JAPAN: Honda launching two more hybrids next year

Honda Motor said it was bringing forward plans for additional hybrid models and would begin sales in Japan of the CR-Z sports hybrid model in February 2010 and the Fit (Jazz) hybrid before the end of next year. “I think everyone is going to go the way of hybrids,” the 55-year-old former engineer said in his first public appearance since taking the reins at Honda last month. The automaker said the two new models would use its current IMA (integrated motor assist) hybrid system but added it is developing a new type of hybrid system with two electric motors to be mounted on medium- to large-sized vehicles after shelving plans to use clean diesel engines in Japan and the US to improve fuel economy on bigger models. “In order to continue contributing to the global effort to reduce CO2 emissions, Honda will continue to focus on research and development of technologies which improve fuel-efficiency and strive to deliver products with improved environmental performance to as many customers as possible by making such products more accessible to all people,” the automaker said. (July 15, 2009)