Honda Insight first-ever hybrid to become Japan's #1 selling auto

Chris Paukert — Mon, 11 May 2009 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Budget, Hybrid, Green, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

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

In a historic move that's sure to irk their archrivals in Toyota City, Honda's new Insight has become the first-ever hybrid vehicle to top the sales charts in Japan. By shifting some 10,481 units last month, the teardrop-shaped model became Nippon's best-selling car in April, a feat no gas-electric car has managed previously. That's according to the Japan Automobile Dealer's Association, which tracks vehicle sales (in the interest of full disclosure, the group's findings exclude 660cc "kei" cars).

Those 10,481 units vaulted the Insight from its slot as Japan's 21st best-selling model in March, a major jump that's likely down to production ramp-up and increased consumer awareness (Honda launched the car on February 2). The Insight, which starts at 1.89 million yen ($19,190) outpaced its brother, the Honda Fit/Jazz hatchback, while Toyota's Vitz (Yaris) finished in third, Ironically, Toyota's Prius rung up in 21st place, but the third-generation model isn't expected to go on sale until May 18, and Toyota has already cut the iconic model's base price in order to be more competitive with Honda's upstart. Press release after the jump.

Gallery: ABG First Drive: 2010 Honda Insight

[Source: Honda]

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Honda Insight first-ever hybrid to become Japan's #1 selling auto originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yakuza! Analyzing the Japanese mafia from a four-wheeled perspective

Chris Paukert — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Sedan, Japan, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz

Writer Peter Lyon explores the automotive likes and dislikes present in the dark underground that is the Yakuza - Japan's version of a particularly ruthless mob.

According to Lyon, Nipponese gangsters prefer to drive Mercedes-Benz S-Class limousines, especially in left-hand drive, but they will take Lexus LS' if in a pinch. The author not only observes the Yakuza's four-wheeled tendencies from afar, it actually interviewed a Yakuza boss (who shall remain nameless), he's had years to observe commuters parting like the proverbial Red Sea in order to let the mobster-mobiles continue onward.

Read more about Peter Lyons' thoughts at the link below.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Yakuza! Analyzing the Japanese mafia from a four-wheeled perspective originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Mar 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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