Hybrid Sales Drop 42.7% in December
January 6, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Reported sales of hybrids in the US dropped 42.7% in December 2008 year-on-year to 17,698 units—the lowest December figure since 2004, when there were only four hybrid models on the market. Overall light-duty vehicle sales in the US dropped 35.5% in the month. For the full year, total reported hybrid sales dropped 10% to 313,781 units, while total light duty vehicle sales were down 18%.
The hybrid percentage share of new vehicles sold dropped to just below 2% (1.97%) in December. For the year, hybrids held a 2.4% share of the new vehicle market. Read more
Beautiful Honda FC Sport Concept Breaks Cover
November 19, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Honda have pulled off quite a coup and unveiled a brand new concept today at the LA show. Quite a surprise to see a design unvieled at a show with no ‘leaked’ images prior to the event and what a gorgeous design it is.
The FC Sport was made as a design exercise to show off the packaging flexibility that is possible with hydrogen fuel cells. Using the V-Flow fuel cell stack and electric drivetrain from the FCX Clarity, the FC Sport is a three-seat sports car. The stack and drive system are moved to the back of the car for a mid-’engine’ layout. The seating arrangement harks back to the legendary McLaren F1 supercar with the driver front and center and the two passengers sitting back and on either side. What a shame the car is only a styling concept. Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long before the concept become a reality.
Honda’s New Hybrid is the Insight
September 8, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
Honda is returning to an old name for it’s Global Hybrid that goes on sale next spring by calling it the Insight. The new five-door hatchback Honda will use to compete head-to-head with the Prius will be the most direct competitor yet for the iconic hybrid. Learning from the lesson that hybrid buyers apparently prefer their cars to be recognizable as such rather than being derivatives of existing models, Honda has modeled the new Insight after its low volume FCX Clarity fuel cell car and will be debuting it as a concept at the Paris Motor Show next month before it goes on sale as the least expensive hybrid in the world in 2009. Read more
Honda Fit Hybrid Will not be sold in United States
August 26, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
No Honda Fit Hybrid Fit for USA
Honda spokesperson Sage Marie has said that the Honda Fit hybrid wouldn’t be sold in the US, at least not for a while.
Honda probably has a good business case for that. They have found that North-Americans seem to prefer dedicated hybrid models like the Toyota Prius, and because of they are selling all the Fits they can make, it makes more sense to sell Fit hybrids in Japan where they are better received, and slightly more profitable. American drivers will still get Honda’s upcoming dedicated hybrid (2010, about $19,000) which is based on the FCX Clarity, and a sporty hybrid coupe based on the CR-Z concept, but those who want more choices of affordable high-mileage vehicles in North-America will be disappointed.
Honda Civic Hybrid Facelift - Spy Shot
July 21, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment
It appears that Honda’s giving the Civic Hybrid a new lease of life in the form of a mild facelift. The front is new, with a three-opening lower intake and a new grille that’s shaped like the one you’ll find on the Accord and FCX Clarity. Read more
