The natural gas-powered 2001 Honda Civic GX has become the first vehicle ever certified as an “Advanced Technology” near-zero emission vehicle and the first to achieve nationwide Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) status, according to American Honda Motor Co. The Civic GX’s “Advanced Technology P-ZEV” (Partial-credit, Zero Emission Vehicle) certification from the California Air Resources Board is the result of near-zero total vehicle emissions combined with the exceptionally low fuel cycle emissions of natural gas. As a result of complying with the P-ZEV standard and 150,000 mile or 15-year emissions durability certification, the Civic GX now is eligible to receive credits under California’s Zero Emission Vehicle requirements. California’s SULEV requirements, virtually the same as Federal EPA Tier-2, Bin-2 requirements, are the most rigorous in the world. They call for a reduction in hydrocarbon emissions of 96 percent from the existing Federal Tier-1 passenger car levels, and an 86 percent cut compared to California Low Emission Vehicle standards. During GX testing, hydrocarbon emissions were so low they were virtually immeasurable with conventional instruments. Greenhouse-gas emissions (CO2) also are significantly lower than a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle.