Report: Honda to release a hybrid minivan by 2011
By Andrew C., 30 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
Honda Logo
Honda, like all other automakers in the US, is required to comply with the new US mileage regulations. In line with this, it is reportedly planning a hybrid minivan that would be released around 2011. It is also aiming to develop an electric car to be launched in the United States by 2015. The hybrid minivan is said to resemble the Odyssey and the Estima, two models that are already available in the domestic market. Further details on the minivan have yet to be unveiled. The new US mileage regulations will come into effect progressively and require automakers in the country to cut emissions and fuel consumption.
RTTNews reports that Honda is already working on a concept previewing the electric car, with the first public appearance set to take place in October.Its green plans also include the already-popular CR-Z, a sporty hybrid projected to be revealed in February and a hybrid version of the Fit by December 2010.
President Takanobu Ito told the Nikkei business daily that the company is seeing the value of expanding its lineup and that the hybrid minivan will be made due to "strong customer demand." He said that while fuel efficiency is what matters most in hybrid vehicles, the requirement now is a balance among economy, fuel efficiency and price. Honda is already building two hybrid models, the Civic Hybrid and the Insight, which is already considered one of the most advanced hybrids on the market. The Insight currently competes with Toyota's Prius, both of them posting high sales in the last few months of availability.
Latest Auto Shows
