Honda to Import Thai-manufactured Water Pump for Sale in Japan

February 19, 2003, Japan

News Release

February 19, 2003—Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced that it will be importing the WB20XT engine-powered water pump manufactured by its power equipment manufacturing center in Thailand, Thai Honda Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Bangkok; President: Kiyoji Takekabu), for sale in Japan. Sales will commence on February 20th at designated Honda power equipment dealers throughout Japan. 

In November 2002 Thai Honda expanded its general-purpose engine production capacity from 400,000 to 1,000,000 units, with plans to supply general purpose engines to regions around the world excluding Japan. Thai Honda has manufactured a total of 567,000* pumps equipped with general-purpose engines since it first started production in 1989, destined mainly for regions in Asia and the Middle East. Export of the WB20XT to Europe began last year and export to North America will follow.
*As of the end of December 2002. Honda in-house survey. 

Based on the concept, “Made by Global Honda”, Honda selects the optimum locations for procurement and manufacture of products for worldwide distribution. This has resulted in the import and sale on the Japanese market of such power products as generators made in China and India, and lawnmowers manufactured in France. 

The water pump comes equipped with the GX120 engine, a Honda e-SPEC engine that meets the world’s highest standards in environmental performance, including US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Phase II regulations. A version of the pump specially built for the home center market will also go on sale in March at designated home centers.

WB20XT Thai-manufactured water pump

WB20XT Thai-manufactured water pump

Annual domestic sales projection:

Manufacturer's suggested retail price (consumption tax not included):

3,000 units

WB20XT  ¥72,000

Outstanding Features of the WB20XT
· Mechanical decompression delivers light, smooth starting.
· The widely acclaimed Honda OHV engine, with a proven track record as a water pump power unit in Japan and around the world, ensures high durability and reliability.
· Fuel economy at the top of its class.
· The Honda e-SPEC GX120 engine has cleared both US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Phase II and CARB (California Air Resources Board) Tier II regulations—the most stringent in the world.
· Low-noise operation.

Specifications

Model WB20XT
Length x Width x Height(㎜) 455 x 365 x 420
Dry Weight(kg) 21
Engine Air-cooled 4-stroke, single-cylinder OHV
Displacement(cm3) 118
Fuel Automotive-grade unleaded gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity (L) 2.5
Engine Oil Capacity (L) 0.56
Ignition System Transistorized magneto
Starter Type Recoil
Rated Speed (rpm) 3,550
Suction Port Diameter (mm<inch>) 50<2>
Discharge Port Diameter (mm<inch>) 50<2>
Total Head Lift (m) 32
Discharge Capacity (l/min) 600
Suction Head Lift (m) 8.0
Continuous Operating Time (min) About 150