U.S., officials at ZAP and SMART are excited to be selling one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the planet. Reports indicate that SMART cars can achieve more than 60 miles per gallon in fuel economy, rivaling hybrid gas-electric cars. SMART-Automobile president Thomas Heidemann projects they may sell 15,000 units annually in the U.S. by 2005. "I believe ZAP is the best partner because they have been leaders for fuel efficiency and are focused on creating an auto dealer distribution network for these types of vehicles," said Heidemann. "I wanted to be associated with a company like ZAP that has the ability to capitalize on this sort of opportunity. I have other cars in mind for ZAP's dealer network." ZAP entered the car market in 2003 with the sale of electric cars. The company's new ZAPCAR(TM) earned five trophies at Michelin's Challenge Bibendum, the world's largest competition for fuel-efficient cars. The SMART cars will be distributed in the U.S. as part of ZAP's auto dealer […]

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