With the introduction of the GX and GXV series general purpose engines in 1983, Honda has been a pioneer in developing more fuel consumption efficient overhead valve (OHV) technology, whereas up to then side-valve technology was commonly used for this category of small petrol engines.

The development of fuel efficient technology has been further continued with the introduction in 1997 of the GC and GCV engines with overhead camshaft technology (OHC).

By introducing this technology, the average engine's fuel consumption could be reduced by 25% in comparison with side-valve engines. The greenhouse gas CO2 is believed to be a major contribution to the global warming and emitted by all internal combustion engines - is proportionally reduced by Honda's efficient OHV and OHC fuel consumption technologies.

Further considerable improvements in combustion efficiency and fuel consumption are pursued and expected to be launched in the near future.