May 28, 2003 -- Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced that 15 models and 17 types of its BF8-BF225 series of gasoline outboard motors have been granted certification by the Fishing Boat and System Engineering Association of Japan* as the industry's first-ever environment preserving gasoline outboard motors. 

Two sets of criteria must be met to qualify for certification as an 'environment preserving gasoline outboard motor'. First, the motors must achieve exhaust emissions below the levels required by the stringent California Air Resources Board (CARB) for 2004. The outboard motors must also attain a constant fuel-cost standard determined according to five modes of fuel consumption and output ratios. The achievement of this certification is the latest addition to Honda's widely acknowledged reputation for environmentally friendly products. 

Honda has been manufacturing and selling 4-stroke outboard motors since 1964. By the end of 2002, a cumulative total of 870,000 units had been produced, making Honda the world's #1 provider of 4-stroke outboard motors. 

In addition, fishing industry clients who purchase these certified outboard motors are eligible for financing by the Coastal Fishing Improvement Fund, a system designed to improve the conditions and management of coastal fishing in Japan.