Honda plans new affordable hybrid for gen next

Honda has been a leader in hybrid development ever since the launch of its first hybrid Insight model back in 1999. The company now plans to launch a new small hybrid, as an early 2009 model. The five-door, five-passenger vehicle will retail at a cost less than Honda’s Civic Hybrid and the Toyota Prius, which is currently the world’s best selling hybrid. Dick Colliver, Executive Vice President of American Honda Motor Co., said that the company’s goal for the new hybrid model was to make it affordable for a new generation of car buyers.

The Honda hybrid vehicle will be significantly reduced in weight and will use Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) components to cut down on costs. The hybrid will be available as a 5-door hatchback that seats five passengers and will adopt a profile similar to Honda’s FCX Clarity. Honda's Suzuka factory in Japan will produce the new hybrid vehicle along with the Civic hybrid.

Honda introduced America's first gas/electric hybrid car, the Insight and the world's first EPA-certified hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle. In 2007, the Union of Concerned Scientists named Honda as the "greenest automaker" for the fourth time running.

Honda is expecting sales of the new hybrid vehicle to surpass 100,000 units per annum in North America and 200,000 units worldwide. Hot on the heels of the new hybrid vehicle, Honda plans to launch a Fit hybrid model another small hybrid based on the concept CR-Z sports car first displayed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. Along with the Civic Hybrid, Honda’s four new hybrid cars are expected to reach global sales of 500,000 units. Check besthondaprices.com for further details about Honda models.