Fukui worked on the CVCC (Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion) engine as his first project at Honda to reduce toxic exhaust emissions. The CVCC, which became the base for the Honda Civic car, became the first vehicle to comply with the 1975 U.S. Clean Air Act without a catalytic converter. A motorsports fan, he joined Honda for its participation in the Formula One races, and many years later served as the representative for the Honda works team upon their first, and only, victory at the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix.