Honda developing entry-level hybrid for 2009 launch
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Honda developing entry-level hybrid for 2009 launch
Honda developing entry-level hybrid for 2009 launch
Monday 14 May 2007
Honda is working on a high-volume hybrid model for launch before the end of the decade, which could possibly sell for around €20,000. Its release will follow several months after the launch of Honda’s first hybrid sports coupe in 2009 with production expected to top 200,000 units per year. Honda CEO Takeo Fukui mentioned last year that a volume hybrid was in development but there had been no other mention of the vehicle until now.
The senior vice president of Honda Motor Europe, Ken Keir, told reporters from Automotive News in a recent interview that the new hybrid will be a family-targeted model and be offered to worldwide markets at prices below those of current hybrids.
It will also be a unique hybrid-only model, which meant developers could optimise the packaging and efficiency of the new design to suit a hybrid instead of having to compromise between the eco-friendly cars and conventional gasoline-only versions.
As for the small hybrid sports car, Keir revealed that the final design is not even close to the concept vehicle Honda displayed at March’s Geneva Motor Show but will instead be “much more like the Remix sporty small car concept (pictured) shown at the Los Angeles auto show in November.”
Monday 14 May 2007
Honda is working on a high-volume hybrid model for launch before the end of the decade, which could possibly sell for around €20,000. Its release will follow several months after the launch of Honda’s first hybrid sports coupe in 2009 with production expected to top 200,000 units per year. Honda CEO Takeo Fukui mentioned last year that a volume hybrid was in development but there had been no other mention of the vehicle until now.
The senior vice president of Honda Motor Europe, Ken Keir, told reporters from Automotive News in a recent interview that the new hybrid will be a family-targeted model and be offered to worldwide markets at prices below those of current hybrids.
It will also be a unique hybrid-only model, which meant developers could optimise the packaging and efficiency of the new design to suit a hybrid instead of having to compromise between the eco-friendly cars and conventional gasoline-only versions.
As for the small hybrid sports car, Keir revealed that the final design is not even close to the concept vehicle Honda displayed at March’s Geneva Motor Show but will instead be “much more like the Remix sporty small car concept (pictured) shown at the Los Angeles auto show in November.”
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What are you basing that on? Have you seen specs on the practicality, interior volume, and fuel economy of the [yet to be seen, or even named] Honda offering?
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it does look funky. The rear end looks similar to the chrysler crossfire.
There is not enough information gathered to say if this car will be better/worse than the Prius.
Honda offered the Insight which gets better mileage than the Prius. Surely they have experience in making cars with high gas mileage.
Edit: it's crossfire, not crossover
There is not enough information gathered to say if this car will be better/worse than the Prius.
Honda offered the Insight which gets better mileage than the Prius. Surely they have experience in making cars with high gas mileage.
Edit: it's crossfire, not crossover
Last edited by GSteg; May 15, 2007 at 11:37 PM.
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: California
it does look funky. The rear end looks similar to the chrysler crossover.
There is not enough information gathered to say if this car will be better/worse than the Prius.
Honda offered the Insight which gets better mileage than the Prius. Surely they have experience in making cars with high gas mileage.
There is not enough information gathered to say if this car will be better/worse than the Prius.
Honda offered the Insight which gets better mileage than the Prius. Surely they have experience in making cars with high gas mileage.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Los Angeles/Vancouver
the early generations were terrible and were plagued with problems
this is only from what ive been reading online though
but sales of insight may reflect how well the car is built
honda is desperate for a hybrid comeback and they have to do this right in order to fight against toyota for the title of environmentally friendly automaker
Lexus Champion
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ive heard of some terrible experiences from owners of insight
the early generations were terrible and were plagued with problems
this is only from what ive been reading online though
but sales of insight may reflect how well the car is built
honda is desperate for a hybrid comeback and they have to do this right in order to fight against toyota for the title of environmentally friendly automaker
the early generations were terrible and were plagued with problems
this is only from what ive been reading online though
but sales of insight may reflect how well the car is built
honda is desperate for a hybrid comeback and they have to do this right in order to fight against toyota for the title of environmentally friendly automaker
Lexus Fanatic
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From: A better place
I am basing this on all current facts and prior data from Honda and Toyota. For this entry-level Honda to beat the next-gen Prius on fuel economy, practicality, and interior volume would be a quantum leap forward over the Honda Insight. It could happen, but it's doubtful. Keep in mind that the next-gen Prius is supposed to be better than the current one in many ways.
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