More hybrids in 2010. Honda announces hybrid CR-Z & Fit.

[Statistical]

Today, Honda said it will start selling hybrid Fits by the end of 2010. Honda also gave a date for the launch of the eagerly awaited CR-Z sporty hybrid model, which will debut in February. Both cars will use a similar hybrid system to the one used in the Insight, launched earlier this year, and the Civic hybrid.

...

Speaking in Tokyo today, Honda’s new chief Takanobu Ito wouldn't say how much the Fit and CR-Z hybrids will cost but said both models would be “affordable”. Ito also revealed that Honda is developing larger hybrids that will use a different, more powerful hybrid system than the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system used in its current models. Ito said a two-motor system is under development for medium and larger models, although he declined to give specifics. Asked what that means for Honda’s clean diesel plans, he admitted that while Honda has diesel technology that meets the strictest emissions standards, its high cost remains a problem. Like Toyota, Honda is favoring hybrids across its lineup.

http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/blog/eyeonasia/archives/2009/07/honda_to_launch.html



(Note the photo is concept vehicle not final production model).

[TreasonousBastard]

1. I have no idea why they find a diesel more expensive than a hybrid...

unless they have to deal with European and US patents.

Hybrids are far more complex for not that much extra fuel economy gain.

[Statistical]

4. Clean diesel technology is protected by lots of patents.

It might be a lack of experience with diesel engines plus patent costs for direct diesel injection.

[TreasonousBastard]

5. Direct injection's old hat for diesels....

but the patents for clean diesel may be a sticking point. Mercedes uses the urea tank and VW uses a catalyst, so it's obviously complicated, and they may be out of the US market unless they pay or come up with their own ideas.

The Japanese have been selling diesels domestically and some other places around the world, and they sell a lot of trucks, so they're not diesel virgins-- but they're not investing in them for the US.

[ContinentalOp]

6. Or better yet, a diesel hybrid

[Ian David]

2. Do we have pictures of the cup holders yet? n/t

[frylock]

3. wish honda would do my element in a hybrid..

although i do enjoy that v-tec power!

[Egnever]

7. I'll take the one in the pic please!

I knew I should have waited to buy a car.

[SeattleGirl]

8. Now THAT is a cool car!

Love it!