Honda to launch hybrids next year

Honda Motor Co. said it would advance plans for its hybrid models and would begin selling them in Japan soon. The CR-Z sports hybrid model, the company said, would be launched in February 2010 and the Fit (Jazz) hybrid before the end of next year. According to Honda, the two new models would use the company’s current integrated motor assist (IMA) hybrid system but added its research team is developing a new type of hybrid system with two electric motors to be mounted on medium- to large-sized vehicles. Honda had shelved plans to use clean diesel engines in Japan and the U.S. to improve fuel economy on bigger models. In order to continue contributing to the global effort to reduce CO2 emissions, Honda said it will continue to develop technologies which would improve fuel-efficiency and strive to deliver products with improved environmental performance to as many customers as possible. (July 15, 2009)