Autoblog

Honda boss says Chinese drivers don't want green cars

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:16:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, China, Honda, Shanghai Motor Show

According to The Wall Street Journal, Honda CEO Takanobu Ito believes that China's nascent car-buying demographic isn't all that interested in hybrid cars - at least not yet. The emissions story doesn't resonate with them, and certainly not for the higher purchase premium such models usually carry. What they really want, Ito believes, is reliable, affordable cars that fit their needs. When it comes to Honda sales, the numbers would appear to jibe with his thoughts: Honda sold 598,577 vehicles in China last year through its two joint ventures, yet just 542 of them were hybrids - not even a tenth of a percent. However, Toyota sold 840,500 cars in China last year, and two percent of that total, 17,300 units, were hybrids, which is closer to the still-piddling three-percent ratio of sales that Toyota posted in the US last year.

Honda offers the Insight, Fit Hybrid and CR-Z in China and plans to make components for its Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system there from next year, the hope being it will reduce the cost of hybrid cars for local buyers. That was one part of the plan Honda laid out last year to popularize its IMA system in China. Other initiatives include the introduction of a new hybrid system for mid-sized and large vehicles and a plug-in hybrid. Among the four new vehicles Honda showed during this weekend's press day for the Shanghai Motor Show (including the Concept M minivan pictured above) there was not a single hybrid among them.

Honda boss says Chinese drivers don't want green cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda previews trio of hybrid systems for different driving characteristics

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Honda

Looking to make up some much-needed ground to Toyota and Ford in the world of hybrid vehicles, Honda is introducing a new and more advanced gas-electric architecture called Honda Sport Hybrid. The system may arrive as a direct replacement to the aging Integrated Motor Assist series, and it's actually comprised of three different systems: Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive, Intelligent Multi Mode Drive/Plug-In and Super Handling - All Wheel Drive. Why three different systems? Because their capability, complexity and cost will vary depending on the size of the vehicle and its intended purpose.

We have already tested the Sport Hybrid Intelligent Multi Mode Drive/Plug-In on the 2014 Honda Accord PHEV. This system features a hybrid-specific engine and an electronic CVT with two built-in electric motors, and it sounds like this setup will be offered with and without plug-in capabilities. With this system, drivers will be able to use three different drive modes (EV, Engine and Hybrid) depending on the conditions and the desired dynamic. EV Drive mode maximizes use of electricity to propel the car, Hybrid Drive uses the engine to generate electricity for the motors and Engine Drive is for higher speeds where EV and Hybrid modes wouldn't be as efficient.

Debuting on the forthcoming Acura RLX flagship sedan, the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system uses three electric motors to deliver optimal performance. It also features a direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 paired with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Those are combined with an integrated motor used to power the front wheels and one motor at each rear wheel. The rear motors work independently of one another for better handling and torque distribution. Honda says this system will deliver V8-like performance with the fuel economy of a four cylinder. If all of that sounds familiar, that's because we drove a prototype of the architecture in a Honda Accord mule back in December of 2011.

Finally, the Sport Hybrid Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive uses the same seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox as the SH-AWD system, but this application will focus on improving the efficiency of small cars rather than worrying about performance. This transmission will be mated to a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine, and Honda claims combination will be 30-percent more efficient than current one-motor hybrid systems. We don't know just yet which car this system will debut in, but the diagram released by Honda shows it being use on what looks like a hatchback (like the Fit) or small crossover. This is also a likely candidate for use in cars like the CR-Z, Insight and Civic.

Scroll down to read the official press release from Honda.

Continue reading Honda previews trio of hybrid systems for different driving characteristics

Honda previews trio of hybrid systems for different driving characteristics originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda plan calls for best fuel economy in every segment within three years

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:13:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Acura, Honda, Electric, Diesel

Regardless of what we may think of Honda's current styling direction or the excitement level of its latest models, we have the utmost respect for the automaker's engineering talent. So, when Honda sets itself a goal to achieve "top-of-industry fuel efficiency in every vehicle class within three years", it catches our attention.

Honda's so-called Earth Dreams Technology will encompass everything from gasoline and diesel engines to transmissions (including a CVT that will supposedly be both fun to drive and highly fuel efficient) and, of course, hybrids and fully electric vehicles.

Acura will get knee-deep in the efficiency game as well, as parent company Honda is also promising a hybrid SH-AWD system that will feature two 20kW electric motors that will independently drive their own wheels along with a 30kW electric motor to assist the 3.5-liter V6 engine and seven-speed gearbox (more on this soon).

Of course, Honda will have some stiff competition in hitting top efficiency scores in every category, as both Hyundai and Ford have made similar overtures over the last few years. That said, all it takes is one look at the comprehensively outlined plan in the press release after the break to realize the seriousness with which Honda is making this pledge.

Continue reading Honda plan calls for best fuel economy in every segment within three years

Honda plan calls for best fuel economy in every segment within three years originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Insight gets much cheaper base model, new features for 2011

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda

2011 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery

The slow-selling Honda Insight hasn't exactly stolen any of the Toyota Prius' thunder since its introduction last year, and with new green cars like the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf ready to join the battle, the future of Honda's hybrid hatch doesn't look too bright. Still, the Japanese automaker has given the Insight a host of improvements for the 2011 model year, including a new base model that retails for $18,950 (including the $750 destination charge).

So, what do you ~~lose~~ gain with the base Insight? For starters, a downgraded stereo system is on hand, with a single CD player and two - yes, two - speakers. Audiophiles need not apply. Remote entry is standard on the base Insight, but if you want amenities like cruise control, a USB audio interface, center armrest and floor mats, you'll need to opt for the mid-grade LX trim. In other words, the new price leader is something of a municipal and fleet special. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the pricier EX now comes standard with steering wheel-mounted audio controls and can be optioned with navigation.

The Insight's 1.3-liter inline-four with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist carries over largely unchanged, with fuel economy rated at 40/43 miles per gallon, city/highway. 2011 Insight models are arriving at Honda dealers as you read this, and for the full details on what's new, follow the jump for Honda's press release.

Gallery: 2011 Honda Insight

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda Insight gets much cheaper base model, new features for 2011

Honda Insight gets much cheaper base model, new features for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: Honda bringing a new electric vehicle concept to the LA Auto Show

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Honda, Electric

We have no details, only the what, when and where: Honda will be bringing a new electric vehicle concept and a plug-in hybrid platform to the LA Auto Show, and they will be revealed on Wednesday, November 17 at 1:20 p.m. PST. Other than asserting its intent to "demonstrate the company's vision for the future of personal mobility and its continued commitment to developing advanced environmental technologies," we haven't heard much of anything about where Honda is going with... well, anything.

We look forward to finding out if the concept is on the production-ready Leaf challenger side, or a full-on green concept in the Jaguar C-X75 vein. Or something in the middle, like an electric NSX. If you'd like to watch the reveal live, Honda will run a live webcast of the event at hondanews.com/live/2010-losangeles. Synchronize your watches... now.

[Source: Honda]

LA 2010: Honda bringing a new electric vehicle concept to the LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Honda to abandon clean diesel development, focus on hybrids

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Honda, Diesel

Regular readers know we tend to be big fans of modern diesel engines. All the past demons that had plagued oil-burners over the years have been exorcised, including rough running, nasty smells, loud operation and narrow power bands. But sadly, modern clean diesel powerplants have never taken hold in the United States.

According to the Nikkei in Japan (via Reuters), we can add Honda to the list of global automakers that have abandoned plans to move further into the diesel realm. Instead, Honda will continue to puts all of its eggs in the hybrid basket, developing a new system for use in larger vehicles. Currently, Honda's Integrated Motor Assist technology is used in the Civic Hybrid and the Insight.

We can only hope that Honda's next hybrid system will expand on its current IMA tech, which has been unable to match the fuel efficiency and performance of rival Toyota, by being able to operate on the electric motor alone for longer stretches.

In addition to halting development of clean diesel tech, Honda has also put the brakes on the new microcar plant in Japan that was to build future Kei cars for the automaker's home market.

[Source: Reuters]

Report: Honda to abandon clean diesel development, focus on hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Honda releases boatload of new CR-Z shots... in Europe

Zach Bowman — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda

2011 Euro-Spec Honda CR-Z - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda has officially flooded the interwebs with a wave of photos of the Euro-spec CR-Z Hybrid. Surprisingly enough, our cousins across The Pond will be able to get their hatchback hybrid as a 2+2 like their JDM counterparts, meaning the car will have two small back seats just for children, briefcases or other cargo. When not in use, the rear thrones fold down to make room for your most recent Ikea purchase.

Other than those rear seats, the car doesn't appear to differ significantly from the version we'll see Stateside. Power still comes from a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a small electric motor with around 122 horses combined and 124 lb-ft of torque.

The European CR-Z will also feature the same three-mode efficiency system we're likely to see in our version. Drivers will be able to choose between Sport, Normal and Economy modes, all accessible via the push of a button. Each will offer different levels of electric motor assist and will also monkey around with the electric power-steering to provide a different driving feel depending on the mode. Hit the jump for the full press release, and wade through the massive gallery of high-res images below.

Gallery: Honda CR-Z Europe

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Honda releases boatload of new CR-Z shots... in Europe

Pics Aplenty: Honda releases boatload of new CR-Z shots... in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: More powerful Honda hybrid coupe in the works?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Honda, Rumormill

Mugen Honda CR-Z - Click above for high-res image gallery

A mainstream hybrid that's fun to drive. That's a novel concept, to be sure, and one targeted by Honda in the marching papers of its recent CR-Z coupe, which is offered with a sporty six-speed manual gearbox and is supposed to be the spiritual successor to the much-loved CRX hatchback from the 1980s.

We've yet to drive the CR-Z and we're already questioning if the 122 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque on tap from its 1.5-liter VTEC four-cylinder with Integrated Motor Assist will be enough to qualify the car as sporty.

According to Motor Trend, though, Honda has a much sportier model waiting in the wings that would use either a V6 or a large 2.5 liter four mated up with the familiar IMA hybrid system. Citing rumors from Japan, MT says the future car will be roughly the size of the Accord coupe.

In related news, that aforementioned V6 hybrid powertrain is reportedly slated for both minivans and SUVs for the American market. Further, Honda is currently working on an extended-range electric system similar to the one featured in the 2011 Chevrolet Volt except using a capacitor-based energy storage system. If true, we can expect to see that system featured in a future Accord.

Gallery: Mugen Honda CR-Z

[Source: Motor Trend]

Rumormill: More powerful Honda hybrid coupe in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Honda CR-Z was almost killed twice, U.S. dealers didn't want it

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda

2011 Honda CR-Z - Click above for high-res image gallery

Norio Tomobe, chief engineer of the Honda CR-Z, said "The CR-Z is supposed to be an intelligent sports car." We can spend a fair bit of time debating the 'intelligence' of a sports coupe that gets from 0-to-60 in 9.7 seconds and has just two seats but gets worse gas mileage than a Toyota Prius. However, we won't really be able to decide on the issue until we drive it, and that is apparently what it takes to feel the love for it.

According to Automotive News, back when the CR-Z was being designed to house a traditional gasoline-only drivetrain, Tomobe said he and his team dug deep to come up with a new idea for the car, which ended up being a hybrid drivetrain and a six-speed transmission. But that wasn't until after they had tried to kill the project. Twice. And that didn't stop the president of American Honda Motor from repeatedly telling Japan the U.S. didn't need or want a sporty hybrid, which he thought would confuse customers. Until he drove it, and then all was go.

The hybrid's compromises remain a subject on everyone's minds. Tomobe wants more horsepower, and rumors began a month ago about a Type-R iteration. Even though Tomobe claims "We are not pursuing absolute maximum speed," we can't help but wonder if this first version of Honda's 122-horsepower future satisfies his own aspiration that "What we aim for is a car that is exhilarating to drive."

Gallery: Detroit 2010: 2011 Honda CR-Z

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd.]

Report: Honda CR-Z was almost killed twice, U.S. dealers didn't want it originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Honda's large-car hybrid system getting closer

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Sedan, Crossover, Honda, Diesel

2009 Honda Skydeck Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda hasn't shared similar success with its various hybrid automobiles as cross-town rival Toyota, despite the fact that the two Japanese automakers introduced their first gasoline/electric models around the same time. The reasons for the sales disparity are many and varied, and at least due in part to the design of Honda Integrated Motor Assist drivetrain, which doesn't quite match the level of sophistication and fuel mileage of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive.

Still, Honda is pushing forward with the next generation of its IMA system, and it will be added to larger, thirstier models within the next three years or so. The last time Honda put a hybrid powertrain in a larger car, the results were more than a little disappointing with the Accord Hybrid failing to meet sales or efficiency expectations. As such, it will be interesting to see how Honda improves the upsized hybrid system and whether it will be enough to compete with the likes of Toyota, Ford and General Motors.

In somewhat related news, Honda is apparently still working on diesel engines, though apparently not for the U.S. market. According to Tomohiko Kawanabe, chief operating officer of automobile research and development at Honda, "If you want to compete in markets like India, and also Europe, (a small diesel engine) is necessary."

Gallery: 2009 Honda Skydeck Concept

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: Honda's large-car hybrid system getting closer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda: Insight "too small" and likely to miss sales targets, Fit Hybrid a 'struggle'

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda

2010 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda Executive Vice President Koichi Kondo doesn't seem to think that the automaker will hit its worldwide sales goal of 200,000 Insight hybrids in its first year on the market. Why? In an interview with Bloomberg, Kondo is quoted as saying "I think we compromised too much on size in pursuing fuel efficiency" for the U.S. market, he said.

In total, Honda sold 130,445 units of its Insight worldwide in 2009. The car was first introduced in Japan in February and then in the U.S. in March. In the States, the car's second-largest market, Honda sold just 20,572 units in 2009 - a far cry from the 90,000 it hoped to sell here in the first year.

Further, in reference to the long-expected Honda Fit Hybrid, Kondo said:

There are plenty of people who think that the current Fit meets their needs already [when it comes to fuel efficiency]... a hybrid version might seem expensive. Our engineers are really struggling.

It remains to be seen whether the upcoming CR-Z can bolster Honda's sketchy hybrid positioning.

Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight

[Source: Bloomberg]

Honda: Insight "too small" and likely to miss sales targets, Fit Hybrid a 'struggle' originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CEO Takanobu Ito announces that Acura will add a hybrid

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Acura

During the unveiling of the CR-Z at the Detroit Auto Show, Honda CEO Takanobu Ito announced that Acura will be adding a hybrid drivetrain to its models. Ito gave no further insights as to timing or which vehicles would get the systems, but it's safe to speculate that the TSX and TL sedans would be the first recipients of the new system. However, when we spoke to Ito last fall in Japan, he did say that Honda was developing a hybrid system suitable for larger vehicles. It's not clear how much it will differ from the architecture of the current IMA mild hybrid system used in the Civic, Insight and CR-Z, but we do expect the system to come equipped with lithium ion batteries from Honda's new partners at GS Yuasa. Make the jump for a copy of Ito's comments.

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda CEO Takanobu Ito announces that Acura will add a hybrid

Honda CEO Takanobu Ito announces that Acura will add a hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Honda CR-Z promises to bring driving joy to the hybrid equation

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda

2011 Honda CR-Z - Click above for high-res image gallery

After a few weeks worth of leaked images and brochure fluff, Honda has finally pulled the covers off its next new production hybrid hatchback. The Japanese automaker claims the CR-Z will bring back the kind of driving joy that hasn't been felt since the CRX last left dealer lots in 1991, saying that owners will embrace this new mild hybrid with both their hearts and minds. We certainly hope they're right.

While we're really digging the looks of the CR-Z and the way it hearkens back to the classic CRX and even the original Insight hybrid, we've gotta admit that we're a tad bit disappointed with the specifications. With 122 horsepower on tap and just 128 lb-ft of torque from the 1.5-liter VTEC four-cylinder with Integrated Motor Assist, shouldn't we expect more than 36 miles per gallon in the city and 38 on the highway from the CR-Z?

Let's just hope that the car's driving dynamics live up to the lofty standards to which Honda is eluding - at least there's an optional six-speed manual transmission to go along with the expected CVT automatic. We'll know soon enough know how it goes down the road, as the 2011 CR-Z is slated to hit the ground running in the summer. In the meantime, check out our live images below and click past the break for the press release.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: 2011 Honda CR-Z

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z

Live photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Follow our coverage of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show live all day on Twitter at http://twitter.com/therealautoblog

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Honda CR-Z promises to bring driving joy to the hybrid equation

Detroit 2010: Honda CR-Z promises to bring driving joy to the hybrid equation originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Honda plans a return to larger hybrids

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Sedan, Honda

2009 Honda Skydeck Concept - Click above for hi-res image gallery

To put it mildly, sales of the Honda Accord Hybrid never quite set the world on fire. Regardless, Japan's second largest automaker is reportedly hard at work developing its proprietary Integrated Motor Assist hybrid platform so that it can once again be used to power larger vehicles like the Accord.

To make it all work out, Honda is adding an extra electric motor to the mix for a total of two, both of which will be more powerful than the single pancake motor used in the current Insight and Civic Hybrid. Also on the menu is a lithium ion battery pack to replace the current nickel metal hydride unit, with added capacity to allow for electric-only operation.

Word on the street (or at least the Nikkei daily newspaper in Japan) is that Honda might place this next-gen hybrid powertrain in a minivan sometime in 2011 or so. Before that, though, we can look forward to the launch of Honda's sporty CR-Z hybrid hatchback. It's important to have your priorities straight, right?

Gallery: 2009 Honda Skydeck Concept

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Honda plans a return to larger hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford may pass Honda as second best hybrid seller in U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ford, Honda, Toyota

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's no doubt about which automaker leads the hybrid vehicle race. Toyota - and particularly the Japanese automaker's Prius hybrid - outsells all other manufacturers combined. In total, Automotive News calculates that Toyota sold 144,351 hybrid vehicles in the first nine months of 2009, which actually represents a 28-percent drop from the previous year.

So far this year, Honda has come in second with its new Insight, but that position is currently in jeopardy. The 26,016 hybrid vehicles sold by Ford in the first nine months of the year represents an impressive 73-percent gain from last year. Honda has sold 29,958 hybrids so far in '09, representing a much smaller eight-percent increase. In both July and September, Ford actually sold more hybrids than Honda.

In other words, Ford, led by its Escape Hybrid and new-for-2010 Fusion Hybrid, is gaining on Honda at a very rapid pace. Moving on down the line, General Motors slots in at number four with 12,556 total hybrid so far this year and Nissan's 7,713 units make it the number five hybrid seller in the U.S.

Gallery: ABG Garage: 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Ford may pass Honda as second best hybrid seller in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2012 Honda Civic details circulate

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Honda, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

According to an article in Mag-X (via Temple of VTEC), Honda is hard at work wrapping up the design for the next-gen Civic that's expected to debut in 2011 as a 2012 model. As is customary from Honda, the Japanese, European and North American markets are all expected to get their own unique versions of the popular Civic, with Americans getting their preferred sedan and coupe bodystyles and the other countries each receiving differing takes on the hatchback theme.

As you would expect, there will be a hybrid version of the 2012 Civic, and it's again slated to get a 1.5-liter gasoline-powered engine mated to Honda's Integrated Motor Assist technology. This powerplant will reportedly be shared with the upcoming CR-Z hybrid hatchback where it will be available with either an automatic CVT transmission or six-speed manual.

Hopefully, we'll see how accurate all of this is when the Tokyo Motor Show rolls into town this October, where a production prototype of the 2011 CR-Z is expected to be shown. Thanks for the tip, Jason!

[Source: Mag-X via Temple of VTEC]

Rumormill: 2012 Honda Civic details circulate originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CEO says Insight price won't be reduced further

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hybrid, Green, Hatchback, Honda, Toyota

2010 Honda Insight - click above for a high-res gallery

Honda's new Insight went on sale in hits homeland about a week ago, and already it's under attack. Before it hit the market, there were rumors that it would be much cheaper than the Toyota Prius. Toyota, however, has other ideas. The Insight is 1.89 million yen ($18,853 USD) in Japan, which is the same price as the current Prius. Toyota then priced the coming third generation Prius at 2.05 million yen ($20,437 USD) to keep it close to the Insight. Then Toyota said it would keep the second-generation Prius on sale in Japan, and there have been rumors that Toyota is also working on a cheaper Prius costing around 30% less than the current one. That would pit three Prius models against one Insight, all similarly priced.

In response, Honda CEO Takeo Fukui said Honda will not lower the price of the Insight. Said Fukui, "I think that is something we can't do right now. We have to carefully examine the new Prius to know whether it is necessary for us to take certain measures. We have to think about the balance between cost and effectiveness." If Toyota does come out with three Japan-market Priuses, Honda will be thinking long and hard about those issues.

Unlike Toyota, though, Honda does have the CR-Z hybrid coming, which could give Honda some sporting hybrid credentials that Toyota doesn't yet have. Honda also said it is expanding its research and hybrid push into large sedans instead of counting on clean diesels for its bigger cars. Fukui feels that clean diesels are too expensive to develop be practical.

Gallery: ABG First Drive: 2010 Honda Insight

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Honda CEO says Insight price won't be reduced further originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hybrid sales slide 9.9% in 2008

Dan Roth — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:37:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, GMC, Honda, Nissan, Toyota

Despite all the clamor about how hybrids are going to save the planet, cure cancer, facilitate the second coming, etc., sales of battery-pack-mobiles are down nearly ten percent for 2008. At the beginning of 2008, it looked like hybrids were going to have their best year ever, driven by high fuel prices and a recessive economy. That recession, however,has caused consumers to cut way back, leading to dramatic drop in fuel prices, killing much of the argument for a hybrid's price premium. Consumers shy away from hybrids when fuel dips below $3.50 per gallon, and the incessant clang of news stories about expensive fuel also dries up, causing the issue of fuel efficiency to fall from consciousness.

Toyota is still the hybrid sales king, with 241,000 units shifted in 2008. Honda managed to ring up 31,000 sales, and Ford came in third with nearly 20,000 vehicles sold. While nearly every automaker offering hybrids is down (Nissan actually saw a 5 percent increase, and General Motors garnered a whopping 179 percent jump thanks to its 2008 introductions), Ford was hardest hit, with a 22 percent drop. Some might say "we told you so" about the way things have played out - by the time everyone got on board with more efficient offerings, the bottom has fallen out of the price of fuel - and others might use the sales figures to agitate for a gas tax to stimulate the purchase of fuel efficient vehicles.

[Source: Auto News - sub req]

Hybrid sales slide 9.9% in 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leakage: Honda Insight coming to Japan with Sporty Modulo trim

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Green, Honda

Click above for more shots of the leaked 2009 Honda Insight brochure

As is so often the case these days, some early details regarding Honda's upcoming Prius-fighter have leaked out before the hybrid's official unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show. Included among the surprises is a Modulo-trimmed Insight featuring a full set of body mods from Honda's accessory catalog in Japan. We can't be sure if any of those bits will come Stateside (we're not betting on it), but it wouldn't be surprising if we got three trim levels similar to what's slated to be available in Honda's home market of Japan. We could get a base DX trim along with an up-level LX edition and a sportier EX model with such tasty bits as a paddle-shifted CVT automatic transmission and navigation system with 7-inch screen.

With just 88 horses underhood along with an additional 14 from the hybrid's electric motor, don't expect the Insight to be a tire scorching performer, as its true calling with be in delivering the best fuel economy possible. In Japanese testing, the Insight has scored over 70 miles-per-gallon, which may be lower than what the Prius was able to register, but the Insight is also expected to cost several thousand dollars less than its rival.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Insight leaked JDM brochure

[Sources: Temple of VTec, Insightman via Carscoop]

Leakage: Honda Insight coming to Japan with Sporty Modulo trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda's Prius-killing hybrid gets a date: April 2009

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Paris Motor Show, Honda

Click above for high-res gallery of Honda Hybrid spy shots

Hybrids are hot and Honda is anxious to get in on the action that Toyota's been unable to fully quench with its Prius hybrid sedan. We expect to see the production version of Honda's new hybrid, which will apparently not be called the Insight, to debut in October at the Paris Motor Show. Fortunately, Honda won't make us wait too long to buy its new hybrid, as the five-door hatchback is rumored to show up in dealer lots by April of 2009. Toyota also plans on showing off its new third-gen Prius at the Detroit Auto Show in January, so it will be very interesting to watch these to tangle in the marketplace. Honda plans to undercut its rival in the pricing wars with its hybrid coming in at a base price of less than $19,000, a few thousand less than the larger Prius. Both models will use nickel metal hydride batteries (for now) as opposed to the latest lithium ion units in an effort to keep their costs down. Both should also score fuel mileage numbers somewhere in the 50-60 mpg range. For its part, Honda is planning to build 200,000 units of its new hybrid annually, with 100,000 earmarked for the U.S. Let the (fuel-saving) games begin!

Gallery: Spy Shots: Honda Hybrid

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Honda's Prius-killing hybrid gets a date: April 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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