Honda Expansion Of Its Hybrid Lineup
Honda announced additional details regarding its new small hybrid scheduled for introduction in early 2009 as part of Honda Motor Co. Ltd. CEO Takeo Fukuis midyear 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. This devoted hybrid vehicle will be offered a 5door hatchback with seating for five passengers and will employ an exterior truck parts 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 Hondas Suzuka factory in Japan.
The new small gasoline/electric hybrid vehicle will have expected annual global sales of 200000 units per year approximately 100000 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 CRZ 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 500000 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 Hondas 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 highvalue amenities the new hybrid will present an appealing truck parts 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 Hondas 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 70000 vehicles per year to approximately 250000 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 fuelefficient mobility products Honda introduced the first lowemission vehicles; Americas first gas/electric hybrid car the Insight and the worlds first EPAcertified hydrogen fuelcell vehicle among other environmental achievements. In 2007 Honda was named greenest automaker; by the Union of Concerned Scientists for the fourth straight time.
About the writer: Anthony Fontanelle is a 35yearold automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
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