Insight looks to ‘break new ground’
Wed, September 17 2008
The all-new, purpose-built Insight will come to market at a price below current hybrids available today. From this unique position in the marketplace, the Honda Insight will advance the affordability and accessibility of hybrid technology to a new generation of buyers.
“The original Honda Insight pioneered hybrid technology in North America and remains a symbol of Honda’s commitment to innovative technology and fuel efficiency,” said Takeo Fukui, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. chief executive officer.
“This Insight will break new ground as an affordable hybrid within the reach of customers who want great fuel economy and great value.”
The Insight concept defines a new stage in the evolution of hybrid technology by utilizing a more cost-efficient version of Honda’s integrated motor assist (tm) (ima (tm)) hybrid technology, resulting in a new level of affordability for hybrid customers worldwide. Evoking the innovative styling cues first seen in the FCX Clarity, the Insight concept is designed with a low center of gravity and a generous five-passenger cabin, offering the kind of driving pleasure and roomy interior that customers have come to expect from Honda.
Honda has achieved a significant cost reduction in integrated motor assist (ima) components which will allow insight to be most affordable hybrid vehicle to date. The production Insight will be offered as a five-door, five-passenger hatchback. Numerous technologies, including a function to assist customers in achieving more fuel-efficient driving habits, will be applied to achieve a further improvement in real world fuel efficiency. With its affordable price, the new hybrid vehicle will represent the best value in its segment. Along with the Civic hybrid, the new vehicle will be produced at an expanded hybrid vehicle production line at the Suzuka factory in Japan.
The Insight is expected to have annual global sales of 200,000 units per year with half of those in North America. Following the launch of the new Insight, Honda also plans to introduce a unique sporty hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z, first shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. All together, Honda’s global sales of hybrids are expected to increase to approximately 500,000 units a year (more than 10 per cent of its total worldwide annual automobile sales).
