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Honda Announces New Hybrid Models

turbox submitted on 05/21/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 7:56 AM
from: ucarmagazine.com

[17] user comments | category: New Cars

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Honda Announces New Hybrid Models

Honda today announced additional details regarding its new small hybrid scheduled for introduction in early 2009, as part of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. CEO Takeo Fukui’s mid-year address. An official name and full product details will be announced later this year.

In addition to weight reduction, a significant cost reduction in Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) components will result in the most affordable hybrid vehicle to date. This dedicated hybrid vehicle will be offered as a 5-door hatchback with seating for five passengers and will employ an exterior design concept that evokes the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle. Along with the Civic Hybrid, the new vehicle will be produced at an expanded IMA production line at Honda’s Suzuka factory in Japan.

The new small gasoline/electric hybrid vehicle will have expected annual global sales of 200,000 units per year – approximately 100,000 of which are bound for the North American market. Following this launch, Honda also plans to introduce another unique small hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z sports car first shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show as well as a Fit hybrid model. Including the Civic Hybrid, these four hybrid vehicles are expected to reach combined annual global sales of approximately 500,000 units.

“Honda has been at the forefront of hybrid development since it first introduced the American public to hybrid technology with the Insight in 1999,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. “These new advancements in Honda’s technology and production systems will result in cost reductions that will allow us to make hybrid technology available to a whole new generation of buyers.”

Featuring seating for five passengers, distinctive styling and high-value amenities, the new hybrid will present an appealing package. Taking advantage of reductions in the size of components, the battery and the internal processing unit will be positioned below the rear cargo area, allowing the hatchback design to provide adequate cargo space to meet the needs of a family. Additionally, various technologies, including a function to assist more fuel efficient driving, are being installed to achieve a further improvement of practical fuel efficiency. With its affordable price, the new hybrid vehicle will represent the best value in its segment.

The new hybrid will be produced at a newly developed second IMA production line at Honda’s Suzuka factory, which currently produces the Civic Hybrid. With the second line in operation and improvements in IMA production efficiency, hybrid production capacity at Suzuka will increase from 70,000 vehicles per year to approximately 250,000 units, with future expansion possible if needed.

Honda is committed to offering products with the highest environmental performance produced at factories with reduced environmental footprints. A leader in the development of cleaner, more fuel-efficient mobility products, Honda introduced the first low-emission vehicles; America’s first gas/electric hybrid car, the Insight and the world’s first EPA-certified hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, among other environmental achievements. In 2007, Honda was named “greenest automaker” by the Union of Concerned Scientists for the fourth straight time. Read Article

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0to60 - 5/21/2008 10:43:14 AM

+3 Boost

GOD Please dont allow them to make the Honda Fit in that neon green color. There are enough distractions on the road already

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answer - 5/21/2008 11:17:35 AMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

I really should hate that green color, but on the Fit it actually is pretty cool.

0to60 - 5/21/2008 4:25:05 PM

+4 Boost

Well its different.

Agent63 - 5/22/2008 12:36:58 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

If it's a hybrid why not have it green? let the world you know you're supporting the technology. It was Honda who first introduced this in a mass-scale anyways why not come out with a BANG.

bagwell - 5/23/2008 6:39:39 PM

0 Boost

BRING IT NOW!

joby - 5/24/2008 1:45:11 AM

+2 Boost

Kawasaki called...they want their color back.

carguy68 - 5/21/2008 10:46:01 AM

+1 Boost

atleast it looks better than the prius.
cool

reply to this comment

bagwell - 5/23/2008 6:40:40 PM

+1 Boost

ha - a zinger!

agreed btw!

reply to this comment

Whelan - 5/21/2008 12:44:59 PM

0 Boost

Why don't they offer a Hybrid CR-V to battle the Escape and VUE. Why not a Hybrid Accord anymore, one that actually gets good mileage...

I'm kinda lost on things here. Be a little more involved, they are offering ugly cars now and between the new Pilot and new Accord they are missing targets left and right. Here's a checklist for Honda:

-New S2000 and quick
-Acura version of the S2000
-AWD model of the Accord
-Better looking Pilot than what is out now
-Hybrid CR-V, Hybrid Accord, Hybrid Fit (60mpg+)
-Bring over the Accord Wagon

reply to this comment

EL34 - 5/21/2008 5:28:06 PM

-1 Boost

Lime green Honda.

lol

reply to this comment

IhavearedS2000 - 5/21/2008 5:57:59 PM

+4 Boost

You people DO know that the lime green was a photoshop 'enhancement', right? Honda will not offer that as a true color choice...

reply to this comment

lexusrox123 - 5/22/2008 9:09:14 AM

+2 Boost

thank God!

SmarterThanYou - 5/21/2008 10:44:46 PM

+3 Boost

Hybrids are all well and good, but I wish there was a US version of the UK Civic Type-R.

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bagwell - 5/23/2008 6:38:35 PM

+1 Boost

where's the dude with the water powered car link?!?!?!?!?! LOL

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