Thursday, August 19, 2010

Honda’s Hybrid Future? The Fit

It’s more than just the Fit, of course, with the Insight and a new Civic Hybrid on the way next year. But the Fit Hybrid is the new kid in the automaker’s lineup with introduction scheduled for Japanese and American markets in 2011. Recently, Honda announced plans to bring more alternative-powertrain vehicles to the U.S. and other markets. Learn more about Honda’s alt-fuel vehicles at Washington Honda.

The Fit Hybrid goes on sale in Japan this fall for the equivalent of $18,600, which makes it the cheapest hybrid in that country. As yet, pricing hasn’t been announced for the U.S. version of the Fit Hybrid, which is expected to hit these shores next year. More details about Honda vehicles can be found at Washington Honda dealers.

Honda will lease demonstration electric vehicles to Stanford University, Google and the city of Torrance, Calif. (home of Honda’s U.S. headquarters), from the end of the year through 2011. The company says range and recharge times remain an issue, which analysts say means the car will be a short-distance vehicle like the Nissan Leaf. Honda plans to sell its EV in Japan and America in 2012. Honda also has a mid-size plug-in hybrid set to debut in the U.S. and Japan by 2012. Torrance also gets to test that one out. Visit Washington Honda to get more info on Honda’s current alt-fuel cars.

Honda still sees the gasoline engine as the near- to mid-term drive train for the majority of its vehicle lineup. The company says it will update engines and transmissions with more efficient products in 2012. As for diesel engines, Honda’s announced new, smaller engine is only bound for Europe. As for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, the company is continuing development of vehicles and refueling. Outside of the FCX Clarity, which is limited to a small number of leases, the company hasn’t publically announced any plans to expand its fuel cell vehicle lineup for retail customers. Check out Washington Honda dealers for more about Honda’s lineup of hybrids.

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Read more about Honda reviews here.

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