Honda to step on the gas on hybrid development
14 Jul 2009
Honda Motor Co's new chief executive Takanobu Ito said on Monday, that the No 2 Japanese automaker would accelerate development of hybrid models in the company's bid to align with customer needs.
In his first public appearance after taking office last month, Ito aid the company would launch the planned CR-Z hybrid sports car next February. The company would also launch a gasoline-electric Fit subcompact by end 2010 given the growing importance of fuel economy and environmental concerns in buyer calculations.
"I think everyone is going to go the way of hybrids," the 55-year-old former engineer told reporters at Honda's Tokyo headquarters.
"Bringing hybrids quickly to customers will be a major focus of our activities," he said.
"I want Honda to be a speedy company,'' he said.
He added that this would include speeding up the development of dual electric motor powered medium-to large-sized vehicles; with the company having shelved its plan to use clean diesel engines to improve mileage on bigger models.