The Honda 3R-C: Designed For The NOW

By 2050, it is estimated that 70 percent of the world’s population will be living in urban areas. In industrialized countries, urban areas already account for 74 percent of their total populations. Can you imagine what traffic will be like in cities like Tokyo, London, and New York in 2050?

Honda Motors has always imagined the future in its automobile designs and technology. But this year, Honda’s imagination has come up with a design, a technology, and an extremely cool-looking, practical vehicle that millions of folks would buy right now, if given the opportunity. Combining Honda’s engineering with European design (Italian, no less) and you’ve got a winner in the 3R-C.

Unfortunately, Honda’s 3R-C is a concept car... a three-wheeled concept car, a trike... and most auto bloggers in the know agree that it will never be built. If that is so, it's really a pity.

The 3R-C is an all electric trike with its lithium battery stored low under the chassis for vehicle stability. The thick door-like sides are high, offering a nice separation between the driver and the front end of another vehicle, as well as a shield from wind and water. And if frontal protection from the elements is needed, the 3R-C’s canopy, which covers the vehicle when not in use, becomes a windshield.

And, unlike your friendly neighbor’s motorcycle, the 3R-C doesn’t make noise. When you want to buzz to the store and back, no one really has to know your comings and goings. Oh yes, you also get more than a basket for your groceries. The Honda trike has a lockable trunk in front of the driver’s seat, which is more than handy when you need to make multiple shopping stops. And, of course, you can lock up the driver's seating compartment with the canopy.

In U.S. cities with plenty of public transportation available and high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes that offer speed inducement from the suburbs to the city, as of the last published census report, still 77 percent of commuters drive to work alone. In the states, HOV lanes have been around since the 1980's and usership is still embarrassingly low.

With populations throughout the world moving into urban areas, does anyone doubt there would be a market for the Honda 3R-C, especially in the industrialized countries where everyone wants their independence. Why not get the Honda 3R-C on the assembly line and into dealerships right now?