FRANKFURT, Germany, August 3, 2010 – Honda is working with the European Youth Parliament to support its 64th International Session, taking place in Frankfurt, Germany between 30th July and 8th August. A representative from Honda Motor Europe took part in an “expert hearing”, giving members of the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) a chance to learn about Honda’s environmental technology and to discuss the subject of sustainable mobility.

Members of the European Youth Parliament with the FCX Clarity

Members of TRAN were also offered the unique opportunity to ride in the FCX Clarity, Honda’s zero emission hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle. The FCX Clarity emits no CO2, nor any other harmful emissions…the only emission is water. This experience provided the delegates of the European Youth Parliament a chance to see this revolutionary vehicle in action and to encourage them to consider the potential that fuel cell technology has to become a personal mobility solution in the post-petrol era.

Presenting to TRAN, Jane Gordon, European Public Affairs, Honda Motor Europe commented, “Today’s event highlighted the many challenges society faces across the globe to achieve sustainable mobility. Honda is keen to work with organisations such as the European Youth Parliament, to demonstrate the active part that our new technologies can play in providing solutions to these issues.”

About the FCX Clarity & Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles
Over one hundred years have passed since the birth of the automobile. As we look for better ways to create and harness energy for transportation, Honda remains focused on creating sustainable mobility. We are looking toward the next hundred years and exploring the challenge of new fuels and powerplants. We’re working to keep the dream of personal mobility alive for generations yet to come. Fuel cell electric vehicles, which run on hydrogen and emit no CO2 or other harmful emissions, may be the key to securing a bright future for the automobile in society.

A fuel cell vehicle has a hydrogen tank instead of a petrol tank. In the fuel cell, hydrogen is combined with atmospheric oxygen to generate electricity. No CO2 or other pollutants are emitted in this process. The only emission is water. A compact and efficient lithium ion battery stores electricity generated during braking and deceleration in regenerative braking. The battery works in concert with the fuel cell stack to power the vehicle. Because the vehicle is propelled by an electric motor, it delivers smooth, powerful acceleration and quiet operation, without the noise and vibration associated with an internal combustion engine. It is the ultimate in clean performance.

About the European Youth Parliament
The European Youth Parliament (EYP) is a unique forum with the aim of involving young people to actively take part in Europe’s development. Every year, thousands of people from over thirty different European countries gather to discuss global issues. While developing their inter-personal, analytical and language skills the delegates are also introduced to the vast cultural diversity of Europe.

Today, EYP is one of the largest European platforms for intercultural exchange as well as debate and education.

Every year, three International Sessions of the European Youth Parliament take place in different European countries. The 64th International Session will be held in Frankfurt, Germany. 250 teenagers, aged between16 and 20 years old, from 33 European countries will take part. The young delegates will exchange ideas and visions of Europe’s future and make friends across borders. They will discuss current topics of European politics and draft resolutions, which will then be debated according to the rules of the European Parliament.

Press release from Honda.com

One of the most frustrating things for anyone buying almost anything is, most often, understanding the numbers. When it comes to the purchase of your new or pre-owned vehicle there are often a lot of numbers to take into consideration.

The purchase price of the new vehicle, or pre-owned vehicle can be effected by several factors. Make, model, equipment, color, style, availability and, of course, popularity of certain limited production vehicles can make the pricing game a challenging one.

The value of your used vehicle can be a mystery, and can be affected by even more factors. Make, model, trim level, region, mileage, vehicle condition, equipment, and even the rebates offered on new models can impact your trade in value.

Here is a simple solution, which will save you countless hours negotiating on your new vehicle, hundreds or even thousands of dollars; and most importantly will help you perhaps even enjoy the experience. Yes, enjoy it!
A dealer may show a higher value for your trade when not offering a discount on a new or pre-owned vehicle. The value of your trade, however, will often be less or closer to the (ACV) actual cash value when the dealer is discounting the price on the new or pre-owned vehicle. But the one number that really makes a difference, is the difference.

So what is the difference anyway? The difference is the number arrived at by simply subtracting the sale price of the vehicle you are considering, from the value you are offered for your trade. Below is an example:

PURCHASE PRICE                  A: $20,000.00                           B: $18,000.00

TRADE IN VALUE                  A: $12,000.00                            B: $10,000.00

THE DIFFERENCE                  A:  $8,000.00                              B:  $8,000.00

The number for the new car can go higher, or lower. The same can happen in the case of your trade in vehicle. But the difference will remain the same as shown above. If you were, for example, to offer the dealer $6,000.00 after receiving the offer in our example above; the dealer would have to sharpen his or her pencil and reduce the sale price, increase the trade in value, or even do both in an effort to “make a difference”.

So, save yourself time, energy and money. Get a quote on the vehicle you are considering, get a guaranteed trade in value; then simply subtract the trade-in value from the price you received. Work the difference, and save time, money and, most importantly, enjoy. Buying a new car can, and should be fun!