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Posts Tagged ‘New Honda Hybrid cars 2009’

The Five Best Hybrid Cars to Buy:New honda hybrid cars

Monday, December 29th, 2008

The Five Best Hybrid Cars to Buy  
by Erick Gibson

 

The hybrid auto was made due to the insistence for cars that consumed less energy making it greener on the environment and more cost effective on your pocketbook. So what is a hybrid? Hybrids are vehicles that combine two or more sources directly or indirectly provide propulsion is a hybrid. In other words, when a vehicle uses gasoline and electricity as forms of power, then it’s a hybrid. When looking at the right hybrid auto for you, you need to research these five:Nissan Altima Hybrid

Nissan Motors has been producing cars and motorcycles longer than most of their competition. One of the most fashionable choices among hybrid owners today is the Nissan Altima Hybrid since Nissan is synonymous with style and performance. When Nissan manufactures any auto, they usually add a variety of designs and choices that allows you to build a car that is built for you! The average Price for the Nissan Altima Hybrid is approximately $25,000 while the average mileage per gallon (mpg) for the Nissan Altima Hybrid is 42 mpg on the highway and 34 mpg in the city.

Honda Civic Hybrid

Another Honda built auto that makes our list is the excellent Honda Civic Hybrid. If you’re looking for a robust hybrid that is cool to ride, then the Honda Civic Hybrid is a great choice. Honda has been producing cars for some time so they understand how to create a high quality hybrid car that has a low price tag. The average Price for the Honda Civic Hybrid is approximately $24,000 while the average mileage per gallon (mpg) for the Honda Civic Hybrid is 51 mpg on the highway and 49 mpg in the city.

Toyota Prius

Seeking for an inexpensive hybrid auto, enter the Toyota Prius, Japanese built auto. Toyota hybrids have increased in popularity with the youthful and older crowd probably due to the smooth style and low price tag. While the Toyota Prius is low cost what you gain in decreased price you do not lose in quickness and power making this hybrid auto, the most desired in the world and one that deserves the most honors. The average Price for the Toyota Prius is approximately $22,000 while the average mileage per gallon for the Toyota Prius is 60 mpg on the highway and 51 mpg in the city.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Another Toyota built auto that makes our list is the excellent Toyota Camry Hybrid. If you want a consistent and robust hybrid, then the Toyota Camry Hybrid is a great choice. As an extremely fuel-efficient hybrid auto it also has exceptional quickness with excellent crash test scores. The average Price for the Toyota Camry Hybrid is approximately $26,000 while the average mileage per gallon (mpg) for the Toyota Camry Hybrid is 40 mpg on the highway and 38 mpg in the city.

Ford Escape Hybrid

The lone United States built hybrid auto is the Ford Escape Hybrid. Despite being a United States built auto you can count on a highly meticulous, robust auto that handles superbly. The speed increase is efficient yet quite strong. The Ford Escape Hybrid was the first hybrid SUV and remains a leading seller. The average Price for the Ford Escape Hybrid is approximately $26,000 while the average mileage per gallon (mpg) for the Ford Escape Hybrid is 36 mpg on the highway and 31 mpg.

Hybrid cars were produced to help the environment due to the reduction fuel emissions. By combining two power sources, hybrid cars use less gasoline. By using less gasoline they help the environment and help you save money. After researching hybrid cars you’ll recognize that the Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Toyota Prius, and Ford Escape Hybrid are the most popular.

Top Ten Reasons NOT to buy a hydrogen conversion kit : New honda hybrid cars 2009

Wednesday, October 1st, 2008

Top Ten Reasons NOT to buy a hydrogen conversion kit  
by Jill Cooper

 

Hydrogen cars and hydrogen conversion kits are all the rage these days. In fact, the topic of hydrogen cars seems to get hotter as the gas prices across the country inch up. There are a lot of articles written about hydrogen cars and hydrogen conversion kits. We’ve deciphered all that information for you and have come up with a short list. Use this list well and you won’t need to install a hydrogen conversion kit, but will continue to spend your hard earned money at the pump.

 

Here are the top reasons not to buy a hydrogen conversion kit or invest in a hydrogen car:

1. Do I look like a mechanic? I’ll never figure it out! Hydrogen conversion kits are too complicated.

2. I’m not made of money! I can never afford a hydrogen car!

3. It will damage my car and then I’ll be out of several grand.

4. These are nothing but scams. There’s no way this hydrogen conversion kit can work, despite all evidence to the contrary.

5. I really like spending my money at the gas station. It gives me a reason to stop and buy candy and soda.

Let’s look at these items one at a time.

1. Building and installing a hydrogen conversion kit is a bit of a task, but if you are the kind of person who changes your own oil, you can make your own hydrogen car modification.

2. The instruction manuals are cheap these days. Most starting around the sixty dollar mark and the majority of the hydrogen conversion kits come with a money back guarantee. You can’t beat that.

3. Hydrogen conversion kits give you instructions to only produce hydrogen on demand, making it much safer than a hydrogen fuel cell car.

4. There have been papers written on the subject of hydrogen conversion kits. As well as a plethora of videos uploaded to YouTube from people like you who achieved success. The truth is, whether you believe it or not, people are getting positive results from creating hydrogen cars with hydrogen conversion kits they have bought online. Currently they are being bought and installed on thousands of cars. If hydrogen cars were not a viable option car manufactures such as Honda, Toyota, and Chrysler would not be wasting their time developing hydrogen car prototypes. Whether you believe it or not, it’s hard to deny the fact that hydrogen can be extracted from water and that hydrogen generators are currently working on thousands of cars.

5. If you really like spending an average of fifty dollars a week on gas, or more, then a hydrogen car isn’t for you. If you want to spend this summer home rather than on a family road trip, you should pass on the hydrogen conversion kit. Just keep on walking.

Choosing & Insuring a Hybrid Car : New honda hybrid cars 2009

Sunday, August 10th, 2008

Choosing & Insuring a Hybrid Car  
by Melanie Broemsen

If you’re an ‘in market’ hybrid car shopper or in the midst of researching a new purchase of an energy efficient car, there are plenty of things to keep in mind.

First, you will want to examine the specific hybrid’s estimated gas mileage - and be sure to ask when the gasoline engine kicks in, too. You may find that if you drive a lot of highway miles at faster speeds and the gas engine kicks in at 35 mph, you may not save as much money on fuel as you expected.

You’ll also want to consider any tax saving credits that being offered. There is a federal income tax credit (up to $3,400) given on the first 60,000 hybrid models sold. After that benchmark is met, the credit is gradually phased out. Fueleconomy.gov maintains a list of eligible vehicles and the current tax credits available, but you should also confirm with your dealership.

Also, you may want to think about hybrid car insurance. Some insurance companies offer a discount on hybrid car insurance - others do not. Hybrid cars are still relatively new to the marketplace, and shopping around for discounts that come with hybrid car insurance will pay off in the long run.

To be truly eco-friendly, you’ll also want to check the green rating for that particular hybrid car. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), four of the top 12 greenest vehicles of 2008, feature hybrid powertrain engines. However, there is a bigger environmental impact to consider. Some of the hybrids feature nickel batteries, which cause more long-term environmental damage than their gasoline counterparts. If you are interested in a hybrid car, be an informed consumer and check the air pollution scores, greenhouse gas scores, and other features that impact the environment.

Be aware that as a result of the growing popularity of hybrid cars, especially the Prius, you may pay over-sticker price because of the demand. You may also have a hard time locating the exact model you want, or be placed on a waiting list.

The best-selling hybrid cars of 2008 include:

Toyota Prius

With a $21,500 base sticker price, the Toyota Prius isn’t exactly cheap. However, it’s still a reasonably affordable hybrid car option for many consumers, especially after factoring in the fuel savings achieved due to the Prius’ 45 city/48 hwy mpg rating by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is classified as the most fuel efficient car in the U.S.

Currently the best-selling hybrid car, the Toyota Prius has been embraced by Hollywood - it’s a favorite among celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Aniston, Larry David, Julia Robers, Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow and Harrison Ford.

Many Prius owners claim to achieve over 60 mpg, and those employing hypermiling techniques may fare even better. For consumers averaging much less, the Prius sounds like a gift from heaven. However, the Toyota Prius may take some getting used to.

Overall, getting into a Toyota Prius seems more like entering a spaceship than an automobile. However, once you get beyond its odd shape, you’ll find alarge on-dash computer screen offering instant feedback on your gas mileage, as well as a rearview camera (you’ll need it in this vehicle due to blind spots). And you may miss other options, like a sunroof, which reduces fuel economy, too.

Honda Civic Hybrid

The Honda Civic Hybrid car has an EPA-estimated city/highway rating of 40 city/45 hwy mpg and a base sticker price of $22,600, comparable to that of the Toyota Prius. The Honda Civic hybrid features an Advanced Technology Partial-Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) rating, which is the most stringent emission standard achieved by a gasoline-powered vehicle in the U.S. In fact, it is classified as one of the most fuel efficient cars in America, along with the Toyota Prius.

In terms of looks, it’s hard to tell the standard Honda Civic from its hybrid counterpart. They are nearly identical.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

The Toyota Camry Hybrid car has a base sticker price of $25,650 and is a good option for those looking for a little more luxury and fuel efficiency. It looks like the standard Toyota Camry on the road, but offers a quieter ride due to the special acoustic-dampening windshield made to absorb road noise.

The Toyota Camry hybrid car has an EPA-estimated city/highway rating of 33 city/34 hwy mpg rating, which not as good as either the Prius or Civic Hybrid cars. However, as a mid-size sedan, it offers room for the entire family.

Ford Escape Hybrid SUV

Known as the most fuel efficient SUV on earth, the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV has an EPA-estimated city/highway rating of 34 city/30 hwy mpg rating and base sticker price of $26,640. It’s available in both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive, and features a tough, rugged look, although technically it’s still considered a cross-over vehicle.

According to U.S. News & World Report, the Ford Escape hybrid is ranked 15 out of 27 in terms of affordable compact SUVs, a few spots below the gasoline version. The new 2008 model was redesigned to provide a more comfortable rise and mature appearance.

Overall, the Ford Escape hybrid has received good, thumbs-up reviews in publications ranging from the New York Times to Newsday.

Hybrid Insurance

You’ll find plenty of information online at FuelEconomy.gov, from a specific vehicle’s energy impact score, carbon footprint statistics and EPA air pollution score to its eligibility for a tax credit. Other helpful green vehicle information is available at the EPA Web site.

The Next Generation Of Alternative Fuel Cars - Hybrid Cars : New honda hybrid cars 2009

Wednesday, June 25th, 2008
The Next Generation Of Alternative Fuel Cars - Hybrid Cars  
by Kath Mathews

The hybrid car, so much has been said about it. Not until now has there been a complete shift and focus on the hybrid’s emergence. With gas prices at an all time high, the economic pressure to save dollars is now forcing Americans to look at alternative money saving measures.

More and more people are opting for carpooling and the use of the public transportation system rather than driving their personal vehicles to and from work. Families are consolidating trips for everyday household errands and are even delaying or canceling family vacations. These changes have come about because of the price of gasoline in America.

Others are even trying alternative methods of fuel combustion, like the Water2Fuel craze. Anything to squeeze a few more miles out of their beloved automobiles in an effort to save money on high fuel costs.

The problem is, Americans do not “like” being forced to change their driving habits. The majority of Americans realize that the reliance on foreign oil is not a good thing and that America needs to find a way to produce its own sustainable fuel source. And then there are the concerns about the burning of fossil fuels and the damage it’s causing to the earth’s eco system. Price and pollution, what is the answer? Could it be the hybrid car?

Hybrid cars, such as Toyota’s Prius and Honda’s Insight, rely on both gasoline power and electric power. The electric portion of the powerplant is driven by very large batteries that are recharged as the car is driven. The result is less dependence on fuel with better gas mileage. Honda’s Insight is reported to average 60 miles per gallon city with fewer emissions. The difference is simple - while driving in the city the electric motor is doing most of the work, thus using less gasoline. Highway driving needs more power and is where the gasoline engine does its work.

The hybrid does have its share of drawbacks. What new technology doesn’t? They are smaller vehicles made up of lighter-weight materials and parts. And you will sacrifice horsepower for fuel economy (forget about towing a boat or trailer with a hybrid, at least for now). Additionally, the hybrid market is in its infancy. In 2008, the hybrid market was estimated to make up about 2% of the total automobile market. This is because many automakers have been slow to enter the hybrid market.

And there are those that believe the hybrid car is not as effective a technology solution to alternative fuel, such as ethanol, made from corn, switch grass, or even hydrogen and saltwater.

Where will the power that fuels America’s vehicles come from? Nobody seems to know right now. We do know this: Steam power was replaced by electric power, and electric power was replaced by gasoline power. Gasoline power will eventually be replaced with something, hopefully before it’s too late to change its effect on global warming. While hybrid cars represent an “alternative” or a means to find a replacement, they do represent a viable solution.

Save Big Money On Gas : New Honda Hybrid cars 2009

Monday, June 23rd, 2008

Save Big Money On Gas : New Auto Hybrid car 2008 review
by kc govens

How To Save Gas Money By Running Your Car or Truck On Water This Article looks at the claims of running your car on 100% water and tells you if it’s really possible or not. When you look closely at such 100% water driven technology, one ends up spending even more than using the usual fuel for powering vehicles. So, the method I recommend for powering your car with water that will save you cost of fuel is to make your own low-cost hybrid car that will run on water and gas, thereby saving you huge costs you would have spent using only gas. In other words - Hydrogen-On-Demand system where you run your car on Hydrogen WHEN you need it! Note that I am not saying you should build a car from scratch that will run on water. Not at all. This instead is about constructing simple devices that will enable your car to run on water as well as gas. You don’t have to alter your car make-up or get a new car. The technology can work with almost any car or truck. In simple words, this technology involves putting together home-made devices that use a little electricity out of your car’s battery to separate water into a gas called HHO (2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen). HHO, also known as Hydrogen*Oxygen�,,� or Hydroxy, burns beautifully and by so doing provides TONS of energy. And the most remarkable beauty is that this pound for pound HHO gas is even much more potent than gasoline. In fact 3 times more potent than gasoline. By using such cars you effectively save money that would have been spent on fuel for your car. It is estimated that this could save you as much as $897.40 per year. If you are two, three or four drivers in the family, this yearly savings increases dramatically. And what if you have a fleet of 50 drivers in your company? Then your yearly savings will multiply to $44,870. First things first… this isn’t about running your car on 100% water. Of course there are information available about running your car on 100% water but I don’t recommend them because they are not only complicated but seriously expensive and completely unpredictable. To learn more about water for gas technology and how you too can build your own water for gas powered car, visit http://tinyurl.com/4eq46a for all the SECRETS of Water Car Technology

Water As Fuel For Cars - How To Make Water Fueled Car At Your Home? : new honda hybrid cars 2009 review

Thursday, June 19th, 2008

Water As Fuel For Cars - How To Make Water Fueled Car At Your Home?
by Dr.Eswararamanan VR
The concept of running water as fuel for cars has been something scientists and researchers have been attempting for quite some time. With the high fuel prices as well as the pollution being an ever-increasing concern, the idea of water grows in the minds of these scientists and researchers. As the process continues for them to successfully create fuel from water the exhausting fact that it just isn’t working has them somewhat baffled.
Although many experts claim that water can in fact be used there are those skeptics who believe it is impossible. However, in all fairness water does in fact contain hydrogen and hydrogen of course is a form of gas.
One researcher successfully used water in a Bunsen burner for many days on one glass of water. Although actually using water in an engine has not produced results that will actually turn an engine over to the point that it will run totally on plain water.
Unfortunately the water when heated up evaporates too quickly and therefore the small amount of gas it produces has not been able to be harnessed or contained long enough to allow any type of major testing on engine operation. Although researchers do know that water does contain oxygen and that a certain amount of energy does essentially exist in the water it just isn’t enough to do anything as of yet.
In all fairness though, the researchers have made more progress over the past few years on their endeavors to create some type of fuel system that is one hundred percent water than they have made progress in the past. As the need for the alternative to other fuels continues to be an important issue the researchers and scientists refuse to give up on the concept that the hydrogen in water could make cars run and travel distances.
While many different tests have essentially been done on various methods that pertain to water and the use of water the results that have been documented do not provide a substantial amount of proof that water is useful for fuel. In addition, those researchers who have this theory have been working on this type of testing and will continue to work on this project until they do see some type of results that can ultimately be documented and have a solid foundation for the research efforts so far.
There has been some controversy about the subject of water being a fuel however the controversy is obviously been resolved because research continues with the water. Which means one thing there are those researchers who obviously believe that water and the hydrogen essentially in the water can be formulated into some type of fuel for the cars of the next generation. Or for the cars that will be a part of the future.
For more information you can go to several different web sites via the Internet that offer details about different types of research being done that ultimately includes the testing of water and its attempts to be formulated into fuel for the cars and trucks of tomorrow.

Top 10 Reasons to use Water Fuel Technology : New honda hybrid cars 2009

Saturday, June 14th, 2008
Top 10 Reasons to use Water Fuel Technology  
by Charles Bledsoe
Water-fuel technology is a proven fact. Running your car with the added benefit of water: also known as hydrogen/brown’s gas or HHO will provide a low-cost solution to the ever-increasing price of gas. The Benefits of converting your vehicle to run with water: <blockquote> 1)Your car runs more efficiently on water 2) Cuts down on pollution and helps reduce Global Warming 3) Improves the Burning efficiency of fuel up to 50% 4) Less wear on your engine, you will have a longer life expectancy from your engine, the pistons, rings and valves. 5) Less engine clatter, you will have a quieter and much smoother running engine, thus a smoother ride. 6) The engine will operate at a lower running temperature. 7) Less carbon deposits in your engine and cleans your engine as you drive. 8) Greatly enhance engine power and performance. 9) Drive your vehicle more miles per tank of fuel 10) SAVES MONEY ON GAS </blockquote> These are just some of the advantages of using Water Fuel Technology. You can build the device needed to make this technology work for you from the comfort of your own home. Water Fuel Technology can save you a $100 or more per month on gas depending on how much driving you do. That’s $1200 or more per year. How it Works A quart-size container with plates or spirals is placed somewhere under the hood, you fill it with water. The device gets vacuum and electricity (12 Volts) from the engine, and produces HHO gas (Hydrogen Oxygen) this gas is then injected into the engine along with the gas from your gas tank. This hybrid system is an easy do it yourself job with a little bit of mechanical know how. All parts needed for the job can be found at any hardware and auto parts store. The benefits of this system is it works on about 99% of the automobiles including trucks, vans, diesel or gas powered cars, it allows your vehicle to become 40% more fuel efficient, thus saving you money at the pumps, it is 100% safe and it works with plain tap water. This is a 90 year old technology that the big oil companies have tried to keep suppressed to keep the big money going into their pockets. Just look at the price of gas and if they have their way it will continue to go up. We need to start using our technology and not depend on these countries to supply us with their high priced oil. If we the people of the United States would use our technology, we could drastically cut our dependency on foreign oil. This technology to use water to run your car is so simple that anyone with a little mechanical ability can install it, and if you don’t have the ability to install it you can always find a friend or someone who can. As the price of gas keeps going up, can you afford not to take this Water Fuel Technology seriously?

Water4Gas dot com-The Future of Alternative Energy is Here : New gas honda cars review 2009

Friday, June 6th, 2008

Water4Gas dot com-The Future of Alternative Energy is Here : New gas honda 2008

by Mark Myers

Water4Gas dot com is the number one site on the internet for personal alternative energy for your automobile. You can now transform your present automobile to use hydrogen from water. This site was made by Ozzie Freedom to guide you step by step through the process. His personal goal is to slow the current energy crisis one automobile at a time. Water4Gas dot com will change how we think about alternative energy for ages.Imagine using water to supplement your gasoline costs by 50%. Thanks to Water4Gas dot com, you can do this with simple tools and materials available from your local hardware store. Rather than struggle to make ends meet with higher than ever energy prices, why not convert your car to run on water. Gas and oil prices have been skyrocketing like crazy for the last two years; it is time to discover alternative energy. 

Below are some of the benefits you will get from Water4Gas dot com;

* Protect the environment * Decreased engine temperatures * Longer life expectancy of your motor * Get a tax credit for converting your car to use alternative energy * Engine runs quieter * Less pollution * Increase fuel mileage

How does it work? Hydrogen, the most basic and abundant object in the known universe. This is what makes the Water4Gas dot com system different. Hydrogen is compressed in water and can be easily removed with electricity from the battery in your automobile. It is safe because it only creates hydrogen as it is used, so it is never stored.

You can buy other systems on eBay for more than $1000, or you can make your own in a few hours for under $60 with the help of Water4Gas dot com. You no longer have to wait for your local car dealer to offer alternative energy vehicles; you can use your present vehicle and convert it into a water gas hybrid. Water4Gas dot com will be with you step by step through the entire process. Not only will you get instructions, illustrations, and a video series to help you, but you will be able to contact an entire network of people who have already installed this technology, and are willing to help.

In steps Water4Gas dot com. The authors have created a simple and easy to build gizmo that uses water to supplement the gasoline you already buy. You will obtain all the know-how required to both construct it and install the device for around 60 bucks using simple tools.

Alternative energy still has a long way to go before it reaches every day use. Hybrid vehicles are too expensive to build and maintain than expected. Electric vehicles are constrained by present battery technology. Fuel cells hold the most promise for sustainability, but hydrogen is dangerous to store and transport.

Thousands of these devices have been installed in over 50 countries to date. You will obtain plans to five total devices to help you save gasoline, not all are as simple as the Water4Gas device, but start small saving 30%to 50% and when you are ready change more and save more.

You always have choices in life. You can choose to believe that this could never work, that it is stupid, and choose to do nothing but pay way too much for gas. Or you can take action. Do something proactive. Help change the world. Save gas and money at the same time. Visit Water4Gas dot com, and see what the future can offer today.

Honda Hybrids — There Is One Designed For You : New honda hybrid cars 2009 review

Sunday, June 1st, 2008

Honda Hybrids — There Is One Designed For You : Honda Civic and Honda Accord hybrid review
by Ernest Jarquio
Hybrid cars are the latest innovations in car technology. A hybrid car is a vehicle that relies on two power sources - usually the gas engine and the battery. A hybrid car can either be a full hybrid, where the car is mainly run by electric motor; or an assisted hybrid where the gas engine is supported by the battery. The latter is the more common type of hybrid cars.
Honda was one of the first companies who introduced the hybrid design for cars. Its first mass-produced hybrid is Honda Insight, a two-door sedan with the typical boxy look that late 1990 cars have. Honda Insight is still considered a capable gasoline motorized car with the highest savings in fuel in its category. Range of Honda Hybrids
Honda has extended their range of Honda hybrids by offering Honda Civic and Honda Accord. They have been designed with Integrated Motor Assist technology wherein the battery is revitalized when the car stops or brakes.
The government now provides tax benefits for Honda Civic Hybrid car drivers when it established that the car has the ability to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released in the environment by 90%.
Honda Hybrids are equipped with good engines and car designs which Honda has been known for over the years.
Honda Hybrids for the Future
Honda is working on producing more models with hybrid technology. They have announced their commitment to helping the environment by preventing global warming through innovative projects that will support the environment.
Honda hybrid cars and spare parts will continue to last longer because it produces a cleaner gas. For those who are interested in owning their first Honda hybrids, or any other make of hybrid cars, this is the perfect time to consider owning one. Not only will you be able to save with your gas consumption, you can still have the convenience of owning your own car and still contribute to a cleaner environment.

Honda reconsiders Hybrids for 2008 Sales Growth : New honda hybrid cars 2009

Friday, May 30th, 2008

Honda reconsiders Hybrids for 2008 Sales Growth : New honda hybrid cars 2009
by Anthony Fontanelle

Honda Motor Company, Ltd., the second largest automobile seller in Japan, is reconsidering an investment on hybrids and other technologies to cope up with the growing consumer demand for environmentally-friendly vehicles and keep up its sales momentum.
According to Honda President Takeo Fukui, his company has something unique to offer in gas-and-electric hybrids. He ignored the fact that its leading rival in the segment, Toyota, is working so well with the Prius (currently the best selling hybrid) these days.
In a recent speech, Fukui said, “The competition in hybrids has just begun.”
Fukui said that Honda will introduce a hybrid with an affordable price tag in 2009. The company’s target sales are set at 200,000 vehicles a year.
The Japanese company — which produces the Accord sedan and Civic compact — plans to boost its hybrid offerings in the coming years. Fukui said that the plan is part of pushing the company’s sales to about 10 percent higher by 2010.
Fukui mentioned that Honda expects a 6 percent increase in global sales this year at a record of 3.76 million vehicles, compared from 3.55 million units in 2006. Subsequently, he predicted sales growth to persist in 2008. He sees the solid customer demand in the U.S., Europe and Asia, including Japan, to where the company has been struggling. The auto maker is planning to introduce four new models in the said markets.
Earlier this year, Honda discontinued the production of the gas-and-electric version of its Accord sedan. The version was sold only in North America. Just about 25,000 units of it were sold since the company began the sale in 2004.
Toyota, on the other hand, sold approximately 900,000 units of the Prius worldwide since December of 1997. The popularity of the vehicle did not weaken for the past decade on sale.
Last year, the Prius covers more than 40 percent of hybrid sale in the U.S. Though it is far better selling than any other hybrids in the market, Toyota still offers several other hybrid models. That includes the hybrid Camry and hybrid Lexus models.
So far, Honda is still producing gas-and-electric models of its Civic sedan. But, the company is aware of its error in not offering a hybrid-only model such as the Prius. It somewhat regret the moment it did not realize that hybrids tend to be more popular with smaller models because mileage improvements tend to be more distinct.
Now, according to Fukui, Honda is considering an investment amounting to $424 million for a research center in Japan. It will be used to maintain its technological prowess through focusing on the production of next-generation cars, which includes hybrids and fuel cells. It will also focus on research for new technology intended for Honda’s Acura luxury brand models, which will be equipped with quality parts such as the Acura CL cargo liner (car-stuff.com/mmparts/acura-cl/cargo_liner.html) and other premium auto parts.
In 2009, the center is expected to be partially running. Then, by 2010, it will be fully opened.
Although Fukui declined to provide a price, he said that Honda’s hybrid system costs less than Toyota’s. This fact will allow Honda to offer its planned hybrid at a competitive and more affordable price.



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