TULLAMARINE, AUSTRALIA – July 14, 2011: Honda and Komatsu have enjoyed a strong business relationship globally for many years. Building on that relationship Honda Australia has now contracted Komatsu Forklift Australia to supply forklifts throughout their Victorian operations.

Komatsu battery electric and LPG forklifts along with Komatsu supplied OMG warehouse equipment has been installed at Honda’s Campbellfield, Somerton and Tullamarine sites. Honda management is impressed with the improved productivity that Komatsu forklifts have delivered and their forklift operators are pleased with the comfort, safety and ease of use that the Komatsu forklifts provide.

The battery electric Komatsu forklift FB20M-12 is the main model selected by Honda. These state-of-the-art electric forklifts deliver performance similar to engine forklifts but with no emissions and a much superior turning radius. Komatsu FB20M-12 is a 3 wheel forklift with dual drive ac motors that improve traction and incorporate regenerative braking. Wet disc brakes and Operator Presence Safety System (OPSS) make the Komatsu one of the safest forklifts in the world. The increasing use of battery electric forklifts by Honda is a reflection of a broader change in the Australian forklift market to move toward electric powered forklifts.

Expanding the business relationship further Komatsu Forklift Australia in association with Honda Australia has taken a significant step on its environmental improvement strategy. “In addition to our energy and water initiatives already being implemented, I have confirmed that our next generation of company sedans will be Hybrids – supplied by Honda Motor Corporation” said Ted Ishikawa, Managing Director, Komatsu Forklift Australia.

The Honda Insight that Komatsu Forklift Australia has selected is one of the most technologically advanced hybrid vehicles available. This vehicle actually coaches its driver to drive more efficiently.

“The Honda Insight not only reduces our environmental footprint but also provides better safety for our staff with standard safety features such as Curtain Air Bags, ABS Brakes, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control and Bluetooth Phone System. All features combining to provide a 5 star ANCAP safety rating.” said Joe Hashem, General Manager of Komatsu Forklift Australia.

This environmental step forward further strengthens the relationship between Honda Australia and Komatsu Forklift Australia.

“I am pleased to reduce the environmental impact of Komatsu Forklift Australia and look forward to announcing further environmental initiatives in the near future.” said Mr Ishikawa.

Honda Australia’s Managing Director & CEO, Mr Satoshi Matsuzawa said “Honda Australia have utilised Komatsu Forklifts in our operations for many years and we are very pleased to have been selected as Komatsu’s supplier of choice for their new vehicles.”

“Komatsu battery electric forklifts fit very well within our operation and our Insight Hybrid vehicles provide a sensible and practical solution for company fleet requirements. Honda Australia is proud to be working with Komatsu, enhancing our Environmental Vision and strengthening our efforts to reduce CO2 emissions.”