Honda to globally launch two new hybrids in 2009
01 Mar 2008
Mumbai: Honda Motor Company will unveil a new global hybrid car at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, which will launch in 2009 along with another hybrid based on the CR-Z concept.
Both hybrids will be similar to Toyota Prius, without a gas-only counterpart.
The company plans to launch the new global hybrid first in Europe, followed by North America. These hybrids are part of Honda's strategy to sell 400,000 hybrids per year by 2011.
The hybrids will use updated versions of Honda's integrated motor assist (IMA) mild hybrid system, currently used in the Honda Civic Hybrid. Vehicles equipped with IMA can shut off their engine when the vehicle stops in traffic; this system provides a little boost to the car under acceleration.
The new global hybrid is a complete new design, aimed at producing a hybrid that will be more efficient than the Civic Hybrid. The CR-Z concept, already showcased at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show, will be a sporty coupe designed for the hybrid power train.
