Posted on Monday 4 June 2007
Honda will not launch a hybrid version of its next-generation Accord sedan when the revamped model goes on sale in the second half of the year. According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Honda will instead promote a new range of petrol-electric hybrid versions of the new Civic and another subcompact model currently in development.
Under a new program, Honda’s midsize and large vehicles, including the next Accord, will feature a new clean-diesel powertrain that’s scheduled for introduction by 2009.
Last month, we reported that Honda was working on an affordable, high-volume model that would be hybrid only, as well as a new hybrid sports coupe for launch in 2009. The senior vice president of Honda Motor Europe, Ken Keir, told reporters from Automotive News that the entry-level hybrid will be a family-targeted model and be offered to worldwide markets for around $25,000.
In early May, Honda also announced that it would launch a hydrogen fuel-cell sedan next year to be based on its four-door FCX Concept car. It will be very interesting to see if Honda manages to live up to its bold claims, but we for one welcome the introduction of a cleaner lineup.
Diesel is superior to hybrid, especially if runs bio-diesel.
Honda knows what they are doing.
That is a shame that it was not more successful - I was hoping for a 4 cylinder version w/ the next generation. @ least they are offering a diesel & not giving up on a greener version.
The Accord Hybrid and Civic Hybrid didn’t create the buzz that the Prius did because driving these cars is as much about portraying an earth saving image as actually saving the earth. These Hondas simply look too much like their normal breathren.
Toyota realized this and made the Prius stand out.
The only problem, of course, is that with the extra $5k or so it costs to buy a Prius over a similar sized Corolla, it takes about 100,000 miles before realizing any monetary savings, and by then the battery packs might need changed out.
A silly concept. Just bring on the ultra clean, high pressure turbodiesels from Europe please!