New Honda Insight to Debut at Paris Motor Show
Readers of The Green Motorist and other green motoring blogs across the web have been anxiously awaiting Honda’s announcement of the name for its new hybrid vehicle. Many people guessed it would be called the Honda Insight as a throwback to Honda’s first foray into green motoring. In a press release sent out this morning, Honda has confirmed that the Prius-killer is named the Honda Insight and will appear next month at the 2008 Paris International Auto Show.
Honda Insight v 2.0
Takeo Fukui, CEO of Honda Motor Company had this to say of the new Insight, “The original Honda Insight pioneered hybrid technology in the U.S. and remains a symbol of Honda’s commitment to innovative technology and fuel efficiency. This new Insight will break new ground as an affordable hybrid within the reach of customers who want great fuel economy and great value.” Affordable is right as the 2009 Honda Insight is expected to be priced at $18,500, well under the Toyota Prius.
The original Honda Insight hit the roads in December 1999 and was the first gas-electric hybrid car that was released in the United States. In addition to being the first hybrid in the US, it was also the first car best a fuel efficiency rating of 70 mpg.
Sales Information
The new Honda Insight is expected to be available in the spring of 2009 in the United States, Japan and select other countries. Honda has ambitious ales goals and expects to sell 200,000 Insights per year of which 100,000 will come in the United States.
Other Honda Models
Of course, everyone knows about the Honda Civic Hybrid that will also be available for purchase in the coming year. California residents can participate in a special lease program set up for the Honda FCX Clarity, which is a hydrogen fuel vehicle. On the concept front, Honda is also working on a sporty hybrid – the CR-Z.
The release of the Honda Insight is likely going to cut into the market share that Toyota has with its Prius. The car is in direct competition with the Prius but comes in at about a $3,000 savings when comparing the MSRP of each model.
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